To the Community:

Each of us have dreams. Often times, dreams arise from moments when we look out at our world and acknowledge, “Things are not as they could be:”

• Children are sent off to school with empty stomachs and belabor over homework without the aid caring adults to help walk them through their work.

• Neighbors journey through seasons of life without ever really knowing those who live right next door.

• Families are fractured through divorce, loss, or financial tragedy.

• The ethnic makeup of a city changes and longtime residents struggle to ask the question, “What might it mean for us to welcome and embrace newcomers.”

Anyone can effectively identify the challenges facing a community. That’s easy. All we have to do is open our eyes. Those who stop with merely pointing out what is wrong are those who know primarily what they stand against rather than what they stand for.

As a Christian pastor, I cling to the hope that God is ultimately in the business of restoration, not renunciation or rejection. In other words, I believe God wants to change Plymouth, for the better…forever.

Whatever your particular spirituality may be, I humbly invite you to participate in two ways:

• First, participate in the attached poll, which will help bring awareness to the problems (or, perhaps more accurately, the opportunities) facing Plymouth.

• Next, I encourage you, your friends, and/or your families to spend time dialoging about what might be an appropriate response to the needs facing our community. Perhaps you will get involved with a community outreach effort. Maybe you will choose to partner with your nearest elementary school to provide backpacks or tutoring for students this coming fall. The opportunities are an varied as the specific areas of expertise we can offer to those in need.

Together, as a community, let’s turn Plymouth into place that reflects our dreams for restoration.

 Sincerely,

Bryan McInnis

Pastor

(Editor's Note: Looking for volunteer opportunities? Check out our volunteer listings and feel free to submit your own volunteer opportunities on Plymouth MN Patch.)