“Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.”

—Isaiah 58:12

The Spiritual Work of Repair

Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis

On my last trip back to my family home, my older siblings told me the story of how my family moved from the country into the town where I grew up. I knew my father worked as a sharecropper on a rural plantation in Mississippi and how difficult the work was, but I had always assumed that he had just decided to make a change. However, I learned that frustrated with being cheated out of his share of profitable harvests over several seasons, my father confronted the white landlord, and a heated argument ensued. When the landlord retreated to his home in surprise and anger, my father knew that his family was in danger. My parents packed up as much as possible, grabbed their four girls, and drove into town to hide from retribution. That story is not unique, but my family was fortunate. We know many stories like it that resulted in violence and death. And I often think about the many millions whose dignity, citizenship, and economic opportunities were crippled by colonization, slavery, and Jim Crow. How do we restore the losses to people and repair the harm done to them?

Over the last year, I have watched excitedly and nervously as the Minnesota Council of Churches launched its Truth & Reparations program, keeping my guard up for what I assumed would be inevitable resistance and backlash. This past summer, I spoke with a colleague who was in the process of designing a curriculum for congregations interested in doing the work of reparations. I wondered aloud about resistance and backlash. For far too long, because of the vocal opposition to the very idea of reparations, I have been conditioned to expect only resistance and backlash. And yet, more recently, many new voices in this discussion have talked about repair, solidarity, and relationship as the components of an ongoing spiritual practice of reckoning with history and doing everything in our power to address and redress the painful legacy of racism.

None of this begins with financial redress. Opponents of reparations often immediately focus on how much it will cost and who will benefit or wonder what kind of political alliance can be cobbled together to make reparations more than an idea or dream. Perhaps this journey of repair begins with the spiritual work of open-heartedness, a willingness to listen to the truth and wisdom formed in the crucible of plunder, racism, and injustice. Perhaps liberation for all requires us to work together in solidarity and relationship to heal the body and repair the breach. I do not know if my parents tracked the harms and losses they endured during that time of terror in the South. I’m sure they never received an apology or recognition. Despite the inevitable resistance and backlash, it is never too late to do what’s right.

DeWayne L. Davis

Beth Hoffman Faeth preaches, "A New Chapter"

October 23, 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

Masking in the church building is strongly recommended.

Features music from the Jazz Trio

and the Chapel Singers.

Musical Response

Rise Up and Lay Down Your Arms

Laura Caviani

Sundays at 10

Church School 

Education Wing

Coffee and Social Hour

Sunday Forum: Rebuild Ukraine

Small Group Discussion:

Sharing Our Sacred Stories: Small Group Discussions

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 Tatiana Riabotkin, bandura, the Plymouth Choir, and Philip Brunelle

Anthems

BELLS RANG EARLY IN JERUSALEM

Ukrainian Carol

CHERUBIC HYMN No. 7

Dmitri Bortniansky

Chancel Flowers are given in celebration of Owen Petersen-Kruse’s first birthday by his parents, Whitney Kruse and Matt Petersen, and his sister, Mara Petersen-Kruse.  

Contemplative Prayer is offered:

Thursdays at 9 a.m. - online

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.

Meaning

Truth telling can mean different things in different contexts: from the legalistic reporting of objective facts, to the more vulnerable task of naming the motivations and underpinnings of events that are ambiguous or fraught. In this episode, host Chris Bohnhoff and talks with Plymouth Lead Minister DeWayne Davis about how truth telling has shown up recently in his involvement in the reparations work being done through the Minnesota Council of Churches, in his teaching at United Theological Seminary, and in recent conversations surrounding social justice.

Rebuild Ukraine

Sunday, October 23

Sunday Forum

As the Russians invaded Ukraine last February, Rebuild Ukraine, a Minnesota non-profit, sprang into action, providing immediate humanitarian aid to Ukrainian defenders, refugees, and children. Learn how Rebuild Ukraine is delivering urgently needed food, medical supplies, and protective gear and restoring hope for the future through educational programs for children. Come with your questions and concerns to learn how Minnesotans are making a difference on the other side of the world.

Want to encourage voting in November?

Please join us in writing personalized, non-partisan letters urging sometimes Georgia voters to vote this November. Work with others at our table in Jones Commons 9:45-11 a.m. on Sunday, October 23. We will provide names, addresses, examples, and stamps.

Sponsored by the Racial Justice Initiative

Celebrating Mary Welfling

After 12 fruitful years as Plymouth’s archivist, Mary Welfling has retired. Please join us in thanking her for her years of service and her skill in bringing the archives collection and space into the 21st century.

We will gather in Jones Commons during the 10 a.m. hour on Sunday, October 23, to honor Mary and reflect on what she has accomplished on our behalf.

Whether you attend worship at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m., please be present for this opportunity to offer our gratitude to this dedicated servant.

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., beginning November 3.

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

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! 

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)

ICOM Vigil

November 8, 7 p.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.

Introducing Plymouth’s Ambassadors



As part of our commitment to growth, Plymouth is proud to introduce its new Ambassador program. You’ll see our trained crew in red vests and hats assisting prospective families and visitors each Sunday before and after both services. Ambassadors are an extension - and the human side - of our digital marketing campaign, which began rolling out across Google, Facebook, and Instagram this past week. You can learn much more about the Ambassadors in the Fall issue of the Flame. 

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.

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.

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.

Align's Statement on the Treatment of Our Neighbors Living in Encampments

For many of us in the Twin Cities, encampments are on our minds, particularly in these last few weeks. Our partner organization Align Minneapolis has a helpful Statement on the Treatment of Our Neighbors Living in Encampments, which includes a call for change. Please read the statement here: 

https://www.alignmpls.org/encampments. 

This statement has been affirmed and co-signed by Street Voices of Change, a group made up of individuals with lived experience of homelessness.

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.

Ongoing Tuesday Vigils for Justice

Racial Justice Initiative justice vigils are now being held from noon to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Please join us when you are able. We always meet by Door 1 near Jones Commons.

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!