November 2025

Dear Friends,

What’s Next for Plymouth as we move into November? Small Steps, Big Heart

Let’s be honest — we’re not the bustling church we used to be. We’re smaller now, and yes, most of us have a few more birthdays behind us. But that doesn’t mean the story’s over. It means that God’s inviting us to write a new chapter — one filled with connection, kindness, and hope.

So what’s next for Plymouth? It comes down to three simple ideas: Invite. Welcome. Befriend.

Invite — Growth starts with a simple invitation. Not everyone is ready to come to worship on a Sunday morning – that’s okay. Some people might first say yes to a movie night, pancake breakfast, or gardening day. Others might love a “Stories of St. Helens” afternoon or a craft-and-coffee get-together.

Think about your own circle of friendship — a neighbor you wave to, a friend from your walking group,

or someone you see at the grocery store. Most folks are just waiting for a reason to say yes. You could simply

say, “Hey, our church is doing something fun this weekend. Want to come along?” Invitations work best when

they’re personal and warm.

Welcome — When someone shows up, let’s make sure they feel at home. A smile, a handshake, and a simple “Hi, I’m [Your Name], I’m glad you came today!” go a long way.

You can ask, “What brought you to town?” or “Have you lived in St. Helens long?” and then just listen. Everyone has a story. Walking with someone to coffee hour or helping them find a seat might seem small, but it tells them, “You belong here.”

Befriend — Inviting and welcoming open the door — friendship builds the home. Be ready to hear great stories and to learn something new. People will surprise you — with humor, with heart, and with courage.

Friendship takes time, but it’s worth it. Send a short note, text, or invite them for coffee later in the week. These small gestures can make a big difference. As we listen, laugh, and share life together, we’ll see how God keeps weaving new relationships right into the fabric of our church.

Will This Change the Plymouth Family?

Yes — and that’s a good thing! When we open our hearts wider, the Plymouth family doesn’t shrink — it stretches. We’ll see new faces, hear new ideas, and feel fresh energy in the room. We might sing new songs, share new laughter, and find joy in unexpected places.

The love that’s carried Plymouth through the years is still here — it’s just growing in new directions.

Our Next Step

Here’s a simple challenge: this month, invite one person, welcome one guest, and befriend one newcomer.

That’s how change begins — one friendly step at a time. God’s still doing something beautiful here at Plymouth. Let’s keep walking into it, together.

In the grip of Grace,

Pastor Peter