“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” These powerful words from Galatians 3:28 remind us of the radical inclusivity at the heart of the Christian faith. Many LGBTQ+ individuals still face challenges finding acceptance within Christian communities. This […] The post One Body of Christ: Christian Views on LGBTQ Inclusion  appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more

By Tricia Springer It’s a Saturday morning, and a group of women is meeting at First Plymouth for tuna sandwiches, fruit salad, and excellent chocolate chip cookies. I sit with Noelle Cochran, Deb Strawser, Lee Probasco, and Marilyn Miller. What brings these women to the luncheon? “Every time I come to one of these, I […] The post Meet Your New Best Friend: Notes from the FP Women’s Luncheon appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more

Many progressive white churches are passionate about aiding the march toward racial justice.  They read books about racial issues and the American history they were never taught.  They share eye-opening articles and documentary films with congregations eager to learn.  They march in MLK parades, acknowledge the stolen lands of Native Americans, patronize minority-owned businesses, and […] The post How Can a Progressive White Church Tackle Racial Injustice? appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more

They come from war-torn countries.  They are young adults, grandparents, pregnant women, children, and babies.  They flee poverty, violence, and even death threats.  Fueled by hope, they walk thousands of miles through jungles, over mountains and deserts, passing days without food or shelter, suffering unspeakable personal violence, pursued by cartel gangs, thieves, and extortionists. They […] The post Colorado Immigration: Acknowledging Inclusivity and Diversity appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more

In a world increasingly riven by political extremes and the relentless drumbeat of the worsening climate crisis, is it surprising that anxiety and depression levels are rising?  Our culture is struggling to find a post-pandemic normal, obsessed with our devices, which make us at once more connected and lonelier than ever. Is it any wonder that Americans, especially the young, grapple with mental health? The post How Churches Can Be a Safe Space for Mental Health Issues appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more

Climate change, a critical issue facing our world today, transcends the boundaries of science, politics, and socio-economics, deepening the realm of ethics and morality. As institutions rooted in faith, morality, and community, churches are increasingly recognizing their role in addressing this global crisis. The post Why Do Churches Care About Climate Change? appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more

In its profound wisdom and timeless messages, the Bible has been pivotal in shaping fundamental values within societies.  It offers a rich compilation of stories centering on inclusivity and social justice. Echoing in both the Old and New Testaments, scripture underscores the importance of love and inclusivity, regardless of social, racial, or economic background. In […] The post What Does the Bible Say About Racial Justice? appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more

Churches have long been seen as pillars of communities, providing spiritual guidance, moral teaching, and a sense of community. While traditionally, many churches may have held rigid views on gender and sexuality. There is a growing movement towards inclusivity and acceptance within the religious community. The post What is an Open and Affirming Church? appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more

Faith-Based Coalition in Colorado Seeks to End Gun Violence  Colorado, like many states, has faced its share of tragedies involving gun violence. The devastating consequences of such incidents as the Columbine High School massacre in 1999 and the Aurora Theater shooting in 2012 shocked the entire country. Outrage grew when, later that same year, children […] The post Colorado Faith Communities Join Forces for Gun Safety appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more

In a world where incidents of gun violence are all too frequent, parents and caregivers have the vital responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of their children. This includes initiating open and honest conversations about challenging subjects like gun violence. By addressing this critical topic, we can educate our children about the dangers associated […] The post How to Talk About Gun Violence With Kids appeared first on First Plymouth Church ..read more