Early Childhood

Grades K-5 Ministry

6-8 Ministry

9-12 Ministry

WNL

Special Events

Vacations Bible School Registration Form
Sunday School & Wednesday Registration Form

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Educational Ministry At First-Plymouth
What to Expect

We will worship
Children and youth bring gifts to worship. They model spirituality to adults. Kids age 3 through grade 5 worship with Pastor Greg Stewart and the worship team. Kids are encouraged to bring their parents to worship at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. in Mayflower Hall. Pre-teens and teens worship in their classrooms. Through worship we build up strength to change the world.

We will learn
We don’t teach children and youth what to think. We teach them how to think for themselves. We offer religious exploration classes from cradle to college. Our learning model is experiential, hands-on. We create spiritual experiences for children and youth, and small group leaders accompany learners on their spiritual journeys. Through learning we develop a reasonable faith.

We will serve
We ask children and youth to put hands and feet on their cerebral principles and purposes. We have them “do” first, and then reflect on how their actions affirm or challenge their faith. We view the church’s neighborhood as a primary laboratory for learning; we partner with other not-for-profits to give learners the opportunity to commit intentional acts of social justice on Sunday mornings. Through service we grow our own souls.

We will build community
We are a visible and viable outpost for what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called the “beloved community.” Children and youth will make friends with their peers and across age lines. They will get to know adults who mirror their parents’ and guardians’ beliefs and values. They will be missed when they are unable to be at church. Their milestones will be celebrated. Through building community we acknowledge who we are and Whose we are.

Staff For Children, Youth & Family Ministry

Rev. Greg Stewart is Minister to Children, Youth and Families, having served in educational ministry in Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles and San Francisco prior to coming to Lincoln in 2011. Greg is married to Stillman Stewart and they have five children ages 12-20. Greg’s Way Cool Sunday School approach to religious education is used in many congregations across North America and Greg facilitates workshops and seminars to help houses of worship grow their programs, numerically, strategically and spiritually.

Deb Comstock is Director of Early Childhood Ministry. Deb began teaching Sunday school at First-Plymouth Church in 1983. In 2001 she was appointed to lead the Sunday childcare program. As Director, Deb has introduced worship and curriculum for our youngest church goers. Deb is married to Jim and has three married sons and five granddaughters. She loves hiking and spending time with her family in Colorado.

Kathie Johnson is the Director of Grades K-5 Ministry. Kathie earned her Bachelor’s degree in church music and education at Jamestown College (North Dakota). She has taught in the Lincoln Public Schools and worked as an administration leader in the English Department at the University of Nebraska. Kathie has been actively serving as a volunteer in the life of First-Plymouth Church for many years in a variety of education programs that include church school teacher, church school teacher coordinator, handbell director, puppet ministry director, chapel choir director and percussion instructor. In 2005, she accepted the position of Director of Children and Family Ministries. With the recent hiring of the new Minister to Children, Youth and Families, and the restructuring of the children and youth ministries, she has shifted her concentration to the K-5th grade ministry. Kathie enjoys music, her grandchildren and any opportunity to admire nature’s beauty, knowing there is a higher power at work in our world.

Mitch Connelly is the Director of Youth Ministry. Mitch moved to Lincoln in 2004 and attended the University of Nebraska where he pursued a degree in Sociology and Psychology. In 2009 Mitch was brought on as Director of Youth Ministry. As Director, Mitch has seen the youth program grow into a vibrant and meaningful place for students. Mitch is married to Mallory and has a son named Cohen. Mitch enjoys playing disc golf, writing, reading and spending time with family.

Rev. Greg Stewart, Minister to Children, Youth and Families:greg@firstplymouth.org
Deb Comstock, Director of Early Childhood Ministry, deb@firstplymouth.org
Kathie Johnson, Director of K-5 Ministry, kathie@firstplymouth.org
Mitch Connelly, Director of Youth Ministry, mitch@firstplymouth.org