Who We Are:

The Plymouth Contemplatives are an affinity group committed to personal and collective transformation. Together we share in contemplative movement, silence, and group discernment as ways to be present to God dwelling in our hearts, in Plymouth’s congregational life, and in our wider community. We participate in a variety of practices with the common intention of releasing attachments to our smaller selves and consciously consenting to the movement of the Spirit through us. These exercises can help us step off the emotional roller coaster of our times. The practice of focusing on the Spirit’s movement helps us find our way through a topsy-turvy world.

How To Plug-In:

In addition to many offerings through Plymouth’s Spiritual Exploration programs, the Contemplatives host weekly meditation sessions.

For those who feel called to connect more deeply through video conference prayer. All may join:

• Thursdays at 9 am | Online Meditation

You can join the online meditation by phone and by zoom with or without video.  Meditations usually include a short reading or movement, 20-30 minutes of silence, and a short opportunity to check in with one another.  If you’re new to silent meditation, the facilitator will be happy to offer guidance.

The Plymouth Contemplatives meet on the first Monday of every month from 7-9 p.m.  We check in with one another, do silent meditation, contemplative movement, and use collective listening and sharing to explore the Spirit’s movement at Plymouth.  Everyone is welcome.  You can join the email list to receive meeting notices by contacting contemplatives@plymouth.org.

Resources:

Contemplative Leadership Resources:  A toolkit for Plymouth group leaders and committee chairs.

This handbook briefly explains what contemplation is, why it’s important to include contemplation when people gather for church, and how small groups can integrate contemplative practices.  It also provides resources for contemplative processes and practices.

Gathering Basket

The front desk has a basket with a candle, cloth, meditation bell, and other resources for small groups to borrow for meetings.

Little (Mystic) Library

Little (Mystic) Library
A small, curated collection of books is available at the Plymouth Library. It can also travel to events upon request. The collection includes these titles, which are excellent introductions to contemplative thought and practice:
Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening
Cynthia Bourgeault, The Wisdom Way of Knowing
James Finley, Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God
Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open HeartMartin Laird, Into the Silent Land
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation
Richard Rohr, Immortal Diamond
Alan Watts, Behold the Spirit: A Study in the Necessity of Mystical Religion
Dan Wolpert, Creating a Life With God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices