03. THE VIEW FROM HERE 04. TAKE A STAND AGAINST TRANSPHOBIC LEGISLATION 05. SPRING NATURE WALK AT CLINTON LAKE 06. CONFIRMATION SUNDAY 07. HOP ABOARD THE PLYMOUTH MEAL TRAIN 08. HEAD START AT PLYMOUTH DURING 2020-21 09. JUSTICE MATTERS NEHEMIAH ASSEMBLY 10. HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU? 11. PLYMOUTH COVENANT GROUPS 12. PLYMOUTH’S 2021 VIRTUAL AUCTION 13. HISTORY COMMITTEE REPORT
that cover the nose and mouth will be required, along with some additional posted safety measures The Mayflower Room, Heritage Room, Support Group Room (basement level), and Sanctuary will be available for size-limited gatherings by reservation. Contact Lori Herpich for details.
In-person worship will begin on Sunday, June 13.
Masks that cover the nose and mouth will be required, along with some additional posted safety measures. Fellowship time will be primarily outdoors in the South Church courtyard, with other rooms available for use on a limited basis. It’s much safer to drink coffee outdoors! Broadcast worship will continue without interruption for those who prefer to worship remotely. Sunday School will meet in the Mayflower Room during worship, and the nursery will be available for young children. We will follow CDC guidance in all children’s programs. Contact Christian Education Director Susan Anderson for details.
Classrooms will be available for meetings beginning Monday, June 14.
G
reetings, Saints of Plymouth Church! At the beginning of 2021, amid a gut-wrenching spike in the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to continue broadcast-only worship at least through Easter. The virus’ community spread needed curtailing, and we could offer our support by staying home. More than three months later, we now see a blessedly changed landscape. Vaccines are rolling out, and our community is receptive to them and other protective measures. We see a rapid decline in the virus’ spread. There’s a great reason for hope.
We are thrilled to be planning for a return to in-person worship. Our season in the wilderness has taught us many things. We are stronger than we knew. The church is much more than a building. Most of all, we need one another. If you have questions or concerns about the plan outlined above, please let me know. It helps to know what you’re wondering and hoping. Keep an eye on our weekly email newsletters and our website for more information as plans progress.
Therefore, in consultation with our local health department and other healthcare professionals, Plymouth’s elected lay leaders and staff prepare for a staged return to the building. Our plan may change in response to new guidance or information. If we need to slow down or back up, we will. Here’s the plan:
Staff will return to primarily in-office work on Monday, May 3.
Masks that cover the nose and mouth will be required, along with some additional posted safety measures. We plan to equip multiple classrooms with webcams to support hybrid in-person/online gatherings. Contact Lori Herpich for details. As always, we will require reservations for room use.
In peace,
The church office will return to normal, prepandemic open hours with the front desk staffed weekday mornings. All visitors to the building will need to sign-in and register a temperature check upon entry. Masks
3
A
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.
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.
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.
KANSAS SENATE BILL 208
Plymouth's Open and Affirming Committee and the Mission and Service Board ask you to add your names to the petitions against transphobic legislation currently under debate on the Kansas State House and Senate floors. Follow the link buttons below to sign your name to this important cause.
KANSAS HOUSE BILL 2210
4
T
he Fellowship Board is hosting a spring Nature Walk at Clinton Lake-specifically, the paved trail at Overlook Park. Meet at the triangle-roof shelter overlooking the lake. We will gather to share a short devotion and learn a little about the ecology of Clinton Lake. We will stay on a wheelchair-accessible path. Please remember to wear a mask. Visit with your Plymouth friends in person and celebrate the beauty of God's creation! Sign up by clicking on the Clinton Lake logo above.
5
6
W
hether a family is welcoming a new baby or someone is dealing with severe illness or grief, we want to make sure that they experience the love of the Plymouth community. If you are interested in participating in this ministry, sign up below! Whenever we need a few meals, we will send out a signup sheet and invite you to contribute.
7
April DeNatale, Director of Children’s Community Center Head Start at Plymouth
A
How children have participated in the Head Start program this year has changed a bit over the school year. About half of children enrolled in the program were learning virtually through the SeeSaw app in August and September. Teachers and families communicated by posting daily activities and updates in addition to twice-monthly phone calls.
lthough this has been an unusual school year, Head Start children and families are thriving! The community has rallied around those most in need, making a world of difference in their lives. Donations, support, and services have looked a little different than in years past. However, our fantastic community partners' creativity has ensured that children continue to be ready for Kindergarten, and families continue to grow toward greater stability. As winter came upon us, every Head Start child received warm clothes, coats, hats, gloves, and quilts. Additionally, every Head Start child experienced a lovely holiday season through the Angel Tree and a generous donation of turkey dinners around Thanksgiving.
Some children learning virtually began attending classrooms in person in November, and even more have joined classrooms since January. Today, seven children are learning virtually, 53 are learning in person, and at least nine more children will be joining classrooms this month. We truly could not do this work without our community's support, especially with all of the love that you show children and families. We are looking forward to these last couple of months of the school year and all of the growth we will be blessed to see. We can't wait for the day that you will join us in classrooms again to see the miraculous growth of children and families. You are such an essential part of families' lives this year and every year. We appreciate you so very much!
The community continued to support Head Start families through virtual parent committee meetings as well. Families met to learn more about and discuss strategies for stretching their "food dollars," services available to their children through Medicaid, and fire safety. In February, the fire department gave families a fun virtual tour of the local station and a fire truck.
8
Y
ou are invited to the annual Nehemiah Assembly. This year the assembly will be held as drive-in event at the Douglas County Fairgrounds parking lot on Saturday, May 3 at 6:30 - 8 p.m. This year has been significant as we recognize in Lawrence and Douglas County that we have racial and economic injustices. 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. Justice Matters is a non-profit community organization formed by member networks in 17 affiliated faith congregations (such as Plymouth) and neighborhoods. Please join in the community as we strive to become a just and welcoming place for all people.
9
PRAYER REQUESTS
JOIN THE PRAYER TEAM
10
A
fter a beautiful Lent season of sharing gratitude, we are ready to start some new ongoing Covenant Groups to grow in faith and connect on a deeper spiritual level. These groups of 6-10 will meet twice a month via Zoom (or in a socially distanced space in the future when this is deemed safe by experts and Plymouth leadership). Your group will decide on your meeting times and what to study together; the Plymouth pastors will provide some thoughtful discussion-based materials to choose from, both video lectures and books. Some thoughtful testimonies from the past month of gatherings: “Our group is amazing, and we have developed a strong connection to each other and a sense of caring and concern for each other. It's been such a great experience!” “These groups have addressed a significant need during the pandemic by giving us a way to feel a meaningful connection to others in the church.” “Getting to know the know the others in my group, sharing and listening to them—these have been the most important for me.” “It's really a nice group of people who are willing to explore their faith, search for deeper meaning and share their beliefs and questions.” “It's always good to meet new people and get to know old acquaintances more deeply.” Please fill out this survey to help us connect you with the right group!
Plymouth Covenant Group Survey
11
Please save the date for Plymouth's second Virtual Auction, which will be in early August. Are you downsizing? Has the pandemic allowed you time to clean out closets, garages, and storage spaces? Please don't get rid of all that stuff yet. Our mission partners will benefit if you donate those items to this church auction. Or do you have a talent or service you could share? More details will follow as the auction date approaches.
12
hancements. The information below is a part of a longer interview covering Carl's 64 years at Plymouth. This portion of the interview was to document his recounting of work done on the Sanctuary Basement following Plymouth’s fire of 1955. For years the Althaus interview existed only on a tape in the church’s historical archives. Thanks to Plymouth History Committee members, Kay and Marilyn Bradt, this fantastic primary recounting of Plymouth history exists in text at long last. The Sanctuary Basement After the 1955 Fire: Interview with Carl Althaus. Conducted by Dick and Audrey Sheridan. Transcribed and edited by Kay and Marilyn Bradt.
T
Audrey Sheridan: Tell us about the basement.
he following is the transcription of an interview conducted by Plymouth’s members Dick and Audrey Sheridan. At the time of this interview, longtime and beloved Plymouth member Carl Althaus, for whom Plymouth’s Chapel is named, was 89 years old.
Carl Althaus: Soon after Dale Turner came--that was years ago--he realized the lack of church activities for the youth of the congregation. So, he was concerned with the young people. And he looked to the third floor in the south building. It was partly finished and partly unfinished. There was no fire escape. There weren’t adequate entrances, but he started holding meetings there and the congregation was told by the fire department
Carl Althaus spent many years, almost from the beginning of his membership in Plymouth, to the maintenance and financial well-being of the church building. His work included care and maintenance for the original church, the rebuilding of South Church after the fire, construction of the new North Church, and endless alterations over time to accommodate the church's changes and en-
13
PLYMOUTH MEMBERS ENJOYING THANKSGIVING DINNER IN THE SANCTUARY BASEMENT
and the police department that they would have to put up a fire escape. So, a fire escape was put up; fire extinguishers were purchased. And Howard McConnell helped Dale make some improvements on the third floor of the south building. Well, as you probably know, the third floor was pretty well wiped off by the fire and the Fun Fests were moved to the church. It needed another place. This is a good example of where a church responds by adding to its program to get something going. The basement was filled with ashes and junk and someone, I don’t recall who, gave the church the money to build or to finish the basement. I think this was an elderly gentleman. He, someway, was connected with the railroads. I had several friends who were kind of builders. And in that line o f wo rk, Howard McConnell talked about furnishing material, some of it at least. And so myself and three or four helpers started to excavate the basement. Well, we made an opening on the north side which was required by the
fire department. We made an entrance on the south side to the room at the front of the church. We took out a foot of dirt and put in a concrete floor and a new ceiling. Howard McConnell supervised the ceiling. And I and three or four workers excavated the dirt and put in the concrete. Well, when we excavated the basement, we actually went lower than the foundation. When I was fifteen years old, I handled a big old steam engine as good as anybody. That was true in the church basement, you know. Howard McConnell had an old tractor and he said, “Take it and use it.” The church sits on big stones. Well, I handled those heavy stones in the tractor lift, and the steps we put the old stones back because – well, why. Well, I didn’t agree with it, but I said, “I’m not going to fuss with him.” But we put the old stones back because some people just wanted to have the old stones. So, I’ve never had any trouble with the church basement, the foundation, for what we did to the basement. Dick Sheridan: Did you bring 14
your team of horses? Did you actually work on the excavation? Carl: I was teaching that summer and I worked with the men, shovel and pickaxe. For a week we had a horse in the basement. That horse and two of the men would plow some ground loose. Then after that was plowed loose, they put the horse on the scraper and pulled over the dirt to the corn elevator where we had a pyramid of dirt from the north church. Reminded me of the Valley of Nile where they had pyramids. That’s the way the church was fixed up. Dick: Did your horse have to stay underground? Carl: The horse stayed there a week and we fed it water. The first night that the basement was open for the Fun Fest. There was such a jam of them you could hardly get in and out. But it had some problems. There were no toilets, and, of course, for a period that long you had to have the facilities. So that we rescued an old toilet in the north part of the
THE SANCTUARY BASEMENT IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ROOM FOR STAGING PLYMOUTH’S ANNUAL GARAGE SALE
building for girls. And then we had no facilities for the boys; we had a station at the front door to let the boys use that toilet in the south building. That, of course, made a big problem because that had to have the help of people in the church for three hours of the Fun Fest from seven to ten. If they didn’t, they’d rampage the sanctuary. Audrey: The basement is very useful addition, even now. Carl: Yes. I don’t know what the architects that they have now, said about it. I didn’t care. That basement did more good than a lot of people think. The Fun Fest and, even, church classes meet there now. It’s not a modern basement. No! We had to dig down to get the room, to have head-
room. When we were at work down there, there were about eight pillars two feet each way where there are iron posts now. We took the eight pillars out and we put the iron posts that are in there and we did put seats around it which are still there – it’s in concrete. The bottom of those posts, there’s base round here. Fancy hemway. I cut those out of stone, and we made them of concrete, they looked nice. Of course, we did some of those things when we went along. The architects said we didn’t do anything down there. I guess, they fixed the big room. The Thanksgiving dinners were down there. So, it was used. Audrey: Yes, that was used. 15
Carl: This should be in print, but it shows what happened. We were using that railroad money downstairs, and the front steps were bad. The trustees said, "Fix the front steps." I said, “Where’s the money?” “We don’t have any.” (That’s usual.) So, I asked Jim Postma about using the help we had doing work on the basement to use them on the steps. “No, Mr So-and-So wouldn’t put any money down there like that. You can’t use it.” But I pulled a trick; Don Phelps got a big bang out of this. I told Don, “pay me for working in the basement for my time and we’ll count that for the time for the people I have hired on the steps.” So, the railroad money got the steps, via Althaus.