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This Week at Plymouth

Along the Way

Democracy is more a verb than a noun—it is more a dynamic striving and collective movement than a static order or stationary status quo. Democracy is not just a system of governance as we tend to think of it, but a cultural way of being.”

—Cornel West, Democracy Matters

Faith in a Democracy


Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis


Next week, we will go to the polls for our national mid-term elections, casting our votes with the uneasy realization that our democracy is struggling under the strain of attack and mistrust. It remains to be seen whether its creaky scaffolding will hold through one more cycle. Losing campaigns and their supporters continue to sow doubt about the fairness and security of our elections, consistently claiming that loss by their preferred candidates is proof of a rigged election, and thus, their refusal to accept any result that does not end in victory for their side. Out of fear, frustration, or insecurity, many Americans have given up on democracy or are prepared to do so. For many faithful, ideological rigidity has replaced electoral choices previously shaped by spiritual and theological commitments. As election day approaches, my heart grieves for the nation and what we have lost in the deliberate attack on voting, especially for the formerly disenfranchised and our democratic institutions.


A few days ago, as I resorted to prayer to disrupt the despair at thinking about what could go wrong, the question arose: “What has faith to do with democracy?” In his seminal work on reviving American democracy, Cornel West asserts that the “Jewish invention of the prophetic commitment to justice” and its influence on the teachings of Christianity and Islam has been one of the major traditions fueling democratic energy. In a word, the work and witness of faith agitating for the care, worth, and dignity of the vulnerable spurs a desire to transform systems and institutions to serve the common good rather than the interests of the empire. Accordingly, this makes democracy something more than the system our founders chose for the nation. It has become what West describes as a way of being and a dynamic striving.


The sense of democracy as a way of being rather than a static order reflects well the biblical and theological understanding that the people and the nation can be transformed; that the opportunity remains before us to address and redress the worst actions and failures of our past and present. It forms the substance of the hope that we can be more just, equitable, and democratic as we welcome more immigrants and confront more complex issues of health, safety, and security. When the government abandons or neglects the pursuit of the common good, we need a strong democracy that preserves our right to peaceably assemble and petition the government to redress grievances, especially on behalf of the most vulnerable. Whatever the outcome, may God fill the nation and us with a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice.


Amen.


DeWayne L. Davis

DeWayne L. Davis preaches, "A Wise and Joyful Inheritance"


November 6, 2022


9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary


Masking in the church building is strongly recommended.


Schedule

9 a.m. Worship


Worship is offered online or in person



Features music from the Jazz Trio

and the Youth Choir.

 

Musical Response

Grace

Emil Adler

Watch @ Plymouth.org
Watch on YouTube

Sundays at 10

Church School 

Education Wing


Coffee and Social Hour


Sunday Forum: Responding to Climate Change in Hennepin County


Small Group Discussion:

A Conversation with the Deacons


Also Open


Fireside Room for quiet contemplation.


Conn Gallery, Archives, and Library are open for exploration.

11 a.m. Worship

Worship is offered online or in person


Masking in the church building is strongly recommended.


Features music from the Plymouth Choir, and Philip Brunelle

 

Anthems

BUDAPEST TE DEUM: FINALE

Zoltán Kodály


THE KINGDOM OF GOD

(In no strange land)

Watch @ Plymouth.org
Watch on YouTube

Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Connie Buran Schreck and  

David John Buran by Ann Buran and Dwayne Cody & Ginny Buran Cody. 

Contemplative Prayer is offered:

Thursdays at 9 a.m. - online

Upcoming Memorials

In-person attendance welcome.


Helen Conway, Saturday, November 5, 11 a.m.

Live Stream Here


Dan Peterson, Tuesday, November 15, 2 p.m.

Live Stream Here

Due to Election Day and Plymouth's status as a polling place, the RJI Vigil on Tuesday, November 8, has been canceled.

Stewardship Moment

Cultivate Faith – Nurture Connection – Amplify Love: Make your annual commitment to support all the things you love about Plymouth! Because of your support, our impact on the community has grown, please consider making an increase to your annual giving so that we may provide more resources and programming to our community.

Make your commitment or set up online giving now.

Responding to Climate Change in Hennepin County

Sunday, November 6

Sunday Forum



Justice and Climate Change, presented in collaboration with the Climate & Environmental Justice Committee of the Board of Outreach

Join the Discussion
View the Full Schedule

Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton

a New Small Group


The Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton small group leads participants on a journey toward spiritual transformation. Over eight sessions, we will be introduced to Merton and contemplative living through prayers, readings from Merton and other spiritual masters, and contemplative dialogue. We’ll begin with Book One: Entering the School of Your Experience. 


In-person in South Minneapolis, every other Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m.

Register Here

For everyone who has played the Bach “Prelude in C Major” (as well as those who have not!), please join us in the Plymouth sanctuary on Sunday,

November 6 at 4 p.m. to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier with an hour of this marvelous music performed by three outstanding pianists, including Tadeusz Majewski, well-known to us at Plymouth Church. 


A free concert for all ages and not to be missed! Invite your friends to join you.

Learn More

White Church Truths

November 5, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.


Our neighbors at Westminster are hosting an important event called White Church Truths from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 5. In order to work for racial justice, some truths must be faced, even about the faith practiced in most Minnesota churches.


At White Church Truths, we will face the truths hidden in white Christian beliefs and open our eyes more clearly to the future—and white Christians' role in it.

This event includes a keynote by Dr. Michael O. Emerson, author of Blacks and Whites in Christian America.


A response panel includes:

Felecia Boone, DEI consultant for Hennepin County

Rev. Kelly Sherman-Conroy (Lakota), a Native theologian

Plymouth's very own Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis

Learn more and register

Dia de Muertos


"Dia de Muertos," or Day of the Dead, traditionally celebrated in Mexico, is a holiday focused on remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones who've moved on.


This fall, as our church school program has learned about various creation stories, they have also moved through life cycles, and this weekend, are creating their own ofrenda. An ofrenda is an altar filled with photos of ancestors, foods and drinks they loved in life, flowers, and candles. It is a celebration of life.


This Sunday, those at Plymouth are invited to bring a photo or memento of a loved one, to add to our community ofrenda.


Pictured: Children and Youth Specialist Sandy Spieler.

Creative Quarterly,

Chime Time


The next Creative Quarterly for youth is the Chime Time Handbell Choir, which runs from October 26 through Christmas Eve! We will learn the basics of ringing, work together to play beautiful music, and finish by providing music at the 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service. All are welcome, and no prior handbell experience is necessary!


Please reach out to Eric Kvasnicka at eric.kvasnicka@gmail.com with any questions. We look forward to an exciting few months of youth handbell ringing! 

Register Here

Volunteers Needed for Hosting Downtown Coalition for Grief


The Downtown Minneapolis Coalition for Grief Support is a unique resource to help adults understand and express grief and then begin moving forward as they grieve the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. This group is an all-volunteer, nondenominational organization that offers encouragement, support, education, and comfort.


As a member of the Coalition, Plymouth Congregational Church will be taking its turn as host for the weekly, in-person sessions every Saturday through December 31, 2022. We need volunteers to help support this important work. Volunteer shifts run from 9:30- noon. A detailed checklist of duties will be provided to walk you through the shift. Responsibilities involve registering and welcoming participants, setting up the library books, opening the session by providing a brief meditation, and introducing the speaker.


If you are able to help, please follow this link to Sign-Up Genius where you can sign up for shifts. If you have questions, contact Tom Anderson (tompand@yahoo.com)

Sign up to help!

ICOM Vigil

November 8, 7 a.m. 


Join the Plymouth Immigrant Welcoming Working Group and Rev. DeWayne Davis at the ICOM Vigil at the Whipple Federal Building at 7:30 on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, to stand with our immigrant neighbors who are facing deportation and to stand in opposition to ICE's dehumanizing practices. There will be an opportunity to attend Court Watch afterward for up to 10 people. For more information, contact Karen Canon: kjcanon57@gmail.com or Jerry Davis: fandjontheroad@gmail.com

Contemplative Day Apart


Join the Plymouth Contemplatives for a day apart in the woods near Lake Pepin, on November 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’ll share in centering prayer, conversation, and a meal, followed by forest bathing along the river with Johanna Schussler. All are welcome.

Register Here

Light The Way Home


Finally, YOU’RE INVITED! Beacon’s Annual Fundraiser: LIGHT THE WAY HOME

Friday, November 11, 12-1 p.m. at Radisson Blu at Mall of America. Free and in-person. Come and learn more about Beacon’s great work and ongoing projects. 

Register: beaconinterfaith.org/light

Register Here

A Conversation with Juliet Patterson and Chris Stedman as part of The Literary Witness Series


Join authors Juliet Patterson (Sinkhole), and Chris Stedman (Unread Podcast) on Saturday, November. 19, at 6 p.m. as they commemorate International Suicide Awareness Day with a reading and conversation.


All grieve the loss of loved ones and search for meaning in different ways. Both authors turned to investigative practices as they moved through the shock and loss of losing a loved one to suicide.


In this conversation, Juliet and Chris will explore the role of investigation and documentation in their grief process and creative life. We look forward to having you join us for this evening of rich literature and conversation.

Learn More

Every Meal


The Board of Outreach is excited to announce a brand new opportunity for Plymouth members and friends to help support children who live with food insecurity on weekends, summers, and extended school breaks.


Every Meal is a full-service MN nonprofit specializing in equipping the community to implement weekend food programs in their local school. Every Meal provides the tools, resources, expertise, and food required to make an effective and significant impact on child hunger. We need volunteers to distribute the food at the end of each week.


There are available slots left yet in November and many in December. Please contact Mary Jordan at maryjordan13@gmail.com, or 612-308-6170 if you are interested and want to learn more!

Learn More

Hurricanes 2022

 Emergency Appeal


The United Church of Christ has issued an appeal to support the immediate needs of families and communities affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. We don't know what the rest of hurricane season will bring, but we know these storms have been incredibly destructive. Learn more about the partner organizations the UCC is working with and donate online here


If you prefer, you may mail a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO Box 71957, Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “Hurricanes 2022 Fund” in the memo section.

Donate Here

New Member Inquirer's Classes!

November 13 & 20

10 a.m.


Our new member process begins with “Inquirer’s Classes,” during which some history of Plymouth will be shared along with relevant information on governance, programs and activities, and vision for the future. These classes will be held in person on Sundays, November 13 and 20, at 10 a.m.


Participating in the series does not obligate you to church membership. Following the classes, interested people will be invited to participate in Membership Sunday on December 4.

Sign Up
Full Details

A Plymouth Tradition Returns

Members Art Show


Can you believe that it’s been four years since the last Members Art Show? Perhaps in those intervening years, you have explored your artistic side, or maybe you have created new works of art since we last gathered for this show. Whatever your reason, we want you to be a part of the 2023 Members Art Show. 


The Gallery Committee is happy to announce the return of this beloved Plymouth tradition. Members of all ages are encouraged to participate. 


The show is scheduled to open on Sunday, April 2, 2023.  More information to come.

More Information

Montserrat Boy Choir,

November 11,

At the Basilica

7:30 - 9 p.m.


Get Your Ticket

Gilbert and Sullivan

The Pirates of Penzance, or the Slave of Duty

The Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company is pleased to announce that it will present The Pirates of Penzance, for three weekends, from November 4 to 20, 2022.

Learn More and Get Tickets

Gift Cards for Beacon's Nicollet Square residents


We had hoped that the Nicollet Square Holiday Party would be different this year. But again, there will be no tree, no dinner, no gift room, and no cookie platters to take home. But with your help, we can give a boxed dinner and a gift card to our 42 youth residents. 


Please send gift cards in any amount for Target to Penny Bond, 101 Promenade Ave. Apt. #243 W, Wayzata, MN 55391 by 12/13. 


Call 612-710-2421 with questions. Let’s make it a Happy Holiday for these young people, something they may remember. Happy Holiday to you all.

Children, Youth, & Families

and Church School


Updates Here!

Ongoing Tuesday Vigils for Justice


No Tuesday Vigil


Since Plymouth is a polling center, we will be suspending our Tuesday RJI Vigil for one week.


The Bulletin Board - What's Going On at Plymouth

Plymouth Church Building COVID-19 Updates


Wearing a mask is strongly recommended for everyone.

 

The health, safety, and well-being of all who use Plymouth Congregational Church is our top priority.


Thank You For Your Support


The clergy and staff at Plymouth are continuing to work to care for and support you—our congregation—and, as mentioned above, our essential building tenants. Our need for your support continues. Please consider making a gift online (click here), texting your gift to 612/999-2874 or sending in a check (1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis 55403). Mail is being collected securely and safely each day. We are so grateful for you!


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