Campus Task Force 2.0

Campus Task Force Heard You in January: Member Comments on Neighboring

CTF programs and additional discussions in January focused on how Plymouth’s Beyond purpose inspires us to partner with our neighbors. In one-on-one conversations, participants told and heard one another describe ways their spiritual faith informs how they serve others, advance human rights, and further social, economic, racial and environmental justice. Some described early roots such as growing up Lutheran, or in other Protestant church communities, or in a progressive Catholic community. One participant was inspired by the example of imprisoned Alexei Navalny’s desire to change things whose results would have an impact beyond his lifetime.

One of the questions asked during the January conversation was: “When did you become aware of the need to neighbor?”  Answers included growing up in a neighborhood with three different nationalities, seeing their mother regularly feed hungry strangers during World War II, and experiencing the anti-war movement on national justice issues. One member told how her faith and values about justice deepened by being the “other,” graced by her host country. Another said their Christian faith deepened with experience in another culture.  Yet another described seeing new needs of neighbors while living in a retirement community.

The January conversation morphed into a discussion about neighboring, what being a good neighbor in our community “beyond” our walls requires from Plymouth members.

Responses included:

• Continually asking ourselves “What is God calling Plymouth Congregational Church to be at this moment, in this church and in this neighborhood?”
• Inviting others in our Plymouth community to become engaged, we need to know who we What kind of work do we need to do within our community before we can invite others in?
• Practice contemplation as the ground of action to know who we are, and why and how we are to be neighbors.
• Beware of being so insular we don’t look beyond our walls to neighbors’ needs and aspirations.
• Truly absorb the notion that justice is liberating – doing, working for and receiving justice – is liberating for all of us.
• Learn how to develop authentic relationships with our neighbors before we can be good partners in finding solutions to challenges.
• Adapt our Beyond purpose to move beyond charity toward partnering with neighbors
• Work toward goals we may not see accomplished.

The February CTF Program will be held on Sunday, February 16, at 10 a.m. in the Howard Conn Gallery.  Please join other members in conversation.

Note that the February CTF Program will be held on Sunday, February 16, at 10 a.m. in the Howard Conn Gallery.  Please join other members in conversation.

CTF programs and additional discussions in January focused on how Plymouth’s Beyond purpose inspires us to partner with our neighbors. In one-on-one conversations, participants told and heard one another describe ways their spiritual faith informs how they serve others, advance human rights, and further social, economic, racial and environmental justice. Some described early roots such as growing up Lutheran, or in other Protestant church communities, or in a progressive Catholic community. One participant was inspired by the example of imprisoned Alexei Navalny’s desire to change things whose results would have an impact beyond his lifetime.

One of the questions asked during the January conversation was: “When did you become aware of the need to neighbor?”  Answers included growing up in a neighborhood with three different nationalities, seeing their mother regularly feed hungry strangers during World War II, and experiencing the anti-war movement on national justice issues. One member told how her faith and values about justice deepened by being the “other,” graced by her host country. Another said their Christian faith deepened with experience in another culture.  Yet another described seeing new needs of neighbors while living in a retirement community.

The January conversation morphed into a discussion about neighboring, what being a good neighbor in our community “beyond” our walls requires from Plymouth members.

Responses included:

• Continually asking ourselves “What is God calling Plymouth Congregational Church to be at this moment, in this church and in this neighborhood?”
• Inviting others in our Plymouth community to become engaged, we need to know who we What kind of work do we need to do within our community before we can invite others in?
• Practice contemplation as the ground of action to know who we are, and why and how we are to be neighbors.
• Beware of being so insular we don’t look beyond our walls to neighbors’ needs and aspirations.
• Truly absorb the notion that justice is liberating – doing, working for and receiving justice – is liberating for all of us.
• Learn how to develop authentic relationships with our neighbors before we can be good partners in finding solutions to challenges.
• Adapt our Beyond purpose to move beyond charity toward partnering with neighbors
• Work toward goals we may not see accomplished.

Join us on February 16 at 10 a.m. in the Howard Conn Gallery. We will discuss HOW we can become a trusted partner for growth, opportunity and human dignity with our neighbors through intentional, authentic and mutually beneficial relationships with them.