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Motivated by the Marriage Amendment

The November 2012 ballot’s so-called marriage amendment to Minnesota’s constitution would limit marriage to being between a man and a woman. This is not tenable for many at Plymouth Congregational Church.

As a church that has long embraced all people, whatever their orientation, Plymouth clergy and staff are committed to help Minnesotans lead the way to civil discourse on this issue and to provide spiritual grounding for members, friends and others. While we recognize that not every Plymouth member or friend will want to oppose the proposed amendment, we believe that many will.

LEARN MORE
With the showing of the film A Fish Out of Water, 12:15 p.m., Feb. 12, Plymouth Church begins a monthly series on Perspectives on the So-called Marriage Amendment. The Religious Exploration committee developed this series to help those wondering how to discuss the proposed amendment with friends, neighbors and family, especially if people are not in agreement. Fish is co-sponsored with the Plymouth Film Club; Paula Northwood will lead the discussion.

The series continues, always at 12:15 p.m., with Yvette Eramus talking about Compassionate Communication, March 11; Shannon Kearns discussing Old Testament passages, April 15; and Karl Jones exploring New Testament passages on slavery and how they might inform the current debate about acceptance of the GLBT community, May 13.

In addition, Plymouth Church hosts OutFront Minnesota faith organizer Javen Swanson speaking about “Why Marriage Matters” at the 9 a.m., Feb. 19 Adult Forum. Javen is a married gay man who will share his conviction that marriage matters personally, politically and spiritually.

ATTEND A SERVICE
State Senator John Marty speaks at the Healing Minnesota service, 5 p.m., Feb. 26. Healing Minnesota services offer song, speakers and spiritual reflection to inspire love, respect and healing in a time of division. Healing Minnesota services model civility and love as we move toward the voting booth decision on the marriage amendment in November 2012. Join in and invite friends, 5 p.m., on the fourth Sunday of the month, through Oct. 28, 2012.

TELL STORIES
Offering voices in opposition is video blogger Matt Peiken (faithforwardmn.wordpress.com), who presents views of such faithful people as U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, Rabbi Melissa Simon and Rev. Rebecca Voelkel. Learn to tell your own story, in an impactful way, about why marriage is important to all families through training sessions offered by Minnesotans United for all Families. For times and locations of classes, see the website (www.mnunited.org). Whatever your opinion, you are invited to speak out.

By Allison Campbell Jensen, from the February 2012 Flame

 

 

 

    News & Issues

Healing Minnesota services continue 5 p.m., Feb. 26 with Minnesota State Senator John Marty speaking and Jearlyn Steele singing. These services feature song, speakers, silence and spiritual reflection to inspire love, respect and healing in a time of division about the proposed constitutional amendment on marriage rights. They take place every fourth Sunday through October 2012.

The latest issue of News for the Common Good, from the Minnesota Council of Churches.

The latest issue of Expressions, newsletter of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches.

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    "I look around and see the vein of gold that makes Plymouth a rich church," Senior Minister James Gertmenian told the honorees and guests at the 50-Year Member Recognition Luncheon Oct. 16.

Class of 1961: Diane Cummisford, Mary Lou Carpenter and Rusty Nelson. (Seven other members of this class did not attend the luncheon.)

Siblings (from left) Ramona Shaw, Henry Shaw and Joaquenia Heinrich (honoree); respectively, they live in Nevada, Wisconsin and Montana.

Joan Parsons & Clint Hall

Nancy Pearson & Tara Bauer. When speaker John Bennett mentioned his crystal radio giving way to transistor radios, Tara asked," What's a transistor radio?" After the laughter subsided, John said: "You can Google it on your iPhone."

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Plymouth at Pride, June 26, 2011

    More from Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation

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