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.

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!

Today will be the third session for Rev. Murphy's series on salvation. For today, we will be expanding the salvation model to include questions of “who?” and “when?”, discuss universal salvation, and review salvation models from several liberation theologies. If you missed the first two sessions, you are still welcome to come join us this morning! We’ll be meeting one final time after today on May 9 via Zoom on Sunday at 9:00 am; we’ll be sure to “save” you a spot!

Today at 4:00 pm on YouTube will premiere a concert featuring THE SERENADE FOR STRINGS by Tchaikovsky and THE SEASONS by Vivaldi. 

After a one-year delay due to COVID-19, we will celebrate confirmation with baptism for two youth from the 2019-2020 Covenant Class.

Jordan Dollarhite and Melody Sutter will present themselves in worship on May 8 for pre-recording. Be sure to watch this special service which will post on Sunday, May 9. Rev. Ruth E. Phillips was the teacher for this class of five students. When all in-person programming last March was cancelled, the Covenant Class process was interrupted just as we were planning for confirmation. This is an important milestone and rite of passage for Jordan and Melody. As they are baptized, affirm their Christian faith, and become members of Plymouth Church, please send them your personal welcome. Those who are unable to attend the in-person worship recording will be able to see the confirmation and baptism ceremony online on Sunday, May 9.

In keeping with our Mother’s Day tradition, the Benevolence Committee invites you to participate in a special offering on Sunday, May 9, to benefit our friends at Cedars HOPE. Cedars HOPE, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization serving homeless women living with serious mental illness by offering permanent Housing, Opportunities for growth and companionship, Personal support, and Encouragement towards independence.

Our relationship with Cedars HOPE goes back to the Plymouth members instrumental to its founding in 1993, when it opened to offer permanent housing along with care and support for homeless women living with serious mental illness. Twenty-eight years later, we are no longer next-door neighbors, but remain committed to supporting Northeast Indiana’s only residential program that helps break the link between mental illness and homelessness. What a privilege, to support such incredible work!

Please prepare to give generously this Mother’s Day, celebrating the work of Cedars HOPE and taking joy in the opportunity to show love for our neighbors there. You may mail a check to the church (include Cedars HOPE Collection on the memo line) or give online by clicking the "Donate" button below. From there, you can click the “Donate” button, then select “Other Special Fund” in the contribution page and write in Cedars HOPE Collection in the space provided.

Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in our safety net and food systems. Child hunger in both the U.S. and abroad has skyrocketed. Specifically, we want Congress to:

1) Make the Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the American Rescue Plan permanent and available to all children regardless of immigration status. The CTC expansion would move millions of children out of poverty, as well as help reduce hunger and narrow the racial wealth gap exacerbated by unemployment as a result of COVID-19.

2) Increase U.S. leadership and funding for global nutrition programs without which an entire generation may be denied of their God-given right to flourish.

Letters to Congress supported with prayer are a bold witness to God’s justice and mercy. If you want to help with writing 3 letters, one each to, Senator Braun, Senator Young and Representative Banks, please contact Lucy Hess at: lrh22@frontier.com or 484-4430. Letter templates and legislators’ addresses will be provided. These letters can be sent via snail or email. Your letters can be the difference to convince our legislators to make these nutrition programs possible this summer and fall.

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.

The state of Indiana has opened 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.

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!

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.