Dear Plymouth,
If you were fortunate enough to have participated in worship this past Sunday (5/21/23) you got to witness Plymouth being its incredible self. If you were like me, you got to have your world rocked listening to Jane Elliott’s conversation with Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown. They spoke passionately and forthrightly about racism, anti-racism, and the dire struggle to not let the white supremacist forces that occupy some corners of organized religion be the face of religion in our country. For me, it was a buckle-up and hold on time and I am so grateful.
Also, if you were like me, you might have teared up a bit earlier in the service when Rev. Kelle so movingly in our presence read the Mayor’s Proclamation that last Sunday was officially designated by the City of Seattle to be Plymouth’s day of celebration marking our 30th anniversary of being an Open and Affirming congregation. I felt so proud of what we did for ourselves back in 1993 and that we have been living into this promise for 30 years such that we find ourselves with ample representation from the queer and trans community among our lay leaders and in our congregation at large here in 2023. I also felt and feel hopeful for our future selves in the years ahead as we intentionally break the circle open and welcome everyone in!
Last Sunday was really the kick-off of a month-long celebration of our 30th anniversary of being an Open and Affirming congregation. For those of you who were around back in 1993, you might recall that the actual date of the vote was May 26 of that year. My hope is that folks will give particular thanks to the power of love on May 26, 2023. Then, on Pride Sunday – June 25 – we will have a time in worship to lift up this anniversary and what it means about who we are and who we are becoming, followed by some special coffee hour treats to sustain us for the Pride parade that many will be joining.
We have much to be grateful for, Plymouth. We have elders who made wise decisions decades ago that pushed us to become inclusive and loving in new, if not altogether comfortable ways. In the here and now, we are blessed to have clergy, lay leaders, and sibling-congregants who are doing the holy work of pushing us to become ever more inclusive and loving, even – and especially – when it is not altogether comfortable. For me, this is what being church is about and I’m confident that I’m not alone in this.
Peace and love,
Tracy Simpson
Plymouth Moderator