Weekly Bulletin
Sunday, April 25, 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 – 1 John 3: 11-24

Message

Closing song – “Lead Us from Death to Life" NCH #581

Benediction

Postlude
This Week
May 6
Nada O'Neal

May 7
Robin Grimm

May 8
Corrie Silcox

May 10
Steve Hollingsworth

May 11
Barb Hill

May 12
Jay Shumaker
All programs and events are online unless otherwise stated.

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

Monday, April 26
Office Closed

Tuesday, April 27
1:00 pm Staff Meeting
4:00 pm Sanctuary Task Force Meeting
5:30 pm Property Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 28
5:30 pm Wednesday Night Live

Thursday, April 29
6:00 pm IKC Worship Workshop

Saturday, May 1
9:00 am Limited In-Person Service Recording
1:00 pm Nominating Committee Meeting

Sunday, May 2
9:00 am Education Hour
10:00 am Worship Service
1:00 pm Joys & Concerns
Wednesday, April 28: 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.
Sunday, April 25: 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!

Last week, Rev. Murphy began leading a four-week series on salvation, which will continue today. 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 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 rep@plymouthfw.org by Noon, today. She will send you the Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode to enter the group
at 2:30 pm.
Upcoming Events
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 tmp@plymouthfw.org to make an appointment. Thank you.