Parenting Circle – Middle School

September 27, October 11, October 25
5:30-6 p.m.

One More Chair Summer Picnic

Wednesday, July 19, 5–8 p.m. Wabun Shelter A, Minnehaha Falls Park

One More Chair invites everyone to celebrate summer in the park with Plymouth’s church family!

Directions and pictures: https://mplsparksfoundation.org/7-park-grills-to-bbq-your-summer-feasts/

Food—keep it simple! Bring your own picnic food/drink and tableware. Cold water will be provided. Grills with hot coals (and grill utensils) will be available. If you would like to bring cookies or a finger dessert to share, that would be appreciated.

Facilities: Rain or shine—the picnic will go on! This is a covered pavilion with lots of picnic tables! There is a wading pool and playground as well as a large grassy area for games. Bring croquet or corn hole, or other fun games to share. If you want more seating options, bring a lawn chair. Free parking is adjacent to the shelter.

Other information: The picnic is free; however, donations to help cover the fee for the rental of the shelter will be appreciated. To help the planning committee make any additional plans and to offer ride-sharing, please let us know if you are planning to come.

Please respond by Sunday, July 16, to Judy Schneebeck: jschneebeck@comcast.net, and let Judy know:

  • The number of people planning to come,
  • If you would like a ride, and
  • If you are able to drive people from the church to the picnic (and how many you can bring).

If your plans fall through or you decide you can come at the last minute, that’s fine.

All are welcome! Think about inviting someone new to Plymouth! There is always One More Chair.

The Grace of Being Unfinished

Published May 26, 3023

This Week at Plymouth

By Rev. Dr. DeWayne L. Davis

 

And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it. Somehow, we do it. Somehow, we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished—Amanda Gorman, The Hill We Climb

 

A few days ago, news came out of Florida that an elementary school in Miami-Dade County banned the poem poet Amanda Gorman recited at the Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden in 2021, The Hill We Climb. In the complaint, the person requesting the removal of the now-published work reported that the poem was “not educational” and included “hate messages.” The complainant also argued that the poem’s function was to “cause confusion and indoctrinate students.” I searched my memory of hearing the poem, trying to recall any hateful words, claims, or phrases. The complainant pointed to pages 12-13 as containing the offending material. On those pages, Gorman recounts learning that the “norms and notions” of what constitutes justice are not always just but that we collectively have “witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.” That struck a hopeful, gracious note in me. In light of a nation that witnessed the viral video of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police, overwhelmed by gun violence and mass shootings, and navigating what appears to be a simmering civil war, Gorman still refuses to call our nation broken. Her poem testifies to the belief that we can be and do better.

 

Perhaps the person complaining about this poem had a different edition from what I was reading, so I looked at the surrounding pages. In those pages, Gorman did refer to herself as a “skinny black girl” and a descendant of the enslaved. She also invited us to think less about perfecting our union and strive “to forge our union with purpose.” I’ve tried in vain to see how any of these words could inadvertently spread hate or cause confusion. However, I recalled just how hopeful and gracious a poet Gorman is. I would not have thought it odd or inaccurate if she had referred to our nation as broken. But she called us unfinished, recognizing our potential to be a more complete, inclusive, and diverse nation.

 

In the church of my youth, I often heard the adults testify, “I may not be where I want to be, but God is not through with me yet.” They were attesting to their faith in a gracious God who would make a beloved but unfinished creation better and more whole. Maybe the objection to the poem is cynical political maneuvering. However, because I revisited this poem, I have a newfound appreciation for the power of grace. To see ourselves as unfinished rather than broken invites us not to see ourselves as hopelessly unrepairable but to see our potential for growth and progress. That we have within us the power and promise to do better. God is not through with the United States yet. Amen.

 

Notice of Annual Meeting 2023

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Plymouth Congregational Church of Minneapolis will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. at the church. To ensure that all who wish to attend will be able to do so, the meeting will be available via Zoom as well as in person.

Agenda

Approve minutes from:
June 12, 2022 Annual Meeting

Reports:
Lead Minister
Moderator
Leadership Council
Nominating Committee
Roll Call of:
New 50-year Members
Deceased Members
Staff Milestones

Action Items:*
Budget for Fiscal Year 2024**
Election of Church Leaders

No other business may come before the meeting.

If you wish to attend virtually, you may register to attend via Zoom at the church’s website (www.plymouth.org). To participate via Zoom, you will need either a smartphone, electronic tablet, laptop, or computer.

*Observers are welcome; only Plymouth Church members may vote on the Action Items.

**Materials for the 2024 fiscal year budget are available here.