Governance
How Plymouth Governs Itself
The congregation meets in annual and special meetings to make the decisions that belong to the whole church: approving the budget, calling a minister, and amending the bylaws.
Between those meetings, the Deacons hold the church's spiritual and governing trust. They set the Purposes of the Church — the statement of what Plymouth is for — and tend to the congregation's spiritual life and long-range direction.
The Leadership Council carries those Purposes into practice. Made up of the chairs of each board, the Moderators, and the Council's own officers, it brings the working parts of the church to one table so that the boards can plan and act in concert rather than in isolation.
The boards do the work. Each holds a distinct area of Plymouth's life — the arts, community life, finance and administration, justice action, outreach, spiritual formation, and worship — and each is supported by committees, task forces, and work groups that carry specific assignments within it.
Every one of these roles is filled by members of this congregation.
Purpose of the Church
What We Believe
Within
We find sanctuary for the spiritual journey. We seek the sacred in ourselves and in others, cultivate our capacity for love, and live in the hope of renewal and transformation.
Among
We walk together in community. We care for one another, honor many pathways to the sacred, and nurture a culture of genuine welcome.
Beyond
We put faith to work. We invest our time, talent, and treasure in service to people in need — advancing human rights and social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.
Our Covenant
Plymouth’s covenant is based on the Salem Covenant of 1629:
“We covenant with you, O God, and one with another, and do bind ourselves in your presence to walk together in all your ways, according as you are pleased to reveal yourself to us in your blessed word of truth.”
A covenant, not a creed, binds us: we promise to walk together. Everything below — the meetings, the boards, the elections — is simply that promise, organized.
Serving at Plymouth
Lay leadership is elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting each spring, from nominations made by members. If you feel drawn to serve — or want to nominate someone whose gifts you’ve seen — the church office can connect you with the nominating process.
How It fits Together
The congregation. The members of Plymouth, gathered in congregational meetings — including the Annual Meeting each spring — are the church’s highest authority. Members elect lay leaders, adopt the budget, amend the bylaws, and decide the questions that shape our common life.
The Deacons. Elected by the congregation, the Deacons are responsible for strategic direction and vision, and hold responsibility for the legal, fiduciary, and spiritual affairs of the church.
The Leadership Council. The chairs of the boards, clergy, officers, and the church Archivist together form the Leadership Council, which coordinates the day-to-day operations of the church.
The boards. Seven boards, each led by elected lay members, carry the ongoing work of ministry areas — bringing together volunteers, staff, and clergy around the parts of Plymouth’s life they love.
Boards & Committees
Much of Plymouth's work happens through its boards and committees—members who steward worship, justice work, congregational care, finance, and facilities, and who bring their recommendations to the congregation. This is Congregational polity in practice: authority rests with the members, exercised through people willing to serve. Each board and committee has its own charge and its own way in.
Governing Documents
Plymouth’s foundational documents are public — congregational governance works in the open. Downloads are available below.