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like you explaining how he could have won the game if he had made a different move. He laughs and then tells you about Sunday’s sermon.
Sometimes growing in love of God and neighbor looks, feels and sounds a lot like being part of Plymouth’s Visiting Ministry program.
In our Visiting Ministry program, care is mutual, and shared between visitor and host. Our members who are no longer able to get to church on a regular basis are interesting, well-traveled, well-read folks with much to offer. Our visiting ministers are eager to develop relationships and bring a bit of Plymouth to those for whom transportation has become a challenge.
If you, or someone you know, would welcome a Plymouth Visitor a few times a month, please contact LeAnn Stubbs at [email protected].
If you are interested in being a Visiting Minister, please contact Judy Olson at: [email protected].
INSIDE:
Volume 28, Issue 9 September 2017 We agree to differ. We resolve to love. We unite to serve.
OUR CORE VALUES: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | EXCELLENCE IN WORSHIP | EDUCATION | PROGRESSIVE THEOLOGY | OPENNESS & INCLUSIVITY
Bread for the Journey 2Stephen Ministry 3Current Happenings 4Calendar of Events 6Confirmation 8Farmers Market 9Connections 10History Class 11
LEANN STUBBS
Minister of Care and Welcome
What does it look like, feel like and sound like to grow in love of God and neighbor? Sometimes it looks like pulling into a driveway that is beginning to seem familiar and a door that you still knock on, but then enter without pausing because you are an expected guest. It feels like a warm handshake. It sounds like a Robert Ludlum novel, except the story is from the real-life adventures that your host has actually experienced. (How in the world did a Navy Seal end up retiring in Des Moines?)
What does it look like, feel like, sound like to grow in love of God and neighbor? Sometimes it looks like the table you’ve set, complete with cookies and a chess board. It feels like a warm hug as you greet this young man who is becoming your friend. It sounds
Sometimes growing in love of
God and neighbor looks, feels
and sounds a lot like being
part of Plymouth’s Visiting
Ministry program.
“”
Visiting MinistryGrowing in love of God and neighbor
Taken together, these stories seem to say that we don’t have to wait to die before we get to see God. Heaven happens— right here, right now. And God calls us into the church—God makes places like Plymouth—so that we will work together to bring heaven out into the open; to make the nearness of God known in our neighborhood.
Heaven is a place on earth. We just have to help each other see it.
Like I said, I look forward to unpacking this in the year ahead. But let me offer just one more thought for now: If you want to see God, try looking at the people around you.
We will begin the program year with the first chapter of Genesis and the extraordinary claim that we are created to bear the image of God in the world. (“So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” –Genesis 1:27). So if I want to see something of God, I need look no further than the face of my neighbor. When I really stop, when I really pay attention to the person in front of me, I will see something of God.
2 September 2017 CONTACT
CONDOLENCES
• Jon Reinders, whose grandmother died
• Jerry Thorton, whose sister died
• Family of Janice Harris, who died recently
• Family of John Rounds Jr., who died recently
• Wendy Knowles, whose sister died
• Family of Doris Wood, who died recently
• Nancy Bassett, whose father died
• Chet Guinn, whose daughter died
Bread for the Journey
MATT MArDIS-LECrOySenior Minister
CaringHeaven is a place on earth! I’m looking forward to unpacking that idea this fall at Plymouth Church.
A lot of people live with the notion that Christianity is mostly about what happens when we die. (As I often heard David Ruhe put in the Discover Plymouth New Member class, “Will the elevator go up or down?”). D.L. Moody—the most famous mass evangelist of the late 19th century—would sometimes say that he saw the world as a sinking ship and thought it was his mission to get as many people into the lifeboat as possible. Taken to the extreme, this view can suggest that Christianity has little to say about this life; that faith in God focuses on the life to come.
I don’t buy it.
This fall we will set out on our second annual journey through Scripture with the Narrative Lectionary. Starting in September with the first chapter of Genesis, our weekly readings will take us on a kind of expedition through the Bible, beginning at the beginning and reading the texts (more or less) in order. In the fall we will hear some classic stories of God partnering with people to make a difference in this life: Jacob’s vision of a ladder to heaven. Samuel’s call to serve as a prophet of God. Amos’ plea that justice roll down like waters.
And then, right around Christmas, we will begin a series of stories from the Gospel according to John. Maybe more than any other biblical writer, John insists that, in Jesus Christ, God comes near. In The Message—his wildly popular paraphrase of the Bible—Eugene Peterson puts it this way: “The word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”
God came to the neighborhood. Now heaven is a place on earth.
“”
Heaven is a place on earth. We just have to help each other see it.
experiencing a similar challenge. She said, “It gave me a better perspective for being more accepting and understanding of my own past.”
Just as importantly during the anniversary celebration, we will be thanking God for those 300-plus souls who have put their trust in Stephen Ministry and have allowed these trained caregivers to walk with them through their personal challenging times.
A care receiver wrote this when asked if she would use the program again: “Absolutely! My conversations with ….. helped me sort out my thoughts and organize them which, in turn, enabled me to deal with them. I felt safe and understood and that allowed me to be honest with myself and work through my issue rather than hide from it. I am beyond thankful for my time with my Stephen Minister!”
Please mark your calendars and join with us as we honor and celebrate 20 years of Stephen Ministry at Plymouth Church.
CONTACT September 2017 3
BEVErLy BUrNS
Stephen Minister
Twenty Years Later and Still Going Strong!Stephen Ministry Anniversary
So goes not only Stephen Ministry’s theme as we approach our 20th Anniversary Celebration, but also our continuing pledge of service to the Plymouth Church congregation and community.
On Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15, we will celebrate this ministry which has become such an integral part of showing our congregation’s love for God and neighbor, and we will honor those who have trained and served.
One-hundred and twenty-nine people completed 50 hours of training during the last 20 years. Almost all have been commissioned and have served at least two years. Recently, two Stephen Ministers retired after serving 20 and 12 years, respectively.
Stephen Ministers often talk about how much they have gained from the program through honing their listening skills and using the principles they have learned in their interactions with family, friends and co-workers. One told of being able to view a family situation through totally different lenses after spending time listing to a care receiver who was
Thinking of making Plymouth your home church? Or know someone who’s looking?
Check out our upcoming Discover Plymouth Class!
Sunday, September 24, 1-4 p.m.
Attendance is free; childcare provided
Contact LeAnn Stubbs,
4 September 2017 CONTACT
your church home
CURRENT HAPPENINGSplymouth grounds is gearing up for fall! Plymouth Grounds is now open with fall hours and has welcomed new student baristas from Des Moines metro high schools! The shop will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and we’d love to have you join us for coffee drinks, smoothies, teas, and treats! Consider having an off-site office meeting at the shop—we can accommodate small groups comfortably and are convenient to downtown businesses. In addition to daytime hours, we’ll reopen on Wednesday nights beginning on September 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. Hang out with us while the kids are in choir practice!If you’re interested in volunteering in the shop and getting in on the action with some awesome people, contact Sue Hoss at [email protected].
Also, please plan to join us in Plymouth Grounds and Waveland Hall on Saturday, October 14 from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. for an evening of WorldPort music by Paul Micich and Dan Nicholson. There will be coffee drinks, hot cider, treats, and fellowship. For more information about WorldPort, go to www.worldportband.com.
listening for god in literature This four-week class will explore faith issues by reading and reflecting on short stories, reflections, and remembrances found in Listening for God: Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith, Vol. 1. Through introductions and guided questions, this Augsburg Fortress series helps readers explore faith questions in “unlikely places,” which means “being willing to read not only authors who are known to be Christian but to investigate the work of those whose religious commitments may be hard to pin down.” Volume 1 includes authors from a range of faith or non-faith traditions, including Flannery O’Connor, Annie Dillard, Alice Walker, Raymond Carver, Patricia Hampl, and Richard Rodriguez. The series leader is Stephen Scott, who facilitated a fall 2016 series on Frederick Buechner’s Telling Secrets. Steve has a long history of work for nonprofits and serves as lobbyist for the Iowa Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics. The class will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings from October 12 to November 2. Register by contacting Steve at [email protected]. Volume 1 is available for purchase at the Plymouth Church office for $10. Participants must pre-register and read Chapter 1 before the first meeting.
plymouth
20/30
making a good living – plymouth 20/30 simple supper series Work is a big part of who you are, but does your job really define you? People talk about finding their life’s ‘calling’ but is there really just one right path for you? Does God have some kind of plan and you’re just missing it? How do you know when you’re on the right track? What if you hate your job but really need to pay back student loans? Young adults (people in their 20s and 30s) are invited to join Valerie Miller-Coleman for an eight-week series of supper table conversations on these questions and more. Thursday nights, beginning September 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. or so in the Burling Room. An entrée will be provided but sides are potluck. Come meet some people who are trying to figure all this out too. Contact [email protected] for more information.
family fun fall outing Please join us for a fun afternoon at Jester Park Equestrian Center on October 15 from 2-4 p.m. This will be an opportunity to get to know new families, catch up with friends and let the kids play. We will be roasting marshmallows and going on a hayrack ride. Please check out their link to learn more about this amazing place at polkcountyiowa.gov/equestriancenter. There is limited amount of space, so register on the Plymouth website soon. Cost is $5 per person. The cutoff date will be October 9, 2017. If cancelled due to weather, an email will be sent out to all who registered. If you have any questions please call Christy Stroope at 515.480.8483 or [email protected].
CONTACT September 2017 5
CURRENT HAPPENINGS
plymouth women
community engagement
arts @ plymouth
in the gallery Beginning September 16, handmade art from Betsy (Mable) Peterson of Perry, Iowa will be on display in the gallery. Betsy lives in Perry, Iowa with her husband Eric who works with clay in their converted barn studio where its windows look out on growing fields and beautiful Iowa sunsets. She earned her B.A. in Art Education from the University of Iowa and has taught K-12 Art in both public and private schools. Today Betsy enjoys teaching summer Art Camp at her studio gallery in Perry. Betsy’s work will be on display through October 27.
september lunch & learn Please join us Thursday, September 21, at 12:15 p.m. in Waveland Hall for a complimentary salad and dessert buffet, served by the Plymouth Women’s Board. Our speakers will be Lisa Turk and Anne Koch-Gaer. They are a part of the charity, Six Degrees of Separation, that six Plymouth women formed in 2010. They have spent the last seven years working to build a successful and sustainable school system in La Biche, Haiti, promoting hope and independence through education. They will share how their journey began and the tremendous progress they have made. Although there is no charge for this luncheon, you must register by Tuesday, September 19. You can register by calling the office at 515.255.3149, online at plymouthchurch.com, or on Sunday, September 17 in Waveland Hall after services. As always, men are welcome and we hope to see you there.
enrolling now! plymouth women adventure groups Adventure groups start forming soon for women of all ages, life stages and interests seeking safe, liberating adventures to enhance the mind, body or spirit. Online registration will be open through September 25 with a kick-off event for registered women on Tuesday, October 3, 7 p.m. in Waveland Hall. Additional information is listed online under Connecting, Plymouth Women Fellowship & Study Groups or contact Plymouth member Erin Osier at 515.868.6067 or [email protected].
bike drive success The Homeless Assistance Team collected 36 bikes from Plymouth members this spring (valued at $6,400) and distributed 26 to the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, six to West Des Moines Human Services (almost all used as transportation for their clients), three to Youth Homes of MidAmerica and two to Youth and Shelter Services in Ames (groups that serve youth).
We repaired and distributed another 30 bikes that were donated from other sources for a total of 67 bikes so far (valued at $9,000). In addition, Youth Homes of MidAmerica (YHMA) brought in 13 bikes that they had on hand for kids to ride but that were in disrepair. We fixed those up and gave them back to YHMA. That brings our summer total to 80 bikes back on the road. Thank you for your contributions!
faithful readers Faithful Readers have chosen nonfiction for the Fall. On Sept. 28 we’ll discuss Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson, a powerful story about challenges faced by the poor and people of color in our justice system. You will be inspired! For Oct .26 our book is End of Days, written by Plymouth member Judy Olson, an intimate look at her father’s final days, and the author will be with us for the discussion. New voices are always welcome, so come join us! Faithful Readers meet in the Inspiration Lounge at 7 p.m., always on a Thursday. For more information, contact Jean Nelson, 515.255.5019.
AMENS, 6:45 a.m.Shawl Knitting Ministry, 5 p.m. Line Dancing, 6 p.m.
CALENDAR
11
Matins Warm Up, 8:15 a.m.Childcare, 8:45 a.m.Worship: Brittany Hanlin, 9 & 11 a.m.Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-24Church School, 9:15 a.m.After Worship Fellowship, 10 a.m. & NoonFellowship Forum, 10:10 a.m.Chancel Choir Warm Up, 10:15 a.m.Flower Delivery Team, NoonVisiting Ministry Meeting, 12:30 p.m.Farmers Market, 5 p.m.History of Plymouth Class, 6:30 p.m.
Tai Chi, 7 a.m.Plymouth Faith Builders, 8 a.m.Yoga, 5:15 p.m.COCI Centering Prayer, 5:45 p.m.
Tai Chi, 7 a.m.Plymouth Faith Builders, 8 a.m.Yoga, 5:15 p.m.Plymouth Women Board Meeting, 4 p.m.Board of Music & Fine Arts Meeting, 5:30 p.m.COCI Centering Prayer, 5:45 p.m.Mental Health & Disability Task Force, 6 p.m.Board of Christian Social Action Meeting, 7 p.m.Transition from Prison Meeting, 7 p.m.
10 12
5
AMENS, 6:45 a.m.Shawl Knitting Ministry, 5 p.m.Line Dancing, 6 p.m.Stephen Ministers Meeting, 6:30 p.m.Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m.
AMENS, 6:45 a.m.Shawl Knitting Ministry, 5 p.m.Board of Christian Education Meeting, 5:30 p.m.Youth Executive Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m.Line Dancing, 6 p.m.Board of Deacons Meeting, 7 p.m.Board of Membership Meeting, 7 p.m.Peace Committee Meeting, 7:15 p.m.
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24
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26Tai Chi, 7 a.m.Yoga, 5:15 p.m.COCI Centering Prayer, 5:45 p.m.
Matins Warm Up, 8:15 a.m.Childcare, 8:45 a.m.Worship: Matt Mardis-LeCroy, 9 & 11 a.m.Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17 Church School, 9:15 a.m.After Worship Fellowship, 10 a.m. & NoonFellowship Forum, 10:10 a.m. Chance Choir Warm Up, 10:15 a.m.Flower Delivery Team, NoonDiscover Plymouth Class, 1 p.m.History of Plymouth Class, 6:30 p.m.
Matins Warm Up, 8:15 a.m.Childcare, 8:45 a.m.Worship (Kick Off Weekend): Matt Mardis-LeCroy, 9 & 11 a.m. Genesis 1:1--2:4aChurch School, 9:15 a.m.After Worship Fellowship, 10 a.m. & NoonFellowship Forum, 10:10 a.m. Chancel Choir Warm Up, 10:15 a.m.Flower Delivery Team, NoonHAT Casserole Building & Meeting, 1 p.m.All Church Potluck, 4 p.m.History of Plymouth Class, 6:30 p.m.
se
pt
em
be
r
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
AMENS, 6:45 a.m.RENEW Teachers Orientation, 9:30 a.m.Shawl Kntting Ministry, 5 p.m.Board of Christian Stewardship Meeting, 5:30 p.m.AMOS Core Meeting, 6 p.m.Line Dancing, 6 p.m.Stephen Ministers Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Childcare, 8:45 a.m.Worship: Valerie Miller-Coleman, 9 & 11 a.m.romans 12:9-21After Worship Fellowship, 10 a.m. & NoonFellowship Forum, 10:10 a.m. Flower Delivery Team, Noon
3 4LABOR DAY - CHURCH CLOSED
Gallery Committee Installation & Meeting, 9 a.m.RENEW Teachers Meeting, 1 p.m.RENEW Family Literacy, 3 p.m.Worship: 5:30 p.m.Valerie Miller-ColemanGenesis 21:1-3; 22:1-24Childcare, 5:30 p.m.
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14
8 9
16
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
RENEW Family Literacy, 3 p.m. Worship: 5:30 p.m.Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17 Childcare, 5:30 p.m.
WISE Meeting, 7 a.m.Plymouth Women Lunch & Learn, 12:15 p.m.Personnel Committee Meeting, 5 p.m.Plymouth Young Adults, 6 p.m.Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
WISE Meeting, 7 a.m.Plymouth Young Adults Supper, 6 p.m.Faithful Readers, 7 p.m.Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
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RENEW Family Literacy, 8 a.m.Adult Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.Tai Chi, NoonTrustees Finance Meeting, 12:15 p.m.Plymouth Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.Career Closet Sorting, 4 p.m.Stephen Minister Leadership Meeting, 4 p.m.Coyote Run Farm Pick Up, 4:45 p.m.Youth Bible Study, 4:45 p.m.Children’s Choirs, 5 p.m.Hand Chime Choir, 6 p.m.High School Youth Dinner, 6 p.m.Confirmation Class Orientation, 7 p.m.Matins Rehearsal, 7 p.m.Plymouth Bells Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
WISE Meeting, 7 a.m.TiM Meeting, 7:30 a.m.Board of Spiritual Growth Meeting, 6 p.m.Human Trafficking Task Force, 6 p.m.Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
21
28 29 30RENEW Family Literacy, 3 p.m. Worship: 5:30 p.m.Childcare, 5:30 p.m.
RENEW Family Literacy, 8 a.m.Adult Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.Plymouth Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.Plymouth Women Career Closet Sorting, 4 p.m.Coyote Run Farm Pick Up, 4:45 p.m.Children’s Choirs, 5 p.m.Children’s Choirs Kick Off, Orientation and Dinner, 5:15 p.m.High School Youth Dinner, 6 p.m.Matins Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
WISE Meeting, 7 a.m.House and Space Committee Meeting, 8 a.m.Human Trafficking Meeting, 12:30 p.m.Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
RENEW Family Literacy, 3 p.m.Worship: 5:30 p.m.LeAnn StubbsGenesis 1:1--2:4aChildcare, 5:30 p.m.
RENEW Family Literacy, 8 a.m.Adult Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.Tai Chi, NoonPlymouth Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.Career Closet Sorting, 4 p.m.Coyote Run Farm Pick Up, 4:45 p.m.Youth Bible Study, 4:45 p.m.Children’s Choirs, 5 p.m.Hand Chime Choir, 6 p.m.High School Youth Dinner, 6 p.m.8th Grade Confirmation Class, 7 p.m.Matins Rehearsal, 7 p.m.7th Grade Milestones, 7 p.m.Plymouth Bells Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
RENEW Family Literacy, 8 a.m.Adult Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.Tai Chi, NoonPlymouth Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.Career Closet Sorting, 4 p.m.Coyote Run Farm Pick Up, 4:45 p.m.Youth Bible Study, 4:45 p.m.Children’s Choirs, 5 p.m.Hand Chime Choir, 6 p.m.High School Youth Dinner, 6 p.m.8th Grade Confirmation Class, 7 p.m.Matins Rehearsal, 7 p.m.7th Grade Milestones, 7 p.m.Plymouth Bells Rehearsal, 7 p.m.
information before being confirmed. Some enter with lots of questions and uncertainty about next steps on their own faith journey. And some enter pretty certain that they don’t believe in God but either want to learn more about religion or satisfy their parents.
All of these are not just appropriate but welcome starting points for the confirmation journey.
We hope to help our young people articulate their questions and beliefs, wrestle with the doubts that accompany faith, and make the next steps on their discipleship journey independent of their parents and with full support of the church. This year Brittany Hanlin, Associate Minister, will be joining Lindsey in teaching, and theme nights will focus on learning more about what the bible is and what’s in it. We will be using a program called “Echo the Story” and imagining how our stories echo God’s story found in scripture.
If this program is of interest to you, or if you have more questions, we invite you to join us for an orientation session on Wednesday, September 13 in Waveland Hall from 7-8:30 p.m. Burning questions before that can be directed to Lindsey at 515.255.3149 or [email protected].
And if you’re an interested adult, whether or not you have children this age, we are always looking for small group guides to accompany our young people on this exciting leg of the journey. Please feel free to contact Lindsey for more information about this volunteer opportunity.
8 September 2017 CONTACT
By LINDSEy BrAUN
Minister of Discipleship
A Significant Step on the Journey of DiscipleshipConfirmation:
Close your eyes. Breathe in. Imagine you’re breathing in the love of God. Breathe out. Imagine you’re breathing out love for your neighbor.
With each breath, we can engage in the journey of discipleship—drawing closer to God and to neighbor. This journey is life-long. It’s not just about what we think and believe, but how we live. It can be as innate as breathing. And it can be as simple and embodied as putting one foot in front of the other—praying with each action in the world, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, striving to follow the Way of the one who models for us a life of faith in action.
The journey of discipleship is simple and intuitive in these ways. There’s something beautiful and fitting about it that is satisfying to our spirits. But it is challenging as well. There are so many forces in the world that threaten to isolate us, that cause us to gasp or hold our breath, that lure us off the path of love and justice.
Here at Plymouth, we honor confirmation as a significant step in the journey of discipleship. A two-year program spanning 7th and 8th grades, in confirmation our young people get to learn about the bible, the church, their own beliefs, and God. They also get to ask lots of questions and have them taken seriously. And probably the best thing about confirmation is that it gives our youth a small group to pursue service projects and fun events with throughout the year, and to be there to offer support through the highs and lows of middle school.
Some of our young people enter confirmation confident in their faith and hungry for more
CONTACT September 2017 9
Plymouth Farmers Market is happening again!
Over the last five years Plymouth Church has gotten to know some pretty amazing people. The Global Greens refugee farmstand has brought remarkable new entrepreneurs into our lives. Matt and Pat from Coyote Run Farm bring faces through our doors week after week and keep many of us well supplied with farm fresh eggs, grass-fed beef, chickens, produce and more. In the past we’ve also gotten to know Angela Tedesco of Turtle Farm and Ben Saunders of Wabi Sabi Farm, and the joy of a box full of produce right from the farm every week.
Supporting local farmers is one concrete way to grow in love of God’s creation — and of our neighbors who labor to bring in the harvest.
We’re excited for Plymouth to host our second ‘pop up’ farmers market this year on Sunday, September 17 from 5–7 p.m. on the upper level of the parking deck (if it rains we’ll head below deck!). Live music, good eats, ice cream, veggies, flowers, fruit, meat and eggs — it will be a joyful feast! So mark your calendars!
plymouth 20/30coming this fal l . . .
young adultm e e t u p s
Watch out for sign-ups in your email or on Plymouth’s website.Registration opens September 10!
FArMErS MArKET
September 17 5-7 p.m.
Upper Level Parking
Plymouth farmers market
10 September 2017 CONTACT
Imagine...• a welcoming church that values the Christian practice of hospitality.
• a place that encourages friendships and meaningful conversations.
• a place where we celebrate our daily bread and break bread together.
Jesus taught us that relationships are at their best when we gather around a table together. Sharing a meal reminds us what we have in common with one another even if we are (or appear to be) very different.
CONNECTIONS GUIDEImagine a place where we use these connections to grow in love of God and neighbor – through calls to service and learning opportunities that keep our hearts open to a still-speaking God who is seeking partnership with us.
Ready to get started? Watch the literature displays and pick up a Connections Guide to Plymouth’s Program Year.
Heaven on Earth can begin with our connections at church
SACrED HOSpITALITyDuring the fall, you will be invited to participate in a meal hosted by a Plymouth member. During these potluck-style gatherings of 6-12 people, you will have an opportunity to meet new people at Plymouth and to engage in a meaningful conversation.
Sign-ups for these gatherings will begin in mid-September and will run through October 3. The gatherings themselves will be held at various dates and times between October 15 and December 3.
Watch the Current Happenings and Plymouth’s website for sign-up details.
All-Church Potluck!Plymouth will host an All-Church Potluck on Sunday, September 10 at 5 p.m.
Please mark your calendars and sign-up on the website to let us know how many are coming and what you might bring.
By KArEN JESKE
Connections Coordinator
CONTACT September 2017 11
2017
In December of 2017, Plymouth Church will celebrate its 160th birthday. From its founding as an abolitionist congregation in downtown Des Moines, Plymouth has developed a rich legacy of service to our city, our state, our nation and our world.
No one knows that history better than David Ruhe, who served as Plymouth’s Sr. Minister from 1994 to 2014. Join David on Sunday nights this fall (September 10 – October 15) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The September 10 session will be held in the Recital Hall, with subsequent sessions in the Greenwood Room. Come along for an eye-opening exploration of Plymouth’s past and reflections on its future.
All are welcome!
Explore the history of Plymouth Church
pLyMOUTH HISTOry CLASSSeptember 10-October 15
Sunday evenings, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
12 September 2017 CONTACT
4126 ingersoll avenue des moines, ia 50312-2713
Phone: 515.255.3149 Fax: 515.255.8667
General email goes to: [email protected]
Periodical Postage
Paid
Des Moines, IA
For more information about Plymouth Church, please scan this code to visit our website at www.plymouthchurch.com, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plymouthchurch and Instagram at PlymouthUCC. If you are not able to visit on Sunday, a podcast of a portion of the previous week’s service featuring the sermon is available on iTunes, or on the Plymouth website under Resources/Sermon Podcasts. Print copies of most sermons may be downloaded from the website at Resources/Sermon Library.
To submit information for the Contact, email Cindy Eaton-Eklund, [email protected]
Plymouth Church Program Staff
Matt Mardis-LeCroy .................................................Senior Minister
Lindsey Braun ............................................ Minister of Discipleship
Rachel Corpus ..................Director of Child and Family Ministries
Cindy Eaton-Eklund ..........................Director of Communications
Carl Gravander ................................................................... Organist
Brittany Hanlin ....................................................Associate Minister
Jennifer Hines .........................Director of Operations and Finance
Valerie Miller-Coleman ......... Minister of Community Engagement
LeAnn Stubbs ................................. Minister of Care and Welcome
Laura Robinson ...................................................Associate Minister
Frank Thomas .................................................. Coordinator of TiM
Jan Van Wyk .........................Director of Plymouth Nursery School
Susan Waller ..........................................Director of Youth Ministry
SEpTEMBEr 2017 VOLUME 28, ISSUE 9 (USpS 007018)
The CONTACT is published monthly by Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312-2792. Phone: 515.255.3149 Fax: 515.255.8667
Periodicals Postage Paid at Des Moines, Iowa. Subscription rate: $1 per year. Cindy Eaton-Eklund, Editor.
Postmaster, send address changes to: 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312-2792
