After two years of genocide in Gaza, an ecumenical group of Palestinian Christians have recently come together to publish a statement entitled 'A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide.' In this season of Advent, in which we remember the birth of Jesus in Palestine 2,000 years ago, it is appropriate to hear the voices of our Christian siblings in Palestine today and to heed their cries for mercy, justice, truth and peace. 

Rev. Sara will continue a two-week series on this recently published document, and what it means for how we live our faith in solidarity with our Palestinian siblings this Advent and Christmas season. The sessions will conclude with concrete actions that everyone can take this holiday season and beyond. 

Chapel Class is open to all adults at 9:00 am every Sunday, in person or on zoom. The password for zoom is 247302.

Sunday afternoon at 4 pm in the Sanctuary will be a concert by Canto de Corazón, a Spanish Language choir co-sponsored by Heartland Sings and Plymouth Church, dedicated to intercultural understanding through music. The 55-minute program features a variety of traditional carols from South America, Spain, Germany and the United States all in Spanish. The concert is family friendly and is followed by a substantial reception in the Folsom Room catered by Maria Sanchez. Please invite friends and join us for a unique and wonderful afternoon of music and food!

Poinsettia orders are now available for the Christmas season. Poinsettas will be delivered to the church and can be picked up after Christmas Eve service. The flowers can be ordered on their own, or dedicated "In Honor," "In Memory," or "In Celebration." You can find more information and the order form at the link below.

Note: the deadline to order your poinsettias is Sunday, December 14.

Indiana Center for Middle East Peace will host two upcoming webinars on the situation in Palestine and Israel, and faith in this moment:

'A Christian and a Jew Walk into Palestine'

Monday, 12/15, 1:00 pm

Susan Birndorf (Clinical Psychologist, Jewish Voice for Peace-Indianapolis member) and Rev. Sara Ofner Seals reflect on their May 2025 trip to Palestine and Israel. They will talk with ICMEP executive director Michael Spath, discussing what they experienced and how that relates to our activism in our country.

Faith in a Time of Genocide - The Bethlehem Kairos Palestine Conference

Wednesday, 12/17, 1:00 pm

From November 10-16, more than 300 local Palestinians and internationals from 23 countries gathered in Bethlehem for the 16th annual conference hosted by Kairos Palestine and the Global Kairos for Justice Coalition. At the conference, Kairos Palestine issued a new call to Christian churches around the world, as well as to all people of conscience and good will, "A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide." ICMEP's Michael Spath talks with three people who were there.

If you are the chair of a board, committee, action team, or taskforce, and have yet to submit your annual report, please be reminded that reports are due on Monday, December 15. Submissions should be sent to Communications Specialist Zach Heimach at wzh@plymouthfw.org. If possible, please include pictures with captions.

There will be no education hour on Sunday, December 21. Instead, all are invited to the Folsom Room at 9:00 am for fellowship and refreshments as we sing Christmas carols and enjoy hot cocoa (or coffee). This is a chance to sing all your favorite carols that you might not get to sing in church on Christmas Eve. All are welcome!

Warmest greetings to you and yours this Christmas Season! Plymouth Church will once again be supporting Crossroad Child and Family Services as the recipient of our Christmas special offering. Liz Bergren will be joining us in worship on December 21 to share a bit about Crossroad and how they serve our community. While the 21st is the official day for collecting this special offering, we will receive funds throughout the holiday season. You may contribute using the special offering envelopes found in the pew pockets or online using the donate button and the drop-down menu clicking on 'Crossroad Christmas Offering'. The Benevolence Committee thanks you for your consideration and support for this longstanding partner of Plymouth Church.

- Allen Haynes

Please note that we will have two services this coming Christmas Eve at Plymouth! The 4:00 pm service will be livestreamed if you are unable to be here in person.

4:00 pm Carols and Communion Christmas Eve Service

This service will be a family-friendly service featuring carols, communion, and a special message for children. Childcare will be available.

10:00 pm Carols and Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

This evening service will include the singing of carols and end with our tradition of singing “Silent Night” as we share the light of Christ with each other and the world as we depart. There is no childcare for this service. The building will be unlocked at 8:30 pm for early arrivals.

O Come, All Ye Faithful!

The 49th annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival is right around the corner! Please plan to join us for festival services on Monday, December 29th and Tuesday, December 30th at 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm each day.

As a church member you can get six tickets, and can pick up your tickets on Sunday, December 14 and 21 before and after worship in the Folsom Room. Just see Roger Eversole or Kara Jaurigue to get your tickets! If you have any questions, you can call the Boar's Head hotline at 260-423-9424 ext. 325.

We hope to see you at the 49th annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival!