Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ

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Today, with a heavy heart—one that feels the weight of an anvil—we announce that our community has suffered a tremendously terrible loss. Our Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, passed away this morning after a courageous bout with cancer.

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As many of you know, he was a larger-than-life pastor.

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A valiant social justice warrior.

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A loving and doting father. 

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An advocate.

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A mentor.

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He was a hero.

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This world will never know the true depth of our loss. He was utterly amazing. Now the days ahead will forever be filled with unimaginable grief and mourning. We are gutted. But we are thankful for his life, his service, and his witness. I personally know how much he meant to everyone. I am here to offer support. If you need one-on-one care, please reach out to Senior Minister, Rev. Jamall Calloway or Plymouth’s Church Administrator, Monique Boddie-Neal.  Please contact them through the church office at 202-723-5330 or plymouthcongregational@yahoo.com.

We will schedule additional grief support and services now and in the coming weeks ahead. In that spirit, we will hold our scheduled Ash Wednesday service; but we will also reserve the sanctuary at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday for communal prayer.

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The doors of the church will be open to the community. The sanctuary will be warm. And the pews will be there for people to pray, to cry, and to just be in community together. We invite you to come. Sit with us. Do whatever you need to do in the company of your church family who is also feeling profound sadness.

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The memorial arrangements will be made by the family and we will share details—including dates & times—when they are available. While our hearts are indeed shattered, we hold fast to God’s promises and we give thanks for the life and the legacy of God’s faithful servant, the incomparable, Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler.

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