Back to School

“I can do all things through the power of the One who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4.13*

Bag tag for Aug. 29 "Blessing of the Backpacks"

Going back to school is an exciting time and a bittersweet time. Students may be eager to see friends, to be in the next grade, to be in new after school or extracurricular activities. They may also be daunted by meeting new people and being in new classes with new teachers. Teachers are gearing up to meet their students, to prepare engaging lesson plans, to offer a welcoming classroom experience. And all this is A LOT of work! Parents may be anticipating an easier work schedule with children occupied in school all day five days a week, yet it is also sometimes hard to let go of the more relaxed summer schedule. It’s inspiring to see our children, teens and young adults take on the challenges a new grade, a new school. It is a reminder that they are growing up and becoming their own people with all the beauty and risk this involves.
 
This year the beginning of school feels extra risky and bittersweet as our country continues to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic. We had hoped to be free of masks and to be celebrating vaccines for ALL ages by now. Instead, we continue to be thankful for the protection of masks and the vaccines that we do have that are effective for those who take advantage of them – even as we acknowledge that our youngest folks do not yet have vaccines and there are some among us with compromised immune systems who cannot yet take advantage of their protection. Going back to school this year takes an extra measure of courage to along with the usual excitement and concerns. 

On Sunday at our 10 am worship in Roland Moore Park we will celebrate going back to school and its implications for all ages and all school roles….students, parents who support students, teachers, administrators, food service workers, office workers, school nurses and counselors, custodians….the list goes on. Join us on Sunday to bless those going back to school!

Plymouth’s Christian Formation program is preparing to welcome all ages “back to school” with the most creative, challenging, and safest fall programming possible beginning after Jubilee Sunday (8/29).

• New Christian Formation Director Update – The Christian Formation Search Team is interviewing two final candidates during the next two weeks. We hope to make an announcement introducing you to Plymouth’s Director of Christian Formation for Children and Youth by September 1. 
• Nursery in the Fall starting 8/29 – Welcoming the youngest among us is some of the most important hospitality a church can offer! Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Starting Jubilee Sunday, August 29th, we plan to have two nursery care staff for our one room nursery on Sunday mornings for children one to two and a half years from 8:45 am to 12:15 pm. We will need to staff our nursery with paid workers and volunteers. If you are over eighteen and love to play with young children, one to two and a half, please contact Tricia Medlock to volunteer. 
• Elementary School/Middle School programming on Sundays at 10 am – September 12, 19 and 26 the Christian Formation Board will be hosting intergenerational activities for children, middle youth and their families on the Plymouth lawn outside Fellowship Hall. We will be exploring the parables, like the Prodigal Son, from the Gospel of Luke. Look for more information in personal email communication for times and dates, as in the Overview and bulletin inserts.
• Middle School and High School Youth groups – The Christian Formation Board is making plans to gather Middle School and High School youth groups for fellowship and getting reacquainted. We are planning outdoor activities while the weather is good. Look for more information in personal email communication for times and dates, as in the Overview and bulletin inserts.
• Adult Forums on Sundays at 10 am – Adult Forums return in person on September 12th. We are also investigating the possibility of live streaming the Forums. September 12 will be a report from leadership on the next steps in implementing our strategic plan. On September 19 and 26 the Forum team will lead us in discussing themes from the book, How Not to Be Afraid, Seven Ways to Live When Everything Seems Terrifying, by Gareth Higgins. A timely discussion when Covid is surging again.

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• Adult Book Studies on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in September/October

1. Tuesday evening book study (7 pm September 12 – October 4 on Zoom) for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors ¬¬– all those nurturing the next generation will look at essays addressing the “Isms” in The Sandbox Revolution, Raising Kids for a Just World, edited by Lydia Wylie-Kellermann. Led by Rev. Laura Nelson (Interfaith Council president and the mother of 5 year old twins).   
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2. Wednesday evening book study (7 pm September 8-29 on Zoom) Charnley Marsden (Rev. Ron Patterson’s spouse and grandmother of Heath and Quinn Eccelston) will lead a study of Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be An Antiracist, a New York Times bestseller and a groundbreaking approach to understanding and uprooting racism and inequality in our society—and in ourselves.  Charnley has led this study with great success in the UCC church she and Ron are members of in Tacoma, WA. 

         Sign up for both book studies on the Plymouth website at plymouthucc.org/adults. 

The apostle, Paul, wrote to the church at Philippi, “Don't be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.”*  This is my prayer for us all in these uncertain times! 

Happy Back-to-School! And with you on the journey,

*Bible, Common English. CEB Common English Bible with Apocrypha - eBook [ePub] (Kindle Locations 45179-45181). 

Author

The Rev. Jane Anne Ferguson, Associate Minister, is a writer, storyteller, and contributor to Feasting on the Word, a popular biblical commentary. She is also the writer of sermon-stories.com, a lectionary-based story-commentary series.