Annual Report 2024-2025 - Flipbook - Page 5
SENIOR PASTOR
JARED WORTMAN
Dear friends and partners in ministry,
This past weekend at Plymouth, I had the distinct joy of baptizing
a happy baby whose parents’ wedding I officiated shortly after
arriving at Plymouth. Although every baptism is an absolute joy,
there was something incredibly special about reaching a point
where layers of ministry are building up. As I approach four years of
ministry alongside you all, the life we share together continues to
be an inspiration and a gift. In looking back and projecting forward,
I’m also mindful that this report will be published the week of my
40th birthday. These Plymouth and personal milestones serve as a
reminder that we’ve done good things together — and that there’s
more life to come.
As you turn the pages of this report, you’ll quickly see that the
past year of ministry has been filled with highlights, celebrations,
and incredible work. We have grown as a congregation by both
traditional metrics and as a church committed to being a place
of sanctuary in a turbulent world. Moreover, in the past year, we
have successfully established the Board of Congregational Care,
giving a structure to many pre-existing groups while also asking
new questions about what it means to care for all the people who
call Plymouth home. We have grown deeper and broader as a
congregation in the past year.
One of the internal goals for the pastoral and program staff this past
year was to stabilize our internal systems for operational excellence,
potential growth, and long-term health. Although these efforts
are ongoing and partly behind the scenes, I want to express my
appreciation for every full-time and part-time staff members’ energy,
creativity, and commitment to intentional and impactful ministry.
In the past year, Plymouth has welcomed new pastoral staff in
John Tyson (Pastor of Faith Formation & Social Justice) and
Luke Stringer (TiM Pastor). We also added two key interim staff
members in Bill Parrott (Interim Pastor of Congregational Care)
and Barb Godwin (Interim Family Ministry Coordinator). We
also enthusiastically anticipate Ted Brimeyer transitioning from
a part-time position to a full-time role on June 1 as Director of
Children, Teens, and Families and Director of the Matins Choir.
With all these staff additions, Plymouth has gained ministry depth,
experience, and wisdom.
One of the key developments in the past year came from listening
to congregational feedback and subsequently introducing the
This Moment capital campaign. This campaign will address
critical facility needs related to roofs, masonry, the organ, and
the Waveland kitchen to ensure that Plymouth’s ministries can
continue for future generations. A special thanks is owed to the
Building and Grounds Committee for their excellent work in
maintaining Plymouth’s facility and for their extensive efforts on
behalf of all who call Plymouth home. In the coming months, there
will be more communication and details about this three-year, $8M
capital campaign goal, culminating with commitment weekend on
October 25 and 26 of this year.
In reviewing the transitions we’ve faced and the challenges still
ahead of us, I genuinely believe we’re witnessing a vital and exciting
moment in Plymouth’s history. When I look at the image on the
cover of this annual report, I see a sanctuary filled with people
committed to being a people of faith, hope, justice, and love.
With you for all the life and joy that’s still to come,
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