Financial Picture - Plymouth Congregational Church

Plymouth
Congregational
Church 2013

Contents
Living in Radical Love: Moderator’s Report 1
Growth and Anticipation: Clergy Report 1
Celebrating: Organist-Choirmaster’s Report 4
Popping: Children, Youth & Families 5
Highlights 2012-2013 6–7
Connecting: Deacons 8
Awakening: Fine Arts 9
Touching: Member Care 10
Church Council, May 2012, back row, from left:
Karen Hartz, Matt Treiber, Christi Sutphen, Diane
Mountford, Greg Zoidis, Jill Hennesen, Tim Reardon,
Nelson Berg, Jim Gertmenian; front row, from right:
Remona Weaver, Lynn Moline, Beth Reinhart, Kim
Lutes, Candace Dow, Sonia Cairns. Not pictured:
John Bryson, Ed Curtiss, Bill Read, Rob Reinhart, Jim
Van Iwaarden, Mary Welfling.
Welcoming: Membership 11
Making Friends: Outreach 12
Offering Hospitality: Stewards 13
Sound Management: Trustees 14
Archives, Plymouth Church Community Fund,
Governance and Property Manager 15–17
Minutes from 2012-2013 Meetings 17–19
Financial Picture 20–21
Cover photographs, clockwise from top right:
• The Shoemaker, an opera by Stephen Paulus and
Michael Dennis Browne, had its world premiere
at Plymouth Sept. 29–30, 2012. Pictured, from
center, clockwise: Dan Dressen, Maria Jette and
James Bohn, with child performers Maia and
Avery Hallberg Johnson.
• Plymouth Church in the 2012 Pride parade.
• Richard Carlbom of Minnesotans United for All
Families speaks to Plymouth members, fall 2012.
• Courtyard after a snowfall on April 19, 2013.
• In the Sanctuary
• Candles lit in the Chapel (on left); Rose Gasongo
taking part in Advent celebration.
• Waking up after a Night on the Street to raise
awareness of and funding for homeless people,
April 20, 2013.
• The Needlers unveiled The Summer of the First
Amendment, the fourth and final embroidered
artwork for Guild Hall, on July 15, 2012.
Annual report photographers: Chris Bohnhoff, John
Breitinger, John Cairns, Mark Christman, Allison
Campbell Jensen, Mark Luinenburg

Living in Radical Love: Report of the Moderator
One of our boards recently was making
arrangements for a program on a Sunday
morning. Only one formidable obstacle remained:
finding meeting space
in the building on the
preferred date.
A remarkable scope and
number of activities
enrich our lives at
Plymouth. From Bible
studies to spiritual yoga,
from films to legislative
activism, from concerts
and art shows to Third
Sunday meals, we have
an amazing array of
ways to nurture and be
nurtured, to learn and to laugh as we live the radical
love found in the teachings of Jesus.
Each year is unique in the cycle of spiritual life at
Plymouth. This year, our moving Healing Minnesota
services drew worshippers from beyond our walls,
and we rejoiced in the defeat of the marriage
amendment. We participated in Families Moving
Forward and we averted the closing of the Early
Childhood Learning Center. We enjoyed the world
premiere of The Shoemaker composed by Stephen
Paulus and the Eat Street Players’ reprisal of The
Street Project. We applauded Jeff Sartain as he took
his much-deserved sabbatical and celebrated with
Shannon Kearns as he was ordained. But we also
saw the end of our Lilly residency program and will
soon say goodbye to Rev. Tara Bauer. And most
recently, we approved further development of a new
governance concept for organizing the work of our
ministries.
All this and more took place along with inspiring
messages from the pulpit, beautiful sacred music
that is part of our identity, and Sunday Forums on
topics from the blues to a poignant program about
memory loss called The Forgetting.
We are blessed to be members of this vibrant, involved
church and we look forward to the beginning of a new
year in the life of our congregation.
—Lynn Moline, Moderator
Growth and Anticipation: Report of the Clergy
Highlights of this past year for me include:
• Plymouth’s participation in the defeat of the
marriage amendment and the passage of
marriage equality legislation for Minnesota.
What I am proudest of in this is that our
congregation found a way to witness to its
corporate values while expressing care and
respect for those of our number who held
differing views.
• The completion of our 12-year Pastoral
Residency Program. Plymouth has been the
recipient of nearly $1.6 million from the Lilly
endowment since 2001 to fund this program
for us and for Mayflower Church and First
Congregational Church. Through it, we have
participated in the training and preparation of
nearly 15 young clergy.
• The completion of two years of work by our
Governance committee. The next step is for a
Transitional Policy Board to create a governance
structure and by-laws based on the concept
developed by the committee and approved by
the Congregation.
• Continued growth of Beacon Interfaith Housing
Collaborative (formerly Plymouth Church
Neighborhood Foundation), which now has more
than 25 full-time staff and an annual budget of
$6 million. Since the founding of PCNF in 2000,
we have created or taken over management of
more than 500
units of affordable
housing, including
major elements of
supportive housing.
• Excitement about
our growing
First Service—an
opportunity for
creative worship that
serves a variety of
individuals, from young children to older members.
• A successful sabbatical for our Executive
Minister Jeff Sartain, during which Rev. Kaji
Spellman brought us strong and creative
interim leadership. (Jeff’s sabbatical was also
underwritten by the Lilly Endowment, another
way in which that foundation has served
Plymouth.)
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• A great year of growth in annual giving and
pledging, underlining the deep commitment that
our members have to our beloved church.
Behind all of that has been my opportunity, for
the 17th year, to preach to the most creative and
receptive congregation I have ever known, to
serve as pastor for many of our members at times
of difficulty and transition, and to work with an
extraordinary staff.
The year ahead will be an exciting one as we:
• live into our new governance structure,
• propose a Capital Campaign to grow our
congregation, its programs and ensure the
integrity of our outstanding building.
• institute a new Shared Ministry program that
will creatively engage volunteers in Plymouth’s
work.
As always, I look forward to these and other
challenges with you, my beloved congregation.
—James Gertmenian, Senior Minister
Plymouth’s staff, programs and operations hit
a new pace in the last year. A strong sense of
collegiality, mutual support and team work thrived.
The buildings are well tended to by our excellent
custodial staff, and the other staff members have
achieved excellence in their areas, helping the
programs and administration run smoothly. We
have had very little turnover and we generally have
staff who feel highly satisfied in their work.
Our programs have expanded particularly in the
area of education and spiritual enrichment for adults.
The pastoral care area continues to thrive under fine
leadership and a new Shared Ministry program to
engage volunteers
more systematically
is under development.
Our Outreach Board
has sought to engage
the congregation
in advocacy to help
end homelessness
and has committed
itself to thoughtfully
exploring how the
Families Moving
Forward Program can
be successfully continued, along with our many other
programs to help those in need.
I am deeply grateful for the gift of a three-month
sabbatical from January through March 2013, and a
grant from the Lilly Foundation that afforded me an
amazing trip to Tanzania, a challenging month at a
yoga ashram and time with my family on vacation
in Palm Springs. It was thoroughly restful and
renewing. The grant also afforded us good pastoral
assistance in my absence by Rev. Kaji Spellman,
who brought creativity and innovation to worship,
outreach and ministry.
It is a great gift to serve in ministry with you. It is
my goal to foster among the staff and members
alike an atmosphere of creativity, freedom and joy in
the church. As always, I welcome your suggestions,
dreams and support as we continue to keep the
flame burning brightly in this beloved community
for the benefit of all who need a church just like this.
We have such a fine and unique church and it is a
blessing to serve among you.
—Jeffrey Sartain, Executive Minister
Education programs continue to thrive, morph
and expand to meet the needs of our members,
families and community members.
• Adult Forums
became Sunday
Forums and provided
lively presentations
on a variety of topics.
The committee also
co-sponsored the
popular January
Plymouth Reads
program.
• Religious
Exploration
sponsored several
Bible study series:
Exodus, Revelations,
Job and the Gnostic
Gospels, as well as hosting a Jesus Seminar on
the Road conference.
• Spiritual Enrichment promoted Men and
Women’s Spirituality groups, Sunday
Meditation and Centering Prayer, Drawing as
Spiritual Practice, Sessions on the Enneagram
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and Wholehearted Living.
• Twenty Confirmation and Senior High Students
participated in Night on the Street and helped
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaboration to raise
$24,000. Other major youth events included:
Confirmation Retreat, Fall Retreat, Summer Youth
Camp, Theater Playshop and a Summer Peace
Camp (run by the youth for younger children).
• The Junior High program continued the garden
project with produce going to the Groveland Food
Shelf. The Senior High curriculum included Food
Justice, Media Influences and Bible study.
• As a way for new families—and all families—
to become better acquainted, the Children,
Youth & Families board started monthly Family
Gatherings, which included a pizza lunch and
children’s activities.
• The First Service, held during the program
year at 9:50 a.m., in the Chapel, has maintained
strong attendance. The Confirmation class led
worship monthly and the Youth and Children’s
choir provided music on a regular basis. Pianist
and composer George Maurer, who was the
music director for First Service in 2012-2013, will
continue in that role.
—Paula Northwood, Minister for Education
Thank you for the privilege of serving Plymouth
Congregational Church as the Minister for
Member Care. It is, indeed, a humbling privilege to
have been with many of you over the past 12 months
during times of both sorrow and celebration. I
return thanks daily for the sacred vocation into
which you have called me here.
The ministry of member care at Plymouth is one I
share with many. I say a heartfelt “Thank you!”
• to Plymouth members who visit older members
of our congregation and those who are
homebound through Caring Connections and as
Lay Visitors;
• to our 16 Befrienders who are at the ready to
connect with Plymouth members in need of a
listening presence during times of sickness,
bereavement or transition;
• to our three Volunteer Faith Community Nurses
who bring to our membership expertise in the
areas of elder care and transitional housing,
mental health and physical health challenges;
• to our Knitters;
• to members of the Congregational Involvement
Committee who
minister to families
who are welcoming
new babies and
families who are
grieving the loss of a
loved one;
• to the new initiative
carried forth by the
Board of Member
Care to support us all
in the important task
of creating health care
directives and living
wills;
• to the support offered one another in the
Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group, and the
Spirituality and Healing Group for people living
with chronic illnesses.
In addition to the ministry of member care, I
have been grateful for opportunities to minister
through Sunday worship at both the First Service
and the Sanctuary service; through staffing the
Shared Ministry Committee (stay tuned for more
on this as September draws nigh!) and overseeing
administrative areas of the congregation’s
life during Jeff Sartain’s sabbatical leave (e.g.,
facilitating weekly staff meetings and the board
nominations process).
A week at the Kripalu Yoga and Health Center in
Stockbridge, Mass., this spring brought rest and
renewal and a deepening of my regard for the
integrity of body and mind with spirit on one’s
spiritual journey.
—Catherine Crooks, Minister for Member Care
am grateful to have been the Lilly Pastoral
I Resident for the past year and a half. It has been
a joy to speak with you in the tender conversations
of pastoral care, to celebrate with you through
weddings and baptisms, to worship with you and
share in the love of God through preaching and
teaching. During the past year I continued to work
closely with Plymouth’s Drop-In Center as well as
lead a spirituality group for the Lydia Apartment
Residents. You might have also spotted me talking
to our guests at Third Sunday meal. I was the
staff liaison to the Lydia Connections Committee,
Global Connections Committee, and during
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Jeff’s sabbatical, to the Membership Board and
Community Fund. Also, during Jeff’s sabbatical, I
supervised Larry Johnson, our Drop-In Coordinator.
The Young
Adult Group has
developed into a
lively community
with several core
members connecting
for conversation,
service, food and
fun. In January, the
group participated in a
study through Luther
Seminary on young
adults and giving in a church setting. Some group
members have volunteered to host events in the
autumn to keep the momentum going.
In addition to my ministry at Plymouth, I have also
represented Plymouth to more than 1,400 military
service personnel as a chaplain in the United
States Air Force Reserve, and as a member of the
Conference Minister Search Team for the Minnesota
Conference of the United Church of Christ.
This has been a great experience and preparation
as I continue down the road of church ministry. I
am grateful for having had this opportunity and
to Plymouth’s members, staff and pastors for your
ongoing support and collegiality during this time.
—Tara Bauer, Pastoral Resident
Celebrating: Report of the Organist-Choirmaster
It is wonderful to have celebrated 44 years with
you as Plymouth’s Organist-Choirmaster and
I look forward to the 45th! I am grateful for the
encouragement and support that so many of you
have given me. I continue to serve as liaison to the
Fine Arts Board, provide music for special Drop-
In services and worked with Jeff Sartain on the
programs for Healing Minnesota services. None
of this, of course, could have happened without the
help of my wife, Carolyn!
• Plymouth Summer Music celebrated its fifth
year in 2012 with great attendance in the
Sanctuary each of the four July evenings with
artists Jearlyn Steele, The Charles Lazarus
Quartet, Rich Dworsky and Dan Chouinard,
and Maria Jette, Lisa Drew, Vern Sutton, James
Bohn and Sonja Thompson performing operetta
favorites.
• Presented the world premiere of Stephen
Paulus’s new church opera, The Shoemaker,
with Michael Dennis Browne’s libretto, directed
by Gary Gisselman. This was an amazing
undertaking for a church and highly successful
with performances on Sept. 29 and 30 featuring
the Plymouth Choir, soloists and chamber
orchestra.
• On July 29, the Alumni of the Yale Russian
Chorus provided the Sunday morning music as
well as an afternoon concert.
• Participated in the biennial Minneapolis
Downtown Churches Choral Celebration at the
Basilica of Saint Mary on Feb. 10.
• Premiered anthems of Steve Heitzeg, Stephen
Paulus, Ben Parry and Levente Gyöngyösi and
celebrated the anniversaries of John Ireland,
Hans Leo Hassler, Jan Sweelinck, Benjamin
Britten, Francis Poulenc, Leland Sateren and
Witold Lutosławski.
• Maria Jette, Cammy Carteng and Dan Dressen
were fêted for their significant years of service at
Plymouth Church—with more to come!
• A new 7-foot Steinway piano for the sanctuary
was dedicated in August 2012, made possible
by a bequest from
the estate of Tom
Gunkelman and
other donors.
• The music program
at Plymouth
continues to
be marvelously
assisted by Sonja
Thompson,
Mary Laymon
and Cammy
Carteng with
several wonderful
additions this year: George Maurer as First
Service musician; Ann Tandy-Treiber, music
librarian; and Elizabeth Egger, Cherub Choir
director. These people, along with Plymouth’s
admired solo quintet and the splendid Plymouth
Choir, add immeasurably to Sunday’s worship
services week after week.
—Philip Brunelle, Choirmaster
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Popping: Board of Children, Youth & Families
It was another terrific and busy year for the Board
of Children, Youth & Families. The wonderful
growth seen by the CYF Board is inspiring for
Plymouth’s future.
The First Service had a strong year (its third)
pulling in many new families previously unfamiliar
with Plymouth Congregational Church. With great
music and children involved in the service, First
Service has proven to be quite popular with families
to worship together before Sunday School classes
and the main service.
Wednesday nights continue to be a meeting place
for Plymouth families. With three choirs covering
Kindergarten through 12th grade, two bell choirs
and two dance groups, Plymouth is a hive of activity
in the education wing come Wednesday evening.
The Sunday School classes are growing by leaps and
bounds and it wouldn’t be possible without the efforts
of our Director of Children’s Programs Jo Holcomb,
Chair of the Education Committee Rip Nordhougen
and the tireless efforts of our volunteer teachers.
All of the new families have led to a couple of
Sunday afternoon pizza parties so we can have a
chance to get to know each other! This has also led
to a project for the kids—creating picture frames to
hold their family’s portraits. These portraits can be
found displayed in the Education wing.
Due to the sprinkler work going on in most of
the church building, the 2013 edition of Theater
Playshop has been canceled. Thankfully, Camp
Plymouth is still scheduled for August.
The 2012 -2013 church also included our popular
events: the Halloween Party, Advent Festival and
year-end Youth Celebration. This year we also had
an Easter Egg hunt! Despite the snow that morning,
spirits were high. An incredible amount of hours
were poured into these events and it’s all worth it to
see the smiles on the children’s faces.
—Matt Treiber, Chair
Children, Youth & Families: back row, from left,
Mike McCallister, Chris Zieg, Ildephonso Gasongo,
Matt Treiber, Annie Krishnan, Diane Hallberg; front
row, from left, Jeanne Schuller, Jo Holcomb, Rip
Nordhougen, Paula Northwood, Jasper Jonson. Not
pictured: Amy Braford Whittey, Elizabeth Glidden,
Erika Rosenhagen, Mary Sanderlin, Kristen Wubbels
Campbell.
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Highlights June 2012–June 2013
Center: Composer Stephen
Paulus, center, atThe Shoemaker,
Sept. 29-30
Crafts were offered at the
Advent Festival, Dec. 2
July 15, 2012
Needlers reveal
Summer of the
First Amendment
July 2012
Stained-glass window
restoration begins
Staff Milestones
Some of the participants at
the October youth retreat
Nov. 11—
Rev. Oby
Ballinger &
husband Javen
Swanson
celebrate
the defeat of
the marriage
amendment at
final Healing
Minnesota
service.
Larry Johnson
5 years
Karen Millar
5 years
Lisa Drew
10 years
Paula Northwood
10 years
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Pizza was served
at the first Family
Gathering March 3
to help families with
children get to know
each other better.
“It’s Not Jesus if He
Doesn’t Have Scars”:
Emerging Leader Patrick
Heery preached April 7.
The Rollins family, previous
guests of Families Moving
Forward at Plymouth, found
a home; four families were
hosted at church May 19–25.
The Transforming
Governance proposal was
discussed at the
Sunday Forum, Feb. 3
Project for
Pride in Living
assumed
management
of the day
care center
April 1.
The Youth Choir sang at the
Social Justice service
April 28
John Bradford
20 years
Cammy Carteng
25 years
Maria Jette
25 years
Dan Dressen
35 years
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Connecting: Deacons
The Deacons’ year started off with the final push
to the election, supporting Plymouth Church
United for All Families in their work to defeat the
anti-marriage amendment. Congregants were
organized to staff phone banks, funds were raised
for the effort at a Guild Hall house party after the
Oct. 7 service and the chapel was opened for a
candlelight vigil on election night.
Little did we know at the time that victory in
November would translate into legalized same-sex
marriage in Minnesota less than nine months later
. . . happily obviating other discussions the Deacons
had this year about ways to support the cause.
The Deacons also spent time discussing issues
of growth. One such discussion started with
questions about widening the Plymouth circle,
but those were soon overtaken by many heartfelt
cries for deepening. This conversation gave rise
to a wonderful day-long spirituality retreat led by
Kaji Spellman, at which we contemplated our own
connections and worked to identify openings in
our life as a congregation. We ended the day with a
candlelit agape feast in Guild Hall.
Highlights of Deacons committee work include
ongoing Bible study and centering prayer groups
on Sunday mornings, a streamlining of communion
procedures (as well as some recipe testing) and
many wonderful speakers who brought new insights
to Plymouth members.
—Diane Mountford, Chair
Deacons, front row, from left: Paul Price, Carrie
Sauter, Whitney Kruse, Charlie Lloyd; second row,
from left, Shirley Rutherford, Rosanne Monten,
Diane Mountford, Jim Gertmenian; third row, from
left, Steve Wellvang, Bob Hedstrom, Gregg Daubert,
Parke Weaver; top row, from left, Dan Dressen,
Candace Dow, Joan Wicklund, Kathleen Laurila. Not
pictured: Jessica Allen, Larry Bumgardner, Susan
Lamb, Ann Manning, Sarah Marshall, Jan Mattox,
Patti Neir, Margaret Simpson.
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Awakening: Fine Arts
Our mission is to awaken the congregation to
art around us and within us.
The 12 members of the Fine Arts board worked
together to determine general direction in two
specific areas. The current theater space is in
need of a sprinkler system, which led our board
to brainstorm, research and discuss new potential
ways to configure that space to serve current needs
of the congregation and the community. Those
discussions led to us to work on a new board
statement on the role of arts at Plymouth.
Our committees report on their work in the past
year.
Barton Sutter with his balladeer brother, Ross; Jane
Hirshfield; and Jim Lenfestey.
PR, EDUCATION & DOCENTS
• Sponsored Flame articles to share various
activities by the Fine Arts board.
• Scheduled docent tours twice a month along
with some specially arranged tours.
ARTS IN THE SANCTUARY organized the creation
of four handmade runners to correspond with the
liturgical seasons for the communion table
—Sonia Cairns and
Christi Sutphen,
Co-chairs
ACCESSIONS & CURATOR: PastPerfect software
was secured so that we can
document the art around
the church on computer.
BUILDINGS &
GROUNDS, a committee
of the Trustees, reviewed
planning for maintenance
and repairs.
GALLERY shows included
• Outdoor photographer
Scott Helgeson and
the glass work of Peter
Zelle;
• Jantje Visscher
showed a piece of her
Fine Arts, front row, from left: Hope Esparolini, Christi Sutphen, Joan Parsons,
light sculpture with Susan Cleveland; back row, from left: Brent Stahl, Sonia Cairns, Mark Suess,
Alan Wadzinski’s Carolyn Brunelle, Glenace Edwall, Julie Sellergren, Philip Brunelle. Not
sculpture and woodcut pictured: Jim Conaway, Peter Skjervold.
artist Cecilia Lieder’s
pieces;
• Painter Sally Nystrom and paper artist Karen
Schimek;
• Textile artist Sandra Brick and ceramicist Kate
Christopher; and
• About 40 people contributed to the Plymouth
Church members art show.
LITERARY WITNESSES offered five poetry
readings by John Caddy; Sherman Alexie;
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Touching: Member Care
The Board of Member Care touched the lives of
many Plymouth members this year.
Through our Events Committee, the Board
sponsored several successful events. One highlight
was the annual brunch celebrating those with
50 years or more of Plymouth membership—
this year more than 50 members reached that
milestone. Joined by family and friends, they
enjoyed a delicious brunch provided by Katie’s
Cafe and songs from The Music Man led by Sonja
Thompson. Stories and memories flowed freely
around the tables.
The Service of Remembrance in December was
hosted by our Events Committee. Tara Bauer led
the service, during which memories of deceased
loved ones were lifted up through lighted candles
and words.
Member Care, back row, from left: Bob Albers,
Steve Daniel, Kathy Heller-Ostroot, Nelson Berg,
Greg Davidson, Cathie Crooks, Dee Curtiss, Carol
Brandenburg; front row, from left: Julianna Janssen,
Cynthia Callanan, Steve Tsai, Emily Venell. Not
pictured: Sue Astin, Diane Boruff, Jo Cunningham,
Marlene Kuxhausen and Vicki Haugen, Faith
Community Nurse liaison.
Baptisms of 23 children were honored with
handmade gifts through our Congregational
Involvement Committee. This group also personally
reached out to 75 bereaved families with a call or
visit, card and book.
Our Caring Connections group continued to reach
out to senior Plymouth members through personal
visits and calls. The message to each was simple—
you are a valued member of the Plymouth family
and we are interested in hearing your personal story.
We were rewarded with rich conversations and deep
appreciation.
The board conducted several Dream Sessions,
which resulted in three new priorities to care for
Plymouth members. In conjunction with Honoring
Choices Minnesota, an educational program was
held this spring on Advance Care Planning and
Health Care Directives—with an emphasis on the
importance of family conversations around this
important but difficult topic. Plans are underway
for a program in fall 2013 on Transitional Housing
to inform seniors and their children about various
housing options available to meet a wide range
of needs. Finally, we are considering how to help
Plymouth members access many other resources
both within our congregation and in the community.
The Board of Member Care and Minister for
Member Care Cathie Crooks support various other
groups and efforts, ranging from Faith Community
Nurses and Befrienders to the Downtown Grief
Coalition and Prayer Shawl Ministry.
We experience the Plymouth caring community
at each meeting through sharing refreshments
and homemade treats, and prayers or devotional
readings to open and close each meeting.
—Nelson Berg, Chair
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Welcoming: Membership
Each Sunday at the Welcome Table in Guild Hall,
situated under a bright “Welcome” banner,
guests and members are greeted by a warm and
knowledgeable member from the Membership board
who is willing and eager to help them learn more
about the life of Plymouth Congregational Church.
We can honestly say that those of us on the Board
of Membership have fun in fulfilling our work for
Plymouth!
—Bill Read and Remona Weaver,
Co-chairs
Our board has been instrumental in promoting the
concept of “welcoming ambassadors.” In Guild Hall,
following each church service, our board members
(and members of other boards) are encouraged
to actively seek out one person they do not know
(whether it be a presumed visitor or church
member) and begin a conversation. The distinctive
red and white name tags, which can be ordered at
the Welcome Table, encourage the ambassador in
all of us. Our hope is that Plymouth, your home, is a
place “where everybody knows your name.”
Our board provides informational seminars four
times a year for prospective members, each one
followed within a few weeks for those who join by
a welcoming breakfast, a formal church ceremony
and a reception in Guild Hall. Twice a year, we host
a potluck at Senior Minister Jim Gertmenian’s
home to once again bring together those who have
recently joined.
We see increasing numbers of young adults and
young families joining Plymouth (many of whom
are attracted to the family-oriented 9:50 a.m. First
Service). We also continue to encourage an increase
in overall diversity within the church membership.
Our board underpins retention of members by
sponsoring One More Chair, a fellowship in which
there is always room for one more member. One
More Chair is comprised of numerous subgroups
formed around such interest areas as photography,
dining, walking, book discussions and so forth. We
also provide, for visitors as well as members, a list
of other groups and activities existing within our
church that encourage ongoing engagement of
people of all ages.
Membership, front row, from left: Tom Heller,
Karen Barstad, Jeff Sartain; second row, from left,
Bryce Hamilton, Cynthia Haakana, Nancy Albrecht;
third row, Holly Northrop; fourth row, from left,
Steve Harlan-Marks, Bill Read, Steve Boruff (above
Steve), Bryon Fraser; top row, from left, Jay Matre,
Remona Weaver, David Hoiland. Not pictured: Steve
Andersen, Joy Bumgardner, Kris Cutler, Cammy
Iverson, Rocel Kingman, Jeanne LeFevere, Maggie
Pastarr, Martha Rogers.
11

Making Friends: Outreach
The Board of Outreach devoted the year to
exploring how it could best live out Plymouth’s
mission to “seek to embody the radical love and
justice found in the life, teachings and spirit of
Jesus.” Its goals were to learn how to comfortably
engage with people in Plymouth’s neighborhood,
who come from a wide variety of cultures and life
circumstances, and to provide Plymouth members
the opportunity to deepen their spiritual lives
through service.
New improvements, enacted each month, included:
• Increased number of volunteers at each meal to
allow more time for interacting with guests.
• Eliminated the need for guests to wait outside in
the elements by inviting them inside to relax in
Guild Hall.
• Increased portion sizes.
• Supported Plymouth physicians, who
volunteered their expertise each month at a
medical resource table.
Outreach, from bottom left, clockwise: Kim Lutes,
Jeff Sartain, Shannon Kearns, Kate Loe, Cyn Bloom,
Pat Harlan-Marks, Harry Searles, Sarah Lehman.
Not pictured: Marcia Hanson, Tom LeFevere, Aimee
Maidi, Kristin Melloh, Barbara Reid, Erik Thorsell,
Theresa Voss, Gingie Ward.
The Board of Outreach sponsored special projects
including the monthly Healing Minnesota services.
These services inspired our creativity and allowed
us to serve our wider community in a critical time,
showing that our church is relevant to and engaged
with society at large. In addition, our congregation
joined dozens of other faith communities in hosting
Families Moving Forward in the midst of ongoing
commitments to numerous other housing and
community services projects.
• Bike clinic offered bicycle repair services to our
guests.
• Distributed Welcome cards to guests, inviting
them to worship at Plymouth.
• Offered volunteers the opportunity for prayer
and reflection after each meal.
As a result of the Board’s efforts, 2,663 guests were
served by 189 Plymouth volunteers.
By creating a visible project that had a positive
impact in the community, the Board of Outreach has
renewed its sense of purpose and mission.
—Kim Lutes and Erik Thorsell,
Co-chairs
The Outreach board chose to focus primarily,
however, on building community with Plymouth’s
neighbors through hospitality—specifically by
improving the Third Sunday community meal.
12

Offering Hospitality: Stewards
Our mission as the Board of Stewards is to
Create Community—Foster Fellowship—
Heighten Hospitality.
Each week we strive to create a comfortable and
respectful place to worship, and we endeavor to
practice the ministry of fellowship and hospitality in
all that we do. Our weekly responsibilities include
ushering during the 10:30 service and hosting
fellowship coffee after the service.
Our big event each year is planning and serving the
annual Christmas Festival Dinner. Last December,
we served a wonderful meal to 110 guests.
The Board of Stewards is 24 members strong, all of
whom aim to promote a strong sense of community
among all worshipers, nurturing congregational
ties while attracting and welcoming newcomers to
Plymouth Congregational Church. Members of the
board serve 3-year terms.
—Jill Hennesen,
Co-chair 2012–2013
Stewards, clockwise from left: Ginger Seybold, Andi
Larsen, Bill Youmans, Bob Seybold, Beth Reinhart,
Rob Reinhart, Michael McGettigan, Jean Howell,
George Wallace, Coral Sampson, Ken High, Chris
High, Jill Hennesen, Emily Seltz. Not pictured: Janice
Dennie, Don Doberstein, Kari Hellie, Deb Hendricks,
Dan Legerski, John Mathison, Michelle Trotter-
Mathison, Sally Pundt, Steve Pundt.
Plymouth Congregational Church is one of the oldest and most progressive churches in Minneapolis.
13

Sound Management: Trustees
The Board of Trustees has been busy this year
working to manage the church’s finances.
The Stewardship Campaign has been a success this
year with more than $1.8 million pledged this year,
which is 11 percent higher than last year. We asked
the congregation to increase their pledges this year,
if at all possible, and the congregation responded
with resounding support. As a result, we project that
we will not need a significant additional draw from
the Endowment Fund beyond the 4 percent that has
been historically allocated to fund ongoing church
operations and building improvements.
Building improvements have continued with the
funding of money to replace stained glass windows
in the Chapel. Money has also been spent evaluating
the 30- to 50-year-old air conditioning systems in the
sanctuary and studying how the church will respond
to the City of Minneapolis Fire Marshal’s order to
provide fire-safety measures in the Sanctuary and the
older part of our building. Based upon these studies,
the Board of Trustees has authorized moving forward
on these necessary repairs for the building. The
Sanctuary will not be available for worship services
during the summer months when these building
repairs are scheduled to begin.
Financing the cost of these building improvements
is anticipated to be done by borrowing from Sunrise
Bank (formerly Franklin Bank). The expected
cost for these building repairs is expected to be
approximately $1 million. A capital campaign in
2014 is expected to pay back this loan.
Leasing of the education wing has been a
challenge this past year when our child day care
tenant announced in late January that they would
be terminating their operations in our building
by the end of March. Through Karen Hartz’s
leadership, Project for Pride in Living agreed
to replace the prior tenant and the children’s
programs and their families (and our rental
income) were never interrupted.
—Greg Zoidis, Chair
Trustees, back row, from left: Dave Brownlie, Jim Gertmenian, John Cairns,
Danielle Niska, Margaret Shreves, Claire Colliander; front row, from left:
Nathan Hubbard, Judy Takkunen, J. D. Haas, Jim Van Iwaarden, Greg Zoidis.
Not pictured: David Alkire, Ed Curtiss, Sue Dosal, Karen Hartz, Becca Norris.
14

Archives Committee
Many thanks to Jim Thompson and Mary
Lou Mathison who retired this year from
the Archives Committee after decades of service.
Both have had a major impact on the Archives
and have agreed to be available for questions
and advice.
Major accomplishments included:
• Published and distributed a book of essays,
Building Legacies, written by Jane Pejsa on
the persons honored with named spaces at
Plymouth Church.
• Worked with the Needlers to consider options
to preserve records related to the creation of
the Plymouth embroideries.
• Completed a Strategic Plan to ensure the
Archives operates under best practices and
becomes a more visible and valued resource
inside and outside the church, with the
support of David Good. The plan now guides
the priorities for the Archivist and Archives
Committee.
• Transferred remaining responsibilities for
membership records to office staff, allowing
volunteers to focus on new priorities.
• Completed an evaluation of software
(PastPerfect) to improve the management of
Plymouth’s Archival and Arts collections. The
software was purchased in April.
• Provided suggestions regarding the
placement of the Archives in Plymouth’s new
governance model.
• Requested that the exploratory committee
for a Capital Campaign consider space and
facilities for the Archives; explored external
funding opportunities.
• Initiated a review of all Archival holdings to
ensure accuracy and consistency of filing and
documentation of contents.
Plymouth Church Clerk’s handwritten and decorated
notebook from the 1800s—one of many treasures in
the Archives.
Committee members Connie Keller, Tony Smith
and Mary Welfling also helped with these routine
responsibilities:
• Responded to requests for information from
persons researching family history, students and
others conducting research, as well as clergy,
staff and members.
• Updated Plymouth’s official membership
records.
• Maintained collection of weekly sermons and
audio CDs.
• Maintained photo collection.
• Maintained display cabinets in the Parsons
Room.
• Processed materials for appropriate retention
and filing.
Thanks to all who have helped Plymouth’s history to
live through its Archives.
—Mary Welfling, Archivist
Archives Committee, from left: Mary Welfling, David
Good, Tony Smith. Not pictured: Connie Keller.
15

Plymouth Church Community Fund
This year the Plymouth Church Community
Fund, whose mission is to promote economic
and social justice, alleviate poverty and advance
progressive faith in our community and around the
world, distributed more than $323,000. Of that total,
more than one-third supported our five covenant
partners: Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative,
Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches,
Groveland Food Shelf, Project for Pride in Living
and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.
Covenant partners, an innovation in our work,
receive a multi-year commitment from the
Community Fund and, unlike the 22 other
organizations that receive funding, covenant
partners are evaluated every two years. All other
organizations are reviewed and visited every year.
Even with the incredibly generous donations and
commitment of the Plymouth Church congregation,
the fund is not substantially increasing. Over the
last two years, the committee has focused their
support to fewer organizations, giving Plymouth
the ability to make a greater impact on both our
partners and the clients they serve.
So, as with numerous aspects of life at Plymouth,
the Community Fund simultaneously honors
our traditions while moving forward: The fund
continues to support key partners in advancing
economic and social justice, global outreach and
progressive faith, while also pursuing new initiatives
and responding to emergencies.
For instance, our partner church in Cuba, Iglesia
Bautista Enmanuel, received an additional $3,000
this year as a one-time contribution to help them
double the size of their worship space. In the letter
of appreciation, Rev. Eduardo Gonzalez wrote:
“Thanks be to God for making our destinies merge
in such a mighty way!”
Our funding is just one way we are building
relationships, near and far, worthy of celebration.
—Rosanne Monten, Chair
Update: Ad Hoc Governance Committee
More than two years of intense research and
engaged discussions have resulted in a
conceptual design for a new policy-based model of
governance for Plymouth Congregational Church.
The model is intended to make governance at
Plymouth clearer, more transparent and more
effective—building on our history, our values and
our congregational heritage. Its goal is to put more
accountability into the hands of lay leaders in
order to live out our mission, supported by clergy
and staff.
During the winter of 2013, the Ad Hoc Governance
Committee made several presentations about the
model and met with each of the existing boards.
The proposal for the conceptual design and the next
phase of the work was brought forward at a special
Congregational meeting April 28. After spirited and
constructive discussion, with many perspectives
shared and questions raised, the Congregation
voted to approve the proposal. Additional
opportunities for discussion were held during May
and June.
The next phase of the work is to identify nine
Plymouth members willing to serve the church for
about a year on the Transitional Policy Board. The
proposed slate of candidates, drawn from a list of
nominations from the congregation, will be brought
to the 2013 annual meeting for approval.
During the next year, the Transitional Policy
Board will work to make the conceptual design
fully operational. Ongoing conversations with the
congregation will be critical to the success of the
next phase, as this board will develop policies and
limitations for church decision making as well as
oversee the writing of new bylaws for the church.
The work of this board will be brought back to
the full congregation for a vote at the 2014 annual
meeting.
—Claire Kolmodin,
Chair
16

Property Manager
As we face the aging of our beautiful historic
building, this year we experienced a stainedglass
window saga.
Deterioration in our stained-glass windows was
revealed during a major review of the building’s
condition, undertaken about three years ago with
the Trustees’ approval. The plastic laminate added
to the outside many years ago to protect the artistic
stained glass instead actually harmed them by
trapping heat and moisture. In addition, the plastic
panels had “frosted,” dulling the illumination of the
windows’ artistry.
The Sanctuary windows suffered damage, but
the Chapel stained glass windows were virtually
falling apart. Gaytee Stained Glass removed Chapel
windows in stages, transported them to their
Northeast Minneapolis shop, traced the original
designs, then laid out all the original glass pieces
and re-leaded them. This process of restoration,
accomplished with better, modern materials, means
another 75 to 100 years of life for these stained-glass
windows.
It is estimated that our stained-glass windows are
worth $3.7 million, so this $300,000 investment
seems worthwhile. We’re so pleased to see our
stained-glass windows have come alive! Now,
ventilated quarter-inch thick glass protects them
from the elements while allowing the sunlight to
magically transform them for worshippers.
The building review also showed other substantial
needs and, combined with the order from the
Minneapolis Fire Marshal to add fire protection
measures to our Sanctuary, we will be addressing them
this summer and in the months and years to come. In
the year ahead, we will cope with the Sanctuary and
other areas of the building being improved for code
and, with new air-conditioning and heating units for
the Sanctuary and One Groveland, for comfort and
greater energy efficiencies.
I thank the congregation for your support as we have
the opportunity to continue to invest in our property
for members of Plymouth today and in the future.
—Ed Curtiss, Property Manager
Meeting Minutes—for approval
Minutes of the 2011-2012 Annual Meeting
June 17, 2012
Mike Monten, Moderator, called the meeting to
order at 11:45 a.m., in the Sanctuary.
The 2011-2012 Annual Report was distributed. Jeff
Sartain provided the invocation.
The minutes of the 2011 Annual Meeting were
unanimously approved. The minutes of the Special
Congregational Meeting held on March 11, 2012
were unanimously approved.
Cathie Crooks read the roll call of the new
50-year members: June Carpenter, Mary Lou
Carpenter, Norm Carpenter, Diane Cummisford,
Timothy Dunsworth, Leonard Lampert III, Warren
Malkerson, Rusty Nelson and Gregory Wilson.
Cathie Crooks read the roll call of those deceased
since the 2011 Annual Meeting: Bob Brendsel, Charles
Brown, Betty Carr, Van Christenson, Karl Doeringsfeld,
Winter Ensign (d. 2011), Ramón Esparolini, Gerald
Flom, Kate Gibbs, Richard Griffis, Nicholas Hawley,
Janet Beggs Helgen, Virginia Hineline, Nicholas
Janzen, Virginia Keen, Gertrude Krueger, Lisa Taylor
Lake, Joanne Lee, Eleanor McConnell, Lawrence
Muschamp, Mary Peterson, Virginia Ranz, Louise
Rathburn, Judson Reaney, Alice Rogers, Bruce Smith,
Marie Stenglein, Boyd Stofer, Candi Storm, Alton
Tekse, William Thayer, Sr., Patricia Uppgaard, William
Venell, Lowell Weber, Robert White.
Senior Minister’s Report: Jim Gertmenian expressed
pride in the many accomplishments during the
past year, including the process used by Plymouth
to take a stand on the constitutional amendment
on marriage rights. Jim is looking forward to many
changes in the coming year, including the new
government structure, discussions about growth
initiatives at Plymouth, preservation of our wonderful
building and the deepening and strengthening of the
fabric of our church as we serve each other and our
community. Jim expressed his appreciation to those
serving on boards, Mike Monten’s work as Moderator,
as well as the church staff and his
continued on next page
17

ministerial colleagues, for all of their work and
support during this past year. Jim presented Mike
Monten with a gift for his dedicated service and
leadership as Moderator during the past two years.
Executive Minister’s Report: Jeff Sartain reviewed
several highlights from the many exciting projects
and initiatives at Plymouth during the past year,
including the ongoing work being done to refine our
governance structure, to improve communications,
the work of the Board of Outreach and the
Community Fund Committee, the Housing 150
project, Families Moving Forward and the monthly
Healing Minnesota services which engaged our
wider community during a critical time.
Treasurer’s Report: Mike Monten reviewed the work
of the Moderator and the Trustees over the past
two years to deal with Plymouth’s financial issues
and to inform the congregation of those issues,
including a mid-year church meeting and a spring
budget preview. J. D. Haas, on behalf of the Treasurer,
reviewed the 2011-12 financial report, including the
“5-year Summary—Operating Fund.” J. D. reported
that the 5-year trend has been to balance the budget
only with greater-than-planned withdrawals from
the endowment—which trend is not sustainable.
The additional endowment withdrawal for 2011-
12 is projected to be $244,151 on top of a planned
formula withdrawal of $157,959. J. D. reported that the
continued increase in additional withdrawals to the
endowment will result in the eventual depletion of
the endowment and that the primary reason for the
increased withdrawals relates to substantial building
maintenance and repair costs. J. D. emphasized the
need to enter into a church-wide discussion about
how to address these financial issues.
2012-2013 Budget Report: J. D. Haas, representing
the Board of Trustees, presented the proposed
budget for the Fiscal Year 2013. In this budget
proposal he noted a 6 percent increase in pledging,
as well as an additional withdrawal of $210,000
to the baseline 4 percent endowment withdrawal
is being proposed. Karen Hartz and Jeff Sartain
responded to questions relating to building
expenses, rental income and pledge income. A
motion was made and seconded for approval of
the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget which was followed by
unanimous approval.
18
Communications Committee Report: Sonia Cairns
reviewed the Communications Committee Report
to improve and achieve effective communications.
Sonia reviewed the process used by the Committee
to develop the set of recommendations, as well as
provided highlights of the key recommendations.
Governance Committee Update: Pat Born
provided an update on the work of the Governance
Committee, including a target date of this fall for
the recommendations to be finalized, followed by
broader church-wide discussions and, subject to
approval, a year-long transition thereafter.
Report of the Nominating Committee: Mike Monten
noted the work of the Church Council in preparing
the slate of nominees for the Boards for the upcoming
year. A motion was made to amend to nominees
for the Board of Stewards to add Don Doberstein.
A motion was made to accept the amended slate of
candidates, seconded and unanimously approved.
Old Business: None
Moderator’s Report: Mike Monten expressed some
farewell comments for his two years as Moderator,
thanking the collaboration and hard work of Jim,
Jeff, Paula, Cathie, Tara, Karen, Timm and the rest
of the staff, as well as the entire congregation. Mike
welcomed the new Moderator Lynn Moline.
New Business: Lynn Moline thanked Mike Monten
for his service and leadership over the past two years.
Lynn outlined new initiatives in the upcoming year,
including Plymouth’s active opposition to passage of
the marriage amendment, the implementation of the
Communication Committee recommendations, the
finalization of the Governance Task Force, and new
opportunities for growth at Plymouth.
A benediction was provided by Jim Gertmenian.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Steven Wellvang, Clerk
r

Congregational Vote on Governance
Meeting Minutes, Sunday, April 28, 2013
Moderator Lynn Moline called the meeting of more
than 250 persons to order at 11:30 a.m.
Welcome and Introductory Remarks: Senior
Minister James Gertmenian talked about
community and sharing authority—new governance
model as a way to help us to live out our mission
more effectively and in a more timely manner to
make Plymouth as strong, productive and faithful as
can be.
Meeting Process: Moderator Lynn Moline
highlighted the process to bring forward the
proposal and the guidelines to help with the day’s
discussion.
Motion: Claire Kolmodin, chair of the Ad Hoc
Governance Committee (“Committee” in the
remainder of the minutes), read the motion that
was posted in the church starting April 12, as well
as announced from the pulpit and printed in the
bulletin and bulletin announcements at least two
weeks prior to the April 28 meeting: “Plymouth
Congregational Church of Minneapolis hereby
approves the conceptual governance design
model proposed by the Ad Hoc Governance
Committee. To implement this governance model,
the Congregation authorizes the election of a
Transitional Policy Board at the annual meeting
on June 16, 2013. This Transitional Policy Board
will complete the governance design, including the
development of new articles and bylaws to present
to the Congregation for approval.”
Because the motion came from a committee, the
motion did not require a second.
Discussion: The Moderator called on congregants to
speak to the motion or to ask questions.
For: Four members spoke for the motion because it
meets needs identified in earlier strategic planning
work, addresses long term planning and policy
considerations not addressed as part of Plymouth’s
current governance structure, and is anticipated to
enable more members to participate in their areas of
interest or expertise.
Against: Three members spoke against the motion.
Reasons included concern about the need for an
added governance layer, personnel to implement the
proposal, and the distinction between management
and governance.
Questions: Committee members answered
questions from five members about how the
proposal would work and had worked in other
congregations, Transitional Policy Board
responsibilities, the role of Deacons, and involving
more people in work currently done by boards and
committees.
Motion to Close Debate: A member made a motion
to close debate and call the question. The motion to
close debate passed on show of hands, counted by
members of the Board of Trustees.
Motion to Call the Question: The motion passed on
a voice vote.
Future Governance Work: Lynn Moline said the
congregation will continue discussions over the
next year. She told how to nominate candidates
to the Transitional Policy Board to be elected as a
slate at the June 16, 2013, annual meeting. She told
whom to contact before the annual meeting if a
congregant had questions about agenda items for
the annual meeting.
Closing: James Gertmenian thanked attendees for
loving Plymouth and for planning for its future.
Lynn Moline adjourned the meeting at 12:22 p.m.
Communication to Congregants
On April 29, 2013, an email or letter will go to all
members informing them of the outcome of the
April 28, 2013, congregational meeting and seeking
nominations to the Transitional Policy Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Candace Dow, Church Clerk
r
19

Financial Picture
For detailed financial reports, please contact Joy Hansen in the church office: 612/977-1265 or
joyh@plymouth.org
Preview of FY 2014 Program Budgets
Total $2,625,000
In the graph below, the percentages represent the proportion of the
overall budget that supports FY 2014 these program areas—including
building use, repairs and salaries.
17%
24%
WORSHIP, MUSIC, FINE
ARTS
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
16%
24%
19%
OUTREACH AND
COMMUNITY FUND
COMMUNITY
FELLOWSHIP & NURTURE
MEMBER CARE
FY 2014 Budget Expenses
4%
7% 2%
11%
8%
8%
60%
Salaries & Benefits
Administration
Building
Major Improvements
Boards
Community Fund
Other Expenses
20

Endowment Withdrawals: Five years
$2,500,000
$2,400,000
$2,300,000
Expenses
$2,200,000
$2,100,000
Additional Withdrawal
Income
$2,000,000
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Plymouth Church Pledges
2013 Pledged $1,838,177
$1 - $1,000
$1,001 - $2,500
$2,501 - $5,000
$5,001 - $10,000
$10,001 - $40,000
Plymouth Church
Community Fund
Distribution of funds by mission area
Total: $323,762
Comprised of $181,000 from operating funds
and remainder from contributions.
Economic and
Social Justice
Global Outreach
Progressive Faith
Emergency Relief
New Initiative
21

Plymouth Congregational Church
1900 Nicollet Ave. (at Franklin), Minneapolis
612/871-7400
www.plymouth.org
churchinfo@plymouth.org
facebook.com/PlymouthCongregationalChurch
twitter.com @PCCmpls