03. THE VIEW FROM HERE 04. ANNUAL APPEAL UPDATE 06. LIGHTING PLYMOUTH 08. HONORING OUR 50 YEAR MEMBERS 10. MEET PLYMOUTH’S NEW ACCOUNTANT 11. DADS & LITTLES 12. NOVEMBER SERVICE CORPS DATES 13. YOUTH LATE NIGHT 14. LAWRENCE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA CONCERT AT PLYMOUTH 15. HANGING OF THE GREENS 16. L.I.N.K.
17. ADVENT TAIZÉ 18. HOLIDAY BAKE SALE 19. POINSETTIAS & THE PASTORS’ EMERGENCY FUND 20. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH SERVICE TRIP 21. MAJOR CHORAL WORK
22. HIGH SCHOOL OWL 23. HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU?
how much I loved being with my parents doing something that felt important. There were deadlines to meet, accounts to chase, proposals to polish. We were doing things that mattered! I got to be part of it, and that felt big to me. On Sunday, October 31, we celebrated our Third and Fourth Grade families' hard work learning about the Bible this fall. Each student received a Bible, and together the entire class recited the twenty-third psalm from the chancel steps. They led us in worship, and that also felt big. They did something really important together, and we honored them for that with sheet cake (what else?) after worship. What might not have been apparent on Sunday is what I saw on Wednesday nights. Parents came with their Third and Fourth Graders to class each week. This was not a drop-off exercise. Instead, our students and their parents learned the story of scripture together. Picture that: a classroom filled with parents and early readers learning together what it means to be heirs to the tradition of holy scripture. Can you imagine how important those kids felt? They were doing something that really mattered! We teach our children something similar each Sunday in worship. We show them what the life of faith looks like on a weekend morning. They could be doing something else, but this is important. Joining in worship at church is time set aside for something that really matters. As our children lead us in worship through children's choirs, youth bell ensembles, the upcoming Children's Pageant, and more, I invite you to put yourself in their shoes. Imagine how it feels to be listened to and appreciated for doing your part in something this important. It's a big deal.
Growing up as an only child with two busy professionals for parents, it just seemed normal to me that we'd go to the office on Saturday mornings. The only real question was which office. I never really thought much about how my normal Saturday mornings in the office might differ from my friends'. Sports weren't my thing, so I didn't know much about the whole world of soccer and softball tournaments. We just went to work. It was quiet on Saturday. You could get stuff done.
I'm grateful to the teachers, choir directors, other parents, side-grandmas and grandpas, aunties, and uncles who help us raise our children here at Plymouth Church. I'm thrilled to introduce you to someone (very soon, I promise!) who will step into the new role of Director of Child and Family Ministries, leading us as we teach our children what it means to be part of something as important as God's family. Stay tuned. See you in church!
My dad's office had a better break room – one with vending machines and a spooky back door leading into the machine shop where welders and pipefitters built the mechanical elements my dad designed. I remember the smell of metal and oil and smoke lingering in the air. I watched VHS movies in the wood-paneled board room under the gaze of portraits of construction executives of yore. My mom's office was in a high-rise building connected to the busy downtown retail and restaurant network. I could usually talk my way into eggrolls and fried rice on those days. Occasionally I made a thrilling score at Laura Ashley. Almost always, we ran into some of my mom's professional acquaintances - judges, business people, linguists, educators – it seemed like she knew everyone downtown. Maybe she did. There were delights found in both places, but I remember
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PLEDGE/COMMITMENT INCOME •
2022 GOAL: $890,000
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AS OF NOV. 3, 2021: $192,674 representing 22% of our goal.
PLEDGE/COMMITMENT CARDS RECEIVED AS OF NOV. 3, 2021 •
For the 2022 campaign, the church sent out 542 cards. As of Nov. 3, 2021, the church received 74 cards representing a 14% return of cards.
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For the 2021 campaign, the church received 66% of the cards sent out.
Goal $890,000
CARDS RECEIVED WITH PLEDGE/ COMMITMENT AS OF OCT. 27, 2021 •
Of the 74 pledge/commitment cards returned, 100% returned with a pledge/ commitment.
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For the 2021 campaign, 94% of cards returned with a pledge/commitment.
PLEASE RETURN YOUR PLEDGE/ COMMITMENT CARDS BY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21.
Nov. 3, 2021 $192,674 5
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his Advent holiday season, Plymouth's Fellowship Board invites you to a fun new event we hope will become a yearly tradition. On Sunday, December 5, Join us for "Lighting Plymouth." From 4:30 - 6 pm, we will have fun Christmas activities for all ages, a Christmas singalong, goodies like hot chocolate, apple cider, and holiday treats served outside, and of course, a lighting ceremony for our historic church once the sun goes down.
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s you know all too well, this year - like 2020 - has brought many Covid-related planning challenges to Plymouth. To that end, the Fellowship Board began planning for the traditional Thanksgiving lunch this summer. However, after consulting with health experts and Plymouth staff, we reluctantly decided that the traditional lunch would not be safe or feasible to carry out this year. While we will look forward with the hope of resuming the Thanksgiving lunch tradition in 2022, we hope to see you and your family on December 5 for Christmas fun and fellowship. 7
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hese beloved church members have been a part of Plymouth’s storied history for over 50 years. This month, we honor them and their continuing dedication to our community. Thanks be to God!
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1950
1951
Barbara Murphy
Alice Leonard
Alice Blair Barbara Brand Chuck Fisher Julie Hack
1954 Bev Mayer
1955 Marilyn Bradt
1957 Elaine Blank Mary Anne King Jeanne Underwood
1959 Patty Rundquist
1960 Larry Johnson Gene Puckett
1965 Kay Bradt Joyce Mullenix Donna Riehm Harold Riehm
1967 Pete Curran Diane Sanders Audrey Sheridan Debby Wedel
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1962
Ron Johnson Susan McClintic Jim Whitenight
Jerry Cooley Lela Cooley David Phelps Judy Shunk
1969 Mark Buhler Lori Michel Jan Willey 9
1971 Ruth Anne Sneegas
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ello Plymouth members! My name is Melissa Praderio, and I am very excited to join the staff as the Accountant. I have both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Accounting from Kansas State University. In addition, I have operated an Accounting Services business from my home for the past 12 years while raising our three young children. Our youngest began Kindergarten this fall, which allowed me to accept my role here at Plymouth. When not crunching numbers, I love to be home with my family. We moved last fall to our (hopefully) forever home just south of Eudora in the country. It was foreclosed, and in rough shape, so we are completing neglected repairs to the home first and then hope to implement more self-sustaining features to the property (orchard, gardens, chickens, cistern, etc.) I love being outside, camping, reading, and prefer mowing over cleaning the house. Don't worry, though – I always keep the books clean! One of my favorite aspects of the job so far is keeping track of your contributions and putting them in the correct "bucket." Your donations are a huge part of Plymouth's ability to put so much good out into the world. If you forget to write a note on Sunday or can't find the correct designation online – please reach out and let me know. My typical office hours are Monday – Wednesday from 9 am – 2 pm and email anytime. Thank you for the opportunity to grow professionally and personally in my role here, and I hope to serve you well.
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A NEW GROUP FOR DADS WITH LITTLES AGES 0-6 TO GATHER IN FELLOWSHIP AND FUN AT LOCAL PLAYGROUNDS! NEXT PLAY DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 @ 9 a.m.
PLAYGROUND: JOHN TAYLOR PARK 200 N. 7TH ST. IN NORTH LAWRENCE Contact Ben Miller-Coleman for more information.
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idden Valley Camp is a semiprimitive campground within the bounds of Lawrence, established in 1956 for Girl Scouts and other youth to enjoy and learn how to be good stewards of nature. Sign up to help clean up the grounds with fellow Plymouth people on Saturday, November 13, from 14 pm. !
SIGN UP HERE!
SIGN UP HERE!
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e are excited to finish off the painting project in our Christian Education north hallway upstairs! Join us to help create beautiful, hospitable spaces for faith formation for all ages on Saturday, November 20, from 9 am-Noon.
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in so many ways. I have met and worked with so many wonderful volunteers and experienced the grace of coming into contact with our guests. You may participate in many ways! We always need members to donate hot casseroles, bring desserts, salads, cans of green beans, and canned peaches. Some members donate money. When we are allowed again to serve our guests in person, we will need servers. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to sign up. Please contact me, Laurie Bottenfield. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
By Laurie Bottenfield
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or the 20 years I have been a member of Plymouth Church, I have known what an important mission LINK (Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen) is for our community. We feed people regardless of their circumstances. We are committed to improving the quality of life and honoring the dignity of those we serve. On the third Thursday of each month, Plymouth is responsible for feeding our guests a delicious hot meal. Being a volunteer for LINK has enriched my life
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dvent is almost here—a time to set aside moments to be with the Sacred as we prepare ourselves for Christmas. This year, the Traveling Taizé Community invites you to three in-person Advent Taizé services: December 3, at First United Methodist Church; December 10 at St. John the Evangelist Church; and December 17, right here at Plymouth. All services start at 6 p.m.
All are welcome to these ecumenical moments of simple song, scripture, seasonal readings, candlelight, and brief moments of silence. Be sure to mention this Advent schedule to friends and family who might wish to experience a Taizé service this Advent. If you haven't been to a Taizé service, try one this Advent and experience true Peace on Earth. 17
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ach year during the Christmas season, we decorate our sanctuary with beautiful poinsettias. Plymouth members and friends purchase the poinsettias, often in memory or in honor of loved ones. Others give directly to the Pastors' Emergency Fund. Likewise, our pastors use the Pastors' Emergency Fund to assist Plymouth members, friends, and community members in need. During this time, the Pastors Emergency Fund has become more critical than ever. You may order your poinsettias using the link to the left or by filling out an order form at Plymouth on Sundays.
ORDER YOUR POINSETTIAS HERE.
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he Chancel Choir will present Magnificat by Taylor Scott Davis as the message on Sunday, December 12. This new choral work, commissioned for the Chancel Choir of St. John’s UMC, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was premiered in 2016. Major composers have set the Magnificat text throughout history. Through his lush and artful composing style, Taylor Scott Davis has captured the sound of Mary going from typical teenage child to God’s chosen one in the course of five movements. “Magnificat anima mea” begins by expressing the joy, honor, and bewilderment of Mary in her lowly status, being chosen by God, and the proclamation about what mighty work God has done through Mary. “Shall I Rejoice” encompasses not only Mary’s joy but also foreshadows the trouble and uncertainty ahead for her son. “Et misericordia” sings about God’s mercy, exalting the humble and feeding the hungry. “Deposuit” features a solo violin as Mary with the choir expressing God showing strength by scattering the proud and arrogant. “Gloria Patri” is an expression of jubilation: “Glory be to God forever and ever.” Magnificat will be accompanied by chamber orchestra. Taylor Scott Davis serves as Director of Music and Worship Arts at St. Andrew UMC in Plano, Texas. He is a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana. Davis’ music has been performed throughout the US, Europe, South America, South Africa, and professional ensembles Conspirare and VOCES8.
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e have an amazing resource at Plymouth Church in our "OWL" Program, including wonderfully trained facilitators. We want to kick off a Winter High School "OWL" class on Sunday Nights from 5:30 – 7 pm for our High School students. We will have a capstone trip in February/March to celebrate the completion of their work together. Please reach out to Rev. Caroline Dean if you have any questions. Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Grades 9-12 helps high school youth gain the knowledge, life principles, and skills they need to express their sexuality in life -enhancing ways. It puts sexuality into the context of values and personal responsibility, helping them manage social pressure and advocate for equality. It provides an opportunity to bring values and integrity to real-life issues.
Our Whole Lives (OWL) values: •
Self Worth
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Sexual Health
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Responsibility
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Justice and Inclusivity
OWL models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. It helps high school-age youth address their attitudes and values, feelings about themselves and their sexuality, and attitudes toward others' sexuality. Trained facilitators guide grades 9-12 through an engaging curriculum that addresses topics typically excluded from sexuality education and health classes.
SIGN YOUR H.S. STUDENT UP HERE!
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n the second and fourth Mondays of the month, the Plymouth Prayer Team gathers in the Althaus Chapel at 7 p.m. to pray for folks in our congregation. Let us know how we can pray for you, or loved ones by using the link below.
PRAYER REQUESTS
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