News
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
Today we had chapel in the Sanctuary where we celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tirzah, our Willow Room teacher, read a book that she wrote about Dr. King, and the children learned that Dr. King once came to Plymouth Church and spoke about his dream for all people to be safe and treated fairly. Next, we listened carefully to a few minutes of the recording of Dr. King speaking right here at Plymouth on February 10th, 1963. It was very moving to be in the room where he once was and to listen to his words. We closed chapel singing This Little Light of Mine, one of Dr. King’s favorite songs.
Upcoming Parent Talks
Please join us for a series of parent talks with Rachel Hass on Fridays at 9:15 am.
Holding Ourselves and Our Children Through It All: A series of parent talks that will provide insight and strategies around the challenges we face and the joys we embrace as parents and caregivers.
January 24th - Navigating Big Feelings and Challenging Moments in Parenting Within the Developmental Context
February 28th - Holding Ourselves Through the Parenting Journey While Building Connection with Our Children
April 11th - Holding Space for More Than One: Navigating Sibling Life and Relationship
Rachel Hass has a Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Jewish Studies and Visual Arts from Oberlin College. As a Social Worker, LCSW, and Mental Health Specialist for Bank Street Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice, she facilitates workshops, support groups, and on-site consultation for teachers and staff in public schools, shelters, and childcare programs around the city. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Bank Street Graduate School and is in private practice, working with parents and children. At the core of her practice, Rachel values and honors children's and families' voices, histories, resourcefulness and strengths. She takes deep pride and joy in working with children and families who are navigating challenging moments in their lives, as she honors her role as a partner in development and support for parents and children alike.
Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment letters and agreements for next year will be emailed to our current families in early February. We look forward to another wonderful year together.
New Office Hours with Kate
We have added additional office hours with our psychological consultant Kate Wechsler. Kate has worked with Plymouth for over 25 years and has helped many families tackle the conundrums of parenting. Plymouth hosts monthly open office hours with Kate, which allow you to meet with her individually to discuss issues and concerns you might have and get support.
The upcoming dates are February 28th and March 21st. Half-hour appointments will be available between 9:30 am and noon. Please email Silvia at pcsadmin@plymouthchurch.org to book an appointment.
Time for Twos
For children who are not old enough to attend our drop-off program, we offer a wonderful program called Time for Twos. The description is below.
Time for Twos is Plymouth’s gentle introduction to school for our youngest children. Classes are led by an experienced early childhood educator and meet twice a week for an hour and 15 minutes each class. Children explore and play together in a warm, safe environment while learning how to be part of a school community. We support a gentle separation process that is tailored to each child’s unique development. Each class follows a preschool schedule and includes open-ended play, art activities, circle time, stories, music, snack and gym time. Children are accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Adults must remain in the building for the duration of the class. Children who will be two by June 30, 2026 are eligible to enroll.
Please let Silvia (pcsadmin@plymouthchurch.org) know by February 10th if you want to register your child for Time for Twos for next year, as we give priority to siblings and church members before we open registration to new families. Information about our Time for Twos program is on our website.
Materials Center
We welcome your donations to our Materials Center! You can drop them off in the box located in the main lobby next to Adrienne’s office. Currently, we need the following:
Toilet and paper towel rolls
Corks, caps, plastic and metal
Prescription bottles with caps
Washed take-out containers
Newspapers
Magazines
Samples from wallpaper, fabric, tiles
Ribbons, string, rubber bands
Office supplies, folders, envelopes, etc.
Los Angeles Wildfires
As a community our hearts are hurting for the many people who have been affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. We have researched some organizations that are doing relief efforts. If you are interested in helping, we can recommend the following organizations:
World Central Kitchen provides fresh meals to communities in need.
World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Their teams and partners have mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to people in need. Website: wck.org
California Fire Foundation provides immediate assistance to victims through programs like supplying disaster relief cash cards to those affected by wildfires. The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents.
Your donation to the CFF Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund directly supports victims of wildfires and disasters throughout California. Website: www.cafirefoundation.org
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles builds and repairs homes in partnership with hardworking, low-income families and individuals. They offer a hand up, not a hand out, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a long-term investment for the future. Website: www.habitatla.org/support-us
News from Plymouth Church
Migrant Ministry Winter Coat Drive
We are collecting winter coats, warm clothing, and practical shoes for our newest neighbors, through January 24th. Then, we will invite migrants staying in shelters for the community distribution on Saturday and Sunday, January 25-26, in Hillis Hall. Your men’s, women’s, and kid’s donations can be dropped off weekdays & Sundays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Reception Desk.
Important Dates to Remember
January
20 - School Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
24 - Parent Talk with Rachel Hass - Navigating Big Feelings and Challenging Moments in Parenting Within the Developmental Context
29 - School Closed for Lunar New Year
31 - Family Chapel