Plymouth Magazine-Winter24-DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 2
Letter from Your Senior Pastor
By Rev. Dr. Jared Wortman (he/him)
for many things — with the community,
friendships, and ministry of Plymouth
often being named as we made our way
around the circle. We carry so much as a
congregation, but I am encouraged and
comforted when I see how we share light
and hope with one another.
I love the cover of this issue!
As we quickly approach the seasons of
Advent and Christmas, we contemplate
what it means to be bearers of hope and
light no matter what challenges we face
as a people and world. The cover image
reminds me of beautiful memories in
the Plymouth Sanctuary and that our
combined presence and work are always
exponentially brighter and bigger than
anything we muster on our own. We
hope you’ll use this issue as you plan
your holiday, making time to gather at
Plymouth in the coming weeks.
As I write this just days before
Thanksgiving, I am reminded that
we have much to be grateful for as we
approach the holiday season. In Bible
study this week, I listened as participant
after participant shared their gratitude
2
This issue details some of your favorite
Christmas and holiday traditions. We
hope these reflections compel you
to think about the traditions of your
household, exploring and sharing how
your holiday memories have grown and
taken shape over time.
When this issue was being planned, I
was told about an idea for a story about
the many tattoos in the Plymouth pews.
Little did I know that one of you (I’ll save
the reveal for the article) has a Plymouth
tattoo! Be sure to check out this article,
which gives a personal glimpse into the
meaning beyond the tattoos. From major
milestones to memories of loved ones,
this story captures how we carry meaning
with us in profoundly intentional and
enduring ways.
Similarly, the stories about an upcoming
“O Antiphons” exhibit and the symbols
in the Sanctuary are powerful reminders
that artful emblems of faith surround
and support our congregational life.
I hope you’ll learn about a recent
restoration effort of the Chi Rho
symbol on the Sanctuary cross and
be encouraged to pay attention to the
many elements built into Plymouth’s
architecture and displayed on the walls.
Each symbol and piece of art teaches
us something about our “focal reality.”
It’s often been observed that what
we pay attention to determines the
directionality of our lives. With this in
mind, we pay attention to the depictions
of grape vines, blooming roses, boats
weathering storms, Christmas images, and
countless other Christian symbols to draw
attention to who we are as a people of
faithful, hopeful, and loving community.
This issue also contains photos from
the musician Julian Reid’s recent visit
to Plymouth. We hope these photos
capture the rest we’ve shared. You’ll
also find an interview with John
Tyson, Pastor for Faith Formation and
Social Justice. As I see it, this issue is a
microcosm of our life together.
Happy reading, and let’s keep sharing
our light,
