This Fall at Plymouth New Ways to Connect · The Apostle Paul went around establishing ... Prison...

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If you are interested in hosting, there is still time to attend the training session on the evening of August 28. If you would like to be added to the list, please contact Karen Jeske at [email protected]. Story Sundays Everyone has a story and one of the ways we grow in our relationships with ourselves and one another is through the sharing and receiving of stories. Stories help us figure out what we admire and long for, and they can show us what might be at risk in taking on different challenges. In short, they help us imagine ourselves confronting situations familiar and unfamiliar to us and they can help us summon up courage when we need it, console ourselves when things are not going so well, and more easily identify joy in our lives. The Story Sunday series is designed for story-sharing, good food, and good conversation. Each evening will include a potluck-style dinner in Waveland Hall and will feature the story of a Plymouth member. Watch for more details and mark your calendar: October 15 at 5:30 p.m. November 19 at 5:30 p.m. January 21 at 5:30 p.m. February 18 at 5:30 p.m. INSIDE: Volume 28, Issue 8 August 2017 We agree to differ. We resolve to love. We unite to serve. OUR CORE VALUES: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | EXCELLENCE IN WORSHIP | EDUCATION | PROGRESSIVE THEOLOGY | OPENNESS & INCLUSIVITY Bread for the Journey 2 Transition from Prison 3 Current Happenings 4 Calendar of Events 6 VBS Recap 8 AmeriCorp Goodbye 9 Staff Anniversaries 10 If heaven is a place on earth, then surely food and friends are necessary ingredients... New Ways to Connect Plymouth will have several ways for you to meet, eat, and interact with other Plymouth members this fall. Mark your calendars and plan to connect! All-Church Potluck: September 10 Chaos? Or a way to connect? The answer to both is – YES! Plymouth will host its first all-church potluck in many years. Plan to join all of us for fellowship and good conversation on the evening of Sunday, September 10 at 5 p.m. Look for details in the Current Happenings and the website, but you can start planning now to bring a casserole and extra grace as we pack Waveland Hall in this feast for all as part of the kick-off to the new program year. Sacred Hospitality Relationships always seem at their best around a table together. Sharing a meal reminds us what we have in common with one another even if we are very different. Many of us are longing to be reminded of that commonality and to participate in conversations that matter. During the fall, you will be invited to participate in a meal hosted by a Plymouth member. During these potluck-style gatherings of 6-12 people, you will have an opportunity to meet new people at Plymouth and to engage in a meaningful conversation. Watch the Current Happenings and the website for sign-up details in September. This Fall at Plymouth KAREN JESKE Connections Coordinator

Transcript of This Fall at Plymouth New Ways to Connect · The Apostle Paul went around establishing ... Prison...

If you are interested in hosting, there is still time to attend the training session on the evening of August 28. If you would like to be added to the list, please contact Karen Jeske at [email protected].

Story SundaysEveryone has a story and one of the ways we grow in our relationships with ourselves and one another is through the sharing and receiving of stories. Stories help us figure out what we admire and long for, and they can show us what might be at risk in taking on different challenges. In short, they help us imagine ourselves confronting situations familiar and unfamiliar to us and they can help us summon up courage when we need it, console ourselves when things are not going so well, and more easily identify joy in our lives.

The Story Sunday series is designed for story-sharing, good food, and good conversation. Each evening will include a potluck-style dinner in Waveland Hall and will feature the story of a Plymouth member. Watch for more details and mark your calendar:

• October15at5:30p.m.

• November19at5:30p.m.

• January21at5:30p.m.

• February18at5:30p.m.

INSIDE:

Volume 28, Issue 8 August 2017 We agree to differ. We resolve to love. We unite to serve.

OUR CORE VALUES: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | EXCELLENCE IN WORSHIP | EDUCATION | PROGRESSIVE THEOLOGY | OPENNESS & INCLUSIVITY

Bread for the Journey 2Transition from Prison 3Current Happenings 4Calendar of Events 6VBS Recap 8AmeriCorp Goodbye 9Staff Anniversaries 10

If heaven is a

place on earth,

then surely food

and friends

are necessary

ingredients...

New Ways to Connect

Plymouth will have several ways for you to meet, eat, and interact with other Plymouth members this fall. Mark your calendars and plan to connect!

All-Church Potluck: September 10 Chaos?Orawaytoconnect?Theanswertobothis– YES! Plymouth will host its first all-church potluck in many years. Plan to join all of us for fellowship and good conversation on the evening of Sunday, September10at5p.m.LookfordetailsintheCurrent Happenings and the website, but you can start planning now to bring a casserole and extra grace as we pack Waveland Hall in this feast for all as part of the kick-off to the new program year.

Sacred Hospitality Relationships always seem at their best around a table together. Sharing a meal reminds us what we have in common with one another even if we are very different. Many of us are longing to be reminded of that commonality and to participate in conversations that matter.

During the fall, you will be invited to participate in a meal hosted by a Plymouth member. During these potluck-stylegatheringsof6-12people,youwillhavean opportunity to meet new people at Plymouth and to engage in a meaningful conversation. Watch the Current Happenings and the website for sign-up details in September.

This Fall at Plymouth

kAren jeske

Connections Coordinator

Plymouth is an OpenandAffirmingchurch. The welcome we extend to all people has the power to heal deep wounds. I cherish the work of welcome.

But welcome is not enough. At some point we have to ask: welcome to what? Why are we here? What is this all about? What does God want from our lives?

Ephesians invites us to wrestle with these questions.

Earliest Christianity was all about welcome. Specifically, it was about welcome Gentiles (i.e., non-Jewish folk) into a relationship with the God of Israel. The Apostle Paul went around establishing newcommunitiescomposedofJewishANDGentileChristians—an act of radical welcome.

Scholars suspect Ephesians was intended to be a circular letter sent out to these newly formed churches.Youwerenotwelcome.Nowyouarewelcome.We’regladyou’rehere.Now:what’snext?

That sounds like a question worth exploring.

See you in church!

2 August 2017 CONTACT

COnDOLenCes

• RobandLynnaeHentzen family who are mourning the death of Rob’s mother

• Jack Porter, whose brother died July 25

• Mary Wine, whose sister died

Bread for the Journey

MAtt MArDIs-LeCrOySenior Minister

Caring

COngrAtuLAtIOns

• Elise Duvall and Rexford Davidson who were married on June 24

• Stacy Clewell and Jonathan Bredbeck who were married on July 7

• MacKenzie Benson and Eric Tubbs who were married on July 22

We’ve talked about the separation of church and state. We’ve talked about other religions. We’ve talked about sex and we have talked about politics.

Now:we’regoingtotalkaboutEphesians!

Stick with me for a minute. I promise: this will pay off.

Ican’tbecertain,butIthinkthefirstOpenandAffirming church that I ever visited was Christ Congregation,theUCCchurchinPrinceton,NewJersey.(Thiswouldhavebeenlate1999orearly2000).Theyhaddisplayed,justinsidethefrontdoor,astatementInowrecognizeasO&Aboilerplate,probably something a lot like the statement on the back of every Sunday bulletin here at Plymouth: We welcome into full membership and participation in all aspects of our church life persons of every race, language, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental ability, economic or marital status, and faith background, and we affirm and celebrate all loving and committed relationships.

I remember feeling perplexed, offended…and just alittleintrigued.NeverhadIeverencounteredachurch that was not only willing to welcome all people but actually put up a sign to brag about it. Many years later, I would sit in the sanctuary of Plymouth Church and listen to Transition into MinistryAssociateMinisterAnthonyLivolsipreacha powerful sermon about the way that church welcomed him.

The Transition from Prison Program was able to be there for Mike. We met with him on a consistent basis and entered into relationship with him. We shared in his highs and lows and he shared in ours. We were able to affirm his self-worth and he was able to affirm ours.

Ourministryisn’talwayseasy.ForeveryMike,thereare several stories of people who slip back into the penal system. That doesn’t keep us from trying though – we partner with several programs in the community to work with men and women re-entering society from prison. If you are interested in learning more about our program, we meet the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Burling Room or you can contact Ben Miller-Coleman at [email protected].

CONTACT August 2017 3

Since he could remember, his dad was gone and his mom always had a drug-dealing boyfriend in the house. This led to a life of drugs, which eventually introduced him to the penal system. He had been stuckinthesystemfor20years,andhewasfeduplooking for a way out.

Mike had a probation officer and was in a drug treatment program, yet he felt he had no one to turn to when transitioning back to society. He needed someone outside the system to talk to about work stresses, treatment stresses and relational issues. He didn’t need someone to solve his problems. Mike just needed a good person to listen to what was going on his life. Someone to affirm his self-worth and help with the feelings of isolation.

Ben MILLer-COLeMAn

Transition from Prison Ministry

Mike just needed good people in his life. Transition from Prison Ministry

4 August 2017 CONTACT

plymouth women

arts @ plymouth

in the gallery BeginningAugust5,abstractpaintingsbyPlymouthmembersMichaelThompsonandKaren Jeske will be on display in the art gallery.

Michael started painting with watercolors in college, but admits progress was deferred by career, marriage and children.Sinceretiringin2009,hehasfocusedonpaintingwithoilsoncanvas.Hediscoveredabstractpaintingin a Des Moines Art Center class a few years ago and loves the freedom of playing with form, line, color, and texture without having to paint a picture of “a tree” or “a house.”

Painting is an act of faith for Karen. She admits she’s never confident about what the outcome will be when she starts painting, but trusts the process to reveal something she’s grateful to see. Karen considers herself a lyrical abstractionist inspired by the color, light, shadows, and textures of sunrises, landscapes and aerial perspectives. HercollectionforthisexhibitiscalledConvictionofThingsNotSeen.

CURRENT HAPPENINGS

enrolling soon! 2017-2018 plymouth women aDVenture groups Have you ever said to yourself, “Wouldn’t it be fun if…; I’ve always wanted to try…; I would do that if only…?

FillinyourblanksbyjoiningaPlymouthWomenAdventureGroup(PWAG).Adventuregroupsareforwomenof all ages, life stages and interests seeking safe, liberating adventures to enhance their mind, body or spirit. Womenintheir80’saswellasintheir20’shaveenjoyedPWAG.

Participants are placed into groups of about eight women according to their self-selected activity and monetary comfort levels as entered on their enrollment forms. Groups commit to attend eight self-planned adventures over the following year and include acts of kindness and spiritual moments as tangible expressions of God’s grace.

RegisteronlinebetweenSeptember1-25atplymouthchurch.comorpickupaformfromthechurchoffice.Kick-offEventforENROLLEDparticipantsisTuesday,Oct3,7p.m.inWavelandHall.Questions?PleasecontactErinOsierat515.868.6067orerin.osier@gmail.com.

kAren jeskeMIChAeL thOMpsOn

CONTACT August 2017 5

CURRENT HAPPENINGSyour church home

community engagement

DiscoVer plymouth ThinkingofmakingPlymouthyourhomechurch?Orknowsomeonewho’slooking?OurnextintroductoryclassonallthingsPlymouthwillbeSunday,September24,1-4p.m.Whetheryou’re interested in becoming a member or just would like to be more knowledgeable about our church, you’re welcometoattend.Classesarefreeandchildcareisprovided.Formoreinformation,pleasecontactLeAnnStubbs at [email protected].

church school teachers anD helpers If you are looking for a unique way to plug into Plymouth, consider helping in one of our church school classrooms. We are seeking teachers for the following classrooms:4yearold,2ndgrade(co-teacherneeded),and4thgrade.Churchschoolmeetsduringthe9a.m.worship, September through May, with holidays and spring break off. We follow the narrative lectionary, so our teachers are instrumental in sharing the weekly scripture in a way that is engaging and inclusive to children. The lesson plans and all lesson supplies are prepared for you, although you would be welcome to create some of your own lessons and activities if that is your gift. You are welcome to teach for a semester, all year, or on a substitute basis, by yourself or with someone else. If you would like to help in the classroom but do not wish to teach, consider being a classroom helper. You can help a month at a time or longer. Remember…you do not have to be a parent of a child who is church school age to help! We want and need people in all stages of life to help guide our children. If you would like more information or would like to help, contact Rachel Corpus at [email protected].

saVe the Date! plymouth grounDs fall fest Join us in Plymouth Grounds and Waveland HallonSaturday,October14from6:45to8:30p.m.foraneveningofWorldPortmusicbyPaulMicichandDanNicholson.Therewillbecoffeedrinks,hotcider,treats,andfellowship.FormoreinformationaboutWorldPort, go to www.worldportband.com.

saVe the Date! namiwalks NAMIWalksSeptember30,201710a.m.tonoon.JointhePlymouthChurchteamandwalkinNAMIWalks2017insupportofNAMIGreaterDesMoines.TheNationalAllianceonMentalIllness(NAMI)isthelargestandmostsuccessfulmentalhealthfundraisingandawarenesseventinAmerica.ThroughNAMIWalks'public,activedisplayofsupportforpeopleaffectedbymentalillness,NAMIischanging how Americans view persons with a mental illness and ensuring that help and hope are available for those in need.

Be a part of the action! You can start registering now to walk with the Plymouth UCC Team: Go to www.namiwalks.org and register with the Plymouth UCC Team.

YouwillhaveanopportunitytodonatetoNAMIortoaskfamilymembersandfriendstosponsoryourwalk.A donation is not required to participate on our team. Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Contact your Human Resources department to findoutifyourgiftcanbematched.Questions?ContactNeilFaganatneil.fagan@unitypoint.org.

AMENS, 6:45 a.m.Shawl Knitting Ministry, 5 p.m. Board of Membership Meeting, 7 p.m.Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m.

CALENDAR

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Childcare, 8:45 a.m.Worship: Valerie Miller-Coleman, 9 & 11 a.m.ephesians 2:11-22After Worship Fellowship, 10 a.m. & NoonFellowship Forum, 10:10 a.m.Flower Delivery Team, NoonSacred Hospitality Training, 1 p.m.Homeless Assistance Team Casserole Building & Meeting, 6 p.m.

Plymouth Women Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m.RENEW Leadership Meeting, 5:30 p.m.COCI Centering Prayer, 5:45 p.m.Board of Christian Social Action Meeting, 7 p.m.Transition from Prison Meeting, 7 p.m.

Yoga, 5:15 p.m.Board of Music and Fine Arts, 5:30 p.m.COCI Centering Prayer, 5:45 p.m.

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1

AMENS, 6:45 a.m.Shawl Knitting Ministry, 5 p.m.Plymouth Finance 101, 5:30 p.m.Stephen Ministers Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

AMENS, 6:45 a.m.Shawl Knitting Ministry, 5 p.m.Board of Deacons Meeting, 7 p.m.

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20

14

21

15

22Yoga, 5:15 p.m.COCI Centering Prayer, 5:45 p.m.

Childcare, 8:45 a.m.Worship: LeAnn stubbs, 9 & 11 a.m.ephesians 4:1-16 After Worship Fellowship, 10 a.m. & NoonFellowship Forum, 10:10 a.m. Flower Delivery Team, Noon

Childcare, 8:45 a.m.Worship: Matt Mardis-LeCroy, 9 & 11 a.m.ephesians 1:1-14After Worship Fellowship, 10 a.m. & NoonFellowship Forum, 10:10 a.m. Flower Delivery Team, Noon

au

gu

st

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

AMENS, 6:45 a.m.Shawl Kntting Ministry, 5 p.m.Board of Christian Stewardship Meeting, 5:30 p.m.AMOS Core Meeting, 6 p.m.Stephen Ministers Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

july

Childcare, 8:45 a.m.Worship: Laura robinson, 9 & 11 a.m.Acts 10:9After Worship Fellowship, 10 a.m. & NoonFellowship Forum, 10:10 a.m. Flower Delivery Team, Noon

30 31Yoga, 5:15 p.m.COCI Centering Prayer, 5:45 p.m.

Worship: 5:30 p.m.ephesians 2:11-22Childcare, 5:30 p.m.

3

10

4 5

12

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Interfaith Green Coalition Meeting, 1 p.m.Worship: 5:30 p.m.ephesians 4:1-16 Childcare, 5:30 p.m.

WISE Meeting, 7 a.m.

WISE Meeting, 7 a.m.Faithful Readers, 7 p.m.

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9

2

16

23

Trustees Finance Meeting, 12:15 p.m.Plymouth Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.Coyote Run Farm Pick Up, 4:45 p.m.Children’s Choir Guild & Directors Retreat, 5 p.m.

Plymouth Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.Stephen Minister Leadership Meeting, 4 p.m.Coyote Run Farm Pick Up, 4:45 p.m.

WISE Meeting, 7 a.m.TiM Meeting, 7:30 a.m.Personnel Committee Meeting, 5 p.m.Human Trafficking Task Force, 6 p.m.

Plymouth Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.Coyote Run Farm Pick Up, 4:45 p.m.Foundation Board Meeting, 5 p.m.Matins Freshman Orientation, 7 p.m.

17

24 25 26Worship: 5:30 p.m.ephesians 6:1-20Childcare, 5:30 p.m.

Plymouth Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.Coyote Run Farm Pick Up, 4:45 p.m.

WISE Meeting, 7 a.m.House and Space Committee Meeting, 8 a.m.

Gallery Installation and Meeting, 9 a.m.Coffee Shop Open, 5 p.m.Worship: 5:30 p.m.ephesians 1:1-14Childcare, 5:30 p.m.

8 August 2017 CONTACT

By rACheL COrpus

Director of Child and Family Ministries

VacationBibleSchool2017wasablast!Volunteersand children ages three years through 6th grade grew in God’s love through daily worship, service work, music, art, games, creative prayer, and fellowship. OurthemewasMakerFunFactory,acurriculumavailable through Group Publishing. We used the framework of that VBS curriculum but created our own lesson plans to reflect the theology and mission ofPlymouthChurch.Wehad97childrenattend,and65volunteerswhohelpedteach,leadsmallgroups, assist in stations, lead worship, and much more.

WealsonurturedourrelationshipwithMOSAICof Central Iowa, an organization that partners with people with intellectual disabilities to create a meaningful life in a caring community, giving a voice to their needs. Care givers and care receivers from MOSAICspenttimewalkingthelabyrinthwithour1st-6thgradersandhelpedwiththepreschoolgamesstation. We could not have had such a rich and stress-free event without the help of these many volunteers!

Vacation Bible School is a great opportunity for all of us to share our gifts, and we shined as God’s people in countless ways throughout the week.

OneofthebestpartsofVacationBibleSchooliscreating opportunities for our children to learn about servingothers.Thisyearwecollected$317forYouthHomes of Mid-America through our nightly noisy offering, made chew toys for the Animal Rescue Leagueoutofrepurposedt-shirts,andcreatedartwork to share with our neighbors who are home bound and could use some cheer. At the end of the week we were able to share our decorations, signage, and some supplies with a local church using the same theme.

Thank you, church, for supporting our first Vacation Bible School with your time, prayers, and encouragement. Many were served by this educational event, and I am already planning for next year.

vacation

bible school

RECAP

refugee basketball team, have nutrition classes for low-income kids, children’s summer fairs at low-income sites, and refugee families that need our help. Whenever I had an idea to help, someone at Plymouth was always there to lend a hand.

My year here is up, and now it’s time for me to say goodbye to Plymouth. I have taken a new position at Iowa Wesleyan University as an International Student Advisor. My family is excited to start the next chapter in our life. I’ll always be grateful of all the lessons and people I’ve met here. Plymouth has helped me learn a little more about what’s possible.

In August you’ll be welcoming a new VISTA. I hope you show her the support you’ve all shown me. I am proud of everything I’ve helped to build here at Plymouth, but I know for a fact none of it would be possible without your help. Please continue to reach outtoRENEWatrenew@plymouthchurch.comor515.255.3149.Ifyouwanttomakeadifference,wewill find a way for you to do that.

CONTACT August 2017 9

2017By DALe kIer

AMERICORPS VISTA

Hello all, in case we’ve never met, my name is Dale Kier. I was your AmeriCorps VISTA for the past year, a government worker brought on through a grant. I helped out with any work concerning refugees and immigrants here at Plymouth, primarily managing theRENEWprogram.

I started here not knowing much about Plymouth or what to expect. All I knew is there were people that needed help and I was going to connect people at Plymouth with them. At times I felt frustrated, lost, and generally tired. Social work is never easy, but it’s some of the most rewarding work you can do.

As time went on, I got into a groove and learned so much about your wonderful church. I wasn’t alone, Ihadhelp,andpeoplecared.OurEnglishclasseswentfromfiveteacherstomorethan33teachersthroughouttheyear.RENEWstartedwith12studentsandservicedmorethan55thisyear.TosayRENEWhasgrownmightbeanunderstatement.You are all surrounded by people here that have made so much possible. We continue to serve a

From your second-year AmeriCorps VISTAStaff Goodbye

Carl Gravander has been making music at Plymouth for25years.Alongtenureis always remarkable. Faithfulservicedeservessome recognition. But Carl has done so much more than merely mark time.

It isn’t just the tenure; it’s the talent.

CarlfirstcametoPlymouthinAugustof1992.CarolStewart, then Director of Music, was known to say that hiring Carl was one of the very best things that she had ever done. I wasn’t around in those days, but I would have to agree with her assessment.

ItishardtoimaginePlymouthwithoutCarl.Forthe last quarter century he has led our worship, accompanied our choirs, given recitals, taught lessons and endured countless Matins’ tours. Through all of it, his work among us has been marked by a singular dedication to excellence.

Anyone who has been to a Sunday service, a wedding, a funeral knows how talented he is and can guess how much he must practice. (The answer is: a lot. NobodypracticesmorethanCarl).ButCarlhasother gifts that those of us on the staff get to see. I marvel, for one thing, at his selflessness. Someone who has as much talent as he does, and who works as hard as he has, might feel like they have earned the

10 August 2017 CONTACT

Anniversary Celebrations at Plymouth

right to the rock star treatment. But year after year, there’s Carl on the Matins’ tour: riding on the bus, sleeping on church floors, doing his part to make it all work.

SharonParker-Lenihan,Plymouth’srecentlyretiredDirectorofAdultMusicandFineArts,pointstoanother great gift: Carl’s perceptiveness. He sees and hears so much of what is going on and always has a grasp of the big picture. That is why so many of us have found him to be a source of great wisdom and insight.

Carl and I have some things in common: we both grew up in conservative churches; we both went to schoolinPrinceton,NewJersey;wehavebothbeenlucky enough to end up at Plymouth Church. As a nodtothelate-19thcenturysyncopatedGospelsongsthat crowded the hymnals in the churches that raised us,Ican’thelpbutendwiththewordsofFannyJ.Crosby:

This is my story, this is my songPraising my Savior all the day longThis is my story, this is my songPraising my Savior all the day long

JoinusinworshiponSunday,September10aswecelebrate Carl’s big anniversary and give thanks for his song among us.

See you in church!

Carl Gravander, OrganistBy MAtt

MArDIs-LeCrOy

Senior Minister

CONTACT August 2017 11

Anniversary Celebrations at Plymouth

I f h e a v e n i s a p l a c e o n E a r t h , . .then surely food and friends are a necessary element.Please Save the Date! Plymouth will host an All-Church Potluck on Sunday September 10 at 5 p.m.

Look for details on the website and in the Current Happenings. Please email Karen Jeske, Connections Coordinator, with any questions at [email protected].

Paula Wilkerson, Plymouth’s administrative assistant, will celebrate her20thanniversaryof employment with Plymouth Church on August19.AccordingtotheBureauofLaborStatistics, the average worker stays at each of his

or her jobs for 4.4 years. Plymouth is blessed to have many long-tenured employees, but only one other current employee has been with Plymouth longer than Paula, and he is also celebrating an employment anniversary this month.

If you have stopped by the church office or called on the phone, chances are good that Paula has assisted you. Paula maintains the church calendar and handles all building use requests and room scheduling, a task that became much more complicated after the major building addition in 2003.Sheworkswithfamiliestohelpschedule

weddings, funerals and baptisms and she maintains the church membership database. She orders our office supplies and keeps the office equipment running smoothly. And she provides assistance to groups with audio-visual equipment needs.

In addition, Paula provides administrative support fortheSeniorMinister,DirectorofOperationsandFinanceandtheMinisterofCommunityEngagement. We can always count on Paula to handle the necessary details and help make our jobs easier.Forthepast10years,Paulahasalsohelpedorganize the national United Church of Christ annual gathering of large church Senior Ministers.

Paula could do this type of work most anywhere, but we are fortunate that she chooses to work for Plymouth Church. Paula’s work at Plymouth is an important ministry, helping us live out our purpose togrowinLoveofGodandneighbor.PleasejoinusinworshiponSunday,September10aswecelebrateboth Paula and Carl in worship. We’ll celebrate their ministries and, of course, there will be cake!

Paula Wilkerson, Administrative AssistantBy jennIfer hInes

Director of Operations and

Finance

12 August 2017 CONTACT

4126 ingersoll avenue Des moines, ia 50312-2713

Phone: 515.255.3149 Fax: 515.255.8667

General email goes to: [email protected]

Periodical Postage

Paid

Des Moines, IA

For more information about Plymouth Church, please scan this code to visit our website at www.plymouthchurch.com, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plymouthchurch and Instagram at PlymouthUCC. If you are not able to visit on Sunday, a podcast of a portion of the previous week’s service featuring the sermon is available on iTunes, or on the Plymouth website under Resources/Sermon Podcasts. Print copies of most sermons may be downloaded from the website at Resources/Sermon Library.

To submit information for the Contact, email Cindy Eaton-Eklund, [email protected]

Plymouth Church Program Staff

Matt Mardis-LeCroy .................................................Senior Minister

LindseyBraun ............................................ Minister of Discipleship

Rachel Corpus ..................DirectorofChildandFamilyMinistries

Cindy Eaton-Eklund ..........................Director of Communications

Carl Gravander ...................................................................Organist

Brittany Hanlin ....................................................Associate Minister

Jennifer Hines .........................DirectorofOperationsandFinance

Valerie Miller-Coleman ......... Minister of Community Engagement

LeAnnStubbs ................................. Minister of Care and Welcome

LauraRobinson ...................................................Associate Minister

FrankThomas .................................................. Coordinator of TiM

Jan Van Wyk .........................DirectorofPlymouthNurserySchool

Susan Waller ........ Director of YouthMinistry&Children’sMusic

August 2017 VOLuMe 28, Issue 8 (usps 007018)

The CONTACT is published monthly by Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312-2792. Phone: 515.255.3149 Fax: 515.255.8667

Periodicals Postage Paid at Des Moines, Iowa. Subscription rate: $1 per year. Cindy Eaton-Eklund, Editor.

Postmaster, send address changes to: 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312-2792