Minneapolis and the Many Layers of Our Story

All spiritual journeys must be rooted in something, and Plymouth Church’s is rooted firmly in the city of Minneapolis for over 160 years. Using Tom Weber’s excellent book Minneapolis: An Urban Biography as a guide, this class will explore forces influencing the formation and growth of Minnesota’s largest city. We will especially focus on the ‘whiplash’ moments that have created a city of opposing realities. Mr. Weber will join us for discussion at the final class.

Plymouth Reads Poetry

Plymouth is going to read poetry during Poetry Month again this year! Unlike before, we’ll be on Zoom this year, and it will still be great.

Come share a favorite poem with other Plymouth members. Open to all. We read aloud to each other and create an atmosphere of close companionship through a common love of language.

Because we’ll be Zoom-ing this year, we ask that you sign up ahead of time. Please call or email me, Carrie Bassett, at 612-229-1937 or carolinebassett7 (a) gmail.com by noon on Saturday, April 17. Or you can just show up—we can accommodate one and all.

Plymouth Film Club: Kiss the Ground
See the movie on your own; join us for discussion April 18!
Guest hosted by Plymouth’s Climate and Environmental Justice group 

Plymouth Film Club invites you to a Zoom discussion of the award-winning eco-film Kiss the Ground. What if a simple solution existed to help balance our climate, replenish our freshwater supplies, and feed the world? The answer is “regenerative agriculture.” See the award-winning documentary on your own; then join us for the discussion on Zoom on Sunday, April 18, 12:30-1:30 pm. Please register ahead of time–to receive the Zoom link for the discussion. To watch the film free ahead of time, go to https://vimeo.com/528990233 with the four-letter password “kiss.”

The Spirit of Nature: Spring Bird Migration as Spiritual Opportunity

Limited to 15 people attending on Zoom

Each year the migration of birds is met with anticipation by people all over the globe. The migration starts in January with our first arrivals north and then reverses by the end of July with some species heading back south.

This cyclical phenomenon is one of the ways nature heals and teaches us.

In the class we will learn:

1.) Some of the basics of how migration works

2.) Where and how to practice observing the migration

3.) How to identify some of the birds and what our connections to them are

4.) How people connect this epic movement of birds as part of their spiritual lives

5.) Binocular choices, websites, and apps

Seeing White Podcast Series

Have you ever asked the question: “What can I personally do to recognize my white advantage and become more antiracist? I really care about this, but I don’t know where to begin.”
Whether you’ve been involved in racial justice issues your entire life, for a couple of decades, or just a few months, the podcast series “Seeing White” is a superb way to familiarize yourself with how the concept of whiteness has shaped our nation.
All Plymouth members are invited to listen to this series at their own leisure and to then join a Zoom discussion focused on each episode.
Co-sponsored by Racial Justice Initiative

14 sessions (total)
Podcasts may be listened to individually, and join a group Zoom discussion once a month.
Registration for the podcast or discussions is not required, and you do not need to attend every session.

Illuminating the Way

sponsored by Plymouth Contemplatives

This continuing monthly group explores practices and insights for living a fully embodied Gospel. We read both classic and contemporary teachers of the progressive and contemplative Christian traditions, and may also connect with perspectives from other wisdom traditions as a way of deepening our own journeys. While primarily a book study group, we are open to a variety of formats and resources for our shared learning (i.e., podcasts, magazine articles, recorded talks/sermons). Examples of past titles are Immortal Diamond by Richard Rohr and Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent by Amy-Jill Levine. New members are always welcome. For the title being studied each month, contact Chris Lance (clance730@gmail.com).
Co-sponsored by Plymouth Contemplatives

Creating Mandalas:  Finding Healing in the Sacred Circle

This daylong virtual workshop will begin with a conference on the universal symbol of the sacred circle known as the “mandala.” Participants will learn how this symbol is present in all cultures and faith expressions of the world, as well as why we are naturally drawn to this sacred shape.

During our sessions we will focus on how and why entering the creative process fosters physical, psychological and spiritual grounding in our lives, and will explore the significance of color and symbol in creating personal mandalas.  We will reference the longing for healing for our selves, congregation and community as we near the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.

Attendees will be invited to create two mandalas as part of the retreat – one pre-drawn and one free form. The retreat will include two voluntary art sharing sessions where participants will be offered a time to share their experience in creating and their creations. There is no previous artistic ability or gifts needed to participate in this workshop. The only requirement is that you come with an open mind and open heart.

Class is full; registration is closed.

Intersection: Racial Injustice and Immigration

We will use a structured approach to study issues of racial injustice and immigration, particularly the intersections. Participants will prepare for each discussion session by reading a book or article, watching a documentary, or listening to a podcast. Sessions will provide opportunities for sharing, learning, and reflection. These sessions are intended to help participants nurture their capacity to love by cultivating their best selves. Ultimately, we hope participants will be inspired to work for human rights and serve people in need.
Co-sponsored by the Racial Injustice Initiative and the Immigrant Welcoming Working Group

6 Discussion Sessions
Wednesdays

Details by session
January: Listen to 1619, a podcast from the New York Times (five episodes, approx. 30-40 min. ea).

February: Watch PBS 4-part series Reconstruction; Watch Against All Odds: The Fight for a Black Middle Class (1-hr news program on PBS)

March: Read What is Owed: Is It Time for Reparations? by Nikole Hannah-Jones available in the New York Times Magazine, June 30, 2020

April: Read Separated by Jacob Sobaroff

May: Watch Netflix series Immigration Nation (6 episodes, approx.. 1 hr ea.)

June: Read How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi