Starting Sept. 16, 2018, you will have options at the 10 o’clock hour, and most are classes and explorations designed so that you may drop in any Sunday and fully benefit. Registration is not required and there is no charge. Repeating classes are listed first; Forum presentations are one-time events and the Collapse class will meet only on certain dates.
Meditation
10:00–10:45 a.m., Sundays. Chapel. Join this ancient Christian spiritual practice, which includes three parts: opening meditation, walking meditation and closing meditation. Leader Diane Boruff is commissioned by Contemplative Outreach International.
Spirit Moves
10:00–10:45 a.m., Sundays, One Groveland.
Would you like to explore your spirituality through movement? With yoga, dance and guided imagery, we will explore what it means to use our bodies to discover our spiritual selves. Each week, we will express a different theme through the medium of our bodies. Using a wide range of music, we will find the moving person inside each of us.
This class is designed for all ages and abilities. Movements will be adapted to individual needs. No experience is required. Come and join in this calming, fulfilling form of spiritual expression. Comfortable clothes are recommended.
Carole Humphrey is the former Plymouth Children and Youth Dance Program director. Trained in classical ballet, she has over 40 years’ experience in dance and movement with children and adults. Carole currently is a certified water and arthritis water exercise instructor at the Ridgedale YMCA, and also teaches a water dance class called Salsa Splash that she created.
Ruth Davini is a Yoga Alliance–certified yoga instructor and has taught adult students yoga and guided meditation for nine years. Ruth is also a certified trainer for PWR! Movement Classes, which target symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease to improve posture, mobility, strength and endurance. Ruth teaches at Tapestry Folk Dance Center and participates in weekly ballet lessons.
Spiritual Care for the Kids You Love
10:00–10:45 a.m., Sundays, Fireside Room.
This exploration time is designed for any adults—parents, grandparents, teachers, mentors or others—who wish to learn more about how to deepen their spiritual relationships with the children in their lives. We will gain insights from presentations, small group discussions and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) practices. Gretchen Wahlstedt will facilitate the NVC conversations (Sept. 16 & 30, Oct 14 & 28, Nov. 11, Dec. 2 & 16), with the intention of creating more compassion and peace between ourselves and the children we love.
The Collapse of the Three Story Universe: Christianity in an Age of Science
10:00–10:45 a.m., open conversation with Dan Wolpert Sept. 16. Informal discussions Sundays, Sept. 23–Nov. 4 (schedule has changed; please note no sessions Oct. 7 & 21); in the Theater.
Dan Wolpert, Interim Minister
This is a study of Dan Wolpert’s latest book, the Collapse of the Three-Story Universe: Christianity in an Age of Science. In our modern era, many of the classic theological formulations of our faith are based upon a view of the universe that we now know to be untrue. There is no old guy up in the sky! This book study will be an exploration of the theological categories of the Christian faith from the perspective of what we now know about the universe. How can we understand these categories in light of modern science? What do we really mean by Progressive Christianity? How is our faith relevant and transformational in today’s world? These are just some of the questions the class will address. (Please consider purchasing the book, available through Amazon. Also presented as a Monday evening Spiritual Exploration class.)
Forum: Beyond Polarization: Bridging the Red/Blue Divide in Communities
Sunday, Sept. 16, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Jackman.
William Doherty
We may live in the most divisive time since the 1850s. In this presentation, you will see how people with very different political viewpoints can come to understand one another beyond stereotypes and find common ground. You will learn a couple of specific skills for talking with loved ones on the other political side. And you will have a chance to link up with the Better Angels, an effort to show how we can have sharp political differences without denigrating and demonizing one another.
William J. Doherty, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Family Social Science and Director of the Citizen Professional Center at the University of Minnesota. He has developed a model of grassroots organizing around cultural, community and health issues. Following the 2016 Presidential election, he co-founded Better Angels, a citizen initiative to help restore the fraying social fabric in American society. Better Angels has been featured in local and national media and spread to 25 states.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: Aziz Arts—The Development of My Artwork Since I Arrived in the U.S., Aziz Osman; My Experience in Minnesota and the Bridge I Became, Fatuma Elmi
Sunday, Sept. 23, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Conn Gallery.
Come hear the poignant personal stories of husband Aziz Osman (September to October 2018 Plymouth gallery exhibitor) and wife Fatuma Elmi. Fatuma arrived in the United States in 1991 to visit her daughter and planned on proceeding to Somalia. But the Somali civil war broke out and she decided to apply for asylum. She felt lucky that the first President Bush approved Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for all Somalis here in the United States. Meanwhile, Aziz was captured when war broke out and was condemned to be killed by a firing squad because he is from the wrong tribe. Aziz and Fatuma eventually settled in the Cedar-Riverside area. Since their arrival, Aziz and Fatuma have established strong roots in Minnesota as professionals who also support the immigrant community.
Aziz Osman, born in Somalia, is a painter, sculptor and ceramic artist who studied architecture and painting in Florence, Italy. He created public monuments, sculptures and murals in Italy and Egypt. Moving to the United States meant Aziz had to start over. He paints vivid scenes of his memories of the Somali people, places and landscapes so their homeland and culture will not be forgotten.
Fatuma Elmi came to the United States with an accounting degree, 12 years of professional experience with a large company in the United Arab Emirates and proficiency in four languages. Immediately after arriving, Fatuma began volunteering with Lutheran Social Services to help new refugees adjust. She was eventually hired and has been working there for the past 19 years.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: Consent, Culture and Sexual Violence
Sunday, Sept. 30, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Jackman.
Sawyer Plotz
This presentation will focus on the #MeToo movement, myths and facts about sexual violence, and the impact of rape culture and how to change it. Established in 1985, the Sexual Violence Center is a community-based nonprofit agency that provides free, confidential services to victims/survivors of sexual violence, ages 12 and up, in Hennepin, Carver and Scott counties. SVC’s services include a 24-hour support line, individual counseling, support groups, legal advocacy and hospital support.
Sawyer Plotz is the Education Program Coordinator at the Sexual Violence Center. Sawyer (whose pronouns are they/them) has experience as a teacher, community organizer and advocate for LGBTQ equity. They live in Northeast Minneapolis with their partner, Jon, and 5-year-old son, Anthony.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: The Global City in the Changing World
Sunday, Oct. 7, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Jackman.
The City of Lakes is an increasingly globally engaged community where businesses, civic leaders and organizations invest time and money around the globe and in immigration at home. How do faith communities help Minneapolis evolve to an even more engaged global player during a time of questioning of globalism itself?
After serving three terms as the Mayor of Minneapolis (2002–2014), R. T. Rybak is now the President and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation. One of the first community foundations in the world, The Minneapolis Foundation brings people together to unite behind common goals and spark positive change in their community.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: Pillsbury United Communities: Our Shared History and Future
Sunday, Oct. 14, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Theater.
Learn about the shared history of Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) and Plymouth Congregational Church and the ways that PUC continues to create choice, change and connection in community today. Pillsbury United Communities works with underestimated populations across Minneapolis to foster the resilience and self-sufficiency of individuals, families and the community as a whole. Founded in 1879, PUC’s interconnected system of programs, community centers and social enterprises connect with more than 55,000 people each year.
Adair Mosley was named President and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities in December 2017. Adair’s most recent work involved leading a $6.3 million capital campaign to develop North Market, a grocery store and wellness center that revolutionizes the intersection of economic development, food and health-care access.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: Creative Community Responses to LGBTQ Youth Homelessness
Sunday, Oct. 21, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Theater.
Youth experience homelessness due to lack of affordable housing, poverty, systemic failure and mental health issues. Others become homeless because of rejection due to their identity. Forty percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. The Host Home model is a community response to youth homelessness. It offers an intimate approach to providing LGBTQ youth with homes and support.
Ryan Berg, ConneQT Host Home Program Manager, was a residential counselor and case manager for LGBTQ youth in foster care in New York City before coming to Minnesota. His book about LGBTQ youth homelessness and foster care, No House to Call My Home: Love, Family and Other Transgressions, was published by Nation Books.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: Palliative Care
Sunday, Oct. 28, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Jackman.
Dr. Glen Varns will present a program on palliative care. He is a palliative care physician with Allina Health and a board member of the Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care. He believes that inviting dialogue and providing education on a person-to-person basis are our best tools in advancing the cause of palliative care. Dr. Varns developed an interest in palliative care during his first few years in medical practice, witnessing that even well-meaning providers and well-designed systems of care often miss opportunities to fully understand the values and goals of their patients. Better understanding of an individual’s goals is at the core of better care—for patients, it means better outcomes, and for providers it means a more satisfying practice that honors their commitment to medicine.
Limited to 100; please contact John Davenport with the names of those who will attend and he will respond quickly.
Suggested audience: Adults
Forum: Creating a World Without Bullying: PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center
Sunday, Nov. 4, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Jackman.
Bailey Lindgren
PACER Center established the National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006. They also founded two nationwide campaigns: National Bullying Prevention Month and Unity Day (Oct. 24). Bailey Lindgren, the program coordinator, will speak to us about the issue of bullying, PACER’s program, and tips for parents and members of the community.
Bailey Lindgren, in her role as coordinator of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, provides support and resources to students, parents, educators and others regarding bullying prevention.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: The Re-imagining Community
Sunday, Nov. 11, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Jackman.
The Re-imagining Community is an ecumenical, radical Christian movement, which evolved out of a 1993 conference marking the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Decade: Churches in Solidarity with Women 1988–1998. It is dedicated to promoting feminist, womanist, Mujerista and Asian women’s theology and liturgy, and opening space for dialogue with the church, diverse religious communities and the world. Re-imagining embodies a search for God, justice and a challenging, empowering and inclusive church. It held a well-attended and much-praised workshop at Plymouth earlier in 2018.
Mary Kay Sauter is a retired UCC pastor. She was co-chair of the 1993 Re-Imagining Conference and is the current board convener/chair of the Re-Imagining Community.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: New Immigrant Voices from Africa
Sunday, Nov. 18, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Jackman.
Given that new immigrants have become political targets, we want to educate ourselves and connect with our newest neighbors. Panelists whose home countries are Somalia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia will share their experiences of living in Minnesota. What can we do to support people in new and uncertain circumstances?
A longtime Plymouth Church member, Jim Leslie taught in the Roseville School District for 34 years. After his retirement from teaching in 2004, Jim did education-related work for OneVillage Partners in Sierra Leone and teacher training work in Ghana and Nigeria. Jim also served for 10 years (2007 to 2016) on the executive board of the Sierra Leone Community in Minnesota.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: Climate Change at Both Ends of the Earth—Arctic and Antarctic
Sunday, Dec. 2, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Theater.
The polar regions are warming faster than anywhere on earth. Chuck Dayton will discuss the signs and implications of climate change for the Antarctic. Chuck traveled by ship to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and the Antarctic Peninsula in November. He will also share his photos of huge penguin rookeries, elephant seals, whales and the rugged, ice-bound and mountainous terrain of these very special places.
Charles Dayton is an environmental lawyer who practiced in Minneapolis for 40 years, representing environmental groups as well as corporations. Since his retirement from Leonard, Street and Deinard in 2003, he has worked as a volunteer at the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy on energy and global warming issues and with the Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light on climate issues. He is currently a board member of Conservation Minnesota and works with Congregations Caring for Creation.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: The Promise of Interfaith Dialogue
Sunday, Dec. 9, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Jackman.
Don Mackenzie is a minister in the United Church of Christ and a member of the The Interfaith Amigos with Rabbi Ted Falcon and Imam Jamal Rahman. The Interfaith Amigos began their work after 9/11 and have been meeting weekly and making presentations throughout the United States and Canada, the Middle East and Japan. They have been featured in The New York Times, PBS, CBS Evening News, the BBC and, most recently, in The Economist magazine.
Pastor Don Mackenzie, PhD, now living in Minneapolis, is devoting himself to interfaith work after retiring as Minister and Head of Staff at Seattle’s University Congregational United Church of Christ. Previously, he served congregations in Hanover, N.H., and Princeton, N.J. Ordained in 1970, he is a graduate of Macalester College, Princeton Theological Seminary and New York University.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
Forum: Hospice Music Therapy: Support for Patients and Families during End of Life
Sunday, Dec. 16, 10:00–10:45 a.m., Jackman.
Facing a terminal diagnosis can be quite surprising and challenging for patients and their families. This presentation will provide information about hospice and more specifically, hospice music therapy. Music therapy can provide a variety of support, from emotional to physical relief and many things in between. Demonstration of music therapy interventions and HIPAA-compliant stories will be shared to give attendees an experience of what takes place in a hospice music therapy session.
Jessica De Villers, MA, MT-BC, is employed as a hospice music therapist by Allina Health Hospice and Palliative Care, where she visits patients for music therapy and supervises music therapy interns.
Suggested audience: High school students and adults
On Sundays, staffed nursery care is available for ages 0 to 3, 8:45 a.m.—12:15 p.m., Room 209.
Church School for ages 4 through 12th grade also takes place during the 10 o’clock hour on Sundays. We ground our study of God’s ways in Christian and Hebrew scripture, interfaith perspectives and faith stories. Registration will open soon.