A prominent stained glass window in our Sanctuary depicts the signing of the Mayflower Compact. Plymouth Church affirms a strong connection with these pilgrims, whose practice of democracy governed their religious and civil affairs. As these beliefs took root, and became Congregationalism, the ideals of equality and respect spread. Participatory democracy is still very much the practice at Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims.
Accordingly, Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims is entirely independent and autonomous, subject to no outside authority. In Congregational theology, each congregation is a church; this is why the name of the association to which Plymouth belongs is the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. We are joined with like-minded Congregational churches for fellowship, for the sharing of information, and to accomplish projects too large for a single church. But matters as diverse as the faith statements required for membership (at Plymouth, Baptism and acceptance of The Plymouth Covenant ), and approval of the budget, are responsibilities of the members of each individual church. As such, the Congregation itself holds title to all real estate and other assets.
The Senior Minister at Plymouth is responsible for the spiritual welfare of our Church and administration of our activities, in association with the Council and committees. He or she preaches the Gospel, administers Communion, baptizes, confirms, marries and buries, has under his or her care all services of public worship, and seeks to enlist men and women as followers of Christ.
Lay members handle all financial matters, with the exception of certain charitable funds managed by the clergy. The church budget is approved at the congregation's Annual Meeting. At a special meeting prior to approval, the Church Treasurer presents a detailed draft and members add their input. Financial audits are performed annually by a major accounting firm.
All members have an equal vote, the only exception arising from a state law prohibiting minors from voting on financial matters (our teens can vote on all other matters after confirmation). Any ten members can request in writing the calling of a formal meeting of the Church on any topic they choose, and such a meeting must be scheduled, at a reasonable date selected by the Council.
Local autonomy is the proud hallmark of every Congregational church. It takes hard work, but brings with it, we believe, an enriched Christian life. For more than 150 years, members of Plymouth have joyfully undertaken hands-on responsibility in order to enjoy the opportunities inherent in this form of church government. Here we gratefully work together as a community of faith to improve the lives of others and confirm in our own lives the teachings of Christ. It is a heritage we are eager to share with fellow Christians who seek a loving community filled with many opportunities to serve others.
Plymouth Council and Committees
The fifteen members of the Plymouth Council, Plymouth Church's governing body, are elected to three-year terms by the congregation. The Council addresses decisions relating to the spiritual issues of our Church, our educational and social programs, building maintenance and construction, finances, and community outreach. It meets monthly except in July and August. Members are welcome to attend Council meetings.
2008-2009 Plymouth Council Members
Jim Waechter, President
Tony Kleckner, Vice President
Tom Bettridge, Treasurer
Lynn Bunis, Secretary
William Briggs
Colby Hall
Forbes Hill
Carl Hodges
Sharon Humphreys
John Leighton
Starr McFerrin-Clancy
Nickie Menefee
Michelle Muller
Rosalyn Scaff
HaeNa Waechter
Committees
Committees handle much of Plymouth's ongoing work; when required, recommendations are referred to the Plymouth Council or the Congregation for further deliberation and decision-making.
Standing Committees elected by the Congregation include the following:
Adult Christian Education
Children's Christian Education
Christian Help
House & Insurance
Membership and Fellowship
Nominating
Pastoral Relations
Plymouth Schools
Stewardship
Worship & Arts
The following Standing Committees are appointed by the Plymouth Council:
Budget
Executive (comprised of the officers of the Plymouth Council)
Investments
Personnel
Short-term Committees, appointed by the Council or Standing Committees, have recently included the following:
Communications
Gardens
Music Series
Residuals Task Force
Vision Task Force
Committee participation is open to all members, although volunteers with relevant expertise are especially welcome on the House and Insurance, Long-Range Planning, Investments, Finance, and Personnel committees.
Council members serve on most of these committees, except for Nominating and Pastoral Relations. In addition, church members interested in these areas frequently serve on committees as non-voting volunteer members. The chairs of the Council and all committees are church members; ministers attend Council and most committee meetings, and participate in important ways in decisions and vision casting, but do not vote.
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