Beloved, we are small. Life is fleeting. The world is big and filled with beauty. Brokenness abounds as do many heartaches and causes for fear. Even so, we have every reason to hope. What breaks can often be repaired. Heartache and loss accompany every love; nothing remains unchanged forever. Fear may be strong, but love is stronger.
Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman
Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman
The Miller-Coleman family circus hit the road at the end of October Technically, I suppose you would say we hit the air because we flew out to Jackson, Wyoming for a short Fall break. We try to plan an educational family trip around this time of year. Last year we traveled through New England, the year before we visited Washington DC. This year, my husband Ben requested something ‘less colonial.’ I gave it some thought and came up with mountains. Not just any mountains, though. Really big ones. The Grand Teton range fit the bill.
I don’t know what it says about our family, exactly, but when we set out to hike in bear country I was the designated carrier of the bear spray. This job I took seriously. The cannister came with a pamphlet detailing when and how to deploy the spray Apparently, the ideal time is right before you die. It came with pictures to encourage focus. This is what a bear looks like before it mauls you.This is what you look like afterward. Trust me, reader, by the time we hit the trail, I was ready to defend my pack
To my cubs’ great chagrin, I also took seriously the encouragement to make a lot of noise when rounding blind corners on the trail. We were hiking a very twisty trail. I made a lot of noise.
There’s very little like taking your life in your hands (see: the pamphlet) in a place so filled with overwhelming beauty to put things in perspective. Beloved, we are small. Life is fleeting. The world is big and filled with beauty Brokenness abounds as do many heartaches and causes for fear. Even so, we have every reason to hope. What breaks can often be repaired. Heartache and loss accompany every love; nothing remains unchanged forever. Fear may be strong, but love is stronger
A lot of the racket I made to scare off the bears came in the form of brassy, off-key, exuberant song. We don’t know what kind of singing voice Jesus had, but we know he sang. The gospels tell how after the last supper with his disciples, they sang together. Imagine that for a moment. On his last night with his friends, knowing full well what the morning would bring, Jesus sang with them. Hymns of praise or psalms of lamentation, anthems of joy in creation, or maybe lullabies to ease into that last night.
We don’t know for certain what November will bring this year. It could be heartache and loss. There’s plenty of fear going around and no sign of it stopping
Camp songs. Whatever makes your heart sing and drives the shadows back a bit. It’s what I think Jesus would do. You can’t go wrong there.
See you in church,
Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman Senior Pastor
Soni Jordan
Plymouth 2024 Moderator
What a complicated project we are embarking on in remodeling our sanctuary and organ, and not just from a project management perspective. Although the project management details of the Sanctuary and Organ Project are extremely complex and multifactored, I’m thinking of the complexity from a theological perspective, as well.
As discussed and illustrated in one of our recent Sunday morning sermons, there are several chapters in the Old Testament dedicated to the building of a permanent temple. After decades of transience, followed by a period of settling, the Israelites begin work on a house of worship and praise for God.
All the details and complexity of any modernday project are present in this ancient story as well. Type of wood used, length and width and height of rooms, what the floors looked
like, even exact detail of the angle statues for the inner sanctuary all of this is included in the description of the building of the temple. Perhaps the details are included to serve as a reminder for future church project managers that they are not the first nor the last in a long line of people to be called for maintenance of the house of God?
The example set by the Israelites under King Solomon appears clear cut: people of God should create and maintain a house of worship for God, and it should be beautiful and grand and very specific. Not so fast; the Bible is not as clear-cut on this as it initially seems. Along comes the New Testament, and in letters of encouragement for a people worshipping in homes, and sometimes under persecution, comes this: the church is the people; we, the believers, are the new representation of the temple, not a building.
So, which is it? A beautiful building to honor, praise, and worship God? Or an understanding that the people matter, despite, and not because of, the building?
This is how the Bible is for me. Whenever I come to the Bible looking for an exact answer to a question, it is rarely there. I’ve had to let go of the idea that the Bible is an instruction manual for my life, with numbered instructions meant to get me from Point A to Point B. Instead, I think of the Bible as nuanced source of wisdom, an ancient text inspired by a God that realized pretty early on that a one-sized-fit-all manual for humans would never work.
In place of an answer, perhaps we can find some inspiration outside of Kings or Corinthians and instead look towards the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Following a return from exile, there is a period of rebuilding and recommitment for the Israelites. It’s a physical and spiritual renewal for the people Of utmost importance is the decision to rebuild the temple, which was previously destroyed.
The story has all the markers of a modern project: opposition, significant delays, support garnered and lost, good leadership, and poor leadership. When the temple foundation is finally laid, the people shout with joy for all to come and weep with grief for all that has been lost.
From there the renewal continues All is going well until the very last chapter when we learn
that all the systems and structures put in place during the great rebuilding have gone awry, the temple is no longer considered purified, commitments have been abandoned, and Nehemiah ends simply by asking God for mercy and remembrance.
What can we learn from the stories in Kings, Corinthians, Ezra, and Nehemiah for our sanctuary and organ project? Maybe something, maybe nothing. Maybe it’s to remember the people when focusing on the building Maybe it’s to honor the building as a home for the people. Maybe it’s to stay humble, even when things are going great. Maybe it’s to be hopeful, even when things are not so great. Maybe it’s to remind us that there is truly nothing new under the sun. Or maybe we all find what we need in the stories
The Plymouth Church Sanctuary will be open for personal reflection and prayer...
Tuesday, November 5 • 9am-3pm
Wednesday, November 6 • 9am-12pm
Join Kansas Interfaith Action from 12-1pm on November 6 for an interfaith time of prayer, song, and holding space as we celebrate, lament, and reflect prayerfully on the outcomes of this historic election season.
The link to attend this virtualevent will be emailed upon RSVP here.
Many of us feel a calling to live into our faith in the wider community.
Citizen's Academy brings together a variety of local and national organizations working to make our world a better place. These organizations need us!
Each week, we learn about the goals of various organizations, and how we can join in. Whether it's serving meals at LINK, phone banking with Loud Light, volunteering for Family Promise, or rallying at the capital with KIFA, there are so many ways to help!
November 3 - Moms Demand Action
November 10 - NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness]
November 17 - LETUS [Lawrence Ecological Teams United in Sustainability]
Citizen's Academy sessions will take place between services in the Heritage Room.
Each year during the Christmas season, we decorate our sanctuary with beautiful poinsettias.
Plymouth members and friends purchase the poinsettias, 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.
The Pastors Emergency Fund continues to be more critical than ever.
From Terry Schmidt, Chair, Project Management Committee
The Plymouth Church Council has approved contracts for the construction of a new pipe organ and for architectural work on the sanctuary. This decision was finalized on October 22. The council has entrusted this phase of the Enter In project to the Project Management Committee (PMC), a team of eleven dedicated Plymouth stakeholders.
The PMC recommended, and the Church Council approved, a contract with the Schoenstein Pipe Organ Company of Benicia, California, for the construction of a new pipe organ at a cost of $1,986,000. The timeline for this project is extensive:
March 2026: Engineering begins
December 2026: Pipe organ construction starts February 2027: Assembly begins January 2028: Delivery and installation at Plymouth March 2028: Completion of installation and tonal finishing
The PMC also recommended a contract with Clark-Huesemann Design Group of Lawrence, which was subsequently approved by the Church Council. The Design Team, led by Jane Huesemann and Steve Clark, will collaborate closely with Schoenstein to ensure that sanctuary renovations honor the historical character of the space. To support this, ClarkHuesemann has partnered with Hernly Associates of Lawrence to explore potential historical tax credits. The total design contract with ClarkHuesemann is valued at $249,579.
To mitigate rising costs, the PMC aims to complete the sanctuary renovation as soon as possible. The projected timeline with ClarkHuesemann is as follows:
November 2024 - January 2025: Schematic Design (including design solutions and budget confirmation)
February 2025 - April 2025: Design Development (finalizing design details, materials, and engineering systems coordination)
May 2025 - July 2025: Construction Documents (developing and approving contract documents for bidding)
August 2025 - September 2025: Bidding Phase (bid solicitation and contract award)
October 2025 - September 2026: Construction (procurement, mobilization, demolition, construction, and owner move-in/start-up)
August/September 2025: Removal of existing pipe organ prior to construction
January 2028 - March 2028: Installation of the new pipe organ
The PMC is actively pursuing external funding opportunities to support this project. Keeping Plymouth congregants informed is also a top priority. Written summaries of all PMC meetings, detailing discussions, decisions, and plans, are accessible through a link on this website.
Please stay tuned for more updates in upcoming issues of The Rock.
We want your favorite cookies, cakes, pies, bars, breads, Christmas candy, and gingerbread creations for the sale!
Early drop off is available on Saturday, December 7 from 9-11am in the kitchen by the Mayflower Room.
Or Sunday, December 8 between 8:30 and 9am.
100% of the proceeds go to Plymouth's Mission Partners!
Cookies will be replated so please use minimal packaging.
An afternoon of fellowship!–making gingerbread houses, singing carols, and eating a light meal together as we begin Advent.
Create your own gingerbread house masterpieces beginning at 4pm in the Mayflower Room. Kits will be provided for each family.
$20 per gingerbread house.
There is no cost for the meal, but we do need some people to sign up to help with dinner!
If you sign up to volunteer, you should be at the Mayflower Room at 3pm
Bring the family and enjoy the fun! Sign up early due to the limited availability of gingerbread houses Wear festive garb or ugly sweaters!
This event is sponsored by the Board of Christian Education and Music and Fine Arts Board.
Sign-up and more details!
Youth Service Corps Christmas Caroling
December 8 • 4:30-6pm
6th-12th Grade Students and friends are welcome. Join us to spread Christmas cheer and love from our Plymouth Community.
Plymouth Youth Christmas Parties
December 15 • 4:30-6pm
Middle School Mayflower Room High School Room 203 North Bring
LINK Service Project
Saturday, November 9 • 9-11am
Support our neighbors with a hot meal.
We will be doing casserole prep and making turkey table decorations.
Signuponline forLINK!
Harvest Home Meal Serving
Sunday, November 24 • 8:45-11:30am
Set up, serve, and clean up at the Harvest Home Meal.
Signuponline
Come and join us on Sunday, November 24, as we express out thanks and gratitude together as a community.
We will have a combined service at 9:30am featuring the musical talents of the Gathering of Grace Band, the Plymouth Brass Ensemble and the Chancel Choir. We will also honor our 50+ year members and then gather for a massive and delicious Harvest Home feast!
Feeding nearly 400 members would not be possible without donations of side dishes, pies, money and the efforts of a team of volunteers. There will be sign up sheets at the Ministry Table in the Narthex beginning Sunday, November 3rd through November 17th. So, come, join in and help us make this feast the tastiest yet!
1974
John Brandt
Sally Brandt
Gary Clark
Jeannie Clark
Leslie Dienes
Clara Hemphill
Phil Hemphill
Dick Orchard
Georgia Orchard
Jim Underwood
1973
David Bushouse
Sharon Learned
Breck Marion
Grace Marion
Kaye Moeser
Gaile Stephens
Roger Stoner
Shere Stoner
Barbara Thomas
Dorothy Williams
1972
Paula Aiken
These beloved church members have been a part of Plymouth’s storied history for over 50 years. This month, we honor them at our Harvest Home Celebration and Dinner.
1971
Ruth Anne Sneegas
1969
Mark Buhler
Lori Michel
Jan Willey
1967
Pete Curran
Diane Sanders
Audrey Sheridan
Debby Wedel
1965
Joyce Mullenix
Donna Riehm
Harold Riehm
1963
Alan Hack
1962
Jerry Cooley
Lela Cooley
David Phelps
Judy Shunk
1961
Ron Johnson
Susan McClintic
Jim Whitenight
1960
Larry Johnson
Gene Puckett
1957
Mary Anne King
Jeanne Underwood
1955
Marilyn Bradt
1954
Bev Mayer
1951
Barbara Brand
Chuck Fisher
Julie Hack
1949
Barbara Murphy
by Stacy England
Mary Anne and Ralph King met in 1952 after both had auditioned for parts in “The Bartered Bride ” While strolling through the lower level of Strong Hall, Mary Anne spotted a notice advertising auditions for a dance ensemble in an opera She said, “I went over and tried out for it and made it.” That's when she met her husband, Ralph, who was in the chorus. They chatted as they sat on the fire escape outside rehearsals, waiting for their time to go on.
Mary Anne was finishing her degree in art education at KU, and Ralph was in law school. After graduating in 1953, Mary Anne taught 7th and 8th grade art at Prairie School in Prairie Village for a year.
When the Nelson Art Gallery began offering children’s classes on Saturdays, Mary Anne taught a separate class for parents of children who were taking an art class The parents and children worked on the same projects each week “It was fun I remember walking to the Nelson from my apartment on the Plaza carrying a pot of flour and water paste,” said Mary Anne. “We talked about how to approach your children’s art, like saying, ‘Tell me about your painting,’ instead of saying, ‘What’s that?’”
After that year, Mary Anne and Ralph were married in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1954. They moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where Ralph served in the army during the Korean
War. Their oldest daughter, Ruth Anne, was born in Springfield in 1956.
The Kings returned to Lawrence and joined Plymouth Church in 1957 when Dale Turner was the minister. They raised their family in the church. Kathy and Steve were both born in Lawrence, Kathy in 1961, and Steve in 1964.
“I formed acquaintances being involved with Plymouth Women and just visiting with people in the Mayflower Room,” Mary Anne said The Kings became friends with Bill and Bev Mayer while participating in monthly dinners with other couples
They attended a class taught by Kris and Chuck Marsh during the first service. “We went to that, then we’d visit in the Mayflower Room, and then we went to the second service,” she said.
Mary Anne said, “Ralph was instrumental in getting ‘Gathering of Grace,’ the second service, launched. We started going to that.” The Kings sat on the left side near the back. Kris and Chuck Marsh were in that row, and Greg and Genna Hurd were on the other side.
“I’ve just always felt that Plymouth was involved with things I thought were important in the community and everywhere I just felt comfortable with it,” said Mary Anne, who later became involved with Stephen Ministry “I wanted to get involved in helping someone else ”
All three of Mary Anne’s children live in Lawrence. “We divide and conquer to get Mom where she needs to go,” said Ruth Anne. The two are flexible about which service they attend. “We try to get to church at least once a month,” she said. Mary Anne, who keeps up with what’s happening and watches services on YouTube, pays special attention when Ruth Anne performs with the Plymouth Strings.
Art has always been important to Mary Anne. She returned to KU to take additional classes when her children were grown. Her first major was art education, and most of her classes were in the design department. “I wanted to take more painting classes. I had a group of friends, and we took some classes from Bob Sudlow, doing a lot of landscape.” She earned a second degree in painting and drawing.
Mary Anne has a studio at her house south of Lawrence She enjoys painting outdoors and from snapshots Mary Anne works with oil, acrylic, pastels, and pen and ink She made countless drawings in her studio and while on trips. She has six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and when they were younger, she always had art supplies out so they could work while she did.
When Roy Taylor owned Orchard’s Gallery, Mary Anne showed her work there. She participated in Art in the Park in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was involved with the Lawrence Arts Center in the early days, and participated in art exhibitions at Theatre Lawrence.
Her flower garden is another pastime, and sunflowers are a favorite, “They’re all important,” Mary Anne said. “I think about what colors go together and what looks better in the foreground and the background, like a painting.”
Mary Anne shared her love of nature with her family. “We spent time camping with our children, the whole family. We did it together, going out to Colorado, hiking in the mountains, hiking the trails, and enjoying nature around Estes Park.” Mary Anne and Ralph also took ski trips to Colorado with family.
Ruth Anne grew up in Plymouth Church with her younger sister, Kathy, and brother, Steve. “All three of us were baptized at Plymouth and confirmed there,” said Ruth Anne.
Valerie Mayer was in the nursery with Ruth Anne “She is my oldest friend She was in the cradle room with me, so she’s a true cradle friend,” she said. They were in the same confirmation class in 1971 and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1974.
The Kings sat in the balcony when the kids were school-age. “My dad had a nice voice and sang in the choir at one time. After he passed away in 2020, I went to church, sat in the balcony, and I could hear him sing. The memory was so vivid. I could just hear him singing next to me.” Ruth Anne and her sister sang in youth choirs directed by Barbara Kelly. “We loved Mrs. Kelly”
Ruth Anne married Randy Sneegas at Danforth Chapel, with Butch Henderson as the officiant. Randy joined Plymouth, and their sons, who sometimes went to Sunday school, were confirmed at Plymouth “You just plant seeds ” Their sons and their families recently joined Episcopal churches
She volunteered to help with Sunday School when her boys were young. Ruth Anne worked with Cheryl Powers, who was establishing the Rainbow Journey Rotation model, a new concept in 2000. “Cheryl Powers was a good friend and my neighbor She died in 2020 and is missed by all ” The leaders taught the same Bible story for six weeks in different rooms in different ways: drama, art, cooking, and games. Each room was painted to go with the various themes.
Ruth Anne planned the Art in Heaven room in 2001, painting the clouds from photographs of clouds at baseball games. Mary Anne did the lettering projected on the walls to be painted.
Ruth Anne was a den mother when her sons were in Scouts. Randy volunteered to coach youth sports when parents were needed and coached youth baseball, basketball, and soccer. “That was how we got to know John and Megan Hay, who were members at Plymouth. Our sons were on the same baseball team one year, and the dads coached.” During those years, Ruth Anne and the Hays taught a confirmation class together
Ruth Anne likes reading, dance, music, art, and snow skiing. She played violin through high school and began playing again in 2012. Her childhood friend, Val Mayer Pernice, who is a professional musician and violinist in Florida, gave her several "power lessons" to help her get back into it. When Val is in Lawrence, they frequently play together. It was Val who instigated Ruth Anne’s involvement in an informal chamber group coordinated by Plymouth member Doug Marples, which led to her participation in Plymouth Strings and new friends and fellowships.
In addition to the music, Ruth Anne appreciates the involved, intelligent congregation at Plymouth. She said, “I’m drawn to the intellectual stimulation We used to have Theologians in Residence, and John Dominic Crossan came one year And I appreciate the consistency. The Plymouth Covenant hasn’t changed much. I used to have it memorized as a kid. I liked the familiarity.” Ruth Anne also attended a class taught by Chuck Marsh on ethical decisionmaking.
Ruth Anne has a degree in graphic design from K-State and a degree in Occupational
Therapy from KU. She was a school-based occupational therapist for the school district for 25 years. She said, “One of my first jobs was a grant for sensory integration with children with autism in Kansas City. I heard Temple Grandin speak several times, so when I started working for the school district, I felt I had something unique to offer. I could use my hobbies and interests in a useful way.”
In retirement, Ruth Anne has stayed engaged. She became a member of the Watkins Historical Society and spends time organizing Free State family history so the old stories aren’t lost to subsequent generations.
She said, “My husband and I like to travel now that we are retired ” Ruth Anne and Randy have four grandchildren They spend time with the two in Lenexa and two in Texas.
Much like Ruth Anne was raised, they travel to Colorado. “We took our sons and their families to Estes Park and got to recreate some of those hikes with our grandchildren. My husband and I both snow ski. We took family ski trips and hope to continue that.”
I’ve just always felt that Plymouth was involved with things I thought were important in the community and everywhere...
Mary Anne King
Saturday November 30 • 9am
Come and help decorate Plymouth Church for the Advent and Christmas seasons!
Trees, lights, garlands, bows, and ornaments transform Plymouth into a special, holy space for Christmastide.
It’s a big job, but moves quickly with many hands to help, and some jobs can be accomplished ahead of Saturday if you have availability during the week.
Contact Kim Manz with an questions! music@plymouthlawrence.com
Plymouth Church Chancel Choir & Chamber Orchestra
Sunday, December 8 • 2024 in the 9:30am Service
The Magnificat text has frequently been set to music from the earliest known in medieval chant to contemporary versions. Through musical language, composers express what they believe the text means to them.
Coming directly from Luke 1:46-55, Magnificat (Song of Mary) is a personal expression of joy and thanksgiving for the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, rejoices at the favor bestowed on her despite her lowly state. She sings praises to God, recalls the mercies shown to Israel and sings of the Incarnation’s fulfillment of God’s ancient promise to Abraham.
In five movements, Taylor Scott Davis expresses all of Mary’s emotions through powerful, exuberant and joyful choruses, tensions between singers and instruments, and simple and beautiful melodies.
Taylor Scott Davis’s music has been described as “sonically luxurious”, memorable and inspiring of hope. In demand as a composer, he has written and arranged for choirs, orchestras and chamber ensembles. Magnificat received its premier recording by the 2023 Grammynominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8. The music is scored for choir, soprano solo, and chamber orchestra.
In April 2025, the Plymouth Chancel Choir will participate in a massed choir performance of this work at Carnegie Hall.
