ABOUT PLYMOUTH CHURCH
Our History
Forged in the fight to end slavery in the United States, Plymouth Church has stood since 1854 as a tireless Congregational cathedral of progressive Christianity in Lawrence, Kansas.
It's a mission we carry into our third century as we aim to live out the Gospels in both word and deed, committed to following a loving God as a community of faith proudly open to all who seek to share in it.
Our Beliefs
Plymouth is a congregation that speaks its mind. In the service of and belief in a loving and accepting God, we gladly own our role as disciples of Jesus Christ in our respective time and place in the world.
The Gospels of peace, inclusion, and hope are too often drowned out, co-opted and defined as tools of division. From our pulpit to our pews, and through our doors the strength of our unified voice proudly bursts forth in a defiant act of reclamation of the conversation on what it means to be a Christian in the 21st Century.
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Plymouth is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ.
Our Commitment to Being an Open & Affirming Congregation
Inspired by our history, we have sought to be a community gathered for the worship of God and the service of all, not just for those who identify as heterosexual, but truly for all individuals and couples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight. We work and pray for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice, and the realization of our shared humanity. We extend our extravagant welcome and the bounds of love. We are blessed to be a community of faith through which God is still speaking.
You Are Welcome Here
Pastors & Ministers
Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman
In 2019, Valerie became the first female Senior Pastor in Plymouth's 166-year history. Valerie's leadership has brought to Plymouth visionary innovation and energy. At Plymouth, Valerie has built and nurtured a solid spiritual foundation for an active, alive, and social justice-oriented community of faith.
Associate Pastor
Rev. Caroline Lawson Dean
Caroline joined Plymouth's staff in 2019 and quickly became a mentor, teacher, and spiritual leader to our dynamic youth group. Plymouth's youth and mission ministries thrive under Caroline's leadership, a powerful and thoughtful voice for social justice concerns in Lawrence and beyond.
Minister of Music & Fine Arts
Kim Manz
Kim has served as Plymouth's Minister of Music & Fine Arts since 2007. An extremely talented musician and excellent educator, if you have musical or artistic talent, Kim is more than excited to give you a stage at Plymouth to share these talents with the community.
Church Staff
Christian Education Director
Susan Anderson
Susan has served as Plymouth's Christian Education Director since 2015.
Welcome & Care Coordinator
Liz Smith
Liz has served as Plymouth's Welcome & Care Coordinator since 2018.
Media & Communications
Jeremy Winfrey
Jeremy has served as the head of Plymouth's Media & Communications since 2017.
Faith Formation Assistant
Kara Holcombe
Kara has served as Plymouth's Faith Formation Assistant since 2020.
Video Production Assistant
Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre
Lourdes has served as Plymouth's Video Production Assistant since 2020.
Facilities Manager
Rex Russell
Rex has served as Plymouth's Facilities Manager since 2014.
Receptionist
Lori Herpich
Lori has served as Plymouth's Receptionist
since 2019.
Opening Hours:
Due to state and nationwide health concerns, the church is open by appointment only until May 3, 2021. Call or email the office for more info.
©2021 by Plymouth Congregational Church