Weekly Bulletin
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Joys and Concerns

Sundays at 1:00 pm

Our weekly joys and concerns check-ins continue. Please join this Zoom call at 1:00 pm for a time to name something we are grateful for, a concern we have, and to be in prayer together. Those unable to join by video can call 1-253-215-8782, then enter the code 944-1809-2407#, then # when asked for the password.
Order of Worship

Prelude

Welcome

Invocation/Lord’s Prayer

Special Music

Pastoral prayer

Scripture – Psalm 4

Homily

Invitation to Communion

Communion

Closing song – “Sweet Hour of Prayer” NCH#505

Benediction

Postlude
This Week
April 26
John A. Hoffman

April 29
Bill Vrabel

May 1
Judy Crooks
John B. Escosa III

May 2
Helen Mowan

May 3
Sophia Boyko

May 5
Daniel Boyko
Linda Kerr
All programs and events are online unless otherwise stated.

Sunday, April 18
9:00 am Education Hour
10:00 am Worship Service
11:30 am Transition and Grieving AP
1:00 pm Joys & Concerns

Monday, April 19
Office Closed

Tuesday, April 20
1:00 pm Staff Meeting
5:30 pm Board Meetings

Wednesday, April 21
5:30 pm Wednesday Night Live

Thursday, April 22
Earth Day
6:00 pm IKC Worship Workshop

Saturday, April 24
9:00 am Limited In-Person Service Recording

Sunday, April 25
9:00 am Education Hour
10:00 am Worship Service
1:00 pm Joys & Concerns
2:30 pm Film & Faith: Forty & Over
Sunday, April 18: Theories of Salvation Education Series
Do we become Christians to avoid hell or to enter heaven? If not, what exactly are we saved from, and what are we saved for? Does God save us from oppression? From meaninglessness? What is “salvation” anyways? If you’ve ever asked any of these questions, an upcoming Adult Education series is for you!

Starting today, Rev. Murphy will be leading a four-week series on salvation. We’ll be looking at basic salvation models in Christianity, including classic substitutionary models, moral example models, liberationist approaches, and working on articulating our own theories of salvation and why it matters. We’ll be meeting weekly via Zoom on Sundays at 9:00 am; we’ll be sure to “save” you a spot!
Sunday, April 18: Transition and Grieving Associate Pastor
It’s hard to believe but Rev. Ruth Phillips is retiring in two months. As church members, we need spaces to grieve all that we will miss once she retires. The next opportunity to meet with Rev. Timothy Murphy and other church members will be today, Sunday, April 18. This will be a space to discuss what she has meant for us and Plymouth Church.
 
This gathering will be via Zoom; please use the button below to join in this transition process.
Wednesday, April 21: Bible Study
Join Rev. Timothy C. Murphy and Plymouth members at 5:30 pm every Wednesday in an online discussion of the upcoming Sunday’s scripture and how we can apply those lessons to our daily lives and world. Those unable to join by video can also call in at 1-253-215-8782, then enter the code 978-5908-1418#, then enter # when asked for a password.
Saturday, April 24: E&M Supply Drive
Thanks to your generosity last month, over 500 prizes were donated to the Fairfield Elementary Falcon “shop”! This month, the E&M Board is having our supply drive on Saturday, April 24. Stop by 9:00 – 11:00 in the morning to drop off supplies requested by our friends at Just Neighbors.

What they need most of all right now are bed pillows and household cleaning supplies like toilet bowl cleaner, Windex/409/Clorox spray, good old Pine-Sol or Fabuloso, and so forth. Everyone loves fresh pillows and spring cleaning, so help us show some love for our Just Neighbors!

Drive up to the port cochére, using the alley behind the church and pulling into the small drive on the western side of the building.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, April 25: Film & Faith: Forty & Over
“NOMADLAND” is a new release on Hulu which recently won “Best Picture” at the Golden Globes. “Following the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, Fern (Frances McDormand) packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad.  The third feature film from director Chloe Zhao, NOMADLAND features real nomads Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells as Fern’s mentors and comrades in her exploration through the vast landscape of the American West.”
 
To participate in the discussion, email Rev. Ruth E. Phillips [email protected] by Saturday Noon, April 24. She will send you the Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode to enter the Zoom gathering on Sunday.
Sunday, May 2: A CELEBRATION OF SPRING | Music Series
On Sunday, May 2 at 4:00 p.m. on YouTube will premiere a concert featuring THE SERENADE FOR STRINGS by Tchaikovsky and THE SEASONS by Vivaldi. 

This concert was added to help our area string players who have been struggling for income all season due to the pandemic and other ongoing issues with the career musicians in our city. 

If you cannot make the online premiere, don’t worry! The concert will remain on Plymouth’s YouTube Channel for at least a month.
 
We appreciate everyone signing up on Eventbrite to let us know you intend to watch the YouTube premiere. The advantage? If you sign up, you’ll get up to the last minute reminders AND if/when in-person seating resumes you’ll be the first to know!

And finally, please please please make a donation to the music series to help support our local musicians! We have, as promised, spent every dollar this season on hiring our local musicians to perform. We end the season with a very empty bowl and your donation will definitely help us plan more such concerts in the future!

Thank you for your support and for helping to keep our musicians working!
General Announcements
Peace & Justice Survey
The Peace and Justice Committee invites you to take a simple survey to help us better understand the justice activities of members and how to help connect members with similar commitments. It takes only a couple minutes to do. Thank you!
Donating for Sanctuary-Chapel Technology Improvements
A Sanctuary-Chapel Tech Task Force is at work to substantially upgrade our video recording equipment. The Task Force is busy evaluating a proposal to ensure that it meets our needs and finding funds to help cover the cost. The Task Force has nearly secured sufficient funds to proceed. However, individual members also have an opportunity to financially contribute to this project! Checks should be made out to Plymouth Congregational Church with “Sanctuary Tech” in the memo line. Alternatively, you can donate online by clicking the button below and make a gift in the “Sanctuary Technology” option.
 
Once we eventually return to regular Sunday morning in-person services, we still want to be able to livestream and record them on site, as well as our music series events. We expect this project to be a major improvement in our technological capabilities and enhance our online presence for years to come!
COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility
The state of Indiana is opening COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to anyone 16 and older. You can click the button below to schedule an appointment. If you have difficulty registering online, you can dial 211 from any phone for assistance.
Indiana-Kentucky Conference UCC COVID-19 Guidance
Our conference released further guidance around churches and COVID-19 this week entitled “Healthy Continuity of Ministry and Mission during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” We are including a link below for your review. Church pastoral staff are reviewing the guidelines as they determine what Plymouth’s process will be going forward for this spring. Look for updates in the announcements or as an e-blast.
A Note from the Office
In order for the office to better serve you, please submit a separate check for each donation made whether it be for pledges, special offerings or any other donation. Checks should be made payable to Plymouth Church. Thank you!
Visiting Plymouth
If you have a need to visit the office, we’d love to see you. Remember to schedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. No one is at the front desk, so please arrive on time so a staff member is available to greet you and unlock the door. Please wait at the Berry Street entrance and be prepared to sanitize, sign-in, and wear a mask. Please contact Tina Puitz at [email protected] to make an appointment. Thank you.