TABLE OF CONTENTS PLYMOUTH’S 166th ANNUAL REPORT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 4 - SENIOR PASTOR’S REFLECTION 6 - ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S REFLECTION 8 - MODERATOR’S LETTER 9 - AGENDA
THE LIVING CALENDAR OF 2020
BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
10 - JANUARY 2020
60 - CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
13 - FEBRUARY 2020
62 - DEACONS
18 - MARCH 2020
64 - FELLOWSHIP
24 - APRIL 2020
66 - MEMBERSHIP
32 - MAY 2020
68 - MISSION
36 - JUNE 2020
70 - MUSIC & FINE ARTS
42 - JULY 2020
72 - STEWARDSHIP
46 - AUGUST 2020
74 - FACILITIES & PLANNING COMMITTEE
49 - SEPTEMBER 2020
77 - HISTORY COMMITTEE
52 - OCTOBER 2020 54 - NOVEMBER 2020 57 - DECEMBER 2020
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APPENDICES 80 - Minutes from the 2020 Annual Meeting
96 - Activity Funds Report
82 - Nominating Committee Report
99 - Fundraising for 2020
83 - Membership Associate’s Report
100 - Personnel Report by the Numbers
85 - Treasurer’s Financial Report
101 - Plymouth Endowment and Endowed Funds
86 - The 2021 Mission Spending Plan 92 - Statement of Revenue by Expense & Class
2020 Annual Report
102 - Memorial Funds and Scholarships 105 - Plymouth Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
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A PASTOR’S REFLECTION Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman’s first full year as Plymouth’s Senior Pastor.
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o you remember when Rev. Traci Blackmon came to Plymouth Church? Remember how she filled the sanctuary with the Spirit of God and talked with us very seriously and very kindly about the church’s call to seek racial justice? It was almost a year ago, in January of 2020. That was just little less than a year ago, and yet it feels like it belongs to a different world from the one we’ve come to know. I will never forget Saturday, March 14th. We’d just received word that all large gatherings were to be suspended due to the threat of exposure to a dangerous new virus. Our worship team huddled up and knocked out a plan to pivot Sunday worship to broadcast-only for the first time. I remember I was covered in mud from an early spring hike in the woods with my family. I remember how easy it was to make decisions that we would end up living with for months to come. Safety mattered most. After that, we could debate the details. I remember how strange it felt to stand up in a nearly empty sanctuary and preach into a camera for the first time. The room felt inhabited by your absence. We said to one another, ‘I can almost see them sitting here and standing there.’ We missed you acutely. Once worship concluded, a team of Plymouth leaders, including our finest health care providers and scientists, gathered into the Mayflower Room to try to shed some light on the road ahead. I’ll never forget Sonia Jordan saying, ‘A lot of people are responding to this threat as if for a bliz-
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zard. We need to be preparing for winter.’ In other words, our short-term thinking needed to be expanded into long-range planning. How would Plymouth care for the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of a congregation and community over an indefinitely long period of isolation and collective trauma? We’ve spent the last ten months endeavoring to answer that question. You will see many of the answers we’ve found in this year’s annual report. You’ll see photos and read testimonies of people who’ve found their calling as care-givers, teachers, seekers -after-justice, worship leaders and congregational stewards shift and grow over the course of a remarkable year. We’ve risen to the demands of our time in myriad ways. Small group ministry has flourished. Worship has adapted and stretched us to adapt. We’ve innovated congregational care strategies to meet a wide range of circumstances. Through it all, the generosity, faithfulness and tenacity of this congregation has inspired me and shown a light to all whose lives touch ours. I could not be more grateful to be part of Plymouth Church, now more than ever.
2018 Annual Annual Report Report 2020
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OUR SHARED MINISTRY A look at Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean’s first full year as Plymouth’s Associate Pastor.
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embers & Friends of the Plymouth Community, Wow! What should we say about this harrowing, grief-filled, opportunity-laden, challenging, & beautiful year? First and foremost I want to thank the staff and Plymouth community for your prayers during my maternity leave. Our family is so excited to welcome baby Winnie Wayne Lawson Dean (born September 29th). She is thriving and Charlie (who turned 3 in early September) is thrilled to be a big sister. Thank you to the Fellowship Board for throwing two “virtual showers” for Winnie on Zoom this fall. It was a pleasure to connect with some of our Plymouth family. A special thanks to Kara Holcombe (our Faith Formation Assistant), Susan Anderson (our Christian Education Director) & Barbara Russell (Mission & Service Board Chair) who continued our creative pandemic programming & service work without missing a beat.
marked by transition including the sacred work of saying “goodbye” and “hello” with prayer and faithfulness. This year has been marked by the continual reimagining of what church looks like in the midst of pandemic life together. From live broadcast worship in an empty sanctuary (we miss you dearly!), to faith formation on Zoom, virtual auctions and sidewalk chalking with masks, it has been quite the adventure. One of the biggest questions that we have faced this year is how to build and sustain spiritual community in such isolating times? If you are seeking transformative, spiritual community, I commend to you our Covenant Groups. This year we launched adult, family & young adult small groups which meet intentionally and go through a specific curriculum together. These groups commit to each other for a specific season. Covenant Groups share life together and they find
Our first year in shared ministry together was
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beautiful opportunity for spiritual growth. These kinds of covenantal groups can truly mark us for a lifetime. This winter we will be expanding our Covenant Group opportunities. If you are interested in learning more about how to try out or join a Covenant Group you can email Liz Smith (our Welcome & Care Coordinator) who has been instrumental in making these groups such a success. Lastly, I am again so grateful to our Plymouth staff. It has indeed been a covenantal community for my own growth and spiritual sustenance. It is a joy to work with this faithful team who is committed to our thriving community with such creativity in these challenging seasons. What we have done in our ministry together this year:
*Postponed OWL High School Retreat, Simply Smiles Trip and National Youth Event *Senior PYG Parade *Socially Distanced Picnics *Socially Distanced Water Games at South Park *Murder Mystery Night on Zoom, Mafia Nights on Zoom *Youth Group & Confirmation on Zoom *Chalking Driveways Romans 5 “We know that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”
*The Lawrence Winter Shelter *Medical Debt Relief *Carbon Offsets/Lenten Eco Working Group *Racial Justice Letter, All Church Book Reads, Movie Screenings and Discussions, White Privilege Course *O&A Pronoun Workshop, Pride Sunday *Virtual Auction Fundraiser for our Mission Partners *Deeper Welcome Worship Series *United Church of Christ grants supporting Haskell University Students and Centro Hispano who are impacted by COVID 19 (through Plymouth’s Immigrant and Refugee Alliance) Faith formation and Plymouth Youth Group: *Online Women’s Retreat facilitated by Cindy Novelo *Covenant Group Launch (Adults, Families and Young Adults) *PYG Super Bowl Party *Valentine Delivery *”The Hate U Give” Movie Night *Night Hike to Clinton Lake in early March
2020 Annual Report
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MODERATOR’S REPORT Plymouth’s 2020 Moderator, Elinor Schroeder
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less our God, O peoples. Let the sound of God’s praise be heard, who kept us among the living and has not let our feet slip. For you, O God, have tested us. You have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net. You laid burdens on our heads. We went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a spacious place. - Psalm 66: 8-12. Plymouth Church was mightily tested during 2020. From the Special Council meeting in February to approve an Emergency Winter Shelter in our building, to the decision in mid-March to switch to broadcast-only services, to the cancellation or modification of many beloved aspects of Plymouth life, such as the youth service trip to the Cheyenne River Reservation, the Garage Sale, the All-Church Picnic, and the Thanksgiving dinner, we endured major disruptions in the life of the church. And all of this took place during the first full year of the ministry of our two new pastors, Valerie MillerColeman and Caroline Lawson Dean. How God has “tested us” and “laid burdens on our heads.” Yet Plymouth has endured. You have shown love and mercy toward the less fortunate among us in your embrace of the Winter Shelter – especially in the way so many of you volunteered your time on those cold winter nights. Thank you to everyone who made this ministry a success. The changes in Plymouth’s operations required by the pandemic have been difficult, but the staff has worked tirelessly to bring us the best possible worship experiences. We all long for the time when we can be back together in the sanctuary again. In the meantime, we all appreciate the efforts of Valerie, Caroline, Kim Manz, the many musicians, and the behind-the-camera people who put together the on-line services and make them so meaningful. Please read this Annual Report for a more indepth view of the life of Plymouth Church during 2020. In spite of the Covid shut down, the Boards and Committees continued to meet virtually and to come up with creative ways to carry on their work. Our pastors have new initiatives that are reflected in these pages as well. While it is difficult to
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gauge “attendance” on-line, the number of hits on our YouTube services has been encouragingly high. It has been my privilege to serve as part of the Moderator Team during 2020 and to work closely with them and the church staff, as well as with the various church Boards and Committees. Thank you for that opportunity. I look forward to 2021, when I pray things will be better, we will be able to gather together again, and when, in the words of the psalmist, “God has brought us out to a spacious place.”
AGENDA 166th Annual Congregational Meeting February 7, 2021 Call to Order Invocation
Elinor Schroeder, Moderator Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman, Senior Pastor
Approval of Minutes of the February 2, 2020 Annual Meeting (p.80)
Elinor Schroeder
Recognition of Boards, Officers & Committees
Elinor Schroeder
Presentation & Approval, 2020 Financial Report
Doni Mooberry Slough, Treasurer
Approval of 2021 Budget
Stephen Carttar, Stewardship Board Chair
Nominating Committee Report & Election of Officers
Elinor Schroeder, Chair
Open Forum Presentation of the 2021 Moderator Response Adjournment Benediction 2020 Annual Report
Elinor Schroeder Derrick Hurst, 2021 Moderator Derrick Hurst Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman 9
J A N U A R Y
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PURPOSEFUL MONEY MANAGEMENT CLASS WED., JANUARY 15
Plymouth’s Financial Team led by Treasurer Doni Mooberry Slough began this five-week Wednesday night course that aimed to help members and friends of our community obtain a stronger grasp on their finances and learn how to work toward living free of stress, debt, and worry.
Plymouth Congregational Church
3rd ANNUAL WOMEN’S MARCH In 2017, approximately 60 Plymouth women and men went to Washington DC for the first Women’s March. Many others participated in local sister marches. On the 3rd anniversary of that March, on Saturday, January 18, gatherings again were held across the country. Plymouth members and friends took part by gathering at South Park to express our support for human rights and the power of diverse women working together for transformational social change that supports all people.
SAT., JANUARY 18
“JUST MERCY” BOOK DISCUSSION & FILM SCREENING SUN., JANUARY 19 MON., JANUARY 20 In December 2019, Plymouth’s Racial Justice Team began a series of community book reads on the topics of racial and social justice. On Sunday, January 19, 2020 the discussion of the first book selection “Just Mercy” took place between the morning’s services. On Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 20, 2020 Plymouth members and friends gathered at Southwind 12 Theaters in Lawrence, Kansas to watch the film based on the book.
2020 Annual Report
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REV. TRACI BLACKMON AT PLYMOUTH SUN., JANUARY 26
Plymouth was excited to welcome the Rev. Traci Blackmon who preached during both of the morning’s services.
Rev. Blackmon’s life-calling is to serve God and the church in ways that encourage us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in fellowship with all believers. She is grateful to live out this calling as Acting Executive Minister of Justice and Witness Ministries for The United Church of Christ and as Pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ in Florissant, MO. Rev. Blackmon co-authored the White Privilege curriculum for the United Church of Christ. She is a featured voice with many regional, national, and international media outlets and a frequent contributor to print publications, Rev. Blackmon's communal leadership and work in the aftermath of the killing of Michael Brown, Jr., in Ferguson, MO has gained her both national and international recognition and audiences from the White House to the Carter Center to the Vatican. Later in the afternoon of January 26, Rev. Blackmon led a workshop and discussion on the history of racism in the United States and our continued struggle to battle against it from a faith based perspective.
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165TH ANNUAL MEETING OF PLYMOUTH SUN., FEBRUARY 2
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As it does every first Sunday of February, Plymouth gathered as a full congregation for its Annual Congregational meeting. The morning started with a combined service at 9:30 a.m. followed immediately Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman and Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean presiding over their first Annual Meeting as Plymouth’s clergy leadership. Following the meeting, the congregation gathered in the Mayflower Room for a “Souper Sunday” soup lunch.
2020 Annual Report
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PLYMOUTH YOUTH GROUP SUPER BOWL PARTY SUN., FEBRUARY 2
Rev. Caroline kicked off the 2020 Youth programming with a Super Bowl party hosted at her house and the Kansas City Chiefs took on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 54.
“JESUS & THE DISINHERITED” BOOK DISCUSSION SUN., FEBRUARY 9 Plymouth’s Racial Justice Ministries Team continued its winter book community book reads series with a discussion on Howard Thurman’s “Jesus and the Disinherited” between the morning’s services.
VALENTINE OUTREACH SUN., FEBRUARY 9 The Plymouth Christian Education Board, Sunday school students, and congregation made personalized Valentines for our members and friends in retirement communities as well as those who have been ill or recently lost a loved one. Plymouth Youth Group delivered the Valentines to retirement communities. It is a wonderful way for the kids to meet people they may not see at church and to show they care.
Plymouth Congregational Church
EMERGENCY WINTER SHELTER AT PLYMOUTH TUES., FEBRUARY 11
The Plymouth Church Council met for a special meeting on Tuesday evening, February 11, 2020. Past Moderator Terry Schmidt moved and Moderator Elect Derrick Hurst seconded the following motion: Plymouth Congregational Church agreed to make space available for shelter for 15 or fewer individuals experiencing homelessness to spend the night when the temperature was expected to be freezing or below or heavy snow was expected. Plymouth offered this shelter through the early Spring of 2020. After a lengthy question and answer period and discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Plymouth worked with the Lawrence Winter Shelter throughout this process. This service was overseen by the Lawrence Winter Shelter working with volunteers from Plymouth and the Lawrence community.
GOURMET BEER PAIRING DINNER The Plymouth Music and Fine Arts Board hosted this Gourmet Dinner event. Plymouth members and friends were treated to an evening of culinary delight by Plymouth’s own five-star chef, member Tanya Sieber. This dinner featured special beer parings crafted by Plymouth members John Pepin and Andy Booth.
2020 Annual Report
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HEAD START SUNDAY SUN., FEBRUARY 16 During the mornings services, Plymouth recognized and celebrated our 50 year partnership with Head Start, our preschool housed in our South Church. Plymouth member and Head Start Board Member, Mary Baskett, talked about the importance of this partnership and the impact it makes in the lives of preschool students.
DINNER THEATER AT MACELI’S FRI., FEBRUARY 21 Plymouth’s Music and Fine Arts Board’s Plymouth Players held this special one night event at Maceli’s Banquet Hall. It was an evening of the music of Irving Berlin, fine food, and good times at Plymouth’s first ever off-site Dinner Theater event.
“THE HATE U GIVE” FILM SCREENING SUN., FEBRUARY 23 This collaborative event hosted by the Plymouth Racial Justice Ministry Team and the Plymouth Youth Groups was a continuation of the Plymouth’s winter community book reads on racial and social justice. Plymouth members and friends were invited to read “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas during the month of February. On this evening, a special screening of the 2017 film based on the book was shown in Plymouth’s Mayflower Room.
Plymouth Congregational Church
ASH WEDNESDAY WED., FEBRUARY 26
Plymouth kicked off the 2020 Lenten season with Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman and Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean’s first Ash Wednesday service. This was also the first night of Plymouth’s Lenten dinners, which was set to be a part of Plymouth Academy.
OUR WHOLE LIVES FACILITATOR TRAINING SAT., FEB. 28- SUN., MARCH 1 On this weekend Plymouth had the honor of hosting over 70 guests from around the country who came to Plymouth to train and learn to become facilitators for the Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education curriculum. Plymouth's Christian Education Director and Plymouth member and OWL facilitator Judith Galas organized and made this event a reality for Plymouth.
2020 Annual Report
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M A R C H “THE HATE U GIVE” BOOK DISCUSSION SUN., MARCH 1
Plymouth members and friends were invited to read “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas during the month of February. On Sunday, March 1, Racial Justice Ministry Team leaders led a discussion of the book between the morning’s services.
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YOUTH GROUP HIKE AT CLINTON LAKE SUN., MARCH 1
This Plymouth Youth Group hike around Clinton Lake was our last in person meeting of Youth Group before the pandemic. Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean began hosting PYG twice a week via Zoom through the rest of the spring of 2020.
PLYMOUTH MISSION BOARD’S ECO LENT
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Plymouth offered 5 classes during the Spring WED., MARCH 4 Plymouth Academy: Writing Your Legacy Will, Bible Study, Art and More, White Privilege Let’s Talk- section 1, and Welcoming the Stranger as a part of Plymouth’s Immigrant and Refugee Alliance (PIRA) . One evening of classes met before the pandemic, but during this first night of classes PIRA hosted a screening of the documentary about the detaining of immigrant children at the U.S. border “Witness at Tornillo.” As a part of this screening, the filmmakers were also at Plymouth for a special question and answer session.
2020 Annual Report
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PLYMOUTH MISSION BOARD’S ECO LENT SUN., MARCH 8
As a part of our Eco Lent initiative spearheaded by Plymouth's Mission and Service Board, Plymouth member Tim O’Brien erected a beautiful tree in our Narthex. All during Lent, Plymouth challenged its congregation to be good stewards of the earth by adopting green practices, whether that was not using plastic bags, not drinking from single use bottles, etc. The congregation could earn "green leaves" (seed packets) that they could then hang on the branches of our Narthex tree. Unknown to any of us at the time, this would be the last Sunday we would gather together in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so not many packets made it onto the tree. The Mission Board, though, continued to challenge the congregation to adopt green practices with a series of tips and information sent out in our weekly email newsletter throughout the rest of the Lenten season.
PLYMOUTH PRAYER TEAM FORMS MON., MARCH 9 This new Prayer Team formed at Plymouth Church for those who already know the impact of prayer and those who would like to grow deeper in their faith. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. This first meeting took place in the Althaus Chapel. After the pandemic, the Prayer Team continued and continues to gather via Zoom every month.
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PLYMOUTH BEGINS BROADCAST ONLY SERVICES SUN., MARCH 15 The Plymouth Church staff prepared for Sunday, March 15, like any other. Bulletins were printed, two inperson services planned. On Friday, March 13, everything changed when the Douglas County Health Department ordered the closure of schools and banned large gatherings. Plymouth has broadcast its service on the radio at KLWN 1320 AM for decades and on YouTube for over a year. This prep work was critical as Plymouth switched to broadcast only worship for the remainder of 2020 with steadily increasing viewer and listenership throughout the year. Following the morning’s service, Rev. Dr. Valerie MillerColeman brought together members of Plymouth who work in the medical and health services industry in Lawrence, to develop a plan of action for keeping the Plymouth community healthy and safe during the pandemic.
2020 Annual Report
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REV. DR. MILLER-COLEMAN’S LETTER TO PLYMOUTH CONCERNING COVID-19 MON., MARCH 16 This letter was sent out to the congregation of Plymouth via its weekly emails and posted on the front page of plymouthlawrence.com.
Dear Plymouth Church, Grace and peace to you. I’m writing from a corner of our family room where for the last seven minutes no one has bothered to look for me. We launched our very first day of homeschool this morning. We’re calling it L’Academie Miller-Coleman. So far, I’m doing great with the preschool and kindergarten scholars. Ben’s putting our fourth-grade class through her paces on fractions and grammar at the dining room table, while simultaneously monitoring his work email. We’re actively recruiting teachers from the displaced college students on our speed dial. Pray for us. We need it. I am praying for you: praying gratitude for the gifted leaders who’ve already risen to the emerging challenge of a novel and highly contagious virus; praying for fortitude and strength for all who provide care to vulnerable loved ones; praying courage for all our beloved saints whose immune systems are compromised at this time. May the steadfast love of God be a fortress, a bulwark, and a shield. I am praying for all of us: for the Spirit’s guidance as we experiment with technologies and organizing strategies to weave a durable social fabric in this fraying time; for the serenity to accept what we cannot change and the ambition to tackle what we can; for rest and peace to sustain us in an unexpected season of Sabbath. May God’s grace surround us. May the Spirit of truth be our light. May the Body of Christ be wholly manifested among us.
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In my experience, the sacred and the mundane are close companions. As we pray and discern together how God is calling us forward in faith, some housekeeping items need our attention right now. First, worship logistics. We managed the turn to broadcast-only worship this Sunday with relative alacrity. I’m proud of our worship team and particularly proud of our Communications Director, Jeremy Winfrey, who put in heroic hours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to get the word out about our rapidly changing plan, organized an entirely new worship bulletin, and managed to deliver a high-quality experience of worship to hundreds of participants. We plan to continue broadcast-only worship until the Douglas County Health Department gives us the clear to resume meeting in person. My guess is we’re going to master the form. Second, programs. We’ve suspended all in-person programming at Plymouth until we are cleared to resume by our public health officials. At this time, the greatest service we can offer our community is keeping the building as empty as possible. If we don’t offer it, you won’t come. That’s the goal right now. Social isolation is our best chance to limit the spread of COVID19. Please don’t take it personally. Third, staff. I’ve asked all staff who can reasonably shift to remote work to do so. Again, social isolation is key. You may not notice a difference unless you stop by the church building to see someone. He or she very likely took a laptop home. For now, email is the very best way to reach the staff. Face to face meetings can be scheduled that way or by phone. There’s a lot more we need to figure out. I don’t have all the answers. I do have faith that God is with us and that we have all the creativity and commitment we need to find good solutions. We’ll need to talk about things like how our Boards will meet, how we’ll support not only our vulnerable members and their caregivers but also our neighbors in need and families with children at home.
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I don’t have all the answers. Right now, it seems like finding the right questions to ask is almost more important than settling on the right answers. In that spirit, you’ll find a survey by clicking the red button below this message with a series of questions we’re asking everyone to answer. It’s focused on my most immediate concern: congregational care. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey. It gives me great hope to remember Plymouth’s long history of tenacity and resilience. We’ve come this far by faith. I believe the God who set us on this course will see us through, refining us and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit among us. May God be with you till we meet again.
Valerie Miller-Coleman Senior Pastor, Plymouth Church
2020 Annual Report
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A P R I L WEDNESDAY NIGHT VESPERS DEBUT WED., APRIL 1 During the Lenten season of 2020 Plymouth began a Wednesday night broadcast of a Vespers service originally airing at 7 p.m. This midweek meditation broadcast on Plymouth’s YouTube channel. It features special music and a message given by Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman, Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean and guest preachers. Vespers moved to its current timeslot of 6:30 p.m. in the fall of 2020.
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PLYMOUTH MASK MINISTRY SAT., APRIL 4 Plymouth’s Mask Ministry came about in response to local health recommendations to wear masks in public for the safety and benefit of all in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. This ministry led by Katherine Claflin, Jane Bireta and Linda Carr in coordination with Plymouth’s Welcome and Care Coordinator, Liz Smith, recruited dozens of mask makers who donated fabric and supplies and sewed hundreds of masks. These masks were distributed to members in our Plymouth community in need and well beyond to our local mission partners and organizations in Lawrence and Douglas County, Kansas. In addition to the masks, this ministry shared videos on proper mask wearing and cleaning, as well as valuable sources and information on COVID-19 and safety protocols that continued the rest of 2020 and into 2021.
PALM SUNDAY & MEDICAL DEBT RELIEF
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SUN., APRIL 5 Holy Week began at Plymouth with a broadcast service during which we invited viewers to partake in Communion from their homes for the first time. Leading into the Palm Sunday service, Plymouth’s Christian Education sent out craft instructions inviting Plymouth children and their families to make their own palm leaves at home for the celebration. During the morning’s service Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman announced that Plymouth would participate in the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference’s Medical Debt Relief initiative. Throughout April, Plymouth members and friends were invited to contribute money to help people struggling with medical debt during this difficult time. Plymouth joined other UCC churches in successfully raising over $5 million for this initiative with Plymouth directly contributing $6,435 to this cause!
2020 Annual Report
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COUNCIL MEETING ON THE CARES ACT TUES., APRIL 7 Plymouth Moderator, Elinor Schroeder called this special meeting of the Church Council, to discuss whether Plymouth should participate in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which, among other things, provides forgivable loans to nonprofits to support their payrolls. See the full statement that the Plymouth Treasurer Team sent out the Council on April 4 below. The Council approved of their request at this meeting.
Dear Council Members, Your finance team recommends that Plymouth pursue at its earliest convenience a loan through the CARES Act, Paycheck Protection Program provision of up to $93,000. The loan is subject to significant forgiveness. Our reasoning follows. The finance team has been working diligently during the past several weeks to make sure that we are able to provide you with the best information and recommendations for keeping Plymouth Church financially sound during the COVID-19 pandemic. As many of you are probably already aware, the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) was signed into law on 27 March 2020. This act is a $2.2 trillion dollar stimulus package aimed at providing comprehensive relief to individuals and businesses during this difficult time. One provision of the Act that is designed for small businesses, non-profits, and churches, is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This program extends an SBA 7(a) forgivable loan to these organizations to help support ongoing operations (payroll, rent expense, and utilities, primarily) resulting from a decrease in operations and a predicted decrease in cash flows. The finance team has reviewed draft March financial reports, and we are comfortable with our current position. However, given the changes in the jobs, businesses, and financial situation of our parishioners, it is not realistic to assume that our income will meet the level budgeted in our 2020 MSP. We are expecting a decrease in pledge receipts, contributions, and building use income at a minimum. In order to help assure that Plymouth can meet its payroll and other operating expenses, we feel it would be
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prudent and proper for Plymouth to apply for the PPP given this extremely likely scenario. The PPP was designed as a stimulus. The government wants to ensure that money gets into the hands of employees so that it can be put directly into the economy through consumer purchasing. There are also other loans under the program that provide for businesses that have been devastated by Covid19 (the hospitality/restaurant industry, travel industry, etc.). The PPP is intended to help businesses continue to support staff. While Plymouth has adequate income to support staff through the first quarter and the first payroll of second quarter, a dramatic decrease in income would not be surprising, and the PPP would allow us to continue to pay staff should this likely event occur. If for some reason Plymouth did not see a decrease in income (unlikely in the opinion of the finance team, but we would welcome it) this would not change our ability to utilize the funds as intended and apply for loan forgiveness. It would simply put us in the incredible position of working to ensure that the ‘grant’ dollars were used in the spirit of the Act – to help others maintain economic stability and purchasing power. The amount the Church is eligible to borrow is 250% of its average monthly salary over the past five months. For Plymouth, this would mean a loan of between $85,000 and $93,000. The finance team has started working with Intrust Bank, with whom we have an established relationship, to complete the application for the loan. We are pulling together the supporting documents necessary should the Council decide to accept the finance committee’s recommendation that this action is appropriate and prudent for Plymouth Church at this time. Time is of the essence in this situation. The funds offered through this program are limited, and the banks are swamped. It is important to secure our place ‘in line’ if we wish to be considered for these funds. The SBA is absorbing the usual loan closing costs.
A P R I L
Should we decide to pursue the loan, the monies are to be used for payroll costs and utilities. Payroll costs are inclusive of retirement benefits, health insurance, and vacation/sick leave. There is the potential for the loan principal and any interest to be forgiven up to the amount spent on payroll costs and utilities during the 8 weeks following the issuance of the loan. Any monies not used for payroll and utilities during the 8 week period will not be eligible to be forgiven but will need to be paid back over a period of two years at an interest rate of 1.00%. In order to qualify for full loan forgiveness, Plymouth must maintain its current employee fulltime equivalent employee headcount and not reduce salaries and wages by more than 25% for any employee. If these qualifications are not met, there will be a reduction in the amount of the loan eligible for forgiveness. Doni Mooberry Slough, Treasurer Rich Bireta, Deputy Treasurer Stephen Carttar, Stewardship Board Chair
2020 Annual Report
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MAUNDY THURSDAY THURS., APRIL 9 Each year, Plymouth’s Maundy Thursday service is one of the most moving services of the church’s worship service calendar. In 2020, Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman and Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean was broadcast live on YouTube with Barbara Ballard providing her vocal talents on the evening.
PLYMOUTH GROCERY COOP FRI., APRIL 10
In the face of the pandemic, a lot of elderly or at-risk members of our community were confined to their homes by necessity. As a result many of them could not get needed groceries or supplies. The Grocery Coop was established to recruit grocery shoppers and deliverers and pair them with members and friends who needed the service. In this challenging time, this was a way that all Plymouth congregants, be they sick or healthy, vulnerable or less vulnerable, to express solidarity through this initiative of helping each other.
EASTER SUNDAY AT PLYMOUTH SUN., APRIL 12
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A P R I L “THE CROSS AND THE LYNCHING TREE” SUN., APRIL 19 Plymouth’s Racial Justice Ministries Team, Christian Education Board, and Mission and Service Board wrapped up their Winter Community Book Reads with a discussion on James Cone’s “The Cross and the Lynching Tree.” This book discussion was scheduled before the pandemic and switched to gathering on Zoom for one of Plymouth’s first big online events that would eventually become the norm by the end of 2020.
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CHILDREN’S SELF CARE/EMOTIONAL HEALTH SUN., APRIL 19 Paula Pepin led a children’s self care education series with videos and materials distributed to Plymouth families to help with emotional care. Paula also did several children’s messages during the 9:30 a.m. service to enrich the video series.
REV. DR. MILLER-COLEMAN’S STATEMENT ON COVID-19 AND WORSHIP IN 2020 MON., APRIL 20 This letter was sent out to the congregation of Plymouth via its weekly emails and posted on the front page of plymouthlawrence.com where it remains to date.
Dear Plymouth Church, Sometimes we can see a long ways down the road before us; other times we’re doing pretty well just to manage the curve that’s right in front of us. The first half of this year felt a bit like one of those curvy mountain roads that keep you focused on staying safe and navigating the turn at hand. Back in May, I let you know how I feel about staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe we stay safe by following the instructions of our public health officials. Scientists, doctors, epidemiologists, nurses and social workers are better equipped to help us navigate a pandemic than anyone else. I told you we would follow their lead when it comes to planning for worship and other gatherings.
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Kansas and Douglas County have seen a sharp spike in the numbers of cases of COVID-19. The spread of the virus correlates with large gatherings. The more we get together, the more the virus spreads. We hope the numbers will decline as more of us comply with recommendations to wear masks, physically distance, and wash our hands. We also know it’s reasonable to expect a resurgence of the virus this fall and winter. Large gatherings will continue to be a danger to public health. There’s not much we can control or know for certain about the months ahead. We know it will be difficult. We know many people will become ill. Some people we love will die. All of that is true. So is this: we can choose how we respond. We can choose to make safe decisions. We can choose not to contribute to the virus’ spread. We may be tired of this pandemic, but the virus doesn’t care. It will simply spread as far as we permit. I am resolved that Plymouth Church will be a leader in modeling safe choices. It’s one way we can unite for the service of all. We will model safe choices by providing a broadcast-only worship service at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday morning through the end of 2020. Christmas Eve worship will be broadcast-only this year as well. This decision was made in consultation with the executive leadership of our church council (Moderator, Moderator-elect, past-Moderator, Treasurer, Clerk, and Associate Pastor), the Board of Deacons, who are responsible for supporting the spiritual well-being and worship life of the church, and with our Health and Safety Advisory Team, which includes healthcare professionals, key staff, and our Moderator team. It wasn’t made lightly and I know it won’t make everyone happy. That’s probably not a realistic goal in a time like this. I hope that it will keep us safe, however, and that it will ensure we are doing our part to keep our vulnerable neighbors as safe as possible.
A P R I L
I believe we will look back at this time and see that it tested our character in ways we could not have anticipated. We will be refined by this adversity and by what it demands of us. I am proud of how Plymouth Church has embraced the sacrifices made necessary by this deadly pandemic. We have sought to love our neighbors as ourselves and held steadfast to uphold the common good. Thus far we have come by faith, trusting in the power of love to overcome death and all that deals it. That trust is well-placed. Please let me know if you have questions about the plan for worship or any other part of our shared life. In peace,
Valerie Miller-Coleman Senior Pastor, Plymouth Church
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WOMEN’S RETREAT FRI. & SAT., APRIL 24 & 25
Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean and Cindy Novelo planned this Women’s Retreat well before the pandemic. The retreat was originally planned to take place at the Sophia Spirituality Center in Atchison, Kansas. The event was modified for safety and held digitally and was well attended.
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FAMILY PROMISE 5K HOMERUN MAY 2020 Led by Brandy Ernzen, Plymouth members and friends supported our mission partner, Family Promise, by participating in their digital 5K fundraiser. This “Home Run” fundraiser helped raise money for Family Promise expenses and programming throughout the year.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE PARADE
M A Y
SUN., MAY 17 Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean and the Plymouth Youth Group members divided into groups to surprise Plymouth seniors. They brought them gifts and a yard sign. The graduates were then invited to join the parade to the next senior’s home. This was a wonderful way to provide outreach and recognition during the pandemic.
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FELLOWSHIP CIRCLES SUN., MAY 17 As the pandemic kept our community from coming together on Sunday mornings, Plymouth’s Fellowship Board created Fellowship Circles, a gathering in small groups via Zoom. Plymouth members and friends were invited to grab a mug of coffee or a cup of tea and come say hi in our “digital coffee hour.” Fellowship Circles offered a chance to catch up and chat about the service, the sermon, and anything else that might be on their minds.
COVENANT GROUPS SUN., MAY 31 Building on the value of small groups in forming stronger community and fellowship for members and friends, Plymouth Church was excited to launch Covenant Groups: a new opportunity to gather in small groups, to bond with one another and come to a better understanding of what it means to be Christians in today’s world. These groups of 8-10 began meeting twice a month via Zoom or in a socially distanced spaces. Groups decided on meeting times and what to study together. In addition, Plymouth provided some thoughtful discussionbased materials to choose from.
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M A Y NATIONAL MARCH FOR RACIAL JUSTICE On May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, SUN., MAY 31 George Floyd, a black man, was killed while being detained by the police. His death was filmed by bystanders and the resulting footage set off protests and demands for racial justice in cities across the United States, many of which lasted through the summer and well into the fall of 2020. On Sunday, May 31, Lawrence, Kansas, joined the combined national march for Racial Justice going on in many other cities at the same exact time. Plymouth added itself and its numbers to the thousands who showed up to march peacefully down Massachusetts Street before gathering for prayer and hymns and to hear speakers in South Park. The March began a series of discussions on racial justice in the summer of 2020 at Plymouth, across Lawrence, and across the country.
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J U N E PRIDE SUNDAY SUN., JUNE 14
Plymouth’s first ever Pride Sunday was in honor of Pride month and in celebration of Plymouth’s Open and Affirming community that believes the Word of God is open to all. This service featured special music and a Moment for Mission for our Open and Affirming Committee. This service aims to be a permanent fixture of our June worship series each summer.
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J U N E COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ON RACE THURS., JUNE 18 Plymouth’s Racial Justice Ministries Team hosted this discussion on race that was open to the greater Lawrence community. The event was held online via Zoom.
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FAITH FORMATION ASSISTANT HIRED SUN., JUNE 21 In 2020, Plymouth was very excited to welcome Kara Holcombe as its new Faith Formation Assistant! Kara works with our Plymouth Youth Groups, Sunday School, and Our Whole Lives (OWL) programming. Kara moved to Lawrence 30 years ago and grew in a house that stressed social awareness and justice and has continued down that path with schooling, workshops, and seminars that all focus on those issues. Although her faith journey was never a straight line, she feels deeply that asking questions and continuous evolution is a key to life and has kept her faith secure regardless where she was in life. She has spent time working at various non profits, such as Lawrence Community Shelter and Ecumenical Christian Ministries.
PLYMOUTH’S STATEMENT ON RACIAL JUSTICE As the national discussion on racial justice intensified throughout the summer, Plymouth’s Council, Racial Justice Ministries, and Mission and Service Board released a public statement affirming the struggle and counting itself as an ally in the pursuit of racial justice in Lawrence, Kansas and beyond. This public statement was published in the Lawrence Journal World and remains a permanent fixture on the church’s website at plymouthlawrence.com. Read the full statement below and on the following pages.
TUES., JUNE 23
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lymouth Congregational Church values the counsel and perspective of all our members. In ordinary circumstances this statement would have a formal vote of the congregation but COVID-19 prevents us from safely gathering for faithful discernment. This statement supporting Black Lives is urgent. Consequently, Plymouth’s Church Council, Mission and Service Board, and the Racial Justice Team affirm the following statement and invite Plymouth members to add their names as well. Those who wish to affirm this statement may add their names to our petition (nearly 1,200 people signed their names to Plymouth’s petition). The beauty of Plymouth Church is that there is space and grace for diver-
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sity and we strive to celebrate that reality among us. We affirm “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here” at Plymouth Church. In this spirit, Plymouth’s Church Council, Mission and Service Board and Racial Justice Team publicly write to the Lawrence Community and to other congregations. While all might not agree, we know that all are loved. Mayor Jennifer Ananda is calling Lawrence to wrestle with systemic racism and White supremacy. The Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee will be providing implicit bias training for criminal justice system staff. Lawrence is hiring an Equity Officer. Plymouth has joined community partners to bring together an all-city intergenerational read on race and racism. These are just a few of the new, local efforts now emerging. We applaud all of these efforts.
J U N E
In 1854, Plymouth formed amid the fight to end slavery and has remained a place of progressive Christianity. Plymouth belongs to the United Church of Christ, a denomination historically and vocally committed to justice. Even so, Plymouth -- like so many predominantly White churches -- has fallen far short in naming the sin of systemic racism and acknowledging the many ways the church has been a beneficiary of White privilege. For too long we have been comfortable in our pews while our Black kindred and other communities of color have lived in the grip of systemic racism. Today, we join our voices to proclaim "Black Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter to God, and Black Lives Matter to Us, Plymouth Church." To our White kindred: we have rested too long on tolerance, celebrated our “free state” history, and ignored the ugly parts of White supremacy deeply rooted in Lawrence. We have ignored or conveniently forgotten the economic inequities that continue to plague our city, the roots of which are the power
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structures of systemic racism at the very heart of this nation’s founding. Remember, Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his Letter from the Birmingham Jail to eight White pastors who opposed his protest efforts in Alabama, critical of their complacency and hypocrisy; willing to agree in concept about equality, but unwilling to take action. May God forgive us if that is who we are today. But can we forgive each other or ourselves if we remain silent? We must face these truths and act. We will do the work needed in our predominantly White church to understand our personal stake in the sins of White privilege, White supremacy, and systemic racism. We will strive to be antiracist, collectively and individually. Professor Ibram X. Kendi writes, “There is no in-between ‘not racist’ neutrality.” Between racist and antiracist, we choose antiracist. We commit to unlearning and learning. There are many resources available; we’ve put a short list together for our community. We commit to showing up. Our Black and Indigenous neighbors along with other communities of color have been speaking, calling us to account and to bear witness. We see you and follow your lead. We know we will stumble, and we humbly accept accountability. We commit to creating opportunities to challenge each other and grow. Our Racial Justice Team will be virtually offering the Let’s Talk: White Privilege course; sign up for their email list for notifications on this and other classes. We commit to partnering. Like the city-wide book read planning underway, we know that true change comes from working together. We answered the local NAACP’s call to support establishing a memorial for the three lynching victims in Lawrence. To help, please follow the Lawrence Branch of the NAACP on Facebook or email lawrenceksnaacp@gmail.com. What’s next? We are listening and commit to work with others to uproot and dismantle the long-standing systems of oppression. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” May we know this hunger, feel this thirst, and be filled as justice rises up and rolls down, healing us all from the sins of racism and white supremacy. Sincerely,
Plymouth Church Council Plymouth Mission & Service Board Plymouth Racial Justice Team
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GENDER AND PRONOUNS WORKSHOP SUN., JUNE 28 Representatives from the Plymouth Open and Affirming Committee invited Plymouth members and friend to a discussion on Genders and Pronouns following the morning’s service. Elise Higgins discussed the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity and how to engage respectfully with the transgender and genderqueer folks who make up our Plymouth and broader communities.
PLYMOUTH YOUTH SUMMER ACTIVITIES In the summer months as the COVID-19 virus JUNE - JULY appeared to be fading and the warmer weather allowed for people to be outside, Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean hosted a few safe, masked, outdoor events for the Plymouth Youth Groups such as picnics, chalking church elders’ driveways, an ice cream drive thru, and water games night.
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INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT SAT., JULY 4 With the pandemic closing down the July 4th celebrations in Lawrence, Kansas, including the beloved City Band Concert at South Park, Plymouth’s Music and Fine Arts Board put on this special live concert for the city of Lawrence and broadcast on Plymouth’s YouTube channel. Singers Mary and Mukund Marathe, and Genée Figuieras were joined by brass players - under the Direction of Johannah Cox Darrell Cox, Colin Roust, Jeff Underwood, and Dave Swanson, and accompanist Kim Manz to perform an evening of marches, show tunes, musicals, and more in celebration of Independence Day.
CONFIRMATION CLASS BEGINS Plymouth’s Rite of Confirmation class for its incoming 8th and 9th graders in the 2020-21 class began meeting via Zoom and continued to meet through the end of the year and into 2021 in prep for Confirmation Sunday in late April of 2021.
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A DEEPER WELCOME WORSHIP SERIES BEGINS SUN., JULY 12 Rev. Dr. Valerie MillerColeman kicked off this summer worship series with the statement, “All are welcome at Plymouth Church. We’ll spend the next several weeks exploring the roots of our worship life - and the richness of scripture, music, and prayer that lies a bit beyond what feels familiar. We hope to learn about who we are, where we come from, and whom we might yet welcome more deeply in community.” Deeper Welcome service series were as follows: July 12 was European Heritage Sunday; July 19 was Disabled Inclusion Sunday; July 26 was Indigenous Communities Partnership Sunday featuring the music of Oglala Sioux Nation member Ron Brave; August 2 was Latinx Community Partnership Sunday featuring a sermon given by Enrique Peñaloza entirely in Spanish; August 9 was African Heritage Sunday featuring the dancing of Falabo Ajayi-Soyinka; August 30 was Emergent Worship Sunday; September 6 was the conclusion of the series with Mental Health Sunday featuring a moving testimonial by Julia Gaughan.
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BECKY FOSTER RETIRES TUES., JULY 14 “Do you remember what you were doing on April 1, 1990?”, asked Becky Foster, Plymouth’s Financial Clerk at Plymouth's staff meeting on July 14. It turns out some of the staff were in their 20’s and 30’s (Susan, Rex, Barb, and Kim), one was getting ready to graduate from high school (Lori), some were in grade school (Jeremy, Valerie, and Caroline) and one of us was only 2 (Liz)! The question served to give us some perspective because that was the day that Becky began working here at Plymouth Church. For 30 years Becky served as Plymouth’s faithful Financial Clerk. Becky epitomized the generous welcome, kindness and caring of the Plymouth spirit. She has been paying the bills and depositing every pledge payment and gift given to Plymouth for the last 30 years. She has always seen the person or family behind the gifts, blessing them, worrying about them or rejoicing with them. Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman said of Becky, “We are better because she’s been in leadership among us. I am personally deeply grateful for Becky’s wisdom and support over the last year. She knows the heart of this congregation well and has been a guide to me and a friend. Thank you, Becky. May your retirement be full of joy and rest, creative culinary exploits, and rich time with your family. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
GRANT CELEBRATIONS HASKELL/SIMPLY SMILES GROCERY PARTNERSHIP: With the assistance of administrators at Haskell University and our Simply Smiles Team (including the key leadership of Sara Taliaferro), we were awarded a $2,500 grant in the summer with an additional $3,000 coming in the fall of 2020. These generous funds provide healthy food and other necessities to the students who are living on Haskell’s Campus during this season of pandemic.
WED., JULY 15
PLYMOUTH IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE ALLIANCE: With the assistance of Lydia Diebolt, Director of Centro Hispano, your Plymouth Immigrant & Refugee Alliance (PIRA) leadership team we were awarded the full amount of $2,500 grant, which was immediately channeled to Centro Hispano to bolster their ongoing direct services programming. These funds help provide rent relief, food, toiletries, and other necessities to the most vulnerable members of our community. These grants were announced by the United Church of Christ (UCC) in 2020 to support vulnerable populations who have been hit hard by COVID-19.
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VIRTUAL AUCTION With the pandemic shelving Plymouth’s FRI., JULY 17 - SAT., AUG 1 biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual Garage Sale that brings hundreds of people through Plymouth’s doors in late July and early August, Plymouth’s fundraising Committee and Mission and Service Board did a fantastic job of organizing, assembling, and then running Plymouth’s first ever Virtual Auction. Plymouth members donated so many quality items. Shoppers could access a dedicated and beautiful micro-site designed by Norine Spears through Plymouth’s main website where they could see items and place bids on what they wanted. It was not only fun and exciting, it was extremely successful, bringing $7,398.96 in profits.
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ORDINATION OF MICHAEL VOLLBRECHT SUN., AUGUST 2 One of Plymouth's own seminarians, Michael Vollbrecht, was officially ordained into the ministry of the United Church of Christ on Sunday, August 2, via zoom. Under normal circumstances, Plymouth would have celebrated this joyous news with a service for Michael in our Sanctuary. Plymouth was Michael’s home church community and the place where he began his journey into ministry. As it was though, it was a beautiful and intimate digital serive. Since ordination, Rev. Vollbrecht has served as pastor for Peace United Church of Christ in Alma, Kansas.
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WELCOME SUNDAY SUN., AUGUST 16
Welcome Sunday is a service geared toward new folks while also marking the start of Plymouth’s fall programming. Plymouth members and friends invited friends and family to come check out Plymouth for themselves. In 2020, since the service was broadcast only, you didn’t have to physically be in church to check out this service. Nearly 3,000 people tuned into Plymouth’s Welcome Sunday service on Plymouth’s YouTube channel that day.
FOUNDERS’ DAY “We know who we are when we remember from whom we came,” Rev. Dr. Valerie MillerColeman said. “On Founders’ Day, we tell the story of our beginnings as a congregation.” For the occasion, the preacher’s pulpit was moved to the center of the Chancel and the lectern removed as it was on the day the Sanctuary was dedicated. Plymouth History Committee member Marilyn Bradt shared with the congregation that morning the story of how the Sanctuary came to be built and the morning on which it was dedicated.
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VIDEO PRODUCTION ASSISTANT HIRED SUN., AUGUST 30 Plymouth welcomed Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre as its new Video Production Assistant in late August. Lourdes took over the broadcast duties of our Sunday morning services and Wednesday night Vespers services. In addition to these duties to insure worship is beamed live to congregants, Lourdes also worked to make video content for the church that showcased and celebrated our community in a vibrant and exciting way. Lourdes grew up at Plymouth Church where her family have been members since 2009. She became a church member herself as a part of the church's 2013 Confirmation Class.
BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS SUN., AUGUST 30
As Plymouth children headed back to school to start a very uncertain year, Plymouth’s Christian Education Board held a drive-thru Blessing of the Backpacks to pray for good health and a good year at school. During this Blessing of the Backpacks, children and their families were given bags full of Sunday School curriculum that the kids could use as they watched their weekly Sunday School broadcasts on Plymouth’s YouTube channel from the safety of their own homes throughout the year.
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WELCOME, FIRST CON. UCC OF MANHATTAN SUN., SEPTEMBER 6
On this morning, Plymouth was very excited to welcome the congregation of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Manhattan, Kansas, as they joined us in virtual worship by tuning into our service on Plymouth’s YouTube channel.
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VIRTUAL ALL-CHURCH PICNIC SEPT. 13 - SEPT. 27 Each fall, Plymouth’s Fellowship Board invites the congregation to join for an All-Church picnic at Clinton Lake State Park. In 2020, due to the Covid -19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, the Plymouth Fellowship Board invited the community to go out and enjoy a picnic on their own or with their family in honor of Plymouth’s annual picnic at any point between Sundays, September 13 and September 27.
WHITE PRIVILEGE: LET’S TALK For the Fall session of Plymouth Academy, Plymouth’s Christian Education and Mission and Service Boards along with the Racial Justice Ministries Team coordinated to offer just one course, the United Church of Christ’s “White Privilege: Let’s Talk.” It was attended by Plymouth members and friends, members of congregations across the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference of the UCC, as well as members of the general public. Class was held every Wednesday night for seven weeks online via Zoom.
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING SAT., SEPTEMBER 25 Plymouth held a Mental Health First Aid Training via Zoom lead by Bert Nash staff representative and Plymouth Member Julia Gaughan. This training taught Plymouth members and friends to help others during this difficult time. This training was offered in conjunction with Lawrence Interfaith Mental Health Advocates. With the Deeper Welcome Worship Series Mental Health Awareness Sunday on September 6, and support of one of Plymouth’s important mission partners, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Plymouth continued its effort to be there in times of need for others and to remove the stigma attached to mental illness.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS SUN., SEPTEMBER 27 One of Plymouth’s favorite yearly events, the Blessing of the Animals, invites Plymouth children and their families to bring to church with them their beloved furry companions. Using the safety of fresh air, 2020’s blessing was held outside in the church parking lot following the morning’s service.
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ANNUAL APPEAL KICK-OFF Plymouth’s 2021 Annual Appeal kicked SUN., OCTOBER 18 off with a special discussion led by the Plymouth Treasurers Team and Annual Appeal Committee that was broadcast live on Plymouth’s YouTube channel immediately following the morning’s service. Theme of this year’s campaign “Called to Grow” was summed up by Treasurer Doni Mooberry Slough, “Plymouth lives and grows its values of extravagant welcome, radical hospitality, spirituality, and social justice every day of the year. This incredible commitment to God’s work is fueled by you – your energy and your generosity.”
TRUNK OR TREAT SUN., OCTOBER 25 With the goal of providing a safe, fun Halloween activity, Plymouth’s Christian Education Board coordinated a Trunk or Treat event for Plymouth children and youth. It was held in the church’s parking lot. It was very well attended with 45 families signed up.
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ALL SAINTS DAY EVENING SERVICES SUN., NOVEMBER 1
For the first time since the pandemic shutdown on March 13, 2020, Plymouth opened its doors to a limited number of people for two evening services on All Saints Day. It was a safe and socially distanced event. It was a night of quiet reflection and memory for lost loved ones in our community, across the nation, and around the world in 2020.
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CAFÉ MURDER: LIVE BROADCAST The Plymouth Players’ presentation of FRI., NOVEMBER 6 Nathan Hartswick’s “Café Murder” was broadcast live on Plymouth’s YouTube channel. This evening of fun hearted comedy, drama, and singing was also an interactive event as viewers at home were allowed to influence the direction of the story by selecting options and guessing on suspects when prompted by the narrator.
PIE DRIVE THRU In 2020, since we could not gather and give thanks in a large group for the weekend that would have been our Thanksgiving celebration, the Fellowship Board hosted a pie drive-thru. The drive thru was held on Saturday November 21 and Sunday, November 22. People from Plymouth supplied so many great pies of all kinds that Plymouth members, friends, and the greater Lawrence community were invited to come and get a slice and even a whole pie!
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ADVENT AT HOME SAT., NOVEMBER 28 The Deacons Board, with help from the Christian Education Board, provided Advent at Home supplies to deepen worship experience through the Advent season. The Deacons provided candles and an Advent wreath that Plymouth members and friends could light each Sunday in Advent along with a booklet of devotions to read throughout the season. Members were invited to pick up their Advent at Home packages at a special in-person event on November 28, that featured music, luminarias, and warm drinks to usher in the season.
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MAJOR CHORAL WORK SUN., DECEMBER 13 Members of the Chancel Choir and orchestra performed “Magnificat” by Francesco Durante on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Choir members sang in special made masks for singers to keep the event safe. This broadcast only service was live on Plymouth’s YouTube channel.
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CHILDREN’S PAGEANT SUN., DECEMBER 20 Plymouth’s Christian Education Board worked with volunteers and the Music and Fine Arts Board to create a film version of the annual Children’s Christmas Pageant. Amanda Clark directed the pageant and many other volunteers helped. The pageant, children’s choirs, and other parts of the service were filmed at various times during November and December. Plymouth Video Production Assistant Lourdes KalushaAguirre film and edited the project and it debuted on December 20 as the morning’s service on Plymouth’s YouTube channel.
Plymouth Congregational Church
166TH CHRISTMAS EVE AT PLYMOUTH The year 2020 was one of the longest and most difficult in Plymouth’s 166 year history, but it also might have been one its most inspiring. On Christmas Eve, this challenging year was capped by a beautiful and moving service and celebration full of music and light and joy. Plymouth’s Christmas Eve service was broadcast live on its YouTube channel and viewed nearly 6,000 times, our biggest broadcast to date. The evening featured a family service at 4 p.m., a traditional candlelight service at 6 p.m., and closed out with a Christmas music concert, all of which were broadcast live.
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CHRISTIAN CULTIVATING AND GROWING FAITH
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here were two goals that were identified by the CE board for 2020. One was to increase the amount of trained Our Whole Lives (OWL) facilitators at Plymouth and the second was to provide education, emotional and social support to the Plymouth community during the COVID -19 pandemic. Plymouth was able to train 6 new OWL facilitators by hosting a 3 level OWL training at Plymouth in February. By training more facilitators CE hopes to be able to provide OWL’s LGBTQ affirming curriculum to more persons in the Lawrence community. This would be a tangible way to live more into Plymouth’s open and affirming mission. The CE Board also was able to hire a faith Formation assistant to provide programming and administrative support for PYG, OWL and Sunday School. In March with the social limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic produced the second goal of finding new ways to safely provide emotional, educational and social support to adults, children and youth. The CE Board created a combination of on-line and in-person programming with this goal in mind.
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2020 CHRISTIAN ED. BOARD MEMBERS Jackie Lord Laurie Love Emily Sharp Sonia Jordan Angie Storey Dan Storey Ray White Kathy Bowen Kendra Metz Mike Stutz 2020 Annual Report
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DEACONS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD FOR ALL
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he Board began the year by documenting and standardizing our core activities such as Communion and Christmas Eve services, as well as documenting the process for supporting and guiding members in discernment. As part of the process, the Board participated in a communion training in February with Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman and created a notebook of procedures and a yearly Deacons calendar of important events. After participating in a beautiful Ash Wednesday service in which ashes with glitter were used to show support and solidarity with the LGBTQ community, the rest of the Lenten season went to online church. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter were all part of the (then new) virtual church. The Prayer Team, led by Lyle Seger, began meeting regularly in January with meetings twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. With the arrival of the COVID 19 pandemic, the prayer team continued to meet via Zoom, and a few times out doors, socially distanced. The Board is charged with supporting and guiding members seeking ministry discernment. This year, Michael Vollbrecht, a Plymouth Member, received his call from the Kansas Oklahoma Conference of the UCC and celebrated his ordination via Zoom on August 2nd. Michael completed six years of the ministry discernment process as a Plymouth member, while completing his seminary studies and serving as a licensed UCC minister at Peace UCC in Alma, Kansas. For the Advent season, the Board participated in a collaborative event with the Christian Education Board and the Minister of Music and Fine Arts. Advent devotionals were collected and compiled into a book, which was distributed with advent candle wreaths for an “Advent at home” kit. The distribution of these kits occurred on November 28th in front of the North Church entrance. A small, socially distanced choir entertained members as the kits were distributed. Many who attended commented how wonderful it was to attend an in person event and hear live music.
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2020 DEACONS BOARD MEMBERS Dudley Alexander Nancy Myers Perry Alexandere Geraldo Sousa Fred Kandeler Daniel Jones Nicole Martin Folabo Ajayi-Soyinka Josh Smith Marcia Powers Tessica Tallman Gayla Schmitz Larry Rice 2020 Annual Report
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SOWING TOGETHER THE THREADS OF OUR FAMILY
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he Fellowship Board’s mission is to weave the social fabric of Plymouth Church and facilitate the realization of our shared humanity by providing opportunities for our community to connect with one another and celebrate communal milestones. As for all of us, 2020 provided challenges for Fellowship Board, requiring the cancelation or significant alteration of many beloved Plymouth social gatherings, including the AllChurch Picnic, Thanksgiving Dinner, Plymouth’s Birthday Party, and weekly Fellowship Hour. But 2020 also provided us the opportunity to expand our horizons and reach a broader group of the Plymouth community. Fellowship Hour went virtual, taking place on Zoom each Sunday following worship. Sunday Fellowship Circles are provided discussion questions related to each week’s sermon. Member-led discussion groups use this time to reflect more deeply on worship as well as to catch up with friends and “see” one other each week. Plymouth’s Covenant Groups offer another small group fellowship opportunity, meeting twice a month via Zoom to connect with and support one another while growing in faith.
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FELLOWSHIP
The members of each group developed a unique covenant, outlining the way they agreed to gather and learn together. Dedicated layleaders facilitators encouraged each group to think deeply and share thoughts about the material at hand. Most recently, the groups have been discussing a video series from online resource Work of the People. Some groups formed around common interests or characteristics, including two family covenant groups aimed specifically at helping parents cope with pandemic related difficulties, and a young adult covenant group, giving people in their 20s and 30s a space to explore their developing faith. In lieu of an all-Church picnic, the Board encouraged members to have their own picnic and share pictures and stories with the congregation. We put together a booklet of favorite picnic recipes and reserved the Clinton Lake shelter for this fall, when we hope to gather safely again. Due to the impossibility of hosting Thanksgiving Dinner, Fellowship coordinated Plymouth Pie Day. Many generous Plymouth bakers brought and/or delivered pies to other members of our community. Nearly 50 pies—cherry, pumpkin, apple, pecan, and more!—were baked and provided to Thanksgiving celebrants. In December, Fellowship coordinated a Plymouth Christmas Cookie Swap, pairing bakers who swapped tasty
holiday treats. Even if these exchanges involved a wave through the window as bakers left cookies on porches, these interactions were especially meaningful for participants this year. The Fellowship Board recognizes that despite Plymouth’s many efforts to continue to weave the social fabric at Plymouth during quarantine, there will be a strong desire for inperson fellowship as soon as it is safe to do so. Accordingly, Fellowship has begun to plan for the future, starting with a walk at the Baker Wetlands in conjunction with Plymouth’s Green Team and Climate Initiative Team. In order to improve and increase Fellowship opportunities at Plymouth, including long-standing events like Thanksgiving Dinner and the AllChurch Picnic, the Fellowship Board is engaging in strategic planning to establish volunteer networks beyond the Board. If you are interested in assisting with social events at Plymouth, please contact incoming Chair Meredith Johanning at msjohanning@gmail.com or Welcome & Care Coordinator Liz Smith at membership@plymouthlawrence.com. Fellowship would like to extend a special thank-you to Liz Smith, Plymouth’s Welcome & Care Coordinator who does so much to create stronger social connections and supports within our Plymouth Community.
Plymouth Congregational Church
2020 FELLOWSHIP BOARD MEMBERS Julie Nagel Kate Marples Simpson Judy Burch Mary Jane Kennedy Judy Springer Kim Brooke Brian Wolfe Meredith Johanning Jane Bireta Sarah Whitten
2020 Annual Report
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THE LIVING CHURCH
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he Membership Board worships God and serves all by helping members, old and new, to find their place within the Plymouth community. We focus both outward, seeking to grow Plymouth through radical hospitality, and inward, fostering a sense of community and facilitating care. This past year we welcomed twenty-seven new members into the church. Most of them joined the church after worship moved online—several even joined without ever having set foot in Plymouth! Each new member was matched with a mentor from the Membership Board to answer their questions and help them get acquainted with the church. We also transitioned our once-a-month introductory gathering, Discover Plymouth, to Zoom; this has been a helpful, low-pressure way to meet the pastors and ask questions about the church. This monthly meeting represents a step toward creating clear pathways for people to learn about and become a part of the Plymouth congregation. This year, the Membership Board also worked toward developing a more sustainable and comprehensive system of congregational care for Plymouth members. A task force called Plymouth Health and Home formed at the beginning of the year with the idea of visiting members in their homes. Covid delayed this plan but at the same time, crystallized our need for a developed network of caring between members. At the beginning of the shutdown, over 90 people responded to a survey about their willingness to help others: sew masks, deliver groceries, pray for others, make phone calls. The Plymouth Mask Ministry, sponsored by the Board and lead by a core group of motivated lay leaders, made and distributed over
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MEMBERSHIP
1000 masks to the Plymouth community! Individuals were welcome to sign up for masks; we also donated large batches to Head Start, several retirement communities, Family Promise, Centro Hispano, and other local organizations. Call Connection is another care ministry to emerge from this crisis: every week or so, two dozen individuals from the congregation call an assigned person or two to chat and catch up. In a time of increased isolation made necessary by the virus, this ministry combats loneliness and helps us keep track of congregational prayer needs. One of most significant accomplishments of the Board, the culmination of over a year’s work, was our role in helping Plymouth select and transition to a new membership database. The switch to Breeze occurred just in time: the council approved in January and we transferred the data in February, all before the shutdown in March. Because Breeze is online, unlike the prior database, staff members were able to work remotely until safe procedures to re-enter the building could be established. Our Board has also trained lay leaders to use the database as a communication tool. The photos that were taken in the fall of 2019 are used in this online directory and are helpful putting names and faces together. This has been useful in building our sense of community. Finally, we have continued our commitment to radical hospitality and inclusivity, brainstorming ideas for making the website more acceptable and supporting the addition of gender pronouns to our nametags so that we may be correctly known to one another. Although we have learned many things this year and lost many people we love, we look forward to a new year of hope.
Plymouth Congregational Church
2020 MEMBERSHIP BOARD MEMBERS Ann Woodbury Greg Nelson Lee Anne Thompson Erik Scott Keeli Nelson Jon Price Sarah Reedy Marilynn Fullerton Beth Priddy Lei-Lei Mitchell
2020 Annual Report
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BOARD
FAITH THROUGH WORKS
degrees) averaging 13 guests a night. 44 volunteers and Plymouth staff helped make this possible.
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In 2020, through the efforts of Dan Reuman, John Cougher and the rest of the Climate Initiative Committee, Plymouth was carbon neutral. We offset 80 tones of carbon dioxide by supporting a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects. This effort helps to combat climate change and sustain our environment for future generations. The Plymouth Climate working group also set up a beautiful Lenten season to help our community engage in Climate Activism (this in person effort was stalled due to the pandemic but can be revamped for future in person programming).
he Mission and Service Board will unite for the worship of God and the service of all by initiating, enabling, and coordinating the mission and service priorities of Plymouth Church in partnership with the United Church of Christ. We will organize liaisons and determine financial commitments for our mission partners, while supporting the education of the congregation and wider community about each mission partner, telling the story of their transformative impact in our community. We will cultivate social and climate justice education, activism and public witness through interfaith partnerships and Plymouth working groups. We will initiate partnerships which respond to local needs in the Lawrence community. This was a challenging year, but Plymouth and the Mission and Service Board, along with its working groups and partners, stepped into new roles to meet the needs of our wider community. The year started with an urgent call to provide a safe, warm, peaceful space for those without housing, to stay overnight during winter months. Plymouth stepped up and, working with the Lawrence Winter Shelter and Victory Bible Church, started hosting guests in February and continued until March 13. We provided shelter for 13 cold nights (below 32
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& SERVICE
MISSION
Plymouth joined the K-O Conference’s Medical Debt Relief Campaign in March. The campaign raised $40,000. This was used to purchase and forgive $5.2 million of medical debt impacting 3,234 households, with $6,435 raised at Plymouth. Plymouth’s Racial Justice Team started the year with a group reading and viewing of “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. We continued with further study of Howard Thurman’s “Jesus and the Disinherited,” Angie Stone’s “The Hate U Give,” and James Cones’ “The Cross and the Lynching Tree.” We also welcomed the Rev. Traci Blackmon, the Associate General Minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries in the United Church of Christ as a guest preacher
and workshop facilitator in January of 2020. After George Floyd's murder, we led conversations about racial justice within the congregation over zoom in June and helped prepare and circulate a public Statement on Racial Justice and joined in local protests in support of Black Lives Matter. This fall, we conducted our first virtual “Let's Talk White Privilege” class and connected with the larger Church through the KansasOklahoma Annual Meeting programming that focused on racial justice. We opened this course to the wider Lawrence community & the KO Conference to extend our reach. The Plymouth Immigration and Refugee Alliance’s primary long-term mission has been to provide support to Centro Hispano in their mission to care for the needs of our local Hispanic community, who are often unseen and uncounted in other aid efforts. Eighty-five families are served annually through this organization. Needs have only risen during the pandemic, with a substantial increase in requests for emergency funds and services. PIRA was able to support this special need with a $2,500 grant from the National UCC that allowed Centro Hispano to alleviate some of these immediate needs. Education plans for a Lenten series "Welcoming the Stranger" were put on hold by stay-at-home orders after the first class, a special screening of "Witness at Tornillo" with special comments by the producer.
Plymouth Congregational Church
The new Open and Affirming committee focused on increasing visibility in the Lawrence community through the addition of Safe Space symbols and inclusivity banners on our website and the physical building. The committee offered webinars and videos on LGBTQ+ terminology and the importance of personal pronouns. The Open and Affirming team also helped us plan our first official Pride Sunday in June. In addition to these working groups, Mission and Service Board liaises with, and provides financial support to, our mission partners: The Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen “LINK,” Ecumenical Campus Ministries, Head Start, Family Promise, the Plymouth Language Program, Justice Matters, and Our Church’s Wider Mission. For Fall 2020, the Plymouth Language Program (PLP) successfully moved to an online format. The program had over 100 student registrations, 10 PLP teachers, 30+ conversation partner volunteers, and a new volunteer team of curriculum developers. During the early days of the pandemic Head Start staff identified families with high-needs and Plymouth volunteers provided them with groceries. Summer programs were offered to prepare older students for kindergarten with multiple safety precautions in place, including childsized masks provided by the Plymouth mask ministry. Upon starting kindergarten those students were also provided with supplies from Plymouth volunteers. The Head Start learning program restarted in August with a hybrid model based on the needs of the families. In December our angel tree tradition continued virtually and 47 volunteers supported 61 Head Start children with clothing and toys.
2020 Annual Report
Our Justice Matters leadership team is excited to welcome Camille Debreczeny, a new organizer who will be working with the Plymouth Congregation and our wider community. We are also excited to welcome new team leaders from Plymouth as the Justice Matters community gathers virtually in this season to continue to address systemic injustice in our local community. We also provide financial support when needs arise in the local community, such as helping to support a grant to the Haskell Foundation to help students with COVID-19-related needs such as food, transportation to and from home, rental assistance, and phone and internet connectivity so students can attend HINU remotely using emergency funds. When we realized we would have to cancel the annual garage sale, the largest fundraiser of the year for our mission partners, we pivoted to a virtual auction thanks to a small committee of dedicated members. The auction took place July 17 – Aug 2 and raised over $6,500 to help support our mission partners. We endeavor to educate our members about our community efforts and partners through mission moments and information in the ROCK. If you are interested in knowing more or becoming more involved in any of these committees or volunteering with our community partners, please contact the Mission & Service Board or Rev. Caroline Dean. We are grateful to our lay leaders and to the wider Plymouth community for your continued support of our partners.
2020 MISSION BOARD MEMBERS Jenny O’Brien Tim O’Brien John Lord Barbara Russell Norine Spears Margaret Kramar John Cougher Joey Spiegle Chelsea Troyer Calbeck Mari White 69
MUSIC AND ARTS CAN FEED THE SPIRIT
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he Music and Fine Arts Board’s purpose, stated in its Ministry Action Plan is to unite for the worship of God and the service of all by providing and creating artistic opportunities for the entire Plymouth community and all others we are able to engage, by focusing on exploring known or yet to be discovered talent, leading toward a deeper understanding of God, building community, and relationships. Our Mission is to live out and expand on the Plymouth Covenant. Through our programming we offer a spiritual grounding, teaching, and faith formation, while building community and relationship with one another. We seek to create a safe home where all may feel welcome while either participating or attending. We also actively use the arts to explore and experience cultural diversity. This year has had many challenges, but the Music and Fine Arts Board has found ways to execute our Mission and fulfil our purpose at Plymouth. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, 2020 started off as many other years do, with de-hanging the greens, and a January Taize service with over 30 attendees, many from KU’s Ecumenical Christian Ministries. Fifty-six people attended a February Tanya Sieber Gourmet Dinner with Beer Pairings provided by John
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Pepin and Andy Booth. 142 people RSVP’d for the Plymouth Dinner Theater, which was directed by Genee Figuieras and hosted by Maceli’s on February 21st. Barbara Ballard sang, accompanied by Kim Manz at St. Luke’s AME for their annual Black History Month Celebration. Plymouth Strings played at the February Ash Wednesday service, which was well attended. Plymouth also hosted SAI Scholarship auditions and a concert and Kim helped youth deliver valentines in February. Perhaps most critical to the MFA Board’s Mission at Plymouth this year has been to find ways to enhance virtual worship effectively through music. With Minister of Fine Arts Kim Manz’s leadership and dedicated, regular guest musicians, every service has continued to offer the exceptional music worshipers consider integral to their worship experience. MFA thanks the many musicians who have participated in broadcast worship and Vespers services throughout the year. Beginning March 15, Plymouth worship services went virtual. Taize services, Maundy Thursday, and Easter services all took place virtually, and Plymouth started providing Wednesday Vespers services, for which music programming is a focal point. In June, Plymouth hosted its first Pride Sunday and an Independence Celebration. Judy and Dean Kettle and Johannah Cox refurbished the Courtyard outside the Althouse Chapel. In July Plymouth broadcast
BOARD
MUSIC & FINE ARTS
the Annual 4th of July Concert. In October we celebrated World Communion Sunday. In November, Plymouth hosted All Saints Prayer Services, and hosted our first Live Broadcast Dinner Theater. The Children’s Choir & Pageant filmed outdoor, eventually providing virtual worship attendees a change of scenery with their recorded performance. Despite not meeting in person, MFA enjoyed performing the annual hanging of the greens to beautify Plymouth’s exterior and Sanctuary (as well as other visual art displays placed to enhance worship services). And Plymouth’s outdoor Advent event featured 16 masked choir singers who very much enjoyed getting to sing together, distanced, once again. In December, Kim led a select group of eight singers and instrumentalists to perform major choral work “Magnificat” by Francesco Durante. The handbell and children’s choirs also provided beautiful music throughout the year. On Christmas Eve there was a pre-recorded children’s service, a live broadcast Christmas Eve service, and a live broadcast Christmas Eve concert. Although limits on in-person gatherings resulted in cancellations or changes to many beloved events at Plymouth this year, including the spring major choral work, Chancel and Children’s Choir rehearsals, handbell rehearsals, art classes, and weekly string rehearsals, the MFA Board and the many volunteers in-
Plymouth Congregational Church
volved in MFA programming have offered their creativity and time to make 2020 a year filled with beautiful music and innovative ways to build our community despite the physical distance. Chanel Choir members have initiated educational and social Zoom gatherings. The Children’s choirs moved to virtual formats. Thank you to Paula Aiken and Emily Bennett for keeping our children singing with Zoom and prerecorded rehearsals. And the Organ Committee commissioned an acoustical study of the sanctuary that will hopefully lead to improvements in our sanctuary and organ in the future in coordination with the Facilities Master Plan Committee. The Music & Fine Arts Board would like to thank and acknowledge Minister of Fine Arts, Kim Manz, for his continued dedication to and leadership at Plymouth. Kim continues to enrich the lives of all Plymouth members through his direction of choirs, instrumental groups, and worship services. We are so thankful for Kim’s guidance and enthusiasm for dramatic, culinary, and fine arts programs outside worship services. These programs are an important element in fostering relationships among members, especially so during these times when we cannot gather together in person. Thank you Kim!
2019 Annual Report
2020 MUSIC & FINE ARTS BOARD MEMBERS Margaret Morris Pam Farr Sharon Kindall Kate Marples Simpson Judy Kettle Charolotte MacFarland Linda Mannering Linda Hoopes Gene Tyner
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STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT TO A COMMUNITY
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he Board of Stewardship was established to manage the financial affairs and to maintain and improve the physical properties of the Church. During 2020, Stewardship along with all other boards initiated a Ministry Action Plan (“MAP”) process of establishing goals and objectives within the context of a board vision of helping Plymouth maintain vibrant financial health. Goals for the Stewardship Board include producing a balanced Mission Spending Plan (“MSP”), monitoring monthly financial performance against the MSP, supporting other Boards with accurate and timely financial reporting, complying with periodic review by outside accounting professionals, supporting the work of the Plymouth Continuing Operating Plan (“PCOP”) and developing a program of causal giving. The Board worked diligently to meet these goals in 2020, although some will be ongoing. Highlights of 2020: • Established a Master Calendar of Fundraising Events. • Established a Memorial Gifts Committee. • Continued progress on documenting vital operating procedures by PCOP • Improved facilities by o Replacing multiple air condition units. o Repairing masonry. o Refurbishing offices. • Approved for 2021 o Replacement of malfunctioning windows. • Replacement of carpet in public spaces. • Converted the financial reporting software to QuickBooks. • Received the Financial Operational Assessment prepared by BKD and began implementing many of the recommended control procedures. • Applied for and received a Payroll Protection Program loan under the CARES Act for which a 100% forgiveness request has been granted. • Reviewed Facility Master Plan contract and submitted it to Council for approval. The initial phase has begun. • Completed and approved an Acoustics Study of the sanctuary. • Initiated the Annual Appeal supported by the 2021 MSP. Sincere thanks to our dedicated Board members: Kim Booth, Chris Claflin, Doug Eason, Doug Funk, Amada Jay, Janet Riley, Jane Tedder, and sincerely appreciated support of Barbara Holland, Business Administrator, Doni Mooberry Slough, Treasurer, and Rich Bireta, Deputy Treasurer. We are grateful for their commitment to our community. Without these members, none of Stewardship’s accomplishments would have been realized.
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BKD REVIEW OF THE CHURCH’S AGREED UPON FINANCIAL PROCEDURES
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n 2019, the Church through the Stewardship Board engaged with the accounting firm of BKD, CPAs and Advisors to perform a review of Plymouth’s agreed upon financial procedures( AUP). The church originally planned to conduct a full financial audit, but realized that there were many improvements to the procedures needed in order to realize the full benefits of an audit, therefore the AUP (sometimes called a Standards Compliance Review) was conducted in preparation for a future audit. An AUP (Agreed Upon Procedures) Review was performed by BKD with an emphasis on reviewing the adequacy of our internal controls and whether those controls are being followed. BKD’s report was delivered in December 2019 and contained 40 observations and suggestions for improving our financial procedures. A review of the recommendations in early 2020 suggested that between 20 and 30 of the items could be addressed during the calendar year and the remainder addressed in 2021. The global pandemic and resultant loss of the ability to meet in the church face to face coupled with the inability of the staff to work together in the building and the retirement of our Financial Clerk made it more difficult to complete the procedural review and improvements. As of December 31, 2020
14 of the 40 items have been implemented. An additional 9 items are in the process of being implemented.
By December 31, 2021
The 9 items currently in progress will be implemented. The remaining 17 items will be reviewed and either implemented or dismissed.
An example of one recommendation from this report can be found in this year’s Annual Report. The Revenue and Expense by Class report shows expenditures from all parts of the Church including funds from the Mission Spending Plan, Activity Funds, Endowment and the Payroll Protection Program.
2020 STEWARDSHIP BOARD MEMBERS Janet Riley Kim Booth Stephen Carttar Amanda Jay Linda Maxey Doug Funk Doug Eason Jane Tedder Chris Claflin
2020 Annual Report
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WORK AND PROJECT SYNOPSIS FOR 2020
January
Junk removal from storage basement-South Church Estimates received and approved for caulking and sealing the exterior buildings-IMR After heavy rains, minor leaking discovered in the Mayflower Room ceiling Continued work started in late 2019 converting to LED bulbs and fixtures throughout Discussions begin on Overnight Winter Shelter using the North Church 2nd floor
February
Work done on chandelier LED bulbs in Sanctuary- replacement Midwest Diversified Roofing added more material to the 2019 completed roof after long inspection of possible leakage and the warranty Repairs made, and parts replaced on faulty hot water heaters in the South Church Boiler Room cleared of years of debris and painted the floor. A parts rack was installed and spare replacement parts to have on hand are now stored orderly IMR completed caulking and sealing project on all three buildings for structure and energy efficiency-late February Overnight Winter Shelter begins Green Team’s Carbon Offset Project completed and Certification received
March
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Overnight Winter Shelter com-
pleted Discussions/planning for landscaping 2020 with Judy Kettle and Linda Mannering Cleaning and sanitizing rooms and carpets after Winter Shelter LED lighting project completed Covid-19 Health/Building usage discussions begin Vermont St. dual doors of the Old Church repaired after a vandalism incident. Doors removed and hardware was replaced to be able to lock both sides above and below
June
April
Carpeting bid approved for conference room 202N- completed late April Shortly after annual start up, small issues begin with AC unit running the North offices North Kitchen main floor drain and Women’s Restroom issues repaired and solved with Ken Johnson Further rains causing further Mayflower Room leakage. A week of thorough inspection showed some issues in the small roof outside of 202N. Small section of roof outside 202N resealed and the last roof section of the three buildings are then up to date and in good shape Mail slot installed by Kennedy Glass in the North Church entry exteriors
May
Cleaning service restarts with new schedule with focus on bathrooms, offices, door handles, flat surfaces, and communal areas Discussions begin with a local paint company about trim painting and repairs on the Old Church facing the courtyard Working with Head Start Director with plans to hold kindergarten summer school beginning in July AC down for the North Church Offices-Late June Repair approvals for AC work for offices fast tracked after receiving bid from P1
July
AC/Chiller repairs and part replacements complete New blinds added to offices and conference rooms New sinks and faucets in Women’s restroom 2nd floor North. New floor tile and paint. New floor edging. Repairs to theater lighting with
Bob Newton Revised/Redefined cleaning schedule for the outsourced cleaning crew with reduced staff and Covid protocols Touchless soap dispensers installed in all bathrooms
Head Start Summer School starts with new building protocols Purchase of mobile window AC unit to cool North Church offices temporarily Scupper repairs and coating on Mayflower Room roof- Midwest Diversified AC unit replacements begin for the South Church replacing aging or dead equipment Detailed inventory and evaluation of the entire HVAC system and documentation for future planning Delays in equipment needed for North Church AC replacement and repairs ongoing Falling stone discovered Vermont St. façade of Old Church Documentation of falling stonework with IMR coming in
Plymouth Congregational Church
to inspect the damage and Don McMichon consulting on needed work to be done
August
Courtyard landscaping begins Privacy fence covering upgrade for the courtyard completed Roofing evaluations and documentation Replacement of damaged carpet in the Head Start Main Office Covid-19 Code of Conduct policies and signage approved and applied Completion of AC work to restore cooling to the North Church offices AC issues with unit that cools Manz/Anderson offices- Repairs made Planning and discussion for a 1-3-year schedule of replacing aging and failing AC units throughout Install Tersano Disinfectant machine in the South Church for Head Start WIFI and modem updatesNew hardware installed throughout the buildings Replace Bunn coffee maker in North Kitchen
September
Discussions and walk through with architectural and design team to get information on our buildings P1 discussions on a comprehensive and detailed plan for upcoming AC work Documents sent to design team on regular building usage during the average year for their planning Rice Foundation request submitted by Barbara Holland requesting funds to replace AC
2020 Annual Report
units specific to the Head Start school needs An outside company was brought in to inspect/evaluate/ and appraise the stained glass windows of the Old Church. No major needs were found and the value estimate and cost estimate was sent to Barbara Holland for insurance information Renovations to the Financial office and Business office begin with carpet estimates and paint color selection Sump pump replaced in Boiler Room due to age and long usage Landscaping in courtyard, Vermont St., and north of Mayflower Room continue with plants and bushes Bids obtained for masonry abatement and removal-IMR & Don McMichon Conversations and guidelines on having small outside groups return begin Afresh Cleaning brought in to abate mold issues in the AA/ NA room
F A C I L I T I E S
C O M M I T T E E
October
Work on stonework begins to repair and removed cracked, chipped, and falling stone and brick from the Old Church. Approximately 10 days of work due to weather Estimates for re-tiling the NA/ AA room to remove and replace the 30yr old terrible looking tile. Estimates received and on file for future possible work. Also found none testing for asbestos. Work on Financial Office begins with tearing out old carpet and repainting walls. New curtains added. Carpet reinstalled in Financial office Discussions about better out-
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C O M M I T T E E
December
NAMI group contacted and invited to resume their Wednesday night meeting with new Covid Building use guidelines. Spanish language AA group also invited to return. NAMI will return 12-16-20. Spanish language group is still undecided. Conference with architectural design team, P1 technician, and Plymouth to go over proposed possible design changes and answer technical questions
November
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side signage continue- Jeremy Winfrey Discussions with Stewardship Board begin on replacing bad widows in the North/South Churches. WindowWorld has given an itemized bid. Results of removed stonework show lots of removed stone and issues with the Rosetta window to be fixed. Details from Don McMicon Begin renovating the Business Office. Tearing out carpet and repainting Business Office re-carpeted and new curtains added. Issues discovered on the unauthorized usage of the AA/NA room. Locks changed. Work on outside door completed. Work begins on the Mayflower Room skylights
Discussions and measurement with WindowWorld reps to identify the first group of windows to be replaced Approval of funds to replace windows approved Building use Covid forms finalized for building usage of outside guests Further consultations with design team about our HVAC current footprint and proposed plans
Plymouth Congregational Church
OUR LIVING HISTORY
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ell to be frank, 2020 was a big let-down. This was the year of the historic church’s 150th anniversary and our committee was excited about the celebration we had planned. All of those plans had to be put on hold of course. Even though we were disappointed, I must say, this was nothing compared to those who worked for years on the 250th celebration of the anniversary of Beethoven’s birth or the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Met in NYC-both of which fell in 2020. So we will have the celebration once it is safe for members to resume worship in our church. As part of our celebration, several members of the committee combined efforts to write articles for a publication, “Celebrating the Historic Plymouth Congregational Church, 18702020.” We will have it ready for distribution during the celebration.
HISTORY
Our committee met several times by Zoom over the course of the year. We aided Valerie in preparation for one of her August services on the Founders’ Day. One of our committee’s regular responsibilities is to send material to the Spencer Research Library for preservation. 2020 was the year we were supposed to complete that task. In order to do that, we would have had to meet and organize all the annual reports, the bulletins and other church records over several work days. This was impossible to do with the church building closed down. But that deadline is somewhat arbitrary and was established to prevent material from piling up too much. We will take care of this duty in 2021 and resume planning other tasks as well.
COMMITTEE
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2020 Annual Report
Plymouth Congregational Church
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APPENDICES PLYMOUTH’S 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
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Plymouth Congregational Church
CONTENTS 80 - Minutes from the 2020 Annual Meeting 82 - Nominating Committee Report 83 - Membership Associate’s Report 85 - Treasurer’s Financial Report 86 - The 2021 Mission Spending Plan 92 - Statement of Revenue & Expenses by Class 96 - Activity Funds Report 96 - Fundraising for 2020 100 - Personnel Report by the Numbers 101 - Plymouth Endowment and Endowed Funds 102 - Memorial Funds and Scholarships 105 - Plymouth Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
2020 Annual Report
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165th ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING February 2, 2020 Call to Order Terry Schmidt, Moderator, called the annual meeting to order at 10:55 a.m. Invocation Valerie Miller-Coleman, senior pastor, delivered the invocation. Terry Schmidt then introduced Clay Britton as the parliamentarian and Clay declared that there was, indeed, a quorum. Discussion of the Closing of the Temporary Winter Homeless Shelter Michelle Ward, chair of the Mission and Service Board, reported that the Board had met for an hour before worship to consider what might be the role of Plymouth in providing temporary emergency shelter for homeless people for the next six weeks in light of the closing of the shelter at the First Methodist Church. They talked at the meeting about safety concerns, collaborating with other churches, abiding with the city rules about temporary shelters, and procedures for Plymouth. Discussion ensued. Carrie Wallace was first to speak, raising the concern of having a “wet” shelter – admitting people who had been drinking or had taken drugs. Michelle responded that the Board had just begun; they had only met for an hour, so far. Ardith Pierce said that Plymouth and Plymouth members have some experience with sheltering, but not exactly what we’re facing now; it will be necessary to reach out to agencies and other churches. Geraldo Sousa asked whether the Board had talked to the First Methodist Church about the problems they had and about the process for Plymouth. Michelle responded that they hadn’t talked to the Methodists, yet. Terry Schmidt responded about the process – that the Board felt a task force would be appropriate and that a proposal needs to be made quickly and approved by the Council, because cold weather is coming soon. Folabo Ajayi-Soyinka expressed support and suggested that the church also address the root causes of homelessness. Jack Greenwood raised a question about insurance and whether it would cover problems we might encounter and whether the Lawrence council of churches would be involved. Kevin Carr said he believed that the situation for homeless people would be different next year, that this is a temporary move. David Bergeron moved, seconded by David Ambler, that the Mission and Service Board work with the moderator team to appoint a task force to propose to the Council what Plymouth should do. Scott Morgan suggested that the Council be called to a face-to-face meeting and that the congregation would be informed of the meeting, so they could attend and be allowed to speak. David Bergeron and David Ambler both agreed to this. There were further comments of support. Irene Soderstrom mention that it was not the first time Plymouth had provided overflow for the Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS) and Valerie replied that the LCS had staffed the overflow in Plymouth in the past, and wouldn’t now, so it was a different situation, but we have past protocols to build on. Susie McKinney asked if it would affect Family Promise and Michelle said that the next Family Promise Week isn’t till April so that wouldn’t affect them. Sue Himes asked that we address this quickly; Geraldo asked about personal liability for volunteers; and Fred Kandeler asked if the task force could find out why the LCS didn’t want to operate with volunteers to open more beds at the shelter. David Bergeron called the question. The vote was held and passed overwhelmingly. Approval of Minutes of the February 3, 2019 Annual Meeting Gerald Sousa moved, seconded by Cindy Carttar, that the minutes of the February 3, 2019 Annual Meeting, as printed in the Annual Report pages 76 through 81, and the Special Congregational Meetings of March 17 and March 24, as distributed, be approved. The motion passed. Recognition of Boards, Officers, Staff, and Committees Terry Schmidt complimented the lay leaders for their hard work – from the Boards and committees and the officers and, especially, the Transition Team which had so many responsibilities and carried them out superbly.
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There was great applause. 2019 Financial Report Doni Mooberry-Slough thanked the financial staff and the Stewardship Board for their work. She reported an amazing year. Plymouth raised about $16,000 more than expected, spent about $40,000 less, leaving a surplus of $28,000. The surplus will be used for one-time bonuses for staff ($8,000) and the operating reserve ($20,000). There were no questions raised. Doni Mooberry-Slough moved to accept the Financial Report as presented in the Annual Report starting on page 87, seconded by Phil Friedman. The motion carried. Approval of the 2020 Mission Spending Plan Stephen Carttar thanked the staff and the Stewardship Board and Scott McKinney. He then presented the 2020 Mission Spending Plan. Stephen moved, seconded by Geraldo Sousa that the 2020 Mission Spending Plan be adopted as presented on pages 87 through 91 of the Annual Report. No questions were raised. The motion carried. Nominating Committee Report and Election of Officers, Boards and Committee Members Elinor Schroeder introduced the names of the nominees from the slate printed on page 82. Neila Nelson replaced Gene Tyner on the slate for the Music and Fine Arts Board. The Nominating Committee was unable to find a nominee for Clerk and Elinor asked for volunteers to speak with her. Cindy Carttar moved to elect the slate as presented by Elinor, seconded by Ardith Pierce. The motion carried. Open Forum David Bergeron praised the Annual Report, especially the Board and committee reports. John Pierce said that he uses Plymouth as a “stellar” example when he teaches accountability in his courses on non-profit organizations. Geraldo Sousa praised the Transition Team. John Lord, Past President of the K/O Conference, thanked Plymouth for its support and mentioned that the National Synod is scheduled for July 16-20, 2021 in Kansas City and encouraged the congregation to participate. Linda Maxey complimented the congregation for its participation in the meetings to discuss the budget. Terry called the pastors, moderator team and Phil Friedeman to the chancel where Valerie Miller-Coleman presented him with a certificated celebrating the 55th anniversary of his ordination. Presentation of the 2020 Moderator and Response Terry Schmidt introduced Elinor Schroeder as the new moderator. Valerie thanked Terry for his work as moderator for the past, very busy year, and presented him with a gift, including a scholarship given in his name to send a young person on a service trip next summer. Terry called on Susan McCarthy, chair of the History Committee, for a presentation. Susan pointed out that Plymouth hasn’t had a gavel for some time and she presented a palm gavel to Elinor Schroeder, inscribed with “Plymouth Congregational Church - 165 yrs/ United Church of Christ /The Church Council, 2-2-2020.” Adjournment Geraldo moved, seconded by David Bergeron that the meeting adjourn. Benediction Valerie Miller-Coleman sent the congregation out into the world (or to soup in the Mayflower Room) with a benediction. Respectively submitted by Kay Bradt, Plymouth Church clerk, February 2, 2020
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2020 TREASURER’S REPORT Plymouth Treasurer, Doni Mooberry Slough certain expenses. These savings are identifiable and directly related to the pandemic. The $27,889 shortfall in the 2021 Mission Spending Plan creates a beginning deficit for 2022 when building use, in person worship, and related expenses resume in full. We will need a minimum of a 3% increase in pledges for 2022 to cover our baseline operating expenses. We are thrilled with 2021 pledge responses given the challenging year we have had. We are confident in our ability as a congregation to bridge the gap as we continue to answer God’s call to grow in 2021 and beyond.
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lymouth finances have remained strong during 2020. As a result of lower utilities, fewer building use costs, and lower staff costs largely resulting from the pandemic’s impact on parttime staff, special function positions in Christian Ed & Music & Fine Arts, we are ending the year with a projected surplus of $85,417. We are also excited to report that we have received forgiveness on the $108,400 in Payroll Protection Program Funding that Plymouth received earlier in the pandemic. Our year-end 2020 financial reports show the loan proceeds recognized as income, increasing the surplus by the full amount of the loan. Thanks to your generosity, our pledges for 2021 total 97% of our baseline goal and 99.5% of 2020 total pledges. What an incredible witness to the importance of God’s work through Plymouth Church during this unprecedented time. Total pledge income for 2021 is $851,537. While this is $23,063 short of our baseline goal, we expect to continue to see pandemic related savings for several months which will allow us to continue to support Plymouth’s mission and ministry in 2021. While we are feeling incredibly blessed to be in a solid financial position at this time, it is imperative that we not become complacent in our giving or relaxed given the temporary reprieve from
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Looking past the pandemic and our immediate Mission Spending Plan is important as we consider our longer-term response to God’s call to grow. Two years ago, we spent time during our annual appeal process discussing our Church giving demographic and the risks inherent in the same. We are in a position where 10% of our annual budget is supported by only 3 pledging households. Seventy percent of our annual pledge giving comes from congregants in their 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th decades. Recognizing the inherent risk in this situation, our finance team committed to increasing the ways we connect with congregants and the way we message about giving. The congregation committed to directing $20,000 per year out of the Mission Spending Plan, and any operating surpluses experienced annually, to our operating reserves until we reach a balance of $250,000 in the reserve. We have made incredible progress on both counts. You have seen the product this year of our increased reach during our annual appeal process – the creation of a missional budget, our weekly dashboard updates, our expanded annual appeal team, a recognition of consistent giving that’s not tied to a pledge card, and a system of outcome measurements are just some of the ways we are answering our call to grow. Our operating reserve has been growing steadily, and will be just over $198,000 with the inclusion of the 2020 surplus. In addition to the $198,000 in operating reserve, we have $108,400 that we saved because we used Payroll Protection Program funds to cover a portion of our salaries during the pandemic. In this time of need in our community, many of us will be wrestling with the way we handle this addition to our 2020 surplus; what is God calling us to do? How is he calling us to balance our careful attention to maintaining our Plymouth Community with the need to illuminate those still struggling in the darkness? This is an important question for our congregation, and one that we must address when the time is right. The purpose of the payroll protection loan was and is to protect staff throughout the pandemic. While there is increasing light in the Covid tunnel, we are not yet through the pandemic. It will be important to protect the payroll protection funds for staff preservation until we are through the pandemic. This fall, as we begin preparing for what we hope will be a postpandemic 2022, it will be essential that as a congregation we prayerfully consider how we best utilize any of these funds not needed during the pandemic. Our challenge, our gift, will be to steward this unexpected surplus in our response to Plymouth’s call to grow. I look forward to having that conversation with you!
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MISSION SPENDING PLAN SUMMARY
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STATEMENT OF REVENUE & EXPENSE BY CLASS
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STATEMENT OF REVENUE & EXPENSE BY CLASS
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STATEMENT OF REVENUE & EXPENSE BY CLASS
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ACTIVITY FUNDS REPORT Statement of Receipts, Disbursements and Fund Balances for Twelve Months Ending 12-31-2020
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FUNDRAISING FOR 2020
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PERSONNEL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS REPORT
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he Personnel Committee made progress in several areas that needed attention. The Committee spent much of 2019 and most of 2020 rewriting the Personnel Policy Book. This was approved by Council at its September meeting. The Committee also worked with the Senior Pastor to move forward with updating staff job descriptions and in conducting regular staff reviews based on those job descriptions. This included the Committee conducting the first Senior Pastor review in some time. Feedback was sought from a selected and diverse section of the congregation with questions based on the Senior Pastor’s job description. Both the committee and the Senior Pastor found it to be a useful and meaningful process.
OFFICE AND PROGRAM STAFF
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PLYMOUTH ENDOWMENT Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2020
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ENDOWED FUNDS Original Endowed Funds With Specific Restriction on Usage: Anonymous (1977): ($10,155 Cash) Income to be used on maintenance and care of church facilities. Sally Stowits (1978): ($10,000 Cash) No restrictions on use. J. 0. Jones (finalized when stocks sold in 1984): ($4,658.24) No restrictions and to be used as Church Council directs. Ross Hopper (1979 upon receipt of final payment on house) : ($7,691.95). Income from fund to be used as Church Council directs. George Bradshaw (]979): ($5,000) Per Will "Income, but no part of principal, to be used as governing body of church shall direct, except income shall not be used for ordinary operating expenses.” Mel Huxtable (1981-82): ($7,000) "We request that the earnings from this endowment be used at the existing church property for repair, maintenance and for the church accessibility fund." Opal Jane Kennedy (1982-83): ($229,433.36) Per Will: "It is my desire that the Board of Trustees with the advice of the Board of Deacons use the income from this bequest as they may deem advantageous for the upkeep of the Church, which may include Capital Improvements." Ellsberry-Hyre (1986): ($5,000) Without any conditions or restrictions. Earnings at discretion of Church Council and principal by action of Congregation. Cloyd Achning (1991): ($20,000) To be used in accordance with provisions of the trust preserving the principal to greatest possible degree. Carl B. Althaus (1991): ($188,814.22) Will stated "...to establish a fund to be known as Carl B. Althaus Memorial Fund, the income but not the principal thereof, to be used for the maintenance and repair of the Church building and Church facilities. (Endowment Trust minutes of 1/14/92," To be used only for special maintenance projects, not line item maintenance. This to be liberally interpreted.) Maude Elliott (1995) : ($11,466.35) Use of income to be determined by Church Council. Elizabeth Lawson (1997): ($20,208.78) Income to be used by the Board of Music and Fine Arts. Mary Grant (2001) : ($75,738.98) For the use and benefit of Plymouth Congregational Church. Plymouth Thrift Shop (2002): ($12,678.15) Directed by Thrift Shop Committee through Mission/Service Board. Iris West Aller Fund (2003): ($67,911.43) Income to be used for such purposes as the governing body of said church shall direct. Gil Munroe (2004) : ($10,000) For the use and benefit of Plymouth Congregational Church. Bonnie Goodwill Briscoe (2006-10): ($12,376.29) Income to be used for scholarships for seminary students, continuing education for Plymouth Church pastors, staff, and lay leaders, and ongoing building maintenance to preserve and improve the Church structure. Rowena Puckett (2007): ($20,502) Income to be used for building maintenance.
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ENDOWED FUNDS Robert Frederick (2012): ($10,000) Income to be used for Thanksgiving service and dinner. Deron McGee (2015): ($30,000) Income to be used for the purchase of music (and supplies) for the choirs, instrumental ensembles and soloists and to provide instrumentalists and soloists for major choral works and other special occasions at Plymouth Church. Georgia and Richard Orchard (2018): ($25,000.00) For maintenance and repair of the church and church facilities. Jackie Shmalberg (2018): ($10,000) For music and fine arts. Anonymous (2018): ($92,137.00) To be used for KU campus ministry and external agencies addressing community needs of food, shelter, and health, but not for justice issues or internal church mission projects. Al Sellen (2018): ($10,488.23) No restrictions on use. Peter Luckey Scholarship Fund (2019): ($13,609.00) For financial support for Plymouth members and friends who seek to participate in experiences which promote justice and have transformational potential for the recipient, our congregation and/or our community. Total Original Endowed Funds, December 31, 2020: $909,868.98
Restricted Income Funds Transferred By Church Council Don Alexander: ($13,450) To Pastor's Emergency Fund: To use for assistance to needy persons as may be designated by the Senior Pastor. Mary Bradshaw: ($7,650) To Board of Music & Fine Arts: For children's music. Henry Bruner: ($5,000) To Board of Music & Fine Arts: For brass music. Sam Elliott: ($45,789) To Senior Pastor for allocation to Boards of Christian Education, Mission & Service, and Music and Fine Arts in keeping with Sam Elliott's love and caring for children and music. Bill Kelly: ($3,150) To be used for Bill Kelly Scholarship Fund Clark Spalsbury: ($1,550) To Board of Music & Fine Arts: For Adult Choir. Irma Spangler: ($40,100) To Senior Pastor for allocation upon recommendation by Board of Deacons and Approval by Church Council to support staff and lay persons in Church related continuing education activities. Edwin Elin Stene: ($20,000) To Board of Stewardship for maintenance and improvement projects. Parsonage: ($35,300) Initially arose from funds loaned to Pastors to purchase parsonage. Repayments were earmarked and reinvested for future similar needs. Current income to Board of Stewardship to offset portion of Pastor's Housing Allowance. Total Restricted Income Funds transferred to Endowment by Church Council, Dec.31, 2020: $171,989.00
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ENDOWED FUNDS Restricted Income Funds Transferred By Church Council Greater Plymouth Fund: ($142,910.51) To Memorial and Gift Committee for projects approved by Council/congregation. Capital Campaign: ($10,000) Seed money for future capital campaign. Total Memorial Funds Transferred to Endowment for Investment, Dec. 31, 2020: $152,019.51 Total Initial Principal Funds Managed by Endowment Funds, Dec. 31, 2020: $1,233,877.51
MEMORIAL AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS With deep gratitude, we remember and give thanks for the special people in our past who have created or inspired these gifts on behalf of Plymouth Church. Memorials The following memorials were created in 2020: Stan Shumway Memorial Fund Harriett Olson Memorial Fund Erma Fisher Memorial Fund Pat Friedeman Memorial Fund Gifts in Memory of the following people were made in 2020: Mary Mascia Ralph King Roy and Bonnie Taylor Ann Hedrick Marilyn Walz Bequests The following bequests were received in 2020: Carol Floersch Scholarships No scholarships were awarded in 2020. Memorials Used No memorial gifts were accessed in 2020.
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