Plymouth Magazine-Fall26-DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 48
The Plymouth Church Story
A Future of Challenges and Blessings
The Rev. Dr. Jared Wortman came
to Plymouth in late 2021, with an
engaging and outgoing style that sees
him walking the pews and chatting with
parishioners before worship. Arriving
on the heels of the COVID pandemic,
Wortman quickly moved to reconnect
church members to one another and the
community, promoting potluck dinners
and small group gatherings.
To keep members in touch and
involved, Wortman collaborated with
the Plymouth communications staff
to produce the quarterly publication,
Plymouth Magazine, and introduced
the congregation to new technologies
such as Church Center. He was integral
in the formation of the Rainbow Faith
Coalition of Greater Des Moines, a group
of faith leaders supporting LGBTQ+
peoples, and in expanding the reach of
Plymouth’s Rainbow Action Network.
A derecho in August 2020 and years
of wear-and-tear on a 100-year-old
building took their toll, and in 2024
Plymouth was facing much-needed
and costly renovations. In response,
Wortman spearhead the “This Moment”
campaign in fall 2025 with multiple
listening sessions. The effort paid off. The
campaign not just met, but exceeded the
$8 million goal.
The funds will finance an entirely
new slate and copper roof system
incorporating solar panels, masonry
repairs, an updated Waveland
kitchen, and a repaired, restored, and
technologically enhanced organ.
The Rev. Dr. Jared Wortman preaching
during Easter Sunday worship in 2026.
Wortman initiated “Not Your Mummy’s
Halloween Concert,” a delightfully
spooky night of organ music, costumes,
and skits. Musical director Christopher
Goodson and organist Sohee Lee pull
out all the stops, with the pipe organ
reverberating in a sanctuary transformed
by eerie lights and swaths of cobwebs.
The night is now an annual event and
another in a long line of memorable
Plymouth traditions.
Plymouth membership continues to grow
thanks to its dynamic pastors and staff,
acclaimed musical performances in and
out of worship, its commitment to social
justice and stewardship of God’s creation,
a congregation that welcomes all, “no
matter where you are on life’s journey,”
and a message that God is still speaking.
“The Lord has yet more light and truth to break forth from his word.”
—John Robinson pastor of the Pilgrims in 1620 as they set sail for New England
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