eNewsletter


May 10, 2012

PLYMOUTH CHURCH UCC
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
Dear Plymouth Friends,

News this week of President Obama’s support of gay and lesbian marriage rights moved many of us, particularly after yet another state enacted a state constitutional on gay and lesbian marriages and the United Methodist Church became even more opposed to LGBT rights.  The President’s “evolving position,” to use his words, is a journey many of us have walked in our own ways and in our own time.  It comforted me to hear President Obama’s discussion of marriage; it also reminded me of the many hearts yet to change.  This week as I say “alleluia” for his public support, I’ll also say a prayer for all who continue to struggle with this issue in their faith and families.

I thought you might also be interested to read Rev. Geofrey Black’s comments on the President.  Geofrey serves as the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.  

"I am pleased to hear that President Obama, a member of the United Church of Christ for more than 20 years, has affirmed his support for marriage equality. I applaud his important and courageous stance. I cannot help but believe that his own evolving understandings on marriage equality have been shaped, at least in part, by a church like ours that extravagantly welcomes the gifts of LGBT people and affirms marriage equality for all.


"The President’s statement today will serve to encourage peaceful, civil dialogue, and inspire all who cherish the principle of equal justice under the law. I ask you to join me in thanking the President for his leadership on this issue.


"Same-gender loving citizens who put their lives on the line to serve our country, who live in our communities across this land, should have the freedom to marry the persons they love and receive all the rights and benefits society offers.  


"Same-sex couples are able to live the vocation of marriage as well as anyone else and there are countless testimonies of this fact in the United Church of Christ.


"It is time for this nation as a whole to address the injustice of inequality and discrimination inherent in denying marriage to same sex-couples, and to live the values we pledge of liberty and justice for all."


With a hopeful heart,
Andrew



NOTES FROM MEMBERS



- Sofia Jonas is looking for babysitting opportunities this summer before she leaves for college. Contact her at 414-961-0479 or jonas4421@yahoo.com

- Abby Gurn, daughter of choir member Michelle Gurn, is looking to play at Summerfest. You can help this happen by voting for her at www.landthebiggig.com  

PRAYER CONCERNS



- for Lee Gruenewald’s recovery from cancer surgery on Wednesday.

- for the family of Ed Krishok’s cousin who died last week.

- for our Confirmation Class as they discern whether to be Confirmed later this month.

- for all who are struggling with aging, and those who care for them.


BIRTHDAYS



Spencer Heywood - May 9
Mark Eatough - May 10
Dick Sherer - May 10
Bill Audette -  May 11
Barbara Manger - May 11
Robert Sperry - May 12
Angie McManaman - May 13
Jack Backstrom - May 14
Alex Hill - May 16

GENEROUS GIVING



Thank you to all who gave to our special offerings this spring:

We raised $4077 for One Great Hour of Sharing, which supports disaster relief efforts around the world. The Board of Outreach and Mission will be matching that with an additional $393 (the amount this year’s total exceeds last year’s offering) for a total gift of $4,470

We also raised $4193 for the Easter offering, which will  support the work of Pathfinders and the Homeless Education Project of MPS.

FREE CONCERT SATURDAY

Plymouth is joining Equality Wisconsin and Lake Park Lutheran in hosting a concert by Jennifer Knapp on Saturday, May 12th.  Jennifer Knapp has won multiple Dove Awards.  A Dove Awards is the Christian Music Communities version of a Grammy Award.  In 2010 Jennifer came out as a Lesbian, and affirmed that she has been in a committed relationship since 2002.  As a result she was dropped by her record label.  Jennifer now travels the world using her musical talents to help bring the LGBT Community and Religious Communities together.  The concert starts at 7pm and the doors open at 6:30.  


SEEKING SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NOW FOR 2012-13 SCHOOL YEAR

Have you ever thought about teaching Sunday School?  We have openings this year at almost every grade level (3 year olds through 8th grade), and are recruiting teachers now so that teachers can be in place and trained before Pastor Bridget leaves on Sabbatical in August. Teachers work with 1-2 other adults to plan lessons and pass on the faith. If we recruit enough teachers, this could be an every-other week commitment with each teacher planning between 7-15 lessons over the course of the year. It is a big commitment, and also incredibly rewarding. Contact CE Board Chair Julie Rackovan jrackovan@att.net or Pastor Bridget to learn more.


NATIONAL YOUTH EVENT

The National Youth Event, a UCC gathering held every four years, provides an opportunity for about 3000 youth 13-18 years of age to gather for four days of worship, workshops, faith, fun and fellowship.  http://www.ucc.org/youth/nye/


The next NYE will be held at Purdue University. West Lafayette, IN, July 10- 14, 2012.

• The event will commence Tuesday with opening worship at 7 PM.

• Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be filled with opportunities for worship, workshops, recreation and fellowship. Saturday morning we check-out from campus dorms and travel home. Pastor Bridget is working to gather a group from Plymouth to go via the bus the Wisconsin Conference is chartering; contact her if you are interested in learning more about this great experience.


CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE
Andrew Warner:    414 964 1513 ext2  warnerccf@gmail.com
Bridget Flad:   414 964 1513  ext3  pastorbridget@choiceonemail.com
Tracy Easterday in the Church Office:   414 964 1513  ext4  plymouthchurchmke@gmail.com
Donna Kummer: kummer@arcfile.com
UWM GUITAR CONCERT TODAY

Today at 3 p.m., the UWM Guitar Department will perform a collection of solo and small ensemble works for classical guitar.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students, with a portion of the proceeds for the benefit of Plymouth Chorale.  A reception will follow the concert.