This Sunday at Plymouth

This Sunday's worship service begins at 11:00 in the Sanctuary. The Rev. David Fisher will be preaching.

This Sunday's Communion Offering Benefits the Rockland County Sister City Project: Since 1990, the Rockland County Sister City Project has collected donated clothes, bicycles and other useful items for their Nicaraguan partners in community development in San Marcos and Huehuete, Nicaragua. Cleta Ciulla leads this grass roots, all-volunteer organization that raises funds through donations and yard sales. She has also been raising money to help the villagers buy materials to build better housing. Also, other friends of the Sister City Project buy school supplies in August and September and assemble it for shipping. Plymouth has donated money and given items in the past. Please support this worthy charity with your Communion offering. Cash may be put in a Communion Offering envelope. Checks may be put in the offering plate or sent to the Church Office with "Rockland Sister City" in the memo line. You may also make your offering at our secure Online Donation Page at the Plymouth web site. When you select "Make a One-Time Donation," fill in the Special Account memo field with "Rockland Sister City," then continue with your credit card payment.

Purchase Admission to "The Heart of the Matter": Plymouth's special three-part series for women begins Feb. 11. Read more in the Announcements below, and visit our information table during Fellowship Hour to purchase admission.

Shop the Underground Thrift Store: The Underground is ready for a new year of boutique bargains. Come shop the Gym upper level (street entrance is 65 Hicks) between 12:30-4:00 to catch the latest inventory. Read more on the Underground in the Announcements below.

Take a Tour of Plymouth at 12:30: The History Ministry offers free tours every Sunday after the worship service. Those interested are invited to gather at the Lincoln pew (no. 89) in the Sanctuary at 12:30. Questions? Please contact Director of History Ministry Services Lois Rosebrooks at the Church Office.

As always... Large-Print Versions of the Order of Worship are available at every worship service. Please ask one of the ushers for a copy. Don’t forget to wear your Nametags at Fellowship. And keep in mind that Parking Validation Stickers to cover up to three hours at the Central Parking Systems garage (75 Henry Street at Orange Street) are available. Park your car at the garage and ask an usher for a voucher immediately before or after the service.

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On the Plymouth Calendar

Go Bowling with Dad This Saturday: Calling all Plymouth Dads! Get ready for a special day of family fun on Saturday, February 4. The Fathers Group is hosting "Bowling with Dad," an afternoon at the lanes for dads and kids (recommended age is 4 and up). We'll meet at Melody Lanes Bowling Center at the corner of 37th St. and Fifth Ave. in Sunset Park from 12:30 to 3:00. Plymouth will reserve the lanes (there will be bumpers on some of the lanes for our youngest bowlers) and provide a pizza lunch. Drinks can be purchased at the snack bar. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person (adult and child) to help defray costs. Last minute RSVPs: Contact event organizer Tom Bettridge ASAP! "Bowling with Dad" kicks off a new year of activities for Plymouth fathers sponsored by the Fathers Group. Keep an eye on weekly announcements for more information on evening sessions for fathers to meet, talk, and share ideas and experiences on Christian parenting.

Women of Plymouth Meet Feb. 11 to Explore "The Heart of the Matter:" On Saturday, February 11, Plymouth launches the first session of a special conversation just for women. All women of the church community are invited to be a part of this inspiring three-part journey led by guest speaker Karen Fisher Younger. "The Heart of the Matter: A Conversation for Women on How the Gospel Changes You, Your Heart, and Your Worldview" meets on three Saturday mornings (9:00-12:00) -- February 11, April 28, and May 19 -- in the Plymouth Reception Room. In each three-hour session, we will reflect on how Christianity enters our hearts, creates change, and informs the way we live. These three meetings are distinct, but will also build upon each other. Attendance at all three is not mandatory, but due to the unified central theme, full attendance is beneficial. Guest speaker Rev. Dr. Karen Fisher Younger has led Plymouth's well-received Women's Retreats in 2010 and 2011, and we are delighted she is able to return for these new sessions. Continental breakfast will be served, and childcare provided with reservation. The cost is $20 per session, or $50 to attend the full series. Please purchase admission during Sunday Fellowship Hour or through Amy Talcott at the Church Office.

Hey Kids! It's the Bandana Splits! (Feb. 11!): At first glance, The Bandana Splits look like a girl group from the early '60s, yet behind the cutesy façade lurks a serious power pop trio. Annie Nero, Dawn Landes, and Lauren Balthrop have wowed NYC audiences from Joe's Pub to Le Poisson Rouge, and now they're ready to take the Bandana Splits to the next level: a concert for Brooklyn kids! Plymouth is delighted to feature The Bandana Splits at our annual Kids' Concert on Saturday, February 11, at 11:00 in the Gym. Co-sponsored by the Music Ministry and Plymouth Church School, our concert with The Bandana Splits is a great opportunity for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy terrific music together in a fun and active way. (The Bandana Splits offer a family concert in more ways than one, as group member Dawn Landes -- a regular member of the Plymouth Choir -- is already a part of the Plymouth family.) Tickets to the concert, available at the door beginning at 10:30 (enter through Beecher Garden on Orange Street) are $10 each, $30 max per family. A Special Note for Dads & Partners: If Mom is attending the Women's Retreat (see "The Heart of the Matter" above), here's a great way to spend time with your kids! Children who have been checked into childcare earlier in the morning for the Women's Retreat may be picked up by parents before the concert begins. Be sure to provide advance notice and discuss your pick-up arrangements with childcare staff at drop-off.

Welcome Our Dinner Guests from the Iqra Mosque on Feb. 11: Last October, fourteen visitors from Plymouth were warmly received by members of the Iqra Mosque and Imam Khalil Abdur-Rashid in Midwood, Brooklyn. Plymouth is delighted to reciprocate with a special evening of dinner, discussion and informal conversation on Saturday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Reception Room. All members of the Plymouth community are warmly encouraged to attend. We'll gather for a shared meal (featuring the delicious food of guest chef Ahsan Farooqi) and friendly conversation. Join us for this special opportunity to welcome our Brooklyn neighbors, open our hearts, and continue bridging differences. We’re sure you will find the time well spent! RSVPs requested: Contact event organizer Wendy Reitmeier.

We ♥ ValentineLand! Share the love on Sunday, February 12 as the Ministry to Families and Children hosts ValentineLand, a bonanza of heart-warming crafts in the Gym after the worship service. All are invited to participate, young and young-at-heart. The fee for ValentineLand is $5 per person, maximum $15 per family. Children's Christian Education is also sponsoring a bake sale to raise funds for the Mission School of Hope in Cameroon. Those interested in volunteering are invited to contact MFC Director Julia Rassmann at the Church Office.

CSD Class on Feb. 12 Explores "Solitude:" Plymouth's Christian Spiritual Development ministry continues its study of Richard Foster's guide, "Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth," with a discussion class on "Solitude," one of the outward disciplines that can contribute to a balanced Christian life. Join the conversation next Sunday, February 12, at 12:30 p.m. in Storrs Library.

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Church Announcements

Be an Underground Insider, Fridays 9-1: The Underground Thrift Store, Plymouth's new fundraising initiative, is open to the public every Sunday from 12:30 to 4, but now we have expanded our hours for "Insider Fridays" catering to those in the know (and in the building). Effective every Friday from 9:00 to 1:00 when the preschool is in session, shoppers are invited to the Gym upper level for special insider shopping hours. The 65 Hicks Street entrance will remain closed, so you'll need to enter through the Gym. Be an Underground Insider and join us on Friday! And really get in the loop by Friending The Underground on Facebook to show your support AND get news on hot deals and special offers. Donating your fine clothing and housewares is another way to show the Underground your love. Donations are accepted at the wooden bin in the Church House lobby, or at the store during store hours. Questions? Please contact Underground chair Jeannette King.

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Community News & Notices

New Plymouth Addition: Julie and Nathan Rozof are delighted to announce the arrival of Marcus James Rozof, born January 6th, measuring 7 lbs., 13oz. and 21 inches. Big brother Wesley (nearly 4 years old) is quite proud. Welcome to the world, Marcus, and God bless!

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