Serving Others & Community Support Groups
Every year First-Plymouth provides numerous opportunities to serve others. To learn more or to volunteer contact Pastor Barb, Barbara@firstplymouth.org or call 402.476.7565 ext. 219, unless otherwise listed.
LOCAL
Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach is a faith-based organization which provides meals, varied medical, housing and crisis assistance. On the second Saturday our youth group and adults/families prepare and serve a meal. Contact Mitch at mitch@firstplymouth.org or 402-476-7565 to volunteer.
Gathering Place provides a free hot meal Monday through Friday between 5:00-6:00pm. In addition to monetary support, volunteers from First-Plymouth serve twice a month.
Clinic With a Heart is a faith-inspired organization designed to serve the uninsured and underinsured through a ministry of health care. On the first Thursday of the month, First-Plymouth volunteers help provide free health services to people of all ages.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization that builds affordable housing in a partnership with people in need. Volunteers are needed every fall.
Lincoln Food Bank Back Pack Program is a school-based program to provide a weekly back pack of nutritious food to children of low-income families. We purchase, pack and deliver 90 backpacks. Volunteers needed on Thursdays and Fridays during the school year.
Kamp Kaleo: Adventures in Community Camp: This is an annual 4-day camp for developmentally challenged adults held at the United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ church camp in Burwell, NE. Volunteers are needed each summer as companions to the campers.
F Street Outreach: The Singles Ministry helps serve an evening meal to the children at F Street Recreation Center periodically thoughout the year. Contact Addie at addie@firstplymouth.org or 402-476-7550 to volunteer.
NATIONAL
Every year the Adult & Family Mission Team coordinates mission work in other states. In 2012 adult teams traveled to Joplin, Missouri to aid in tornado relief and twice to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to do construction. Youth trips were to Nashville, Tennessee for flood relief and Camp Friendship in Minnesota to companion the mentally and physically disabled. Contact Youth Director, Mitch Connelly, mitch@firstplymouth.org or 402-476-7565 ext. 221 for youth trips.
INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIPS
Ghana: For 20 years First-Plymouth has held a leading role in the United Church of Christ Partnership with the Evangelical-Presbyterian Church in Ghana, Africa. Our financial support and volunteers have built a medical clinic, nurses quarters and children’s library, dug a well, and purchased medical supplies.
Honduras: Working through the agency, Hearts to Honduras, First-Plymouth participates with Southwood Lutheran Church on a 7-day trip to build housing, teach sustainable living practices and provide health care for the people in rural Honduras. Three trips are taken each year.
Guatemala: Under the guidance of Constru Casa, volunteers spend one week building a 3-room, concrete home alongside Guatemalan masons and the home owner. Time is also set aside to explore Mayan culture and the beautiful city of Antigua. Lodging is with host families.
FIRST-PLYMOUTH CHURCH
Stephen Ministry
A confidential ministry of care and compassion to people going through a difficult time in their lives. Stephen Ministers are lay people trained to walk alongside these people and provide trustworthy, Christian care. To receive or become a Stephen Minister, contact Rev. Barb Smisek, barbara@firstplymouth.org or 402-476-7565 ext. 219.Loaves and Fishes
First-Plymouth offers meals to church members during difficult times when they are in need. To volunteer to provide or deliver meals, call Rev. Nancy Erickson at 476-7565 ext. 244 or email nancy@firstplymouth.org.Funeral Care Committee
Helps bereaved families by providing refreshments at thereception following a funeral/memorial service at church. Volunteers that wish to provide food and/or serve are always welcome. Contact Marcia Roth at 402-488-2451 or Cynthia Fitchett at 402-489-9009.
Animal Ministry Committee
1st Monday of each month, 5:30-6:30pm, Resource RoomFacilitated by Karen Clarke, kmc953@windstream.net
A group that provides prayer and support to animals in need and their human companions.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Call Connie Merchant at 476-7565 ext. 201 or connie@firstplymouth.org to find out how you can volunteer at First-Plymouth. Opportunities available: TV volunteers, ushers, greeters, reception desk phone volunteers, and office volunteers..
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Alcoholics Anonymous
Contact AA at 438-5214 for meeting times.
