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UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS

03. THE VIEW FROM HERE 04. WELCOME KARA! 05. THANK YOU, LIZ SMITH 06. EARTH CARE TREE PROMISES 07. VOTE FOR PLYMOUTH! 08. PRIDE PARTY 2022! 10. MOPS MEET & GREET 11. CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICES GROUP 12. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2022

13. RACIAL JUSTICE SUPPORTED EVENTS 14. DADS & LITTLES 15. FAITH UNDER FIRE WORSHIP SERIES 16. 2022 PLYMOUTH YOUTH SERVICE TRIP

17. PLYMOUTH SERVICE CORPS WORK DAY 18. PLYMOUTH’S 2022 VIRTUAL AUCTION

ifteen years is a long time. You could raise a cardcarrying driver of automobiles or pay off a mortgage in that amount of time. Big things can happen over the course of fifteen years. Ben and I will celebrate fifteen years of marriage this summer. It feels long and short all at once. I clearly remember our newlywed days in our tiny little saltbox house on Illinois Street. The novelty of driving to Topeka to shop for bath towels hadn’t yet worn off. We were young, in love, and delighted with our new church home, right here at Plymouth. In some ways, it feels like yesterday. One of the best things about coming to worship at Plymouth in the summer of 2007 was meeting Kim Manz. Kim had just moved to Lawrence himself. Already we could see the strength of his gifts for leadership and community building in the Music and Fine Arts program here. I remember the kindness and hospitality he extended to me when I joined the choir in rehearsal for the 2010 Spring major work. Kim led us with the grace, good humor, and professional expertise I’ve learned to count on. He cares deeply for the church and constantly seeks its good. It’s hard to overstate how precious that gift is to the staff and membership of this congregation. Fifteen years is a long time. Big things have happened here since June of 2007. Kim’s leadership among us as Minister of Music and Fine Arts has opened the way for growth on many levels. He’s encouraged children and youth to find their voices and gifts for music. Kim has welcomed rank upon rank of us into music ensembles, art classes, dinner theater, musicals, and culinary courses. We are more fully ourselves as a congregation because he’s led us so well over these fifteen years. I’m filled with deep gratitude for all that Kim has brought to life among us. I’m also eager to anticipate what more will bloom and flourish as he leads us on into the next decade and even beyond. Thank you, Kim! In peace,

i everyone! I am so excited to join the Plymouth Church staff as Director of Faith Formation. I am confident that this is the next step in my faith journey, and Plymouth is such a wonderful place that has allowed me to continue to fulfill my vocation. I originally volunteered at Plymouth seven years ago, teaching High School Sunday School and chaperoning Lock-Ins. It’s mind-blowing to think that some of those youths have long since graduated or are currently in High School. Such a fulfilling part of my time at Plymouth is being able to witness these young people’s faith journeys. Back in 2020, I took the position of Faith Formation Assistant, and over the last two years, I have gotten to know all of you and the wonderful families that make up our congregation. I believe in “eating around the heath” to strengthen connection and fellowship with others. During this trying time of navigating life during a pandemic, I have committed myself to finding ways to still engage the children and youth, even over Zoom! One of my main priorities is to create physical and emotionally safe spaces for your children and youth to help them learn and explore their faith. If it is the summer, you will find me healing in large bodies of water. Nature has always been deeply connected to my faith. Whether it was vacationing in Northern New Mexico or spending time on my family’s cattle ranch, moments in nature are when I feel the most connected to God. Some of my other hobbies include cross-stitching, watching/going to professional wrestling shows, and listening to an audiobook or my favorite podcast. I am so happy to continue to be a part of the Plymouth Staff, and I look forward to bringing fun and engaging activities to the children and youth of the congregation.

and I were married in Plymouth’s sanctuary. I invited the congregation to attend, and so many of you showed up to support us as we committed to love and care for one another always. Every time Kim plays Widor’s Toccata on the organ, my heart jumps, and I remember galloping down the aisle with my new husband, surrounded by the important people in our life.

Dear Plymouth, Thank you. Since childhood, this is the first church where I have truly felt like part of a community. My husband was recently offered a job at a college in Ohio, and while I’m excited to live near family, leaving my church family will be so tough. So I wanted to reflect on some of the reasons I love Plymouth and how being part of this church has shaped who I am today.

I joined the Plymouth staff in 2018 as the church’s Membership Associate, a role that has metamorphosed into Welcome & Care Coordinator. I have fallen in love with church work in the past four years. So much so that I have started taking seminary classes with an eye toward being ordained (maybe? possibly? God knows for sure!) I have learned so much from each of my co-workers, and leaving the staff means leaving behind amazing humans and true friends. I am especially grateful for the mentorship of Valerie and Peter; I am blessed to have had guidance from two incredible Senior Pastors during this formative time.

I started attending Plymouth in 2013 when I began my PhD at the University of Kansas. I joined as a member in 2014 and became a deacon shortly after that. This is where I got my first taste of church administrative work, and I have to say. . . I’m a total nerd and enjoyed it quite a bit. Some of my fondest memories from that time involve lengthy discussions about tablecloths and chatting with the other deacons as we filled tiny cups with grape juice.

I have worked with so many incredible lay leaders during my time here at Plymouth. I have seen people give of themselves to fulfill the vision of our church: the worship of God and the service of all. And if I listed every Plymouth person that touched my life, made me smile, had my back, or said a kind word when I needed it, that list would be longer than the Bible. Suffice to say, my time with you all has been transformative, and I will carry you with me for the rest of my life. I thank God for the time I spent with you.

At Plymouth, I learned how a church can be there for you when things are at their most challenging. When my dad died, I would attend worship on Sunday mornings and cry. The pastors helped me work through my complicated grief, and someone from the church sent pamphlets to help me through that first terrible year. Attending church helped me stay connected with God at a time when God seemed very far and small.

With so much love, Liz Smith

There were also moments of enormous joy. In 2018, Josh

ou may have noticed the Earth Care Promise Tree in the Narthex. This tree needs your promises to green up this spring and summer. For example, you may decide to inscribe the leaf with a promise such as "I promise to bring my own bags when shopping,” "I promise to plant some native wildflowers in my yard," or "I promise to become a climate ambassador." By participating in these activities and sharing our knowledge, we all become better stewards of the Creation. Plymouth's Earth Care Team has provided some leaf promises you might give a try this spring or summer on a form you can find by the tree in the Narthex. Stop by this morning and add your Earth Care promise leaves to the tree!

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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.

Sunday, June 5 MOPS will host a meet and greet during Fellowship Hour in room 204N. Come and get more information about the MOPS program starting at Plymouth.

lymouth's Contextual Learning Seminarian, Phillip Kroh, is starting a drop-in/drop-out small group focused on contemplative practices. The group will meet between services on each month's first and third Sunday.. The first meeting on June 5, will begin with a short meditation and prayer time, followed by a discussion about what attendees would like to do.

his group is for dads with littles ages 0-6 to gather in fellowship and fun at local playgrounds.

NEXT PLAY DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 11 @ 9 am.

PLAYGROUND: LANGSTON HUGHES SCHOOL PLAYGROUND 1101 GEORGE WILLIAMS WAY IN WEST LAWRENCE.

n Saturday, June 25, from 10 am - 2 pm, the Plymouth Service Corps will be working with the local group Tenants to Homeowners to help rehab a 15-unit apartment complex and improve low -income housing options in Lawrence. Representatives from Tenants to Homeowners will be there to direct and assist Plymouth Service Corps volunteers in their work, whether it be cleaning, painting, or landscaping. Please bring masks and wear old clothing. Volunteers must be either 18+ or 12+ with a parent/guardian. Sign up at plymouthlawrence.com on the News & Events page or our weekly church emails.

lanning is in progress for the Plymouth Virtual Auction. Plymouth’s 2022 Virtual Auction will be this fall, most likely in the middle to end of September. We are looking for high-quality large items for the Virtual Auction. Now is an excellent time to start looking at things you would like to repurpose for a donation to the auction. In addition to large items, maybe you have a vacation home or cabin you would offer for a week or would host a special dinner in your home. Perhaps you are an artist and have an art piece to donate. Another idea is to purchase a tour to a special place or tickets to an event that could be part of the Virtual Auction. We are also calling on all business owners (or those with contacts with business owners) for gift cards from local businesses. Plymouth’s Virtual Auction is the church’s major fundraiser for 2022, and the proceeds from the auction will help us reach our Mission Spending Plan fundraising goals. Everyone’s help is needed to create an exciting and profitable auction. More information will be announced in the Sunday morning bulletins, during Mission Moments, and in the Plymouth weekly emails.

VISIT US! 925 VERMONT STREET LAWRENCE, KANSAS, 66044

WATCH US! PLYMOUTHLAWRENCE.COM ⚫ FACEBOOK @PlymouthLawrence ⚫ YOUTUBE @Plymouth Church UCC of Lawrence