Annual Report 2024-2025 - Flipbook - Page 24
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL ACTION
Chair: Erin Riker
Vice Chair: George Dorsey
Secretary: Marti West
Staff Liaison: John Tyson
Mission from Bylaws:
The Board of Christian Social Action will help Plymouth explore
the relationship between Christian faith and contemporary social
issues by identifying issues and stimulating dialogue. By inviting
action on any issue, the board shall make clear that its opinions
or actions bind neither Plymouth nor any member.
Major Events/Achievements in 2024-2025:
To “do justice,” as God requires is to act. In this moment of
uncertainty and fear in the world around us, we are reminded
that action is a powerful antidote to despair. From hosting cloth
napkin drives and ecumenical rallies, to building relationships
with neighbors across town or across the globe, the Board of
Christian Social Action’s work is led by ten robust and energetic
committees—a kaleidoscope of passionate Plymouth people
committed to putting radical love into action both within and
beyond the walls of the church. At every level, these efforts are
powered by the conviction that our collective efforts can help
create a more just and compassionate world.
A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy (AMOS):
AMOS hosted the “Building Bridges and Organized Communities”
seminar in Perry, with 112 people and ten church denominational
leaders participating. Plans are in motion for continued expansion
of AMOS into rural Iowa and throughout the state.
Anti-Racism Committee (ARC):
ARC participated in the Vision Leads Community Connects
project to increase voter engagement in precinct 30, one of the
Des Moines’ precincts with historically low voter turnout; as
a result of our efforts last fall, voter participation increased by
9.49% in the 2024 election. This spring, we helped plan and host
a Lenten book study of Antiracism as a Daily Practice by Jennifer
Harvey. Throughout the year, ARC members continued building
relationships with Corinthian Baptist Church, including an
ongoing women’s book study, joint performances of Amal and the
Night Visitors, and co-hosting a jazz and mocktails happy hour.
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Creation Care & Justice Committee (CC&J):
CC&J continued promoting programs and daily habits that
nurture God’s creation and combat climate change. Specifically,
this past year, we launched a church-wide effort to limit paper
and plastic waste and be more mindful of sustainable practices in
our building’s operations.
• CC&J members now launder and maintain a supply of more
than 700 cloth napkins in Waveland Hall for use at Plymouth
food events—and we encourage people to use them! This
practice reminds us that heavy consumption of paper products
results in deforestation and destruction of wildlife habitat.
• CC&J committee members researched eco-friendly options
for tableware and have worked with church staff and other
boards and committees to encourage their use at Plymouth.
For example, some groups have asked participants to bring
their own reusable tableware (plates, flatware, and napkins)
to potlucks.
Cuba Partnership Team:
The Cuba Partnership Team’s delegation of six Plymouth
members and friends joined with five members of Lovely Lane
United Methodist Church on a life-changing trip to visit our
partner church Ebenezer Baptist in Havana, Cuba (January
28–February 6, 2025). We shared love, joy, and music with our
Cuban friends and experienced their deep faith and friendship.
We shared the overwhelming generosity of Plymouth Church
with them, and they shared many spiritual gifts with us. The
delegation will share our experiences with Plymouth Church on
June 1 after the worship service.
