Film Club's Coming Attractions - Plymouth Congregational
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Vol. L1 No. 3
March 2020
AR TS
Film Club’s Coming Attractions
B y Ri chard J ewell , Plym o ut h Film Club , & Fr i en d s
In March, Film Club is showing three Keillor, Mark Rylance, Martin Sheen,
documentaries chosen by guest Gary Snyder and many others.
hosts, 12:30 p.m., Sundays, using This showing is hosted by Literary
large-wall projection downstairs Witnesses and Jim Lenfestey.
in Jackman Hall, with optional
Please note: Remember to spring
discussions following. Coffee and
ahead, as this is the Sunday that
tea will be available. Lunch? Please
Daylight Saving Time changes
bring your own, or use an eatery
—Jim Lenfestey
with delivery to “Door No. 1, 1919
LaSalle, [Your Name], Jackman Hall On March 15, Biggest Little Farm
Film Club.” (2018, 91 min.). Filmmaker John
Chester and wife Molly used life
On March 1, Doctrine of Discovery:
savings and friends’ money for 200
Unmasking the Domination Code
depleted acres near Los Angeles—with
(2014, 60 min.). Dakota filmmaker
no idea how hard a self-sustaining
Sheldon Wolfchild reveals the
farming would be. They battled
1493 Christian-created doctrine
drought, insects, thieving coyotes, fire
allowing colonizers like Columbus to
On March 8, Robert Bly: A Thousand and other problems to create, after
appropriate Original People’s nations
Years of Joy (2015, 84 min.). This joyful eight years, the productive farm of their
by claiming Christianity has a Biblical
documentary charts great American dreams, with 10,000 orchard trees, 200
right to dominate.
poet Robert Bly’s path from Minnesota types of crops and animals.
This conceptual foundation remains for prairie farm to pioneering poet, editor,
This delightful, moving film won
U.S. politics, law, social policies and the translator and cultural leader.
the American-Canadian Broadcast
historical trauma of indigenous people.
In addition to 30 volumes of poetry, Bly Film Critics Association’s awards for
As Christians at Plymouth, are we not
was among the first to translate Pablo Best Documentary, Cinematography,
called to explore ways to heal between
Neruda, Rumi and others. His national Science/Nature film, and Best Score
peoples of the earth?
and international publications and for music—along with 11 other awards
Join members of the Racial Justice speaking tours against the Vietnam and 29 nominations. Hosted by
Initiative in learning from the film War and about his 1990 Iron John: A Paula Northwood and Climate and
what indigenous people have always Book About Men inspired hundreds of Environmental Justice Committee.
known—and in exploring how we can thousands. —Richard Jewell
contribute to their healing and ours.
The film features luminaries such as
—Sonia Cairns
Louise Erdrich, Donald Hall, Garrison
plymouth.orgMINISTER ’ S M ESSAGE
A pit crew of people
b y Paula Nor thwo o d , a cti n g se n i o r mi n i st e r
Author Anne meditations to hundreds of letters and I hope you will join me in wishing
Lamott in Help, emails, Allison has brought a trained Allison “Godspeed” as she starts
Thanks, Wow: editing eye and made me not only a new job at the University of
Three Essential “sound” better but helped make me a Minnesota.
Prayers, talks better writer. We might want to throw up our
Photo: Mark Luinenburg
about the “pit I extend my heartfelt thanks to Allison hands and say, “One more change!
crew of people” for all that she brought to Plymouth. I can’t take it.” But to quote Lamott:
who have been Her journalistic skills, deep spiritual “Thank you for lifting this corner
there for her of the curtain so I can see the truth,
through all the Life is all about maybe just for a moment, but in a way
experiences of life. It’s in her chapter that might change life forever. And
on Thanks, where she ruminates change, easy and that moment is astonishing, because
on her feelings of gratitude for the
hard, and thank God everything is taking place all at once,
importance of a pit crew and how life the micro and the macro. You can walk
would be less without them. we have a pit crew. through this glittering city and gaze
As I write this, we will soon be up into the heavens, and down here
saying farewell to Allison Campbell commitment, willingness to learn you can see clearly what you have on
Jensen, Plymouth’s Director of and engage social media, and the your hands, or even what you have
Communications and my Executive dependable, solid support for her lost.”
Assistant. Allison has been an colleagues and parishioners are the Life is all about change, easy and hard,
invaluable part of my pit crew. In my things I will cherish and miss. On a and thank God we have a pit crew of
position as Acting Senior Minister personal note, I also enjoyed Allison’s people with whom to go through it.
I am required to write much more knowledge of birds, foreign languages
than I imagined. From articles to and good restaurants.
GR ACE NOTES
Music for Lent, a premiere and a special pianist
B y P hilip Bru nell e, o rgan ist- C ho irmast e r
The season of Lent is filled with music as the texts have
(written about in a separate article) and welcoming pianist
inspired composers both past and present.
Sara Langmead (pictured at left) on March 29, playing music
The Plymouth Choir will of J. S. Bach.
sing a wide variety of music
For the rest of March, I will
from France (Vierne),
play organ music of Louis
Spain (Mompou), Italy
Vierne. This year marks the
(Palestrina and Monteverdi),
150th anniversary of Vierne’s
Germany (Bach), Norway
birth—a noted French organist
(Grieg), England (Vaughan
who, though blind, was an
Williams) and the United
extraordinary composer as
States (Kantor and Merritt).
well as organist at Notre
I look forward to the Dame in Paris for 37 years!
premiere on March 15 of
Justin Merritt’s new anthem
2 flame plymouth.orgWOR DS ABOUT WOR SHIP
Sermon series and spiritual practices for Lent
By B ETH HOF FM AN FA E TH , M I N I STE R FO R CO N G R E G AT ION AL C AR E & WOR S HIP
“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, Using the “fruits of the Spirit” from Developing a spiritual practice—or
joy, peace, patience, kindness, the quoted scripture, worship and many—is essential to living out our
generosity, faithfulness, the messages within will be centered faith and being proactive in the world.
gentleness, and self-control. There upon each word (or “fruit”) as a This Lenten sermon series may help
is no law against such things.” spiritual practice, with an invitation to broaden your understanding of the
(Galatians 5: 22-23) hone these words in our lives during plethora of such practices. Have
the season of Lent and beyond. you considered patience a spiritual
With March comes To deepen our connection to the practice? Gentleness? Self-Control?
the season of Lent, Divine is to also strengthen our Fruitful Living: Spiritual Practices
which begins on Ash relationship with others and the for Lent is designed to feed your
Wednesday, Feb. 26. world. In order to thrive during these heart, mind and spirit with possibility.
complicated days, our spirits need On March 8, we welcome Gary
I have developed a practice of
attention and nurture. Green as guest preacher. Green is
observing Lent as the gift of time to
“go deeper” in matters of the Spirit. the Assistant Professor of Pastoral
Our understanding of Jesus varies Our spirits need Theology and Social Transformation
at United Theological Seminary of
greatly at Plymouth Church, yet the
tradition of Lent is to mark time on
attention and nurture the Twin Cities. We look forward
to adding his voice to our journey
Jesus’ journey to his crucifixion, and in order to thrive together through Lent.
what it means for us as we consider
the impact of Jesus’s choices and
in these times. Blessings,
God’s actions upon our own lives of Beth
faith.
CHUR CH M ATTER S
Lead Minister search update
by c HRIS bOHNHOFF, CHAIR , LEAD MI N ISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE
Back in November, I reported that the over 160 communications. We started handful of denominations, coming
Lead Minister Search Committee’s goal with high-level contacts within national from a range of contexts, blessed
was to have a recommended candidate organizations and large institutions. with unique skillsets. Now the fun
to bring to a vote at our annual Those communications led to a list of begins: moving past the resumes and
meeting in June. I am excited to report recommendations for people we should YouTube sermons to begin the person-
that we are currently on pace to reach target, which we have done. We have to-committee conversations. Those
our goal. also done significant networking via conversations begin in early March.
Since the job posting went live on our LinkedIn and continue to follow leads Thank you for providing your thoughts
own website, on the UCC employment on qualified candidates. to us at the Guild Hall tables we staffed
page and on numerous job boards in The list of applicants who have in January and February. We hold all of
late December, the search committee submitted materials is impressive you in our work, always remembering
has been hard at work spreading the for their passion, experience and our covenant. Contact us anytime at
word about the position. As of diversity. It’s a group hailing from search@plymouth.org.
Feb. 12, the committee has sent out across the country, representing a
plymouth.org flame 3o utre ach
March 23: The Color of Law on segregation
by Catheri ne Shre ve s, R a ci a l J u sti ce Ini ti at iv e
Richard Rothstein, a national expert and support for violent resistance
on the impact of government- to African Americans in white
sponsored racial segregation, will be neighborhoods.
in the sanctuary of Plymouth Church In exposing this institutional racism,
Monday, March 23, 7–9 p.m., for a Rothstein answers an important
discussion of his book The Color of question—how did we arrive here?—
Law: A Forgotten History of How Our and raises another one—how do we
Government Segregated America. move forward?
The Color of Law meticulously details Plymouth Church, through its Racial
how federal, state, and local policies Justice Initiative, is hosting Rothstein
explicitly segregated metropolitan in collaboration with Hennepin History
areas nationwide, creating racially Museum and Alliance Housing. The
homogenous neighborhoods in Minneapolis Foundation and Pohlad
patterns that violate the Constitution Foundation are sponsors of Rothstein’s
and require remediation. talk. Please do join us for this important
These policies have hindered event. Tickets ($5) are available
economic mobility of African through Hennepin History Museum:
Americans through undisguised communities, subsidies for builders https://hennepinhistory.org/event/the-
racial zoning, public housing that to create whites-only suburbs, tax color-of-law/
purposefully severed previously mixed exemptions for prejudiced institutions,
Please give to Minnesota FoodShare this month
By Dave Enghusen, G r o ve l a n d Fo o d S he l f d irec t or
March is when winter begins loosening evidence points to the sharp rise in provides goods that may have a short
its grip. For us at the Groveland Food housing costs. shelf life but are often more nutritious
Shelf, March and December are the For example, one client was a pregnant than food we’ve been able to provide
most important months to refill our woman with one child who found in the past. Yet, it also is very labor
coffers. In March, we also can benefit herself without housing because her intensive because we need to sort,
from a proportional match provided by building had been sold. It was being verify the food is good and, if it goes
the Minnesota FoodShare organization. converted to senior housing. She was in bad before being taken, to compost
When you see the envelopes in the her early 30s, had finished school with and dispose of it. We also offer clothing
pews, please give generously. a vocational degree and was working provided by Old School by Steeple
The need for food is growing. In 2019, in that field part-time and doing guard People across the street.
Groveland saw a 13 percent increase work part-time. Her income did not This year will bring more changes. We
over 2018 and the highest numbers qualify her for housing in the area she hope to add a person and vehicle to
since the Great Recession. was familiar with. She felt punished for help us with these challenges. We’ll
Jobs are available, so why the increase? doing the right thing. continue to evolve as we have since
There is sizable portion of Groveland’s For Groveland, too, over the past year 1975 when Plymouth first founded the
customers who are retired or suffering much has changed. We receive food food shelf. Your generous contributions
from disabilities or other issues that seven days a week with generous of time and money help us help others.
make returning to work difficult. The donations from Kowalski’s, Trader You touch the lives of thousands of
larger portion do work, however. We Joe’s, Lund’s and a number of smaller people with few resources and few
don’t know for sure but anecdotal cafes and bakeries. This food rescue options. They and we are grateful.
4 flame plymouth.orgo utre ach
Beacon & housing stability for all: 1999–2020
By Anne Seltz, Plym o u th B e a co n L e a d e r shi p TE a m
From one building to many: In January Beacon launched a bold At Beacon’s Congregation Convening
Plymouth Church Neighborhood legislative initiative to provide rent on Jan. 30, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
Foundation started with 40 homes subsidies to all who qualify: Bring emphasized the importance of a
at Lydia and, over 21 years, PCNF it Home, Minnesota! If Minnesota decent affordable home for all. She
morphed into Beacon Interfaith did this, (and we can with about said, “There are three questions about
Housing Collaborative with over 4 percent of our state budget), no affordable housing: Who’s in? Who’s
100 congregations, and 650 homes low-income family would pay more out? Who decides?” She told us we
in 18 properties. A fulfillment of the than 30 percent of their income are part of that decision, but we need
Plymouth Church Neighborhood for housing. That housing stability to show up at meetings, with phone
Foundation vision—not really a benefits families, schools, businesses calls, postcards and e-mails.
miracle but the result of physical and communities. State Rep. Alice Jim Gertmenian, Minister Emeritas,
and, yes, spiritual work of many Hausman said in Lori Sturdevant’s said at the 10th anniversary of
laypersons, clergy and staff. Feb. 7 article in the Star Tribune: Heading Home Hennepin: “It’s
Beacon’s vision and focus is on “It costs taxpayers more to have a matter of justice. It’s about the
families, seniors, young adults homeless people than to actually foundational assumption that in
and others who make less than house them.” a just society every person has a
$30,000 a year and those who are On March 11, join with the Minnesota fundamental right to safe, decent and
experiencing homelessness: folk with Homeless Coalition to advocate for affordable housing.”
mental illness, low to no income, job housing stability at the Capitol. For From Lydia to the Capitol. From
loss, felony history, chemical use details and to register, please visit PCNF to Beacon. What an inspiring
or homelessness. The upcoming www.mnhomelesscoalition.org/ journey it has been . . . and continues
doubling of Lydia Apartments is a advocate/doth2020/ to be!
typical example of that vision.
Drop-in: Thank you!
A generous gift from Andris “Andy” Baltins, husband of the Outreach, by the numbers
late Nancy Baltins who was a major force in the early days of Groveland Food Shelf recorded over 20,000 visits
Drop-in Center, will ensure that Strobel Drop-in participants in 2019, with an average month of 1,700 visits. This
will be able to enjoy a fall trip in perpetuity. is up from around 18,000 visits in 2018. Please see the
Our guests who participate in activities offered by appeal for monetary donations on p. 4.
the Strobel Drop-in Center at Plymouth Church often
cope with disabilities, mental illness or struggles with The Climate and Environment Justice group reports
independent living. The Strobel Drop-in Center offers them that 54 friends and members of Plymouth gave
companionship, twice-weekly meetings, monthly Bingo money to the purchase of our solar panels. For more
games, crafts, occasional singalongs, worship services and information or to join the group’s email list, please
special trips offsite. We at Plymouth Church are very glad contact Jan Neville, janeville@comcast.net, or Tim
to offer our guests a place where they belong, and we are Fremouw, tefremouw@gmail.com.
grateful for this significant support for our Drop-in Center.
Larry Johnson, who directs the Strobel Drop-in Center, says On April 19, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary
that “the all-day fall trip, started when Nancy was still living, of Earth Day here at Plymouth. Member Bryce
is something that many Drop-in participants look forward to Hamilton as a founder in 1970. There will be exciting
all year long. activities at 10 a.m. Don’t miss the sermon by Don
Shelby, former WCCO-TV news anchor, at 9 or 11!
“It gives them hope that there is good in the world.”
plymouth.org flame 5Ste ward sh i p
Do the math, share the love
by Paula Nor thwo o d , a cti n g se n i o r mi n i st er
A member shared that she was moral development, music lessons for subtract the current pledgers and
thinking about the Stewardship her children as they participate in choir, children, why are 650 or so choosing
Annual drive and the thermometer service opportunities, exposure to art not to pledge?” Now some folks
that appears in Jones Commons exhibits and theater performances, prefer to give to the offering plate
on Sundays to mark our progress. intergenerational connections and and not make a pledge. That’s
She noted that we usually have 400 deep friendships. Our church offers a great, but it doesn’t help us plan our
pledging units (individuals and great deal of free benefits! budget because we don’t know when
families) and our goal is $1.5 million. If Churches do not charge for services or how much to expect. And there
you do the math, that’s $3,750 a pledge. rendered or suggest a membership fee are a handful of folks unhappy and
What this member realized was that like exercise gyms or country clubs, withholding their pledge, so that leaves
maybe their family wasn’t doing their but the church is like an exercise gym several hundred who claim Plymouth
part. Not because they didn’t have the or country club because it is where as their home church but do not
means but because they didn’t know you build your spiritual muscles and contribute.
what an appropriate pledge might be. live out your deepest call to serve We need everyone’s financial
Now, of course, not everyone can humanity. It’s a place to explore life’s commitment to continue to be a
pledge at that level and many others deepest questions with others. It’s faithful presence in the neighborhood.
can do much, much more. As Jesus a community that can hold you in Please take some time to do the math.
said, “To whom much is given, much your moments of deepest sorrow
If you haven’t pledged, please do. If
will be required.” (Luke 12:48) and celebrate your achievements,
you’ve been stagnant in your giving,
This member went on to share about anniversaries and times of joy.
considering increasing. Let’s work
all the ways that her family benefits Doing the math leads me to ask together to support the church we love.
from church attendance: spiritual one more question: “If our church
nourishment, biblical knowledge, membership is around 1,500, if you
Co mmuni ty Li fe
You are invited! Member? Higher Power group?
Interested in membership If you have questions regarding Charlie Lloyd, among others, that
at Plymouth Church? membership at Plymouth, you may began as an informal way for Plymouth
Our next new member class series contact Beth Hoffman Faeth, Minister members to share their experience of
will be held March 15 & 22 at 10 for Congregational Care and Worship. their own recovery or that of a family
a.m. Attendance at both sessions is Beth can be reached in the church member. Our gatherings offer a time to
requested. The classes address our office at 612/871-7400. informally connect with others in the
shared values as a congregation and Higher Power Fellowship group, often over a potluck. We also
the many ways they are expressed in host a speaker for Recovery Sunday,
Alcohol, drug and other addictions
our individual spiritual journeys, and and make literature available during
impact not just the person using,
they provide an opportunity to get to the coffee hour.
but also family and friends. Moving
know others new to Plymouth and to forward in recovery involves more than On Sunday, March 29, Faith Partners
interact with Plymouth clergy, staff, merely abstaining from the substance in Recovery will host a gathering
and lay leaders. Those who choose or behavior. It can be ultimately a during the 10 o’clock hour. For more
to join will be received on April 5. To spiritual journey that we embark information or to be added to our
register for the class, please contact on in fellowship with others. Faith email list, please contact Beth Faeth
Doug Freeman: membership@ Partners in Recovery is a fellowship at BethF@Plymouth.org.
plymouth.org or 612/977-1279. group started years ago by Jan and
6 flame plymouth.orgOUTR EACH
Growing our circles and reaching out
B y To m Hai gh, Cha i r , I mmi g r a n t W e l co mi n g a n d W or kin g G r ou p
The work of the Immigrant In addition, IWWG continues
Welcoming and Working Group to support and participate in the
(IWWG) is at heart an effort to monthly vigils at Fort Snelling. Four
understand current immigration Buddhist communities collaborated
issues, to connect with people whose to host the January vigil. At the
lives are directly affected and to work February vigil, we had out-of-town
toward fair and just treatment for guests, members of Occupied
those caught up in what’s become a Communities Against Deportations
front-page political football game. (OCAD) from Chicago. They were
The service was enlightening and in town to support “Beto,” a DACA
This year, we seek to work more
inspiring. In his sermon, Imam recipient from Chicago who has
directly with individuals who need
Abdul spoke of our belief whether been in the Freeborn County jail for
help. Through partnership with the
as Muslims, Jews or Christians in eight months. He is up for a bond
Interfaith Coalition on Migration
worshiping one God. For all of us, love redetermination hearing. We don’t
(ICOM), we assisted an individual
is the core belief. So at our best, we know the results at press time.
who needed help getting settled
in late December. One of the work from love. IWWG meets the third Tuesday of
accomplishments was getting a very After the service, a dozen members of every month at 6 p.m. at Plymouth.
large sofa through a very small door. the congregation warmly welcomed Transportation to attend deportation
Miracle? Maybe. us. They would like to get to know hearings is available on Thursdays
us better and we want to continue to from Plymouth. For more information
The individual belongs to the
get to know them. We extended an about any of our work, contact Tom
Brooklyn Park Islamic Center. In
invitation for them to visit a service at Haigh, 763/438-2574 or jthaigh45@
thanks, we were invited to be part of a
Plymouth soon. gmail.com.
Friday afternoon prayer service at the
Center on the last day of January.
Co mmuni ty Li fe
Ride or drive the Plymouth bus
That big white bus that says worship at Second Service. The We need more drivers because some
Plymouth Congregational Church driver also could make other stops of these folks are out of town for
and takes up more than two spots on this route to pick up others extended periods of the year .
in our parking lot? You’ve seen it, or others can come to Covenant No special license is required.
but have you ridden in it? Even Village and access the bus. The Training will be provided.
better, have you driven it? We have bus can accommodate walkers, but
For more information, or to sign up
it on good authority that it’s easy not wheelchairs. If you’d like to be
to drive or to ride, please contact
to drive—much easier than its size picked up at Covenant Village, Jack
a member of Plymouth’s Bus
would suggest. Can we entice you to Cole (763/540-1995) coordinates the
Committee: Parker Trostel, 612/360-
try it? Our drivers enjoy the Sunday bus pick-up.
8301, ptrostel@comcast.net or Emily
drives and the riders. Since Rally Day 2018, six intrepid Venell, 612/871-7400, emilyv@
Every Sunday, one of our bus drivers and happy drivers have been driving: plymouth.org.
ventures to Covenant Village in Pat Born, Kristin Bottemiller, Beverly
Golden Valley, where he or she picks Gores, Gary Specker, Jerry Davis and
up two to six Plymouth members Larry Johnson. They agreed to drive
and friends. and brings them to about once every four to six weeks.
plymouth.org flame 7Arts
Spell to Bring Lost Creatures Home debuts
B y Ray M artin
Elsie and Ray Martin invite you to choir with music and choreography We narrowed our text search to four
the 11 a.m. service on March 15 for the integral to both: the desire being to poems, based on their message,
world premiere of Spell to Bring Lost include dance as a form of worship. length and perceived singability.
Creatures Home, poem by Kathleen We are grateful for the help of Tony We chose Justin Merritt, Professor
Raine, music by Justin Merritt, and Stoneburner, church member and of Composition at St. Olaf College,
choreography by Elsie Martin. It retired English professor. Not only who composed the anthem during
will be sung by the Plymouth Adult has he supported dance in worship, he a sabbatical at the Aaron Copeland
House in upstate New York.
Elsie and I met with him a couple of
times, first to let him decide if any
poem resonated with his creative
energy, later to discuss concepts,
choreographic ideas and poetic
intent. This haunting text is rich in
imagery about animals, children and
lost souls finding their way home.
Elsie is choreographing it for dancers
who relish the chance to be a bird,
rabbit, fox, rat or other character. A
lively performance awaits!
The piece is dedicated to the memory
of our mothers—who made sure we
Choir and danced by 10 youth and led us to poems that focused on the
always came home. Please join us for
adult dancers. Some are pictured in intersection of nature and spirituality.
worship at our Plymouth home on
rehearsal, above. A commission would not be possible March 15.
This is the second time we have without Philip Brunelle to guide
commissioned an anthem for our and support us through the process.
PRISM: A multi-faceted exhibition
By Ly nn ett e Black, co - cha ir , gall e ry C o mm i ttee
Artists Maggie Thompson and exploring family history as well as Minnesota Historical Society have
Tamara Aupaumut will be featured in themes and subject matter of the both acquired pieces from Thompson
the Conn Art Gallery, March 1–April broader Native American experience. to be a part of their permanent
8. The opening reception begins at Thompson’s work calls attention to collection.
11 a.m. and continues through 1 p.m., its materiality pushing the viewer’s Tamara Aupaumut is a
Sunday, March 1. traditional understanding of textiles. multidisciplinary artist. She is
Maggie Thompson (Fond du Lac She explores materials in her work by a painter, ceramist, quillworker,
Ojibwe) was born and raised in incorporating multimedia elements beadworker, photographer, and
Minneapolis. She received her such as photographs, beer caps and has also worked in film and
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textiles at 3D-printed objects. theater. Tamara descends from the
the Rhode Island School of Design in Thompson had her first solo Stockbridge-Munsee Community
2013. As a textile artist and designer, exhibition Where I Fit at All My Band of Mohican Indians, the
she derives her inspiration from Relations Gallery in 2014. The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, and the
the history of her Ojibwe heritage, Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Brothertown Indian Nation.
8 flame plymouth.orgS PIR ITUAL FOR M ATIO N
JSOR: Doing Theology in the Age of Trump
By Mark Larson
Mark your calendar: April 24–25, We connect this phenomenon to
Jesus Seminar on the Road returns to deeper issues about nationalism,
Plymouth Church. religion, race, and American
This year’s JSOR focuses on the exceptionalism. John D. Caputo (at
interrelation left), one of the leading
of religion and philosophers of religion
politics during in the older generation,
the current and Clayton Crockett
administration. (at right), one of the
The book, Doing leading lights in the
Theology in the younger generation and
Age of Trump, was a co-editor of the book,
published in 2018, will address important
and addresses the theological questions
question why more about time, truth, and
than 80 percent politics today. Both Registration will be available through
of white Christian are also members of Plymouth Congregational Church
evangelicals voted Westar’s Seminar on soon. Questions? Please contact Mark
for Trump in the God and the Human Larson at 612/718-8124
2016 election. Future
Leaning on the hiddenness of God
By eli zab eth J arre tt and r e w
Julie Neraas recently told me that 93 it all, she suffers. “Chronic pain can hope,” she said, and quoted William
people die from gun violence daily, ruin your manners toward God,” she Sloan Coffin: “I don’t think God can
totaling 600,000 since 1968. She also said, quoting Jane Kenyon. “I’ve been reach the self-reliant.”
shared what it’s like to be in constant moved by the prayer vigils that have The further Julie goes on the spiritual
pain from a chronic illness no one can been held for gun violence, where path, the less she knows. “My prayer
figure out. Because I knew Julie is a one religious leader after another is giving myself to the Mystery.” As I
life-long practitioner of contemplative says, ‘Prayers are powerful. Don’t stop understand Julie, the key to finding
prayer, I was interested to hear what them. But God isn’t going to rescue hope in the midst of suffering rests
role silence plays for her in the face of us from our gun problem.’ ” Julie in Abraham Heschel’s wisdom: Don’t
suffering. admits to being a “functional atheist,” mistake the hiddenness of God for the
Julie has been on a contemplative at least regarding a personal God who absence of God. In what Christians
path since college. Ordained in the willingly lends aid. call the “cloud of unknowing,” we
Presbyterian Church and trained as What then happens in silent prayer? come in contact with a hidden
a spiritual director, she fulfills her Prayer isn’t about “bunching up your source that somehow is more present
mission “to be a resource in the area muscles and trying hard” but rather in its absence. Julie ended our
of spiritual life to individuals and about “releasing yourself to the conversation with a striking, hopeful
organizations” by offering spiritual prayer that’s always there. Silence is a statement: “The richest fruits of the
direction, retreats and faithfully seedbed. It asks me to be vulnerable. contemplative impulse are hospitality
working with Plymouth’s Gun I need help and I know it. The word and compassion and kindness—the
Violence Prevention group. Through help is closely related to the word things that will save Plymouth.”
plymouth.org flame 9spi ri tual fo rmati o n
Fire up with March Forums, Sundays @ 10
B y Rebecca M ill er, s un d ay f o r um co mm itt e e
March 1 Degree from the University of St. between civil rights leader Nekima
Awakening Lessons Thomas and a Doctorate of Education Levy-Armstrong and Rev. Dr.
Realizing and living one’s true life is a from Hamline University. He has Curtiss DeYoung will help illuminate
sacred gift we all deserve. But, how do been at the American Indian OIC this question for our congregation.
we get there? How do we genuinely since 2006, serves as the Director of Nekima Levy Armstrong is a civil
open our hearts to ourselves and to several Boards, and has received a rights attorney, activist and the
others? Our destinations are varied, variety of honors. Presented with the National Director of Activism for
but we control each footstep we Plymouth American Indian Initiative Wayfinder Foundation. She served as
take. Catherine will explore three of the Board of Outreach. a Professor of Law at the University of
life-changing events and the five life March 15 St. Thomas Law School for 13 years,
lessons learned to inquire into what it Modeling Resiliency where she founded and directed the
means to live deeply from your heart, A farm near Northfield is advancing Community Justice Project. She
listen inwardly and deepen your regenerative agriculture, reconnecting previously served as president of
understanding of self-compassion. people to the land and restoring our the Minneapolis NAACP and as
Rev. Catherine Duncan, MA, BCC, planet back to health. They welcome an advisor to Black Lives Matter
Integrative Spiritual Consultant, is our newest Americans, value their Minneapolis. She ran for Mayor of
an ordained minister with the United farming expertise and provide land Minneapolis in 2017.
Church of Christ and a covenant access. Main Street Project’s focus Rev. Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung is
partner with Plymouth. She received on resilient agricultural approaches the CEO of the Minnesota Council
her Master of Arts in Theology and that provide economic opportunity of Churches. Previously he was
Spiritual Direction Certificate from for new farmers, producing affordable the Executive Director of the
St. Catherine University and a Master nutritious food and mitigating historic racial justice organization
of Divinity equivalency from United climate change. Community Renewal Society in
Theological Seminary. She works Julie Ristau is Executive Director at Chicago and the inaugural Professor
with Partners in Resilience, MN Main Street Project in Northfield. She of Reconciliation Studies at Bethel
Personalized Medicine, and has a is also a Principle of Regeneration University in St. Paul. DeYoung is
private practice. Partnership LLC. Julie works with an ordained minister in the Church
March 8 restorative community-based of God and a member of the Park
Urban American Indian Issues farms throughout the country, Avenue United Methodist Church
and serves on the board of Shared in Minneapolis. He is an author and
Learn about current Minneapolis
Capital Cooperative. She has held editor of 12 books on reconciliation,
Urban American Indian issues, with
an endowed chair in Agricultural interfaith social justice activism,
a focus on education, as well as
Systems at the University of racism, and culture. Presented with
how Plymouth can support and be
Minnesota’s Institute for Sustainable the Racial Justice Initiative.
more useful to the American Indian
community. Agriculture. Presented with the March 29
Climate and Environmental Justice The James Webb Space Telescope and
Dr. Joe Hobot, President and CEO,
Group of the Board of Outreach. Astronomy in the 2020s
American Indian Opportunity
Industrial Center (OIC), is a March 22 The Hubble Space Telescope (HST)
descendant of the Lakota Nation How to Begin Reconciliation is nearing its end since there will be
from the Standing Rock Reservation. Reconciliation is both a theological no more servicing missions for repair.
Born and raised in the Twin Cities, he and political term—so how does a The James Webb Space Telescope
holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the church, especially Plymouth, begin (JWST), due to launch on March 30,
University of Minnesota, a Master’s thinking about it? A conversation 2021, is in some ways (and in some
ways not) its successor. The scientific
a
10 flame plymouth.orgS P I RITUAL FOR M ATIO N
Let’s cheer on our young people!
By NINA J ONSON, PR O G R A M S M A N A G E R
Nearly every weekend, Plymouth kids and teens performed in Guthrie to be blown away by talent.
members of all ages go on the town to plays and musicals at their Investing a few hours of time and
catch a Lynx game, see a show at the schools and through community a few dollars from my wallet in the
Jungle, watch a dance performance organizations? lives of our young people matters.
at Cowles or catch a touring act at • Our youth are playing nearly They know that there are caring
the Armory. How fortunate are we to every instrument, from cello to adults who might not know them
live in such a vibrant metropolitan tuba, in their schools’ orchestras well, but support them in their
area, with so many social and cultural and bands? endeavors—adults who are willing to
opportunities to engage in every show up for them. We have 120 young
week of the year. • Within our Church School, we
have young people who perform people involved in our church school
And all of the talented professionals and compete in ice skating, programming, and many of them
who entertain and inspire us were ultimate frisbee, basketball, participate in activities that require
once young people, toiling away robotics, Lego League, Irish audiences.
in gyms, auditoriums and practice dance, and more? If you are looking for a way to cross
rooms, looking for audiences to cheer the courtyard and see what the kids
them on. • Every single one of these young
people would love to have are up to these days, please email
Did you know that at Plymouth: friendly faces in the audience for me (ninaj@plymouth.org). I will
• We have young people from their events, concerts and games, connect you with one of our families
Plymouth singing with the yet many of them do not have lots who has kids who participate in
Minnesota Boychoir and the of family here in the Twin Cities theater, music, sports or intellectual
Minnesota Opera? to attend these events? contests. You will meet someone new
at Plymouth, our young people will
• Kids doing shows with Theater As part of my job building
have someone else there cheering
Latte Da, Children’s Theater community and strengthening
them on, and our circle of beloved
Company and the Guthrie? relationships among our children,
community will extend far beyond the
• Young people flying through the youth and families, I will attend
walls of the Sanctuary on a Sunday
art at Circus Juventas and Circus anything that I am invited to by a
morning. Please take a chance on
Xelias? young person. I love showing up, and
some talented kids and young people
showing my support, and, believe me,
• Last year, more than 30 of our from our own community!
you do not have to attend a play at the
rationale for JWST and how it builds
on what we have learned from HST
Consider a salon on Sunday @ 10
Have you noticed in the Sunday of the salon and reflected on some
will be presented. Bulletin Announcements and Friday quotes and imagery about death. In
Dr. Charles Nelson is Associate emails that a Salon is offered at addition, other groups at Plymouth
Professor of Astronomy and Plymouth Church? If not, take a have led a discussion during the 10 to
Astrophysics, at Drake University, moment to look over the Sunday 11 a.m time for the salons.
Department of Physics & Astronomy Forum listings and do attend if you So, consider participating in one of
since 2002. He is a graduate would like to engage in a small group these small group discussions. You
of Oberlin College, Vanderbilt conversation. Each week, there is can expect to be engaged by the
University (MS), University of a different topic for these informal conversation and may find that you
Virginia (PhD) and completed several conversations. are delighted to get to know people in
post-docs at Space Telescope and the Recently a dozen people participated a new way. —Mary Baker
University of Nevada, Las Vegas. in a Death Café. We had cake as part
plymouth.org flame 11March 2020
01 f i r s t s u n d ay i n
05 T h u r sd a y 6:30 Fun with Dylan
6:30 Chapel Singers
9:00 Archives Committee
lent 6:30 Genesis Dancers
10:30 Meals on Wheels
9:00 First Service 6:35 Chorister Choir
12:00 Plymouth Pew Clergy Discussion
9:00 Archives—open for visitors 6:45 Intermediate Ringers
Group
9:45–12:15 Childcare 6:45 Spiritual Exploration–Yoga
3:00 Strobel Drop-in Center
10:00 Sundays @ 10 7:00 Confirmation
7:00 Plymouth Keyboard Music Club
10:00 Artist Reception 7:00 Plymouth Choir
7:00 Vivir Mi Vida Salsa Dance
11:00 Second Service—Lenten 7:20 Alleluia Dancers
Communion 7:30 Senior High
12:15 Church Tour 06 F r id a y
12:30 Doctrine of Discovery—Film Club
4:00 Louise Erdrich reads from her 07 S a t u r d a y 12 T h u r sd a y
9:00 Archives Committee
newest book—Literary Witnesses 9:00 Better Angels Workshop
10:30 Meals on Wheels
02 m o nd a y 08 s u n d a Y 11:00 HABIT caregivers meeting
3:00 Strobel Drop-in Center
1:00 Home Retreat Meeting 9:00 First Service 7:00 Vivir Mi Vida Salsa Dance
7:00 Great Books Group 9:00 Archives—open for visitors
7:00 Plymouth Contemplatives Gathering 9:45–12:15 Childcare
10:00 Sundays @ 10
13 F r id a y
7:30 Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera
03 T u e sd a y 11:00 Second Service Co. opening night for Ruddigore
9:00 Contemplative Prayer 12:30 Robert Bly: One Thousand Years of (see gsvloc.org for schedule, tickets
Joy—Film Club and details)
9:00 Archives Committee
6:30 Deacons
7:00 Meditation Matters—Spiritual 09 M o nd a y 14 S a t u r d a y
Exploration 6:00 Let’s Simplify—Spiritual Exploration 8:30 The Welcoming Prayer—Spiritual
7:00 Theater 45°—Mara, Queen of the Exploration
04 W e dn e sd a y World
15 s u n d a y
9:00 Knit-A-Bit
9:30 Groveland Food Shelf
10 T u e sd a y 9:00 First Service
9:00 Contemplative Prayer 9:00 Archives—open for visitors
10:00 Conversations from the Heart
Practice Group 9:00 Archives Committee 9:45–12:15 Childcare
1:00 Strobel Drop-in Center 4:00 Building and Grounds 10:00 New member class
2:00 Archives 4:00 Forced Into Camps—Spiritual 10:00 Sundays @ 10
Exploration 11:00 Second Service
4:00 Legacy Giving Committee
5:30 Lead Minister Search Committee 12:00 Church Tour
5:00 Katy’s Cafe
12:30 Biggest Little Farm—Film Club
5:00 BeFrienders
5:00 Wednesdays in the basement: 11 W e dn e sd a y 5:00 Third Sunday Meal
Youth activities 9:00 Knit-A-Bit
6:00 100 Hands
6:00 Cherub Choir
9:30 Groveland Food Shelf
10:00 Conversations from the Heart
16 M o nd a y
1:00 Strobel Drop-in Center, offsite
6:00 Youth Choir Practice Group
6:00 Intro Bells
6:30 Fun with Dylan
10:00 HABIT 18 Support Group
1:00 Strobel Drop-in Center 17 T u e sd a y
2:00 Archives 9:00 Contemplative Prayer
6:30 Chapel Singers
5:00 Katy’s Cafe 9:00 Archives Committee
6:30 Genesis Dancers
5:00 Wednesdays in the basement: 4:00 Forced Into Camps—Spiritual
6:35 Chorister Choir Exploration
Youth activities
6:45 Intermediate Ringers 6:00 Immigrant Welcoming Working
5:30 Board of Fine Arts
6:45 Spiritual Exploration–Yoga Group
6:00 100 Hands
7:00 Confirmation
6:00 Cherub Choir
7:00 Plymouth Choir
7:20 Alleluia Dancers
6:00 Youth Choir 18 W e dn e sd a y
6:00 Intro Bells 9:00 Knit-A-Bit
7:30 Senior High
6:30 Board of Community Life 9:30 Groveland Food Shelf
6:30 Board of Outreach 10:00 Conversations from the Heart
6:30 Board of Spiritual Formation Practice Group
12 flame plymouth.org10:00 Celtic Weavings—Spiritual
Exploration 24 T u e sd a y 29 S u n d a y
10:30 Plymouth American Indian Initiative 9:00 Contemplative Prayer 9:00 First Service
1:00 Strobel Drop-in Center 9:00 Archives Committee 9:00 Archives—open for visitors
1:30 OMC Book Club 12:30 OLLI: Books You Don’t Have Time 9:45–12:15 Childcare
to Read 10:00 Sundays @ 10
3:30 Stewardship Committee
4:00 Forced Into Camps—Spiritual 11:00 Second Service
5:00 Board of Finance & Admin.
Exploration 5:00 Evensong—reflective service of
5:00 Katy’s Cafe
5:00 The Mortality Project healing, with music and silence
5:00 Wednesdays in the basement:
5:30 Lead Minister Search Committee
Youth activities
5:30 Sunday Forum Committee
6:30 Gun Violence Prevention Group
30 M o nd a y
5:30 Racial Justice Initiative
6:00 100 Hands 25 W e dn e s D a y 31 T u e sd a y
6:00 Cherub Choir 9:00 Knit-A-Bit 9:00 Contemplative Prayer
6:00 Youth Choir 9:30 Groveland Food Shelf 9:00 Archives Committee
6:00 Intro Bells 10:00 Conversations from the Heart 4:00 Forced Into Camps—Spiritual
6:30 Board of Worship Practice Group Exploration
6:30 Fun with Dylan 1:00 Strobel Drop-in Center
6:30 Chapel Singers 2:00 Archives
6:30 Genesis Dancers 4:00 Legacy Giving Committee
6:35 Chorister Choir 5:00 Katy’s Cafe
6:45 Intermediate Ringers 5:00 Wednesdays in the basement:
Youth activities
6:45 Spiritual Exploration–Yoga
6:00 100 Hands
7:00 Confirmation
6:00 Leadership Council
7:00 Plymouth Choir
6:00 Cherub Choir
7:20 Alleluia Dancers
6:00 Youth Choir
7:30 Senior High
6:00 Intro Bells
19 T h u r sd a y 6:30 Fun with Dylan
6:30 Chapel Singers
9:00 Archives Committee 6:30 Genesis Dancers
10:30 Meals on Wheels 6:35 Chorister Choir
6:30 ICOM General Meeting 6:45 Intermediate Ringers
7:00 Vivir Mi Vida Salsa Dance 6:45 Spiritual Exploration–Yoga
7:00 Confirmation
20 F r id a y 7:00 Plymouth Choir
7:20 Alleluia Dancers
21 S a t u r d a y 7:30 Senior High F a rewell t o Plymou t h !
22 S u n d a y 26 T h u r sd a y I have been privileged to serve as
the Director of Communication at
9:00 First Service 9:00 Archives Committee
9:00 Archives—open for visitors 10:30 Meals on Wheels Plymouth Church, Minneapolis,
9:45–12:15 Childcare 2:00 The Heart of Aging with Wisdom— for more than 8 years. By the time
10:00 New member class Spiritual Exploration
you read this, I will have moved on
10:00 Sundays @ 10 3:00 Strobel Drop-in Center
6:30 Discussions That Encounter to a position at the University of
11:00 Second Service
7:00 Vivir Mi Vida Salsa Dance Minnesota Libraries. Thank you for
23 M o nd a y your support and encouragement
6:00 Let’s Simplify—Spiritual Exploration
7:00 Richard Rothstein’s presentation on
27 F r id a y during our time together. You are
his exposé The Color of Law. a fine group of people—and my
28 S a t u r d a y colleagues have been wonderful!
Best wishes to all on your journeys!
—Allison Campbell Jensen
pari sh re gi st e r
Bereaved D eat h
Rob er t “Bob” an d So ni a B ra d W i em a n, dea t h o f C h a r l ot t M a r ro w, m ot h e r of
Alb er s , de ath of Bob’s f a ther, Wa y ne W i em a n F r a n k i e M a r row a n d M a r y
b rot her, Dwigh t Albe rs M a r row
plymouth.org flame 13Plymouth Congregational Church Non-profit
organization
1900 Nicollet Avenue U.S. postage
Minneapolis, MN 55403-3789 PAID
Twin Cities MN
Vo l. Li, No. 3 permit No. 93038
Address Service Requested
Marc h 2020
In th is issue
Coming Attractions. . . . . . . . . . . 1
Minister’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Grace Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Words about Worship. . . . . . . . . 3
Search Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Outreach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5, 7
Stewardship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Community Life. . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7
Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Spiritual Formation . . . . . . . . 9–11
March 2020 Calendar . . . . . 12–13
Parish Register. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Editor: Allison Campbell Jensen
Director of Communications
Submit items for publication to Doug
Freeman (dougf@plymouth.org) no
later than March 16 for the April issue.
We reserve the right to edit or delay the
publication of any article.
Published monthly for members and friends
of Plymouth Congregational Church,
Minneapolis, Minnesota. Subscribe to the
About those marked trees . . .
An inspector from the Minneapolis
electronic version by sending a note to
churchinfo@plymouth.org. Find out the latest Park Board inspected the 12 ash trees
news; go to www.plymouth.org or around the parking lot recently. They
facebook.com/PlymouthCongregationalChurch
all are infested with Emerald Ash Borer.
Tel: 612/871-7400; Fax: 612/871-0014
Minneapolis will remove the three trees
that are on City land; Plymouth will
Sunday Worship remove the other nine.
9 a.m. First Service The trees will be removed now to avoid
11 a.m. Second Service having dead trees in the city. Dead
March 1 Paula Northwood trees are more dangerous to remove,
March 8 Gary Green (p. 3) and there is a real danger of dead trees
March 15 Seth Patterson dropping limbs at unexpected times.
March 22 Beth Hoffman Faeth
Several new trees were planted a few
March 29 Paula Northwood
years ago, in anticipation of spread of
the Emerald Ash Borer. These trees will
March 29 not be affected by the ash borer, and
5 p.m., Evensong, a reflective with the competition from the ash trees
service in the Chapel led by Beth removed, they will grow even faster.
Hoffman Faeth
Thank you for your understanding!
—Tom P. AndersonYou can also read
