Plymouth partners are organizations with which we have a special relationship. Some—like VocalEssence, Groveland Food Shelf, OneVillage Partners and Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative—were founded at Plymouth Congregational Church (sometimes under different names). Others share our goals as Progressive Christians, such as United Theological Seminary, or are ministries housed at Plymouth—i.e., Theater 45°, founded in 2019. Please join in supporting our partners.
VocalEssence
Recognized internationally for innovative exploration of music for voices and instruments, VocalEssence was founded by Philip Brunelle in 1969 under the name Plymouth Music Series as a Plymouth Church arts outreach program. Each year the organization presents an engaging collection of concerts featuring the 120-voice VocalEssence Chorus and the 32-voice Ensemble Singers, along with soloists and instrumentalists. In 1979, the Plymouth Music Series was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation governed by its own independent board of directors. It continues to have offices, rehearsals and its Christmas concerts at Plymouth.
Groveland Emergency Food Shelf
Groveland Food Shelf is a nonprofit providing emergency groceries for those in need. We operate two programs: Groveland Emergency Food Shelf and Groveland Food for Youth. About 2,000 clients are served per month and over 40,000 pounds of food are distributed. The food shelf is located at Plymouth, with a public entrance on the north side of the church.
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative creates affordable and supportive housing, operates the Families Moving Forward shelter program and advocates for resources and policies to end homelessness. Founded as Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation with the creation of supportive housing at Lydia Apartments (across LaSalle Avenue from the church), Beacon now works with more than 60 congregational partners in the Twin Cities area.
United Theological Seminary
United Theological Seminary is a theological graduate school that welcomes and embraces life’s big questions. With access to unique resources, students hone their intellectual capacity, illuminate their spirituality and learn the lessons of compassionate leadership.
Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers
Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers strengthens the effectiveness of the peace and justice community in Minnesota by helping member organizations share resources, insights and ideas and devise cooperative strategies to accomplish common goals.
OneVillage Partners
OneVillage works to transform rural villages into empowered, self-reliant communities. The organization partners with villages long-term to improve productivity, quality of life, and the systems and skills that make these changes sustainable. Currently work is in Sierra Leone, West Africa.
Academia Elze
Children from infants through age 5 learn and play together in this Spanish-language immersion preschool, located at Plymouth Church. Academia Elze is a lively place with “amazing” staff and contented children. (https://www.facebook.com/academiaelze/)
Refugee Services, at Minnesota Council of Churches
Refugees have already endured the trauma of war, the difficulty of flight, and the uncertainty of waiting in a refugee camp. MCC Refugee Services strives to make their experience of resettling in Minnesota full of welcome and hope. The organization has expertise in providing quality services and navigating complex systems, working with a network of volunteers, churches, and community members to make Minnesota feel like home to new neighbors.
Theater 45°
Theater 45° is a justice-focused arts group housed at Plymouth Congregational Church. Their first series, offered fall 2019, was called “Step Back—Listen Up.” For the latest news, please see their Facebook page.
Guest preachers
also are partners of Plymouth Church. Since fall 2018, they have included Lynice Pinkard, John Pavlovitz, Jim Bear Jacobs, Shari Prestemon and Curtiss DeYoung.
