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Plymouth’s 167th Annual Report

CONTENTS

Sunday, February6, 2022 SENIOR PASTOR’S REFLECTION

ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S REFLECTION

MODERATOR’S LETTER

AGENDA

THE LIVING CALENDAR OF 2021 JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Plymouth’s 167th Annual Report

CONTENTS Sunday, February6, 2022 51

DEACONS

FELLOWSHIP

MEMBERSHIP

MISSION

MUSIC & FINE ARTS

STEWARDSHIP

FACILITIES & PLANNING COMMITTEE

HISTORY COMMITTEE

APPENDICES 71

Minutes from the 2021 Annual Meeting

Nominating Committee Report

Membership Associate’s Report

Treasurer’s Financial Report

The 2022 Mission Spending Plan

Statement of Revenue by Expense and Class

Fundraising for 2021

Personnel Report by the Numbers

Plymouth Endowed Funds

Plymouth Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

REV. DR. VALERIE MILLER-COLEMAN - SENIOR PASTOR OF PLYMOUTH CHURCH

amily dinner is a big deal in our house. The Miller-Colemans sit down at the table together most evenings. The big kids set the table and pour the drinks while our little guy takes care of the napkins. First, we bless the meal and thank God for the food. Then it’s time for highs and lows. Each of us shares the best part of our day and a low part when we felt angry or frustrated or sad or tired. Then, before anyone’s allowed to take their plate into the kitchen, we make sure to share something in our day

for which we’re grateful. On New Year’s Day, we asked one another a followup question: what was the best thing that happened in 2021? It could be small or big. Tell us something that made your heart sing this year. Lucy, my eleven-year-old, thought this was kind of nerdy and predictable, but I’m willing to own that my best part in 2021 was returning to worship in the sanctuary on Sunday, June 13, 2021.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Hearing the congregation sing “For the Beauty of the Earth” after fifteen months of exile felt like homecoming and heaven all rolled into one. I’ll never forget it. I’m still trying to wrap my heart and mind around all that we’ve experienced this year. It’s been an extraordinary passage in Plymouth’s history. Half the year, we worshiped remotely by radio and video broadcast. Then, we returned to masked worship in the sanctuary and built steadily up to a level of engagement in worship consistently higher than the average prepandemic weekly attendance throughout the fall. Plymouth, I’m impressed. This is a remarkable church.

inspiration that emerged among resilient, hardworking, faithful people. It gives me such joy to serve in what has got to be the best job in the world. I’m grateful to each of you who’ve prayed with us, who’ve attended worship, invited friends and neighbors, contributed your time, treasure and talent to the mission and ministries of Plymouth Church. The Spirit of God is at work among us, and I cannot wait to see what fruit will be borne among us in the year ahead. Thanks be to God. See you in church!

Remember the Pride Party? We hosted an ice-cream social in South Park to celebrate Pride Month, and five hundred people turned out – mostly community members unaffiliated with Plymouth. Middle schoolers and families with young children and people of all ages came out and let their flags fly. That park became holy ground for an afternoon. There were some real highs this year in the Plymouth family. You’ll read about a lot of them on these pages. This annual report is a testament to the fidelity and

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

REV. CAROLINE LAWSON DEAN - ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF PLYMOUTH CHURCH

lymouth Members & Friends, reflecting on the past year, we had three different movements of church life together.

Last winter, we were still very much in “online church” mode. One of the highlights of this time was our Lenten Covenant Groups. We engaged 90 Plymouth members in small group ministry on ZOOM. Our Covenant Groups are still going strong this year. Be sure to reach out to Plymouth Welcome & Care Coordinator Liz Smith if you are interested in learning more about getting involved to find your “church

within the church” through these sacred circles. We also had a beautiful time together, offering “Ashes to Go” for Ash Wednesday and handing out “take-home lent bags” for families and adults with special curriculum for the season. In the summer, we celebrated our first chapter of “inperson church.” And it was so beautiful to be together once more! Our Pride Party in South Park kicked off this season with an amazing community turnout and leadership from staff and Boards across a wide spectrum of Plymouth ministries.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

This event also kicked off our “Public Faith” Worship Series where we talked about what our faith looks like in the public square. A return to in-person service projects marked our summer season. Our Youth Service Corps gathered with 25 youth and mentors to do local service-learning projects with our mission partners here in Lawrence. Our Plymouth Service Corps also gathered for an “All Church Service Day” where 40 Plymouth members, youth, and mentors did landscape and home repair work for Plymouth members and elders.

Leaning into our summer’s theme of “Public Faith,” Plymouth’s Church Council, spurred on by the work of the Open and Affirming Team, created the Advocacy Process Discernment Team. This wise group of lay leaders is working with Council and Plymouth members to help us define our process for continuing our strong legacy of advocacy in our community and beyond. Last fall, we faced the real challenge of “back to church” combined with full-on fall programming. For me, the highlight of this season was investing in our Confirmation Program. Our 6th-8th grade students, parents, and mentors gathered for transformational ministry together on Sunday nights, including a new Youth Café (outside on the south church patio). We also revamped a classroom in the north church for our new Youth Room and christened it with a beautiful art wall. This fall, we kicked off monthly Youth Service Corps projects alongside Plymouth Service Corps (for adults and families). We are proud to offer a monthly opportunity to serve with other Plymouth members at Just Food and other rotating mission partners each month. We focused on outdoor projects while the weather allowed, serving Tall Oaks Retreat Center, Hidden Valley Camp, Family Promise transitional home landscaping and repair work, and partnering with the City of Lawrence to do watershed clean up. We also served the LINK kitchen and created care packages for hospital workers - gratitude to Jo Bryant and Doug Eason for faithfully holding these Service Corps projects. In January of this year, Plymouth Service Corps partnered with “Tenants to Homeowners” to do cleanup for a local affordable housing project.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

In the late fall, the Christian Education staff team welcomed Alicia Gossett, our new Director of Child and Family Ministries. Alicia has 25+ years of experience in early childhood education and comes to us from a Montessori background. Alicia is working with our children (infant through 5th grade), parents, and volunteers supporting them in their faith journeys. During a busy fall and winter season, Alicia has jumped in with our 3rd-4th grade Bible Sunday, Halloween Parade, Christmas Pageant, Sam Elliot Christmas Party, and fun advent family activities. We are so grateful to have Alicia on our staff team! This year was a heavy lift! Plymouth’s staff and lay leaders worked diligently to ensure that we returned to in-person programming safely while engaging faithfully with families, members, and new visitors. I want to pause in gratitude to thank Kara Holcombe, our Faith Formation Assistant, for her faithful work with our youth and children. In the transitions of our year, Kara has been a cornerstone member of our staff team. Thank you, Kara, for offering your varied gifts in service to our faith formation team and for holding our children and youth with such care. Gratitude to Dan Storey for chairing the Christian Education Board during a transitional time and serving on our search team for our new Director of Child and Family Ministries. Lastly, thank you to Norine Spears for her hard and faithful work serving as Mission and Service Board chair during a challenging year with many moving parts. Thank you, Norine and the Mission Board, for your faithful work shepherding another successful Virtual Auction. We also said goodbye to two amazing colleagues this year and blessed them for their next chapter. Thank you, Susan Anderson and Barb Holland, for your indelible impact on our Plymouth community and staff team. Stay Tuned! Our High School Youth and mentors will travel to Austin, Texas, for our “Immigration and Welcome” Service-Learning Trip in partnership with “Reach Beyond Mission.” It is a privilege and great pleasure to be in this shared ministry together. Please reach out if you have questions or want to get involved with any of these efforts.

DERRICK HURST - 2021 MODERATOR OF PLYMOUTH CHURCH

wenty twenty-one, what a year full of new things in the life of Plymouth Church! For most of us, it began with cautious optimism combined with hopes for a quick return to “normal” and a whole lot of uncertainty. Coming out of 2020, Plymouth Church had just endured an unprecedented year of changes and challenges that tested every individual and institution to its limits, and yet, we were still standing. Granted, we were all “standing” in our pajamas virtually in online worship services and meetings, but we were still standing together.

As the hopes for a “quick return” to anything faded, Plymouth Church and its members settled in for the long haul and did what Plymouth has always done. We just kept going. We kept going for the next six months as we virtually attended worship services, special events, and meetings. From virtual Palm and Easter services to an incredibly successful community-wide Pride Party in South Park with rainbow ice cream for all, Plymouth continued to find new and innovative ways to keep doing the work that a community of Christians is called to do.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

In June, when that long-anticipated date arrived, and we were able to cautiously return home to our historic building in worship and activities together, we returned to something familiar yet different and new. Yet, as we celebrated a return to in-person worship and activities, we also set about the important work of grieving what was lost, those that were no longer there with us, and our time apart. Within this annual report, you will find a more in-depth view of the life of Plymouth Church in 2021. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to serve as part of the Moderator Team and witness the incredible amounts of talent, dedication, and effort required of each church staff member to help ensure Plymouth Church keeps going. Thank you to all the church Boards and Committees for their tireless work and every Plymouth Member who donated their time and talents to the church this year. Finally, a special thank you to the Executive Council Team who supported and sometimes carried me through this eventful year. I appreciate you more than you will even know.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

The Pandemic has permanently changed the way we think about church and likely will forever impact how we worship and fellowship together as a church community. The details and stories contained within this annual report are a testament to these changes and prove that Plymouth Church is still an active and vital community of faith together. As we stand on the brink of another year of the unknown, may we pay special attention to all the ways God is making things new within our lives and the life of Plymouth Church.

Sunday, February 6, 2022

AGENDA 167th Annual Congregational Meeting CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION

Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman, Senior Pastor

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 7, 2021 ANNUAL MEETING (P. 71)

Derrick Hurst

RECOGNITION OF BOARDS, OFFICERS, AND COMMITTEES

Derrick Hurst

PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT APPROVAL OF THE 2022 BUDGET (p. 79) PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF THE ADVOCACY PROCESS DISCERNMENT TEAM’S RECOMMENDATION NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS ( p. 74) OPEN FORUM PRESENTATION OF THE 2022 MODERATOR RESPONSE ADJOURNMENT BENEDICTION 9

Derrick Hurst, Moderator

Doni Mooberry Slough, Treasurer Linda Maxey, Stewardship Board Chair Devon Kim, Chair

Derrick Hurst Congregational questions and comments Derrick Hurst Devon Kim, 2022 Moderator Devon Kim Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Plymouth Mental Wellness Resource Team Formed

In early January of 2021, Plymouth Church joined a local Interfaith Mental Health Outreach organization to form our own Mental Wellness Resource Team, comprised of volunteer members of our congregation committed to serving those experiencing the pain of mental illness personally or within their family.

Lawrence Tour of Injustice - Mon. Jan. 18, ‘21 Plymouth mission partner, Justice Matters, hosted a virtual tour of Lawrence, Kansas, and a reflection on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plymouth member and former Conference Minister of the Kansas -Oklahoma Conference of the United Church of Christ, Edith Guffey, served as the event's keynote speaker.

Plymouth hosted a virtual prayer vigil on Zoom for Plymouth members, friends, and the greater Lawrence community on the night of the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2021. We prayed for our country and the peaceful transition of power.

A Prayer for Our Country - Tues. Jan. 20, ‘21

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Plymouth’s 166th Annual Meeting - Sun. Feb. 7, ‘21 Due to the COVID-19 shutdown, Plymouth held its Annual Congregational Meeting via Zoom following the broadcast of our morning service.

An Evening with Cole Porter - Fri. Feb. 12, ‘21 Plymouth members and friends could enjoy the Plymouth Players from the comfort and safety of their own homes for an evening of music by Cole Porter broadcast live from our sanctuary. With a catalog of over 800 songs, viewers heard such standards as “Let’s Misbehave,” “Blow, Gabriel Blow,” “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Begin the Beguine,” “Lost Liberty Blues,” and “Thank You So Much Mrs. Lowsborough-Goodby.”

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Ashes to Go! - Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, ‘21 Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Plymouth did not hold an Ash Wednesday service in 2021. So instead, we offered Ashes to Go. Plymouth members, friends, and anyone in the Lawrence community could come by Plymouth on Ash Wednesday. In front of our sacred sanctuary, they received the imposition of ashes and a blessing During this event, Plymouth’s Christian Education Board handed out Lenten Covenant group bags.

Lenten Covenant Groups Begin - Wed. Feb. 24, ‘21 It was difficult for the Plymouth community to be separated in worship and fellowship during the COVID-19 shutdown of 2020 through early 2021. Usually, during the season of Lent, Plymouth’s Christian Education hosts a slate of Wednesday night small group programming. In 2021, we invited the community to join special Lenten Covenant Groups virtually. These groups gathered remotely at 7 pm each Wednesday during Lent 2021 (February 24 – March 31). The focus curriculum of the Lenten Covenant Groups was “Grateful” based on Diana Butler Bass’ book “Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks.”

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In March of 2021, Barbara Holland, Plymouth's Business Administrator for Barbara Holland Resigns nearly 18 years, resigned from her position. During her tenure as the church's Business Administrator, Barbara helped put into place business practices to help oversee, manage, and stabilize church finances. In addition, she was a crucial component in ending Plymouth's debt in 2018. Free of debt, Plymouth could devote more to mission and service work and enhancing church life for the congregation through inspirational worship and improvements to our sacred space and buildings. Though she no longer serves as a part of the church's staff, Barbara and her family remain active in the life of the Plymouth community as members.

Master Facilities Plan Survey Released

In March of 2021, Plymouth announced that it was working with the architectural firm Clark Huesemann to develop a Master Facilities Plan to improve the accessibility and functionality of our building. All month long, Plymouth asked members and friends of the congregation to provide feedback via a digital survey put together by Clark Huesemann. Participant responses were hugely helpful and informative.

The Plymouth Meal Train Begins

In March of 2021, Plymouth began a Meal Train to provide meals for families is welcoming a new baby or for those dealing with severe illness or grief. It was an effort to make sure that everyone could experience the love of the Plymouth community in times of need. We had great volunteer sign-ups for our meal train who have spent the last year answering the call whenever needed to make and deliver meals.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Plymouth Women’s Retreat - Sat. March 20, ‘21 March of 2021 became our month of hybrid event experimentation as the COVID-19 numbers looked better and vaccines became more easily accessible to the public. On Saturday, March 20, Plymouth held a hybrid Women’s Retreat. The morning began on Zoom before meeting in person outside at the Luna Bella Labyrinth for a socially distanced walk before reconvening on Zoom for a closing blessing.

Palm Sunday & Palm Parade - March 28, 21 On Palm Sunday, we were not back to in-person worship just yet. However, following our broadcast service, we took advantage of the beautiful weather on the day to celebrate the start of Holy Week with a joyous palm parade of Plymouth members and friends around our city blocks.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Op-Ed Penned by Plymouth’s Leadership and Open & Affirming Team Released Plymouth's Open and Affirming Committee, the Mission and Service Board and Church leadership drafted an op-ed in response to proposed Kansas Senate Bill 208 and House Bill 2210. Both bills sought to limit the rights of transgender Kansans. This op-ed was published in area newspapers. In addition to this public statement, Plymouth asked community members to add their names to the petitions against the transphobic legislation under debate on the Kansas State House and Senate floors. After Change.org took notice of the petitions and pushed them to the front page of their site, Plymouth's petitions went on to collect over 30 thousand signatures. Read the full op-ed below.

ll children deserve love, acceptance, and the support of their families and communities. Too often, the voices of faith that we hear on these concerns are less progressive. But not this time. Some want to carve out protections for religious freedom, by which they mean it's a sin to be transgender. This sentiment is not the tradition of liberty and equality that abolitionists fought and died for to found the state of Kansas, and certainly not the position that we take at Plymouth Church, United Church of Christ. The proposed legislation undermines these fundamental human rights by depriving transgender youth of participating fully in their school community and shaming them for their identities. The proposed legislation clearly states that they are not valued members of society. Its very existence increases the risk of bullying, regardless of whether a child chooses to try out for a sport by clarifying that the child's identity excludes them. Thus, Kanas Senate Bill 208 and House Bill 2210 directly attack the physical and mental well-being of transgender youth. If passed, it will erode the trust that students have in their teachers and coaches. This trust protects transgender students, many of whom do not have the support of their families, by giving them the lifeline provided by an adult mentor to whom they can turn for help and understanding. These key relationships can mean the difference between life and death, and if the proposed legislation undermines them, the results will be tragic. ➔

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

The church's role is to love, support, and ally itself with all persons and thus condemn trans-phobic legislation in the strongest possible terms. Every Sunday, we state that "All are welcome" at Plymouth church, and we do not take those words lightly. We stand with the transgender community. We demand that all persons' shared humanity is respected. We reject this act based on hate and fear and, instead, promote the values on which our state was founded. ⚫

Plymouth Service Corps Created

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

In April 2021, the church established the Plymouth Service Corps. Our Plymouth Service Corps Teams will meet once a month to perform direct service in our wider community. These groups engage in various service projects such as gardening, trash pick -up, painting, and small construction projects. In addition, Plymouth Service Corps work with mission partners throughout our community, including Family Promise and Just Food. Anywhere we can make an impact, that's where we want to be.

Maundy Thursday Service - April 1, ‘21 Each year, Plymouth’s Maundy Thursday service is one of the most moving services of the church’s worship service calendar. In 2021, the service was again broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook Live as we were not yet open to in-person worship yet.

Good Friday Service - April 2, ‘21 Plymouth's 2021 Good Friday service marked the church's first in-person worship service since Sunday, March 8, 2020, before the COVID-19 shutdown. Those who wished to attend this solemn and reflective service were asked to register to attend. A maximum of 40 guests were allowed in the sanctuary for the evening. The service was broadcast live for those who could not attend.

Easter Sunday - April 4, ‘21 Plymouth’s 2021 Easter Sunday service was once again a broadcast-only live service. The morning’s celebration featured a choral trio and a small brass and percussion band.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Confirmation Sunday - April 25, ‘21 On Sunday, April 25, 2021, Plymouth celebrated its 2020-21 Confirmation Class. Due to the pandemic, this was the first Confirmation Class since the spring of 2019. These students, led by dedicated instructors Devon Kim and Doug Eason, gathered weekly via Zoom and few safe and socially distanced in-person gatherings throughout the 2020-21 school year. We held a small in-person Confirmation service in the Plymouth Church courtyard for the Confirmands and their families, followed by a reception. This service was recorded and later broadcast to the wider church community.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

What It Means to Be the Church in the 21st Century As a part of Plymouth's spring worship series "Be The Church" based on the statement in the poem created by the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Membership Board produced "Be the Church" yard signs and t-shirts. The Board gave out the yard signs for free and sold the t-shirts to the congregation and community. As a proud member congregation of the UCC, Plymouth wanted to make a statement in the spring and summer of 2021 with this visual declaration of what it means to Be The Church in the 21st century. As a part of Plymouth's spring worship series "Be The Church" based on the statement in the poem created by the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Membership Board produced "Be the Church" yard signs and t-shirts. The Board gave out the yard signs for free and sold the t-shirts to the congregation and community. As a proud member congregation of the UCC, Plymouth wanted to make a statement in the spring and summer of 2021 with this visual declaration of what it means to Be The Church in the 21st century.

As a mission partner with Justice Matters of Lawrence, Kansas, Plymouth members and friends participated in the Justice Matters annual Nehemiah Assembly. In 2021 the assembly was held as a drive-in event at the Douglas County Fairgrounds parking lot on Saturday, May Justice Matters Nehemiah Assembly - Mon. May 3, ‘21 3. Twenty twenty-one was a significant year for Justice matters as it examined racial and economic injustices in Lawrence and Douglas County. Unjust laws, policies, procedures, and practices result in racial and other discrepancies and biases in our schools, those experiencing homelessness, and in misuse of the jail when community treatment and support systems would be less expensive, more effective, and safer for all of us. Their work and the work of partner churches like Plymouth continues in 2022.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

During a broadcast-only live service, Plymouth’s Chancel Choir and accompanists performed its spring Major Choral Work “A Little Jazz Mass” by Bob Chilcott. The work’s five movements include easy jazz feels, swinging rhythms, gentle rocking motions, and end with the “Angus Dei” in a bluesy feel.

Major Choral Work “Little Jazz Mass” - Sun. May 9, ‘21

Celebrating our High School Grads - Sun. May 23, ‘21 Plymouth honored its 2021 graduating high school seniors class on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021. Plymouth held a special ceremony for the grads and their families in the Plymouth Church courtyard earlier in the week. This ceremony and blessing was pre-recorded and then aired as a part of Plymouth’s live broadcast-only worship service on May 23.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

MFA Summer Art Classes Return! In 2021, for the first time since the summer of 2018, Plymouth’s Music Fine and Arts program offered summer art classes. Plymouth members and friends participated in kids or adult clay classes, painting, relief painting, knitting, origami, and cookie decorating.

Pride Sunday - June 6, ‘21

Plymouth kicked off Pride Month with a Pride Sunday service, which marked the church’s final broadcast-only service. During the pandemic lockdown period, Plymouth’s ability to broadcast its services live allowed the community to stay connected and join together for worship. On Pride Sunday 2021, Plymouth unveiled its newly installed state-of-the-art multi-camera broadcasting system. This camera system allows Plymouth to broadcast its services on a professional quality level.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Pride Party in the Park! - Sun. June 6, ‘21 What an amazing and fun first-ever Plymouth Pride Party! On Sunday, June 6, 2021, Plymouth hosted the first of what will be a new Annual Plymouth Church event at South Park in downtown Lawrence. To kick off Pride Month (June), we celebrated life, love, openness, and acceptance in our church community, the greater Lawrence community, and beyond. Thank you to all the LGBTQ+ Advocacy groups who joined us in the celebration and tabled at our event. Thank you to the many volunteers and businesses that supported us.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

A Return to In-Person Worship - Sun. June 13, ‘21 The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated our move to broadcast-only worship after Sunday, March 8, 2020, and one year, three months, and five days passed. Finally, on Sunday, June 13, 2021, Plymouth opened its doors for in-person Sunday worship once again for our 9:30 and 11:15 am services. Our building overflowed with joy, excitement, love, and the spirit once again.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Vacation Bible School - Sun. & Mon.. June 13 & 14, ‘21 For the first time since June of 2019, Plymouth joined with it’s Vacation Bible School Partner churches, Trinity Lutheran and First Baptist, to hold a two night VBS outside at South Park and Trinity Lutheran Church.

Plymouth Youth Service Corps Week- Wed.—Thurs. June 23—26, ‘21 For one of the first significant work projects for the newly formed Plymouth Service Corps, the Plymouth Youth and adult mentors spent the last week of June 2021 working on various projects around Lawrence, Kansas. Their work benefited Plymouth mission partners Just Food, Family Promise, Ecumenical Campus Ministries, to name a few.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Christian Education Director Susan Anderson Resigns In July of 2021, Plymouth’s Director of Christian Education, Susan Anderson, announced her resignation. Susan stepped up to serve as Interim Director of Christian Education six years ago. She’s generously shared her heart and her remarkable skills for leadership with children and families for much longer than she probably anticipated at that time. Susan’s given us an extraordinary gift, one which many Plymouth families have received with deep gratitude.

Plymouth Participates in Community Back 2 School Project Douglas County school districts put out the call for school supply donations for students set to return to classrooms for the first time in nearly a year and a half due to the COVID19 pandemic. As a part of this initiative, Plymouth’s Mission and Service Board put the call out for donations in our church, and Plymouth members and friends stepped up and answered the call in a big way.

Plymouth Brass and Chancel Choir Return for Sunday, July 4, On Sunday, July 4, 2021, Plymouth held its annual Independence Day weekend worship service featuring a full Brass Band and Chancel Choir for the first time since July of 2019.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Sun. Aug. 8 & Wed., Aug. 11, ‘21

During Sunday, August 8’s Moment for Mission, Plymouth Moderator Elect Devon Kim announced the creation of Plymouth’s new Advocacy Process Discernment Team (APDT). The APDT seeks to define a procedure and rubric that will allow Plymouth to identify and take action on a position for or against an issue, asking these key questions: Should Plymouth take positions on issues happening in our community state, country, and the world? What process should be followed in determining positions? Who will be responsible for discerning if requested actions align with Plymouth positions? On Wednesday, August 11, the APDT held its first listening session via Zoom inviting input from the congregation.

New Fellowship Group for Dads with Young Children In August of 2021, a new group formed where dads and their littles meet up at playgrounds around Lawrence, Kansas, on the first Saturday of each month. The intended age range for littles is 0 – 6.

Youth & Family Programming Kick-Off - Sun. Aug. 15, ‘21 Plymouth invited youth and families to come learn about an exciting year of programming and then enjoyed a beautiful evening in the courtyard with snow cones and funnel cakes.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Youth Late Night! Fri. Aug. 20, ‘21 Plymouth Youth gathered at the church for a first Late Night in over two years in yet another sign of life returning to a sense of normal. Fun, games, fellowship, fire, s’mores, and more!

Welcome Sunday - Aug. 22, ‘21 A full slate of services and programming for the 2021-22 Church year began on Welcome Sunday.

Founders Sunday - Aug. 29, ‘21 The Plymouth History Committee hoped to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our beloved sanctuary (1870) in 2020. But, unfortunately, due to the pandemic, that celebration took place on the 151st anniversary on Founders Day, August 29, 2021.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Plymouth Contributes to Afghan Refugee Aid In response to the humanitarian crisis that consumed Afghanistan at the end of August 2021, in September, the Plymouth Immigrant and Refugee Alliance (PIRA) put the call out to the Plymouth community to contribute to the international push for aid for Afghan refugees. PIRA provided links to vetted organizations providing aid to give Plymouth members and friends options to donate funds and supplies.

Virtual Auction - Set. 5 - Sept. 19, ‘21 For the second year in a row, Plymouth’s Annual Garage Sale was converted into a virtual auction due to the pandemic. And once again, in 2021, it was another huge success. The sale made over $8,500. All 100% of the proceeds went to support Plymouth’s missional commitments.

Fellowship at the Lake - Sun. 19, ‘21 Plymouth’s Fall Picnic at Clinton Lake was back in 2021.

Plymouth Academy - Wed. Sept. 15 - Wed. Nov. 17, ‘21 For the first time since 2019, fall Plymouth Academy, Plymouth's Wednesday night programming, was back in session. The 2021 slate of classes included Faith Foundations, Third & Fourth Grade Bibles, LGBTQ+ 201, and Standing on the Promises of God: Covenants in the Hebrew Bible.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

An Open & Affirming Welcome for All In October 2021, Plymouth began providing stickers to add to our name tags with preferred pronouns for those who wish to use them. These stickers allow transgender and gendernonconforming people to be known here without explaining themselves. Young people in our community need to know they will not be excluded or judged.

Plymouth's Racial Justice Ministry Team joined the Lawrence/ Douglas County Community Remembrance Project Coalition (CRP) to participate in a special Soil Collection Equal Justice Initiative - Sat. Oct. 9, ‘21 Ceremony on Saturday, October 9, 2021, under the Kansas River bridge on the river's south bank near City Hall. The event marked a solemn occasion of filling memorial jars with the soil from where three Black men Isaac King, George Robinson, and Pete Vinegar - were lynched from the Kansas River Bridge on June 10, 1882.

2022 Annual Appeal Campaign Begins - Sun. Oct. 17, ‘21 The 2022 Annual Appeal campaign kicked off with a brunch after a special combined 9:30 am worship service. Brunch was served “To Go” style so that everyone could remain safely masked while inside the building, and the event was hybridized on Zoom so that people who did not yet feel safe due to the ongoing pandemic could participate from home.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Grief Support - Oct. 17, ‘21—Jan. 9, ‘22 For those who are experiencing or have experienced grief and loss, in October of 2021, Plymouth began a six-session support group. Marc Giedinghagen led this group. Marc has been attending Plymouth Church for almost 20 years and recently retired from the position of chaplain and Director of Pastoral Education (CPE) at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City.

Art Show - Sun. Oct. 24—Sun. Oct. 31, ‘21 The Music & Fine Arts Board hosted an art show October 24-31 in the Mayflower Room. This non-juried show was open to all members and people who attend Plymouth.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

3rd & 4th Grade Bible Presentation - Sun. Oct. 31, ‘21 Each fall, Plymouth gives Bibles to its 3rd graders at a special ceremony at the conclusion of their 3rd Grade Bible class. Due to the pandemic in 2020, Plymouth offered a 3rd & 4th Grade Bible Class. On Sunday, October 31, during the 9:30 am service, the Plymouth 3rd and 4th Graders received their personalized Bibles in a special ceremony honoring their hard work in their continued faith journey.

Halloween Parade - Sun. Oct. 31, ‘21 On Halloween Sunday of 2021, the Plymouth children and their families showed off their costumes to downtown Lawrence with a parade between the morning's services. Plymouth Youth and others gave out candy and toys to the costumed parade along the route.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Plymouth Welcomes Melissa Praderio to the Staff In the fall of 2021, Plymouth hired Melissa Praderio to serve as its new Staff Accountant. Melissa received Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Accounting from Kansas State University. In addition, she has operated an Accounting Services business from her home for the past 12 years.

Plymouth Welcomes Alicia Gossett to the Staff In the fall of 2021, Plymouth hired Alicia Gossett to serve as its new Director of Children and Families Ministries. In addition to her 25 years in early childhood education, Alicia has 14 years of preschool management experience, taught kindermusik for three years, and served as the Preschool Director of Little Tots Montessori in Kansas City, Kansas, for five years.

In Service Communion Returns - Sun. Nov. 7, ‘21 For the first time since March 1, 2020, Plymouth served the sacrament of communion as a part of its worship services. Long a fixture of the first Sunday of each month, large in-service communion was put on hold for nearly two years due to health concerns during the pandemic. On this same morning, the KU Horn Ensemble provided music for our 9:30 am service.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Hanging of the Greens - Sat. Nov. 27, ‘21 The Plymouth community’s festive kick-off of the Advent season, the Hanging of the Greens, returned for the first time since the pre-pandemic reality of 2019. Plymouth members and friends dressed the sanctuary in the greens, reds, and golds of the season in-person worship during the Advent season at long last.

St. Nick Sunday - Nov. 28, ‘21 The first Sunday of Advent is St. Nick Sunday. During the Children’s Celebration of our 9:30 am service, a very special guest, Saint Nicholas, visits the children. St. Nick teaches the children about his life as Bishop of Turkey and the importance of giving and kindness during Advent as a way to honor the coming birth of Jesus at Christmas and the hope and joy and promise of peace his arrival brings to the world. Portraying St. Nick in 2021 was Plymouth member Aaron Polson.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Plymouth Welcomes Nikki Richardson to the Staff In December of 2021, Plymouth welcomed Operations Manager Nikki Richardson to the staff. Nikki received a bachelor's degree in Marketing at Ottawa University and has an extensive professional background in organizational business and project management. In 2021, Nikki took a break from the corporate world to become a full-time campaign manager for newly elected Wyandotte County Commissioner Andrew Davis and continue her community work with a non-profit group called Justice for Wyandotte.

Lighting Plymouth - Sun. Dec. 5, ‘21 Plymouth's Fellowship Board hosted a night of crafts, cookies, games, cocoa, and carols as we flipped the Christmas lights on at Plymouth.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

The Plymouth Chancel Choir and Orchestra performed "Magnificat" by Taylor Scott Davis on Sunday, December 12, 2021. This new choral work, commissioned for the Chancel Choir of St. John's UMC, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was premiered in 2016. It was the first full choir and orchestra Major Work performance since December 2019.

Major Choral Work “Magnificat” - Sun. Dec. 12, ‘21

Youth Caroling - Sun. Dec. 12, ‘21 The Plymouth Youth spread Christmas cheer around Lawrence, Kansas, with a night of Caroling.

Children’s Christmas Pageant - Sun. Dec. 19, ‘21 Plymouth's PreK through 5th Grade children performed the nativity story for our 9:30 am worship service. The 2021 pageant was directed by Plymouth member Norine Spears and featured performances from the Cherub (PreK-1st Grade) and Carol (2nd – 4th Grade) Choirs and the Middle School Handbell Choir.

Longest Night Service - Mon. Dec. 20, ‘21 For some, the Christmas season is a time of both joy and sorrow. The days get shorter, and the holidays can bring up memories of lost loved ones or remind us of the difficulties we face in our everyday lives. In 2021, Plymouth held a candlelight service in the sanctuary in anticipation of the longest night of the year with meditative music and prayer, poetry, and a short message.

167th Christmas Eve at Plymouth - Fri. Dec. 24, ‘21 With great joy and celebration, Plymouth’s sanctuary was once again full for Christmas Eve worship in 2021. On the night, Plymouth held a Family Service at 4 pm, a Candlelight Service at 6 pm, a Christmas Eve Concert, and another Candlelight Service at 8 pm. All services and the concert were also broadcast live for those who could not join us or chose to stay home out of concern for the continuing pandemic. It was a beautiful sight one year removed from the broadcast-only Christmas Eve worship of 2020.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

DAN STOREY 2021 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD CHAIR

he Christian Education Board unites for the worship of God and the service of all by nurturing lifelong faith journeys marked by compassionate and ethical living in a safe, open, and affirming environment. We anchor programming in the Bible in its context and the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. We orient our faith formation around the Plymouth Covenant and the resources of the United Church of Christ. Through 2021, the Christian Education Board continued to serve Plymouth through online and in-person opportunities while transitioning our goals of educating the congregation and welcoming new staff. Online learning led the effort early in 2021 as Kara Holcombe, Susan Anderson, Kim Manz, and others cultivated Sunday school and choir opportunities during and following online services. Plymouth Youth Group also found a home online welcoming our middle and high school students. Although challenging, this presence allowed these educational programs to continue and expand opportunities when we could meet again in person. The Board also approved the transition to Stepping Stones curriculum to educate children and families from birth through high school ages. We believe this change will

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

strengthen our teaching efforts and families' role in Christian education. This past year also marked a transition in staff when Susan Anderson stepped down as our Director of Christian Education, and we found Alicia Gossett to fill that role. This change in staff allowed Plymouth to redefine the role Alicia has stepped into and the responsibilities Caroline Dean will assume within our early education and youth group programs. In addition, Alicia Gossett is serving as our Director of Child & Family Ministries, and she will be working with children (infant-fifth grade), parents and volunteers. The Christian Education Board works to involve all members of Plymouth through learning and teaching opportunities. Volunteering through our educational programming allows our Plymouth community to grow spiritually while strengthening Plymouth's community goals. The Christian Education Board's goal for this year is to review our curriculum, cultivate small group ministries for all ages, and provide leadership development opportunities on the Christian Education Board and within our volunteer base.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

SUE DENNING 2021 DEACONS BOARD CHAIR

he vision of the Board of Deacons is to unite for the worship of God and the service of all by serving as spiritual lay leaders of the Church. Deacons nurture the congregation's spiritual growth and support the ministry of the Pastors. The Deacons Board's 2021 goals took into account the ongoing realities of the COVID pandemic, as well as the fact that worship was virtual rather than in-person through May 2021. Goals included:

• • • •

Developing protocols for safely serving communion Analyzing the Board's major duties and procedures and assigning key leadership roles, i.e., to support communion, Lay Reader,s and Acolytes Creating an Advent Booklet as a way to foster spiritual growth among the congregation Continuing to foster spiritual growth among the Board of Deacons

While many of the Deacons' responsibilities were temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued to meet virtually to plan for our eventual return to in-person worship and fulfill assigned duties. In 2021, the Board of Deacons considered and approved three new Members in Discernment who are actively exploring their callings to the service of God. Acolytes have not been active during COVID; however, plans are being made for the resumption of youth acolytes when appropriate. The Board of Deacons continues to secure lay readers for in-person Sunday services. Other accomplishments in 2021 include the preparation of Advent Devotionals for the second year in a row. Devotionals were written by congregation members around the theme of "An Advent of the Heart." These devotionals were published with the help of the Plymouth Communications Director. Deacons helped support community-based Taizé services by preparing Communion elements when the services were held at Plymouth (average attendance was 6-10). Deacons focused on their own spiritual growth by taking turns leading opening devotionals at monthly meetings. The Board of Deacons continues to provide extensive sup-

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

port for Christmas Eve services and Good Friday and Maundy Thursday services during Lent. Attendance at these services varies, with Christmas Eve services being the most highly attended of all services throughout the year. The Board of Deacons has begun developing written descriptions of key procedures and responsibilities to document our duties and procedures. Perhaps the most important work the Board of Deacons accomplished during 2021 was the development of protocols for safely serving communion once we were able to resume in-person worship. In June 2021, Holy Communion was offered between services for approximately 4-8 participants each week. In September, about eight Deacons participated in a communion training provided by Pastor Valerie to build our knowledge and understanding of the sacrament of communion. After much discussion and research into when and how to safely offer in-person communion, we were able to resume providing communion at both services on the first Sunday in November. It was a joy to resume this important component of our worship services! The work of the Board of Deacons is intended to nurture the congregation's spiritual growth and support the work of the Pastors. Communion provides congregation members and visitors the opportunity to engage in one of the key sacraments of our Christian faith. Advent Devotionals help focus the congregation's hearts and minds on the coming of Christ during Advent. They provide an opportunity for congregation members to share their experiences with fellow members. Monthly devotionals at Board of Deacons meetings provide the opportunity for our own spiritual growth as we take turns providing the devotionals and as we learn from each other. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services offer opportunities for congregation members to worship and learn more about the events of Easter Week. Christmas Eve services provide the congregation and numerous community members the chance to celebrate together the birth of Christ. The Board of Deacons engages whole-heartedly in nurturing the spiritual growth of our community and our

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he Fellowship Board worked hard in 2021 to accomplish its mission of providing fellowship opportunities for the church, despite the ongoing Covid pandemic. While the church was still virtual during the spring months, the Fellowship Board coordinated monthly outdoor nature walks throughout town. In addition, our Board focused on expanding the Meal Train Ministry to include families with newborn babies and families dealing with illnesses or recovering from surgeries. In June, we had the opportunity to partner with several different church Boards to help put on the inaugural Pride Party in South Park, which saw great community turnout, support, and outreach. Additionally, the Fellowship Board partnered with Ecumenical Campus Ministries to support Pub Theology by providing funds to purchase snacks. Once church resumed in-person services, our Board was able to increase our efforts of providing fellowship opportunities. We transitioned our Fellowship Hour to

be outside in the courtyard to provide a safe environment for congregants to gather in between church services. We held the "Fellowship Gathering at the Lake" in September that took the place of the full-meal potluck. Our Board provided popcorn, watermelon, drinks, and snow cones at the Clinton Lake pavilion. And while it was a difficult decision to cancel the annual Plymouth Thanksgiving Dinner for the second year in a row, our Board created a new event in its place. "Plymouth Lighting" was held on the second Sunday of Advent and was a festive holiday gathering for congregants of all ages. The Fellowship Board continues to think outside the box to create opportunities for fellowship amidst the challenges of Covid. We look forward to the day when we can resume our regular offerings while also incorporating new events introduced over the last year.

MEREDITH JOHANNING 2021 FELLOWSHIP BOARD CHAIR 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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JON PRICE 2021 MEMBERSHIP BOARD CHAIR

am proud of what the Membership Board accomplished in 2021. The Board focused on pathways for members to be more connected to Plymouth to start the year. Focusing inward to help facilitate care and foster a strong sense of community, and outward through our strengths in hospitality to grow the congregation. All the while, we tried to keep “upward” in mind—our relationship with God. The Membership Board supported lay leaders by training an additional 50 people on the Breeze platform to begin the year, allowing it to be more integrated into our operations of activities and communication within the church. We worked with care groups for the Covid era, including a calling ministry, the mask ministry, and an online prayer team. The membership board helped foster the Mental Wellness Resource Team’s first steps toward becoming a WISE congregation and supporting a mental wellness survey to understand the congregation’s care needs better.

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Until we returned to in-person worship, the Membership Board supported a digital membership orientation, as well as a digital Discover Plymouth once a month. In addition, we did outreach and “Be the Church” messaging (t-shirts and lawn signs) at the first annual Plymouth Pride Party, implemented a Welcome Desk with a rotation of Membership Board Members to give information to visitors and get them connected with Plymouth, and developed a digital and paper version of the Connect Card better to capture the information of Plymouth church and website visitors. This letter is a great reminder to us all how blessed we are to have such caring and talented people who are committed to the care of Plymouth but also growing the congregation so that as we move forward, Plymouth continues to be a guiding light in the community.

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NORINE SPEARS 2021 MISSION & SERVICE BOARD CHAIR

he Mission and Service Board (MSB) unites 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 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 cultivate social and climate justice education, activism, and public witness through interfaith partnerships and Plymouth working groups. We initiate partnerships that respond to local needs in the Lawrence Community. The Plymouth Mission and Service Board seeks to provide opportunities to live out our faith through acts of goodwill, charity, and community collaboration. In 2021, we continued to partner with and provide support for: Head Start, Family Promise, the Plymouth Language Program, Justice Matters, Just Food, and Our Churches Wider Mission. A few highlights follow: •

The new Plymouth Service Corps & Youth Service Corps project led by Pastor Caroline offered unique opportunities to serve our mission partners by completing special projects while learning about their work in the community.

•

Plymouth volunteers provided special treats to our Head Start staff, Christmas gifts to 62 Head Start Children, and sewed over 72 new mattress covers used each day during nap time.

•

Plymouth sponsored a Family Promise (FPL) temporary housing unit that supported families experiencing homelessness; provided meals, snacks, and grocery cards during the usual host rotation; stepped into the role of overflow Family Winter Emergency Shelter providing physical space and snacks during cold nights; and accounted for 47 of the 350 5K Home Run fundraiser participants during the annual FPL fundraiser.

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•

Since going online, the Plymouth Language Program (PLP) has increased 400%! PLP now reaches students in more than six states in three different countries. Graduates of the program are returning to volunteer. The program currently has a waitlist and is exploring ways to expand.

•

Holiday giving trees supported Head Start and the Lawrence Community Shelter.

MSB would like to broaden our outreach and explore partnering with Kansas Interfaith Action, a statewide, multi-faith issue-advocacy organization. This justice work would allow us to extend our role as allies to underserved communities as they call for sustainable systemic changes to remove historical barriers in our society. Unfortunately, there is no clear process for adding a new mission partner, and the Board is working to define one. In addition to partnering with community organizations, Plymouth members explore more profound opportunities for putting our “faith in action” through Mission Board Working Groups. The Plymouth Immigration and Refugee Alliance (PIRA) deepened its community partnerships with Centro Hispano and helped to support 25 additional families this holiday. PIRA is also working with the Catholic Charities in NE Kansas and looks forward to aiding in the future resettlement of Afghan refugees. The Racial Justice team has been busy planning future activities with the help and guidance of a congregational survey. They are grateful for the leadership and vision of Sam Allison-Natale and have plans to provide educational opportunities locally and widen their lens through collaborations with both local and statewide organizations. ➔

The Plymouth Open and Affirming (O&A) team expanded Plymouth’s outreach capacity and advocated against discriminatory legislation in the Kansas legislature, leading to a nationally recognized survey with over 42,000 supporters. This work led Plymouth to explore further our role as allies to those seeking justice and equity in our community. A team has been formed to gather member feedback and develop a process where Plymouth can advance our efforts and join ongoing advocacy pursuits. In June, Plymouth Boards rallied together to host our first community Pride Picnic, and in the fall, the O&A team offered our first fiveweek LGBTQ+ 201 class. Participants identified several steps that would allow Plymouth to continue our journey. Then in October, the O&A team launched Open & Affirming 2.0 with a campaign encouraging congregants to add pronouns to their name tags and explore more deeply the commitment Plymouth made in 2004 to create a community in which all people feel welcomed and safe.

Plymouth supports mission partners financially through budget allocations and fundraising. Once again, this year, the annual garage sale was thwarted due to the pandemic, and our efforts went online. A wonderful virtual auction team organized 170 items given by 60 generous donors and raised approximately $8,750. These funds were supplemented through the return of our Holiday Bake Sale led by Margaret Kramar and special offering campaigns. Communication is key to the work of the MSB. We continue to offer focused Mission Moments during Sunday services, and we are grateful to Jeremy and his support posting information in emails, bulletins, and the ROCK monthly magazine. In addition, this year, Plymouth added Fellowship Forums in between Sunday services which provide special learning opportunities.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

KATE SIMPSON 2021 MUSIC & FINE ARTS BOARD CHAIR

he Music & Fine Arts Board unites 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 can engage. We do so by focusing on exploring known or yet to be discovered talent, leading to a deeper understanding of God and building community and relationships. We seek to achieve this goal by providing opportunities for the Plymouth community to make and enjoy music and other artistic pursuits. By providing welcoming programming to all who wish to participate, we hope that our programming will provide opportunities for spiritual growth, growing community and relationships, and exploring our talents and gifts. In this second year of the pandemic, Minister of Music & Fine Arts Kim Manz continued to lead our congregation by exploring ways to enhance virtual worship and virtual rehearsals through music, education, and visual art.

The Chancel Choir was unable to meet in person for much of the year. Instead of canceling rehearsal, Kim and the choir engaged in enriching educational programming and social time. Over Zoom, these meetings included educational components such as learning about composers and sacred music styles. The choir was thankful for these opportunities to see each other during the pandemic. But both the choir and other congregants have expressed their enhanced appreciation for the experience that in-person rehearsal and singing for worship provides. Two of the most meaningful choral performance in 2021 were the May Major Choral Work featuring vocalists Rosie O’Brien, Emily Raese, Genée Figuieras, Lee Ann Thompson, Chelsea Troyer Calbeck, and Mary Marathe. Accompaniment was provided by Matt Calbeck, Russell Clark, and Kim Manz. The other was having the entire choir return in December after missing singing three Major Works. Several new members began singing when the choir started in-person rehearsals in mid-June.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

During virtual services, many Plymouth community members contributed to the worship experience of all by providing music. These musicians included Genée Figuieras, Kim Manz, Rosie O’Brien, Melissa Hurst, Linda Mannering, Tim O’Brien, Olivia Toevs, Chelsea Troyer Calbeck, Colin Bradt, Roscoe Bradt, Steve Bradt, Tony Console, Becky Eason, Ryan Hamlin, Reid Börk, Emily Bennett, Mary Marathe, Mukund Marathe, Judy Kettle, Johannah Cox, Trip Venturella, Barbara Ballard, Genaro Mendez, Melissa Smith, Hayden Slough, Nicholas Dvorske, Alex White, Paul Stevens, Connor Jones, Matt Calbeck, Su Johnson, Janeal Krehbiel, Jane Tedder, Jimmy Bloomquist, Marilyn Epp, Darrell Cox, Jeff Underwood, Mike Jones, Colin Roust, Rachel Dirks, Barbara Bosche, Linda Thompson, Anna Beth Thompson, Larissa Long, Doug Marples, Jack Brewer, Lavenna Boyer, Larry Rice, Kate Simpson, Tate Alexander, Rob Foster, Matt Smith, and Erin Wood. These members’ highly valued contributions of their time and talent enriched virtual services. Thank you to these and other members who contributed to worship at Plymouth this year through music. The Gathering of Grace Band, led by Pam Gibbs, returned to providing music for worship at the 11:15 am Gathering of Grace services in June, after a 15month hiatus. In early 2021, Kim Manz also coordinated music for worship at recorded vespers services. These services featured music from Kim Manz, Melissa Hurst, Tim O’Brien. Linda Thompson and granddaughter Anna Beth, Judy Kettle, Judy Prather, Larissa Long, Su Johnson, Johanna Cox, and the Plymouth Bell Ringers, many of whom provided music for services on many occasions. This year, we facilitated several in-person art classes, including knitting, folded ornament making, relief printing, Bunnies, Turtles Clay Class, Creative Cylinders Clay Class, Adult Clay Class, creative painting, and cookie decorating, and Relief Printing. Classes took place from June through October, con-

cluding with an art show featuring Plymouth artists’ work from October 24–31, 2021. ➔

The MFA Board facilitated the hanging and dehanging of the greens events for the Christmas season at Plymouth. This event is an annual opportunity to beautify the church and engage in fellowship with other Plymouth community members. Middle school and high school handbell choirs were able to rehearse on Sundays during the second half of the year and provide music for worship. Lee Anne Thompson provided invaluable assistance to these groups. The adult handbell choir also enjoyed a renaissance, and several small ensembles provided music for vespers and other services. The children’s choirs rehearsed by zoom and prerecorded video the first half of the year and presented an outdoor concert in the courtyard for parents. Then, when the pandemic allowed, the Cherub Choir (directed by Paula Aiken), Carol Choir (directed by Kim Poston), and the Chapel Choir (directed by Doni Mooberry and Kim Manz) were able to rehearse and provide music for services. In addition, the choirs sang in worship for the Christmas Pageant and at the 6 pm Christmas Eve service. The Organ Committee contracted an acoustic study of the sanctuary to explore options for the organ. In addition, the committee met with architects working on a refurbishing project for Plymouth’s buildings. Our organ’s aging and reliability is a continued concern and focus. Kim Manz ensures the tuning and good stewardship of various instruments at Plymouth, including the organ and pianos, and the MFA periodically recommends updates or new purchases when appropriate. For example, this year, the MFA board approved purchasing a humidifier control system for the sanctuary piano, which was having difficulty staying in tune.

performance of “An Evening with Cole Porter” in February. We look forward to returning to other beloved Plymouth social traditions, like in-person dinner theater, gourmet dinners, and the Plymouth Birthday Party when it is safe to do so. The Prayer Shawl Ministry continues to be a vital care ministry at Plymouth. A Prayer Shawl Blessing was held in March, and shawls have continued to be crafted and delivered throughout the pandemic. Many thanks to Chris Collister, Mary Lake, and Kay Bradt for their leadership and participants who so graciously knit and crochet. The second half of the year saw the return of some Plymouth traditions and ensembles. For example, in July and November, the Plymouth Brass & Percussion returned for the Independence Celebration and Thanksgiving Sunday, and in December, the annual in-person Christmas Eve Concert. In June, Kim Manz served on the committee and assisted with many projects for the Pride Party. In November, the MFA Board welcomed the KU Horn Ensemble directed by Plymouth member Paul Stevens and the Lawrence Community Orchestra under Plymouth members Matt Smith and Rachel Dirks.

Minister of Music & Fine Arts Kim Manz is an integral part of the life and worship of our congregation. We thank Kim for his seemingly inexhaustible creativity, dedication to providing the most meaningful and impactful experience for the musicians he leads and the congregation he serves, and work to welcome and include all in our Plymouth Community and in the music and fine arts programming he and the Music and Fine Arts Board work to provide.

Despite the pandemic, the MFA board put on a virtual dinner theater

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Stewardship’s goals for 2021 were the following: • • • • •

To produce a balanced Mission Spending Plan for 2022. To support increased funding for MSP. To complete the tri-annual financial review in 2022. To continue participation in the master facilities planning process. To monitor Stewardship Board’s Plymouth Continuity Operating Plan (PCOP) responsibilities.

In 2021, Plymouth did the following: • • • •

• •

•

Made a successful transition of financial records from Church Windows to QuickBooks. Established a Fundraising Calendar Chart. Approved a Gift Acceptance Policy and Guidelines. Approved a Gift Utilization Policy of the Memorial Fund and Gift Committee, which will guide the committee’s operations. Approved a Board Spending Policy. Approved a Fundraising Requisition/Approval Form to be completed by church groups planning a fundraising event. Adopted a Building Use Policy and Building Use Application form for church boards and outside groups. Completed BKD’s recommendations for financial procedures.

Improvements to facilities include the following: • •

Emergency maintenance and repair of the fire prevention sprinkler system. Replacement of the 20+-year-old soundboard in the sanctuary with a new 32-channel board.

•

• • •

• •

Replaced HVAC units in the second-floor offices of the South Building and the Head Start kitchen. Repaired 32 capstones on the outside façade. Completed the replacement of windows in Head Start rooms and church offices. Purchased a new video streaming system for the sanctuary and an all-in-one video and voice conferencing system for Room 201N. Replaced the toilet for the AA room. Repaired the air handling unit in the Mayflower Room.

tewardship is indebted to the support of our Treasurer, Doni Mooberry Slough, Deputy Treasurer Rich Bireta, past Stewardship Board Chair Stephen Carttar who continues to serve on the Finance Committee, and the contribution of our new Staff Accountant, Melissa Praderio. The 2021 Stewardship Board dedicated time and talent to promote and support the mission programs of Plymouth. Thank you, class of 2021, Doug Funk, for serving on the Endowment Committee and the Memorial Gift Committee, and Amanda Jay for your professional expertise in serving on the Personnel Committee. Thank you, class of 2022, Chris Claflin, for your contribution to facilities, Doug Eason for serving as Vice-Chair and Facilities Chair, and Jane Tedder, for your professional recording of the minutes and expertise in editing. Thank you, class of 2023, Emilie Burdett, for volunteering for special requests, Sarah Cauthon for your contribution to facilities, and Debra Schmidt for overseeing the fundraising program and helping to create the Building Use Policy. Your commitment, dedication, and faithful participation is greatly appreciated. We are also grateful to you, the Congregation, for your participation and questions in the congregational financial meetings. You have helped produce the vision and priorities for a balanced budget for 2022. Thank you!

LINDA MAXEY 2021 STEWARDSHIP BOARD CHAIR 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

January •

•

HVAC valve and actuator replacement/preemptive maintenance - South Church. Discussions begin on updating our technology with the soundboard with MSM.

February • •

Additional wireless mics were purchased for Sunday services. Bid for replacement received by P1 Group for replacing the AC unit servicing the first floor of the South Church building.

March •

•

Bid for replacing AC unit serving the second floor of South Church building. Additional hardware and equipment for soundboard system purchased.

REX RUSSELL FACILITIES MANAGER

hile 2020 was an energetic year focused on optimizing the empty time while people were away and taking care of many projects, 2021 was a year of quiet change and maintaining all we have done. It was a slower-paced year of building on our past successes and smartly planning for the time we all back together as one. We improved the video and streaming technology we use, made further investments in the heating and cooling systems, and evaluated where we need to be with our buildings in the next few years. Here’s to 2022.

•

The next phase of stone/ masonry abatement and replacement begins with IMR Construction. Window World begins window scheduled replacement of windows in the North and South Church buildings. Discussions begin on a reopening to the public and return to Sunday in-person services.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

April • •

•

New microphones were purchased for the Sanctuary uses. Bid proposals were obtained for a new camera system for streaming services. Research begins on the history of repairs needed for the Rosetta window with Don McMican/ historical restoration and Bovard Studios Glass. AA/NA meetings resume on-site with Covid protocols of health in place. Heavy rains causing flooding floor drain problems in the AA/ NA room were resolved.

May •

Remodel of the 104 South room into a parent/child Nursing Room complete.

June •

•

Return to in-house Sunday services. Repair approvals for AC work for offices fast-tracked after receiving a bid from P1 Group

September •

Rice Foundation request submitted by requesting funds to renovate the AA/NA meeting room.

October •

Replacement of the water supply lines that provide heating and cooling for the Sanctuary fan coil units.

November •

Gender Neutral bathroom added to the first floor South Church. Locks were also added to each gender-neutral bathroom in the North and South Church buildings.

December • •

•

Renovating the old sexton’s office into We Care and Youth Group storage begins. Discussions begin on developing grant proposals for the Kansas Historical Society for project/upkeep in the future. New liquid paraffin candles for the communion table and chancel steps were purchased and installed.

July • •

•

Signage throughout the buildings updated. Dynamic motor and control system installed for the Mayflower Room, dramatically reducing the noise level and improving the airflow. Improvement/additions to the ethernet system.

August • •

Head Start school starts with Covid protocols in place Repainting rooms 202N, 203N, 204N, and 205N begins with Youth Service Corp.

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

SUSAN McCARTHY 2021 HISTORY COMMITTEE

ven though the Sesquicentennial celebration initially planned for 2020 was much smaller than we had hoped for, we contributed to the program during the Founder’s Day service of 2021. In addition, our publication “Celebrating the Historic Plymouth Congregational Church, 1870-2020” was distributed. That booklet represented a lot of work by several committee members, and it was a relief to finish it. Another accomplishment: our committee finally sent records from 2016 through 2020 to the Spencer Research Library. This next year we plan to organize our records in the History Room more efficiently. There are boxes of videos and photographs that are always waiting for someone to look through them. We will also get back to contributing articles to the Rock occasionally and try to be a little more timely in changing our bulletin board!

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

APPENDICES Plymouth’s 2021 Annual Report PAGE 71

Minutes from the 2021 Annual Meeting

PAGE 74

Nominating Committee Report

PAGE 75

Membership Associate’s Report

PAGE 77

Treasurer’s Financial Report

PAGE 79

The 2022 Mission Spending Plan

PAGE 85

Statement of Revenue & Expenses by Class

PAGE 92

Fundraising for 2021

PAGE 89

Personnel Report by the Numbers

PAGE 94

Plymouth Endowed Funds

PAGE 98

Plymouth Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

166th ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING February 7, 2021 Call to Order Elinor Schroeder, Moderator, called the meeting to order at 10:45 am.

Invocation Valerie Miller-Coleman, Senior Pastor, delivered the invocation. Elinor Schroeder then introduced Clay Britton as the parliamentarian, and Clay declared a quorum.

Approval of Minutes of the February 2, 2020, Annual Meeting and Approval of February 11, 2020, Special 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 Been almost a year since Boards and Committees met for in-person meetings, all have managed to carry on the church's work despite the pandemic and challenges, being able to adapt to changes as necessary to continue the church's work. Elinor thanked all the volunteers who served on Boards and Committees the past year. Elinor also gave thanks to our hardworking staff who persevered throughout this challenging time through our church, to Pastors who've put on wonderful services, to the rest of the staff: Kim Manz, Susan Anderson, Liz Smith, Jeremy Winfrey, Lori Herpich, to Barbara Holland who we just were informed that is leaving us soon, and Becky Foster who retired this past year.

Presentation and Acceptance, 2020 Financial Report The management of finances is truly a team effort, and Doni gave thanks to the Stewardship Board and staff for their hard work during this unusual past year. 2020 was a unique financial year at Plymouth. Combine Pledge and Contribution income came in $24000 higher than budgeted, thanks to your generosity in maintaining steadfast giving in unprecedented times. This additional giving helped cover a shortfall in fundraising income created by events canceled because of the pandemic. Thank you for your support and dedication to Plymouth's commitment to doing God's work. Expenses this year were approximately $78,000 less than budgeted due to lower utilities, fewer building use costs, and lower staff costs which primarily resulted from the pandemic impact on part-time staff and special function staff, Christian Education, and Music and Fine Arts. These factors combined allowed us to end the year with an operating surplus of $85,417. Doni reported that we have received forgiveness on the $108,400 in Payroll Protection Program funding that Plymouth received in April 2020. As a result, our 2020 year-end financial reports show the loan proceeds recognized as income, increasing the operating surplus by the total amount of the loan. Although Plymouth entered 2020 with a balanced Mission Spending Plan, in March, the world changed drastically, and we faced incredible uncertainty regarding our ability to continue to match income and expenses. The proceeds from the Payroll Protection loan allowed us to pay staff for 2 ½ months when, as a result of unprecedented events and financial unpredictability, we weren't sure we would be able to maintain our budgeted income level. Because you remain steadfast in your commitment, because you have been faithful in your giving, and because those who were able recognized and responded to the needs of those who were struggling,

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Plymouth closes 2020 with income exceeding expenses by $193,817.

Two years ago, our congregation recognized the risks inherent in our giving demographic and committed to directing future operating surpluses to our operating reserves until $250,000 or approximately three months' expenses were accumulated. With the addition of the 2020 operating surplus of $85,417, our operating reserve stands at just over $198,000. In addition to the $198,000 in operating reserve, we have the $108,400 that we saved because we had payroll protection program funds to cover a portion of our salaries during the beginning months of the pandemic. We must maintain these funds for staff preservation until we are through the pandemic. This fall, as we begin to prepare for what we hope to be a post pandemic 2022, it will be essential as a congregation to prayerfully consider how we best utilize any monies saved as a result of the payroll protection stimulus money. Our challenge, our gift, will be to steward this unexpected surplus as we respond to Plymouth's call to grow. We are looking forward to having that conversation with you. Doni Mooberry Slough moved to accept the Financial Report as presented, seconded by Geraldo Sousa. The motion carried. Since Becky Foster retired and as Barbara Holland left, David Bergeron asked how are the finances being addressed. Doni Mooberry Slough described a transition plan from the Finance Team, Personnel Committee, and Senior Pastor to advertise for an accountant or bookkeeper to cover. Genna Hurd asked with the PPP funds, is there talk about returning funds to the community where needed. Doni Mooberry Slough clarified that the Payroll Protection Funds were spent on payroll, which allowed us to save on payroll, but the need of reserving those funds throughout the pandemic to ensure they are used on what they were given for payroll and to maintain staff.

Approval of the 2021 Mission Spending Plan The Mission Spending Plan is printed on page 86 of the Annual Report. Stephen provided a quick overview and highlights. The 4th column in green was prepared based on normal operations. We are budgeting $1,022,547 of expenses for 2021, budgeted revenue

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of $994,658, which results in a shortfall of $27,889. Because our congregation is not expected to worship in person at least late in the spring of 2021, we expect to accrue sufficient savings of more than enough to cover the shortfall. Stephen introduced a new column to reflect Budget 2021 Covid19, showing a balanced budget based on the shortfall being met with fewer expenses. Budget meetings have occurred over the last several months to discuss the MSP, address concerns, and gain feedback. Doni Mooberry Slough moved, seconded by Fred Kandeler, to adopt the 2021 Mission Spending Plan as presented on pages 86 through 91 of the Annual Report. The motion carried.

Question to clarify estimates: raising costs is expected to be less due to not occurring events. Stephan addressed. Question about if Plymouth would be hosting homeless. Valerie clarified: The City and Lawrence Community Shelter are working with the homeless to provide a winter shelter, but Plymouth is not hosting the shelter. Geraldo and David asked how much was donated to the pastor's emergency fund and where it was reported. Barbara informed that it is located on the Activities fund report on page 98 and the Pastor's Emergency Fund over the past year took in $15,162, with $9,084.70 was distributed.

Nominating Committee Report and Election of Officers 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 Valerie thanked Dr. Edith Guffey for her service, and we look forward to celebrating retirement in December. Elinor also thanked Edith for her service.

Harold Riehm thanked Liz Smith for all her work getting us hooked up on Zoom for this meeting.

John Burch asked when the church will reopen for inperson services, how the decision will be made, what are the factors, and if it will have to be hybrid services? Valerie addressed: We've been making decisions based on natural seams in the church, listening for our public health officials letting us know what it looks like as the rollout of the vaccine, what behaviors are safe when people are vaccinated, when is it safe to regather in large numbers? Right now, we don't know enough about what is coming after April. Genna Hurd asked if we have a group looking at inperson worships and lessons with other churches doing so. Valerie stated, yes, we have stayed in close contact with local church leaders, wider UCC, and some ecumenical partners across the country: what they're doing, what is working, what is not working, and thinking about what in-person worship will look like when it's time. Our staff is thinking about this carefully. In addition, the deacons board has been actively discussing the limitations and opportunities of hybrid, in person, remote worship from many different perspectives. Harold Riehm asked when we can expect a committee report that examines the facility use and remodeling of the church. Valerie stated a survey would be coming out to the congregation for what your hopes are, what you love about the church, the strengths of the church are. Then, hopefully, the design will come in the next month to meet with the choir and the church council and share their planned project. Geraldo Sousa thanked Barbara Holland for her years of service. Fred Kandeler praised this year's annual report, getting better every year, and thanked Plymouth's Clergy and Staff.

Derrick thanked Elinor for faithful dedication, service, and leadership. Derrick presented a gift to the KU Audio Program in Elinor's name. Derrick reflected on Valerie's message this morning. "We are a nation, a community, and a church family in need of some healing. We will continue to undoubtedly face new and challenging barriers to our past normal way of life. But what we do know is that at a minimum, there will be an increased need for patience, love, creativity, and many other fields to overcome these challenges." With this in mind, Derrick wants to extend some unity, compassion, and commitment goals for Plymouth Church for 2021. To accomplish these goals successfully, it will be imperative that we don't continue to rely on a small group of faithful volunteers and church members. Still, rather we expand our "pew" depth and do so for all of us to eagerly accept and take on duties to help overcome isolation and disconnectivity that has become a part of our everyday lives. Plymouth needs all of you.

Adjournment David Bergeron moved to adjourn, seconded by Genna Hurd; the meeting adjourned at 11:46 am.

Benediction Valerie thanked Elinor, Terry, and Derrick, and welcomed new Moderator Elect Devon Kim. Valerie led the meeting in the Lord's prayer.

Respectfully submitted by Christina Bloomquist, Plymouth Church clerk, February 7, 2021

David Bergeron stated the author of the report should be recognized. Thank you for your service.

Presentation of the 2021 Moderator and Response Elinor Schroeder introduced Derrick Hurst as the new Moderator.

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

*Indicates Nominee

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MEMBERSHIP REPORT

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DONI MOOBERRY SLOUGH - TREASURER OF PLYMOUTH CHURCH

lymouth's finances have remained strong during 2021. Largely, due to lower staff costs resulting from changes in personnel in accounting and finance and five months of volunteer work from Deputy Treasurer Rich Bireta, we are ending the year with a projected surplus of $60,078.54. We are excited to report that this surplus will provide us with the funds necessary to reach our goal of maintaining an operating reserve of $250,000 minimum while allowing us also to show our staff how much we appreciate them through year-end bonuses aimed at helping bridge the inflation gap our country is experiencing at this time.

Thanks to your generosity, our pledges for 2022 total 95% of our baseline goal and 98.4% of 2021 total pledges. What an incredible witness to the importance of God's work through Plymouth Church during this unprecedented time. The total pledge income for 2022 is $847,105. While this is $42,895 short of our baseline goal, we have received $25,000 in onetime gifts for 2022, and we have experienced a consistent increase in contributions (no pledge) during the past two years. These two things give us the confidence to fully fund the Mission Spending Plan proposed by your Church Boards and to provide a 2% cost of living adjustment for staff.

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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 certain expenses we experienced in 2021 or the generous, one-time gifts we received for 2022. These items are identifiable and the result of unique events. We will need a minimum of a 7% increase in pledges for 2023 to cover our baseline operating expenses. We are thrilled with the 2022 pledge responses, given the challenging year we have had. As a congregation, we are confident in our ability to bridge the gap as we continue to answer God's call to grow in 2022 and beyond. Looking past the pandemic and our immediate Mission Spending Plan is crucial as we consider our longerterm response to God's call to grow. Two years ago, during our annual appeal process, we discussed our church giving demographic and the risks inherent. We are in a position where only four pledging households support 10% of our annual budget. Over 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 is committed to increasing how we connect with congregants and how we message about giving. As a result, 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 reserve. We have met that goal far sooner than we thought possible! You did it! We have no debt, $250,000 in reserve, and a balanced operating budget.

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In addition to the $212,000 in operating reserve (before the addition of this year's surplus), we saved $108,400 because we used Payroll Protection Program funds to cover a portion of our salaries during the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Of this money, $11,500 was used to pay special functions staff during the summer of 2020 (who we wouldn't have been able to pay otherwise) and has been transferred to help fund 2021 staff bonuses, leaving us with a balance of $96,900. In this time of need in our community, many of us will be wrestling with how we handle these funds. 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. Therefore, 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 year that brings the end of the pandemic, 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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