The Plymouth Bell Plymouth CongregationalUnited Church of Christ

2401 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704 web site: www.pcucc.org

September 2017

From the Pastor’s Desk: I spent too much time this Sabbath afternoon (August 27th) obsessing over the video

reports on TV from the Houston area as they experienced widespread flooding from Tropical Storm (nee Hurricane) Harvey. I was obsessing about it in part because my older brother (by about fifteen months) Paul and his spouse David live in the southeast part of the Houston metro area. I had visited them this past May with my three sisters, after I attended a conference in San Antonio, and I kept imaging not the pool that we swam in during that visit, but their whole backyard (and front yard, and the first floor of their house) becoming a pool/lake. Over that weekend my brother was only able to get out periodic text messages to my sister Kerry, and she relayed the brief messages to the rest of us. So, I was alternately watching CNN and the Weather Channel, looking for a familiar face/house. (BTW, as I write this, they are doing ok, still in their house and going out periodically to clear storm drains.)

While watching obsessively and worrying, I couldn’t help but be somewhat calmed, and even hopeful, at the story that was unfolding. There were so many people needing rescue from the sudden rising of the waters, too many for authorities to handle more than just the dire emergencies. So instead, neighbors were helping neighbors, and even strangers. People with small motor boats, jet skis, canoes, and even kayaks came to the flooded areas and were rescuing people they didn’t even know from flooded homes and even from rooftops. As I was watching these rescue stories, I was also remembering that there were thousands of Red Cross volunteers who had come from their nice comfy homes from all over this country, including Wisconsin, to help shelter, feed, and provide care and comfort to those who were forced to leave their homes, and National Guard troops and rescue crews from around the country helping out as well.

And then I thought back to what I had been doing just a week before, on the afternoon of August 20th. With some of our Plymouth friends, other Christian and interfaith partners, and hundreds of our LGBTQ and straight neighbors, I was gathered around the Square during Pride March. A contingent from Plymouth marched, with the lightweight replica of Gert Lang’s rainbow cross banner flying high, while a few of us were at the Plymouth booth, providing information about our Open & Affirming, extravagant welcoming congregation to those passing by. A number of times, marchers stopped by to thank us for being a church that supports, not condemns, LGBTQ folks (for yes, there were some “Christians” gathered on the square with posters about certain people going to hell for being who they were, which according to them was not what God intended). I gladly and gratefully accepted their thanks on your behalf, but it did make me sad that we have still not progressed in our societal

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thinking that a welcoming, supportive church would be something that needed to be singled out and acknowledged. Shouldn’t we all be welcoming and supportive?

But I didn’t let that thought derail me from the uplift I was feeling, as I witnessed not red state vs. blue state, not conservative vs. liberal, not straight vs. gay, but rather on both Sunday Sabbath afternoons I witnessed to neighbor helping neighbor, neighbor supporting neighbor, neighbor caring for neighbor, neighbor loving neighbor, just as envisioned for the peaceable kingdom Christ encourages us to build up.

Neither the compassionate storm response, nor the good will of the festive Pride March. will fully negate the ugly words and violent actions of recent times, nor will they mean that the ugly words and violent actions and brutal public policies will not continue. But this compassion and this good will are a tonic for a weary soul, and a sign that we have not as a species lost our true humanity. The spark of God’s Spirit within each of us has not been extinguished. May we go forth stoking the flames of the Spirit even higher, with the compassion and caring, good will and peace, love and hope we offer—the best of ourselves, for such a time as this.

Peace and blessings to you,

Worship News:Summer services: While we continue to worship in Fellowship Hall until the remodeling

work is finished (maybe by the end of September?), our special summer services will draw to a close with worship on September 3rd, which will feature a return of “worship bingo.” Communion Sunday in September will be September 10th, not September 3rd. On September 10th, Church School will begin again after its summer hiatus, with a One-Room Sunday School meet-and-greet. Also, the Chancel Choir will begin rehearsing again before service at 8:45 am (in Fellowship Hall). Choir Director Marleen Lippert welcomes new (or returning) voices for the choir, so if you are interested, please contact her.

Worship assistance: New sign-up sheets are out for September—we need lectors, greeters, and coffee hour hosts. In addition, there is a sign-up sheet for those who would like to offer the children’s message during the service (ask Pastor Leslie if you have any questions about this).

Sunday Lectionary Readings for September:Sept. 3: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Sept. 10: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Sept. 17: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Sept. 24: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16

Oct. 1: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-322

ContentsFrom the Pastor’s Desk:.......................................................................................................1Worship News:..................................................................................................................... 2Sunday Lectionary Readings for September:.......................................................................2Staff Hours............................................................................................................................3Among Our Friends and Members.......................................................................................4Photo Sessions Scheduled for Directory..............................................................................4Church School News............................................................................................................5Everyone is Invited to a Picnic Even the Ants!.....................................................................5Congregational Life Offers Various Events This Fall............................................................5Remodeling Project Progressing Steadily............................................................................5Our Custodian Branches Out................................................................................................6Coffee Servers Needed During Fellowship Hour..................................................................6Pasta Plenty.........................................................................................................................6Strategic Focus Update........................................................................................................6When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking...................................................................................7World Communion Sunday & Neighbors in Need Offering...................................................8Dear friends in the Wisconsin Conference UCC,..................................................................9Brief Financials for July.......................................................................................................10September Birthday Blessings!...........................................................................................11The Mission of Plymouth Congregational UCC..................................................................11Plymouth Church Calendar.................................................................................................12

Staff HoursPastor Leslie’s office hours are: Tuesday-Friday 8:30 am -12:30 pm, and by

appointment.

Sally’s hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mondays will be “flex” days (hours other than 9 to 4, out-of-office errands) and Fridays are “bulletin” days.

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Among Our Friends and MembersInformation removed to protect our members’ privacy.

Photo Sessions Scheduled for DirectoryBe a part of our upcoming photography event for the new Plymouth Directory! Plymouth’s

photo sessions are scheduled for three days in September: Thursday, September 28 th from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, September 29th from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, September 30th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. here at Plymouth. To schedule your session, please go online at our Member Site:   https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/y3s0dkse/ Simply follow the directions at this site and don’t forget to mark your calendar! You may also email or call the Church Office to reserve your session. And, on Sunday mornings, signup sheets will be available in Fellowship Hall.

We are partnering with Lifetouch again and, as usual, each family will receive a complimentary 8x10 photograph and directory for participating. Schedule your photo session now. Our goal is to include everyone!

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Church School NewsChurch school classes begin on

September 10th with a “getting reacquainted” session for all students and teachers together.  On September 17th, individual classes will begin.  We are happy to welcome Adam Hinterthuer to our group of teachers this year.  Adam and Cindy Spetz will be teaching the third through fifth grade class. Cynthia Roskowic will lead the middle school class, and Laura Stalder and Ann Lacy will teach the Worship Center, age 4 through second grade.  Thanks to all the new and returning teachers and volunteers who make our Church School program possible, and thanks to the entire congregation for supporting our youth activities.

Everyone is Invited to a Picnic Even the Ants!

We will be having a potluck picnic in Circle Park on Sunday, September 10th immediately after the church service.  Beverages, hot dogs with fixings, and plates and silverware will be provided.  Please bring a dish to pass and your own lawn chair.  We'll need you to sign up so we make sure we have enough hot dogs for everyone.  Please sign up on the sheet near the name tags and indicate if you prefer veggie dogs.  Circle Park is only a short walk east of the church but there is limited parking.  It may be best just to carry your items over to the park, if you are able.  For more information, contact Kevin Voit at (515) 231-0103 or kevinvoit530@gmail.com.

Congregational Life Offers Various Events This Fall

Mark your calendars for a variety of events in the coming months:

Saturday, October 14th:  Chili Cook Off

Sunday, October 22nd:  Pancake Brunch

Sunday, November 12th:  Stewardship Potluck

Look for details in the weekly bulletin, The Plymouth Bell (our monthly newsletter), and posted on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please call or text Kevin Voit at (515) 231-0103.

Remodeling Project Progressing Steadily 

As of newsletter "press time", it is still too soon to commit to a project completion date, or even a definite date for a return to worshipping upstairs. A lot of work, mostly painting and electrical, has been done in the sanctuary in the last month, and September will bring much more, including new flooring and furniture for the sanctuary and the narthex. Look for more updates in weekly bulletins. 

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Our Custodian Branches Out“Need a Handyman?” is the title of a

flyer printed by our custodian, Cory Manier? He is starting a business as a experienced, reliable, friendly, and affordable HandyMANier! Cory is a jack of all trades and no job is too small. For more information, contact Cory at 608-444-3841 or cmanier@autlook.com. Need a recommendation? Just take a walk around Plymouth Church and look at some of the maintenance, repair, and refurbishing he has done for us.

Coffee Servers Needed During Fellowship Hour

As the weather begins to cool and we fall back into our routines, the coffee hour after service will become a bee hive of fellowship.  We need servers for the month of September.  Treats are provided and there will usually be someone around to show you the ropes.  Please sign up on the sheet near the name tags.  If you have any questions, contact Kevin Voit at (515) 231-0103 or kevinvoit530@gmail.com

Pasta PlentyMany, many boxes of pasta and jars of

sauce have made their way to the Fritz Food Pantry at the Goodman Community Center, thanks to our special collection during August. Our September collection (which you can bring any Sunday or weekday, but we will specially dedicate the offerings on September 10th) will be “lunch box snacks” (e.g., granola bars, snack size boxes of raisins or chips, etc.). Thanks for your offerings of kid-friendly non-perishable food items to help local families.

Strategic Focus UpdateWork continues by the Immigration

Committee to help Plymouth live out its chosen mission focus on immigration. Several events are coming up that folks can get involved in:

Kick-off Gathering of Dane Sanctuary Coalition (of which Plymouth is a founding member, as a supporting congregation) will take place on Sunday, September 17th, 7-9 pm at Madison Christian Community (7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison). Information on the Coalition and the issue of sanctuary, as well as opportunities to volunteer to help, are the focus of the gathering.

Benefit Concert by our own Ritt Deitz and his quartet: Thursday, October 5th at 7:30 pm (doors will open at 6:30 pm); suggested donation of $20, with proceeds going to MercyCorp.’s efforts to feed, shelter, and otherwise help Syrian refugees living in camps in the Mediterranean region (aka Jane Rowe’s collection).

Pancake Brunch, sponsored by the Congregational Life Team, will be held after worship (10:30 am – 1 pm) on October 22nd in our Fellowship Hall, with proceeds from a free will offering to go to MercyCorp.

The Benefit Concert and Pancake Brunch are open to the public, so bring your friends and neighbors.

More events and educational opportunities are coming soon, so watch future Bell articles, bulletin announcements, and our social media outlets for more information.

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When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking[This may have been shared before, but as we shift our focus from summer fun to the return to

routines of work and school, it is a good reminder that kids are always learning from us, so we should be careful what we teach them; source=unknown]

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”

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World Communion Sunday & Neighbors in Need OfferingThe 2017 theme for the UCC Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering is "Protect the

Sacred: In a Just World, Clean Water is Life”, integrating this special offering with the UCC’s mission of “A Just World for All.”

Neighbors in Need (NIN) supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States.  Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Through ucc.org/justice, JWM offers resources, news updates, and action alerts on a broad spectrum of justice issues.  JWM works with the UCC Justice and Peace Action Network (a network of thousands of UCC justice and peace advocates) on policy advocacy work on issues such as the federal budget, voting rights, immigration, health care, hate crimes, civil liberties, and environmental justice, combating lobbying efforts that work to decrease people’s rights.  One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry(CAIM).  Historically, forebears of the UCC established churches and worked with Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arickare, and Hocak in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Nebraska.  Today there are 20 UCC congregations on reservations and one urban, multi-tribe UCC congregation in Minneapolis.  There churches and their pastors are supported by CAIM, which is supported in part by your offerings to NIN.

Along with UCC congregations across the nation, Plymouth will receive our NIN offering on Sunday, October 1st as part of our World Communion Sunday observance, as we celebrate our connection through God’s grace made known in bread and cup with Christians around the globe.  There are special gift envelopes at the information table in our worship space for your use or you may simply note “NIN” in the memo line of your check and drop it in the offering plate or mail it into the Church Office.

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Dear friends in the Wisconsin Conference UCC,  Hurricane Harvey is the first Category 4 Hurricane to make landfall in the US since

2004.  According to forecasters, the worst of Harvey's destruction is yet to come from flooding as it stalls over Texas, dropping upwards of 40 inches of rain.  Harvey's full impact is yet to be determined, but history tells us that the need will extend beyond the capacity of local, state, and federal government. There will most definitely be a need for helping families recover after initial emergency response efforts have ceased.  This is one of the main reasons the United Church of Christ continues to focus our efforts on recovery.  We recognize walking with families and communities is what we are called to do.  

 The UCC Disaster Ministries is already gearing up for long-term recovery work in the area and your contributions for Harvey survivors means providing community support for

holistic recovery, repairing homes for families, and restoring dignity for the most vulnerable who have lost everything in the wake of this catastrophic event.  100% of funds designated for disaster relief to the United Church of Christ are used for disaster relief and rehabilitation programing.  

 Financial gifts may be made at your local UCC congregation marked for "Hurricane Harvey" with the request they be sent through the Conference Office or to Wider Church Ministries.  Donations may also be sent directly to UCC Wider Church Ministries, Financial Services-6th Floor, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115.  Or you can donate directly through the UCC website.

Should you have questions about giving or the recovery efforts, please contact Christina Schoenwetter, Wisconsin Conference Disaster Ministries Coordinator, at chris_schoeny@hotmail.com, or visit the new Harvey link on the UCC website: http://www.ucc.org/disaster_hurricane_harvey

Wisconsin Conference Disaster Ministries Coordinator:Christina Schoenwetter, chris_schoeny@hotmail.com, 608-445-8305

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100% of funds designated for disaster relief to the United Church of Christ are used for disaster relief and rehabilitation programming.

Brief Financials for JulyIncome July Y-T-D 7/12 Budget 2017 Budget

Pledges & Giving $15,749 $ 77,058 $72,917 $125,000Loose Offering 274 882 583 1,000Initial Offering 70 Ash Wednesday 120 73 125Easter 375 233 400Christmas 583 1,000Building Use 386 2,798 2,333 4,000

Totals $16,409 $ 81,303 $ 76,722 $131,825

Other IncomeEndowment (cong’l vote) $30,000 $ 30,000Over & Above Giving 6,020Other 1Yard signs 100Pancake Brunch 39Swiss Steak Dinner 381Easter Breakfast 22Endowment Fund Draw 29,172 14,586 29,172Income – Vetter, OCWM 17,850 8,925 17,850Income – Vetter, Special Aid 6,000 0

TOTAL INCOME $46,409 $170,888 $100,233 $178,547

Less bank balance 1/1/2017 - 7,671Plus 2017 Deficit 63,928Total Budget 2017 $234,804

Expenses July Y-T-D 7/12 Budget 2017 Budget Payroll $11,768 $ 90,764 $ 92,392 $158,386Administrative 150 4,204 3,757 6,440Office 1, 672 5,152 3,386 5,808Groups 469 2,521 4,667 8,000Properties 3,463 22,053 22,353 38,320OCWM 3,730 9,215 10,413 17,850Special Aid Fund 500 3,500 ___

Totals $21,752 $137,409 $136,968 $234,804

Summary:Checking 7/31/2017 $115,358Designated Funds 100,405

Net-working Cash $ 14,953

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The Mission of Plymouth Congregational UCC

To joyfully celebrate God’s love and the gospel of Jesus Christ in our worship, our teaching, and our lives;

To create a diverse, accepting faith community that welcomes all and empowers all to accept the grace God freely offers to each of us, no matter who we are or where we are in life’s spiritual journey; and

To develop, demonstrate, and strengthen Christian discipleship by reaching out to all God’s people, caring for those in need, and seeking to lead the world toward love, justice, and peace.

Adopted by Church Council on August 16, 2007

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The Plymouth BellA Newsletter of

Plymouth Congregational United Church of ChristAn Open & Affirming, Immigrant-Welcoming Congregation

2401 Atwood Avenue Madison WI 53704(608) 249-1537 web site: www.pcucc.orgTwitter: @plymouthmadison Instagram: plymouthmadison

Like Us on Facebook

The Rev. Leslie Schenk, Pastor: 608-249-1537, lschenk@pcucc.org

Sally Iverson, Office Manager: 608-249-1537, siverson@pcucc.org

John Reinders, Moderator: 608-234-2228, johnjreinders@yahoo.com

September Birthday Blessings!

1 – Ritt Deitz2 – Owen Reinders10 – Anna Mickle11 – Carla Hacker21 – John LeBlanc25 – Maria Hanson

If we missed your birthday, please let us know.

Chances are it isn’t in our database!

Plymouth Church CalendarFriday, September 1, 5:30 p.m. OA (12-step)

6:00 p.m. IA (AA)Saturday, September 2, 8:00 a.m. Women’s AA Breakfast

10:00 a.m. KIS (AA)10:30 a.m. ACA (12 step)

Sunday, September 3, 9:30 a.m. WORSHIP AND NURSERY10:30 a.m. COFFEE HOUR

DISCIPLESHIP TEAM MEETS 12-2 p.m. Personal Essentials Pantry 5:00 p.m. THE ROAD HOME VOLUNTEERS

Monday, September 4, 6:00 p.m. SOTS (AA) 6:30 p.m. ACA (12-step)

Tuesday, September 5, 10:00 a.m. SPACE COM MEETS 6:45 p.m. Co-Counseling Group 7:00 p.m. IA (AA)

Wednesday, September 6, Noon PLYMOUTH BOOK CLUB 5:00 p.m. YFWG (Quakers) 6:30 p.m. SOTS (AA)

Thursday, September 7, 11:30 a.m. Personal Essentials PantryFriday, September 8 5:30 p.m. OA (12-step)

6:00 p.m. IA (AA)Saturday, September 9, 8:00 a.m. Men’s AA Breakfast

10:00 a.m. KIS (AA)10:30 a.m. ACA (12-step)10:30 a.m. AA Board Meeting 5:00 p.m. THE ROAD HOME VOLUNTEERS

Sunday, September 10, 9:30 a.m. WORSHIP AND NURSERYONE-ROOM CHURCH SCHOOL

10:30 a.m. CIRCLE PARK PICNICEDUCATION MEETS

12-2 p.m. Personal Essentials Pantry Noon YFWG (Quakers)

Monday, September 11, 6:00 p.m. SOTS (AA) 6:30 p.m. ACA (12-step) 7:30 p.m. BIBLE CHALLENGE GROUP

Tuesday, September 12, 7:00 p.m. IA (AA)Wednesday, September 13, 6:00 p.m. SOTS (AA)Thursday, September 14, 11:30 a.m. Personal Essentials Pantry

7:15 p.m. BUSINESS TEAM MEETSFriday, September 15, 5:30 p.m. OA (12-step)

6:00 p.m. IA (AA)Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m. KIS (AA)

10:30 a.m. ACA (12-step)

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Sunday, September 17, 9:30 a.m. WORSHIP AND NURSERYCHURCH SCHOOL

10:30 a.m. COFFEE HOURCONGREGATIONAL LIFE TEAM MEETSIMMIGRATION GROUP MEETS

12-2 p.m. Personal Essentials Pantry 3:00 p.m. AA Planning Meeting

Monday, September 18, 6:00 p.m. SOTS (AA) 6:30 p.m. ACA (12-step) 7:30 p.m. BIBLE CHALLENGE GROUP

Tuesday, September 19, 2:00 p.m. Contemporary Reading Group 6:45 p.m. Co-Counseling Group 7:00 p.m. IA (AA)

Wednesday, September 20, 5:30 p.m. SOTS (AA)Thursday, September 21, 11:30 a.m. Personal Essentials Pantry

7:00 p.m. CHURCH COUNCILFriday, September 22, 5:30 p.m. OA (12-step)

6:00 p.m. IA (AA)Saturday, September 23, 10:00 a.m. KIS (AA)

10:30 a.m. ACA (12-step)

Sunday, September 24, 9:30 a.m. WORSHIP AND NURSERYCHURCH SCHOOL

10:30 a.m. COFFEE HOURWORSHIP TEAM MEETS

12-2 p.m. Personal Essentials Pantry Noon YFWG (Quaker Worship)

Monday, September 25, 6:00 p.m. SOTS (AA) 6:30 p.m. ACA (12-step) 7:30 p.m. BIBLE CHALLENGE GROUP

Tuesday, September 26, 7:00 p.m. IA (AA)Wednesday, September 27, 5:30 p.m. SOTS (AA)Thursday, September 28, 11:30 a.m. Personal Essentials Pantry

2-9:00 p.m. PHOTO SESSIONS - DIRECTORYFriday, September 29, 2-9:00 p.m. PHOTO SESSIONS – DIRECTORY

5:30 p.m. OA (12-step) 6:00 p.m. IA (AA)

Saturday, September 30, 9 am-4 p.m. PHOTO SESSIONS – DIRECTORY10:00 a.m. KIS (AA)10:30 a.m. ACA (12-step)

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