“What does it truly mean to serve God by serving the people?” That’s the question that defines Plymouth Congregational Church here in San Diego. Founded in 1912 this church has a unique story. It’s a story of transformation and a deep commitment to its community.
Plymouth Congregational Church faced tough times. Let’s jump back a few years. Wayne Riggs a Navy chaplain from 1957 to 1988 stepped in as pastor. He took over a run-down building plagued by graffiti. Only 15 people attended services. The church was burdened with 100000 dollars in debt.
Riggs recognized that Plymouth Congregational Church couldn’t thrive as a typical family church. He shifted the mission. The church would serve God by serving the community.
Under Riggs’ leadership Plymouth Congregational Church turned things around. He created a bond offering to tackle the debt. Three years later the church was debt-free. The church became a hub for various activities. Three other churches now share the chapel. One is Korean and another is Hispanic. Six AA groups meet here. The school building opened its doors to Head Start. The courtyard now features toy basketball hoops.
The Supportive Parents Information Network operates upstairs. Every Friday a farmer delivers produce. Volunteers from SPIN distribute it to those in need. Even the building got a makeover. It now boasts bright and pristine paint.
Riggs said that Congregationalists have been social activists forever. He noted their involvement in the Underground Railroad. He sees the church’s mission as feeding the hungry and healing the sick. This involves politics because poor policy affects poor people. Riggs was part of the Caring Council. It challenged the County Board of Supervisors’ strict screening practices for food stamps.
This activist spirit extended into the services. During Prayer Concerns Riggs would bring up issues. He spoke about the 46 million people without health care. A congregant even prayed for Senator Dianne Feinstein to support healthcare reform.
Throughout the service the focus shifted between God and man. After praising God they would welcome back a congregant from the hospital. Birthdays were announced and then they would return to praise. They prayed for those in need.
The sermon focused on the Golden Rule. Riggs preached that people can help create a world where others are treated rightly. However he warned that the Golden Rule must link to the core of your spiritual being. You must stay in touch with the God of the Golden Rule.
Plymouth Congregational Church embraces diversity. It maintains a casual to formal dress code. If you were to attend a Sunday worship you would find a blend of heavenly and earthly concerns. It truly strives to live by the Golden Rule. Plymouth Congregational Church continues to serve its community.