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“We gather in our hands the fragments of our lives, searching eagerly for some creative synthesis, some wholeness, some all-encompassing unity, capable of stilling the tempests within us”
—Howard Thurman, The Inward Journey
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Deepening the Channel of Life
Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis
When Martin Luther King, Jr. was stabbed in Harlem in 1958 by a woman experiencing a mental health crisis, the great mystic, minister, and activist Howard Thurman reached out to him as he recovered in the hospital. Thurman suggested that King extend his convalescence beyond what the doctors had prescribed so that he might take some time to heal spiritually and reflect on how not to let the movement swallow up his life. Thurman offered King the gift of seeing that recovery from physical ailment and injury was only a part of his journey to healing and wholeness, that one must also take the opportunity to structure “your life in a way that will deepen its channel.” King took Thurman’s advice and reported back to him that extending his time for stillness and reflection was a great spiritual gift.
One scholar observed that Thurman did not offer a blueprint or public policy agenda for how the Civil Rights Movement could achieve social transformation. Instead, Thurman helped King and others see that their experience of God, their encounter with God’s vision and holiness, furnished them with what they needed to inspire hope and possibility in the world. It is Thurman’s timeless spiritual wisdom that we must take the time, “unhurried and probing,” to yield our hearts to God to experience “a sense of coming home and being at home.” We cannot command this kind of wholeness and unity. It comes with a willingness to ready our hearts and minds for God’s ever-new, always-current movement.
What I find so comforting about Thurman’s spiritual wisdom and teaching is that our willingness to bring all of who we are to the encounter with God enhances the transformative depth and power of our experience of God’s presence. Our fears, failures, anxieties, and weaknesses are seen, known, and patiently tended to in our exposure to God. So, we don’t have to hide our shortcomings with pretense, busyness, or noisiness. On the contrary, God promises unity, oneness, and wholeness for the creation, which means we are not meant to live fragmented and disconnected. Thurman wanted King to see himself not solely as the leader of a movement but also as one who makes room to sit in the presence of the One who knows and understands him completely so that he can be held, healed, and nurtured for the work before him. I pray that we take the time this season to do the same. Bring all of who we are to the Holy Presence to be seen, loved, and healed. Let’s spend unhurried, probing time deepening the channel of our lives.
May it be so.
DeWayne L. Davis
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February 23, 2023
DeWayne L. Davis preaches,
“Everything We Need”
9 & 11 a.m.
Both services will focus on our relationship with Water, an essential gift of Creation. We invite you to take a moment to recognize this essential and sacred gift of creation. We depend on the Water, and the Water depends on us. Thank you, Water. Mni Wiconi; Water is Life.
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9 a.m. Worship
Worship is offered online or in person
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Music from our Jazz Trio and guests
Mayim, Mayim
Emanuel Pugashov Amiran
River
Joan Szymko
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Sunday Forum
All People Have a Home, No Exceptions: Sunday Forum
Small Group Discussions
This I Believe | Racial Justice Is Personal
Coffee & Social Time
The Library, Gallery, and Archives are also available at this time.
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11 a.m. Worship
Worship is offered online or in person.
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Music with the Plymouth Choir, Philip Brunelle, and guests
Anthems
MAYIM, MAYIM
Emanuel Pugashov Amiran
COME TO ME
Ily Matthew Maniano
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Contemplative Prayer is offered:
Thursdays at 9 a.m. - online
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In Memoriam
Frank Jesse (February 11, 2023), husband of Cretia Jesse, father of Kimberly Hogan, Michelle Jesse, and David Jesse
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Lenten Meditations
Sign up to receive meditations through Lent, sent Mondays–Saturdays.
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Easter Flowers
Our Plymouth tradition of lovely Easter flowers is supported by members and friends. They make the floral setting possible through gifts in memory of loved ones, whose names are listed in the Easter Sunday bulletin. Gifts of any amount are welcome; we do not have a set price. If you wish to remember a loved one or loved ones with Easter flowers, please complete this form.
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You Can Help with Worship!
All are welcome to serve as ushers! Please sign up to serve as an 11:00 usher as often as you're able in February and March. And invite a friend or family member to become involved.
Serving as an usher involves coming to the narthex by 10:30 and handing out bulletins prior to worship. Also we're taking up offering, passing collection bowls through the pews. Note that March 5 will be a Communion Sunday.
For more information, text Andrea Bubula at 612-929-0804. Thank you!
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All People Have a Home, No Exceptions: Sunday Forum
February 26, 10 a.m., Chapel
All People Have a Home, No Exceptions. This is the vision and the mission of the Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. Craig Freeman will give us a quick virtual tour of some of the many housing projects this collaborative – now over 100 congregations strong – has built. He’ll also tell us about the challenges facing the organization; the policy and financial goals for the upcoming session of the State Legislature; and what we can do to help achieve those goals.
Craig Freeman, Beacon Community Connection Manager, earned his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Iowa. He was a litigator for a decade before joining Beacon, and has had 15 years experience as a public speaker. He hosts a virtual 30-minute ‘tour’ on a different Beacon topic
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Welcome Table
Our Welcome Table just inside the entry door to Jones Commons is the first welcome seen by guests as well as members. Those of us who host the table would like to share this opportunity with you, and we could use your assistance to better welcome those who enter our door.
The process for signing up to host should be very simple for you, and if it isn’t, let Bill know. We work closely with our Plymouth Ambassadors (in the orange vests) and hosting is so very simple: being a welcoming presence at our door. Note: Young families are encouraged to host!
Please contact Bill Read with any questions (wtrbus@comcast.net or mobile 651-769-7511)
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Make a Joyful Noise—with Ukuleles!
Third Monday of each month, beginning February 20
10:30 a.m. in the Chapel
Facilitator: Jill Nelson
Looking for uke players of any level who want to meet others and play music together. We will focus on songs of joy, community, and inspiration. I’ll have some songs to get us started, and I’m hoping you’ll find songs to share with the group. Bring your ukulele and a music stand (if you have one). Questions? Email Jill at jillary17@comcast.net.
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Study of Matthew's Gospel
Beginning February 28
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
The Gospel According to Matthew
Matthew’s gospel, written somewhere between 80 and 95 CE, is the first book in the Christian Scriptures. It was not the first gospel written—that distinction goes to Mark. Perhaps it is first because it was written for and by a Christian community composed of mainly Jewish members, and because of that, it follows the Hebrew Scriptures in our Bibles. This course will dig deep into the radical teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It will investigate the role Empire has had in how following Jesus changed, and its consequences for today.
The course will be held in-person only on Tuesday mornings from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. and repeated on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The course will begin on February 28 and run consecutively for five weeks.
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Families Moving Forward Meal Delivery Week
Week of March 5, 2023
During the week of March 5th, Plymouth will again be partnering with volunteers from the Basilica to deliver meals to Families Moving Forward families at a hotel in Chaska. We'll know many more details as this time gets closer. Please email Hannah (hannahcg@plymouth.org) with your possible availability that week. Thank you for your continuing support of this program!
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Volunteers Needed For Flower Committee
As long as there has been a Plymouth Church there have always been flowers to beautify our spaces throughout the year. Join us in these rewarding endeavors throughout the year. No floral design experience is necessary and training is provided. Spread joy by arranging and decorating Plymouth with flowers!
Contact chair Barb Souther, bsouther@q.com, or the church office.
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Children, Youth, & Families
and Church School
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Ongoing Tuesday Vigils for Justice
Every Tuesday 12-12:30 p.m.
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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
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