There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
– Albert Einstein
Listening for the Sacred
Lenten Small Groups | February 19-April 1
With every conversation, Jesus sees the person in front of him and responds to their unique story. He meets them right where they are—in the dark, alone, judged, or dying—and his generous attention opens up another life-giving way for them. Throughout our lives, when we’ve encountered Jesus, we’ve felt free. But without community, we may miss noticing the miracles. This Lent, small groups will meet regularly to wonder, listen, read, cook, create art, pray, and notice the miracles among us. In all we commit ourselves to this season, we’re listening for Jesus.
Look for any updates or additions to these groups on this page, and in our weekly eNews.
Listening for the Sacred: Storytelling Groups
As we explore the stories of Jesus’ conversations in the Gospel of John during our Lent worship, small groups will follow the inspiration of these stories and listen to each other. During this season, groups will meet to intimately share their faith stories with each other. Each participant will have the chance to tell what they want to tell, and everyone else around the table will actively listen and generously respond. Through this storytelling practice, we will learn more about the people who make up our faith family. We will each have the chance to be seen and known. Hopefully, everyone will find that each story is like a miracle. And then eventually we may find we’ve been listening to Jesus all along.
Group Details:
Leader: Lesley-Ann Hix Tommey
Wednesdays in Lent, 5:45-7:00 PM (February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1) | Plymouth
Capacity: 8 Participants
Leader: Rebecca Yaggy
Thursdays in Lent, 6-7:30 PM (February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26) | Plymouth
Capacity: 4-6
Leader: Martin Coren
Sundays in Lent, 1:30-2:45 PM (February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) | Plymouth
Capacity: 8
Leader: Becky Lewis
Day/Time TBD
Men’s Lenten Group
Monday evenings in Lent, 6:30 PM (February 23, March 9, 23) | at the home of Josh Pater
Group Leaders: Josh Pater
This spring, Plymouth men will gather to eat together while preparing meals for hungry Brooklynites. No cooking skills required; nor is perfect attendance. Depending on interest, we will continue this beyond Easter as a regular act of service.
Lenten Bible Study
Wednesday mornings in Lent, 10:30 AM-noon (Feb 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1) | the Music Room at Plymouth
(with a hybrid option for those joining online)
Group Leader: Elizabeth Snypes
Every Wednesday morning, we gather to learn more from the Bible. As theologian Rachel Held Evans explains, “The Bible relies on story and song, letters and laws, poetry and proverb to spark among God’s people the questions, ideas, and actions that bring them closer to truth and to one another.” This Lent, as we read her book Inspired and study together through a fresh interpretation of the biblical narrative, we will listen for the holy spark that inspires us closer to God’s truth and to each other.
Stories and Stitches
Wednesdays in Lent, 12-2:00 PM (February 18, 25, March 18, 25, April 1) | at Penelope’s home
Group Leader: Penelope Kulko
Capacity: 5 Participants
While we piece together communal tapestry art for worship, we will consider the questions coming up for us in this season: How do we live our lives with purpose, not in theory but in daily practice? How do we hold onto faith in the face of all the sorrow and wrong and horrible right now? Is there a way to re-engage the world without being emotionally crushed and stressed?
We will bring our honest discernment to the pieces we sew, stitch, and embroider together. We will support each other in our struggles, and create beauty in ways we haven't imagined.
Prerequisites: To join this group, you should have some interest and experience in sewing, stitching, knitting, embroidery—something needlework-oriented, that is portable and that you can bring with you each week.
This group is at full capacity.
Plymouth Goes to the Movies
Saturday mornings in Lent, 9:30-11:00 AM (February 21, March 7, 14, 21, 28) | at the parsonage
Group Leader: Brett Younger
Capacity: 14 Participants
Some of our sacred moments take place during movies. We experience a sense of wonder that comes remarkably close to what happens in worship. The best films offer hope. For five Saturdays morning at 9:30 at the parsonage, we will discuss films that have been nominated for best picture this year:
February 21 | Hamnet
March 7 | Train Dreams
March 14 | Sentimental Value
March 21 | One Battle After Another
March 28 | Sinners
We will see the films on our own and then come talk about why church people should be talking about them.
This group is at full capacity.
Trust Fall
Saturday mornings in Lent, 8:30 AM (February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28) | at Becky’s home
Group Leader: Becky Lewis
During Lent, God invites to practice letting go of whatever gets in the way of love. Together, we will read John Purkiss' book The Power of Letting Go. Our group will talk honestly about how to build trust and let go of the fears, thoughts, and scripts that keep us from being in the now. Come be part of an intimate weekly conversation that includes prayer, meditation, and breathing--helping us loosen our control grip a little more and fall into love.
Illuminated Manuscripts
Sunday mornings in Lent, 9:45 AM (February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) | at Plymouth
Group Leader: Morgan Proffitt-Davis
Capacity: 15 Participants
Have you ever seen beautifully illustrated golden Bibles in museums? This is a practice dating back to the Medieval period where texts are decorated with flourishes, gold, silver, and small illustrations. We will make this beautiful, historic tradition modern this Lent. Join Morgan for a 6-week class where we will design our own illuminated manuscripts and learn more about the sacred texts of this Lenten season.
Childcare will be provided.