I have come to see white privilege as an invisible package of unearned assets that I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was "meant" to remain oblivious. White privilege is like an invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, assurances, tools, maps, guides, codebooks, passports, visas, clothes, compass, emergency gear, and blank checks.

                     -Peggy McIntosh

Our next welcoming group for prospective members will meet Sunday, October 4, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. If you have been attending Plymouth for six months or longer, and your faith journey is leading you to explore becoming a member, this is a one-time required session. Whether you are confident, confused, or curious, our time together is focused on orientation, conversation, interpretation, and exploration. It is an opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet others who are considering affirming their formal relationship with Plymouth Church, UCC. A light lunch will be provided and childcare is available. We will meet in the Amistad Room.

Plymouth's Green Team invites all members and friends to the 5th annual Fall Fest at Eagle Marsh on Saturday, October 10 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. We’ll gather at 5:30 pm for a Seed to Marsh service project with Eagle Marsh staff, followed by a short hike. Then we’ll gather around a bonfire for s’mores, apple cider, and campfire songs. We’ll end the evening with a short vespers service as the sun begins to set.

Things to bring include: long pants, walking shoes, a jacket, bug spray, hand wipes, a stick for roasting marshmallows, a mug for cider, and a folding chair. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Gibson at JSgibson443@gmail.com. Eagle Marsh is located at 6801 Engle Rd., Fort Wayne. Hope to see you there!

The Anti-Racism Action Team is hosting "Faces of the First Nations" art event on Sunday, October 18th, immediately after the service. It is being brought to us through BIPOCA Incubator and Gallery, and will feature the art of Catherine Nagy Mowry, of the Myaamia. Come prepared to learn the indigenous way, ask questions, and take in all that Catherine will have on display. Although her art will remain in the Folsom Room for a couple of weeks, you won't want to miss speaking with her. Light refreshments will be provided.

The Plymouth Players are excited to present a cabaret-staged production of Godspell during the Lenten season, culminating on Palm Sunday weekend, March 19–21, 2027.

We’re looking for actors and singers for featured roles as well as ensemble singers to help bring this beloved musical to life. Whether you’re a member of Plymouth or part of the greater Fort Wayne theatre community, all are welcome to audition!

Auditions: Sunday, November 1 at 2 PM

Location: Plymouth Church

Rehearsals will begin in January 2027 and are designed to be a manageable commitment, generally meeting 2-3 evenings per week from approximately 7:30–9:30 PM.

Performances:

March 19 & 20 at 7:00 PM

March 21 at 2:00 PM — Palm Sunday

Indigenous Peoples' Day was a proclamation made by President Joe Biden on October 8, 2021. Congress must proclaim official federal holidays, but states are gradually recognizing this celebration on the second Monday of October every year. The library and the Anti-Racism Action Team have joined together and invite you to celebrate the entire month with us.

Our library has an interesting group of indigenous authors whose books you may want to check out. Terry Wilson addresses the history of various tribes; Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz discusses the history of social justice of Native Americans; Kaitlin B. Curtice contemplates spiritual growth among those with various backgrounds; Nick Estes addresses environmental injustice; and Carol Lindstrom shares environmental concerns for children.

The Anti-Racism Action Team has invited Catherine Nagy Mowry, an indigenous local artist, to discuss some of the art work she will loan us through the end of the month. Add Sunday, October 18, to your calendar for a memorable experience.

We know mornings can sometimes be hard. People need their daily dose of caffeine. Even so, we encourage folks to drink their coffee before entering the sanctuary. If you do bring coffee in, please don’t spill it on the floor. The floor is slightly sloped and liquids can run down the length of the sanctuary. If you do spill something, please clean it up. If you can’t clean it up on account of mobility issues, at least let the front desk know so it doesn’t dry into a sticky mess unnoticed until Monday. Maintenance staff, and Jamal in particular, appreciates it!

Our community food locker provides a simple way to share food with neighbors who may be experiencing homelessness or other food insecurity. You can help keep it stocked!

We especially welcome ready-to-eat foods and snacks that can be eaten without cooking, as well as canned and boxed foods. Please choose items that are shelf-stable and please avoid anything in glass containers.

Donations can be placed anytime in the designated food donation bin in the Folsom Room. Every item is a small act of kindness—and a reminder that our community has enough to share.

Our weekly Bible study meets in person and online at 4:45 pm each Wednesday. We discuss the scripture for the coming Sunday, what resonates with us, what concerns us, and where we see good news. Whether you’ve been coming for years or just starting out in exploring scripture with others, we’d love to have you join us in the Chapel! For those joining online, use the following required passcode: 773232.

Next week’s scripture will be Revelation 14:12.

Here we come a Wassailing!

Who’s ready for the 50th annual Boars Head and Yule Log Festival? We are!

Casting has begun, and it’s time to start talking to your kids and families about this year’s Festival, if you plan to be involved, and what roles everyone would like.

Festival services are the same each year. December 29th and 30th. Rehearsals are December 26th, 27th and 28th, with the Dress Rehearsal on the 28th. Please take a peek at your calendars to see if the dates work for you. If you have questions or concerns please let me know.

The All Cast Meeting is scheduled for Sunday November 8th at 1pm. This meeting will include BH information, rehearsal schedules, merch ordering opportunities and costume fittings! 

There is so much going on this year! 

We will have BH Merch available for purchase. Samples will be available, and orders may be placed in November to get those in time for Christmas. Stay tuned for more details!

Interested in volunteering? Leave a reply below and we’ll get back with you! We need people to help in the Kitchen, help with our younger cast members/kids ages 2-10 years old, security coverage at multiple doors and hospitality/greeters to help show people where to go.

On behalf of the Production Team, we thank you, the fine people of Plymouth Church for helping to make Boars Head magical year after year!

-Kara Jaurigue, Director

As we head into fall, the Benevolence Committee of Plymouth Church begins preparations for the 2027 Benevolence Grants Program. As part of that process, we look to you, the people of Plymouth Church, for your knowledge and input as we review and compile the list of agencies and organizations that will receive an email inviting them to submit an application for the 2027 program.  Benevolence Grants awarded in the program are up to $2000 with one Capacity Building Grant of $20,000 awarded each year. For more information about the Plymouth Grants Program go to plymouthfw.org, click the “About Us” tab, and from the drop-down menu select Plymouth Grants Program.

Do you know of a not-for-profit agency or organization that has 501c3 standing, and aligns with the four guiding covenants of Plymouth Church? Do you think they would be interested in applying for additional funding? If so, please send their contact information, including a contact person and email address to benevolence@plymouthfw.org by September 30^th and we will include them on our list of potential applicants.  

Thank you for your consideration and participation in this important work!

Benevolence Committee Members: Allen Haynes, Beth Walker, Susan Bolinger, Cher Jackson, Daveana Schieler, Brian Flory, Christer Watson

The Hymnal Task Force is currently working on examining possibilities for a new hymnal or songbook in the future, and we need to hear from you! There is a brief survey in the link below. Specifically, we’d like you to indicate what are your five “must have” hymns or songs that you’d really like to see in any future hymnal or songbook or would miss if they were absent.

 You can list old standards, but things like “Amazing Grace” and “Abide with Me” will be in any future option, so feel free to list things beyond the usual suspects. Once you have your songs in mind, the survey should take no more than 3 minutes. Thank you for your input!

Plymouth will be collecting blankets for Food not Bombs, which they will distribute to unhoused residents of Fort Wayne later this fall. Fleece blankets are preferred, but any blankets in good condition will be accepted. We will be collecting blankets until Halloween. Donations can be left in the labeled bin in the Folsom room.

We are seeking volunteers for our welcoming task force! Task force members are intentional about seeking out newcomers at coffee hour and in worship to help them feel welcome at Plymouth and assist them in getting connected. Task force members are on duty about once a month. If you would like to volunteer, or if you have questions, please talk with Rev. Sara Ofner-Seals or email her at smo@plymouthfw.org.