Announcements • Flame • Children & Youth

This Week at Plymouth

Along the Way

I want to say to those who insist on favoritism by God for humans: there are other siblings—microbes and mountains, leopard and leeches, all beloved— Katharine M. Preston, Earth’s Self-Care

Can I See God?


Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis


As we prepared for vacation, we had always planned to go whale-watching. However, I had little expectation that we would see any whales as previous attempts invariably resulted in no sightings. The only other occasion I saw a whale was one of those once-in-lifetime events that just happened while we were doing something else. Whales don’t order their movements on the off chance that humans will get to see them. But something about this experience was different. Every part of the journey to see whales felt like prayer. We were ten people gathered in a zodiac boat, sailing in silence past islands and inlets and winding our way over large and small waves and wakes with sea water spraying our faces and the smell of marine life reminding us that we were in another habitat. It felt sacred and serious. An unspoken prayer kept repeating in my mind, “Let us see your glory.” And then we saw them. A pod of 4 orcas just a few feet away, one of which remained temporarily several yards away from the group to hunt for food. Their every breach of the surface filled us with joy.


I was surprised by my reaction. I could not contain my emotion nor hold back the tears. And I know that I was exclaiming words of awe, praise, and amazement, but I don’t remember what I was saying precisely. I knew I had been audibly responding to the beautiful sight because a woman who sat next to us on the boat asked, “what is wrong with us? Why can’t we pull ourselves together?” I’ve been reflecting on that question since that experience. We couldn’t “pull ourselves together” because we had encountered something holy, revelatory, and beloved.


We also saw harmony in the creation beyond our need to control or exploit it. We saw how another of God’s creations lived in nature, unmoved by our desire or concern for anything else other than its immediate need for food and community. These beautiful, gentle giants took no more food or territory than they needed and remained oblivious to the small boat tracking their movements. In their habitat and their migration, they ministered to me. I heard a sermon in their presence, action, and engagement with the creation: we are not the center of the world; God moves in and through all of God’s good creation; their purpose for being and existing is beyond my comprehension but must be an essential component of God’s work in the world. It humbled me. And it raised the question: how do we resist the human tendency toward mastery and dominion when it comes to God’s creation? How can we honor and be a part of creation with commitment, reciprocity, and mutuality?


DeWayne L. Davis

DeWayne L. Davis preaches "Assurances of Things Hoped For"

DeWayne L. Davis preaches, "Assurances of Things Hoped For"

August 29, 2022


"Under the Big Top"

Outdoor Worship at 9 a.m.


Masking is not required outdoors.


11 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary


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.


Schedule

9 a.m. Worship


"Under the Big Top"

Outdoor Worship


9 a.m. worship will not be offered virtually


Masking is not required outdoors.



Features music from the Jazz Trio with Peter, Paul, and Marie

 

Musical Response

When Justice Comes

Bret Hesla

Sundays at 10


Coffee and Social Time

in Jones Commons 

11 a.m. Worship

In the sanctuary

and online

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.


Watch @ Plymouth.org
Watch on YouTube


Features music from the Solo Trio, Zhen Tu, guest pianist, and Philip Brunelle

 

Anthems

PRAYER OF ST FRANCIS

M.Searle Wright


DANK SEI DIR, HERR 

 George Frideric Handel



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 by Elsie and Ray Martin in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary on August 26, 2022. 

Covid-19 Updates

Contemplative Prayer is offered:

Thursdays at 9 a.m. - online

In Memoriam

Joan Wicklund (August 15, 2022)

A memorial service for Joan will be held at Plymouth on Saturday, August 27, at 10:30 a.m.

In-person attendance is welcome, or you may watch via livestream here.

Anne Gustafson was presented with her National Certification of Church Administration (CCA). This professional certification represents proficiency in 14 domains of knowledge in various areas of finance, administration, and leadership. The achievement recognizes her completion of extensive coursework as well as the completion of a final thesis. Her thesis, ‘A Theology for the Church Administrator’ is being recognized as creative and unconventional, and for its contribution to the field.


Dr. Marilyn Johns, Anne's advisor shared, "Anne's clear and personal writing style, her use of practical situations, and her obvious passion for her work and congregation combine to become a project that can help other administrators to see the ministry in church administration."

Guest Preacher, September 4

Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall

President of United Theological Seminary

Serving in theological education for nearly forty years, Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall believes she was put on the earth to love students, teach theology, guide spiritual formation, and challenge patriarchal structures that would hinder women from full acceptance in all forms of ministry. She has worked as a youth minister, campus minister, pastor, scholar, and theological educator, seeking to dismantle all forms of oppression.


Currently she is the President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Her great passion in life is spiritual midwifery as she encourages what she sees struggling to be born in the lives of those with whom she serves.

Habitat for Humanity Build Week

Please join with other Plymouth members and friends in our Habitat For Humanity Build Week, September 26–30. We will be working on a new house located at 917 31st Ave. N. in Minneapolis. We will mainly do interior finish work and need 12 to 15 volunteers daily. To volunteer, click on the Habitat volunteer website at:


http://plymouthcongregational.tchabitat.volunteerhub.com/


Should you have questions or if you would be interested in helping by assisting in providing lunch at the site for the volunteers, please contact Jim Christenson (christensonjim@msn.com or 651-895-0644, phone or text).

Volunteer!

Rally Sunday

It’s time to Gather Home,

Return, Rebuild, and Renew

within our beloved community.

Sunday, September 11


Whether it means coming early or staying after, don’t miss our Rally & Renew community fair at 10 a.m.


  • Enjoy coffee and treats with fellow community members and guests.
  • Activities and tables sponsored by boards and committees
  • Catch up with friends
  • check out new books in the Library
  • Visit the gorgeous show in the Conn Gallery
  • Jump in the bounce house

And so much more.

Intro to the Enneagram: Waking Up To Your True Self

(an online workshop with Mary Nobel Garcia)


Tues, Sept 6, 7- 8:30 p.m.

Sat, Sept 10, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Tues, Sept 13, 7-8:30 p.m.


The Enneagram is a spiritual and psychological map offering a path to wake up to our true selves. It is a tool that helps us identify unhealthy patterns and discover new ways of responding to life’s challenges. Working with the Enneagram creates an opportunity to deepen understanding, acceptance, and compassion for ourselves and others.

Register Here
Full Details

Would You Help Our Children & Youth Programs?


We need volunteers! Please take a moment to complete this survey and see how you can help support our children and youth programming throughout the summer and fall. Our events and programs cannot continue to grow, expand, and welcome in new families without widespread support!

Sign up to help!

Children, Youth, & Families

and Church School


Updates Here!

CALL TO ACTION: WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GROW

Two types of volunteers are needed to help advance Plymouth’s marketing efforts:


Committee Members

As the committee is formalized, we’ll need help from members experienced in marketing, design, advertising, and data sciences to help bring campaigns to fruition and educate leadership and the congregation about how our goals and how our campaigns are functioning.


Ambassadors

We need 5 more people willing to participate in a new training curriculum and serve as a physical manifestation of our campaign—noticing, welcoming, coaching, and nurturing connections with church prospects. We'll provide training.


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

New Member Spotlight

On June 5, Plymouth welcomed nine new members into our congregation.


James Hulse

crazymage06@gmail.com


I’m a student at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. I love creating music and being in nature. 


Notes From the Shelf Elf

New Books at Elaine Marsh Library!


The Shelf Elf wants you to know about some very special new books in the Elaine Marsh Library. Four new books come to the library from the Committee for Children, Youth, and Families. They were acquired through Plymouth’s 2022 Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt included “special golden eggs.” Finding a golden egg allowed the finder to pick a favorite book to be given to the Elaine Marsh Library. The new titles can be found in the Hub (upstairs at the front of the Education Wing).


Juneteenth Jellybean (Arian T. Moore) - an elementary-age book explaining the delayed declaration of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas.


Baseball Saved Us (Ken Mochizuki) - an elementary-age book telling the author’s story of his childhood experience in a WWII internment camp in the United States. Baseball helped the camp to cope with internment and also helped Ken cope with racism once released from the camp.


See Inside World Religions (Alex Frith and Barry Ablett) - a late elementary and middle school flap book introducing and comparing some of the great religions of the world. Flap books use lift-up flaps to add additional details as well as some fun to basic concepts.


Notable Native People (Adrienne Keene) - a middle school and older hardcover book providing biographies of 50 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people. The book also provides an opportunity to learn about Native heritage, histories, and cultures, as well as the impact Indigenous peoples have made on the world.

An Imaginary House Concert at Downton Abbey


a Command Repeat Performance

**The August 13 performance was SOLD OUT! Reserve your spot promptly**


Friday, September 2,

5:30-7:30 p.m.


Step into a musical time machine with Dame Maria and Sir Philip, and travel back 100 years to the golden age of British song! Escape 2022’s cares and strife with just the sort of musical variety Lady Mary would have presented to her guests in Downton Abbey’s music room—in the modern comfort of Crooners’ Dunsmore Room.

Get Your Ticket

SmartArt Exhibit

Plymouth Alto Soloist Lisa Drew is one of 14 featured artists at the Minneapolis Convention Center now through December 2022 as part of the SmartArt bi-annual program featuring 10 of her large-scale photographs of Minneapolis.

More Information

A Vision for Home: A Conversation on Housing with Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidates

September 13 @ 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.


Minnesota is in a housing crisis that needs immediate and impactful action. The state of Minnesota and the Governor have a crucial leadership role in setting a bold vision forward.


Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is one of the sponsors of the event, and we look forward to talking with candidates for Governor about their vision for home. We will discuss multiple issues around housing like homelessness, housing instability and home ownership.


Event Information

Donations for Third Wednesday Drop-in Bingo


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.


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.

The Bulletin Board - What's Going On at Plymouth

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!


Visit our Website

If you wish to unsubscribe, please email Doug Freeman (DougF@plymouth.org)

and ask to be removed from this distribution list.

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube