Over the last few months, I have attended several religious and theological conferences. Many sermons, workshops, and presentations have focused on responding theologically and prophetically to intractable problems in our world. Experts and theologians have provided great wisdom that I know will help me address various cultural, political, and economic issues impacting our community. In those conference offerings, there was no minimizing how bad things are nor any attempt to mask or avert the gaze from the horrors of war, racism, and oppression. At a recent workshop, just as I was settling to hear a presentation and began to take notes, I heard myself whispering, “I need a break from the hard stuff today. I don’t know if my heart can take another break.” At that moment, I remembered a poem I wrote after the news of the killing of Philando Castile when I was not ready for one more story of police violence and the killing of another Black person. I know the work of justice continues, but I am compelled on some days to say . . .

My heart can’t break today.

I want to take a walk and enjoy the breeze.

I want to sit out on the deck, drink good wine, and tell good stories.

I want to laugh hard and be loud about silly stuff.

My heart can’t break today.

I want to pay attention to the gifts of blue sky, singing birds,

and oddly shaped clouds that look like puppies, Jesus, or one of the Golden Girls.

I want to see old friends and reminisce about bad dates, big mistakes,

and how we overcame them.

My heart can’t break today.

I want to think warmly about people before they profile me, ignore me, or hurt me.

I want to trust in the ideals and values they taught us in school

long enough to combat the cynicism and hopelessness

of one who has seen too many sad things.

My heart can’t break today.

The weight of hard things has made my heart too heavy.

The distance between the ups and downs keeps shrinking.

I need time to recover, see hopeful things, and hear better news.

No, my heart can’t break today. So, wait to tell me what you have to say to me.

Seth Patterson preaches, "Gods?"

Masking is not required outdoors.

Masking in the church building is strongly recommended.

There is a "Mask Only" Section available in the Sanctuary and marked for those wishing for extra security.

ORIGIN STORY

Chapel

Masking in the church building is strongly recommended.

There is a "Mask Only" Section available in the Sanctuary and marked for those wishing for extra security.

SANCTUS (from Requiem in C minor)

Worship in the Sanctuary this Sunday; the congregation is welcome in person or to watch via Livestream on Facebook, YouTube, or Plymouth.org/worship.

CHANCEL FLOWERS honor the people of Ukraine and their struggle for freedom.

Thursdays at 9 a.m. - online

This question challenges both our scientific mind and the deepest tenets of our faiths. In our brief session, we will zip through 14 billion years of the scientific view of the origins of the universe, the stars from which the atoms in our bodies came, the life-giving Sun, and our own planet Earth. Along the way, we’ll explore whether scientists see life on Earth and humans as special in any way, or whether we’re just an accidental blip in time and space. We’ll check out the latest news from NASA’s Webb Telescope, which promises pictures of the very first stars to form out of the cosmic chaos. You are strongly encouraged to post questions by August 1 at http://bit.ly/PlymouthUniverse so that we can tackle some at The Forum.

Lawrence Rudnick, Professor Emeritus is a Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus from the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota

CALL TO ACTION: WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GROW

Please contact Elizabeth Blanchette if you’re interested in either opportunity.

Plymouth Drop-in for low-income adults who live with mental illness happens every Wednesday and Thursday, but third Wednesday is always bingo. Donations of practical prizes like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and soap are much appreciated and can be left in the Bingo Box in Jones Commons. Adult coloring and puzzle books are also great, as is almost anything "gently used" as they say at the thrift stores.

We hand out a lot of bags—more than 100 each Sunday! We need more large paper grocery bags with handles, and we hope you can help. Please bring your bags to the collection bin outside Plymouth’s Jones Commons each Sunday through Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to noon.

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!