03. THE VIEW FROM HERE 04. MEET NIKKI! 05. KNOW YOUR MODERATOR 06. PLYMOUTH’S ADVOCACY PROCESS DISCERNMENT TEAM 07. “THE WAY OF THE CROSS” LENTEN WORSHIP SERIES 08. ASH WEDNESDAY 09. LENTEN COVENANT GROUPS
10. OWL CLASS FOR K-5TH GRADE 11. HOLY AT PLYMOUTH 12. EASTER SUNDAY 13. MOPS: MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
14. DADS & LITTLES 15. PLYMOUTH CARE MINISTRIES
full knowledge of our belovedness, it's hard for our souls to set deep roots and bloom. This Lent, we're inviting everyone (yes, you too!) to participate in a Lenten Covenant Group. These small groups will gather once a week, either in person or online, depending on the group's preference. We're commending to the groups a book by Brian McLaren called We Make the Road by Walking and an accompanying video series. I hope that the material will spark conversations that help us find our way home together. See you in church!
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ent is on the horizon, and it looks like it will arrive right on time from where I'm sitting. A couple of months ago, I shared a reflection on Advent as a season when we cultivate our longing for a world made new. Lent is like a bookend to Advent. The spiritual work of preparation belongs to both seasons, but we turn the focus inward during Lent. Instead of critically examining our world and all that needs to be healed among the people and creation, we look within. We regard our hearts with the patience and tenderness of a loving parent or grandparent. Notice where something feels unresolved. Pay attention to the grief layered upon grief and listen to what it tells us. Hold those stories like treasures because that's what they are. The wisdom of the heart leads us through the season of Lent. In my experience, this kind of soul work is best undertaken in community. We need companions who can help us parse the inner critic's voice from the stories our heart needs to tell. We humans can be so much harder on ourselves than we would ever imagine being with someone else. That's why spiritual companionship is so important. Learning to accept grace from one another is one way we learn to extend it to ourselves. Without grace, the
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ello everyone! I am so happy to join the Plymouth church staff as your Operations Manager. I have a passion for organizational business and project management, and I feel so blessed to be able to bring those gifts to help your congregation grow and serve the community. I received a bachelor's degree in Marketing at Ottawa University. My previous career was in credit card fraud investigations for a national bank. In 2021, I took a break from the corporate world to become a full-time campaign manager for newly elected Wyandotte County Commissioner Andrew Davis and continue my community work with my non-profit group, Justice for Wyandotte. When I am looking for a break from the world, I love taking small getaway trips and long drives. I am also a big fan of podcasts. This big love of podcasts inspired me to start my own called The 7th Street Podcast, which I started during my professional downtime. My podcast has been another fantastic passion project for me to educate my community on systematic changes and issues in Wyandotte County and be an outlet for the underserved. I am looking forward to helping Plymouth Congregational church run smoothly to continue its great work. Contact Nikki at operations@plymouthlawrence.com or by calling 785-843-3220 ext. 1077.
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At Plymouth’s 167th Annual Congregational meeting on Sunday, February 6, Devon Kim became Plymouth’s Moderator for 2022. Below is her statement to the congregation from that morning.
Kansas about Plymouth and Lawrence. He also wrote about his wife Mary and talked about her work with the women of the church. He concludes by saying, “Thus the daughters of Plymouth Church learned early to do their part.”
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y name is Devon Kim, and I have been attending Plymouth for 47 years. I was 14 when I was confirmed, so that makes me a 33-year member. I should be following in my mother’s footsteps as she was the Moderator Elect in 1999; however, my stepfather took a job in Northern Kentucky, and they moved. My husband, Tony, and I were married here in 2001, and my son Jonah, now a senior in high school, was baptized in 2004, and Josie, now a freshman, was baptized in 2006. They were both confirmed here after completing confirmation classes taught by me.
On becoming the lay leader of my childhood church, I reminisce on all of the people - but especially the women - at Plymouth that are a part of my childhood, adolescence, and adult life. So as I started to write this, I thought that I would try and name all of you, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that my life has been touched by each and every one of you because that is what Plymouth is to me. It’s the spirit of our founders and the Holy Spirit dancing through here. It’s Mary Cordley creating a legacy whereby a daughter of Plymouth church learned early to step in and do her part.
Speaking of Josie, she is preparing a documentary for her history day project. When she told me the theme for history day this year was Debate and Diplomacy in History, I said, “You should do your project on Plymouth.” One would think that with my long history here, I would be able to help her with this project, but I really only know the stories I have been told. I have not sat down and investigated for myself because I have never been in academic inquiry until now. Richard Cordley, Plymouth’s second pastor, wrote in his Pioneer Days in
So, as I help Josie think about this church’s history through the lens of debate and diplomacy, it helps me to think about this church’s future as well. I look forward to being a leader respecting where we have been as we forge ahead into a world that needs our people of faith now more than ever. Thank you for trusting me with this sacred role.
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he Advocacy Process Discernment Team of Devon Kim, David Ambler, Doni Mooberry Slough, Norine Spears, and John Wilson. The team presented the following recommendation to Council on January 25, 2022. In pursuit of its Covenant – “… the service of all…the promotion of justice…the reign of peace… and the realization of our shared humanity,” Plymouth Church members act both individually and collectively to accomplish its social mission. Periodically, activities in the greater society- locally, regionally, and nationally-and frequently in governmental bodies at every level are at work in cross purposes to what our Christian faith calls us to support and work to achieve. In such incidents, it may become desirable for Plymouth Congregational Church to speak collectively and with one voice by issuing advocacy position papers and-when necessary and desirable- engage in advocacy activities and/or lobbying of the appropriate legislative bodies. The process by which such church positions and activities would be developed and authorized will require careful attention to the congregational method of governance and the development of procedures that assure such activities will reflect the will and commitment of the Plymouth Congregation. Therefore, after studying this issue during the past
year, the Advocacy Process Discernment Team and the Plymouth Church Council requested that the 2022 Congregational Annual Meeting authorize the Church Council to develop procedural policies to realize these goals. The recommendation was approved at the Annual Meeting. The Advocacy Discernment Team recommends that such procedures must provide for:
A shared understanding of advocacy as it applies to Plymouth Church’s response to calls to put our faith in action. A transparent process for identifying issues to which our faith compels us to respond. A structure for disseminating factual information and education to Plymouth members regarding the identified issue (s).
A consistent and visible plan to ensure that Plymouth members can ask questions and provide input on the identified issue(s).
A process for discerning whether advocacy is appropriate for Plymouth Church in response to specific issues and what form advocacy will take.
A process for discerning our compliance with all government requirements (both State and Federal laws) regarding advocacy and/or lobbying.
Clear guidance for staff and Church leadership on their roles and responsibilities with respect to advocacy.
A clear line between advocacy and lobbying and establishment of a rubric for determining where an issue falls and whether advocacy and/or lobbying is the appropriate response.
A protocol for communicating Plymouth Church’s position on an identified issue with the broader community and- if appropriate- governmental units.
There were questions and discussions raised before the vote - many in favor of the recommendation. There were some questions and concerns about following the IRS rules and whether or not Plymouth should ever take a stand on issues, but overwhelmingly, the congregation supported this recommendation. The Advocacy Process Discernment Team jumped quickly back into working on that process in meeting on February 9, 2022, and hopes to propose a set of procedures shortly.
LENTEN WORSHIP SERIES MARCH 6 - APRIL 10, 2022
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ednesday evening of March 2, join us for Plymouth’s first live and inperson Ash Wednesday service in more than two years. The service begins at 7 pm and will include a short meditation, followed by communion, the imposition of ashes, and a blessing.
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o you miss gathering with our church community & other sacred circles in your life? Do you find that you grow and thrive in the company of trusted friends? Do you want to get to know more Plymouth members and feel more connected to our spiritual family? Join us this Lent for our Covenant Groups! These Lenten Covenant Groups will meet a total of six times during the season of Lent (March through the beginning of April). Groups will gather either on Wednesday nights
(ZOOM or in person) or Sunday mornings (in person) between services. All are welcome and encouraged to participate. We will grow together in faith and love through conversation, reflection, and spiritual practices shared in each facilitated group. Sign up today by visiting plymouthlawrence.com and our News & Events page, in our weekly email newsletters, or Sunday mornings at Plymouth.
This Lenten season, Plymouth offers OWL classes for K-5th Graders PreK Kids Club Wednesday nights from 6 – 7 pm. We have trained facilitators to support your kids with amazing resources to learn about our own bodies, sexuality, and healthy relationships. Sign up today!
OWL Groupings • • •
Kindergarten-1st Grade 2nd-3rd Grade 4th-5th Grade
PreK Kids Club We have opportunities for Pre-K kids to join our "Kids Club!" Middle School Students are invited to sign up as "assistants" for the Kids Club with Alicia Gossett, Director of Child and Family Ministry at Plymouth Church.
When? OWL Classes and Kids Club will be on Wednesday nights March 2, 9 (off on March 16, for Spring Break), 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, and 27.
What is OWL? Our Whole Lives (OWL), developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ, equips children and adults with accurate, ageappropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, OWL provides facts about anatomy and human development and helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.
We will have an Orientation on March 2, and seven teaching sessions.
Wednesday Night Timeline • •
5:45-6 pm - Kids Club Open for All Ages PreK-5th Grade. 6-7 pm - OWL Classes
Sign up at plymouthlawrenc.com on the News & Events page, on our weekly emails, or at church on Sundays!
Maundy Thursday, April 14, 7:30 pm One of the most hauntingly beautiful and moving services of the year is back in person at Plymouth for the first time since 2019. Our Maundy Thursday service begins at 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 14. If you’ve yet to experience this service in person, now is the time to be here. Heartwrenching, Plymouth’s Maundy Thursday service is the powerful precursor to the joy and celebration of life over death that is Easter morning. Don’t miss this service.
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nbelievably, due to the pandemic over the last two years, Holy Week 2022 will be the FIRST EVER inperson Holy Week of services held by Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Valerie MillerColeman and Associate Pastor Rev. Caroline Dean at Plymouth. So it’s time to pack the pews in joyous celebration of the season!
Palm Sunday, April 10 Join us for one of our two morning services. Last year during the pandemic, we started our downtown children and families Palm Procession. We liked it so much we are doing it again between the services.
Good Friday, April 15, 7:30 pm Experience the powerful Passion Story recalling the last hours of Christ’s life through drama and music. The Easter celebration of the resurrection of Christ will have a new and powerful meaning after witnessing Christ’s arrest, trial, and suffering.
SUNDAY APRIL17th!
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aster Sunday is back in person in all its glory, pomp, circumstance, and celebration for the first time since the spring of 2019. Plymouth’s Brass will once again add to the worship of our 9:30 am service. Be here and add your voices to the triumphant full house singing of the Hallelujah chorus.
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ach year during the Easter season, we decorate our sanctuary with beautiful lilies. Plymouth members and friends purchase them, often in memory or in honor of loved ones. Others give directly to the Pastors' Emergency Fund. Likewise, our pastors use the Pastors' Emergency Fund to assist Plymouth members, friends, and community members in need. During this time, the Pastors Emergency Fund has become more critical than ever. Make your poinsettia dedication by visiting plymouthlawrence.com and our News & Events page, our weekly email newsletters, or at church on Sunday mornings.
MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS What is MOPS? Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) believes in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together. MOPS began in 1973 when a group of moms with young children banded together to share their lives and parenting journeys. Over the past 45 years, MOPS has expanded our reach to include ALL moms. In addition, MOPS partners with churches and organizations worldwide to equip and encourage moms in more than 68 countries.
MOPS @ Plymouth MOPS will meet on the 1st Saturdays of the month from 9-11am at Plymouth Church (925 Vermont St. Lawrence, Kansas) beginning March 5, 2022.
For More Information Email Alicia Gossett, Director of Child and Family Ministry, at christianed@plymouthlawrence.com. Visit the MOPS website at mops.org.
Sign Up By visiting plymouthlawrence.com and our News & Events Page, our weekly emails, or at church on Sundays.
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his group is for dads with littles ages 0-6 to gather in fellowship and fun at local playgrounds on the second Sunday of each month.
NEXT PLAY DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 12 @ 9 am.
PLAYGROUND: RYAN GRAY PLAYGROUND 1045 HILLTOP DR. IN LAWRENCE, KS.
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lymouth's Prayer Team is for those who already know the impact of prayer and those who would like to grow deeper in their faith. The Prayer Team meets in the chapel on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month for intentional intercessory prayer and meditation for persons named in Sunday worship. The team also prays for other congregational concerns, our pastors and staff, and community issues. If you are interested in joining for prayer or receiving a weekly email list of people to pray for sign up on at plymouthlawrence.com on our Congregational Care page or by emailing welcome@plymouthlawrence.com. The only requirement for both is to hold in confidence the personal information that is provided.
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his ministry knits and crochets lovely prayer shawls to pass on to people that are struggling or experiencing grief. The shawls are blessed by the congregation and serve as a hug from the community and from God. If you are interested in making prayer shawls to pass on to people in the congregation who are in need of care, sign up at plymouthlawrence.com on our Congregational Care page.
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f you are in need of prayer, let us know! We care about your joys and your sorrows. You can submit prayer requests online at plymouthlawrence.com on the Home Page, in our weekly emails, or fill out a prayer card, available in the church pews on Sunday mornings.
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f you have questions, contact Plymouth's Welcome and Care Coordinator Liz Smith at welcome@plymouthlawrence.com.
VISIT US! 925 VERMONT STREET LAWRENCE, KANSAS, 66044
CONTACT US! 785-843-3220 ⚫ ADMINISTRATION@PLYMOUTHLAWRENCE.COM
WATCH US! PLYMOUTHLAWRENCE.COM ⚫ FACEBOOK @PlymouthLawrence ⚫ YOUTUBE @Plymouth Church UCC of Lawrence