We're staying apart so that when we get back together, no one is missing.
--the mantra of the people
Dear ones,
What an unusual Thanksgiving this is turning out to be. Back in March, I (and I am guessing many of you) couldn't comprehend that we would still be so profoundly affected at the holiday time, and yet, here we are, with the highest COVID rates to date. As Seth mentioned in his sermon last week, "our house is on fire."

And so, we work together. We listen to science, to our health officials, and our Governor and Lieutenant Governor. We stay home. We wear masks. We find ways to gather on zoom, facetime, or over the phone. None of this is our "normal," but nothing about the pandemic is normal. It is time to work together by staying apart.

This does not mean that Thanksgiving has to be forgotten. Perhaps this year, you can spend the day in a different way, to deepen your relationship with others, and with your community.

Ideas for making the holiday meaningful:
  • Talk to your kids about what it means to decolonize Thanksgiving.
  • Think of a family member you always wish you had more time to talk to at gatherings, and call them up. Cherish the uninterrupted time to catch up.
  • Get a jump start on decorating your home for Christmas!
  • Learn about Water Protectors, and how to get involved in keeping our water clean and safe.
  • Learn about some of the record-high 110 Indigenous individuals who ran for public office this year!
  • Find out which indigenous group's land your home is on, and as a family, do some more research about their history and culture.
  • Consider supporting a local restaurant and ordering your Thanksgiving meal from them this year! Small businesses are only going to survive with our help.
  • Get a jump on your holiday shopping by supporting local BIPOC owned businesses.
  • Get outside! Walk, run, bike, geocache. Be thankful for the air in your lungs, and the way your body moves.
  • Make sure you sign up for your family's advent in a box kit, and pick it up on Saturday morning!

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions!

With virtual hugs,
Nina
VIRTUAL CHURCH SCHOOL throughout November!
Due to rising COVID cases, we are moving to all virtual programming through November. This means that church school on the 22nd will be virtual.
Grades 6th-8th and ages 3-grade 2 will meet from 9:10-9:40
Grades 3-5 will meet from 9:45-10:15
Tuesday ZOOM: Senior High Youth Group will meet on Tuesday the 17th and the 24th from 7:45-8:30.

This Sunday, in honor of the tradition of gathering together with those you love to share a meal, I would love if we could all eat breakfast together during church school this Sunday. Please (if possible) plan on your child or young person having a snack or breakfast while we do Sunday school.

Looking forward to seeing your child or young person on Sunday.

YOUTH GROUP this week will run on Tuesday from 7-8:15pm, where we will be joining the Seeing White podcast discussion group. Here is a link to the Racial Justice Initiative's page. Halfway down the page is a link to the first episode, "Turning the Lens," as well as the zoom link to join Tuesday's meeting. Please listen to the podcast episode BEFORE attending the zoom. Nina looks forward to seeing 9th-12th graders (and their parents are welcome as well!) on Tuesday evening.
NO Christmas Crafts this week! We will be back at them the first week in December.

  • Nina and Dylan's Christmas Spectacular WILL have rehearsal on Saturday November 28th from 2-3:30. Nina will send out a zoom link to our participants closer to the rehearsal!

Thank you in advance for your support! We can make Christmas magic, no matter how we have to make it work!
New this year, your household can participate in Plymouths' Advent in a Box, with special ways to celebrate the season, including meditations, projects, music, and much more! These boxes will be available for CONTACTLESS pick-up at Plymouth Church on Saturday November 28th from 9-11am. Please reserve your household's box today!
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TIME SENSITIVE: In need of your CHRISTMAS photos! For a few different projects in December, we are in need of Christmas photos, specifically photos (from this year or the past) of your Christmas decor in your house, your Christmas light display outside your house, and your manger (if you set one up in your house). We are collecting these starting as early as TODAY, through December 11th. Please email me any of these photos at your earliest convenience.
Thank you!
Nina
It is time to share more information about the Living Nativity!
We are excited to invite the Plymouth community to participate in a drive-through holiday event on Saturday December 12th between 2 and 4pm. Travel back in time to witness the Christmas story as beautiful "frozen in time" tableaux, recreated by members of our church community of ALL AGES. Tune your car radio to a special frequency to listen to Christmas music of the past from the Chapel Singers, Youth Choir, Cherubs, Choristers, Plymouth Choir, and others, while witnessing key moments in the story of Jesus' birth. Delight at the LIVE animals present at the manger (from Hass Family Farms), and best of all--do good! We are asking each car to donate a minimum of $10 to the Groveland Emergency Food Shelf, so they can continue their vitally important work. Let's give the gift of food to our neighbors this holiday season!
The Living Nativity needs VOLUNTEERS!
In order to ensure safety for all participants, each scene needs to be made of members of the same HOUSEHOLD (a minumum of two people who live under the same roof. Age doesn't matter (it would be pretty cute to have three wise people, one of whom is a toddler, or a Mary and Joseph in their 70s), and no household would be part of the Living Nativity for the entire time, so you can participate as an actor AND a spectator. Please go to the link and sign your family up to participate in our event. Costumes (that fit over winter gear) and props will be provided!
We also need a few volunteers to help direct traffic and collect the money for the Food Shelf. All volunteer slots are at the Sign-Up Genius link below!
*Due to the live farm animals, dogs are not invited to this event, either as spectators, or members of your family's tableau.*
We cannot do this without your help! See how you can make this magic happen today!