03. THE VIEW FROM HERE 04. PLYMOUTH & THE BEST OF LAWRENCE 2022 06. VIRTUAL COMMUNITY AUCTION 07. HARRIET LERNER AT PLYMOUTH 08. PLYMOUTH ACADEMY 10. JUSTICE MATTERS KICK-OFF 11. CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICES 12. SEPTEMBER MOPS GATHERING 13. ALL CHURCH FALL PICNIC 14. TAIZÉ SERVICE 15. FALL WOMEN’S RETREAT 16. MFA NEWS & EVENTS 19. COVENANT GROUPS 20. GROCERY BUCKS ARE BACK!
a hand finding your place in the village, it's okay. We're here to help. Drop us a line or fill in a Connect Card at the Welcome Table or plymouthlawrence.com, and we'll be right there to help you find your way
It's a great time to be the church. I can't wait to see what God will do with us next.
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44 Plymouth Church was voted “Best Place of Worship” in the 2022 Best of Lawrence Awards Bash on September 1, 2022. This honor is due to the amazing work of our congregation and its commitment to proudly being an Open & Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ and all its commitment to mission and service work in our community and beyond. Thank you, Plymouth, and congratulations to you all!
Plymouth's 2022 Virtual Community Auction is LIVE! through Sunday, September 18. I's time to shop, bid, and buy! Share Plymouth's Virtual Auction Facebook Event or the link below far and wide on your social media platforms. All the proceeds from this event go to supporting our missional endeavors at Plymouth. Thank you to everyone who donated so many great items this year. Use the QR code to the left or visit plymouthlawrence.com and look for the Virtual Auction image on the home page. 6
Do you ever wonder why it is so hard to apologize? Would you like to know how a good apology can be healing and a poor apology can be damaging? If so, please sign up for the Plymouth Academy (See next page) course based on the book Why Won’t You Apologize: Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts by Harriet Lerner. On Thursday, October 6 at 6 pm you will have the opportunity to hear her talk about the book and other relationship issues in person!
Dr. Lerner is a nationally known psychologist who lives right here in Lawrence. The author of 12 books that focus on human relationships, she has a unique ability to make complex theories simple and understandable. One of her first books, The Dance of Anger, sold over three million copies and was published in 35 languages. Her work is grounded in the psychology of women, family relationships, and family systems theory. If there is sufficient interest, there will be a men’s group and a woman’s group that will meet separately for most of the meetings culminating in a single group toward the end the course. We anticipate lively discussion and inspiring learning. Please join us both in the Plymouth Academy book study and to hear Dr. Lerner speak on October 6 at 6 pm. 7
Requirements for participation:
Faith Foundations with Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman (Sept. 14-Nov. 16)
“I thought I knew what I believed about God, but I’m not so sure after this year.” “Why would a loving God permit my world to fall apart like this?”
“The Bible scares me sometimes. Does that mean I’m not a real Christian?”
De theWeaponizingBible (Oct. 19-Nov. 9)
Questions like these are on a lot of people’s minds. I hear them all the time. It always surprises me how often the people asking them think they’re alone. Trust me. If you have real questions about Christian life and practice, you are in excellent company. Smart people ask questions. Sometimes we come to doubt the assumptions we’ve held for a long time. That’s why we’re launching a new community of learning at Plymouth this fall. Faith Foundations is a ten week experience for people seeking a deeper grounding in Christian faith and practice. Over fifteen sessions, including an overnight retreat, participants will be invited to encounter God in ways that challenge the mind, restore the soul, and draw us closer to one another.
Too often, the Bible has been used as a weapon against LGBTQIA+ people. And many progressive Christians report feeling under equipped to engage in conversation about the Bible. This course will explore different approaches to reading the Bible critically. We will dig into a few of the most common “clobber passages” and explore the question, “is there redemption in or for the Bible?
1. A desire to grow in the love of God and neigh2.bor.Commitment to attend Wednesday evening sessions from 9/15 11/17.
3. Commitment to weekly worship attendance for the duration of the course. 8
“Jesus lived a long time ago. What could he teach me that’s relevant now?”
Join us for Kids Club! Over six weeks, we will learn different ways to strengthen our relationship with God and Jesus through fellowship, games, and crafts!
In preparation for this event, we offer a Bible Education class taught by Kathy Bowen. Kathy is a recently retired gifted education teacher and a longtime Plymouth member. She has taught this class for many years, and it is a wonderful addition to your child's religious education. The class will meet for six consecutive Wednesdays during Plymouth Academy starting September 14 from 6 7 pm. A parent is asked to attend the class with the student. Sign your student up below to participate.
MoneyPurposefulManagement (Begins Sept. 14)
4. Participation in an overnight retreat (Friday evening through Saturday afternoon, 10/1 10/2)
Plymouth gives Bibles to our 3rd graders each fall at a special ceremony. This year we will be presenting our 3rd & 4th graders Bibles in case any 4th graders could not participate last year.
"Why Won't You Apologize" Harriett Lerner Book Study (Sept. 14-Oct. 12)
3rd & 4th Grade Bible Stepping Stones (Sept. 14 Oct. 19)
Middle School OWL classes are transformative opportunities for our youth to learn about their bodies, sexuality & healthy relationships. The class will run 10 sessions with a team of teachers & guides. Topics include body image, social media/internet, bullying/bystander responsibilities, consent education, values, communication, anatomy, reproduction, identity, orientation, and more. Reach out to Rev. Caroline Dean with any questions at associatepastor@plymouthlawrence.com.
Join us to discuss Harriett Lerner's powerful book in a small group setting. Dr. Lerner is one of our most respected voices in the psychology of women and the "how tos" of navigating the swamps and quicksands of difficult relationships. She is the author of 12 books published in 35 languages.
Middle School Our Whole Lives (OWL) for 6th-8th Grades (Sept. 14 Nov. 16)
This class is taught by Plymouth Treasurer Doni Mooberry Slough.
Kids Club (Sept. 14-Oct. 19)
ENROLL TODAY!
You can enroll at plymouthlawrence.com, in the church emails, or by scanning the QR code to the left. 9
Are you concerned about the injustices you see in our Lawrence community? Are you looking for an avenue to discuss your concerns and discover ways to address them? Your Plymouth Justice Matters team has an opportunity for you! Justice Matters was established to provide a vehicle for congregations to come together, listen, understand, and address the perennial problems we see in Lawrence at their root cause. During September, we will be hosting information and listening sessions. Please join us to learn more about how Justice Matters is making a difference in Lawrence and how you can join the effort! Learn more about the current initiatives from your Plymouth Justice Matters team members by attending special Fellowship Forums between services the next this morning and on September 11. We want to hear from you! Please bring your concerns to our House Meetings/Listening Sessions. Simply sign up via one of the links on our websites News & Events page, the weekly church emails, or the QR code below. 10
Plymouth's Contextual Learning Seminarian, Phillip Kroh, runs this drop-in/drop-out small group focused on contemplative practices. The group meets between services on each month's first and third Sunday. Each meeting begins with a short meditation and prayer time, followed by a discussion about incorporating contemplative practices in our daily lives.
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group of moms with young children banded together to share their lives and parenting journeys. Over the past 45 years, MOPS has expanded our reach to include ALL moms. In addition, MOPS partners with churches and organizations worldwide to equip and encourage moms in more than 68 countries.
Saturday, Sept. 17 MOPS gathers on the third Saturday of each month. The September MOPS gathering will be at South Park on Saturday, September 17 at 9 am.
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Rev. Caroline Dean and Women’s Retreat Facilitator Cindy Novelo invite all adult Plymouth women to join us September 23 24, 2022, for a soulful and rejuvenating time on retreat together.
This year, as women’s rights are being curtailed, we will share stories from our own lives, from the lives of our female ancestors, and from women across time and throughout the world who have inspired us. We do this so that we might feel the strong bonds and connections that have always brought women together to support each other in times of Wechallenge.gather together in retreat to step away from the busyness of our daily lives to re-center and restore. We gather to revitalize our spirits as we learn to love ourselves more deeply, to find joy and light, so that we might have the capacity to be of greater service to this sacred world in which we live. We gather to foster community, strengthen the bonds that tie us together, and ultimately free us to be all God intends us to be so that we may each shine our own unique lights in the world. Something magical happens when women gather together. We hope you will be a part of what we know will be an amazing weekend!
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Do you love to sing? Did you sing in choir in high school and have not sung since? Come sing in the Chancel Choir! We are always look for more voices to add to this welcoming and friendly ensemble. The choir sings a wide variety of music from the Renaissance through contemporary newly published works. Each year the choir sings two major choral works with orchestral accompaniment. The next major work will be on Sunday, December 11. Don’t worry if you can’t make a strict weekly commitment. We still want you, AND we have at least two parties each year! Rehearsals are in the Mayflower Room on Thursday evenings from 7 8:30 p.m. Come ift your voice up to God in song! 16
In 1974 the first three octave set of handbells was presented to Plymouth Church as a living memorial to Brad Fisher, who had passed away at the age of 11. That wonderful memorial started the tradition of a large and successful handbell program. Plymouth purchased additional handbells to accommodate the growing number of ringers. In addition to the original three -octave set, Plymouth owns a fiveoctave set and five octaves of handHandbellchimes. ringing is a fun, collaborative ensemble where each person rings two bells. You don’t need to read music or have any previous experience; as we will teach you everything you need to know. Ringing is a hands on team building social musical ensemble. New ringers are always welcome. Please contact Kim Manz for more information music@plymouthlawrence.com.at
The Plymouth String ensemble rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7 8 p.m. in the Althaus Chapel. All string players playing at the high school level or above are invited. Plymouth Strings plays for worship several times throughout the year. Please contact Kim Manz formusic@plymouthlawrence.comatmoreinformation.
Do you play flute, clarinet, oboe, sax, or bassoon? Would you be interested in playing in a woodwind ensemble at Plymouth? The ensemble could rehearse weekly. Or it could rehearse for a few weeks, play for worship, take a break and start up again. Contact Kim Manz, at music@plymouthlawrence.com, if you are interested in playing.
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Come join the Plymouth Players for a fun social evening filled with murder, mayhem, music, and great food and fellowship. Watch the website, Sunday bulletins, and future Rocks for updates and how to purchase tickets. 18
Our Covenant Groups are kicking off another season of intentional small groups. Covenant Groups meet on weekday evenings or Sunday mornings. Invite a friend and take the leap of faith! Covenant Groups are amazing ways to experience God’s love and learn the beautiful practice of sharing life together in Christian community. Sign up at plymouthlawrence.com or by using the QR Code to the right. Questions? Email Rev. Caroline Dean at associatepastor@plymouthlawrence.com. 19
Are you seeking deep, rich spiritual friendship after a season of isolation and disruption? Do you want to grow in your faith alongside others? Do you want to find more meaningful intergenerational connections at Plymouth?
Grocery Bucks is truly a painless fundraising activity. The church purchases these cards at a 6% discount from the merchants. You purchase these gift cards at coffee hour for use at Checkers, HyVee, The Merc, or Sprouts and then use them at check out like a gift card. You receive 100% of the face value of the card, and the unused balance is retained on your card, just like a debit card or a gift card. Gift cards for Checkers, HyVee, The Merc, and Sprouts in values of $25, $50, and $100 will be available during Coffee Hour in the Mayflower room most Sundays. Local Dillons stores participate in this program, too, though in a different way. You can designate that your purchases be credited toward Plymouth by linking your Dillons Plus Card to Plymouth at www.dillons.com. Then, each quarter Kroger's, Dillon's parent company, sends a check to the church based on the amount of spending tied to these Dillon's Plus cards. Instruction sheets on how to use the Dillons program are available on our table in the Mayflower Room. Proceeds from this fundraiser are used to support items in our Mission Spending Plan, including the handbell program, the youth mission trip, Our Church's Wider Mission, Justice Matters, and the Plymouth Language YouProgram.can find Grocery Bucks between services in the Mayflower Room and use cash or a check. Sorry, no credit or debit cards as their fees eat into the small margin we make on these card sales. Questions? You can get answers from Rich or Jane in the Mayflower Room between services or by emailing rbireta@gmail.com. 20
