Over the last few years, religious people and institutions have been at the center of the political upheaval in our nation. There is a deep distrust of and dissatisfaction with institutions so that many people are inclined to abandon or tear them all down, including the church. Anger and anxiety permeate spiritual spaces such that religious people cannot be counted on to inspire the public to care for the poor, do justice, or welcome strangers. Even the folk who attend church faithfully and consider themselves highly observant of spiritual practices appear to be more beholden to their ideology than they are to their God. As a result, our public life is in trouble.

In describing Isaiah’s prophetic utterances to Israel, the theologian Walter Brueggemann has suggested that not reflecting God’s will in public life will lead to trouble in public life. Not only is there trouble in our public life, but it also appears that religious people have ceased to be exemplars of the grace, mercy, and justice to which the biblical witness testifies as central to God's character. The words, worship, and presence of religious people in the public square may arguably reflect less what is important to God and more often what is important politically. If you look at how the religious show up in public life, you’d think God only cares about abortion, protecting the right to bear arms, closing public restrooms to trans people, and Supreme Court nominees. Our songs, prayers, and liturgies talk about a God who cares about the poor, justice, and loving our neighbors. Yet, when the church shows up in public life, it is mainly silent or hostile when it comes to doing justice.

I recently saw a book in the religion section of the bookstore with a title that suggested that social justice is anti-God, anti-biblical, and destructive to the church. But according to Isaiah, doing justice is an undeniable, non-negotiable part of being in relationship with God. Taking care of the most vulnerable is not a suggestion for God; it is imperative. Isaiah prophesied to Israel that God didn’t want to be flattered and did not share the gifts of worship and covenant for their sake alone. Israel failed, and its public life shattered. Yes, we are experiencing trouble in public life. We are engaged in a heated and frenzied struggle over the future. However, I hope we double down on seeking justice in response. May we all do good: seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow. May it be so.

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.

TRAVELS

Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays

In the parking lot next to the tent or, if rain, in the Conn Gallery

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.

EXULTATE JUSTI IN DOMINO

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 are given in honor and celebration of Mary Welfling and her twelve years of loving and creative service as Plymouth’s Archivist.

Thursdays at 9 a.m. - online

In the parking lot next to the tent or, if rain, in the Conn Gallery

Join in the collective joy of community circle dancing. Learn simple dances that connect us to each other and with the natural world. Everything is taught first; if you can walk, you can do these dances. All abilities and ages are celebrated. Led by Emily Jarrett Hughes.

July 17-September 30

We are privileged to be hosting Minnesota Impressions, an exhibition by Gabe Jewell, whose paintings also serve as contemplative companions in support of meditation in collaboration with his father Richard Jewell, www.Meditationary.org.

Gabriel Jewell is a Minnesota artist based in Rochester, Minnesota, who grew up as a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, attending Sunday school in the 1980s–90s.

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!