03. THE VIEW FROM HERE 04. MEET ALICIA! 05. MAJOR CHORAL WORK SUNDAY 06. HOLIDAY BAKE SALE 07. ESTHER’S BAKERS 08. FAMILY AND YOUTH EVENTS 10. TAIZÉ SERVICE 11. FAMILY PROMISE & THE WINTER SHELTER
12. CHRISTMAS EVE AT PLYMOUTH 15. HIGH SCHOOL OWL CLASS 16. NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS 17. PLYMOUTH’S CORE STAFF 18. THE GOSPEL OF JOHN: THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE
the middle of the night, trying to get comfortable on the sofa near our bright little Christmas tree. The thought drifted in and out of my mind that perhaps there actually was not a baby. Friends, I was getting a little fuzzy in the brain. That baby needed to be born. A lot of what we do in church during the season of Advent is meant to cultivate our longing for the thing God is about to do among us. We dim the lights, sharpening the contrast between light and dark, so the candles burn a little brighter. We read the prophets, Mary among them, who tell us the world is about to be turned upside down. We sing, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” and let it create urgency and focused hope within us. The year Leo was born, it felt like Advent came breaking into my life. It had my body, mind, and soul. Waiting and longing were my day and night. Then, just when I really had begun to lose the thread, the skies opened up with snow. It snowed and snowed and snowed. I remember we made Christmas cookies in our little galley kitchen with Lucy, who was three, using my grandmother’s recipe. We iced them and set them out on newspaper to let the sprinkles set. When we packed our bag and raced to the hospital, those cookies were still on the counter. It turned out that all those contractions, coming and going, coming and going, hadn’t been wasted effort. The season of preparation had done its work on us. Whatever it is you’re longing for this season, my prayer is that the preparation we undertake together here at church will do its work on you. May this Advent be richly filled with focused hope and holy longing as we wait and watch together. May our world be turned upside down by love incarnate.
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vividly recall the season of Advent in 2013. It felt like a live-action drama in our house with me playing the part of mother Mary. Our second baby, a boy this time, was due any minute. We put up all the Christmas stuff practically before the Thanksgiving turkey had time to cool – unusual for our family. Most years, we wait a little longer. I love to linger in the expectation of Advent without rushing too quickly to the manger. We might light Advent candles at home. We might add our decorations bit by bit, week after week, until finally, it feels like Christmas, just about when Christmas arrives.
See you in church,
Not in 2013. We were racing against time and impending sleep deprivation. It was time to deck the hall and make our house fair as we were able: right now! So, we hustled, and we went big. Hormones mixed with the nesting instinct, and together they shifted our holly jolly into overdrive. I remember lots of fake red berries that year. The kind on the sticks that you sort of jab into the tree. Candles everywhere. Cinnamon-scented pinecones, God help us. If ever people were ready for Christmas, we were those people. Only one problem: he wasn’t. The due date came and went. Days passed. Contractions came… and went. We attended the dreaded 41-week check-up. I remember pacing the floor, muttering “Come Thou Long Expected Baby” over and over again. I remember lying awake in
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n November, Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean announced that Plymouth hired a new Director of Child and Family Ministries, Alicia Gossett. “Alicia has worked in early childhood education,” Rev. Dean said, “for 25 years. Including directing Montessori programs, working with vibrant staff teams and families, and we’re so grateful to have her on our team here at Plymouth Church.” At Plymouth, Alicia will be working with infants through fifth graders and their families. Alicia has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and child development and an Associate of Applied Science degree in early childhood development. In addition to her 25 years in early childhood education, Alicia has 14 years of preschool management experience, taught kindermusik for three years, and served as the Preschool Director of Little Tots Montessori in Kansas City, Kansas, for five years. Alicia also spent two years working in radio and is one of the nation’s best Competitive Dart players, frequently traveling to tournaments once a month. Alicia competes with her son, Seth, a 21year old junior in college at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. As for Alicia’s faith journey, “I grew up in the Methodist community,” she says, “and have attended non-denominational churches. I needed a change in my career and have been needing and wanting to find a church home, too. So here I am!” And we are so glad to have you here with us, Alicia! 4
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SIGN UP TO JOIN ESTHER'S’ BAKERS HERE!
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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 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.
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ith temperatures starting to drop, many of our neighbors need a safe, warm place to spend the night. Family Promise of Lawrence (FPL) is partnering with the City of Lawrence to house families with children when the temperature drops below 35 degrees. In previous years, families stayed with the general population of homeless citizens.
How is this program different from a typical Family Promise rotation? The City of Lawrence sets all guidelines for the winter shelter. Before coming to the church, families will register with the City and then go to the shelter site (likely the Community Building on 11th Street). Staffers will screen families when they check-in at the Community Building. They’ll be assessed for unsafe behaviors, including visible intoxication or problematic family dynamics, which would make for an unsafe shelter environment. Adult guests will be required to be fully vaccinated. Stringent COVID protocols will be in place, too. We hope some of these families will join one of Family Promise’s programs after experiencing its hospitality and services.
Since FPL isn’t currently operating its rotation program, it will use its expertise to host these families at a static site and bring in volunteers. Ninth Street Baptist Church will serve as the primary site, with Plymouth Church providing overflow space when needed.
You can make a difference in a child’s life just by showing up! Sign up as an overnight host.
Volunteers will come from across Family Promise’s network, which is a bit different from our standard rotation model. What a great way to meet new people!
What am I getting myself into? Volunteers will report to 9th Street Baptist Church (901 Tennessee) by 7 p.m. on their assigned night. And don’t worry – you won’t be responsible for providing, setting up, or cleaning up a meal. Just provide extravagant hospitality! We need two to three adult volunteers per night. Guests will leave the church by 7 a.m. the following morning. Then, after a bit of light clean-up, you’re good to go. And, keep in mind that, even though you sign up for a specific night, you might not be called upon if the weather stays mild.
Check out FPL’s new volunteer training. Whether you’re new to Family Promise or a seasoned volunteer, we encourage you to complete its new, 2-part online training. Both modules will take about 90 minutes total. You’ll learn more about Family Promise and its services, volunteer do’s and don’ts, and the role of trauma and traumainformed care when working with these guests.
If you’re not able to spend the night, you have other options! Please consider signing up to provide prepackaged snacks or wash the bedding after families leave.
Questions? Contact Mary Kaczor, Plymouth member and FPL board president.
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Christmas at Plymouth Join in the celebration and magic of the Advent & Christmas Seasons!
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n 2015, Plymouth hosted Rev. Michael Piazza, one of the most influential voices in progressive Christianity. Rev. Piazza has served as both pastor and guest consultant for congregations across the U.S. While at Plymouth, he was stunned to find out that unlike all the other churches he’d worked in or visited, Plymouth’s biggest day for services was not Easter. It was Christmas Eve. And it wasn’t even close. On Christmas Eve, an afternoon spilling into a night of three services, Plymouth will have as many people attend worship as we’ll see on four average Sundays combined! Year after year, Christmas Eve continues to be a night that Plymouth members, friends, and visitors from across Lawrence mark on their calendar. It is a night of moving reflection. When the organ drops out and members of the congregation rise with their lit candles as they sing “Silent Night” amid tears of reflection on the past year and hope for the future, it is truly a stirring and emotional experience. And one that has clearly brought so many people through our doors for 167 years and counting. Plymouth’s remarkable Christmas tradition was even documented nationally in the December 1982 issue of Redbook Magazine (see next page). So here we are again. A new season of Advent is upon us, and it does so as a seeming breath of fresh air after an emotionally trying two years enduring separation and disconnection in the face of a pandemic.
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On Saturday, November 27, Plymouth staff and volunteers decorated the Sanctuary and Narthex with greens, poinsettias, lights, and bows. The joy present in our annual Hanging of the Greens was just the start of the most beloved season at Plymouth. Come and be a part of the wonder in worship that Christmas at Plymouth provides. Join in the spirit of the season in the lighting of the Advent Candles, reminding us to have Hope, seek Peace, and hold Joy and Love in our hearts during this season. Feel the spirit in the amazing music provided by the Chancel Choir as it presents “Magnificat” for its Advent Major Choral Work on Sunday, December 12, during the 9:30 am service. Feel the spirit as we watch the Children’s Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 19, during the 9:30 am service. And of course, feel the spirit on Christmas Eve through our children’s service, Christmas Eve concert, and not one, but two beautiful traditional candlelight serves. Advent and Christmas are the renewal of a spirit of hope and a push for peace in the world. At Plymouth, it is one of our most cherished traditions. So join us this year as the spirit of Advent comes to life and carries through another beautiful and memorable Christmas in our historic church and this amazing community of faith.
On the following pages, find out all about the major events coming up at Plymouth in December.
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4:00 P.M. CHILDREN’S SERVICE
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icking off the festivities is an interactive worship service of Angels and Shepherds through song and word, and great fun for the whole family. Join Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean, Plymouth's Minister of Music and Fine Arts, Kim Manz, and Plymouth's Christian Education Director, Susan Anderson, for all the Christmas fun. Families with children are encouraged to come at 3:45 p.m. for the children to get dressed in an angel or a shepherd costume. Worship will begin at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary. It’s the perfect service for young families and the perfect start to a long and exciting night for smallest congregants.
6:00 P.M. 1ST TRADITIONAL CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
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his is Plymouth's biggest service of the year. If you and your family are planning to attend, please head to Plymouth earlier than usual to get a good seat. Plymouth is one of several downtown churches, and we will be sharing parking spaces along Vermont. Parking is also available in the parking garages by the Library on Vermont Street, and the Arts Center on New Hampshire Street.
7:30 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE CONCERT
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he annual concert on Christmas Eve between the 6 and 8 p.m. services will feature music of the season. Come enjoy Christmas music in the quiet stillness of our beautiful sacred space.
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8:00 P.M.
LIVE BROADCAST
2ND TRADITIONAL CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
lymouth will broadcast all of its Christmas Eve services and Christmas Concert live online at our YouTube channel “Plymouth Church UCC of Lawrence, Kansas” and on our Facebook page “@PlymouthLawrence.” Unable to join us in person? Tune in and it’s as if you are sitting right in our sanctuary for one of our most beautiful services of the year.
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lymouth closes the night of Christmas Eve celebration with our second candlelight service. As the hours of Christmas Eve tick closer to Christmas, the raising of the candles and singing of “Silent Night” for the last time in 2021 can bring with them a chillraising and emotionally resonant impact during this late service.
CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING
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ach year Plymouth takes up an offering during our Christmas Eve services, of which 100% of the monetary donations from this offering are given to our mission partners and other Lawrence organizations. This year we will open this offering starting on Sunday, December 19, and then again during all three of our Christmas Eve services.
WHERE TO WATCH
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CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
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he Carol (2nd-4th grade) and Chapel (5th and higher) choirs will be singing on Christmas Eve at the 6 p.m. service. It is always a magical time having the children’s choirs join the Chancel Choir for “Away in a Manger” and the congregation for “Silent Night.” There will be one massed rehearsal in the sanctuary on Sunday, December 19 immediately following the conclusion of the 9:30 am service. All children are encouraged to participate. Music is being rehearsed during regular rehearsal time on Sundays from 10:30-11 am.
REMINDER TO PARENTS Have your singers meet in room 204S to robe and rehearse at 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Long hair should be pulled back for safety when carrying lit candles.
PARKING MAP FOR PLYMOUTH CHURCH
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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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ou are not alone. One in five people lives with a mental health condition. Chances are, you or someone you know has been affected. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) works to educate, advocate, listen and lead to improving the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones. Plymouth Church partners with NAMI to offer two weekly support groups that meet every Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 pm (enter through North Foyer door). You are welcome to join.
Connections This is a support group for people who live with a mental illness. This group meets in the Heritage Room.
Family Group: This is a support group for people with a loved one living with mental illness and wants help in being there for them. This group meets in room 201N
Questions? Please contact Bill Wood at 785840-5889.
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OFFICE HOURS Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman Mon-Thurs 9 am - 4 pm Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean Mon-Thurs 9 am - 4 pm Kim Manz Mon. 9 am - 5:30 pm Tues. 9 am - 5:30 pm Wed. 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Thurs. 9 am - 8:45 pm Fri. 9 am - 4:30 pm Alicia Gossett Mon - Fri. hours vary Sun. 8 am - 12 pm Liz Smith Mon. 9 am - 4 pm Tues. 9 am - 3 pm Wed. 9 am - 4 pm Thurs. 9 am - 12 pm Fri. hours vary Rex Russell Mon - Fri. 8 am - 4 pm Melissa Paderio Mon - Wed. 9 am - 2 pm
CONTACT
Lori Herpich Mon - Fri. 9 am - 12 pm
Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman: 785-843-3220 ext. 1 seniorpastor@plymouthlawrence.com. Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean: 785-843-3220 ext. 2 associatepastor@plymouthlawrence.com Kim Manz: 785-843-3220 ext. 3, music@plymouthlawrence.com Alicia Gossett: 785-843-3220 ext. 5, christianed@plymouthlawrence.com Liz Smith: 785-843-3220 ext. 6, welcome@plymouthlawrence.com Rex Russell: 785-843-3220 ext. 9, facilities@plymouthlawrence.com Melissa Paderio: 785-843-3220 ext. 1013, accountant@plymouthlawrence.com Lori Herpich: 785-843-3220 ext. 10, administration@plymouthlawrence.com Jeremy Winfrey: 785-843-3220 ext. 4, communications@plymouthlawrence.com
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Jeremy Winfrey Mon. 6 am - 2 pm Tues. 7:30 am - 3:30 pm Wed - Thurs. 6 am - 2 pm Sun. 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Kara Holcombe Mon - Fri. hours vary Sun. 8:30 - 11:30 am & 4 - 8 pm