Courageous Love in Times of Violence -- First-Plymouth Cathedral Series

First-Plymouth Church presents, “The Courage to Stand for Love in Times of Violence” The first of a three-part Cathedral Series will be presented Sunday, September 23 at 7:00pm. The special service of inspiration and music, “The Courage to Stand for Love in Times of Violence,” is a part of First-Plymouth’s year-long focus on the concept of courage. The session, presented at First-Plymouth Church at 20th and D Streets, is free and open to the public. The Cathedral Series, “Modern Courage Inspired by Timeless Wisdom,” will focus on nonviolence, nationalism and racism. The series, jointly created by Associate Minister Patrick Messer and Minister of Music Tom Trenney, will engage the congregation and the greater community through music and ‘fierce conversation’ in facing some of the most seemingly intractable barriers to unity of our time. The series also includes a November 18 service focusing on nationalism, and a January 21 service focusing on racism. “Courage allows us to take risks to do the right thing – the thing that connects and unites rather than demeans and divides. Courage is the most fundamentally important quality needed to heal any societally-produced divisions. When we nurture a courageous heart, we also set the stage for greater unity in our world,” said Trenney. “Having the courage to do the right thing isn’t always the popular or easy thing to do, but it can demonstrate to others how they can be better as well. As is verified in scripture, courage comes from God, so when you are acting in a courageous way, you are never alone,” said Messer. “Courageous acts, big and small, happen every day through the actions of individuals willing to stand up and do the right thing. When we bring intentional focus to the new possibilities for unity that stem from many small but defining acts grounded in courage, we also begin to amplify the ennobled path illuminated for us by the ancient wisdom of scripture,” said First-Plymouth Senior Minister Jim Keck. Here are details about the three sessions in the series: Cathedral Series: Modern Courage Inspired by Timeless Wisdom Three extraordinary evening worship services you won’t want to miss. • Sept. 23, 7 pm: The Courage to Stand for Love in Times of Violence • Nov. 18, 4 pm: The Courage to Stand for Love Within the Borders of Nationalism • Jan. 21, 7 pm: The Courage to Stand for Love in the Midst of Racism First-Plymouth Church is an inclusive church dedicated to its mission of increasing the love of God and neighbor. More information can be found at www.firstplymouth.org.