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Summer is the green growing season! For many of us, it means a bit of a break from our ordinary routine, maybe an opportunity to spend more time outside. (I know it gets hot in Iowa, but nothing beats a summer night on the prairie).
And sometimes summer means taking a break from church. But this year I invite you to think about it a little differently: what if church could be a break in your summer? What if you took advantage of this green growing season to go a little deeper in your own spiritual life, or learn a little more about your faith, or connect more deeply to the people of Plymouth Church? What if you use this time...to grow?
If that sounds good to you—and why wouldn’t it?—this program guide is just what you need. In its pages you will learn about our big plans for the summer here at Plymouth Church: worship that focuses on creation and love, Bible study and book discussion, Vacation Bible School and a youth musical. Even some recommended reading for your time at the lake or the mountains or the beach.
Let church be your break from the ordinary this summer. By the time September rolls around, you may see some growth!
Grace and Peace,
Matt Mardis-LeCroy
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Table of ContentsSummer Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Community Engagement Pride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Paris to Pittsburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Produce Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Music Concerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Participation Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Children and Youth Vacation Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Youth Bible Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Summer Musical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Summer Reading Suggestions . . . . . . 13-14
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Saturday
Evening at 5:30 p.m. in Waveland Hall - casual worship featuring contemporary and traditional music from The Saturday Night Band, sermon, communion, and fellowship. Child-care is available.
Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary — traditional worship featuring music from a variety of groups and soloists.
Childcare is available for children up to five years old.
Summer Worship
Summer Vesper Services – July 11, 18 and 25 at 5:30 p.m. Many of us have come to treasure the Advent and Lenten Vesper services. In July, we will gather for Summertime Vesper services. We will sing, pray, listen to music, and reflect on scripture, creating space in the long, warm days of summer to honor of the spiritual lessons of the season.
Let’s all wear our nametags this summer!
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This summer we will delve into the story of God’s creation and begin a conversation about the call to love.
Creation Care: Beginning June 15 and 16, we will spend five weeks exploring creation and the call to all Christians to support the mutual flourishing of all life in God’s creation.
Growing in Love: Beginning July 27 and 28, we will spend six weeks exploring our purpose to “grow in love of God and neighbor.”
Summer Worship Sermon Series
The Lord Will Provide, Musical WorshipSunday, July 21 at both services, the Saturday Night Band and Plymouth youth will lead worship with their production of The Lord Will Provide, an original musical composed by David Ruhe. (see page 10 for details about how to participate)
the lord will provide
a
musical by
david ruhe
tlwp
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Pride Loving Our GLBTQ+ NeighborsJoin Plymouth and our Willits Committee for Des Moines Pride Fest on
June 9! We are an Open and Affirming Congregation and Pride calls on everyone, everyone, EVERYONE to show up and show out for equal rights for our LGBTQ+ neighbors and loved ones. Please note the parade itself starts at NOON, so you may want to worship at Plymouth on Saturday (5:30 p.m.) or Sunday (9 a.m.). We’ll gather on the Capital lawn (southside) at 11:30 a.m. Be sure to wear your Plymouth shirt! If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact LeAnn Stubbs at [email protected]. See you there!
Community Engagement
Paris to PittsburghPlymouth’s Creation Care & Justice Coalition (in conjunction with the Interfaith Green Coalition and Iowa Interfaith Power and Light) will show the documentary, Paris to Pittsburgh, Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m. in the Greenwood Room. A discussion will follow the 78-minute film, showing how communities are dealing with the effects of climate change.
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Please welcome back Marie Kashindi to her fourth year selling produce at Plymouth’s Sunday morning farm stand, and please welcome Beuline Bucumi at the Saturday evening farm stand. Both women came to the United States from Burundi, and have participated in Lutheran Service of Iowa¹s (LSI¹s) Global Greens since 2013 and 2012 respectively.
These women each farm a quarter acre at LSI’s community garden off of Fuller Road in West Des Moines. Both hope to expand to farms of 2-5 acres in the near future to help support their families.
The Plymouth farm stand is in its 8th year, and is a partnership between Plymouth and Lutheran Service of Iowa¹s Global Greens program. Global Greens includes an extensive network of gardens and markets along with education and marking for refugee farmers in Des Moines.
The market at Plymouth plays a key role in helping these participants reach their goals by providing a safe space where they can work on marking fundamentals, improve recordkeeping, practice English, and learn what vegetables are best for the American market.
Thank you Plymouth for continuing to support these markets!
Summer Produce Markets
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Summer Concerts /EventsJune 9, DES MOINES GAMER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAJoin us on Sunday, June 9, at 2 p.m. for the dawning of a new age of the Des Moines music scene! The Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra will hold its inaugural video game music concert in partnership with the Des Moines Community Orchestra. Come listen to a full orchestral performance of the familiar tunes from gaming’s early days to modern masterpieces that connect gamers across the globe. The concert is free and open to the public.
If you play an orchestral instrument and would like to participate in this inaugural concert, we invite you to two rehearsals that will lead up to the performance. Find more information or to register to play at http://dsmgso.org/
July 14, DES MOINES CHORAL FESTIVAL | MASS IN C MINOR – W.A. MOZARTOn Sunday, July 14, 4 p.m., the Des Moines Choral Festival will present a concert featuring W.A. Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor, K. 427, in the Plymouth Sanctuary. Considered one of his greatest works, Mozart composed it in Vienna in 1782 and 1783 after his marriage when he moved to Vienna from Salzburg. This large-scale work, a missa solemnis, and is scored for two soprano soloists, a tenor and a bass, double chorus and large orchestra.
Music
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Music JOIN the SUMMER CHOIREach summer at Plymouth our regular choirs take a break, but there are many opportunities to sing. Summer Choir offers a unique opportunity for anyone to show up on Sunday morning, rehearse, and sing in the choir. This is everyone’s opportunity to participate. If you are a sixth grader, a centenarian, or some-where in between, join us to learn an easy anthem and then lead worship. Sing any Sunday you like. No robes…no commitment…no experience necessary. Just show up!
Dates: June 16, 30 | SATB (mixed choir) August 4 & 18 | Women’s Ensemble August 11 & 25 | Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal: 10:10-10:50 a.m. in the SanctuarySing: 11 a.m. Worship Service
SUMMER SOLOISTS IN WORSHIPWe have places for vocal and instrumental soloists in nearly every service this summer. Vocal soloists perform at both services, and will warm up in the Chancel from 8:35-8:55 a.m. Instrumental soloists also perform at both services, and will warm up in the Chancel from 8:15- 8:35 a.m. If you are interested in a solo spot, please contact Chris Goodson via email: [email protected] or by phone at 255-3149, X 24. But, hurry—the spots fill up quickly!
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Vacation Bible School
Fun for All AgesThis summer we will explore the wonders of God’s universe and God’s power at work within us as we journey To Mars and Beyond during Vacation Bible School!
VBS is a great way for people of all ages to come together to learn more about God, explore your faith, do something fun as a family, and make connections with new people at Plymouth. • Children ages 3- 7th grade will be invited to participate in
a variety of activities. They will worship together, listen to story tellers, play active games, make crafts, play music and experiment with science.
• Young people who are in 8th grade through adults can join the fun as guides, activity leaders, registration support, set-up or clean-up help, or decorators. There are too many opportunities to list! You tell us your skill and we can help you find your place. There is something for everyone.
Mark your calendars to blast off June 23-27 and join us as we Go Beyond—with Faith, Boldness, Kindness, Thankfulness, and Hope! Childcare is available.
Children and Youth
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Youth Bible StudyJune 23 – August 11 Youth Bible Study will take place on Sunday mornings from 10:15-11:30 a.m. at Caribou Coffee. Youth entering 9th grade through graduation are welcome!
The Lord Will Provide A Summer Musical Experience for Plymouth Youth
July 14 – 21 Youth entering 8th grade through 12th grade are invited to participate in an intensive week of musical fun ending with performances of The Lord Will Provide during both 9 and 11 a.m. worship services on Sunday, July 21.
The Lord Will Provide is an original musical composed by David Ruhe. Participants will kick things off on Sunday evening, July 14. Following day-long practices July 15-19 and a dress rehearsal on July 20, the participants will then lead worship on July 21. Snacks will be provided during rehearsals, but students should plan to bring a lunch each day.
You can find more information and a registration form soon at www.plymouthchurch.com.
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Connection: Something We Can All DoBelonging and friendship start with each of us – by saying hello, introducing ourselves, and learning each other’s names. These may seem like small things, but all of our small gestures contribute to the sense of welcome and connection we give to each other and especially to our visitors and our new members.
At Plymouth, we have some specific tools to help us practice welcome and connection:
1. Please Wear Your Name Badge – It helps all of us connect faces with names. If you need a new name badge, please contact Sarah Masengarb at [email protected].
2. Use the Sign-In Sheets During Worship – On Sunday mornings these are in the red-covered friendship pads and on Saturday evenings they are set out on the tables. Like name badges, these sheets are a way for those sitting near you to learn your name and for you to learn theirs.
3. Stay for Post-Worship Fellowship – Come say hello to people you know and open yourself up to meet new people. Be mindful of how intimidating it can be to enter a room for the first time as a new person, so take a few minutes to introduce yourself and make them feel welcome.
Me
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Coffee Shop
During the Summer months, Plymouth Grounds will be open Monday-Friday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. It is always a great place to get to know other Plymouth members better!
Learning TogetherSummer Bible Study:Join Matt Mardis-LeCroy at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings for Bible study! Each week during the summer, we dig into the text that will shape worship for the upcoming weekend. As we talk and listen to each other, we develop deeper insights that make worship more meaningful. Whether you are a tenured biblical scholar or a complete novice, all are welcome! (Greenwood Room).
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Summer Book Study:“Braiding Sweetgrass”Robin Wall Kimmerer is a fantastically gifted storyteller who blends indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge in her reflections on family, history, and the natural world.
“Braiding Sweetgrass” offers a theology of interconnection that invites us to commune with and as part of the sacred in the natural world. Kimmerer’s gentle wisdom opens the doors for us to imagine a more loving, life-giving relationship with all of creation. Join Nikira Hernandez-Evans June 5-July 10 for a book study at Plymouth Church, Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
Please read Part I: Planting Sweetgrass (pages 1-59) prior to our first meeting. Books can be purchased online from milkweed.org or from Beaverdale Books.
Boundary Waters Canoe Trip July 25-30The wilderness can speak about God and Creation more eloquently than any preacher. This summer Plymouth ventures into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for an encounter with the gospel according to nature. We will take everything we need with us in our canoes for a six-day journey. For more information, email nhernandez-evans @plymouthchurch.com.
Summer Reading Suggested reading from Plymouth staff
Nonfiction• “An Altar in the World” by Barbara Brown Taylor (Lindsey)• “The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your
Passion” by Elle Luna (Cindy)• “Dakota: A Spiritual Geography” by Kathleen Norris (Lindsey)• “Gift from the Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (Lindsey)• “Girl, Stop Apologizing” by Rachel Hollis (Cindy)• “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben (Nikira)• “In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership”
by Henri Nouwen (Chris)• “John Muir: Spiritual Writings” by Tim Flinders (LeAnn)• “The Miracle Lady: Kathryn Kuhlman and the Transformation
of Charismatic Christianity” by Amy Collier Artman (Matt)• “Radical Hospitality: Benedict’s Way of Love” by Pratt and
Homan (Chris)
Recommended Author: Annie Dillard (LeAnn and Lindsey)• “Holy the Firm”• “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek”• “Teaching a Stone to Talk”
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Fiction• “Beartown and Us Against You” by Fredrik Backman (Laura)• “Broken Earth” trilogy by N.K. Jemisin (Matt) • “Crossing to Safety” by Wallace Stegner (Karen)• “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (Karen)• “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce
(Lindsey)• “Washington Black: A Novel” by Esi Edugyan (Laura)• “We are Not Ourselves” by Matthew Thomas (Matt)• “Father Melancholy’s Daughter” by Gail Godwin (LeAnn)• “A Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irvine (LeAnn)• “Prodigal Summer” by Barbara Kingsolver (Nikira)
Summer Reading for Children and YouthFor Young Children: • “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss• “Brother Eagle, Sister Sky” by Susan Jeffers
Ages 8-14: • “My Side of the Mountain” or “The Talking Earth” by Jean
Craighead George• “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson
Young adults:• “Anne of Green Gables” by L. M. Montgomery
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