Surrounded by the ebb and flow of traffic and commerce in downtown Seattle, Plymouth Church is at the heart of progressive spiritual experience lived out in service to our community and world. At our center is a spiritual connection with Christ that moves us toward one another and others in world-changing love. http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/list.html Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Lectionary Readings for this Sunday: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, Psalm 1, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19

Confirmation Sunday

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Youth Forum leading Worship

9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Lounge
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Plymouth Forum, Elements of Financial Health, Hildebrand Hall
10:00 a.m. Lay-led Bible Study, Room 111
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge

Joys, Concerns and Announcements:

Odd Valle, who joined Plymouth in 1986, died in Arizona on April 27. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Georgette, and all his family.

Our prayers are with Stephanie Jones and her family as they grieve the loss of Stephanie's father, Roger Jones. A service of celebration for Roger's life, with a reception following, will take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Sunset Club.

Our Thoughts and prayers are with Mike Pierson and his family on the recent death of his mother, Joan.

The Neighborhood Networks meeting originally scheduled for this Sunday, May 20, has been canceled. Look for an announcement of our next meeting sometime in the fall.

King Tut visits Seattle this fall. Plymouth's Fellowship and Recreation Board is sponsoring a visit to the King Tut exhibit on October 21. Mark your calendars, and look for details later.

Support equality! Plymouth voted overwhelmingly to be open and affirming several years ago. We now need to sign the petition at http://washingtonunitedformarriage.org/ to oppose those who are attempting a referendum on the ballot (Referendum 74) to annul the law passed February 13,2012 . --Jessie Attri

The annual Plymouth Picnic is Sunday, June 10! We will gather after the 11:00 a.m. service at Genesee Park along the shore of Lake Washington in southeast Seattle.

Hold-the-date for Plymouth U: October 10 - November 14, 2012.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12628.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12628.html Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120514103827/img1.jpg Our speaker for the May 20 forum is Justin Harris, who will discuss components of individual and family financial health and how our values affect this. He teaches classes on financial health and advises a balanced approach to money, between the extremes of obsession and denial. He will describe stages of money maturity, and how emotions influence our relationship to money. Because of different concerns in each stage of life, he will address changes over time. He will also discuss how our values influence investments, and myths about socially responsible investing.

Justin obtained his commercial trading license in 1987 and he has worked as a financial advisor since 1998. He is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of KMS Financial Services, Inc. He is also a Washington State Certified Mental Health Counselor. He has taught workshops on financial planning on topics such as Financial Health 101, 529 college plans, long term care insurance, at schools including Bastyr University, South Seattle Community College and UW Experimental College.

Please join us at 10:00 a.m. in Hildebrand Hall on Sunday, May 20, for this lively and timely discussion.

--Margaret Kitchell, Adult Education Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12627.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12627.html Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 As we explore our covenant with God and each other through worship, it becomes time to also define the terms of our covenants with ourselves. That is, find what responsibility you have to respect yourself. Ask yourself, When is it selfish to treat myself and at what point is it neglectful not to?

As my senior year in high schools comes to a close, I find myself facing the daunting choice of what to do next year. Thankfully, I have chosen a college where I will begin studying either next school year or the one after but I haven’t yet decided whether to enter school again this fall. The alternative is to take a gap year. Any gap year I could choose, though it would require my intense efforts in other capacities, would generally constitute a break from the academic grindstone I currently know.

So I’m faced with the question: do I deserve a break? Have I worked hard enough in high school that I owe myself a break before college? Or rather do I owe it to my hard-working self to push through and continue quickly on my academic path so as to achieve possible success sooner? Maybe I didn’t work hard at all and I deserve neither a break nor the opportunities presented by college.

Regardless, with a decision this big I consider less what I want and more what I may or may not deserve.
I don’t think we owe it to ourselves to make us as happy as possible moving forward but we do have a responsibility to be fair: to justly compensate ourselves for our own actions. For most people who have some semblance of control over their future, the knowledge that they’ve awarded themselves the proper prize is enough to make them feel good. Through appeasing their moral standards they become happier than they otherwise would have been; they develop a sense of having earned their contentment that stimulates their spirits. Thus discipline inspires happiness.

It’s far from revelatory that doing the right thing makes us feel better than doing the easy thing, so why do we knowingly accept more or less than we deserve? Today, take a minute to think about what you feel will make you happiest and what you think you deserve. The two might not be the same but they don’t have to be different. Don’t be afraid to admit that you’ve been given more than you’ve earned (I know I have) but also remember to give yourself credit. Consider that humility, though more socially agreeable, can be just as false as arrogance.

This week, try to give yourself what you deserve. See if you can reconcile the difference between what is fair and what is fun.

--Harry Page Salisbury, Youth Forum Senior



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12626.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12626.html Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120514110742/img1.jpg Richard Falk will be in Seattle to talk about "The Economic, Legal and Moral Cost of War: A Forum on Israel, Palestine and the United States," on Friday, June 8th at 7 p.m. at University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd St., Seattle. To join others from Plymouth contact Adele Reynolds, 206/ 937-9757.

Richard Falk is professor emeritus of International Law at Princeton University. His one-hour talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session. As the UN’s Special Rapporteur, Falk has first-hand knowledge of the human rights situation facing nearly 4 million Palestinians in the Occupied Territories of East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank. He is also the author of numerous books, including The Costs of War: International Law, the UN and World Order After Iraq and Achieving Human Rights.

This event is co-sponsored by Peace Action Group of Plymouth Church UCC; World Affairs Council; United Nations Association; American Friends Service Committee; Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility and others. Richard Falk is especially known to Washingtonians for his expert witness testimony on international law in the court martial of Lt. Ehren Watada (2007-2009) and on behalf of the plaintiffs, the family of murdered union activists of IBU Local 37, in the civil case for damages against Ferdinand Marcos, Domingo/ Viernes vs Marcos (1989).

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12631.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12631.html Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120514123958/img1.jpg Elizabeth Gregory Home (EGH) is one of the Inspiration Grant recipients for 2012. I have been involved in this organization since its birth in 2003. EGH was born out of University Lutheran Church as a response to the need for transitional housing for women in North Seattle. The doors for transitional housing were opened in October 2006. One year later, EGH also opened a Day Center for homeless women.

The EGH Drop-in Center is located in the basement of University Lutheran Church. Here women are able to do laundry, use computers, cook a meal, receive food, get counseling and receive help accessing city and state services. As many as 45 women have visited the center in one day. Some of these women are also residents of the University Lutheran Women’s Shelter operated by WHEEL.

The transitional house is north of the church and houses 7 women. These women either are in school or are working. Here they learn to live in community, which includes eating together, having weekly house meetings and doing household chores together. The house is managed by EGH staff in conjunction with HomeStep. Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) owns the house and HomeStep provides the case management needed.

“Graduates” come from both parts of EGH. Ninety percent of the women who have graduated from the transitional house remain in permanent housing. Many of the women who come through the Day Center have found permanent housing and/or employment.

The Inspiration Grant from Plymouth Church has provided funds for much needed new computers and to pay for classes in basic computer skills. These skills, such as proficiency at Excel and Word, are needed for employment and many of the women do not have these skills.

Plymouth members can volunteer by teaching classes in life skills or hobbies (several of the women are knitters), by donating clothes, food, small household items (no furniture, please), or by donating funds to EGH. Volunteers for occasional yard work at the house are also gratefully accepted.

For more information about EGH, you can visit its website at www.elizabethgregoryhome.org or contact me at 206-380-6011 or maricmp@comcast.

Your sister in Christ,
Mari Mitchell-Putnam

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12634.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12634.html Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120514110102/img1.jpg Mary’s Place moving day is May 31. Join the Mary’s Place Ministry Team and the Holy Haulers to help pack and unpack for the move. We will help pack on May 29 and 30 at Mary’s Place, 314 Bell St., and help unpack on June 1 and 2 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, corner of 9th and Stewart. We will start at 8:00 AM and work until 3:00 PM each day. Come anytime and join the fun. Contact Barbara Campbell, campbellbk2@comcast.net, to respond and for additional information.





http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12567.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12567.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 In February of this year, Plymouth embarked on a process to discover an emerging sense of our shared identity and call. With this letter we come to you to describe the process and share priorities chosen through the process.

With our Leadership Retreat, we began a discernment process that continued through February and March with weekly meetings (Wednesday and Sundays), and additional meetings for youth, seniors at Horizon House and young adults. We convened on April 21 and met again during the All Church Retreat this weekend. Content and results from each of these gatherings was made available via our Website and newsletters. Through this process we have sought an answer to the question “Who are we together in God?” This weekend we continued to discuss what that identity in God would look like in action.

What has been important to us throughout this process is that we created as many opportunities as possible for all voices to be heard. All of our gatherings were designed to foster deeper listening and to give balanced hearing to everyone participating.

What has emerged from our listening and conversation is a set of priorities that will inform our pastoral and administrative staff in partnership with our lay leadership. During the retreat, we focused conversation on the eight priorities that emerged between January and April. In conversation we explored what these priorities meant and discussed potential programs or ideas that might flow from them. These priorities included:

A hunger for relevant, vital worship that retains our traditions and opens us to new possibilities Harnessing our passion for Music and the Arts to build community and tap the power of the Spirit Attracting young people and young adults with new programs A hunger for deepening intimate relationships with each other, grounded in our faith Providing resources and a structure to support spiritual growth Examining the ways our physical building reflects who we are and supports our mission Continued social and environmental justice work as an expression of the Gospel Tending to ourselves in community so that we might better serve others Results of the Process

In answer to the question “Who are we in God?” we are a congregation that experiences the Divine in relationship. By being together in intimate small groups, we experience healing, hope and transformation. We hear Spirit. This represents both who we are and who we want to continue to become.

Of the priorities expressed during the process, the following three emerge as the highest priorities:

Cultivation of more vibrant worship, retaining our traditional forms as well as experimenting with new forms Integrating music and the arts more deeply into congregational life and outreach Developing programs that attract and serve youth and young adults. As we go forward, we will be looking at these three priorities, as well as all our existing programs through the lens of our identity as a church that experiences God in relationship. We will prioritize according to our available resources of finances, staff and lay leadership.

While many of these ideas will need further vetting, development and refinement, we want to respond to the clarity of these priorities by taking action on them in several phases. We will experiment with new worship experiences beginning this summer. Additional actions will begin in the fall, and some will be part of the budgeting process for 2013. You can expect to hear more from us in the coming weeks.

Our thanks to all of you – whether you led, participated or prayed for the process. We share a renewed sense of hope and spirit moving among us.

Grace and Peace

The Rev. Brigitta Remole

And Bob Turner, Moderator

On behalf of the Congregational Council

To view all of the notes, resources, and recordings from our spring discernment series click here

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12586.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12586.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120507171009/img1.jpg The Reverend Kathryn (“Kate”) Matthews Huey serves as Minister for Stewardship, Scripture, and Discipleship with Local Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ. She produces the UCC weekly preaching resource, Sermon Seeds, and the Bible study, Weekly Seeds, on www.ucc.org. She has served on the national staff of the United Church of Christ since 2000.

Saturday, May 12, 2012 – Plymouth Congregational UCC, Seattle
9 am - 3 pm with lunch provided
Stewardship as Spiritual Practice
Telling the Story and Forbidden Topics in Stewardship

(Call Edwin in the church office if you are coming: 206-622-4865)

Sponsored by the Stewardship Committee of the PNC-UCC
These events are free; your OCWM (Our Church’s Wider Mission) at work

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12363.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12363.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Sixth Sunday of Easter

Lectionary Readings for this Sunday: Acts 10: 44-48, Psalm 98 and John 15: 9-17

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

The Reverend Brigitta Remole, preaching

9:15 a.m. Children's Choir, Room 225

9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Lounge

10:00 a.m. Sunday School

10:00 a.m. Plymouth Forum, Bill Hobson, Executive Director of Downtown Emergency Service Center

10:00 a.m. Lay-led Bible Study, Room 111

12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge

12:15 p.m. EcoPower, Chapel

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12591.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12591.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 With sadness we share the passing of longtime Plymouth member Bob Kirk. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and family. Memorial Service date to be announced.

The annual Plymouth Picnic is Sunday, June 10! We will gather after the 11:00 a.m. service at Genesee Park along the shore of Lake Washington in southeast Seattle.

The Fellowship and Recreation Board will sponsor a "Plymouth Visits the King Tut Exhibit" on Sunday, October 21.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12589.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12589.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Friday, May 18, 2012 at 8:00 pm in Plymouth Church sanctuary

Organist Hörður Áskelsson in concert

Music Director, Hallgrims Church, Reykjavik, Iceland

Music by Jean-François Dandrieu, Páll Ísólfsson, Jón Nordal, Kjell Mörk Karlsen, and Louis Marchand.

Suggested donation: $15

Sponsored by Plymouth Music Program



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12592.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12592.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Each Sunday through Sunday, June 10

10:00 – 10:50 am

Plymouth Church UCC, Room 111

May 13 lesson: Acts 10: 44-48 and John 15: 9-17

Are you one of the people who have been asking for Bible Study at Plymouth on Sunday morning? Some of us have been listening deeply to others during The Way That is Well for Us series, and have also been hearing God’s strong call.

We, along with 11 other souls, took the plunge last Sunday, April 29, and are pleased to announce we are doing just fine! We started with a hymn, committed to creating gracious space among those present, read the lectionary text for the day, shared our reactions, questions, thoughts, interpretations and closed with prayer.

If you are ready to dive in with us, come to Room 111 on Sunday morning at 10 am. Come one Sunday or many. As leaders, we promise to come prepared with some background on the lectionary text, and to pray for God’s presence.

--Jane Dunkel and Mae Bell, Lay Leaders



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12565.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12565.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120507123033/img1.jpg DESC: Serving Those in Need Downtown – and Beyond

The Adult Forum on Sunday May 13th will feature an update on different aspects of the important work done by the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC). For well over a decade, our church has provided considerable support of various kinds to this large, highly effective social service agency.

Most recently, Plymouth has embarked on a new project offering members of all ages an opportunity for direct involvement in launching a facility that will bring housing, and along with it, hope, to dozens of currently homeless people. This is our second “Adopt an Apartment” venture, similar to the one that was so successful in 2008.

On hand to give us some perspective on the organization and the problems it continues to face head on will be Bill Hobson, its Executive Director since 1988, along with his colleague, Sara Marckx. Today DESC is a focal point for partnerships and planning efforts to end chronic homelessness in the Seattle area, serving over 7,000 people a year with emergency services, overnight shelter, mental health care, drug and alcohol treatment, and employment services. In addition, it operates many hundreds of units of permanent supportive housing.

Plan to be among those who will get a sense of how one vital organization is responding to seemingly overwhelming challenges, and learn as well about the role you can play in helping to bring a new low-income housing project to life!

Bill Zook, Adult Education Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12588.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12588.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Plymouth Youth will lead both worship services Sunday, May 20. It will be a full day and hopefully a full house as May 20 also hosts Confirmation Sunday and Neighborhood Network gathering. We hope to see you there! —Youth Forum

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12593.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12593.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120507155147/img1.jpg How do you know there is a God?

Why are you a member of Plymouth?

Why do bad things happen to good people?

[it’s ok to say, “I don’t know”]

For the second year the Confirmation Class held its Spring Retreat at Pilgrim Firs concurrently with the All Church Retreat. This year saw new levels of intergenerational engagement. The youth engaged elder members in play, in the breaking of the bread, in worship, and in the shaping of Plymouth’s future. Scripture speaks of the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence found in patience, self-control, kindness and joy. There was undeniable joy as generations of Plymouth members and friends dove into improv and ice breakers. The 7th and 8th grade confirmands broke bread with the wider community and cracked open challenging questions of life and faith. It fed my heart to see youth, and children, add their voice to worship, to prayer, and to discernment. The confirmands sat alongside elder members to dream together of the possibilities in worship, art, and new ministries for youth and young adults.

Of course, the confirmands also needed some time amongst themselves. We invested time for canoe rides and capture the flag as well as other activities aimed at deepening relationships. In between the intergenerational activities and the team building, the 8th graders dove into the creation of their faith statements. Capturing their mix of thoughts, feelings, and experiences of faith into a concise statement for all to read is a daunting task. During the weekend we were blessed with several tools to assist them. The Confirmation mentors carved out time to offer feedback as the confirmands tried on various analogies and images to flesh out their faith. The confirmands gathered in small groups to share portions of their statements with their peers who offered affirmations and questions for further development.

One of my favorite tools from the weekend was the question envelopes for the wider church. Each of the confirmands wrote a question that mattered to them on the outside of an envelope (along with the reminder that it’s OK to say, “I don’t know”). The questions, like the three posed above, plumbed the mystery of faith. These envelopes were placed in the dining hall and everyone was invited to write their response on a small card and place it in the envelope. On Saturday night the confirmands dove into their now plump question envelopes, and those of their peers, to hear the many and varied voices from the wider church. It was a beautiful example of life giving membership, of journeying together, of the fullness found in the body of Christ.

The beautiful intergenerational engagement of this past retreat weekend stoked my excitement for the coming celebration of Confirmation Sunday and the continuing adventure of the life of faith.

Brandon Duran, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12595.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12595.html Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Fall Plymouth U Hold-the-date reminder October 10 - November 14, 2012.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12570.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12570.html Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 As the past chair of the Children & Youth Board and an active recruiter of church school teachers for the past few years, I decided I’d better put my money where my mouth was and join the ranks. I knew there were no longer “head teachers” and that I would be part of a team. I also knew that Plymouth made available a helpful on-line week-by-week lesson plan which tied in with the lectionary.

Still, I hadn’t taught kids before, and I was apprehensive. I felt a little like I was “in the wilderness”. Would they listen to me? Would I be creative enough to engage them? Knowledgeable enough? Missing out on too many 10 am activities?

Well, a year has nearly gone by. I muddled through at first, but as I got to know the kids, became more comfortable with the class format, and took a few risks of my own, I started looking forward to the 50 minutes every other week that I would be in the classroom. It’s been such a joy to see the kids express their faith in their own ways and to think that all the kids in the class know me now. And I know them…I know what they like to do, what they like to eat, what has resonated with them about our faith stories.

As for lesson plans, the UCC curriculum makes it pretty easy. Even for someone who’s hopeless at crafts…like me. There are also songs, stories, prayers and suggestions for activities. And then of course there is our support team, Robin DeCook and Rev. Brandon. To be honest, when it comes to downloading music, I’m the Virgin Mary, but the day I wanted to sing with the kids, Brandon met me in the classroom at 9:45 am, his iPod loaded up with songs.

To summarize, being part of a teaching team is fulfilling and fun! It can deepen your faith as well as make you new friends. I hope you’ll consider joining us once or twice a month next year, for one semester or both, or whatever works with your schedule. We would love volunteers for all ages – crib through high school. I promise you will receive as much as you give.

If you’re interested, feel free to contact Brandon, Robin, or anyone on the Children & Youth Board. And if you’re a little nervous, reflect on what Pastor Veronica Goins said at the Festival of Preaching about the wilderness. It doesn’t have to be scary, it’s just the wilderness. God puts us there for a reason; and God willing, Heaven will break through for you. Just as it did for me!

-Mary Stevens



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12562.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12562.html Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120501082031/img1.png Eco Power and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members had planned to visit Oxbow Farms on Sunday, May 20, but the trip has been canceled. To learn more about possible future trips, or anything about Eco-Power, please contact Leona_Warner2000@yahoo.com phone (206) 380-1385 or Tad: phone (206) 783 0941 email: tadand99@gmail.com.

The CSA mission is to educate people on the importance of environmental stewardship and healthy food, to reconnect us to the land and our local sustainable food supply, and to inspire us to take action in our daily lives and in our communities. Lettuce Rejoice!

--Leona Warner and Tad Anderson

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12563.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12563.html Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 It is time to form a Search Committee for the position of Associate Minister. The by-laws specify that the search committee will be comprised of seven members plus the Senior Minister. The following seven members have agreed to serve and have been approved by the Council:

Dan Durland

Helen Gorsuch

Dan Landes

Geoff Ogle

Pris Orr

Ann Palmason

Eppie Williamson

I thank them for agreeing to serve Plymouth Church through this important service!

If members of Plymouth have suggestions about the position description or the abilities of the person that should become the Associate Minister, please communicate your thoughts to a member of the committee.

Let's all pray for the committee as they look for another minister who will serve all of the varied people who make up the world to which Plymouth should minister.

Bob Turner

Moderator

Congregational Council



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12566.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12566.html Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 On the weekend of May 4-6, many members of Plymouth will be attending the All-Church Retreat at Pilgrim Firs in order to develop a set of recommendations regarding the activities on which the church should focus in the coming year. This will be the final event in "The Way That is Well for Us" discernment process that began in February.

Actually, work on this process started late in 2011, under the auspices of The Way That is Well for Us Task Force. A member of that group, Courtney Hashimoto, will be attending the first two days of the retreat and then returning to Seattle to give an update at the Adult Forum. He will be joined by members of Congregational Council who will be able to share with us not only highlights of the discussions that took place during Friday and Saturday sessions, but also elements of the recommendations formulated Saturday evening.

This will be an excellent opportunity for those of us who need to remain in Seattle that weekend to receive a timely update and provide additional feedback for the Task Force and the Council to consider. Please plan to be present in the lounge on this exciting occasion!

Bill Zook, Adult Education Board



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12568.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12568.html Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Thursday, May 3, between 10 am and 2 pm Hildebrand Hall

Labyrinth walking engages our attention. Focused on following the path, we can begin to quiet our thinking mind, find our center, listen to our inner wisdom, reflect on life and experience the Divine.

Labyrinth walking, as a part of spiritual practice, is an intentional gift of reflective time in sacred space, free of words or conversation.

Sharon Brown, Labyrinth Facilitator



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12569.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12569.html Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie Jones and family, grieving the loss of her father, Roger Jones. Roger was a longtime resident of Horizon House.

GiveBIG! Mark your calendar for the second annual GiveBIG on May 2, 2012! Support Plymouth Church as part of the Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG, a one-day, online charitable giving event inspiring people to give generously to nonprofit organizations who benefit our region. Your donations will support our ministries and programs. See the news article at www.plymouthchurchseattle.org to learn more.

Doug Cleveland Plays Rockefeller Chapel A new CD is available from The Gothic Catalogue. Visit www.gothic-catalogue.com

Fall Plymouth U Hold-the-date reminder October 10 - November 14, 2012.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12571.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12571.html Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Acts 8:26-40 and I John 4:16-21

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Communion Sunday

Services at 8:30 am in the Chapel and 11:00 am in the Sanctuary

Kevin Bechtold, preaching

9:45 am Sunday School Gathering for Children (Chapel)

10:00 am Church School (various classrooms)

Bible Study (Room 111)

Adult Forum (Lounge)

12 noon Fellowship Hour (Lounge)



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12572.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12572.html Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120501102045/img1.png Let’s see, April is over, which means: 1. we should be bustin’ out all over with flowers from April’s showers and 2. Easter is over so Peeps are back in their storage cases for another year and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus for another 8 months. Well my friends, I am here to tell you the only “flowers” bustin’ out all over in my yard are dandelions. Peeps, although 75% off, are still on the back shelf. And we should continue to proclaim “Hallelujah” because Easter is not over.

The white steamers hanging in the sanctuary since Easter Sunday remind us that we are still in the liturgical season of Easter. The season from Easter to Pentecost is also called the Great Fifty Days, a tradition inspired by the Jewish season of fifty days between Passover and Shavuot—the feast celebrating the giving of the Torah to Moses.

The liturgical color for this season is celebratory white or gold. When the season ends on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, white will be replaced with red. This color represents fire—the symbol of the Holy Spirit. (Just wait, it will be really cool… or I mean hot.)

The liturgical images created for Plymouth’s sanctuary and lounge are a powerful addition to our worship experience. If you would like to be part of this energetic group, please contact me, djacobsen@plymouthchurchseattle.org or through the church office. The possibilities are endless!

Diane Jacobsen, Administrative Assistant



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12573.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12573.html Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Please join us for Youth Led Worship on Sunday, May 20. It will be a full day and hopefully a full house as May 20 also hosts Confirmation Sunday and Neighborhood Network gathering. We hope to see you there! —Youth Forum



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12577.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12577.html Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120423140131/img1.jpg On Saturday, April 21, 70 Plymouthians met to begin a new phase of The Way That is Well for Us, our spring priorities discernment process. Following our first two phases that were about opening to God, and being attentive to the voice of Spirit in guiding us, we began asking how we want to respond to what we have learned. Guiding us was the advice from Diana Butler Bass that began our process encouraging us to work from a position of shared identity in God as a way to identify an authentic expression of our calling as a congregation:

"The starting question for all of us, and it works on an individual level and on a corporate level, is “Who are we in God? Who are we with God?”…It’s a shift from a propositional identity to a prepositional identity. Communities need to not just ask the question “What plate of programs can we do to accomplish good work in the world?” That’s when you can wind up seeing all the needs and trying to do everything. ….Who are we in God? That’s where churches need to start their thinking. Otherwise, it becomes a mish mash, a stitched cloth of people’s pet projects, and that tears churches apart. Then it becomes about politics and power instead of identity, vocation and ministry." -Diana Butler-Bass, 2/4/12
(For her full quote, please see the discernment series page here).

On April 21, working in the context of Gracious Space, we began by asking the question: “What have we learned so far about ‘Who we are in God?’” We then asked “How do we want to express who we are in God in action?” We went through a structured exercise to allow all 70 people to discuss ideas with each other and bring forward the best for consideration by the whole. For details on the process and results, please see the report PDF online.

All of the ideas will be brought back to the All Church Retreat for further discussion. If you were not able to attend on April 21 or if you will not be able to attend the All Church Retreat, we welcome your comments and reflections. Details on how to comment are included in the report.

Notes, handouts, and videos of the discernment process are available at the discernment series page.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12559.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12559.html Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Report Online In support of those who will not be able to attend the All Church Retreat in May, we have provided a report online and inviting your comments prior to Friday, May 4. This report provides a summary of our conversations (February, March and April) and themes that are emerging as priorities. Report is Online Here.


All Church Retreat May 4-6. Engaging again with the themes from the April event, we will clarify and integrate them into a set of priorities. Collaboration and partnerships may be identified. Ministry program ideas may arise. Results of the weekend will inform the decisions, work plans and budgets for staff, Council, and Boards starting in the fall.


Additional Information about the All Church Retreat is here.
Additional Information, including notes, handouts and video from the discernment series is here.

Read Vice-Moderator Susan Ford's Musings on "The Way that is Well for Us" here.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12351.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12351.html Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120423140131/img1.jpg On Saturday, April 21, a group of 70 Plymouthians met for the idea generation session of The Way that is Well for Us. Pat Hughes led us through a process that eased the conversations and provided us with a structure. This process gave each person at the table 5 minutes to list their ideas for what they would like to see at Plymouth, 2 minutes to report their ideas, and then some discussion time for clarifications. From the discussion time we were required to choose anywhere from one to 7 ideas from our table to bring forward to the whole group. Each table brought their ideas forward to a sticky board without much discussion or explanation. Next, the large group placed the ideas in groupings of similar themes. Finally, we ranked the ideas by using a limited number of colored dots: (2 blue, 2 red, 2 yellow per person). These rankings, groupings and ideas will be available on the website by the end of the week.

On this glorious Saturday morning we were able to give voice to our heart’s desires for Plymouth. As a church we are re-building our listening muscles and working together. Now we get to practice and build even more as we continue to deepen our relationships.

The All Church Retreat, May 4-6, at Pilgrim Firs is the next step in this process of listening. All the ideas and data we gathered on the 21st are going straight to the All Church Retreat. It is here that we hope to answer the question, “What is God calling us to do and to be in this day and in this church?” What is it I am willing to put my heart, head, and shoulders to for God, and Plymouth? Join us for this rich and courageous conversation about where our hearts lie and our heads lead us.

--Susan Ford, Vice Moderator




http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12517.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12517.html Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120423103250/img1.jpg Dr Kathleen Davis, Board Chair of One by One, and students from the Young Global Leaders Program will be discussing their work at Plymouth’s Forum Sunday, April 29 at 10:00 a.m.

One By One’s mission is to contribute to the elimination of a childbirth injury, obstetric fistula, through raising public awareness, mobilizing resources, and supporting both comprehensive treatment programs and essential prevention activities in developing countries.

Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that continues to devastate the lives of women and girls in the developing world. It is caused by prolonged obstructed labor – a desperate circumstance that occurs when childbirth cannot progress without intervention and a woman does not have access to emergency obstetric care. Babies almost always die during prolonged obstructed labor and mothers often die, as well. If a woman survives this harrowing experience, she will likely be left with a fistula – a hole that develops between the birth canal and the bladder and/or rectum as a result of unrelenting pressure on internal tissues. The consequences of this injury are life shattering. One By One supports life-transforming treatment for girls and women suffering with fistula, and works with communities to improve access to basic and emergency obstetric care for extremely poor and vulnerable women so that they can deliver their babies safely.

In the past six years, One By One has grown its programs to reach four countries in Africa where fistula has high prevalence rates – Tanzania, Niger, Ethiopia and most recently Kenya. One By One’s comprehensive Let’s End Fistula program that aims to end fistula in Western Kenya is their largest program to date. One By One and the Let’s End Fistula program looks at the fistula issue holistically – across medical, economic and family issues - and with an eye to local solutions.

One By One and its team have worked with the Seattle-community to fuel their efforts. We are excited to receive Plymouth Congregational Church’s grant, which will help support, our new program for Seattle students. One By One is a small organization that depends a great deal on volunteers. There are many opportunities for involvement in our work, and we would welcome the support of any and all who are interested. Learn more at www.fightfistula.org

--Adult Education Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12509.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12509.html Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Lectionary Readings for this Sunday: Acts 4:5-12, John 10:11-18

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
The Reverend Brigitta Remole, preaching

9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Lounge

10:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Plymouth Forum, Dr. Kathleen Davis, Hildebrand Hall
10:00 a.m. Lay-led Bible Study, Room 111
10:00 a.m. Parenting Discussion with Suzanne Sanderson, Library

12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge

Inquirers' Class this Sunday Interested in joining Plymouth? You are invited to attend Inquirers’ Classes Sunday, April 29 and May 6, after the 11:00 a.m. service in Room 323 to explore what membership in this congregation and the United Church of Christ means. It is our hope that these classes will assist you in making a good and informed choice. We welcome new members in services on May 20. Learn more by talking with Brigitta.

Parenting Discussion with Suzanne Sanderson This Sunday Come to the Library from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Our Librarian will be sharing books on parenting (and grandparenting) with a special focus on various topics that have been suggested by church members such as bullying and the pressures for children and teens to overachieve. Not only will she be talking about books aimed at parents and other adult caretakers, but she will also have suggestions of books for children and teens to read. Please e-mail plymouthlibrary@gmail.com if you'll be coming. Booklists are available, and there might even be party favors!

Joys and Concerns Congratulations to Jean Wahlborg and Kevin Ladden on the birth of their son, Ian Joseph Ladden, on April 6, 2012. Proud grandparents are Debbie Baden and Warren Wahlborg.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12510.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12510.html Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143045/img1.jpg Our labyrinth walk is open on the first Thursday of each month, from 10 am until 2 pm. A large new banner inviting walkers to Plymouth’s labyrinth hangs from our patio overlooking the IBM Plaza. The week prior to the walk, additional banners are hung from the Sixth Avenue balcony. Labyrinth decals are given out as advertising for walkers to share with others and as personal labyrinths to keep. On first Thursdays, people are invited in by a large sandwich board outside Hildebrand’s entrance and a topper on Plymouth’s sidewalk sign.

For the first three months of 2012, labyrinth attendance has increased 60% over 2011, to a daily average of 24 walkers. On Maundy Thursday, 47 people walked Plymouth’s labyrinth, including those from Mt. Zion’s congregation. In February, Recovery Café members came for a presentation and private walk; their members continue to attend our public walks. YWCA staff have requested a presentation and private walk; we’ll host them in June. We look forward to connecting with Mt. Zion’s members during the coming months.

Our ministry of ten people is active and growing. We invite you to join us. If you’re curious or interested, let one of us know. Come for a visit.

We encourage you to include Labyrinth walking in your spiritual practice. Give yourself an intentional gift of reflective time, free of words or conversation, in sacred space.

Labyrinth Ministry Team: Sharon Brown, facilitator; docents, Ardy Bergman, Phyllis Daniels, Mary Eytinge, Karen Gwilym, Shannon Kahn, JoAnn Marshall, Carol Mooney, Catherine Orsi, Vicki Schoettle, Sally Wagner.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12508.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12508.html Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 When: Sunday, April 29 through Sunday, June 10 10:00 – 10:50 am
Where: Plymouth Church, Room 111 (near the office)
First lesson: John 10:11-18

Are you one of the people that have been asking for Bible Study at Plymouth on Sunday morning? Are you hungering for a small community experience at that time? Would you like your faith community to be a place where you can explore, with others, what it means to be a follower of Jesus, in this time, and in this place?

Some of us have been listening deeply to others during The Way That is Well for Us series, and have also been hearing God’s strong call (hard to resist, that one). We are ready to take the plunge and risk doing something new. What we propose is simple: 50 minutes together on Sunday morning. Start with a hymn. Commit to creating gracious space among those present. Read the lectionary text for the day. Share our reactions, questions, thoughts, interpretations. Close with prayer.

Think of it this way: we will be like the early Christian community. Like the disciples after Jesus ascended into heaven--stuck here on earth trying to figure out what the heck it was all about. Retelling our stories, depending on one another for understanding, insight, wisdom, support and yes—holding each other accountable.

If you are ready to take the plunge with us, come to Room 111 on Sunday morning at 10 am. Come one Sunday or many. As leaders, we promise to come prepared with some background on the lectionary text, and to pray for God’s presence. What happens with that text will depend on what each of you brings to the table. Where the journey takes us is yet to be determined. What is important is that we begin.

--Jane Dunkel and Mae Bell, Lay Leaders

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12490.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12490.html Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120423105627/img1.jpg The Siyakhana Initiative for Ecological Health and Food Security would like to acknowledge the generous donation made by Plymouth Congregational Church.

The summer months of December and January were highly productive months for our two school veggie gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa. We harvested more than 30lbs of spinach, cabbage, beets, pumpkin, eggplant, broccoli, tomatoes, and chomolia (a native green leafy vegetable). The vegetables harvested by the schools were used in the school meal programs and excess produce sent home with teachers and students.

In January 2012, church members Madeline and Bill Beery visited the school food gardens programs. The Beerys constructed four new containers, two of which have been adopted by classes at the Yeoville Boys' School. In these containers 6th grade students are growing a variety of vegetables which are enjoyed by the students of this class.

Thanks in part to the donation from Plymouth, Siyakhana was able to finalize a rainwater irrigation system at the Yeoville Boys' School. The irrigation system collects run-off water which is filtered through wetland plants and deposited into a pond. This water is then pumped into a tank where a gravity system irrigates the school garden. With this irrigation system we hope that the school's water bill will be significantly reduced, and the use of recycled grey-water will make the food garden lush and sustainable.

As we now move into winter we are preparing the garden beds and soil for the cold dry months ahead. In the coming weeks we will work with students to apply compost and mulch to the beds to keep the soil rich and insulated throughout winter, and we are planting hearty winter crops including cabbage, beets, chard, and chomolia.

The school gardens are places of hands-on learning for teachers and students alike, as well as important sources of the fresh fruit and vegetables that are so often lacking from children's diets.

Again, we thank Plymouth Congregational Church for their support of Siyakhana and the school food gardens program.

website: www.siyakhana.org
contact: moira@siyakhana.org



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12513.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12513.html Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120423104821/img1.gif Excess Stuff? Rummage Sale is just ahead. Donate used items before May 16 to The Sharehouse's SPRING RUMMAGE SALE which will be held Saturday, May 19. You might think of this as Plymouth’s rummage sale without the work.

The Sharehouse, a program of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, collects useful household furniture and other items and distributes them to families and individuals who have been homeless. In doing so The Sharehouse solves two serious problems at once by offering a meaningful alternative to throwing away still usable items: The Sharehouse keeps more than 12,000 items out of area landfills each year. And by distributing those same items to people working to rebuild their lives and establish secure and permanent homes, we offer them a much greater chance of success in that transition.

Working with more than 60 homelessness service agencies throughout King County who bring their clients to us, The Sharehouse provides these basic items, free of charge, to homeless families with the goal of helping them achieve self-sufficiency, self-esteem, and long-term stability. Through this program, The Sharehouse furnishes approximately 2,000 newly established homes each year.

The Sharehouse is a program of the Church Council of Greater Seattle which Plymouth Church supports through our benevolence budget.

Donations can be dropped off at our warehouse before May 16th: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm & 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 9am-12pm. Contact Laura at 206/ 767-5280 (or lwirkman@thesharehouse.org) if you need assistance transporting large items or are unsure about an item.

What can you donate? Antiques & collectibles, Books, games, & CD/DVDs, Electronics, Linens & towels, Artwork & other decorative items, Housewares & small appliances, Furniture, Tools & garden tools, Sporting goods, Children’s clothes, shoes, & toys, Adult clothing & shoes, Jewelry, purses, & other accessories. Please be sure that all items are clean, in good working order, and have all of their parts!

Items they don’t take: Console TVs, VHS tapes, Organs & pianos, Encyclopedias & text books, Items that are soiled, broken, or missing parts.

The Sharehouse Mission: To bring a sense of self-sufficiency and comfort to families and individuals moving from homelessness to permanent housing, and to protect our environment by distributing useful household items that would otherwise be discarded.

You can support Sharehouse's mission by donating to (or buying at) their Spring Rummage Sale Saturday on May 19 (9am-1pm) at 5706 2nd Ave. South.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12511.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12511.html Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120423140528/img1.jpg Join Casa Latina, the May 1st Action Coalition, and El Comite Pro-Reforma Migratoria y Justicia Social to make the 2012 May Day March the largest one yet! You are welcome to meet at Casa Latina (317 17th Ave. S) at 3 pm, where we will gather before walking to Judkins Park, a short walk from Casa Latina, for the rally from 3:30-5 pm, and then at 5 PM marching together to demonstrate our solidarity and support of immigrant and workers rights.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12512.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12512.html Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Mark your calendar for the second annual GiveBIG on May 2, 2012!

Support Plymouth Church as part of the Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG, a one-day, online charitable giving event inspiring people to give generously to nonprofit organizations who benefit our region. Your donations will support our ministries and programs. Stretch your gift! Every donation made through GiveBIG on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, will receive a prorated portion of the $500,000 in matching funds raised by the Seattle Foundation.

Learn more here.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12514.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12514.html Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Members of University Lutheran Church (1604 NE 50th Street in Seattle) invite you to celebrate with them in the recent publication of the book, “The Mystery of Eve and Adam: A Prophetic Critique of the Monarchy,” by their pastor, Ron Moe-Lobeda on Friday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Moe-Lobeda will offer a summary of his original interpretation of this story using the lenses of history, politics, and metaphor that challenges many of the traditional interpretations of this text. After a time of questions and response, everyone is invited to a reception at which books will be available for purchase and signature. Net proceeds from sales will go to Elizabeth Gregory Home in Seattle and N Street Village in Washington DC.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12515.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12515.html Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120409101124/img1.jpg Join the Plymouth Choir and Seattle First Baptist Choir as they perform A Song for Our Planet, an interfaith choral work about the environment by noted opera composer Henry Mollicone, at the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, April 22.

A Song for our Planet was commissioned jointly by Plymouth Church (UCC) and Seattle First Baptist Church to create a major work of classical music which spoke directly about environmental stewardship. In recognition of the importance of communities working together, the piece was conceived as an interfaith project and includes texts from Buddhist, Jewish, Sufi, Taoist, Hindu and Christian traditions.

In the last ten years composer Henry Mollicone has written significant classical music which highlights social justice issues. Around the U.S., concerts of his Beatitude Mass for the Homeless have raised almost $100,000 to combat homelessness. Mollicone's one-act opera, The Face on the Barroom Floor, is one of the most performed American operas and is soon to be the subject of a feature-length video. Mollicone's compositions have been compared by reviewers to those of Bernstein, Britten and Sondheim. They are tuneful, dramatic, lyrical and powerful.

Celebrate Earth Day at Plymouth with A Song for Our Planet!



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11097.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11097.html Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120213113245/img1.jpg We live in extraordinary times – a crisis and a turning point in human history. With overwhelming success, humans have filled the earth and discovered ever-more-powerful technologies for reaping its resources. Rapid, material growth has been wonderful in many ways - but it cannot go on forever. We live on a finite planet. As anyone with eyes can see, the era of explosive growth, which began some 200 years ago, is coming to an end.

Our challenge is to stop fearing (or denying) this change but, instead, to embrace our role in guiding it. It’s scary, yes, but also exciting. It presents us with an opportunity, in the words of Joel Primack, “not to acquire more, but to become more.” Can we learn the Zen wisdom, “enough is a feast”?

In this domain, it is our collective actions that matter, so each of us has a small yet necessary part. In honor of Earth Day, we suggest two ways to use our limited personal influence most effectively.

First, political action: As residents of the West Coast, we can help prevent the shipment of vast reserves of Montana coal to China. This is huge - it may very well represent a tipping point in the battle to stave off calamitous global warming. To learn more, check out www.powerpastcoal.org.

Second, everyday environmentalism: The decision of where and how we produce, transport, consume and dispose of food has serious ecological and societal consequences. That is why the EcoPower Ministry team and other like-minded individuals organized and became a community supported agriculture (CSA) drop off site for Oxbow Farms, a local, sustainable, organic farm in Carnation, WA. This was a simple act that has brought fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables and an even greater sense of community to Plymouth in a sustainable and convenient manner. Participating in a CSA or honoring food as well as the people and ecosystems that produce it in other ways goes a long way to creating greater food justice and lessening the destruction to the priceless and irreplaceable ecosystems on which our lives depend.

--Tad Anderson and Leona Warner, for Plymouth's Eco-Power Ministry Team



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12448.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12448.html Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120409101124/img1.jpg Lectionary Readings for this Sunday: Acts 3: 12-19, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24: 36b-48

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
The Reverend Brigitta Remole, preaching

Special Music at 11:00 a.m. Service: "A Song for our Planet"

9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Chapel
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Plymouth Forum, "Local Food Movement: A Farmer's Perspective," Hildebrand Hall
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge

Seed Exchange this Sunday Garden time is here! Bring your extra seeds (veggies, flowers, herbs) to share with other gardeners who are dreaming of fresh produce, herbal tea, or bouquets of flowers for their tables. We will have envelopes and a way to label your seeds with others. Need seeds yourself? Stop by our table at the Forum and after worship in the Lounge to share in the Seed Exchange! --Eco-Power Ministry

Interested in joining Plymouth? You are invited to attend Inquirers’ Classes Sunday, April 29 and May 6, after the 11:00 a.m. service to explore what membership in this congregation and the United Church of Christ means. It is our hope that these classes will assist you in making a good and informed choice. We welcome new members in services on May 20. Learn more by talking with Brigitta.

Joys and Concerns Our thoughts and pareyers are with Ken and Jeanette Hagen and their family on the recent death of Ken's mother.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12447.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12447.html Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120416103717/img1.jpg A Farmer’s Perspective

Last year, about 20 Plymouth members began a relationship with a local farm, purchasing a season’s worth of vegetables to be picked up at church each Sunday from mid-June to November. This system, called Community Supported Agriculture (or CSA), is one example of a burgeoning phenomenon: the Local Food Movement. Local food has dramatic advantages over typical supermarket food in terms of health, pollution, sustainability, land preservation, and local jobs. Today’s forum will cover those topics, while giving you a chance to directly experience another benefit – getting to know your farmer!

Luke Woodward and his wife Sarah started Oxbow Farm in 1999, working less than an acre that first year. By selling directly to customers, they have been able to expand to several acres and employ several people. In past lives, Luke has worked as a carpenter, baker, bartender, science teacher, bike messenger, janitor, and Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa. While working in Senegal, Luke watched the noble and sweet, subsistence-farming family he lived with use DDT (a chemical banned in the U.S.) supplied by an outside, non-governmental organization. He saw the effects of mono-crop agriculture on a once diverse farming landscape. Ever since, Luke has been passionate about food policies and organic farming.

Oxbow Farm is nestled in the Snoqualmie Valley between Carnation and Duvall, a short drive from downtown Seattle. This year, we’re planning a Plymouth field trip on Sunday afternoon, May 20 to tour the farm and the surrounding native-plant restoration areas. When you’re ready to subscribe to the CSA, visit www.oxbow.org and indicate Plymouth Church as your drop off location. To further explore the Local Food Movement and meet your farmer, come to this week’s forum!

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12449.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12449.html Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142828/img1.jpg You are invited to attend Inquirers’ Classes Sunday, April 29 and May 6, after the 11:00 a.m. service to explore what membership in this congregation and the United Church of Christ means. It is our hope that these classes will assist you in making a good and informed choice. We welcome new members in services on May 20. Learn more by talking with Brigitta.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12451.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12451.html Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120213113245/img1.jpg Garden time is here! Bring your extra seeds (veggies, flowers, herbs) to share with other gardeners who are dreaming of fresh produce, herbal tea, or bouquets of flowers for their tables. We will have envelopes and a way to label your seeds with others. Need seeds yourself? Stop by our table at the Forum and after worship in the lounge to share in the Seed Exchange! --Eco-Power Ministry

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12361.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12361.html Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120416104701/img1.jpg The staff and board of Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP) are very grateful to Plymouth and the CSSA board for recently awarding YSPP an Inspiration Grant. YSPP’s mission is to reduce youth suicide attempts and deaths in Washington State through public education, training, evaluation, and the enhancement of community responses. In the wake of government cuts, this funding is extremely important to continuing YSPP’s nationally recognized work. (For more information, see their website at http://yspp.org.)

Our funds will support YSPP’s OUTLoud Project, which is specifically geared toward LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and questioning) youth, who are at a higher risk for suicide than the general population. OUTLoud staff facilitate educational presentations for teacher and community providers to enhance their recognition of the risk and warning signs for suicide and self-harm; training is also designed to enhance their ability to intervene if necessary. OUTLoud also facilitates trainings on bullying and bias-based harassment.

This project has many elements that align with Plymouth Church, its Christian values, and its community work. As an Open & Affirming Congregation, we are committed to not only welcoming LGBTQ people into our church but to openly standing with them in their struggles to be fully accepted. The elevated rates of suicide in this population are indicative of how much work there is to do to bring about social change and social justice in this realm.

--Mary Stevens

Breaking News from our mission partner Casa Latina: Monday, April 23, 1:30 p.m. -- a hearing at the King County Council on the subject of wage theft. Read more here.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12450.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12450.html Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120416111508/img1.jpg From a recent episode of “The Simpsons”:

Lisa Simpson (8yo): "I don't get it. Why would a popular fifth grader like Taffy be into a (nerd) like Milhouse?"
Bart Simpson (10yo): "I dunno. It's just one of those mysteries, I guess. Like how do my clothes pick themselves up from the floor and fold themselves into my drawers?"

Sigh. Of course, there is no “mystery” at all, only someone behind the scenes doing all the work. It turns out that, much like Bart’s clothes, our Sunday morning flowers don’t actually grow in the sanctuary and then jump into a vase, arranging themselves on their own. Just how do our flowers show up each Sunday? In past years, Plymouth has paid for those flowers out of our general fund and Donna Stirton has been arranging them for us – faithfully and wonderfully so. As part of this year’s budget process, the decision has been made to be more intentional as to how we go about items such as this. Going forward, the weekly fresh flowers in the Sanctuary will now be provided by direct donations from the congregation (that’s us). Donations will be accepted through the Offering Plate (please write “Flowers” on your check), the Church Office and soon, online. God works in mysterious ways, but that doesn’t mean Plymouth should.

Think of it as kinda like NPR, but prettier and without the tote bag

So how is this going to work? There is no minimum donation, any amount is appreciated and will go towards a general flower fund. Plymouth’s cost for flowers each Sunday is $125. Each week that the flower fund has a balance of at least $125, there will be flowers that next Sunday. If the balance is insufficient, then no flowers will be prepared. There will be quarterly recognition in the Herald of those who contribute to this fund.

To reserve a specific Sunday to honor or memorialize a special person or event with Sanctuary Flowers, please contact the church office directly to contribute and to make sure that the appropriate Sunday is reserved. The order of worship will acknowledge your generosity as well as the person and/or the event being commemorated. The suggested donation to reserve a specific week is $125.

All things considered, this is a responsible way forward for us as a congregation.

--Curtis Martin, for the Worship, Arts and Music Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12452.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12452.html Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120227123055/img1.jpg Come to the library on Sunday, April 29, from 10-10:45am, where I will be talking about parenting. If you are a parent or are involved with childcare, please come. I'll be sharing books on - no surprise - parenting, but also books you can use with your children to help them deal with some of the hurdles of childhood. There are stories that deal with the death of a pet or being in a bad mood or having to go to the doctor's office. Stories can be very powerful. They can be used with all ages. If you would be interested in attending, please pre-register at plymouthlibrary@gmail.com so that I will have sufficient chairs and handouts!

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11519.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11519.html Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120409110750/img1.jpg N-SID-SEN SAVE THE DATE NOTICE:If you’re thinking about coming to Camp N-SID-SEN on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene in western Idaho this summer, please set side July 15-21 in your personal and work calendars! --Lyn Stultz & John Daniels

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12360.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12360.html Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 On Monday April 23rd at 1:30 pm there will be a hearing at the King County Council to further to address wage theft. The hearing will take place in the Council Chambers on the 10th floor of the King County Courthouse, at 516 Third Avenue between James and Jefferson in Seattle. We hope there can be a turnout of folks from Plymouth and who can show their support for this amendment.

The amendment requires the County to stop doing business with any company that has been convicted of wage theft.

This is an important step because it demonstrates that the County is taking a stand against the pervasive problem of wage theft.

Background on wage theft:

Wage theft and misclassification of workers have become a pervasive problem in the United States. The practices of not paying minimum wage, overtime, requiring workers to work “off-the-clock” and misclassifying employees as independent contractors expose thousands of workers to lower wages, labor protections, and working conditions, create a competitive disadvantage for honest employers, and rob federal, state and local governments of millions of dollars in revenue.

Every year, over 250 Latino workers come to Casa Latina complaining that their employers refuse to pay them all or any of their paycheck. These are workers who are unorganized workers --not members of Casa Latina and not members of any union-- and do not know where to turn. Most of these workers have tried to solve the problem on their own but have been unsuccessful. Casa Latina helps them file claims with Labor and Industry (if they haven't already), negotiate with the employer, and prepare a legal case against the employer (if it is feasible). Workers who have been stiffed of their wages band together and support each other through delegations to employers and demonstrations in front of the employers’ place of business or home. Through all of these efforts, Casa Latina has been able to recover tens of thousands of dollars each year for workers. This is the good news. The bad news is that we don't recover most of the wages stolen from workers. Even worse news is that there are employers who have decided to use wage theft as a business model and are getting away with it!

A recent example of this is Frank Christin. Casa Latina first met Frank Christin in 2008 when four workers who had been hired by Mr. Christin to clean the Cheesecake Factory, claimed that he paid each of them only $200 after one month of full-time work and refused to pay the rest of their pay. After six months we were able to recover the amount owed for these workers (about $8,000) but only after investing significant time on our part, the workers' part, volunteer student time, Labor and Industry's time, and a private attorney's time. Two years later, another worker, Joel Coronado, who had worked for Frank Christin cleaning Regal Cinemas and other office buildings came to us. He claimed that he was owed over $8,000 after three years of underpayment by Mr. Christin. When he insisted that he be paid his back wages, he was finally fired. He told us more about Mr. Christin's methods. Mr. Christin hires janitors and tells them that he pays monthly. After one month of full-time work, he tells them that he keeps the first month as a "deposit." At this point most workers quit and ask to be paid. However, since they quit, Mr Christin keeps the "deposit" and pays them only $200. Most workers don't know what to do at this point; but some file claims with Labor and Industry. (Mr. Christin often advises them to do so.) Mr. Christin has learned that he can ignore all claims from Labor and Industry, without consequence. According to Joel, over 20 workers came and went during the three years that he was working for Mr. Christin, all of them owed money. In November 2010, Casa Latina took on Joel's case, and with the help of Joel and other worker members of Casa Latina, we used all of the tools available to us, including contacting Mr. Christin, filing claims with the Washington State Labor and Industry, contacting Mr. Christin's business accounts, sending delegations to and demonstrating in front of Mr. Christin's business accounts (Regal Cinemas and Pyramid Alehouse), filing claims with the US Department of Labor, and filing a private law suit. To date, Joel has not received any of the thousands of dollars he is owed from Mr. Christin and neither have the dozens of workers that have worked for Mr. Christin over the years without pay.

Mr. Christin is an extreme case; but he is not alone in taking advantage of a system that makes it very difficult for workers to get paid what they are owed if the employer decides to steal their wages. In fact, a 2006 study of day laborers nationally (2,660 interviewed) found that almost half had experienced wage theft in the previous 2 months. Another comprehensive study of workplace practices in Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles (4,387 workers interviewed) done in 2009 found that 26% of low-wage workers were paid less than the legal minimum wage; 76% of workers who worked overtime were not paid the legally required overtime rate; 70% of workers who performed work outside of their regular shifts did not receive any pay for this work.

In Washington State, the community has advocated for more enforcement of wage and hour laws to address these concerns and has been able to pass the 2006 Washington State Wage Payment Act and the 2011 Seattle Ordinance criminalizing wage theft. The King County ordinance is the latest attempt to combat this epidemic of wage theft in our communities.

Hilary Stern
Executive Director, Casa Latina

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12453.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12453.html Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 I have been a Plymouth member since 2004 and about the time I get settled into a senior minister he or she moves on. The constant for me at Plymouth is the relationships I have with the people. I have experienced a deeply welcoming church, one where I am seen and loved simply for being. This is the church I am committed to. This is the church I am falling in love with again in this discernment process, The Way that is Well For us.

On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, something has been different at Plymouth. We listened to outside speakers; we talked to other members; and we worshipped, (on the surface, there’s nothing new there). Yet things are new and surprising. We are learning how to be church again. In the feedback at the end of the sessions, there have been two threads expressed: an appreciation for the time and space to know one another more deeply and when are we going to start the planning? We’ve been practicing “how” to be with one another and now we are ready to look at what will we do together.

On April 21st we will gather from 9-12 at Hildebrand Hall and begin to share our ideas with one another. How do you dream of being as a church? What will we do with that way of being? Join us for this idea generation time with Patricia Hughes, author of Gracious Space and Courageous Collaboration, (need the full title of the books). Childcare will be provided.

Following the 21st, we will bring these ideas and our skills of how to be with one another to the All Church Retreat at Pilgrim Firs, May 4, 5, 6. At this retreat we will sift ideas and discover how our hearts yearn to be with one another as a church.

Please join us whether in person at the meetings and retreats, via email, via Facebook, by watching the materials online on the Plymouth website, or by reading the summaries available at the office.

What is the voice of your heart singing? Let’s listen.

Susan Ford, Vice Moderator

Read the latest news about "The Way that is Well for Us" here






http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12353.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12353.html Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120409104123/img1.jpg Plymouth's former Senior Minister Tony Robinson will join us this Sunday to speak about the upcoming Festival of Preaching Northwest at the Plymouth Forum this Sunday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m. in Hildebrand Hall. For more information on the Festival check out the website at www.festivalofpreachingNW.org.

The second Festival of Preaching Northwest is coming to Plymouth on April 23-25. As Festival Director, he will give us an overview of the Festival, the theme of which is "Preaching in Times of a Cultural Sea Change." This year the Festival welcomes an array of gifted and interesting preachers and teachers. Tony will tell us about them and different ways Plymouth members and friends can access and enjoy the Festival.

Tony will give an update on his current work and writing. He continues to speak and consult widely with congregations in North America. He will bring us up-to-date on his newest book and other writing projects.

Please bring your comments and questions about church and culture, leadership, and recent trendsso you can partcipate in the Q/A time with Tony. We anticipate a stimulating conversation.

--Marcia Regnier for the Adult Education Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12357.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12357.html Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Join us after the April 15, 11:00 a.m. service, in Hildebrand Hall, for a presentation by Casa Latina, one of your Change Grant recipients. Come and hear about the work Casa Latina is doing with support from the Grant. You’ll hear program highlights from 2011 and also about one of Casa Latina’s new campaigns, Caring Across Generations (CAG). CAG is a national campaign to transform long-term care in the United States for our loved ones who count on the support of caregivers to meet their basic daily needs, the workers who provide the support, and the families who struggle to find and afford quality care for their family members. CAG works to protect the policies that support our loved ones to live with dignity and to create the policies that will allow us to be a nation that takes care of one another across generations. Casa Latina is taking a leading role in the local campaign. For more information on the campaign, visit www.caringacrossgenerations.org

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12358.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12358.html Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142916/img1.jpg We are moving toward something as a congregation. Can you feel it? What it is isn't known by us yet. We are listening to one another and for God's call. Let us talk, walk and listen together for God's voice at the All-Church Retreat, May 4-6, at Pilgrim Firs Retreat Center. Won't you join us?

Check the calendar entry for registration details.

N-SID-SEN -- SAVE THE DATE:If you’re thinking about coming to Camp N-Sid-Sen on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene in western Idaho this summer, please set side July 15-21 in your personal and work calendars! Thanks,

--Lyn Stultz & John Daniels, Camp Planners

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12096.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12096.html Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120404103233/img1.jpg Come One, Come All!
Opening Worship for the Festival of Preaching
Free and Open to the Public
Plymouth UCC, Monday, April 23rd, 8-9 pm.
The Reverend Otis Moss III, Pastor of Trinity UCC, Preaching

The Festival of Preaching Northwest kicks off on Monday night, April 23rd with the dynamic preaching of Otis Moss III, Jeremiah Wright's successor at Trinity UCC in Chicago, the church the Obamas attended before moving to Washington D.C. Author of books, essays, articles and poetry, the Reverend Otis Moss was named by The African American Pulpit Journal as one of the "20 to watch" ministers who will shape the future of the African American church. His passion for youth and inter-generational ministry led him to create the Issachar Movement, a consulting group designed to bridge the generation gap within churches and train a new generation of prophetic church leadership.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear one of today's premier African-American preachers. Everyone is welcome! On-site registration will be available for those interested in registering for the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions of the Festival.

Be sure to come to the Plymouth Forum at 10:00 a.m. on April 15 in Hildebrand Hall to hear Anthony Robinson preview the Festival and the all speakers.

Read more about the Reverend Otis Moss here: Trinity UCC

Read more aboout the Festival of Preaching Northwest

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12248.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12248.html Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120410164344/img1.jpg The service music on Sunday, April 15, will be provided by our resident band, Puget Brass, a 27 member British Brass Band. They will play the Prelude, Offertory and Postlude and accompany the hymns. (The concert that was planned for this Sunday has been canceled)

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12172.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12172.html Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120409110011/img1.jpg Join us for a viewing of the film A Better Life, starring Oscar Award nominee Demián Bichir, and discussion afterward. This film is a moving portrayal of an East LA gardener doing his best to raise his son while fighting against formidable odds as a migrant worker. The father struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents and provide his son with opportunities he never had. Gather for refreshments and conversation at 5:30. The film will start at 6 pm, followed by by small group discussions. --Jonathan Eytinge, Social Justice Action group

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12359.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12359.html Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120409112011/img1.jpg Thank you Plymouth for investing an “Inspiration Grant” in our long-standing partner, Earth Ministry. For 20 years, Earth Ministry has been the leading faith-based voice for the environment in Washington State. This year, when some of us learned that they were experiencing a serious budget shortfall, we decided to apply for an Inspiration Grant to help fill the breach. Fortunately, others came forward as well and the funding crisis was averted. Hurrah!

But why is Earth Ministry so important to us? Just consider… Who develops educational materials to guide and inspire congregations as they seek meaningful ways to “go green”? Who advocates for environmental justice with churches around the state – yes, even crossing the dreaded urban/rural divide? Who provides early-career opportunities to young people through an internship program, building skills at community organizing on behalf of Mother Earth? Who is the leading faith partner in the statewide Environmental Priorities Coalition? Who boldly promotes the development of environmental theology through their fabulous St Francis Sermon Contest, drawing contestants each year from around the country? The answer to all these questions is the same: Earth Ministry.

Most of us realize that “loving your neighbor” in today’s world entails profound responsibilities toward God’s Creation. We are so fortunate to have Earth Ministry as a resource and steadfast ally as we seek to incorporate that call into our faith and lives. To learn more, here are two easy suggestions: (i) visit http://earthministry.org and (ii) contact me to learn more about volunteer opportunities with Earth Ministry or to subscribe to a weekly email about environmental activities at Plymouth, called “Eco-Digest.”


--Tad Anderson, tadand99@gmail.com, for the EcoPower Ministry Team

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12362.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12362.html Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120402114713/img1.jpg Adopt an Apartment
Aurora Supportive Housing

You're invited to "do it again" by providing move-in kits for 45 Aurora Supportive Housing residents by “adopting an apartment.” DESC will create 87 units of affordable housing with supportive services for homeless men and women living with mental illness at 10507 Aurora Ave. N. (formerly Cyndy’s House of Pancakes). The apartment complex is due to open in late November or early December, 2012. Other churches and organizations will provide move-in kits for the remainder of the apartments.

In 2008, Plymouth Church partnered with DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) to provide move-in kits for all 50 apartments at Rainier House. It was a spectacular event, giving all members of Plymouth, old and young, a unique opportunity to help take 50 very vulnerable people off the streets and give them a permanent, safe and warm place to call home.

What is a move-in kit? It is all those items that make a house a home: sheets, pillowcases, pots and pans, shower curtains, dishes, towels, etc. These are some of the items we’ll provide by, once again, getting groups together to buy the items, choosing colors, patterns, etc. and then bringing them to the apartment building when it’s ready for occupancy and decorating “your” apartment. So, covenant groups, boards, choirs, staff, neighborhood networks, families, get together, choose an apt., and sign up for decorating an apartment.

There will be people at the kiosk beginning April 15 to sign up your group and give you the complete list of items to be purchased for each unit. Let’s get this done! Let’s get 45 more people off the street. Let’s make 45 more people safe and warm.

For more information, contact Barbara Campbell at campbellbk2@comcast.net. There will be more articles to follow as the project develops.
Thank you!

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12178.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12178.html Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143045/img1.jpg The Labyrinth is open for walking Maundy Thursday, April 5, 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. service in the Sanctuary.

Lent focuses our attention on darkness and suffering before light and renewal.

Thinking about our own lives, we realize that through suffering, growth, change and understanding have come to us. Suffering is as much a part of living as is joy and the many moments of ordinary.

Darkness and Light are rhythmic to our existence. Afternoons fade to darkness, darkness dissolves into morning light. How often do we experience dark painful emotions late at night only to find clarity and relief in the light of day?

Joseph Campbell, in The Power of Myth , reminds us that every religion directs us to look within ourselves . We are each human and divine. We have 24-hour access to Christ Spirit, to the Divine. We may forget our divine self as we dwell on our human self, but when we turn within in prayer, in meditation, to God, to Spirit, to the Infinite Whatever, darkness dissolves.
When circumstances cast us into fear and darkness, crowding out joy and courage, we can turn within to our divine self to transform our lives. God is with us. Goodness is at work in our lives. We may feel we’ve lost our way, but when we reach within in faith, opening to Spirit, we realize that we are blessed with everything we need to be expressions of love and power in our world.

Walking the labyrinth offers intentional space and time to quiet our doubts and fears, to open to our center of wisdom, to review our lives and to connect with the Divine within.

--Sharon Brown, labyrinth facilitator

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12173.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12173.html Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120402112633/img1.jpg Join Casa Latina in their exciting language exchange program!

Somos Vecinos – We are Neighbors, is a program providing Spanish classes for English speakers, and English classes for Spanish speakers. Take part in a fun and educational space where we can come together as a community and practice either English or Spanish with native speakers. Learn a new language, make friends, and learn more about your community!

The Spring session of Somos Vecinos Spanish classes begins Monday, April 16.

For more information or to register, contact Emily Gaggia at emily@casa-latina.org or 206.956.0779 x120 or visit our website

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12175.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12175.html Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Holy Week

During Holy Week, the congregation follows the footsteps of Jesus from his entry into Jerusalem (Palm/Passion Sunday) through the Last Supper (Maundy Thursday) to his death on the Cross (Good Friday). Red, the color of blood and therefore of martyrs, is the traditional color for Palm/Passion Sunday and the next three days of Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday, White or Gold symbolizes the church's rejoicing in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. But at the end of the Maundy Thursday celebration, the mood changes abruptly: all decorations are removed and the Holy Table is stripped bare. The church becomes as empty as a tomb. On Good Friday, either Black or Red is customary—although the use of no color at all is also appropriate. The Red of Holy Week is sometimes a deeper red than the brighter scarlet color associated with Pentecost.

Easter and Pentecost

Instead of finding a sealed tomb, the women who had come at dawn on Sunday are surprised by an angel who announces astonishing news: "Jesus has been raised from the dead" (Matt. 28:7). The heavenly messenger invites the mourners to see the empty tomb and then go and tell the disciples that the Crucified One is alive!

The season from Easter to Pentecost is also called the Great Fifty Days, a tradition inspired by the Jewish season of fifty days between Passover and Shavuot—the feast celebrating the giving of the Torah to Moses.

The liturgical color for this season is celebratory White or Gold. When the season ends on Pentecost Sunday, White is replaced with Red. This color reminds the congregation of fire—the symbol of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost the Holy Spirit overpowered the barriers of culture and race. The first Sunday after Pentecost celebrates the Trinity, and the color again is White or Gold.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12180.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12180.html Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142828/img1.jpg Somehow.

Rooted at the heart of the Christian faith is the insistent declaration that Jesus “died for us.” The implication of Christ’s death is that it has put us right with God. Theories abound as to how his death accomplished this but the bottom line is that somehow by his death on the cross, Christians have come to trust that Jesus spans the divide between humanity and the divine. I grew up being told that Jesus’ death saves humanity from the destruction that the perfect justice of God demands. The emphasis was all about our human sinfulness. Frankly, this no longer resonates with me.

For me, at its simplest and most profound, the death of Jesus is, like the life of Jesus, an event that reveals the way of God with the world. The cross simply discloses the heart of God. I see two realities in the cross:

First, the cross portrays in starkest terms a love so vast as to descend to any depth for the sake of us. Second, the cross is a sign that God has passed through the very suffering that is bound up with our human condition. The death of Jesus becomes the living out of God’s love for us and presence with us even in the darkest depths of our experience.

The cross keeps us from being naïve about suffering, injustice, and loss. The center of the Passion story exposes the high-water mark of evil. But evil does not get the last word. In the death of Jesus, God descends into human suffering, absorbs and incorporates—takes in God’s corpus, God’s body—the whole of our brokenness and pain. On the cross, God becomes our sure companion for every step of the journey, whether bright or overcast, fair or stormy. By the death of Jesus, God speaks that there is no pain that we might bear that God has not borne, no darkness that can overshadow us that God has not seen, no fear that might grip us that is not known to God. In Christ, God has been there and is with us.

So yes, for me, somehow the death of Jesus, an event that might have been just another installment in the "sorry human epic of torture, injustice, and death," is transformed by resurrection and becomes a death with meaning. Somehow on the cross, the love of God reaches across the chasm between humanity and the divine and pulls us across into eternal, outstretched arms. Somehow!

Thanks be to God.

Pastor “B”

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12176.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12176.html Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 This year the Festival of Preaching Northwest returns April 23-25, 2012, with another outstanding roster of internationally known preachers including Anna Carter Florence, Veronica Goines, Tom Long, José Morales, Otis Moss III and Roger Owens. Worship will be enriched by eminent local musicians such as the Plymouth Choir, the Total Experience Gospel Choir, and a choral ensemble from Seattle University. Special Monday morning workshops by two festival preachers, Anna Carter Florence and Tom Long, are also being offered.

Plymouth Church has once again graciously agreed to host the Festival of Preaching Northwest, and Plymouth members are invited to attend at a special discounted rate. Save even more by volunteering at the festival. Volunteers will assist with meal service, registration and hospitality tables, as well as welcoming and directing people to services and lectures. It’s a great way to connect with speakers and attendees and offer Plymouth-style extravagant welcome.

In April 2010, over 400 lay people and clergy from around North America, including more than two dozen Plymouth members, worshiped, deepened their faith and renewed their spirits at the first ever Festival of Preaching Northwest, sponsored by Tony Robinson’s organization, Congregational Leadership Northwest.

For more information, contact coordinator Becky Withington at rzwithington@comcast.net or visit the festival website at www.festivalofpreachingnw.org. Click the "Register" tab to view special registration options for Plymouth members and volunteers. Don’t miss this amazing event!

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7716.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7716.html Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Lectionary Readings for Easter Sunday

Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8

Services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
The Reverend Brigitta Remole, preaching

Easter services will include the Hallelujah Chorus of both Beethoven and Handel, and two Easter anthems for handbells. A highlight of the service will be the children’s choir and youth choir joining the adult choir singing “Christ is Arisen” by G. F. Handel.

Our tradition at Plymouth is the flowering of the cross. Bring a flower for the cross, and come a little early to add it. If you are able, please bring extra flowers for visitors or for those who don’t have flowers.

10:00 a.m. Light Brunch in Hildebrand Hall

Child care is available for children through grade 2

April 5 Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

An ancient service of Tenebrae with Labyrinth walk, April 5, 7 p.m. In Tenebrae we extinguish candles to represent the loss of light and life that precedes the resurrection. The service includes prayer, Scripture reading and singing beloved Lenten/Passion hymns. The Labyrinth will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m., and again from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12171.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12171.html Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120402112022/img1.jpg The Baby Boutique is so grateful and appreciative to Plymouth Church for the Inspiration grant. It will be used to purchase convertible car seats for the babies and children of the clients we serve.

Under the umbrella of Wellspring Family Services, the Baby Boutique provides free goods, clothing, equipment, diapers and other items to families in shelters, transitional housing and families who have been homeless within the past six months. The clients need referral forms from their case workers or other professionals, and these need to be validated before each shopping encounter, for which they are eligible every three months.

The address of the Baby Boutique is 1900 Rainier Avenue south, Seattle, 98144, and the phone is: 206 902-4270. The director is Cynthia Cantrell whose email is: ccantrill@wellspringfs.org and the Wellspring website is: www.wellspringfs.org

There is a constant need for volunteers to sort and organize the clothing and equipment we receive by donation, and answering questions for the clients as they shop. If you have questions, you can also email me at: spark1726@gmail.com

--Sarah Parkhurst

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12174.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12174.html Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142916/img1.jpg We look forward with anticipation to Easter. Christ’s resurrection brings new life and hope to a wounded, dying world. Each year on Easter Sunday, we participate in one expression of that new life by taking a special Easter Offering. In so doing we reflect on and participate in the resurrection.

The Community Service and Social Action Board has made the decision to include the United Church of Christ’s special offerings as part of our own. Half of our Easter offering to go to the UCC campaign called Strengthen the Church, which helps to grow the UCC's future by:

• Funding new church starts and invigorating existing congregations
• Nurturing lay and pastoral leadership
• Building youth and young adult ministries
• Supporting the God is Stillspeaking Ministry and its extravagant welcome for all within the United Church of Christ.

You can find more information about this offering on the UCC website at the following link: http://www.ucc.org/stc. Our Lenten offering included gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing. We hope you will embrace this inclusion of our denominational ministries and outreach as part of our special offerings.

The other half of our Easter offering will go the Plymouth Member Benevolence Fund, which provides direct aid to Plymouth members who are in urgent financial crisis. In these hard economic times we have seen a marked increase in the level of need. The Member Benevolence Fund administered by the Senior Minister and is the main source for our response to this need as we reach out in love to our own members.

Our Easter gift is one expression of new life and hope in the face of overwhelming need, both within and outside our congregation and reflects our confidence that God is in all things. Please give as generously as you are led.

In faith and gratitude,

--Don Bell, Community Service & Social Action Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12177.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12177.html Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120312120942/img1.jpg Ruth and Sieg Kiemle
Jeanette and Kenneth Hagen
Bill Zook and family
Lauren Davis and John Blaine, in memory of Wallace Davis, Sr., and in honor of Lillian Davis
Phyllis and John Daniels
Bev DeCook, in honor of her Mother, Mildred, on her 93rd birthday
Cindy and Dave Lantry
Donna and Jim Weller
Glenda Carper
Susan and Floyd Williams
James Perry, in memory of Gladys Perry Farmer
Elizabeth and Walter Kerr
Karen and Don Gwilym
Jim Halfaker
Janet Perry
Connie and Bruce Lamb
Anne Mohundro
Carol Jackson
June Hawakawa-Fung and family, in memory of Alice Hayakawa
Diane and Roger McRea
Hilda Blaikie, in memory of Jim Blaikie, from his family with love
Tom Kilbourn
Betty and Lyle Appleford
Mary Stevens and Jock Akin
Catherine Colwell, in loving memory of the reverend David Colwell
Fireside Fellowship, in memory of Fireside Friends
Yoshiko Higo
Catherine Orsi
Nancy Edquist
Lora Bennett and Greg Anacker
Catie and Richard Wilson
Howard Boyd, in memory of Andrew Seffernick
Barbara Martyn and Robert Boundy
Pam and Don Miles
Dorothy and Raymond Guth
Juno Griswold, in memory of Jack Griswold
Roberta and John Devine, in memory of our mothers, Addo Lee Haucke and Isabel Decker
Connie Wentzel
Ginnie Chappelle, in memory of Dick Chappelle
Liz and Steve Schmidt
Martha and Robert Cram
Leslie and Len Anderson, in memory of Mervin and Marjorie Anderson
Bertha Hanson, in memory of Dr. Ernest and Alberta Colglazier and Bob Hanson
Gretchen Hull, in memory of Henry Tamada
Ardy and Al Bergman
Marcia and Dave Regnier
Sarah and Russ Tousley
Sharon Brown



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12179.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12179.html Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120326115004/img1.jpg The sacred music selections this year for our Palm Sunday services, will display just about every type of emotion and mood. To begin worship, we will sing “All Glory Laud, and Honor” to depict Jesus' triumphal entry in Jerusalem. The hymn was actually a chant melody composed by Theodulph of Italy around 781 AD. Charlemagne made Theodulph bishop of Orleans, but tragically was accused of conspiring against King Louis the Pious and was imprisoned the remainder of his life.

The choral anthem sung by the Plymouth Choir “Hosanna to the Son of David” was composed by Daniel Moe of the University of Iowa. The piece stirs up a mood of agitation of the crowd with its syncopated rhythms under the hosanna text.

By the middle of the service, the mood becomes somber, as we move into the service of passion. After Brigitta’s sermon, we will sing the passion hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.” The text was written by another Frenchman Bernard of Clairvaux, around 1100 AD. The tune was later set by Hans Leo Hassler in 1601. It is interesting to note that the first hymnal to include this German chorale in America was Congregational: “The Christian Lyre.”

Special anthems sung by the choir will include a setting by John Ferguson of St. Olaf College based on “Ah Holy Jesus” with viola accompaniment.

The Maundy Thursday service on April 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary is one of light and darkness, or Tenebrae. The service includes prayer, Scripture reading and singing beloved Lenten/Passion hymns.

Easter services will include the Hallelujah Chorus of both Beethoven and Handel, and two Easter anthems for handbells. A highlight of the service will be the children’s choir and high school choir joining the adult choir with brass together singing “Christ is Arisen” by G. F. Handel.

I’m most grateful for Rosemary Hashimoto, director of the children’s and high school choirs, and Jenny Palmason for helping inspire the youth to sing so beautifully and weaving choral works so thoughtfully into worship. Our new assistant, Wanda Griffiths, has been a huge asset to the music program and has been at Rosemary’s side to accompany the adult, children’s and high school choirs.

Blessings,

Doug Cleveland

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12091.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12091.html Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Sunday, April 1, 2012
Palm Sunday

Liturgy of the Palms:
Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16, Psalm 118:1-2,19-29

Liturgy of the Passion:
Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16, Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39, 40-47

Services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
The Reverend Brigitta Remole, preaching

Special Music with Plymouth Chamber Choir

9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Chapel
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge
12:15 p.m. Peace Action Group, Room 221
12:00 p.m. Rally for Economic Justice at University Congregational UCC

April 1 will be a working meeting for the Peace Action Group. We will decide which peace groups to support this year and update our URL list of peace websites. Pick up your snack and join us in Room 221 at 12:15 p.m. this Sunday, April 1.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12092.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12092.html Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120222143244/img1.jpg Join Bread For the World's "2012 Offering of Letters" this Sunday supporting International Emergency Food Aid. For more than 50 years, the United States has played an important role in alleviating global malnutrition and hunger, especially during emergencies. This is done through a handful of international food aid programs administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Despite the tremendous need around the world—including the ongoing famine in the Horn of Africa—Congress is considering deep cuts to these programs.

We are particularly concerned about two: 1) The Food for Peace Program or P.L. 480 represents the majority of food aid the U.S. provides to meet emergency and humanitarian needs in response to malnutrition, famine, natural disaster, civil strife, and other emergencies. 2) The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program provides U.S. agricultural commodities and financial and technical assistance to carry out school feeding programs. The program also supports maternal, infant, and child nutrition programs.

Also, in 2012, Congress must renew the farm bill, which governs federal farm and food policy—including international food aid. There will be opportunities to strengthen the nutritional quality of food aid to address the needs of vulnerable people.

We need to create a circle of protection around funding for international food aid programs that serve as a line of defense between millions of families and hunger. More information and a petition to sign will be at the kiosk this Sunday morning.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11901.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11901.html Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120326123501/img1.jpg On behalf of the organization, I would like to thank Plymouth for awarding iLEAP an Inspiration Grant for 2012. The grant helped to support one of our graduates, Rocio Gonzalez, from Guatemala to serve the organization as a teaching assistant for the recent Social Innovation in Seattle (SIIS) program. SIIS is iLEAP's "entry level" program for people to learn about the social sector and how different companies and organizations are integrating a more socially-minded mission to their work. This winter's program was a diverse group with participants and visitors from Japan, Malawi, the US, and El Salvador. Rocio stayed with a family in Seattle during the program, with all travel expenses paid by iLEAP.

iLEAP is an international nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire and renew social leaders and global citizens through integrated leadership programs that ignite hope and transformation in the world. For Plymouth members interested in international development issues, iLEAP provides an opportunity to connect with grass-roots leaders and community organizations who work together to realize their fullest potential and celebrate their common humanity. Consider being a homestay or offering a job shadow for leaders from Asia, Africa, and Central America. For more information contact Betsy Hale at betsy@iLEAP.org.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12094.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12094.html Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120326111039/img1.jpg Calling high school sophomores or juniors - Peace Activist Trainee Program
Do you know any high school sophomores or juniors who care about peace and justice? Tell them to apply for: WWFOR's (Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation's) Peace Activist Trainee (PAT program) July 9 - August 2, 2012. 4 days/week; $500 stipend. Information at pat@wwfor.org or www.wwfor.org. Application deadline May 14.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12093.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12093.html Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 This Lenten Reflection and Call To Action comes to us from our sister church, the University Congregational UCC. We invite you to consider joining them on April 1. Bring your palms or branches or a large sign (24 x 36) with a favorite sentiment. If you would like carry Plymouth's Social Justice Action Group sign in support at this event, or for suggestions for other supportive signs, call me (206/937-9757). --Adele Reynolds for Plymouth's SJAG

A Lenten Reflection and call to action in the University Congregational UCC. and for our neighbors in our UDEP (University District Ecumenical Parish) sister congregations.

When they saw the large crowd surrounding Jesus at dinner time, his disciples urged him to send the people away to find food and lodging for themselves. Jesus answered, “No, “you feed them.” The disciples responded, “We have too little to do that.” Jesus answered, “There is enough. Pass around what we have.” They did this; and when all had eaten their fill, there was plenty left over. (See Matt. 14, Mark 6 and Luke 6, with slightly altered version in John 6.)

Scarcity and fending for themselves was the focus of the disciples.
In stark contrast, Jesus’ rule was share what we have as it is more than enough.
This year Lent can help us take stock of our own situation and respond out of awareness of having more than enough.

On the other hand, there are powerful influences in our land who preach, “Community be damned; you are on your own.” The national Occupy Movement has felt this self-focused approach and campaigned against it. Occupiers remind us that there is enough in our nation, but it is not being fairly shared. For us UCUCC Christians, it is clear that something is dramatically amiss: the gap between those who have enormous abundance and those who struggle for survival has spiraled way beyond reason and many policies makers and other citizens are comfortable promoting this trend.

So what do we do? In my office there is a framed saying that reads, Justice motivated by Love, guided by Reason and supported by Understanding is the ethical test of any form of spirituality.

To do this, we would like you to join us in a campaign for economic justice motivated by love and guided by a reasonable understanding of what produces the extreme inequality and survival hardships for more and more citizens in our country.

The UCUCC Economic Justice movement has three main goals:
1 – Fairer tax rates that require those earning above $250,000 to pay a larger share to their
communities which help make their good fortune possible.
2 – Elimination of big money from political campaign coffers (such as Super-Pacs)
because it is stealing our democracy and because corporations are NOT people.
3 – Adequately funded programs for our most vulnerable citizens and our fragile planet.

What do you do now? Two Steps: First, let us know you are part of this effort by signing up for the UCUCC Economic Justice Action Team email list to receive up-dates about our upcoming events. Second, join us at the Palm Sunday kick-off event for Stand Up and Be Counted for Economic Justice. Details:
11:45 Band begins at the corner of NE 45th St. & 15th Ave. NE;
12:00 Rally speakers, band & singing;
12:30 Walk along both sides of NEW 45th to I-5 Overpass;
12:45-1:00 Line the Overpass and Witness to Travelers.

Contact University Congregational UCC here.


With hope for the future,
Staff Liaison and Team Leader: Catherine Foote
Team Coordinators: Jane Emerson, David Powell, Bob Hackman, Barbara Peterson, Tim Croll, Greg Turner

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12095.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/12095.html Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120312120942/img1.jpg "Flowers don't worry about how they're going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful." --Jim Carrey

As mentioned in a previous Herald article, a long-standing tradition at Plymouth is at risk. Each year on Palm Sunday, members take a potted flower from church and deliver it to other members who can no longer make it here, or who have suffered a recent loss. As you think about whether to participate in this ministry (or wonder if enough other folks are contributing so you don’t have to), please consider the following testimony:

"It’s been almost a year since we lost my Nephew, Andrew. One unexpected offering of solace from my family here at Plymouth Church was the potted Azalea presented to me after the Easter service. This plant managed to make it safely home with me on the bus, get transplanted in my yard and survive the winter. I am just starting to see buds forming now. I think of Andrew and the love of my Plymouth family whenever I see it, now. I never thought much about the flowers and plants that move through the church, but with my experience of the Azalea, I now have a deeper understanding of just how powerful the simple act of sharing a flower or plant can be. Thank you." --J Howard Boyd.

In the past, we have always moved money from other funds to cover any shortfall associated with this tradition. Our current budget rules no longer allow us to do this. As mentioned previously, if 25 members donate $25 each, we will make our goal! Will you please consider being part of this ministry? Time is running short as we will need to make our purchase soon. As of this writing, we have a total of $125.00

in the Easter Flowers Fund. Of course, we’ll gladly accept smaller (or larger) donations as well. Oh, and please don’t worry that we’ll collect too much. Any extra funds will go toward our new Sanctuary Flowers Fund (more on that later). Thank you for your help in maintaining this wonderful tradition.

-- The Worship, Arts and Music Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11592.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11592.html Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 This week, our spring discernment process, "The Way That is Well For Us," will focus on The 'S' Word: The Cycle of Surrender. Jungian therapist Judith Capili presents on archetypal processes of surrender, death and rebirth. As we head into Easter, we will discuss what this story has to say to us about our priorities and the work ahead.

Our Wednesday night session will begin with dinner at 5:45, Taize worship at 6:30, and the presentation and discussion at 7:00.

The presentation will be videotaped and replayed on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the lounge, followed by small group discussion. The video portion of the presentation will then be replayed in Hildebrand Hall at 10:00 a.m. for those unable to participate at 9:00. Please join us for this important work – your voice is needed! --Jennifer Castle

Learn more here: The Way that is Well for Us

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11590.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11590.html Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120319102806/img1.jpg My work at Plymouth over the last few months has largely been about “discernment”. I know that this word is being used a lot around here lately, and it means different things to different people. The definition I like most is “acuteness of judgment and understanding”, and we have been working hard to more fully develop this understanding about who we are as individuals, as a church, and what the priorities for Plymouth should be. We have been engaging these questions through The Way That is Well for Us, our spring discernment series that has been held on Wednesday nights and repeated on Sunday mornings. We began in early February with a presentation via Skype from Diana Butler Bass, an author and noted expert on American religion. Here is a short, thought-provoking excerpt from her talk to us:

"The starting question for all of us, and it works on an individual level and on a corporate level, is “Who are we in God? Who are we with God?”…It’s a shift from a propositional identity to a prepositional identity. Communities need to not just ask the question “What plate of programs can we do to accomplish good work in the world?” That’s when you can wind up seeing all the needs and trying to do everything. There is a distinctive identity that your congregation has in God…..By linking your lives with one another and the ways in which God touches you, the ways in which you experience Spirit –(this is what) make your community profoundly unique. It’s out of those prepositions that you will draw up into the practices that God has called you to do and you will understand God in new ways. If you are thinking programmatically, you’re going to try to do everything. But if you are thinking in terms of your deepest sense of identity, you’re only going to do things that God calls you to do. And it’s the same with our personal lives. None of you does everything. Every single one of you has a sense of who you are and it’s from that sense that you do one or two or three things extraordinarily well. You only do those things that arise from your identity. That’s where churches need to start their thinking: Who are we in God? Otherwise, it becomes a mish mash, a stitched cloth of people’s pet projects, and that tears churches apart. Then it becomes about politics and power instead of identity, vocation and ministry." -Diana Butler-Bass, 2/4/12

Through different speakers, topics and questions, we have begun to answer Diana’s central question, “Who are we in God?” These weekly sessions will wrap up this Wednesday, March 21 (5:45 dinner, 6:30 Taize worship and 7:00 program) and Sunday, March 25 (9-10:30), and all are welcome. However, the process does not end this week. These sessions have been preparing our hearts and minds for the decision making to come. If you have missed any or all of the sessions, you can get caught up easily by accessing The Way That is Well for Us page on the Plymouth website here. You will find links to all of the session handouts, video of the presentations, discussion notes, and session summaries.

The next step in our process will be an all-church meeting on Saturday, April 21 from 9-12:30 at Plymouth. This will be a time for us to gather and generate ideas of WHO we are in God and WHAT we do with God, with some grouping and initial prioritizing. Those ideas will then be brought to the All Church Retreat on May 4-6 at Pilgrim Firs for final decision making. All voices are welcome and needed in this process, and you are strongly encouraged to attend both of these events. If you are unable to attend, there will be opportunities for you to give feedback leading up to the Retreat.

It has been a great privilege and joy to be part of planning and leading this series. I am excited to see where it will lead, trusting in God and each other that the way will indeed be well for us.
--Jennifer Castle

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11892.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11892.html Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Sunday, March 25, 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 or Psalm 119:9-16, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

The Reverend Brigitta Remole, preaching

9:00 a.m. “The Way that is Well for Us,” The 'S' Word: The Cycle of Surrender, Lounge

9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Chapel

10:00 a.m. Sunday School

10:00 a.m. “The Way That is Well for Us” video repeated, Hildebrand Hall

12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11891.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11891.html Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Palm Sunday, April 1 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. worship services in the Sanctuary
Special Music: Bach’s Jesu, Mein Freude, and Plymouth Chamber Choir

Maundy Thursday, April 5 7:00 p.m. service in the Sanctuary
An ancient service of Tenebrae, extinguishing candles to represent the loss of light and life that precedes the resurrection.
Labyrinth open from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and again from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Hildebrand Hall

Easter Sunday, April 8 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. worship services in the Sanctuary
Special Music:
Frescobaldi’s Canzona, for Brass and Organ
Rutter’s For the Beauty of the Earth, for Children’s Choir
Now the Greenglade Riseth, for Bell Choir
Beethoven's Hallelujah, for Choir
Widor’s Toccata (from Symphony V), for Organ

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11511.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11511.html Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Date of Trip: First week of September

Length of trip: 12-14 days

Cost: $2000-2500, includes airfare

People interested should contact Plymouth member Jim Spraker: jim@spraker.net

Enjoy a people-to-people experience with our partner churches and share in a short service project. This September a Mission Trip to Germany and Poland is being planned by the Global Ministries committee of UCC (United Church of Christ) & DOC (Disciples Of Christ).

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11617.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11617.html Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Sunday, March 18, 2012
Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Craig Rennebohm, preaching

9:00 a.m. The Way that is Well for Us, Whom Shall I Send: Listening to the Spirit of our Age, Lounge
9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Chapel
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. The Way That is Well for Us video repeated, Hildebrand Hall
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge
2:00 p.m. Song for Our Planet, Seattle First Baptist

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11589.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11589.html Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143025/img1.jpg I am always amazed at the number of “things” going on at Plymouth at any given time, on any given Sunday. Many of these “things” fly under the radar of the church at large, and yet are essential to the day-to-day functioning here. Our Companion ministry is one of those things.

Plymouth Companions are a small group who make a commitment to be present, to listen and to offer hospitality and support to those with special needs, each and every Sunday. The Companion is alert to the stranger who stands alone, or is isolated. They gently approach the person who wanders in confusion or sits in sadness, and are prepared to assist the person who is upset or agitated. Our Companions have had some training, but they are not therapists or case workers. They are members who have chosen to be present with others.

The Companion ministry at Plymouth was started by Craig Rennebohm, Community Mental Health Minister. Craig has helped congregations develop mental health ministries in downtown Seattle and in the wider community, for the last 25 years. He is recognized locally as well as nationally for his work in advocating for the mentally ill, and helping congregations and communities do the same. Craig has provided the Companion training for Plymouth members and staff, and has been an invaluable resource as we deal with challenging mental health issues. He will be retiring this June, and work has begun to try and figure out how to carry on without him.

There are 2 opportunities to listen and learn from Craig, before he officially steps away.

Please join us on Sunday March 18 as Craig Rennebohm preaches about the Companion ministry and his work in helping the mentally ill.

On Saturday March 31, he has one last Companion training here at Plymouth, 9:30-noon in the lounge. I encourage you to take advantage of this training, and to consider being a part of Plymouth’s Companion Ministry. Please let me know by phone or email that you are interested in attending. Please join me in taking a minute on March 18 to thank Craig for the gift of his ministry with us and the community --June Hayakawa-Fung, jhayakawafung@plymouthchurchseattle.org; 206-622-4865 ext. 17

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11588.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11588.html Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 For the past three years there has been an option to start the Men’s Retreat early with a one day silent retreat. This might sound challenging but let me assure you that this is no K2 ascent. As one participant remarked in the debrief session “what a relief to spend a day not having to think of something to say or worry that I had said something hurtful.” And perhaps some of the women folk are wondering, what is so unusual about men going a day without talking anyway? Nevertheless, guided by Tom Colwell’s opening remarks that “there is no way to do this wrong”, seven of us shared four relatively short meditation circles within roughly eighteen hours of silence.

Meals in silence this year tended to be a mix of bonding, thoughtfulness, playfulness, and humor. While all gatherings and meals were optional, the rest of the time was also completely up to us.

Unstructured free time is a gift that I rarely I give myself. I found myself walking, reading, napping, observing, thinking, and not thinking. There was time to unwind and totally relax which created a nice way to ease into the rest of the retreat weekend.

--Jon Daniel

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11601.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11601.html Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Come join the party for Randy Crowe, Director of Camp N-Sid-Sen for 22 years, on on Saturday, April 14. Spend a night or two at the camp as well. Are you coming? Registration process for that weekend is up and ready for you. Register today!
http://www.n-sid-sen.org/randy.htm

--Jim CastroLang

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11602.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11602.html Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120306123448/img1.jpg Liturgical Colors and the Seasons of the Church Year

The use of colors to differentiate liturgical seasons became a common practice in the Western church in about the fourth century. The colors express emotions and ideas that are associated with each of the seasons of the liturgical year. Violet is the ancient royal color and therefore a symbol of the sovereignty of Christ. Violet is also associated with repentance from sin.

Lent

The traditions of Lent are derived from the season's origin as a time when the church prepared candidates, or "catechumens," for their baptism into the Body of Christ. It eventually became a season of preparation not only for catechumens but also for the whole congregation. Self-examination, study, fasting, prayer and works of love are disciplines historically associated with Lent. Conversion—literally, the "turning around" or reorientation of our lives towards God—is the theme of Lent. Both as individuals and as a community, we look inward and reflect on our readiness to follow Jesus in his journey towards the cross. The forty days of Lent correspond to the forty-day temptation of Jesus in the wilderness and the forty-year journey of Israel from slavery to a new community.

On Ash Wednesday, ashes were placed on the foreheads of the congregation as a symbol that we have come from dust and one day will return to dust. It is one of many Lenten and Easter customs that remind us of our historical connection with Jewish tradition. With this sobering reminder of life's fragility, we began a spiritual quest that continues until the Easter Vigil. Most of this time of preparation is symbolized by the color Violet, though the season is bracketed by the mourning Black of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. As an alternative to Violet, some churches have begun to use brown, beige or gray (the colors of rough unbleached cloth like burlap) to reflect the season's mood of penitence and simplicity. The somber colors are a reminder of the unbleached "sackcloth" worn by mourners and penitents in the Jewish tradition.

Help us this season of Lent to learn new ways of living:

To fast from words that pollute and feast on words that are kind
To fast from judging others and feast on building others up in love
To fast from hatred and jealousy and feast on kindness and compassion

--Brigitta Remole

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11514.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11514.html Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Sunday, March 11, 2012
I Corinthians 1: 18-25, John 2: 13-22

Third Sunday in Lent

Daylight Saving Time begins March 11 -- set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night!

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

The Reverend Brigitta Remole preaching at 8:30 a.m.

Pastor Linda Smith from the Church of Mary Magdalene, preaching at 11:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. The Way that is Well for Us, Our Work to Do: Non-profits, NGOs and the Church, Lounge

9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Lounge

10:00 a.m. Sunday School

10:00 a.m. The Way that is Well for Us video repeated, Lounge

10:00 a.m. Eco Power! Room 323

12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge

12:15 p.m. Eco Power, Room 323

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11513.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11513.html Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120305112736/img1.jpg Everyone is Invited
Shareholder’s Lunch and Meeting
Sunday March 18, 12:15pm

Excitement about Youth Forum’s Mission trip to Guatemala spread quickly throughout the church. As the days until our departure counted down, anticipation grew. Members of all ages came to us to wish us well and offer their prayers. These prayers would be great comfort for me during our travels. Knowing there were so many friends and family at home keeping vigil allowed 25 teens and four adult leaders to focus on learning and experiencing Guatemala to our fullest.

Thursday morning came quickly, and with so much adrenalin pumping through my body I felt sick. Brandon Duran drove David and me to the airport, our cases packed full of supplies for the hospital and Global Visionaries. Our ride was cold, my head leaning slightly outside the window, praying silently that this would pass. My worrying did not help my situation. Two and a half hours before our flight, all of the teens were at the airport, ready to go, in control. Leaders of the Day, Rachel and Gavin, organized and handed out materials. Brandon Duran joined everyone in prayer and distributed hand-woven Guatemalan stoles for each traveler. My worry slowly washed away and that is where we left you, to begin an amazing adventure.

We may be home from Guatemala, but our Mission continues. The teens have worked hard to produce essays of their experiences and have planned a wonderful lunch and Shareholder’s meeting. Please do not miss this opportunity for sharing their Mission. Every member is invited to lunch Sunday, March 18, after worship. We have printed reports, t-shirts, etc. for those who individually sponsored the trip and they will be available at the lunch. Thank you for your support and prayers!

--Robin Mallory



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11512.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11512.html Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120221151613/img1.jpg Mary’s Place is a downtown Seattle day shelter for women and children and the recipient of the current Change Grant funding from Plymouth Church. In our efforts to support the activities of the shelter, a “ministry team” has been in place for several years which mainly serves Saturday lunch after the Church of Mary Magdalene services. This month members of Plymouth have an opportunity to help expand the activities of the ministry team as we add more team members for serving lunches, and for the newly created “Holy Haulers.” What’s a “Holy Hauler??” You can be one… assisting women with packing and moving into transitional or more permanent housing. Can you make a casserole or dessert (recipes provided) or are you willing to be on a call list to assist the Holy Haulers?

We will have more information at the kiosk in the lobby during the month of March so families, women, men and youth, please come by to get more information about the activities of this vital ministry.

And…

WOW!! Over 300 pairs of socks for homeless women and children!! What generosity from all of Plymouth Church! Next: bring new bras and panties to church on March 11 and 18th and leave them at the kiosk (no tree for these). --Jan Aura

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10328.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10328.html Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120221101237/img1.jpg Want some camaraderie and good times? Softball season starts in early May. If you are interested please see John or Matt Daniels, or Dan Durland Or call 206-353-1094

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10326.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10326.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Sunday, March 4, 2012
Mark 12:28-34

Second Sunday in Lent

Leave-Taking Service


Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Lauren Cannon, preaching

9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Chapel

10:00 a.m. Sunday School

10:00 a.m. Plymouth Forum, Volunteer Advocacy for Children in Court, Hildebrand Hall

12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge, Celebrating Lauren Cannon's Ministry

12:15 p.m. Peace Action Group, Room 221

After the Farewell Party for Lauren on March 4, the Peace Action Group will meet in Room 221. Bring your favorite book, article, or DVD to share or loan. We will get to know each other better through our favorites.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11093.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11093.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 With cheers of celebration and praise we are pleased to announce that Becky Withington (Plymouth Member and a Member in Discernment in the Pacific Northwest Conference) has accepted a call to serve as pastor at Everett UCC. We are thrilled for Becky as she begins this calling and for the community at Everett UCC as they embrace her as their pastor. Becky will begin her ministry at Everett UCC in July.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11098.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11098.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142828/img1.jpg As we celebrate our heartfelt appreciation for Lauren’s ministry among us, with her departure, the inevitable question arises: How will we manage without her? Hiring a new Associate Minister as soon as possible is very tempting. However, I believe doing so could prove to be counterproductive. The church is in the midst of a discernment process that will culminate in setting priorities. The priorities set forth will determine in large part the skill set needed for an Associate Minister. Although challenging, we need to hold off from extending a call until the discernment process is over and we have clarity about where we are headed as a church.

Given our current situation, here are the short term plans to cover the vital areas of church life.

Pastoral Coverage: The addition of 2 Parish Visitors, Tad Anderson and Phyllis Daniels

Worship: The addition of guest preachers.

Board Coverage: Jennifer Castle will liaison with CSSA, Mental Health Chaplaincy, and “Crossing Borders” discernment; Brigitta will liaison with Faith Formation Task Force and Adult Ed.

Community Engagement: Lay leaders will participate in Council of Greater Seattle and other groups as needed.

This period offers us the opportunity to distinguish what is critical from what is important and what requires clergy and what does not. My hope is that together this experience will further inform our discernment process.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Brigitta

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11147.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11147.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 One of the great features of our new website is the ability to produce the electronic and the paper versions of the Herald directly from the website. This means that our layout time is reduced and our lead time for articles is shorter. The new deadline for submission of articles is the Friday before the newsletter goes out. We just picked up seven days!

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge Robert Turner, our Herald editor. For twenty years Robert has been receiving your articles, editing the copy, and laying out the final draft. He accomplished this with creativity and efficiency. In the six years I’ve been here he never missed a deadline, managing to get your Herald printed by Wednesday even in the weeks when Monday was a holiday.

The new Herald requires a major change in Robert’s work. Whereas he used to think of the paper Herald as the starting point, he now has to view the website news articles as the source of all the information that goes into the Herald. Robert does the layout electronically directly from our website. It’s a whole new world of publishing and Robert is learning as he goes but without any interruption to the news that you depend on.

So, please join me in congratulating Robert on a job well done and a new challenge faced with optimism.
And, remember -- news articles are due on Friday!

--Wendy Blight, Church Business Adminstrator

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11150.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11150.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120227123055/img1.jpg Years ago, when I was the librarian in a Catholic school, the staff was told that what we were doing was ministry. (This was during a discussion on how much - or little - we were being paid.) Although we would have liked to have been paid what public school teachers and librarians received, I do think most of us felt we were living out our ministry. My ministry is to connect people with books and information. The mission statement of the Plymouth Library, established by the Library Committee eons ago is:

1. To aid in the development of intelligent and informed Christians, confirming Plymouth Church's liberal Protestant tradition, but respecting other traditions.
2. To provide a collection of print and non-print materials designed to meet the spiritual, educational and enrichment needs of the members, friends, officers and staff of the Church.
3. To make the materials available for use in appropriate ways.

That's my ministry. I select books and other materials to support your study and understanding of the Bible, of Christian traditions and spiritual practices, of subjects of interest to various groups within the Church. As I write this, I have just purchased The Compassionate Carnivore or, How to Keep Animals Happy, Save Old MacDonald's Farm, Reduce Your Hoofprint, and Still Eat Meat and The Little Book of Shocking Global Facts (did you know that the life expectancy in Swaziland is the lowest in the world (32 years)? And the HIV rate in Swaziland is the highest (39%)?). I also work towards connecting you with books by emailing news and reviews (if you want to be on the email list, contact me at plymouthlibrary@gmail.com), through book displays (this month I am focusing on books about Africa), via the "traveling library" during Fellowship Hour, on Facebook (become a friend), etc.

To increase my outreach to you, I am going to offer a program in the library on Sunday, April 29, from 10-10:45am. I will be talking about parenting so if you are a parent or are involved with childcare, please come. I'll be sharing books on - no surprise - parenting, but also books you can use with your children to help them deal with some of the hurdles of childhood. When I was in "library school", we called that bibliotherapy. There are stories that deal with the death of a pet or being in a bad mood or having to go to the doctor's office. There are stories that show what it is like to be homeless or faced with a difficult moral decision. Stories can be very powerful. They can be used with all ages. If you would be interested in attending, you can contact me at plymouthlibrary@gmail.com with your request of a topic or issue in parenting that you would like me to address. I will also provide a booklist for you so getting a rough idea of how many people to expect would be handy.

--Suzanne Sanderson

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11148.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11148.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 We are taking a break from “The Way that is Well for Us” discernment series this week (February 29 and March 4) and in place of the discernment program is a Lenten concert featuring cellist Roberta Hansen Downey. The schedule for Wednesday evening includes a simple dinner at 6:00, Taize worship at 6:30, and the concert at 7:00. The discernment series resumes on Wednesday, March 7.

New participants are welcome to join at any time. We are now three weeks into “The Way that is Well for Us”. The first three sessions were designed for participants to explore their own sense of how they experience God’s presence and call, and has resulted in powerful sharing and connection among participants as well as a deepening sense of God’s movement in our lives. We will turn toward the needs of the world when we continue our discernment series on Wednesday evenings March 7, 14, and 21, with dinner beginning at 5:45, taize worship at 6:30, and the program from 7-8:30. The program will be repeated on Sunday mornings in the lounge on March 11, 18 and 25 from 9-10:30. Those who have participated so far have largely found it to be a worthwhile and spiritually meaningful experience. If you have not participated yet, please join us – either by coming to any or all of the March sessions, or by following the process on the Plymouth website. Handouts as well as audio/video from our sessions are linked to the website for your convenience. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Jennifer Castle at jcastle@plymouthchurchseattle.org or call her in the church office at 206-622-4865 x.22.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11096.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11096.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120227113706/img1.jpg Please join us this Sunday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m. in Hildebrand Hall to learn about volunteer advocacy for children in court.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of King County serves as the voice of children in court when their parents are involved in contested paternity, divorce, and third-party custody cases. We work to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for children in tough custody cases in King County. The children we serve are from low-to-moderate-income homes, and more than half are six years old or younger. Their cases often involve allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse and mental illness.

Our mission is to advocate for children in some of King County's toughest custody cases so they have the best possible chance for a safer, more secure home life. We do this by utilizing community members who volunteer to become advocates. These special individuals thoroughly and objectively research the children’s family and home lives, then generate written reports to the court. These reports provide judges and commissioners with crucial information as they try to sort through allegations and decide on a custody arrangement that will be in the best interest of the child.

Dependency Law CASA began taking cases in the summer of 2003. The organization is assigned to approximately 150 cases per year, and has served more than 1,000 children since its inception. To date, we have over 190 trained community advocates.

In 1988, Washington State CASA was formed by local CASA programs to carry out statewide training, legislative advocacy data collection and awareness statewide about the issues affecting abused and neglected children. Nationally, NCASAA is a powerful voice for children in Congress and across the nation.

Friends of CASA is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit support organization that invests in abused and neglected children by providing essential resources to establish safe and permanent homes.

Since 1983, Friends of CASA has provided financial assistance to the children in the King County dependency system when there is no other available source of funding, and envisions every child having a forever home. Services include: Emotional, physical, and psychological health assessments and therapy, Specialized equipment or devices, Specialized legal services, Emergency housing, Transportation, Interpreters and tutoring.

We are privileged to welcome Heidi Nagel, Attorney for Dependency Law CASA Volunteer support in the Family Court system, and Paula Sansburn, Board Chairman for the Friends of CASA in King County.





http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11094.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11094.html Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 The Lenten season invites us to look inward, to consider the mysteries of God’s connection to us and our response and connection back. But as we explore that quiet connection our sense of the noise and pain of everything that surrounds us and seems to separate us from God can also be heightened. Whether we’re hemmed in by too many demands or we feel so alone…when we see pain in a neighbor …we know that quiet contemplation cannot be God’s only hope for us.

On March 4, the second Sunday in Lent, we will gather our congregational Lenten offering. It will be part of our answer to that tension between being with God and being in the world. This year local hunger efforts will receive half of this Lenten offering. The need is great and growing. Through our long association with the Emergency Feeding Program, we provide healthy food to many individuals in need

The other half of our Lenten offering will go to One Great Hour of Sharing, the refugee, relief and development offering of the United Church of Christ, transforms lives through health, education, agricultural, and emergency relief initiatives in 138 countries.

This Lenten gift is part of our expression of our confidence that God is in all things. Please give as generously as you are led.

--Don Bell, for the Community Service & Social Action Board



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11152.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/11152.html Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120222143244/img1.jpg 'Take 5 Minutes for the Common Good' Join Bread For the World's "2012 Offering of Letters" this Sunday supporting Domestic Nutrition. We will ask our legislators to stand up for hungry and poor people in the United States by protecting funding for domestic nutrition programs that alleviate hunger and help lift Americans out of poverty. While we must work to reduce our deficit, our choices must not hurt those whom Jesus called the least among us.

Domestic nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), are effective in fighting hunger. While poverty and unemployment increased in the last three years, these programs have kept the number of families struggling to put food on the table from going up any higher.

Cuts to programs such as SNAP and WIC will put millions of American families at risk of hunger. More than 44 million Americans currently participate in SNAP and nearly 9 million women and young children participate in WIC. Cutting these programs won't significantly reduce the budget deficit but could increase costs in the long run. Hunger already costs our country an estimated $167 billion annually in lost productivity, reduced educational outcomes, and increased healthcare costs.

We need to form a circle of protection around funding for domestic nutrition programs that help meet the nutritional needs of millions of American families.

As people of God, we recognize that hunger is a serious problem in our country. Nearly 49 million Americans—including more than one in five children—live in households that struggle to put food on the table. Scripture tells us that God is concerned about weak and vulnerable people.

Collecting food is important, but that's not enough. That feeds a person, but it doesn't change the system. At Plymouth we will join other UCC churches working with Bread For the World's "2012 Offering of Letters" (www.bread.org) urging Congress and the administration to form a circle of protection around programs that help poor and hungry people. Our letters will encourage our elected representatives to support policies that help end hunger in the U.S. and around the world. Over several Sundays we will be collecting signatures on letters to our Senators & Representatives focusing on domestic nutrition, poverty-focused foreign assistance, and international food aid programs. "Take 5 minutes" for the Common Good. Sign our "2012 Offering of Letters".

--Adele Reynolds for the Social Justice Action Group

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10345.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10345.html Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Media exchange/loan at March 4th PAG gathering. Share your latest insight into peace work. After the Farewell Party for Lauren on March 4th, the Peace Action Group will meet in room 221. Bring your favorite book, article, or DVD to share or loan. We will get to know each other better through our favorites. --Adele Reynolds

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10340.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10340.html Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Sunday, February 26, 2012
Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15

New Member Sunday

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
The Reverend Brigitta Remole, preaching

9:00 a.m. The Way that is Well for Us, The Transforming Spirit: Claiming Our Strengths, Lounge
9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Chapel
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Plymouth Forum, Judge J. Robin Hunt, Hildebrand Hall
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge, Celebration of New Members

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10329.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10329.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Do you like lists of tasks to accomplish on a deadline? Do you like to have goals clearly laid out and timelines established? We do too. But those of us who have worked with Brigitta to plan our spring discernment series deliberately chose a different way of being in relationship to our task and to each other. We are listening. We are quieting ourselves each week and hoping to hear the call of Spirit, the voice of God. We are asking Plymouth to mirror this. Are you willing to put down your pads of notes, your lists of accomplishments, your worries about direction, and go deeper, to be in greater relationship to one another?

The answer is yes. We have listened to Diana Butler Bass tell us the difference between religion and spirituality at the Leadership Retreat. We have practiced a quiet prayer service, met in small groups, and discussed the poetry of Mary Oliver. What is happening around Plymouth is a time of quiet reflection to hear the call of God and what we are hearing back is that you yearn for this connection to Spirit. The desire for deeper connections to one another was expressed and reflected in the notes and comments about the process. We will post short summaries of each week on the website. We will also be posting the discussion guides and audio of each week’s presentation in the event you would like to review or in case you weren’t able to join us.

The series continues and all are welcome. There’s a place to sign up to let us know you’d like to attend on Wednesday nights on the webpage, along with all the updates here:

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/unlinked/thewaythatiswellforus.html

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10324.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10324.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143055/img1.jpg Plymouth and Pastor Lauren Cannon will be lifting thanks over the weeks ahead, as we move toward the expected ending of our intentional interim ministry time together. On March 4, we plan to celebrate and close our covenant with Lauren, who has served for over two years as our Interim Minister for Faith Formation & Service. Lauren joined Plymouth in December, 2009, to serve our church as Associate Minister until a new senior minister was settled, and the search could begin for a permanent associate pastor(s). We rejoice with Lauren as she has now accepted a call to build a Seattle-based Young Adult Service Community with the United Church of Christ! Lauren will serve as pastor to the community, through Keystone UCC in Wallingford, and the young adults will live at All Pilgrims UCC on Capitol Hill. Each participant will spend 11 months serving at a justice/advocacy organization, engage in a year of study, and share in the congregational life and leadership of a UCC church in Seattle. Get more information about the program at www.ucc.org/volunteer We look forward to celebrating together at Lauren’s expected ordination!

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10325.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10325.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120219100449/img1.jpg In her presentation, Judge Hunt will address:
1) the separation of power and how it may constrain one branch’s ability to resolve a problem;
2) how real life situations evolve so rapidly that the legislature cannot foresee the laws needed in time to regulate, thus, situations involving such things as bioethics end up in the courts’ hands for resolution; and
3) whether and how cultural differences are taken into account in the courtroom.

Judge J. Robin Hunt was elected to Division Two of the Court of Appeals in November 1996 and took office in January 1997. She was reelected in 2002 and 2008. Based in Tacoma, Division Two is an error-correcting court hearing appeals from western Washington’s county superior courts (except for King County north to the Canadian border, which counties are in Division One). Judge Hunt has authored more than 1000 majority opinions and dissents. In the past, she frequently arranged to hold court in local schools of Division Two's counties to promote greater public understanding of the appellate process. For many years, she has mentored young lawyers, new judges, and extern law students who receive credit for assisting with the court's growing workload. She has taught numerous Continuing Legal Education courses on Ethics and Appellate Practice. She currently serves on the national Executive Committee of the Council of Chief Judges of intermediate state appellate courts and chairs the newsletter committee.

Judge Hunt began the private practice of law with a litigation firm in Fairbanks, Alaska (1974-1975). She then worked as a contract attorney for a large private firm in Seattle. In 1975, newly elected King County Prosecutor Chris Bayley hired her as a deputy prosecutor in the criminal division, where she continued to serve until 1983 under the late Norm Maleng. As part of her training, she rode with law enforcement on weekend night patrols. She prosecuted all types of crimes in the trial courts, from DUI to capital murder. As senior deputy, she created a specialized appellate unit, arguing numerous cases in state and federal appellate courts. Thereafter, Judge Hunt served as Bainbridge Island Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem (1982-1993) and Hearing Examiner (1985-1996), adjudicating local land use issues and administrative appeals.

Raised in the northeast by a church organist and Corning Glass engineer, Judge Hunt graduated with a major in music from Smith College before attending Wayne State University School of Law in Detroit. After graduating with honors in 1973, she served as a law clerk for the Hon. Cornelia Kennedy, then of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (now on senior status with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals). Judge Hunt currently lives on Bainbridge Island with her husband, retired Navy Chief Art Schmidt; they enjoy kayaking, hiking, adventure travel, and movies. They have two grown sons.

Before being elected to the court, Judge Hunt served on the school board and as co-chair of a task force to oust a white supremacist group targeting the island as a “laboratory” for eradicating persons of color in the 1980s. For many years she has continued to sing with Kitsap County’s MLK Community Choir. When she retires, she hopes to return to music and to learn to play the harp.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10327.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10327.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120221095322/img1.jpg
As many of you might be aware, the annual Plymouth Men’s Retreat and Men’s Silent Retreat are happening this coming weekend over at Pilgrim Firs, our U.C.C. Conference camp and retreat center on the Kitsap Peninsula, near Port Orchard. Year after year, we see between 25 to as many as 65 Plymouth Men gather to …? ,,, to what?

Again: “What is it they do over there?”

One way to get after that answer is to start with a bit of history. In the fall of 1985, the Women of Plymouth – being generally more evolved than, and clearly a step ahead of the Plymouth Men – came up with the idea of holding the first Plymouth Women’s Retreat, led by our then Associate Pastor Liz Oettinger. They had a fabulous time of it! It worked so well, in their enthusiasm they booked an immediate followup retreat for the spring of 1986. It turned out, though, that they were not then able to use that date.

So Jon Palmason, aided and abetted by Chick Gherke (Liz’s husband) and Tom Colwell, got to thinkin’ “Heck, we can do that!” Jon, in his best Founding Father role, grabbed the reservation at Pilgrim Firs, led what planning there was, and off we went for the first Plymouth Men’s Retreat.

Getting now to the question “What is they do over there?” We had no idea!

None of us had ever done anything like this, and we got stuck for a while on the idea that, since we were, after all, Men, off by ourselves, we should probably talk about Women. That didn’t hold up real well. We do a lot of that, of course, but as a retreat anchor, it just has no staying power. We got some very able, pivotal help at that time from David Morris (husband of then Plymouth Associate Susan Yarrow-Morris) on the first several go ‘rounds, and thankfully moved on into other areas of concern and discovery.

Over the years, we figured it out. Men – again, I’m thinking the Women of Plymouth knew this about themselves from the get-go – want and need to be in relationship with each other (…but don’t say that out loud). The Women were very good at simply going off into the woods and sharing their lives, their hearts, even their souls. Men? Not so skilled.

So the pattern for the Men’s retreat became: 1) have a compelling leader, 2) come up with a reasonable program and a hopefully snappy title, 3) get everyone over there, 4) run the program, 5) make sure the program doesn’t get in the way, so that 6) we can share our lives, our hearts, even our souls, spending real time together in caring, deep relationship with other Men. For years, it was essential that no matter what else you do: DO NOT let anyone know ahead of time about step #6!
Along the way we’ve had as topics and leaders:

• “The Mundane and the Mystical: A Time for the Spirit”, w/David Morris
• “Who (or What) is God … REALLY?”, w/Hubert Locke
• “Marks of God in the Human Experience”, w/Dick Kroll
• “Relationships: with Fathers, Sons and God”, w/Tony Robinson
• “This Is Our Life”, w/Lincoln Reed
• “With what am I in love …?” w/Tom Stiers
• “A Sense of Wonder …” w/Tom Colwell

Some of the questions from our annual retreat letter, framing our explorations and leading us into discovery and into the depth of who we are and how that matters, have included:

• Living moment to moment, within the pressure cookers of family, work, responsibility, how do we see the light? How do we live the Good News? How to we live into knowing God? Living at the level of the mundane, how do we approach the mystical?
• What if it’s all happened on purpose? What if what has often seemed random and directionless in our lives is, in fact, neither? And if we have been somehow prepared and built for something, what is it?
• Spirit – Inspiration – Spirituality: What is all this? What’s the difference between Spirit and God? Is there a difference? Does it matter? What is inspiration? How do we get ourselves some? Or is it something we don’t actually go out and ‘get’ but something that somehow ‘comes’? And spirituality – what’s that about? How do we do that? Or – perhaps – how does it do us? And, what difference might all this make in our daily lives? In actually living with Spirit?
• With whom do I walk? Who or what may be calling me into purposeful transformation? Am I a disciple – if so, of what? And where is – or isn’t – Jesus in all of this?
• Who or what are those people, relationships, things, concepts, values, activities, even toys, that claim us most deeply? For what do we work, are we willing to suffer, to sacrifice? Whose voice do we hear in a crowd? And how does our faith, God, the Spirit show up in all this?
• How does “Wonder” play out – appear and move you – in your life? How am I excited and involved in life? What is my anticipation for today? ,,,for tomorrow? …for next year? …for my life? What is that inspires – in me – a life that is worth living?

Over the years we have gotten better at it. Coming into the mix, and becoming very deep parts of the experience, have been our meals together, small group time, the Human Scattergram, walks around Lake Flora, reading by the fire place, naps, softball, soccer, some golf, open fellowship time on Saturday afternoon, cards, chess, the sharing of ourselves through physical symbol, considerable laughter, silence, and some tears, music and singing … a whole lot of music and singing, and self-generated worship. All of it creating both the container and substance of Men simply being with Men. It’s been good.
The Plymouth Men’s Retreat: What is it they do over there? They go off into the woods and share their lives, their hearts, even their souls (… but, shh! … don’t tell anybody!).

--Tom Colwell



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http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10330.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10330.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120215092334/img1.jpg Plymouth Church offers “Listening to Your Life”, a season of experiences in sacred reflection leading to the transforming beauty and experience of Easter. Events offered include::

Beginning February 22, Ash Wednesday, we welcome you to a Simple Supper (Soup and bread; suggested donation $7) at 6:00 p.m. followed by Taizé Worship service beginning at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday evening from February 22 to March 21. February 22, The Labyrinth will be open 4 to 7PM. Following Worship on February 29, we will offer a special Lenten performance of Bruch's Kol Nidrei with Doug Cleveland, organ, and Roberta Downey, cello. Concert begins at 7:10 PM. Dinner begins at 6:00 and worship will follow at 6:30 prior to the concert. Labyrinth Walk, March 1, 10 AM to 2 PM. World Premiere of “A Song for Our Planet,” March 18; Sunday, 2 PM at First Baptist Church Sanctuary. This concert features 100 voices of the combined Plymouth Church and First Baptist Church choirs and chamber orchestra perform this piece commissioned jointly by the churches for Earth Day. Special Music: Buxtehude's Jesu, Mein Freude, April 1; Sunday, 9 AM. and 11 AM Worship, in the Plymouth Sanctuary. An ancient service of Tenebrae with Labyrinth Walk, April 5, 7 p.m. In Tenebrae we extinguish candles to represent the loss of light and life that precedes the resurrection. The Labyrinth will also be open from 2 p.m. to 5 pm. Easter Worship April 8, Sunday, 9 AM and 11 AM Worship featuring special music selections: Frescobaldi’s Canzona, for Brass and Organ; Rutter’s For the Beauty of the Earth, for Children’s Choir; Now the Greenblade Riseth, for Bell Choir; Beethoven’s Hallelujah, for Choir; and Widor’s Toccata (From Symphony V), for Organ. For additional details, please see the Church Calendar.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7851.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7851.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143045/img1.jpg Walk The Labyrinth
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Between 10 am and 2pm
Hildebrand Hall

Lent is a season that asks our presence, our careful attention to the events of our lives. We seek awareness of the times and places that Spirit has blessed us and reflect upon how we have been a blessing to others.

We acknowledge the difficult moments, times for which we are least grateful, considering what made those moments most difficult and uncomfortable. We hold them gently without judgment, inviting in the light of God’s love and forgiveness.

A labyrinth practice helps us realize that our lives are filled with moments of Grace. It is in the silence that we experience God’s presence within. God’s peace graces us, steadily leading us through life’s twists and turns.

Come walk the labyrinth, a tool of sacred practice that helps us find our center, connect with Spirit and reflect on our lives.

Sharon Brown, Labyrinth Facilitator

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10339.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/10339.html Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Sunday, February 19, 2012
2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
The Reverend Brigitta Remole, preaching

9:00 a.m. The Way that is Well for Us, The Transforming Spirit: Claiming Our Strengths, Lounge
9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Chapel
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Plymouth Forum, Downtown Emergency Service Center, Hildebrand Hall
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7884.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7884.html Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 The latest edition of PNC UCC News is available online! Click here to read about the new camp director, annual meeting, news briefs, new Open and Affirming churches, adopting soldiers in Afghanistan, testifying for marriage equality, Keystone UCC bringing Occupy to its neighborhood and more.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/8980.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/8980.html Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800
We recently announced “The Way That is Well For Us,” our spring discernment series in The Herald. Additional details about the event are now online (handouts of this same information are available from the church office). Also available online is the ability to reserve your place for the Wednesday Night events in February and March (dinner, worship, speaker and small group discussion). If you are not able to attend on Wednesday nights, the speaker will be videotaped and replayed during our Sunday morning sessions. Childcare and youth activities will happen at these events!

Please visit the information page online where you will find the link to reserve your place.
Although there is no registration fee, we would like a sense of how many people are coming so we can plan meals, room set-up and other details.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/unlinked/thewaythatiswellforus.html

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7839.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7839.html Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120213102648/img1.jpg The Adult Forum on Sunday February 19 will feature an update on different aspects of the important work done by the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC). For well over a decade, our church has provided considerable support of various kinds to this large, highly effective social service agency.

In the coming months, a new project will offer Plymouth members of all ages an opportunity for direct involvement in launching a facility that will bring housing, and along with it, hope, to dozens of currently homeless people. This will be our second “Adopt an Apartment” venture, similar to the one that was so successful in 2008.

On hand to give us some perspective on the organization and the problems it continues to face head on will be Bill Hobson, its Executive Director since 1988. Today DESC is a focal point for partnerships and planning efforts to end chronic homelessness in the Seattle area, serving over 7,000 people a year with emergency services, overnight shelter, mental health care, drug and alcohol treatment, and employment services. In addition, it operates over 800 units of permanent supportive housing.

Bill Hobson’s leadership and contributions helped DESC to receive a “Best Practice” award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an “Exemplary Program” award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and two awards for “Excellence in Affordable Housing” from the MetLife and Enterprise Foundations. In 2005, the Washington State Coalition for the Homeless named Bill its “Advocate of the Year,” and in 2006 Seattle Magazine identified him as one of its “26 Most Influential.” The intervening years have brought both DESC and Mr. Hobson numerous additional accolades.

Plan to be among those who will get a sense of how one vital organization is responding to seemingly overwhelming challenges, and learn as well about the role Plymouth can play in helping to bring a new low-income housing project to life!

—Bill Zook

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7882.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7882.html Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120213103910/img1.jpg Downtown Emergency Service Center
Connecting Seattle’s most vulnerable men
and women to homes, health and community

Aurora Supportive Housing Move-in Kit Drive
Sponsored by Plymouth Congregational Church on behalf of DESC

DESC will create 87 units of affordable housing with supportive services for homeless men and women living with mental illness at 10507 Aurora Ave. N. due to open December, 2012.

In January 2011, DESC was awarded funding from the City of Seattle and King County to build a new housing development at 10507 Aurora Avenue N., (formerly Cyndy’s House of Pancakes). Construction of the building commenced in October, 2011.

DESC is one of the largest multi-service agencies serving homeless adults in the Pacific Northwest, reaching more than 7,000 people annually. Programs include emergency shelter, mental healthcare, drug and alcohol treatment and 800 units of permanent supportive housing.

DESC is uniquely qualified to work with our community’s chronically homeless men and women because it is the only agency in Washington dedicated to serving homeless adults that is also a state-licensed provider of both mental health care and chemical dependency treatment. Supportive housing combines the traditional roles of “landlord” and “counselor” under one roof. DESC’s housing projects feature on-site support 24-7, including state-licensed mental health case managers.

In 2008, Plymouth Church partnered with DESC to provide move-in-kits for all 50 Rainier House residents.

Now you are invited to join us in providing move-in kits for 45 Aurora Supportive Housing residents by “adopting an apartment”. For more information and to adopt an apt. please contact Barbara Campbell at Campbellbk2@comcast.net.

Thank you!

DESC: Opening doors to end homelessness. The Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) provides effective and affordable solutions to homelessness for our community’s most vulnerable men and women through a nationally recognized interwoven network of care, housing, and support. For more information about other DESC efforts, please see www.desc.org . Thank you!

—Barbara Campbell

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7883.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7883.html Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120213105741/img1.jpg "Exploring nonviolence in everyday life; learning to build real connections with people that don't agree with us." Our workshop trainer, Rosy Betz-Zall, works with the Fellowship of Reconciliation and is part of the Washington Peace Team. She will guide our thinking and activities as we explore and learn. Sign up now for this Workshop opportunity.

When: Saturday, February 25, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in the lounge at Plymouth

Cost: $5.00 for program, parking (come early) & lunch (scholarships available, nobody turned away).

This opportunity is presented in honor of & through the bequest of Alice Carle, long time member of Plymouth's Peace Action Group.

RSVP: Janet Perry (206/382-3668) or Adele Reynolds (206/937-9757).

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7885.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7885.html Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120213113245/img1.jpg It’s time to plan activities for Plymouth's "Eco Power" Ministry Team. What shall we do for Earth Day (April 22), which falls on Sunday this year? How can we expand on last year's successful CSA program (Community Supported Agriculture, delivering fresh vegetables from a local farm right to church)? What other ideas are calling you? We are scheduling four meetings in hopes that everyone interested can make at least a couple of them. —Tad Anderson

Sunday, March 11, 10:00-10:50 a.m., Room 323
Sunday, March 11, 12:15-1:15 p.m. ,Room 323
Tuesday, April 10, 5:15-6:00 p.m., Lounge
Sunday April 15, 12:15-1:15 p.m., Room 323

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7886.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7886.html Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120213113622/img1.jpg We welcome Dr. Wanda Griffiths as our new Assistant Organist and Assistant Choir Director. Wanda has been a professional church musician since a young age, holding her first organist position at the age of fifteen in Topeka, Kansas, where she grew up. Wanda has served a number of congregations over the years as organist and Director of Music, including holding the position of Principal Organist at the Claremont United Church of Christ in Claremont, California. She comes to us from Edmonds United Methodist Church where for the past six months she was Interim Director of Music & Arts and Principal Organist. Prior to last July, she was Associate Director of Music & Arts and Organist for the past eleven years at Edmonds United Methodist.

Wanda brings a wealth of skills to our growing music program. A gifted organist and accompanist, she is an experienced choral and hand bell director and has many years of experience as an educator and administrator. She has led workshops on many facets of church music over the years. Wanda loves playing hymns and helping choirs bring the great anthems of the church to life through her organ accompaniments. She also enjoys performing as part of a Duo Organ team with her duo organ partner Stephen Marshall-Ward.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organ Performance and Music Education from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, a Master of Music Degree in Organ Performance from the University of Southern California, and a Ph.D. in Musicology from Claremont Graduate University. She has taught at the University of Washington, California State Los Angeles, Eureka College, and is currently part of the Affiliate Faculty at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett where she teaches Music Theory and Music History. She is also currently the Minister of Music at the Green Lake Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Seattle.

—Dr. Douglas Cleveland

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7887.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7887.html Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120215120828/img1.jpg Be a part of the most exciting and rewarding preaching festival in 2012. Three days of rich, powerful, fun and refreshing preaching, workshops, and worship.

Open to seasoned preachers, seminary students, and lay people, the festival is not your typical run-of-the mill festival. Attendees have plenty of occasions to mix and mingle informally or formally with presenters and guest preachers as well as build relationships with new and old colleagues.

The 2012 theme is “Preaching in a Time of Sea Change.”Location: Plymouth Congregational Church, Seattle

Download this flyer for more details or visit the registration website by clicking here.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7902.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7902.html Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800
Monday, February 13, 2012 7:30pm Sanctuary

Join the Seattle Men's Chorus and the Seattle Women's Chorus in the Plymouth sanctuary this Monday evening, February 13 at 7:30pm to celebrate Gov. Gregoire's signing of the Marriage Equality Act into law. Rev. Brigitta Remole will officially welcome those gathered. Both chorus' will perform musical selections. Seattle City Council President, Sally Clark will speak. State Senator Ed Murray will call in with greetings. All Plymouth members and friends are welcome.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7879.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7879.html Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120213121257/img1.jpg The church building will be closed on February 20, 2012, in honor of Presidents' Day. The office will will open on Tuesday, February 21, at 8:30 a.m.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7888.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7888.html Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 News from the Children, Youth and Family Blog

Today we begin "The Way That Is Well For Us" discernment series. It is an open invitation to all members and friends of Plymouth to listen and dream together with the spirit of God as we look to future. It is in community that the spirit's stirrings are heard and affirmed. In thinking about this process and the need for our community to dive into the deep together I stumbled across this short video reflection with Jean Vanier. In it he discusses Jesus's dinner instructions and experiencing the presence of God amongst human communion.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7878.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7878.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142838/img1.jpg The Bible is deeply concerned with justice. The Hebrew word mishpat, variously translated as justice, judgment, righteousness, law, or regulation, appears in the Old Testament over 400 times. In the New International Version, mishpat is translated as justice about 125 times.

All people are admonished to do justice, but the king has a unique obligation to do justice. Having studied Biblical justice for two decades, Washington Supreme Court Justice Charlie Wiggins will share with us his views on justice and the relevance of these texts in the United States in 2012.

Justice Charlie Wiggins was elected to the Supreme Court in 2010 and is now one of the nine justices hearing cases touching on all aspects of life and law in Washington State. Justice Wiggins was admitted to practice law in 1976, working for 18 years in a small law firm in Seattle, serving on the Court of Appeals, and founding his own law firm on Bainbridge Island, where his practice was almost exclusively devoted to handling civil appeals.

As the son of a career warrant officer, Justice Wiggins grew up in the army, attending school in Venezuela, Georgia, Alabama, New York, and France by the time he finished high school. With the help of a ROTC scholarship Justice Wiggins was able to attend Princeton University, where he graduated Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. He spent the next four years in the Army Military Intelligence Corps, leaving as a Captain. In his spare time he attended night school, earning a Masters Degree in Business Administration. The G.I. Bill assisted Justice Wiggins in attending Duke Law School, where he graduated in 1976.

In 1983 Justice Wiggins met his wife, Nancy, on a commuter ferry boat from Bainbridge Island to Seattle. They were married in 1985 and in 1987 had their first child, Amy. Three years later they welcomed their son Sam. In 2009 Sam graduated from Bainbridge High School and Amy from Wheaton College.

Justice Wiggins was raised in the Presbyterian tradition. He and his wife attend Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church on Bainbridge Island, where they were married and their children were baptized. He has served as an elder, taught Sunday School to every age from 5 to 100, and helped lead the church youth group on five trips to build houses in Tijuana and two trips to work with Habitat in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Please welcome Justice Wiggins to Plymouth this Sunday, February 12, at 10:00 a.m. in Hildebrand Hall.

—Adult Education Board




http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7798.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7798.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142817/img1.jpg On January 8 the Youth Forum kicked off the 2nd Festival of Epiphany with the story of Jesus’ baptism. It was a fitting beginning for the three week music, dance, and arts festival centered around the theme of the upcoming Youth Forum mission trip to Guatemala. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus emerged from the water, blessed and commissioned to ministry by the spirit of God. This Sunday, we join with the spirit of God in the blessing and commissioning our youth on their journey to Antigua, Guatemala.

For several months the Youth Forum has been dreaming and preparing for this trip. They have spent time learning about the effects of the extensive civil war in Guatemala. They have familiarized themselves with current events in Guatemala. The youth have been brushing up on Spanish skills, getting their immunization shots, and studying cultural nuances. You may have seen youth selling coffee or shares as a part of their fundraising effort.

All of their preparation speaks to their desire to be intentional. During the Festival of Epiphany I asked the youth, “What are your hopes and expectations for the mission? What do you hope to receive and to share while you are there?” I wanted to hear about their intentions for this journey and was encouraged by their responses.

In a recent message to the youth the Mallorys applied faith to these same intention stirring questions, "How does going to Guatemala bring us closer to God? What does it mean that we are a Christian youth group going to Guatemala? What is our mission?” These questions call on the youth to dig a little deeper.

This Sunday’s epistle includes a singular line from the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth that grabs my attention as I consider the Youth Forum commissioning. “Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.” Paul implores the church in Corinth to be intentional about their dedication in partaking in the good news of Christ. That with clarity and determination they live into the freedom of Christ that enables them to serve others. For Paul, the way of Christ is meant to be pursued with purpose.

On February 12 at the 11:00 a.m. service we will unite our hearts in commissioning our youth on their journey to Guatemala. Let us be intentional in our commissioning of the youth. Let us engage them in dialogue about their expectations, hopes, and intentions. Let us hold in prayer our youth and the Guatemalan people they work alongside. Let us bless each of our young people by name. And may their preparation, their wrestling with the deep questions, inspire us to intentionally dive deep into our own faith formation. —Brandon Duran

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7832.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7832.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Are you interested in embarking on a spiritual journey into compassion? Are you interested in participating in a faith formation program that empowers people of faith to develop a passion and thirst for God’s justice? An introduction to JustFaith's ecumenical small group program is being offered to all (free) at Plymouth Church UCC, Seattle at 7-9 p.m. on Friday, February 17. The national Executive Director of JustFaith Ministries and author of the JustFaith curriculum, Jack Jezreel will lead the program for the evening. He is a popular national speaker and justice educator, holds a Master of Divinity degree from Notre Dame, spent six years in a Catholic Worker Community, and has been involved with parish-based justice ministry for 25 years. JustFaith can help you and your church learn to live the Gospel in ways that respond to the world’s needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore some new possibilities for your life, your church, your heart! The Church Council of Greater Seattle and The Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Seattle have arranged this ecumenical evening of Inspiration and Faith. Register now for the Friday evening program at 206/382-4580. Enter the Plymouth Garage bewteen 6:00-6:55 p.m. only. You may exit the garage at any time.

—Adele Reynolds

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7833.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7833.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143234/img1.jpg Music Notes

As the music director at Plymouth Church, I want to express how important the children’s music ministry is to the overall music program of the church. Many of you know the work of Rosemary Hashimoto through the children’s chapel and I am thrilled that Rosemary has volunteered to direct the children’s choir. You can see by her biography below that she has a wealth of experience and will bring a wealth of music knowledge to the children. Please join me in welcoming her to Plymouth! —Doug Cleveland

“I have been a member of Plymouth for five years and have served as a Sunday school teacher, co-leader of the study group, Companions in Christ, New Member Board, Children and Youth Board, Women’s Retreat co-leader and a song leader for both children and adults. And now, I am honored to direct Plymouth’s wonderful Children’s Choir.

“My love of music began at home and in the church. As a Methodist minister’s daughter, I was steeped in hymns, choral music and camp songs of the church. I learned to play the piano and French horn, eventually majoring in music education in college, earning both a B.A. (WSU) and M.A.(UW) I went on to teach elementary and junior high choral music for over twenty years in both public and private schools in Washington (Mercer Island, Spokane, Puyallup) and Oregon (Portland and Eugene). In addition to directing choirs and musicals in the schools, I directed church children’s choirs in both Colorado and Portland. Since retiring from teaching, I have taught piano in my home for five years.

“Today, the melodies and words of my early years in the church arise out of my very being, even as I live my daily life. What an invaluable gift I was given. As director of the children’s choir, I’d like to teach music and words which will speak to the children throughout their lives. I’d like them to know how important they are to us…that through the music of their voices, God’s love can be felt and heard.”

—Rosemary Hashimoto























































































http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7834.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7834.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120214100838/img1.jpg In a little over a week the Youth Forum will journey to Guatemala to work along side farmers and hospital staff in an effort to share cultures and experience a different way of life. After service February 12th the Youth Forum will be selling shares and direct trade coffee from the plantation we will be working at in Guatemala. Now you can also donate online! Shares will also be available to purchase online while we are in Guatemala by visiting http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/donate/. Select from these options on the donate page:


• $30 Shareholder (Receive a shareholder report and attend lunch hosted by YF.)
• $45 Backer (Receive an “I supported YF custom t-shirt” in addition to shareholder.)
• $75 Contributor (Receive a limited edition button in addition to Backer.
• $100 Investor (Receive autographed movie of YF’s Mission Trip including before and after interviews of teens and video of our Guatemalan experiences in addition to Contributor.)
• $300 Angel (Join a few others at a YF home for a delicious dinner and talk one-on-one with youth who traveled to Guatemala in addition to Investor.


Please support Plymouth youth and purchase a share! All shareholders receive a report and are invited to lunch with the teens who will describe their adventures and what they have learned. Thank you for your help, without your generous support, we could not offer this once in a lifetime opportunity to our youth!

Thank you!
--Robin Mallory

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7835.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7835.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Come hear Brenda Portman, Concert Organist, in recital at Plymouth on Sunday, February 12, 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Brenda Portman is the Resident Organist at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church in Cincinnati. She has won first prizes in the Bank District British/American International Organ Competition in London, the Arthur Poister Competition and the Albert Schweitzer Organ Competition. Brenda received her Master’s degree in organ from Northwestern University, where she studied with Douglas Cleveland.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7836.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7836.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 The Southeast Seattle Neighborhood meets at the home of Angela Deppe and Dan Landes on Saturday, February 25, at 5:00 p.m. We’ll enjoy a potluck supper together. Please call Angela and Dan to let them know you’re coming, and what you will bring (206/860-7326).

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7837.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7837.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Sunday, February 12, 2012
2 Kings 5:1-14, John 1:29-42

Services at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel
and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
The Reverend Brigitta Remole, preaching

Commissioning of Youth Mission Trip to Guatemala at the 11:00 a.m. Service


9:00 a.m. The Way that is Well for Us, Our One Wild and Precious Life, Lounge
9:50 a.m. Sunday School Gathering, Lounge
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Plymouth Forum, Supreme Court Justice Charlie Wiggins, Hildebrand Hall
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour, Lounge
12:15 p.m. Inquirers Class, Room 111
2:00 p.m. Organ Concert, Sanctuary

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7840.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7840.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143055/img1.jpg I invite you to help me lift up some of those who are often most quiet and humble in our midst. On Sunday February 5, one could easily pass right by these devoted faithful seekers and teachers. In fact many of these folks see their role as accompanier more than teacher. These are our mentors who have volunteered to share conversation on a monthly basis with our 7th and 8th grade youth. These are also our teachers who offer weekly teaching with our Confirmation class. These are our parents who model their faith daily, and who often tackle the toughest questions (sometimes hour by hour!) On Sunday February 5, we could ask all of these accompaniers to wear bright badges so we might all extend our thanks to them. But they so often quietly say that it is they themselves who lift thanks that they walk with enriched faith as a result of offering service with our youth.

You can begin to see that our thanks are not about simply cheering for one of our own Plymouth programs. This is not a shout out for an insular or inwardly focused part of our Plymouth life. We are joyful for those called to accompany, and we recognize them, because they offer a concentrated investment in that which ripples beyond our church over time. One could easily miss glimpsing how this works on a typical Confirmation/Mentor monthly brunch Sunday. On February 5, you might swing down the second floor at 12:15 pm. There you will find a room brimming with those helping to grow disciples who will usher out in to the world from Plymouth. In Room 221-223, you will find quite a crew of folks enjoying a lively intergenerational potluck lunch together, with conversation and games. You will see a mentor for each of our eleven 8th grade Confirmation students, and our confirmation teaching team. At 12:30-1:30 p.m., the parents head to the Chapel for a class with Rev. Brandon Duran and myself, as we discuss Martin Copenhaver’s book, To Begin at the Beginning: An Introduction to the Christian Faith. The mentors match up with the 8th grade Confirmands to talk about prepared questions. The 7th grade Confirmands and siblings of Confirmands get to spend time with teachers, and childcare supports our younger ones.

On February 5, let us especially celebrate our 7th and 8th grade confirmands as they are accompanied by Rev. Brandon Duran, our teachers, mentors, and faithful parents. Before they are in the spotlight on May 20, lets lift them in our prayers this month. And when you are approached later this year to consider sharing your faith with our youth for a future Confirmation class- say yes, and know your own faith journey stands to be challenged and enlivened!

—Lauren Cannon

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7767.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7767.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 At our PAG meeting after the 11:00 service on February 5 we will continue learning about the needs of veterans and the organizations that seek to help them. We as a nation have sent them into war, and now they have returned as changed people. What helps them to adjust? What helps them heal? How can we help?

Our special guest on February 5 is Kelly Wadsworth Hansen. Kelly is an Ordained Presbyterian Minister and currently serves as a Chaplain at Providence Mt. St. Vincent in West Seattle. She served as an Army Chaplain from 2001 - 2011, which included a deployment to Iraq in '08-'09 with the Washington State Army National Guard. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and a native of Seattle. Rev. Kelly has served in congregations, the VA hospital, and Joint Base Lewis McChord. She is passionate about the spiritual needs of veterans and how local faith communities are instrumental in that process.If you missed the November 13 Adult Forum, "Healing from War" you may want to listen from our Plymouthchurchseattle.org web site.

Please join us February 5, 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Room 321.

—Adele Reynolds for the Peace Action Group

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7768.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7768.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Share your love for God's Blessed and act on your compassion for Washingtonians in need. Participate in Interfaith Lobby Day this year on February 14 in Olympia.

Join this ecumenical gathering of the faithful who go annually to learn about current issues and bills which affect so many low-income people in our state. Listen to several elected officials speak about the needs and possibilities and attend workshops about the issues. Then meet with your own representatives face to face to urge them to support your choice of legislation and budget management.

Register at FANWA.org. $20 by January 31 or $25 by February 1 or later. Please contact Adele Reynolds (206/937-9757) or Glenda Carper (206/243-0152) for more information and to plan to carpool.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7769.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7769.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Resolve conflicts in our families, church, workplace & community — without violence.

Build real connections with people with whom we disagree!

YOU are invited to a Workshop on Saturday, February 25 in the Lounge at Plymouth. Explore nonviolence in everyday life; learn to build real connections with people with whom you disagree.

Rosy Betz-Zall, our professional trainer with over 20 years experience, works with Fellowship of Reconciliation and is part of is part of the Washington Peace Team. She will guide our thinking and activities as we explore and learn to use nonviolence in our everyday lives.

When: Saturday, February 25, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Plymouth

Cost: What a deal! $5.00 for program, parking and lunch (scholarships available, nobody turned away).
This opportunity is presented in honor of & through the bequest of Alice Carle, long time member of Plymouth's Peace Action Group.

Sign up now in the church office or contact Janet Perry (206/382-3668) or Adele Reynolds (206/937-9757).

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7770.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7770.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142946/img1.gif What to Plymouth Housing Group, Recovery Café, DESC, Frye Art Museum, Seattle Opera and Richard Hugo House have in common? It’s Path With Art, a most amazing organization that “…provides marginalized adults the opportunity to engage in the creative process as a unique means to improve and rebuild their lives.”

Path with Art began as a group of committed volunteers teaching art classes at a homeless shelter in Seattle. In 2007, after witnessing the life-affirming effects of the creative process in a group setting, founders Laurel Doody and Deborah Blake formalized the program and established PWA as a non-profit organization. Today it is recognized as a unique local organization dedicated to leveraging sustainable partnerships that aid in the delivery of quality arts-based programming to adults working to improve their lives. It brings together arts organizations, social service providers and artists, to enhance the lives of our community’s most vulnerable citizens. Currently, Path with Art offers 20 classes, facilitates 12 local Access Art outings, and hosts two exhibits celebrating students’ work each year.

Path with Art takes the excellent work of its social service partners a step further by embracing the concept that food and housing are not enough for adults to regain and maintain stability. PWA programs encourage social and emotional development, civic engagement, and the personal growth necessary to help participants to get on the path to a more stable life.

On Sunday, February 5th we have the privilege of having Deborah Blake, the co-founder and Executive Director of Path With Art, and one of the students, Sung Jin Han, presenting at the Adult Forum. Deborah has a BA from Antioch University, and her own powerful experience around engaging in the creative process which led to forming Path With Art. Do be sure to join us for this forum where you, too will have the opportunity to experience how art can transform lives. If you can’t be present, check out the PWA website, www.pathwithart.org to see what you missed.

—Bob Almquist, Adult Education Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7772.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7772.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 “Today I learned that King County has been hosting a celebration for Dr. King for 25 years. I have been going for the last three years because usually I go to Garfield. Anyway, Dow Constantine was one of the keynote speakers, and he talked about King visiting in 1961, the only time he visited Seattle. King had an engagement to speak at another venue, but at the last minute they canceled their offer...Constantine spoke about a church that stepped up to the plate and told King to come to their congregation to speak. Yes, that church was Plymouth, on 6th and University. That made me proud to be an employee of an organization that stood up to the fear of others and did what they thought was right. I just wanted you all to know what I learned about Plymouth today.”



—Claudette K. Thomas, Housing Case Manager, Plymouth Housing Group





http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7773.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7773.html Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Doesn’t it feel good to be out of interim time? It has been a long haul, and while important ministry has continued, we are looking forward to a renewed sense of direction. To this end, we are asking the congregation to participate in a discernment process entitled “The Way that is Well For Us”, which will determine priorities for Plymouth beginning this fall.

Only God knows what our priorities will be. Our job in the next 3-4 months is to quiet ourselves to listen and hear the voice of God, both individually and collectively.

The Way that is Well For Us is not a strategic planning effort. We are not developing the next 5 year plan for Plymouth, or even the “next big thing.” However, this is an opportunity for us to listen for the voice of God and to the voices of one another to determine short term priorities beginning this fall. As we do so, you may be anxious, worried, jaded, skeptical, relieved, invigorated, renewed, reflective….. All of these are to be expected. Just as during the search process, we need to trust one another and God.

There will be several ways we will listen for God’s call. We will begin with a preaching series over the next few months. The Leadership Retreat on February 4 will begin to delve into this journey, featuring Diana Butler Bass via Skype presenting research and analysis from her latest book, Christianity After Religion. Additionally, there will be three Wednesday evenings in February (8, 15, 22) and three Wednesday evenings in March (7, 14, 21) with a similar format to last fall’s study groups. This will include dinner, worship, guest speakers such as the Reverend Mike Denton, Pacific Northwest UCC Conference Minister, video presentations, and small group work. Following each Wednesday night, a similar program will be offered Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:30 a.m. The format will mirror Wednesdays, except for the meal and worship. The presentations each Wednesday will also be videotaped and put on the Plymouth website.

In April, there will be an opportunity for the congregation to meet and talk about ideas that have arisen from this time of discernment. Our intent is to conduct this meeting using the principles of Gracious Space. At the All Church Retreat (May 4-6), we will finalize our priorities to inform the staff, Congregational Council, Boards, Committees, and Ministry Teams for their work for the fall.

We are looking for as much input as possible, whether through attendance on Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings, reading and responding on the website, or engaging with each other. Our hope is that all will have the chance to participate. There will be ongoing communication in various forms along the way, and is meant to be open and transparent.

Get ready to prepare your hearts and minds for discerning where God is leading and transforming us!

Rev. Brigitta Remole
Bob Turner, Moderator
Susan Ford, Incoming Vice-Moderator

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7760.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7760.html Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Congratulations to the latest recipients of Plymouth's Inspiration Grant! Last month, these organizations were granted $2,000.00 each by the Community Service and Social Action Board with the money funded from you, Plymouth members. We have many hard working Plymouth volunteers in our midst making a positive difference in our communities and beyond. Inspiration Grants are given once a year at the end of each calendar year. Applications and information can be found on the Plymouth website or by inquiring at the office.

In no particular order, the Plymouth recipients and their organizations are:

Mari Mitchell-Putnam for Elizabeth Gregory House

Sarah Parkhurst for Baby Boutique

Betsy Hale for iLeap: Center for Critical Service

Madeline Beery for Wits Medical School: Siyakhana Food Project

Tad Anderson, Bruce Shilling and Chris Sanders for Earth Ministry

Mary Stevens for Youth Suicide Prevention Program

Becky Colwell for Imagine Scholar

Terry Probst for Community Day School Association

Lois Duncan for One by One

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7761.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7761.html Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Spurred to action by the realities of the Vietnam War, the Plymouth Peace Action Group (PAG) began, urging peaceful rather than aggressive or violent solutions to issues of governance, peace vs. war, law enforcement, environmental interactions. Our outreach has been largely through posters, sign and banner display, marches, Herald articles, telephone calls and petitions to public officials, and in classes at Plymouth University. Yet, conflict, aggression and violence continue. We are all affected by the presence of the behaviors and attitudes of "me vs. you", "us vs. them," "win vs. lose" in our society as well as in our daily lives. Where is harmony in the midst of this discord? As people of faith how do we address these issues? How do we engage those of opposite points of view? How can we invite discussion with persons whose views differ radically from our own? Are there ways of creating bridges to understanding? Of coming to common ground?

Watch the Herald for details about our upcoming workshop on February 25 on active, compassionate ways to resolve differences. —Medora Moburg for the PAG

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7762.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7762.html Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 There is no substitute for community when it comes to preventing crime, responding to disasters, enhancing our health and happiness, caring for one another and our planet, creating a vibrant democracy, and advancing social justice. Strong communities are needed now more than ever due to the current economic and environmental crises. Yet, our communities and our democracy have also been in decline for some time. Government, non-profits and other institutions that are seeking to help are inadvertently contributing to that decline.

Based on his 35 years of community work in Seattle, Jim Diers will share lessons for building broad and inclusive community participation. He will emphasize the power of focusing on the strengths rather than the needs of individuals and their neighborhoods. Jim will share stories of hope from his international travels to illustrate what is possible when individuals and institutions rediscover the power of community.

Jim Diers has a passion for getting people engaged with their communities and in the decisions that affect their lives. Since moving to Seattle in 1976, he put that passion to work for a direct-action neighborhood association, a community development corporation, a community foundation, and the nation’s largest health care cooperative. He was appointed the first director of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods in 1988 where he served under three mayors over the next 14 years.

Currently, Jim teaches courses in community organizing and development at the University of Washington and serves on the faculty of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute. He travels internationally to deliver speeches, present workshops, and provide technical assistance to community associations, non-profit organizations, and government.

Jim received a BA and an honorary doctorate from Grinnell College. His work in the Department of Neighborhoods was recognized with an Innovations Award from the Kennedy School of Government, a Full Inclusion Award from the American Association on Developmental Disabilities, and the Public Employee of the Year Award from the Municipal League of King County. Jim’s book, Neighbor Power: Building Community the Seattle Way, is available in both English and Chinese editions.

Come to the Forum this Sunday, January 29, 10:00 a.m. in Hildebrand Hall. —Adult Education Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7763.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7763.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143005/img1.jpg As people of faith, we are called to be good stewards of God’s creation. But how do we live out that calling in practical terms? Over the past eight years, a powerful approach has emerged in Washington State whereby the leadership of diverse environmental organizations come together to agree on just three or four policy goals for each legislative session. The name for this statewide effort is the Environmental Priorities Coalition. Uniting to promote a few critical bills has proven far more effective than bringing dozens of proposals, each backed by a small constituency.

Earth Ministry is the leading voice of the faith community within the Environmental Priorities Coalition. Therefore, we are delighted to welcome Earth Ministry’s Executive Director, LeeAnne Beres, to this week’s Forum. LeeAnne will discuss the history of the Coalition’s efforts, the process by which each year’s priorities are selected, and then delve into the vision and strategy behind this year’s priorities.

Given the current era of devastating budget cuts, two of the priorities are defensive in nature. “Pollution-Free Prosperity” seeks to prevent attacks on existing environmental programs and regulations. “Fulfill Our Clean Energy Initiative” seeks to preserve our state’s commitment to renewable energy targets as established in I-937, passed by Washington voters in 2006. These targets have both saved money and led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions — one of the only bright spots in the climate policy arena. The third priority, “Toxic-Free Kids,” represents another step in a long-standing battle to eliminate toxic compounds from everyday products, with a focus on those that are known to harm children. In this arena, Washington State has played a leadership role in the past and could do so again with the passage of this legislation.

LeeAnne Beres is well qualified to explain these policies. She has a Master’s degree in Marine Fisheries Management from the University of Washington, a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Whitman College, and 20 years of experience working on environmental issues in the Seattle area. Prior to coming to Earth Ministry, she served as the Associate Director for Save Our Wild Salmon, Outreach Director of the NW Energy Coalition, and did organizing work with the Marine Fish Conservation Network and Greenpeace. She also survived two years working as a fisheries biologist on commercial fishing boats in the Bering Sea. She has been a board member of the Washington Environmental Council, the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited, and the NW Energy Coalition.

Earth Ministry is the recipient of a 2011 Inspiration Grant from Plymouth Church. This grant was awarded in honor of the many ways that Plymouth and Earth Ministry have partnered over the years and to encourage the deepening of that partnership in the years to come. Please come to the Forum this Sunday, January 22, 10:00 a.m. in the Lounge.
For further information see http://www.earthministry.org and http://environmentalpriorities.org/
—Tad Anderson, Adult Education Board



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7714.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7714.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143025/img1.jpg Happy New Year! As we begin another new year, it is a good time to both look ahead, and just as importantly, review the year that just passed. Given that, I wanted to provide an update on what our BeFriender Ministry did at the end of 2011, and where we are going in the months ahead.

The BeFriender Ministry trains volunteers, who in turn can provide a listening presence for members during times of transition. This is a national ecumenical organization that provides leadership training and program support for a listening ministry of lay pastoral care. Plymouth has had a BeFriender Ministry for approximately six years. Our ministry has gotten smaller over the last few years, due in part to so much transition here.

This fall, we were able to join forces with University UCC, and had our first combined training. The beauty of this collaboration was utilizing those from both churches who could teach. We had pastors Amy Roon and Peter Ilgenfritz each teach a session, as well as two other member volunteers from “U Cong”, and the Plymouth crew of Terry Propst, Jocelyn Coit-Durland and me. What resulted was a rich and diverse training that had breadth and depth. We also had a lively group of participants from both churches, and some from Bellevue UCC as well, sixteen total participants, with nine total leader/trainers. The ten sessions concluded in November.

Later this month we will continue to work with our eight trained volunteers from Plymouth as they discern their role in this ministry. Ultimately, we will commission those who feel a calling to this ministry at this time in their lives. Please look for that, hopefully in March! Thanks be to God.

—June Hayakawa-Fung, Parish Nurse

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7715.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7715.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Seattle faith communities stand together for social and economic justice. January 21 marks the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which gave corporations the same free speech rights as individual citizens. This is considered an outrage by ordinary citizens who are unable to compete with corporations in buying air time for campaign ads. Occupy Seattle, in collaboration with Move to Amend, Common Cause, People for the American Way, and nine other organizations is staging a rally outside the US District Courthouse at 700 Stewart Street at 11:00 on January 20 to protest this corruption of our democracy by corporate money and influence. There will also be a rally at Westlake Park on January 21, followed by a march to the Federal Building at 915 Second Ave. As people of faith, we are called upon to actively oppose laws that are unjust. Let us stand together with all our brothers and sisters in faith. Contact Lauren Cannon (lcannon@plymouthchurchseattle.org) or Jonathan Tong (tongjm@comcast.net or 425/489-0354) or for more details.

"Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people". (Isaiah 10:1-2)

—Adele Reynolds, Social Justice Action Group

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7717.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7717.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 We're totally excited that Plymouth has agreed to have Occupy Seattle (OS) hold some of its working group* meetings at Plymouth. We are looking for Plymouth members who want to hostess/monitor (be a Plymouth presence at) the meetings. Although we don't expect that it will be needed, we are recommending that 'hosts' have some background in de-escalation, so training will available & recommended. If you want to go to the training, contact Adele Reynolds at 206/937-9757 adelereynolds@netscape.net

Happily Sara Markx, (a certified trainer who works at DESC) has offered to do a free de-escalation training for Plymouth folk who might want to serve as 'Plymouth Hosts' for this sort of working group meeting. For Sara the most convenient time would be after her work day Tu, W or Th. We will work out the date/time depending on who will be attending. —Lauren Cannon

* These groups meet regularly to seek solutions to whatever problem they are addressing (for example: Get Money Out Of Politics). More information & full schedule of OS meetings is at www.occupyseattle.org, click on Schedule

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7718.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7718.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143254/img1.jpg You may have noticed a big, leafless dogwood tree in the foyer. It was donated to us by Susan Ford and Geoff Ogle for a very special purpose.

The first day of Epiphany was Friday, January 6. This is the day the three Magi visited the baby Jesus and brought him gifts, and by so doing, revealed Jesus to the world as lord and king. Epiphany is the season of enlightenment and hope.

And thus, the dogwood tree, representing the season of giving and hope to the women and children of the Church of Mary Magdalene and Mary’s Place, the recipient of the 2011 Change Grant, $35,000 given each year for three years.

Mary’s Place is a day shelter serving homeless and formerly homeless women and their children. It is the only day shelter that accepts women with children without a referral from another agency. It is a place where women regain their dignity, experience love and find hope. The Church of Mary Magdalene is the church and spiritual support for the women, working in close partnership with Mary’s Place.

And back to epiphany with the dogwood tree, again! You can help bring hope by filling the tree with the gift of socks. Any color, any size. For the next three Sundays bring a pair or two pairs of socks and hang them on the tree with the special hooks (clothes pins) provided in the basket next to the tree. The women and children always need socks, especially in the wet and cold winters of the Northwest. Help keep the women and their children warm and dry. Celebrate Epiphany by giving them the gift of hope and love. Show you care, fill up the tree! Thank you.

—Barbara Campbell

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7719.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7719.html Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143224/img1.jpg Richard Morrill is an urban demographer who taught for many years at the University of Washington's Department of Geography, along with courses in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Public Affairs, Demography and Health Services. He joins us this Sunday, January 15, at 10:00 a.m. in Hildebrand Hall to talk with us about how demographics will affect Seattle’s (and Plymouth’s) future.

A Los Angeles native, born in 1934, his father was a city engineer and his mother was a librarian and teacher. He was accepted at Dartmouth, where he discovered the discipline of Geography. After his BA in 1955, he moved to Seattle to work on his MA and PhD at the University of Washington, beginning his teaching career in 1955. After his PhD in 1959 he took his first job at Northwestern University. In 1960-1961 he obtained a grant to do research in Sweden, and spent a year there.

His doctoral work was in transportation and medical geography. Opportunities and interests led him in additional directions, notably population distribution and migration, and two aspects of political geography: electoral districting and local government and regional planning, with a strong and continuing interest in inequality. In recent years he has taught population geography, geography of inequality, location and movement models, multivariate analysis in geography, urban geography, history and philosophy of geography, and political geography. You can read several articles by Professor Morrill at www.crosscut.com

He and his wife, Joanne, live on Capitol Hill.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7680.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7680.html Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 "Recapturing Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Revolutionary Spirit" all day on January 16. Starting at Garfield High School, there will be workshops (9:30 - 11:00 a.m.), a rally (11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), followed by a march from Garfield High School to the Federal Building.

Lunch will be provided free at Garfield's Cafeteria, following the march.

See details at: http://www.mlkseattle.org/ and email wwfor@wwfor.org for more information about how you can be involved. Please join us!

"The problem of racism, the problem of economic exploitation, and the problem of war are all tied together. These are the triple evils that are interrelated."
—Martin Luther King, Jr.

"A nation that continues...to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death."
—Martin Luther King, Jr.

—Adele Reynolds, Social Justice Action Group

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7681.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7681.html Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142956/img1.jpg I’m excited to announce that on Saturday, January 21, Hal Hopson, one of America’s leading church musicians and composers will be coming to Plymouth Church to lead an all-day sacred music workshop entitled: “Keepers of Song.” The event is sponsored by Plymouth Church, First Presbyterian in Snohomish, the Presbytery of North Puget Sound, the American Choral Directors Association, and the American Guild of Organists. The event is open to all members of Plymouth Church free of charge.

The one-day event is for music directors, organists, pastors, choir members, worship committees, and all who love sacred music. Hal Hopson will be discussing new ways of singing hymns, singing psalms and leading a creative hymn festival.

Hopson resides in Dallas, Texas, and has over 1,300 published works, which comprise almost every musical form in church music. With a special interest in congregational song, he continues to make a significant contribution to the new repertoire of hymn tunes and responsorial psalm settings in many hymnals, including the UCC New Century Hymnal. His cantata, “God with Us” was one of the few compositions selected to be performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

I hope you will take advantage of learning from this amazing leader of church music in America. Below is the schedule for the workshop held in the Plymouth Sanctuary. Parking is free in the Plymouth garage.

Workshop Schedule

8:30-9:00 Registration
9:00-9:15 Morning Prayer
9:15-10:30 Keepers of the Worshipping Congregation
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:00 Keepers of the Singing of Hymns
12:00-12:45 Lunch
12:45-2:00 Keepers of the Singing of the Psalms
2:00-2:30 Preparation for the Hymn Sing
2:30-2:45 Break
3:00-4:15 Hymn Sing

—Doug Cleveland



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7682.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7682.html Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 One of the most important tasks at the annual meeting is to approve a church budget for the next year. The Congregational Council has asked that the 2012 budget provide fair salaries and benefits to our staff, that it establish a member benevolence fund and that it support new initiatives and priorities of our new senior minister. Your budget committee (Jim Bechtold, chair, Wendy Blight, Bill Bumpas, Dorothy Mann, Brigitta Remole and Catie Wilson) has been working on a budget proposal to achieve these goals in the context of reduced pledge and endowment income forecast for 2012.

We will discuss the proposed budget in two informational meetings after church on January 29 in Room 225. All are welcome!

—Jim Bechtold

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7683.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7683.html Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Companions are a small group within the congregation who make a commitment to be present, to listen and to offer hospitality and support to those in special need.

Companions are alert to the stranger who stands alone or is isolated, gently approaches the person who wanders in confusion or sits in sadness, and is prepared to assist the person who is upset or agitated.

Companions listen prayerfully and with care to a person's story and hold open the resources of the congregation and community.

As a downtown church, Plymouth welcomes and ministers to visitors with a variety of special needs; some seeking shelter or a meal, many looking for a patient ear and kind presence, most looking for a welcoming smile and quiet respite. Sunday Companions help Plymouth fulfill this mission by providing a caring presence to visitors in need.
This important ministry, to Plymouth and the downtown community of which we are a part, is in need of additional members.


There are two opportunities for Companion training coming up:

January 21 - 9:30 am- 12 noon at Emmanuel Episcopal, Mercer Island.

January 28 - 9 am - 12 noon at St. James Cathedral, downtown.

For more information, please contact Lauren Cannon: lcannon@plymouthchurchseattle.org

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7684.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7684.html Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 The Congregational Council announces the Annual Meeting of Plymouth Congregational Church, to be held at the church February 1, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. Actions to be taken at the meeting include electing officers and board members and adopting a budget for 2012. All members are encouraged to attend.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7640.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7640.html Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Earth Ministry wins Inspiration Grant from Plymouth!

I’m delighted to announce that Plymouth’s CSSA Board (that’s Community Service and Social Action) has funded our proposal for a $2000 Inspiration Grant to go to Earth Ministry. This is to fund our ongoing relationship during a time of fiscal uncertainty for Earth Ministry. Thanks to everyone who helped craft the proposal or co-signed the application. We look forward to a great year, starting with a Forum on January 22 by Earth Ministry Executive Director, LeeAnne Beres. See you there! —Tad Anderson


Upcoming Eco-Events

January 7 (Sat), 9:30am-3pm: Legislative workshop in Seattle (120 Kane Hall, UW) January 22 (Sun), 10am: Plymouth Forum on this year’s legislative priorities January 25 (Wed), all day: Environmental Lobby Day in Olympia… action! (and fun) January 19 (Thurs), 7-9pm: Food Movements Unite! UW Architecture Hall, Public Lecture: Eric Holt-Giménez and Rosalinda Guillen http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7641.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7641.html Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142935/img1.jpg Is authentic democracy possible when money has such a powerful influence over campaigns, elections, lobbying and lawmaking itself? And what can be done to reclaim the promise of democracy in America, after recent federal court decisions (such as Citizens United v. F.E.C.) which allow corporate entities to spend unlimited sums on electioneering communications, and with the alarming increase in SuperPACs, lobbying, and campaign fundraising?


Can the concerns of Main Street households be heard or prevail over so much spending by special interests? Is public campaign financing a viable option? Can the Citizens United ruling be revisited or overturned?

Join us at the 10:00 a.m. Forum on January 8 for a discussion of these issues — and what we can do — with guest speaker Craig Salins, a democracy activist with Washington Public Campaigns.

The mission of Washington Public Campaigns is to promote democracy by ensuring that election results reflect the will of the voters, not the power of money. We need full public financing of election campaigns so that candidates who represent the people can afford to run, and so that once in office, elected representatives are not obligated to special interests and their lobbyists, for fear of losing campaign contributions. This won't solve all of our problems, but it will go a long way to restoring a government "of, by, and for the people."

The states of Maine and Arizona have led the way, adopting public financing of election campaigns through citizen initiatives. Each year in those states, more candidates choose to run with what is called Clean Money, Clean Elections, or Clean Campaigns. The result has been higher voter turnout, wider discussion of important issues, and new laws that benefit the majority of citizens.

A native of Seattle, Director Salins has an extensive background in program planning, grant writing, community organizing and public policy work. A former VISTA Volunteer and Head Start director, he has directed advocacy organizations on consumer issues, economic cooperatives, and health care reform.

In his own words: "Until we achieve Clean Elections, we won't see significant progress on the bread and butter issues that concern most Americans, such as affordable health care for all, full funding for education, living wages, safety on the job, sustainable energy policies, respect for small business and family farms, and an environment we can proudly leave to our children. —Adult Education Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7642.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7642.html Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142857/img1.jpg Thank you to everyone involved in making our Christmas Eve services so lovely and inspiring. Thanks to the Ministry Team, Worship leaders, Choir and musicians, and you, the Spirit-filled members and friends of Plymouth who make up our living church.



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7643.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7643.html Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 How Much is Enough …?

We are surrounded by the pressure to achieve, to acquire, to do … more! The people of our country are rising up again, voices raised against consumption and an unjust aggregation of wealth never before seen in our society. Spiritually, as Christians, the challenge is to remain whole, to believe the promise of the Good News. And personally we ask: “Am I keeping up? Will I be OK? I’m doing the best I can, but is it enough?”

The Plymouth Men’s Retreat, March 2-4. The Plymouth Men’s Silent Retreat March 1. Put them on your calendar. Our leader is past Plymouth member, Old Testament scholar and economic guru Darel Grothaus. This is one you are not gonna want to miss!

—Tom Colwell

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7644.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7644.html Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143036/img1.jpg Join labyrinth walkers around the world. Walk together to promote global healing.

Each year the Global Healing Network of 3000 labyrinth facilitators offers seasonal labyrinth walks to unify the collective healing energies of labyrinth walkers worldwide, walking together in common purpose, beginning in their local communities.

2012’s theme is "Balance; from January thru March the focus is “Center”. The first step toward balance is finding the center, being mindful, being present.

We may use our breath in prayer: Breathing in, “I’m fed by Spirit;” Breathing out, “I’m held by Grace.” Repeat this prayer breathing slowly, naturally, deeply, again and again until feeling settled. Whenever you begin to feel unsettled, stop, breathe and repeat the prayer until a centering comes back into your experience.

Plymouth has joined the Global Healing Response with walks for healing and renewal following Japan’s earthquake, for the Gulf States during the BP oil spill, and for international peace in solidarity with the United Nations 24-hour Peace Vigil.

“Come find the quiet center in the crowded life we live.”

(S.E. Murray)

—Sharon Brown, Labyrinth Facilitator



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7771.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7771.html Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120215120828/img1.jpg Be a part of the most exciting and rewarding preaching festival in 2012. Three days of rich, powerful, fun and refreshing preaching, workshops, and worship.

Open to seasoned preachers, seminary students, and lay people, the festival is not your typical run-of-the mill festival. Attendees have plenty of occasions to mix and mingle informally or formally with presenters and guest preachers as well as build relationships with new and old colleagues.

The 2012 theme is “Preaching in a Time of Sea Change.”Location: Plymouth Congregational Church, Seattle

Download this flyer for more details or visit the registration website by clicking here.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7901.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7901.html Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 The Community Investment Committee has just made its final decisions and now has ALL of our money placed for the first time ever—every dollar, every month of 2012!


We have four investments to share. First, we placed a $200,000 bridge loan with Mercy Housing, a national low income housing firm that is entering our local area. The local chapter is led by former city housing office people. They have received $6M from both the city and the state for a project that will create 61 units of low-moderate housing--one-to-three-bedrooms for a mostly immigrant population that is being forced out of south Seattle. This keeps them closer to their original neighborhoods, churches, mosques, transport, grocery, etc. Just like Mary's Place--they have to do the work and then are reimbursed. So our $200,000 is a bridge loan to fund the early work on drawings and permits.


Second, we are reinvesting $125,000 with Community Capital, a local micro-lender with whom we have had investments previously. Their core work is training potential entrepreneurs, as well as lending and then coaching. Their work has expanded significantly recently, as their Executive, Jim Thomas, explained that folks now realize those jobs that have gone overseas aren’t coming back and they must set a new life path for themselves. This joins an investment with them of the same size for work in rural areas, matched by the US Department of Agriculture.


Third, $167,000 is going to Homestead Land Trust to purchase, rehab and resell foreclosed houses to lower middle income people—20 over the next 18 months being their target. This one has the added advantage of being a job creator in the hard hit construction area.


And finally, we have $100,000 tucked away for a mid-year placement with Plymouth Healing to help with the Argonaut project.


So, hooray for all of these folks doing such helpful and important work in our community, to us for creating and maintaining this fund, and a special thanks to Paul Lambros of Plymouth Housing for sending some of these folks to us! —Edie Lackland

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7602.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7602.html Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143055/img1.jpg See if some of what follows sounds a bit familiar. Or if not familiar, perhaps this will seem quite intuitive to the way we encourage each other to strive to live? In the world…? And in church…? Maybe this will even sound like one expression of our ongoing goal as a church. Does this sound like practices to be a welcoming community that shares God’s love?

1. Offer radical hospitality- create space – explore with the person, the stranger standing before you. Offer gentleness and tenderness.


2. Honor- convey the sense of worth, and how valuable a person they are.


3. Share- nourishment- or rest- or offer refreshment. Be open to offer to break bread with this person before you.


These are some of the opening practices for providing companionship, as taught by The Mental Health Chaplaincy (MHC), a ministry that we at Plymouth support as a major mission partner. The Mental Health Chaplaincy, led by our Rev. Dr Craig Rennebohm, and culled from twenty five years of practicing this, is a resource we draw upon each day at church. Many of you serve as Plymouth members trained to provide companionship on Sunday mornings at church. You often quietly provide this service. You stand alongside those who may need an extra listening ear, when here. A prayer for 2012 is that we all see ourselves as ready to share in the provision of accompanying those we meet here, and offering our hearts and ears, in response to suffering. A next opportunity to train with MHC is coming at the end of January. Stay tuned for more details coming in the Herald.


Recently, as a group of religious leaders organized to share ways to support the ways that the Occupy movement in Seattle is tending to people on the margins, we asked MHC to offer our working group some resourcing in companionship. We invited Craig to offer an in-service to leaders who have been walking alongside the Occupy Seattle movement, offering a presence of peace. We formed “Occupy Chaplains”, religious leaders who have been sharing ways we can respond in support of our local Occupy movement, to support it in changing the national conversation about economic injustice. For whatever any of us thinks about Occupy in Seattle, there is no denying that it faced a choice for compassion, as those in the margins came to Occupy Seattle. Many of our 6000- 9000 homeless on our Seattle streets nightly, found great empathy among those who were encamped at Westlake and then Seattle Central Community College over the fall. Some of the “Occupy Chaplains” devoted to connecting organizers with referrals to homeless shelters, substance abuse support services, and more. Some “Occupy Chaplains” provided a “Sanctuary Tent” at the encampment, where folks could step in for quiet meditation. Some “Occupy Chaplains” witnessed in public demonstrations, as a peacekeeping presence.


It just so happened that despite our meeting with Craig being planned well in advance, it was held the same week we were responding to the punching of our Methodist colleague, Rev John Helmiere, while he was trying to provide peacekeeping at an action at the port of Seattle. His focus was highlighting the challenges for the port truck drivers. It also came the week our Seattle police department received the findings of a federal investigation. So we soon were focused on just how many communities encounter violence all the time, and do not receive the media attention that Rev. Helmiere did, as a white clergyman.


Occupy Chaplains, and each of us, can practice community companioning. We can serve, not only the most marginalized individuals, but communities. As we continued to review with Craig, the steps and components of: Neighboring, Listening, and Accompaniment, one of my hopes for our coming year became stronger. May companionship be an expression of nonviolent love in this moment in our country. May it be a practice that is owned by all. In our church. In all our Seattle communities. May we claim the God given tools that are in our midst and be intuitive, to help accompany each of us when we are most marginalized. May faith communities discern ways to offer a peaceable presence in times such as these.


It also just so happened that my next meeting that day was with a group of pastors and educators through the Church Council of Greater Seattle and the Faith Action Network and our United Church of Christ, as we are at work on a popular education curriculum for faith-based study of economic inequities. It will be a tool for us in 2012. We need not choose to work on “either the front lines or the educational or advocacy level.” We can see through media that can be polarizing, whether on Occupy, or police practices. Our economic time calls for our work in each area we feel called to serve. May we live our prayers both in the street in action where there is suffering, as well as with every careful wisdom and compassion, garnered together in this community.

Lauren Cannon
Interim Minister for Faith Formation and Service




http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7603.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7603.html Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143045/img1.jpg
Plymouth’s labyrinth walk is moving to the first Thursday of each month from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in Hildebrand Hall. Come walk on this eleventh day of Christmas, Thursday, January 5.

When considering a change of day, we asked our regular monthly walkers what moving to Thursday would mean for them. The answers were all positive: Thursday was a good day; the change freed Fridays for long weekends; one said, offer the labyrinth more often and he would come more often.

Moving to the first Thursday of each month allows us to accommodate another ministry. Members of the Muslim community who pray at Plymouth every Friday in Hildebrand Hall have had to move to the Lounge when the labyrinth was offered. Their numbers have exceeded the capacity of the Lounge. They were surprised and grateful to learn of the labyrinth ministry’s consideration.

So, we begin a new year on a positive and hopeful note. Through faith in God’s abundance, the strength of spirit within keeps us moving forward, open and receptive to inspiration helping us to grow this ministry of love, power and peace. Ours is a practice of quieting unnecessary thoughts so we can become present in the moment, free of fear, doubt and worry. We relinquish to the power and presence of God. We celebrate life and attempt to live in awareness and appreciation.

Will a labyrinth practice be part of your new year? Plymouth’s Labyrinth Ministry Team will be there to welcome you on the first Thursday of each month.
—Sharon Brown, Labyrinth Facilitator

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7604.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7604.html Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800
Advent and Christmas are full of excitement and joy, celebrating the birth of Christ and his mission soon to follow. Throughout the season we light candles signifying the eminent celebration, but what is next? Too often we get back into the thick of it, daily life. Join us January 8, 15, and 22 to celebrate a festival of light and understanding. During this time of new awareness we will celebrate together as a church, young and old.

The Youth Forum has thoughtfully planned many activities that will appeal to all. Leading this celebration is our gift to the Plymouth community, a way to say thank you for your help and support as we travel to Guatemala and work side-by-side with Guatemalans at a hospital and coffee plantation. In preparations for our Mission, we would like to share activities inspired by our journey, they involve:

Basket Weaving Spanish Lessons Cooking Music Friendship Bracelets Paper Snowflakes Dancing Please join us in the celebration of new beginnings and hope.
—Youth Forum Ministry

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7605.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7605.html Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 There lies within us the truth of who and what we are.

How do we touch, how do we know that truth? For many of us the preferred, most often-used path is cognitive: we read, we study, we discuss. But many of us have also experienced a different path into awareness, have known somehow that something else is going on here, that there is something more.

For many, that alternative pathway is music. For this year’s Conference Men’s Retreat we will be attempting to build an experiential web, one of sharing, of deep appreciation, of knowing differently who and what we are. We are going to do that through music, specifically “Music that matters.”

The goals for the weekend?

To have all of us immersed in a common experience of deep life and meaning; To see each other differently, as expressed by our simple sharing of “music that matters” to each of us; To have a chance for each of us, along the heartfelt path of music, to be more deeply with each other. This year our work will be led and held by Tom Colwell, long-time member of our community who is now successfully recovering from an 18-month journey through esophageal cancer. Tom’s life work is that of executive/corporate coach, but he is best known to many of us through his music leadership. We are delighted to welcome him back into our midst.


For more information and registration (with reduced rates through 12/31/11), log onto www.pncucc.org.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7606.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7606.html Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24

5:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service
(no potluck this year)

9:30 p.m. Cookies and Fellowship

11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Prelude music for brass and organ of Corelli, Torelli and Gabrielli will begin at 10:30 p.m.

Service music includes
special carol arrangements
for choir and bells

Christmas Day Sunday, December 25
11:00 a.m. (only) Christmas Worship
An intimate service to celebrate the coming of the Light into the world.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7578.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7578.html Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143214/img1.jpg We’ve searched for the perfect gifts, for bargains, for just the right decorations, for a parking spot! Ready or not, Christmas is almost here. It’s time to declare a victory and breathe a sigh of relief. Even in secular Seattle, most offices and stores will be closed. It’s amazing that an event that happened 2000 years ago, half way around the world, can still have such a profound impact on us today.

Now, on Christmas morning when everyone has opened their gifts and you’re sitting in the middle of the discarded wrapping paper, will you promise me you will take a deep cleansing breath and pause to reflect on why Christmas is such a big deal in the first place?

To assist you in your meditations, here are some thoughts for your consideration.

I can sum up the relevance of Christmas for you in one phrase: God came to earth. No other faith tradition holds to this notion. It is unique to the Christian faith--God coming to earth as a human being.

But that’s actually not the good news. The good news is why God came. And that’s the reason for Christmas. Why did God come to earth at Christmas? The Scriptures give us three reasons.

First. Jesus came to earth to show us what God is like.

There are a lot of crazy ideas, bizarre ideas about what God is like. All you have to do is get on the Internet and find them. There are a lot of weird ideas about God that just aren’t true. Jesus said, “I am the truth. I came to show you what God is really like.”

Now, I know many people say they can know God by communing with nature. And I agree with them, up to a point. For instance, by looking at nature we can know that God is creative. By looking at nature we know God is powerful—we feel the wind, we marvel at the stars, days turning into night. We know also that God is organized because there is order to the universe. We know that God likes variety because there is a lot of variety—no two snowflakes are alike. We know that God likes beauty. We learn these things just by looking at nature.

But some things, the most important things we would never know about God except that Jesus came to tell us. For instance, nature doesn’t teach us that God is loving. Nature doesn’t teach us that God is forgiving. We only know that because of Jesus Christ. Nature doesn’t teach us that God has a plan for your life, that you’re not an accident, that God put you on earth for a purpose, for a reason. Jesus Christ teaches us that. He is the one that lets us know what God is really like.

The second reason God came to earth is to show us what life should really be like, to show us how to really live.

The truth is most people aren’t really living. They’re just existing. They get up in the morning, they go to work or go to school, they come home, watch TV, go to bed, do it over and over for 60, 70, 80 years and then die. They never really are fully alive. They just exist. One of the most famous statements of Jesus is when He said, “I have come that you might live life to the fullest.” Jesus didn’t say “I’ve come to give you a religion, I’ve come to make you religious.” He said “I’ve come to make you fully alive, to teach you the kind of life that God put you on the earth to live.” And until you get connected with your creator you’re not going to live that full life.

The third reason God came to earth in the form of Jesus is to reconnect you with God—to be the bridge between you and your Creator.

I know people who celebrate Christmas every single year of their life and they’ve never unwrapped God’s gift to them. How sad! God says, I’m offering you life. That means your past can be forgiven, your future can be secured and you can have a purpose right here and now. That’s life in three dimensions. Most people spend their entire lives regretting the past, worrying about the future, and wasting today. Jesus Christ says, “I’ll forgive your past. I will secure your future and I will give you meaning and purpose to your life today.”


On Christmas you’re going to open up a bunch of gifts. Please don’t forget the most important gift of all—God’s gift of Christ to you.

--Brigitta Remole

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3270.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3270.html Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143045/img1.jpg The Labyrinth is out, the candles are lit. Come, walk in the warmth and the light of this sacred space. Embrace the darkness as a time to remember, reflect, and rest. Receive what’s there for you on your labyrinth walk and return from the center absorbing the peace of this quiet time. Add your light of gratitude for what is, what has been, what is coming.

We spread the glow of this season of Traveling Light by seeing past outer appearances, by seeing with our hearts instead of our eyes. We can look for the Christ Light in the world, in other faith traditions, in other countries, in those people different from us. When we expect to find it we will. Just as the light of a single candle parts the darkness of an entire room, so does our light shared through a smile, a thoughtful word, a moment of companionship brighten the world of another. Grow your light. Increase it each day from this darkest night. Do not wait for others, do it alone, person to person. Be the light that parts the darkness.

5:30-6:00 Meditative jazz for vibes, piano and bass with Susan Pascal, Bill Anschell, and Chuck Deardorf

6:00 p.m. Light snacks will be provided
in the Lounge

A Service of Remembrance will be held
in the Chapel from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Through music, readings, Scripture and
communion you are invited to remember the passing of a loved one
during this holy season.

—Sharon Brown, Labyrinth Facilitator

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3269.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3269.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143055/img1.jpg On Saturday December 3, Hildebrand Hall filled with approximately 87 people, from many different faith backgrounds, as Plymouth hosted an educational panel of organizers from Occupy Seattle. We had a morning of rich discussion in groups. At the end when we broke in to caucus areas, one of the largest was “Getting Money Out of Politics.” Those in our midst who are already working on this, are making further connections through Occupy, in both secular and religious circles. This has also been happening for faith and labor leaders who are organizing with fresh energy, and for many groups active with economic justice. One new solidarity group we have supported is “Occupy Chaplains” who offer accompaniment, peaceful presence, and resources, much like our Plymouth companions.

The Occupy encampment has closed at Seattle Central Community College, and rippled to neighborhoods and faith communities for education. Members of Plymouth are at work to see what next ways we are called to respond. One request is that we offer space for the democratic process of Occupy, the General Assembly evening meetings, to be held at Plymouth twice a week. If you feel Spirit inviting you to join the growing think tank of our folks here who are planning for 2012, I can help connect you.

A good first link for ongoing information is: www.occupyseattle.org. You may also read reflection from Seattle faith leaders engaging with Occupy Seattle at: http://crosscut.com/2011/12/06/religion/21628/In-Occupy-movement%2C-religion-and-politics-mix/

—Lauren Cannon, Interim Minister for Faith Formation and Service

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3283.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3283.html Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 Snow Camp is coming! Plymouth’s annual intergenerational camp at Koinonia is scheduled for February 18-20, President’s Day weekend. Mark your calendar now to save those dates. More information will be coming in January. Koinonia is centrally located in the Cascade Mountain range of Washington State. The camp is just off I-90, 25 miles East of Snoqualmie Pass and 7 miles West of Cle Elum. If you have any questions, contact Mari Mitchell-Putnam.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3284.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3284.html Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 It has become a tradition at Plymouth Church for the choir to sing a large choral work with chamber orchestra on the Sunday before Christmas. This Sunday, December 18, we are singing excerpts from the Christmas portion of the Messiah by G. F. Handel as part of worship at 11:00 a.m.

One of the most well-known and frequently performed choral works, the oratorio was first performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742 and received the London premiere a year later. The libretto is a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible and the English Book of Common Prayer.

The structure of the Messiah follows the liturgical year. Part I, which we will be singing from, corresponds with Advent, Christmas, and the life of Jesus Christ; Part II with Lent, Easter, the Ascension, and Pentecost; and Part III with the end of the church year — end of time. Although the structure resembles that of a conventional baroque opera, it is not in dramatic form: there are no impersonations and no direct speech. Instead, the librettist’s text is an extended reflection on Jesus Christ as Messiah.

Two movements are for instrumentalists only, and we will be playing both of them: The Overture at the beginning and the Pifa (a pastorale introducing the shepherds in Bethlehem) Soloists from the Plymouth Choir will be Jon Palmason, Linda Stran

dberg, Megan Drake, and Charles Robert Stephens. We are excited to share this glorious piece of music with you!
—Douglas Cleveland

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3261.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3261.html Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 Release, Receive, Return: Advent and Christmas at Plymouth We invite you to make space in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season. The following events create sacred space for reflection and renewal.

Return: Wednesday, December 21, 5:30-6:00
Meditative jazz for vibes, piano and bass with Susan Pascal, Bill Anschell,
and Chuck Deardorf
Labyrinth from 3:00-9:00 p.m.

Longest Night (Winter Solstice)
Wednesday, December 21
3:00-9:00 p.m. Labyrinth Walk,
Hildebrand Hall
6:00-7:00 p.m. Light snacks available
7:00-8:00 p.m. Service of Remembrance,
in the Chapel

Sunday, December 18
11:00 a.m. Excerpts from Christmas portion of the Messiah for choir and chamber orchestra

Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24

5:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service
(no potluck this year)

9:30 p.m. Cookies and Fellowship

11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Prelude music for brass and organ of Corelli, Torelli and Gabrielli will begin at 10:30 p.m.

Service music includes
special carol arrangements
for choir and bells

Christmas Day Sunday, December 25
11:00 a.m. only Christmas Worship
An intimate service to celebrate the coming of the Light into the world.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3250.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3250.html Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800
Join with family and friends for Christmas cheer. Share your favorite Christmas cookies and candy at the Christmas Eve Fellowship Hour in the Lounge at 9:30 p.m. Bring several dozen either this Sunday, or on Christmas Eve, clearly marked “Christmas Eve.” — Fellowship & Recreation Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3251.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3251.html Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143243/img1.jpg "The longer you read the Bible, the more you will like it; it will grow sweeter and sweeter; and the more you get
into the spirit of it, the more you will get into the spirit of Christ." —The Reverend William Romaine (1714-1795)

Scripture reading as a Spiritual Practice is encouraged at Plymouth. Reading the scripture lesson aloud is a vital
element of worship. Plymouth provides training, support and encouragement for anyone interested in participating
in this ministry.There will be three opportunities to participate in Scripture Reader's Training sessions in December.

Each two-hour class will cover the basics of preparation and presentation of a public reading, specific requirements for
reading at Plymouth Church and scripture reading as a spiritual practice.

Sessions will be held in the Sanctuary on Saturday December 3, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and Tuesday December
6, 6:30–8:30 p.m. An additional session will be held at Mary's Place on Wednesday December 7, 8:00–10:00
a.m. Drop-ins are welcome, but if you know you will be attending a session, please respond to Worship, Arts and
Music Board liaison J Howard Boyd at crom-howard@usa.net, or 206/324-7792.

"Until I come, spend your time reading Scripture out loud to one another. Spend your time preaching and teaching."
(1 Timothy 4:13)
—J Howard Boyd, Worship, Arts and Music Board

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/365.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/365.html Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 Do you want to give holiday gifts to your friends and family and feel good about your
purchases? Do you yearn for an alternative to the holiday commercialism that surrounds us?
Would you consider making a donation in honor or memory of a special person, or as a gift to a
friend or family member who doesn’t want more “stuff?” If so, the Graceful Giving alternative gift fair is for you!
Fair-trade and non-profit organizations will be present to sell unique gift items and to offer
information and opportunities for you to make donations! Graceful Giving wil be Dec. 11 in Hildebrand Hall, before and after the 11:00 a.m. service. Please save the date and plan to
come! Help us to support these organizations and celebrate the twelfth anniversary
of this event! —Ardy Bergman



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/399.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/399.html Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143106/img1.jpg On Monday, October 24, more than 40 religious leaders and concerned laity from a spectrum of faith traditions gathered at Plymouth, "robed up," and then headed to Westlake in order to listen to those at Occupy Seattle. Lauren, Brigitta, and myself were among the group.

The Reverend Peter Ilgenfritz has written a great reflection on the time which you can read at http://ucucc.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/occupy-clergy/

Once we arrived I tried to focus my time with occupiers around two questions, "What inspired you to Occupy?" and "What is something that has happened since you've been here that keeps that inspiration alive a midst the elements and uncertainty?"

If you want to know what I heard or are curious about the live streaming interview I was pulled onto then find me at church and let's chat.

—Brandon Duran

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3260.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3260.html Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142828/img1.jpg
To be a “Christian” is to identify oneself as a follower of Jesus Christ. To be a follower of Jesus Christ is to engage in intentional practices that align our lives with that of Christ’s. Our very lives are to be a testimony to the transforming power of God’s grace.

To be a “Christian” is a daunting task. It doesn’t help that the name feels as if it has been high jacked by the far right. How many of us have given over the name of “Christian” to the religious eccentrics and extremists? Only weird people in train stations and stadium rallies talk about their faith openly. We don’t like their positions or their strong-arm methods. We’re proud that we would never act like ‘them’ and so the result is we don’t have much to say about who we are and what motivates us to serve.

I’m concerned that this lack of boldness in our faith has consequences for our children. In the sacrament of baptism, promises are exchanged between parents, the congregation and God. Parents promise to teach their child to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best they are able. The congregation promises in return to love, support and care for one about to be baptized.

But a child cannot be what she or he has not seen. If she never sees Mom at worship, if he never sees Dad speak the truth in love, if they never see a congregation stand up for what’s right—well you can’t be what you haven’t seen.

We need to show the way; we need to show the way by our words and our actions. We need to set the pace and be the light. Recently, I took my first ferry ride. As we entered the harbor, I saw a sign that read, “Watch your wake.” Parents need to lead; faith communities need to nurture and support. A child cannot be what he or she has not seen. Watch your wake!

Let us rejoice that we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.

What’s in a name? Sometimes everything.

—Brigitta Remole

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3254.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3254.html Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143055/img1.jpg Thank you to all our Plymouth disciples who organized and hosted and attended the launch of the Center here at church and participated in Moving Planet Seattle for local climate action to move beyond fossil fuels. Our national and regional partners have extended their gratitude for Plymouth’s generosity and welcome as we took up this mission.

Edwin, in our office, and I have prepared the recording of the program- so you can now listen on the Plymouth website (www.plymouthseattle.org) to the young adults who presented, and share it with others. Recordings can also be ordered through the office. Gregg Brekke of UCC News was with us for the events. Take a look at the story “Environmental Justice Center Opens in Washington” from September 29: www.ucc.org/news/ucc-environmental-justice.htm.

The first workshop at the Center at Pilgrim Firs UCC in Port Orchard WA will be February 10-12, 2012. You can listen to a local KBCS radio report about the day at: http://greenacreradio.blogspot.com/2011/09/september-29-2011-moving-planet-local.html

In thanks to many more than can be named here,


—Lauren Cannon
Interim Minister for Faith Formation and Service

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3257.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3257.html Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142828/img1.jpg
I want to thank you for your extravagant welcome! It certainly has been a whirlwind of coffee connections, meetings, worship, retreats, and community gatherings. Someone recently wondered if the experience has been like trying to drink from a fire hose. Mmmm! Maybe a little bit. Certainly the start of any new pastorate involves a steep learning curve. That is why I am so grateful for everyone’s kind words of encouragement and thoughtful acts of kindness.

Someone on the Woman’s Retreat remarked that she wasn’t sure if she knew what it was like to be “extravagantly” welcome. It made me wonder if what makes us feel welcome is dependent to some degree on us. One person may enjoy being fussed over; another person may feel welcomed by being given space. For example, recently, during a worship service I attended, visitors were invited to stand and introduce themselves. How would that make you feel if you were a visitor?

In the beginning of my ministry at my last parish, someone from the New Members Committee would make a personal call to a person’s home following their visit to church. The visitor was offered a fresh homemade loaf of bread and an information packet about the church. Over time this practice changed; it was felt to be too pushy. The “Membership” Committee became the “Hospitality” Committee. They were stationed at the doors of the sanctuary following the service to offer a little “welcome” gift of honey grown by our local bee keepers, information about the church, and a response card that they could mail back to the church.

There are workshops and whole conferences devoted to the ministry of hospitality—especially to the visitor. It is so hard to second guess what will be experienced as gracious and what will be experienced as intrusive. My own experience of extravagant hospitality by Plymouth has retaught me the importance of sticking to the basics. To ask what is the intention? Your intention was kindness and love. In your acts of kindness, in your love you have embodied the Good News to me. You are Good News! Thanks be to God.

—Brigitta Remole

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3256.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3256.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142828/img1.jpg As soon as a child is old enough to speak, one of the fun activities parents love to do is ask: “How big are you?” With hands raised above their head to appear even bigger, the child’s answer is always: “Soooo big!” We want our kids to realize they are growing. We know that the way they think of themselves matters. We don’t want them to think of themselves as small, weak and insignificant.


And yet, when it comes to God, the problem many of us have is that our God is too small. We’re not convinced that we are absolutely safe in the hands of an infinitely loving God; a God who is irrepressibly committed and devoted to our well-being; a God who is with us for the long haul; a God who is fully competent, and ever-present.


In my case I grew up in a loving but stoic Scandinavian family where everything was measured carefully and everything had to be earned. As a result I am hard-working and responsible; I do my best to think and care for others—all good stuff! And yet a curious side-effect and consequence has been that God is so big that God has become too small! (How weird is that!)


Let me try to explain.


When our God is too small we can find ourselves living in a state of low grade anxiety because everything depends on us! Our mood becomes governed by our circumstances. We see ourselves living in a world that leaves us deeply vulnerable. And so, too often, we shrink when we should confront; we worry when we could pray; we cling when we could generously share!


So, how does one shift perspective? There does exist a spiritual practice that helps us come to perceive the vastness, intimacy, loving-kindness, and strength of God.


It’s called worship.


We live in a world that doesn’t promote worship. Most of us are used to being measured by what we do. And worship, on the surface of it, does not seem to be productive—it is not getting things done! So why do it? Well, I don’t know about you, but I need it. I need to worship. I need to worship because without it I can forget that I have a big and loving God beside me and live in fear. I need to worship because without it I can forget his calling and begin to live in a spirit of self-preoccupation. I need to worship because my natural tendency is toward self-reliance and stubborn independence. I need to worship because without it I lose a sense of wonder and gratitude and plod through life with blinders on.


Psychologists speak of the frequent human condition of MINDLESSNESS. In mindlessness, my body is present but my mind is floating off somewhere else on auto-pilot. For some of us, it has become a way of life.


Worship fundamentally is about the definition of reality. In worship our perception of reality is changed and sharpened. We worship to remember that reality is more than what we can see and touch. In worship, we remember who we are and whose we are.


You are a piece of work by God! Next time someone sarcastically tells you you’re a piece of work, you can thank them because it is literally true. And because you were made in God’s image, you were also created to work, to create, to lead, to heal, to love. This is a holy task. What did Jesus say? You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. If God’s reign of healing and wholeness is to manifest itself, it will have to be through you.


Our God is an awesome God! How big is your God? Soooooo Big! Amen.

—Brigitta Remole

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3252.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3252.html Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142817/img1.jpg This year, Sunday school opens with a psalm. The Seasons of the Spirit curriculum leads the children of Plymouth into a selection from Psalm 139:


Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.


This psalm reminds us of the presence of God. We have miles to go before Advent, but a reminder of the Immanuel, the God with us, is always welcome. It is an especially good way to begin the church school year. The knowledge of God’s presence grounds us and provides a foundation for how we live and move. In Practicing the Presence of God, the ancient Carmelite monk Brother Lawrence shares this insight, “The most excellent method of going to God is that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing people but purely for the love of God.” Helping the children of Plymouth grasp and experience the presence of a faithful, loving God is the work of every volunteer in the children and youth program, and in reality, it is the work of every church member. Each interaction we have, from the Sunday school classroom, to side conversations in the Lounge, to the pew in worship, presents another opportunity to practice God’s loving presence with one another from every generation.


Of course, it is not only the children who need to hold fast to the loving God present with us. The deep knowledge of the God who is near can be healing and restorative to all. This Sunday marks the tenth anniversary of the tragic events on September 11, 2001. When remembering searing moments such as this, it is common to reflect on the question of location. “Where were you when…?”


God has been present when we have cried the tears of the lost, when we have struggled to know where now to turn, and when we have raged against the pain and damage resulting from that dark morning.


The psalmist reminds us that God’s presence goes well beyond geography and gently touches all of our hurts, be they a decade or a day old. God is present as we sift through painful and confusing memories. The breath of God is soothes as we grapple to imagine what is next for our families in the blurry light of loved ones lost. The grace of God is surrounds us in our recovery as we strive to cultivate new life, new work, and new relationships.


It is the presence of God that gives us words to pray on this Sunday of old wounds and new beginnings, “God of compassion; hold us, heal us, guide us as we seek to live your dream of a peaceful and just tomorrow for all of your children.”

—Brandon Duran

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3253.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3253.html Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143140/img1.jpg Do we have a faith and a church to share? The answer from those attending the All Church Retreat, May 13-15, is a resounding “YES!” And yet we feel faith sharing is uncomfortable, not something we are used to doing. It is scary for it moves us outside our comfort zone. But Plymouth’s future requires it.

Maybe there were three retreats that weekend. Fourteen children enjoyed the out-of-doors, percussion music, singing, Lamar and Didi. The Confirmation Class of 13 was led by Brandon Duran and Joan Griswold in play, fine tuning faith statements, conversations on key scriptures from the year and on the significance of becoming a member of Plymouth.

The Reverend Felix Carrion of the UCC National Office helped the remaining 60 of us struggle with many issues of faith. Much of it was focus on three questions:

Why do people need Christ? Why do people need The Church? Why do people need Plymouth Church? A few answers were:

“I can do no other than be His disciple.” “A smile and a hug go a long way.” “Our world has few other signs of hope in it.” “Our children are being raised by corporations!” We are about “Worshiping God: Serving Seattle.” In time Felix broke in: “The last time I checked, you are all people, right? So if this is true for all of you, couldn't it be also true for so many others? [speaking in a low, urgent voice] Those who are broken and wounded emotionally and mentally, those who want to shape and transform the world and heal society and dare to stand up with the power of truth, if they only knew, if they only knew . . . LOUDER . . . wouldn't it be wonderful if they KNEW?"

A few of the best things:

Felix's sermon on the road to Emmaus, taught us to own history, figure out what that means now, then act on it in this same hour. What if the church were like a playground that adults want to get into? We were challenged to think about how to let others know why we are committed to Plymouth church. Some scary things:

Wearing the UCC comma pin to encourage people to ask us what it means! That we might be in the same place in ten years, that we won't dare to move into a different future, That we don't know who owns the project of going forward . . . is it every group, and how will that process be nurtured? To learn more, see Kate Willette’s blog: http://ourfutureretreat.blogspot.com/

—Bob Turner

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7576.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7576.html Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207143055/img1.jpg Depending on our location, do we find that some, many, or all of our days are simply heart wrenching, during these times of economic cuts? So much more is coming down the pike yet too. Thank God we are also called together in our season leading to Easter's hope.

Each day at Plymouth my work connects planners and new groups here, that are each striving to vision our next actions and missions. Each day welcomes more people- please be in touch to join this work. We are moving from interim time, and preparing for our next years to come, with your settled ministers to come.

Today is a classic sampling:

5:30 AM: even before hitting my yoga mat, The Seattle Times headline screams red: "Cuts to fall on illegal immigrants; parties at odds; denying more services" (April 4, 2011.) The inbox confirms: "Action Alert: March 31: Casa Latina stands to lose $625,000. The State has frozen $325,000 of capital funds that were already allocated to Casa Latina in 2009; despite all readiness, Casa will then lose $300,000 in private matching funding (Kresge Foundation) if this is not restored."

6 AM: Thinking about how Plymouth just celebrated some updates in our partnership with Casa Latina on March 27. Many listened with hearts full of fire to testimonies on wage theft. We are being asked to help advocate when an employer is stealing wages. See www.casa-latina.org

7 AM: My prayers fill with thanks for the immediate re¬sponse Plymouth offered to Japan in the wake of the earth¬quake. In times like these we are being asked to help in endless ways. As of March 29, $6,065 is at work through Church World Service and the United Church of Christ; meanwhile our Lenten Special offering is putting $6757 right to work for local hunger, Mary's Place, and Down¬town Emergency Services Center.

8 AM: At coffee with a pastor colleague we share our su¬preme frustration by what is going on in Olympia and all over the country as programs for the poor are under assault everywhere. We dream how progressive churches can come together — not to band aid, but to take up concerted actions to transform. But every hour brings the next urgent appeal.

9 AM: I help prepare our largely new Community Service and Social Action (CSSA) Board for a task to design... yes, our next special offering. This is for Easter day, even above our ongoing pledging at church. I meet with members and staff to describe the ten latest hemorrhages among cherished community partners, as well as new groups. In this time of downturn, the CSSA Board gives me hope. Board members who can not help but be deeply conscientious and serious about what otherwise might seem mere 'special' drops in a bucket. I raise thanks to God for the shoulders upon which we stand. Our privilege has been a winter of steady preparations to review applications for a significant Change Grant we will make this spring. As of April 1, we have 20. Mean¬while our Community Investment Committee is looking to make sizeable loans.

10:30 AM And...thank God — for Holy Week. Outrage over Olympia need not fester. With the worship team, and our friends at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, we are craft¬ing the liturgies for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Our Christian walk through Holy Week will move us yet again to believe toward Easter.
Our hearts need not tarry too long in the mourning, but can break into new ways of living. Our Gospel of John indeed promises abundant life (10:10). We come again to Palm Sunday from the midst of mornings like these.

Yours in Christ's hope,

--Lauren Cannon
Interim Minister for Faith Formation and Service



http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3259.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3259.html Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142817/img1.jpg My March 11th weekend began with a litany:

VOICE ONE: Why have we come together?

ALL: We come to worship God in whose image we were created –spiritual physical beings.

VOICE ONE: God gifted us with bodies and emotions to express our spirituality in concrete ways. One of the ways we affirm the sacredness of life is through healthy sexuality.

ALL: Let us celebrate God’s gift of incarnationand affirm our desire for sexual health and the joy it brings.
(NCH #742)

This litany served as the opening ritual for the facilitator training on the Our Whole Lives and Sexuality and Our Faith curricula. Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive sexuality and faith program developed in a joint project between UCC and UUA communities. I joined with members from both communities at the First Congregational UCC in Eugene, Oregon for training in the OWL program. The weekend’s facilitator training was packed solid as we discussed gender roles, gender identity, sexual orientation, the development needs of adolescents, equipping parents, facilitation skills, and the spiritual foundation to sex education. Despite the length of each day’s training schedule, I noticed that the participants remained invested in the material. Throughout the weekend I heard a common refrain from the trainees, “I wish I had a class like OWL when I was a kid.”

I too experienced this sense of longing, particularly when we covered the principles guiding the UCC’s commitment to sexuality education. These principles, along with the OWL program values, provide a foundation for OWL facilitators and create a context where all questions are honored and youth are freed to express worries and wonders. I felt embraced by these guiding lights and wished they had been with me throughout my youth. I hope we can find ways to teach and embody these principles to the youth of Plymouth.

Sexuality is a God-given gift.

The purposes of sexuality are to enhance human wholeness and fulfillment, to express love, commitment, delight, and pleasure, to bring new life into the world, and to give glory to God.

When making decision about sexuality, the primary guide is God’s call to love and justice as revealed in both Testaments.

From a biblical perspective, sexuality is intended to express mutuality, love, and justice. In judging whether behavior is ethical or unethical, the norms of mutuality, love, and justice are the central criteria.


From a biblical perspective, sexuality is distorted by unethical behaviors, attitudes, and systems that foster
violence, exploitation, infidelity, assertion of power, and the treatment of persons as objects.

A responsible and mature sexual ethic respects the moral agency of every person.

The church, at all age levels, ought to be a context for discussion about human sexuality.

The church ought to encourage and support advocacy with those who are sexually oppressed or the victims of sexual violence and abuse. The church can and must have a role in defining and implementing public policy.

--Brandon Duran

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3258.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/3258.html Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/upload/i20120207142817/img1.jpg Journey is a common metaphor in scripture and a familiar way for us to talk about the life of faith. In the church school we are halfway through the journey of this program year and I am amazed at how much ground we have covered. I applaud the grace, the effort, and the insight the Children and Youth Board, the teaching teams, and the Focus program leaders have invested into our youngest sisters and brothers at Plymouth. The implementation of new structures, new curriculum, and new programs has made the first leg of this year’s journey fly by.

The church school at Plymouth begins its second semester this Sunday, February 13 The Hebrew scripture for this sixth Sunday in Epiphany plays a beautiful note that sets the tone for the second half of the program year’s journey. Deuteronomy 30:15-20 urges ancients and moderns alike to choose the way of life.

Deuteronomy tells the story of Israel within the story of the God of grace, deliverance, and promise. The book progresses with tales of missteps, detours, and words of wisdom on how to live intentionally as a people of God.

As Deuteronomy comes to close it encapsulates its core with the question, which way will we walk? The lesson plans, the art projects, the songs, and the skits are all prepared with the hope that we are inspiring the children of Plymouth to choose the way of life. Walking this way of life means moving through the world in such a way that fosters life for the other, that brings about blessing, and that seeks harmony with God and with creation.

Teaching the children and youth of Plymouth to choose God’s way of life is the privilege of the entire community. It is the whole church, both present and past, which encourages the way of life through testimony and ministry. Each of us model this way of God for our youth with every act of compassion and every risk we take to stand alongside the vulnerable.

We in the UCC are at home with the metaphor of journey. Perhaps we are drawn to the metaphor’s implications of process, of movement, and of inclusivity. The metaphor of the journey captures the ever evolving dynamic of God’s relationship with creation. By walking in God’s way we hold fast to the author of life and we express our love for the God who first loved us. As we enter the last half of this program year at Plymouth may we learn together how to walk God’s ways of life.

http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7577.html http://plymouthchurchseattle.org/news/article/rss/7577.html Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0800 Finding Brigitta was hard work. For Brigitta, moving to Seattle to join us, starting a new life and job was hard work. For Plymouth, walking together as a church through a long interim time was hard work.

I pray I’m ready for more hard work.

On December 11 we will joyfully welcome members and friends of Plymouth to a Service of Installation that celebrates and cements the covenant between Brigitta, Plymouth, and the wider UCC Church. This is a big day. It will mark another important milestone in this experiment of being Church at Plymouth. It will be a reminder of the hope, the faith, the love the holds us together. It will be a moment to reflect on the road we’ve traveled, and wonder about the roads ahead.

I’ve been thinking about those roads lately. I’ve been wondering if the roads we traveled to be who we are today are the same roads that will allow us to be what we need to be tomorrow. And I wonder, as I think many of us do, what we will be up to next as a faith community? How will we be Church? How will we respond to and engage with the world? What will define and galvanize us? Will we thrive, and what will that look like? What is God calling Plymouth to be? And why don’t we already have this all figured out? There is that hard work. The hard work of patient, persistent listening for God’s voice; of responding to Christ’s call; of getting out of our own way and letting a spirit of bold followership and gracious leadership take hold. I am feeling this at work already. I’m marveling at the energy I feel each Sunday and the sustaining anticipation that carries me through the week. I see that spirit that is allowing us to experiment and evolve our worship. I hear it at work as we examine bravely how we engage our resources — our hands, voices, wallets, minds and hearts. I pray it will help me boldly question my assumptions about what Plymouth is, or should be, to not be lulled by the comfort of well-worn ways, but instead put my shoulder into the hard work of opening new possibilities. I know that what God has in mind for us is beyond my imagining, beyond what looking backwards at the roads we’ve traveled would tell me.

So on December 11 I will be trying to exercise my patience, my prayer, my discerning heart, and I will take this covenant by the hand — to support and love our new Senior Minister, to support and love the members and friends of Plymouth, and to find our new roads together.

—Robert Neer, Pastoral Search Committee

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