Annual Report 2024-2025 - Flipbook - Page 32
Library Committee:
A small group of members gather throughout the year to discuss
books that are available in the library for borrowing, church
themes where books can be highlighted, a review of available
periodicals, partnering with visiting artists to share their stories.
In the coming year, the committee is looking to partner with
artists for a Banned Book event, building off the published
Banned Book list that has been circulated to raise awareness on
the importance of availability of books.
AMENS:
The AMENS (All Men Exploring New Spirituality) group met
weekly on zoom over the last year to discuss a variety of books. The
group averages 30 participants each week including some members
who have moved to other states but continue to login to the
meeting. The group has also had a couple in person social events
this year. The group meets weekly on Tuesdays from 7- 8 a.m.
Board Members:
2023-2025
2024-2026
2025-2027
Anna Osborn
Kristen Boldt
Bonnie Greene
Cheryl Sypal
Rick Miller
Shari Simmons
Joy Wilhelm
Don Worrell
Emily Johnson
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chair: Wade Dewald
Vice Chair: Chuck Smith
Secretary: Irene Hardisty
Staff Liaison: Jared Wortman
Support Staff Members: Jim Denman and Connie Broich
Mission from Bylaws:
The board will oversee and provide recommendations to the
Executive Committee of the Church Council on Plymouth
Church’s property, finances, business, contractual affairs, and
recommend a budget to the Executive Council each year.
Major Events/Achievements in 2024-2025:
The Board of Trustees again had a very busy year, working on both
near term and mid-term financial and property-related activities.
The Board of Trustees received strong support from the Senior
Pastor, the Director of Finance, and the Director of Operations
and Technology in fulfilling its mission. The calendar year 2024
ended with Plymouth Church having just a minimal deficit — an
improved annual operating financial position from the prior year
and against the 2024 budget, which had initially included reliance
on using the remainder of our Plymouth Foundation Sustainability
Grant. This financial position was supported by the receipt of some
unanticipated gifts and bequeaths, for which we are truly grateful.
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Important work remains for the Board of Trustees, with assistance
from all Plymouth members, to meet the ongoing financial
needs of Plymouth ministries, supporting the fulfillment of open
church staff roles and resultant expense, continuing to catch up
on previously delayed maintenance on the building and grounds,
and responding to changing conditions in the church property
insurance market which present new risks and costs for Plymouth.
Highlights of our work this past year included the following:
The Board began the year with a focus on narrowing the annual
operating deficit. Through prudent operations, the support of the
Foundation through the matching Estimate of Giving (EOG)
year-over-year increase program, interest on cash reserves,
receipt of several significant gifts, and other fiscal strategies, we
were pleased to finish 2024 with a nominal ($12,000) deficit,
and without having to utilize proceeds from the Plymouth
Foundation’s Sustainability Grant approved two years ago. The
remainder of this Sustainability Grant was extended and is part
of our 2025 calendar fiscal year budget plan.
The Board expresses its appreciation for the continued
benevolence of our Plymouth members who returned EOG
pledges and then supported the church through fulfillment of
those pledges in 2024. For 2025, the EOG pledges from the
Stewardship campaign have increased by approximately 1.5%
even as the number of household EOG’s declined slightly.
