Plymouth Church News

Pastoral Musings

Robert Turner — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:32:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again, when we begin to feel a bit at odds with the culture around us. Lights go up and Muzak carols blare in the malls while we grow quiet and pay attention not only to the light, but also to darkness. While energy kicks into high gear, moving into the last month of the year, we are already marking the beginning of a new one. While we may plan and attend parties, we also stop daily to light a candle or two or four and pray. It’s that time of year again. Welcome to Advent.

Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the liturgical year. It’s almost as if my body craves the quiet penitence, the honest introspection, the noting of the longing within for the Light that dispels the darkness of separation, brokenness and loss. It seems a fitting way to begin our new interim time together as a community too. It will be helpful to quiet our hearts and minds together. It will be good to watch and wait and long together. It will be good to center ourselves in listening for God and intentionally being on the lookout for where the Christ light is shining in our midst.

I invite you to be intentional about walking this season well. Come to worship. Use the daily devotional that Becky Withington has created for us. Try sitting quietly in prayer with others on Thursdays. The Sanctuary is open from 12;10 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. for any who wish a time for silent prayer. I plan on reading The First Christmas by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan as part of my advent discipline. I’d be more than happy to discuss it with others, if you so wish.

Besides being intentional about our worship and prayer life, I would also like to invite us into being intentional about how we are together. Lately, I’ve been pondering Paul’s commendations to the church in Corinth. It was a very mixed community with many things going on. In the midst of it all, Paul reminded them that each was gifted in particular ways, that none could function without the others in the community. He drew them to acknowledge how each member and voice is essential and none can go it alone. And then he admonished them to do and say only that which builds up and edifies the community.

Paul’s words fit that first Century community well. I believe they might be helpful to us too. Let’s be intentional about how we are together. Let’s be our best selves; let’s speak truth always and only in love; let’s listen well to each other and pause a bit before responding or reacting. Let’s choose to act in ways that build up the community, that build up each other. Let’s avoid that which tears down or apart. And finally, let’s be gentle with one another.

It’s Advent. It’s time for waiting in hopeful expectation. It’s time for being honest about how things are and being open to transformation. It’s time for watching for the Light. May we do it well together.

--The Rev. Kristine Anderson Ostrem

Special Music in Advent

Robert Turner — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:17:09 +0000

Advent Concerts on Fridays at 12:10 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Friday, December 5 Linda Strandberg, Soprano Solioist at Plymouth Church and Marggriet Tindemans, Artistic Director, Medieval Women's Choir

Friday, December 12 Douglas Cleveland, Director of Music and Organist at Plymouth Church

Friday, December 19 Fred Kronacher, Seattle Pianist and Teacher

For a complete listing of special Advent and Christmas music and services, please click here.

Announcement of Special Church Meeting

Robert Turner — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:34:00 +0000

The Congregational Council has called a special church meeting to vote on a proposal to suspend Section 10.8.1 of the By-laws. (Section 10.8.1 calls for the immediate initiation of a process for searching for a Senior Minister, when there is a vacancy in the position of Senior Minister.) The proposal would suspend Section 10.8.1 until December 31, 2009, although the Senior Minister Search process could be initiated at an earlier time if the Congregational Council were to decide that such earlier initiation would be in the best interests of the Church. The special church meeting will take place in the sanctuary at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2008.

—Al Bentley, Moderator

Rev. Shinn Receives 2008 Lilly Grant

Bill Morlan — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:04:03 +0000

Rev. David Shinn, Plymouth Church’s Minister of Parish Life and Outreach, has been named recipient of a 2008 Lilly Foundation National Clergy Renewal Program Grant.

Rev. Shinn is among 138 pastors representing 133 congregations who are about to embark on their own adventures funded by the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. The program gives pastors and congregations the opportunity to create their own sabbath journeys. Pastors who have benefited from a clergy renewal grant describe their time away as a life-changing journey, a pilgrimage. They have the gift of time to take off their watches and talk, explore, pray, take detours, expect the unexpected.

“I am so honored to be chosen as a 2008 Lilly Foundation Grant recipient and to have the opportunity for this journey.”, says Rev. Shinn. “The best way to describe the building blocks of my sabbatical would be to renew my call; to be equipped to walk with my church; to strengthen my body; to nurture my wife; to love our sons; and to celebrate the joy of God¹s love with new eyes. Here’s how I envision this journey unfolding:”

“I would like to kick off my sabbatical by running the Houston Marathon on January 18^th, 2009, if the schedule permits. As a runner and a person of faith, I see so many fascinating intersections between faith and marathon running. I like to begin the Sabbath by celebrating and remembering that life is not a sprint, but a marathon.”

“Then during the following week, I would like to take my family to Singapore to begin our trip by celebrating the Chinese New Year (January 26th) with our family. This is the most festive and important celebration of the year in Asian tradition. This celebration will enrich our sons¹ school learning with this family tradition as well as cultural and international experience.”

“Our sons will be with us for the first 2 weeks before returning to Seattle to be with their mother and attend school. Julie and I will continue with my research. “

“Then from February into March, I would begin the interviews. My father-in-law was a diplomat and government official. Through his contacts, I plan to meet with the cultural and religious officials and have conversations with them. From that learning, I intend to gain new perspectives and ingredients for building a diverse playground for God with Plymouth. Furthermore, on the days of worship, I would like to attend services in the local congregations, mosques, temples and synagogues.”

“During our time in Asia, I would also like to visit Taiwan, to reconnect with my biological family who I have visited only 3 times in the last 26 years since they sent me to stay with US relatives at the age 11. It has been seven years since I last saw them.”

“Returning to Seattle in mid March, Julie and I would take classes with marriage counselors through April. In this endeavor, we hope to deepen our marriage, and to become better parents to our sons. We plan to take classes from the Gottmann Institute and local marriage and step-parenting counselors.”

“I would like to go on a family trip for one week in April to my home state of Virginia. About 25 years ago, I came to this country as an immigrant and the experience has shaped me profoundly. I would like to gift my children with the knowledge of how race and culture clashed from early in US history. We will start by traveling to Williamsburg, Jamestown, Charlottesville, Mount Vernon, and if possible to Philadelphia. I would like to help our sons understand their American identity and history at an age where they may be struggling to reconcile their American and Asian heritage. I hope that this opportunity of growth will restore all of us. More importantly, it will guide them to be responsible and caring citizens of this land and this globe.”

“Finally with the remaining weeks of May, Julie and I plan to attend a spiritual retreat at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. Our spirits will need time to charge and retune to God as we prepare to return to Plymouth. In this time away, we will focus on scriptures that firm the foundation of our faith, and on the spiritual practices of prayer, meditation and journaling to center us to be together.”

* * *

Part of the grant will be used to fund an interim replacement Parish Life and Outreach minister during David’s Sabbatical. A Search Committee has been named and the identification of potential candidates has commenced.

David will author a blog on the website and chronicle his five month long journey. Be sure to read and add your comments here at www.plymouthseattle.org

The Book of Life

Robert Turner — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:49:00 +0000

Each year Plymouth members write down names of people who have passed from this world in The Book of Life. All the names recorded in The Book of Life were listed in the Order of Worship on November 2. The names of those who passed away during the last twelve months were lifted up to God in our spoken prayers that same Sunday. To view this year's list, please click here.

Baptism Sunday November 16

Robert Turner — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:45:00 +0000

The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated November 16 during worship. Your family is invited to gather with Allen Hilton on Saturday, November 8, to talk together about what baptism means in your own lives, within Plymouth, and as part of the whole Christian community. We will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 222. Bring some simple food or drink to share. RSVP to Diane 206/622-4865.

Interim Minister Search Committee Appointed

Robert Turner — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:51:57 +0000

What do you get when you combine former Moderators with persons of dynamism and energy who have led in Plymouth's camps and retreats program, and with others having experience and expertise in searching for professional staff? Season these ingredients with the Holy Spirit to taste, and voilà, you've got Plymouth's Interim Minister Search Committee.

The committee was appointed by the Congregational Council at its meeting on October 14. Mike Pierson will chair the committee. Its other members will be Mae Bell, Howard Boyd, Helen Gorsuch, Steve Schmidt and Nancy Smith.

When the Council conferred with Conference Minister Mike Denton on September 23, Rev. Denton gave us these words of advice regarding the formation of an interim search committee: "Pick from among your wisest members. Find persons who are truly dedicated to the long-term well-being of your church." The Congregational Council has heeded those words — they have chosen well. With your support and prayers, this committee, too, will choose well — they will find the person Plymouth needs to provide leadership in the process of introspection, self-assessment and institutional strengthening that, we hope, will mark our interim time.

—Al Bentley, Plymouth Church Moderator

'Thoughts on a Resignation,' by Church Moderator Al Bentley

Robert Turner — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:14:00 +0000

A client in my law practice told me this story. There once was a child whose foremost Christmas wish was a pony. The child's parents could not afford a pony, and in a fit of meanness, or as a well-meant joke, they put a bit of horse manure in a box, wrapped it, and put it under the tree. The child eagerly opened the package on Christmas morning. The manure was still warm. Was the child disappointed? Not in the least. She squealed with excitement, "Goody, goody, where's the pony!"

God gave us an unexpected gift on September 11, when our beloved pastor and friend, Rev. Dr. Allen R. Hilton, sent out the letter announcing his resignation.

Over the last three years, we as a congregation have enjoyed a more pleasing gift, the gift of Allen Hilton's presence in our midst. We have marveled at Allen's buoyancy, his unflagging faith, his deep Biblical knowledge and his ability to inspire us with his sermons, his prayers, his writings and his teaching. However, as many of us know, Allen's energetic leadership has been hindered by recurrent health problems. Allen has also struggled with institutional tensions and problems, some of which linger from times long past and were not adequately addressed in the interim period before Allen was called to Plymouth. In the end, a combination of personal health problems and difficult organizational issues took their toll. Allen engaged in a process of prayerful self-assessment, which led him to conclude that he could not continue in the Senior Minister position without peril to his health and family. He thus resigned. Allen took significant personal and professional risks in stepping down in this way, rather than lingering on while seeking a different position. This resignation was an act of courage — and faith, for Allen once again demonstrated his belief that "God is good."

Associate Ministers Kris Ostrem and David Shinn, and the Congregational Council, are moving forward to assure the continuation of Plymouth's programs and ministries. Worship leadership for the entire Advent season has been planned. At a special meeting on October 7, the Congregational Council authorized the formation of an Interim Minister Search Committee, and the Council will name its members shortly. The Council has charged the committee to seek out an "intentional interim," someone who can guide us as we engage in a period of self-study, prayer, reflection and introspection — before the Church embarks on the search for a new Senior Minister. During the interim search process, we look forward to the support and advice that Mike Denton, the Conference Minister for the Pacific Northwest Conference, has pledged.

I am confident that Plymouth will meet the challenges of this transition, and that we will flourish by the grace of God. There is a pony around here somewhere. Together you and I will find it.

— Al Bentley, Plymouth Church Moderator

Long Range Planning Group Blog - October

Robert Turner — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:16:14 +0000

The goal for the discernment gathering on September 28: Bring the congregation into the practice.

Before we could begin the actual planning, I felt strongly that the Long Range Plan process needed to begin by listening. Listening so that the process would be lead by the Holy Spirit and not passion and intellect alone. The Long Range Planning Group has met for about 30 hours this summer. We’ve gone slowly, been intentional about creating community, and have grounded ourselves in prayer and bible study at every meeting. There were times that we asked ourselves, “What exactly are we doing and when are we going to start the real work?”, but by continuing the practice the process unfolded in a grounded way that is not about us as individuals. Another thing LRPG believed from the beginning is that a plan and a planning process could not all occur in a small room with just our small group. LRPG was selected because we are representatives of you, Plymouth Church. With the beginning of a new program year LRPG knew through discernment that year needed to begin with the Church together discerning our future, not just our group. We put this date on the calendar with the goal of bringing the congregation into the practice of discernment so that together we could listen for our future. Two weeks ago we, along with you, we received Allen’s resignation and we know our work has changed. It seems clear to us though, that discernment is just as important now as it was two weeks ago if not more, but perhaps with focus on the present as well as the future.

The question we are discerning: Who do we think we are, Who are we and who do we hope to be, who is God calling us to be?

Know that discernment is not problem solving. We are not going to leave today with the answers or a to-do list or an action-plan. Not today. Together as a congregation we are beginning the spiritual practice of discerning, these being the stages of discernment:

Framing: identifying the focus or naming what it is we are trying to decide.
Grounding: prayer, bible study, guiding principles or protocol.
Shedding: identifying personal agendas, preconceived notions, or any other biases that might stand in the way of being open. Making room for God.
Rooting: Connecting with biblical stores, themes, and images that pertain to our work (mission of the church?)
Listening: Listening to each other and through that conversation, listening to God.
Brainstorming.
Improving or refining
Weighing or narrowing the options
Resting

Now, I was ready to recommend and institute ground rules and norms of behavior for the LRPG, but it turns out that I didn’t have to. Everyone in the group jus did what I would have come up with. So, today, instead of laying out ground rules I’m just going to ask that you stay engaged, speak your truth, experience discomfort, accept non-closure, and assume that everyone at your table is here because they love this church.

So, let’s begin.

This past Sunday, the Long Range Planning Group planned and offered the worship service that led into a brunch celebrating new members and then into a congregational gathering to begin our discernment together. The framing of this discernment was and is the questions: Who do we think we are (as Plymouth Church), who are we, who do we hope to be, and who is God calling us to be?

I could share some of the feedback and appreciation we received from congregants who participated in the gathering, but how do you share the spirit in the room? How do you capture the conversations around a table that allowed everyone, even the quiet voices among us, a chance to speak? How do I write about what happens when you light a candle and invite God in, and listen? I can’t, so I invite those who participated to continue the conversation with those who were there and those who were not there. The Long Range Planning Group invites you to continue the discernment this fall in your small groups, bible studies, book groups, Plymouth U classes, and any other gathering where two or more are gathered. The LRPG blog is updated and ready for your contributions and another congregational gathering will be offered at the end of November or early December. With the grace of God, join in however you can.

Peace to each and everyone,

Sue Maul.

The Long Range Planning Group includes: Jennifer Castle, Jim Gore, David Guthrie, Heather Hawkins Weinland, Sue Maul, Sylvia Odom, Erin Page, Todd Stine, Keddy Williamson, and Catie Wilson. You can email us at Plymouth Discernment

Letter to the Congregational Council, September 23, 2008

To the Council,

I’d like to share with you some thoughts around Allen’s resignation and its potential impact on the work of the Long Range Planning Group.

I think the LRPG has been given a new piece of important information that we are in a position to respond to. We can respond because of what we’ve been doing so far and how we’ve structured this planning process. In fact, I think how we’ve been doing things might benefit the congregation in the end.

First of all, the LRPG has spent time establishing Christian community. What this has given the group is an ability to speak, share, listen, and question honestly AND lovingly. We can have difficult conversations that don’t leave individuals feeling disrespected, discouraged, or unheard. I think this is significant. I know for myself that I do not have this level of trust in many of the small communities I participate in. When there is little trust, people talk about difficult subjects in small groups with like-minded individuals with no possibility of resolution or transformation. The community LRPG has established can support our group, and hopefully the congregation, in asking and reflecting about the implications of Allen’s resignation in a deep and meaningful way.

Second of all, this planning process has been an act of discernment. By practicing discernment, the LRPG group is more inclined that we would have been 4 months ago to thoughtfully ask, “Where is God in all of this, and how can this be an opportunity for the congregation to grow as God would have us grow?” Isn’t this a critical time for some active listening? Do we as a congregation want to take the time and listen for the answers to questions like, “Who are we structurally and attitudinally and when are we faithful and when are we not? Are there aspects of how we do things that need to change? If called to, how do we accomplish transformational change?”

Given Allen’s resignation, the work of the Long Range Planners has changed. How it is changed is our current discussion. Perhaps instead of a 5 year plan that incorporates the congregation’s dreams and the senior pastor’s vision, LRPG now plans for the interim period. Perhaps we spend this interim in deep reflection and learning, engaging the congregation along the way. Perhaps we do some gap planning for essential questions that need to be answered now, but that the bulk of our work is leading the congregation in some very active listening, reflecting, and learning about who we are, in what ways we are being called to change, and how that might be possible.

Jim Gore and I look forward to being with you all on Tuesday to hear your response and to converse about how to move forward.

Peace to you,

Sue Maul

Love in Action: Plymouth's Stewardship Campaign

Robert Turner — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:27:00 +0000

Although the name of this year's Stewardship Campaign is "Happy to Give", the theme is all about love. It is about the love of God that blesses each of us with so much—physically, intellectually and monetarily. We are simply stewards of everything our benefactor has given to us. When we do an inventory of our lives and search our hearts, we know how true this is. Talking about Stewardship at Plymouth Church means talking about money, something that makes some churchgoers uneasy. Yet annually we ask our members to take stock of their gifts and make a pledge for the coming year.

How Much Should I give?
Tithing is an Old Testament concept mandating Israelites to give 10% of everything they own to the Lord. At Plymouth, we do not give by law but as a grateful response to God's grace and goodness. The unwritten request is that members pledge at least 5% of their earnings each year. Is this amount before or after taxes? That is a good question to lift up in a prayer.

Easy Math
Giving 5% means pledging $500 for every $10,000 earned. This means if you make $40,000/year, a 5% pledge is $2,000. If you make $100,000/year, a 5% pledge is $5,000. If you find you cannot pledge at the 5% level, consider raising your pledge from the 2008 level by a percentage point.

Something New
Again this year you will not receive someone else’s pledge card in the mail. Instead, during the third week of October, you will receive a packet with your household’s pledge card. The amount that you decide to give will be between you, your family and your Maker. Enclosed will be a stamped return envelope. Once you make your pledge, you can easily mail it back to the Plymouth Office. (Also this is the first year you will be able to pledge using your Visa or Mastercard.)

Stewardship Week, October 19 through 25
Stewardship Week at Plymouth runs for seven days—from a Sunday to a Saturday. Then on Sunday, October 26 we gather to celebrate with a wonderful worship service to give our thanks to God.

Forum on October 19
Nancy Smith, Chair of the Budget Committee and Patricia Belyea, co-chair of the Stewardship Committee will present information on how we give personally and how we spend collectively in our shared life at Plymouth.

Hospitality and Stewardship
For many years, the Each One, Reach One campaign gave you the opportunity to share a meal or coffee with another family while discerning your pledge amounts. As this year’s campaign no longer includes this step, please remember the graciousness of hospitality. The Conversation Cafe also gives you the opportunity to discuss with others what really matters to you at Plymouth.

Conversation Cafe/Brunch on October 19
Have you ever participated in a Conversation Cafe? It is a fun and interactive social activity where you get to meet and talk with people about common topics of interest. Stewardship Week kicks off with a Conversation Cafe on two floors of the church with a buffet of delicious brunch food prepared by Molly.

Conversation Cafe/Brunch
Plymouth Lounge and Hildebrand Hall
Sunday, October 19
After the 11:00 a.m. service

Full Disclosure
Often times we learn about the success of a Stewardship Campaign months after it is over. This year, if you have an updated email address filed with the Plymouth Office, you will receive a daily electronic update of the Campaign’s progress. From Monday through Saturday, you can see how your Stewardship Campaign is doing.

Your Stewardship Team
Patricia Belyea and Jock Akin are co-chairs of the 2009 Stewardship Committee. Committee members are Bill Bumpas, Lindy Gaylord, Sue Jones, and Kate Willette. Also, a tremendous amount of support has been given by the staff of Plymouth and Plymouth Piecemakers.