The Herald Newsletter

Issue 4  I  April 2026

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Holy Week & Easter

Easter Festival

March 28, 11:30am-1:30pm, outside the church. Egg hunt scrambles, crafts, games, food and more for the whole family.

Palm Sunday

March 29 at all services and online

Maundy Thursday

April 2, 7:00pm, Sanctuary and online. Gather as we remember Jesus’ Last Supper, Childcare (0-2yr) provided.

Good Friday

April 3, 7:00pm, Sanctuary and online. Stations of the Cross worship. Child care provided.

FP South Easter Egg Hunt

April 4, 10:00am, Village Meadows Park (7631 Nashway Rd)

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil

April 4, 5:30pm, Sanctuary and online. Childcare provided.

Easter Day – April 5

7:00am

Worship at sunrise and experience Easter as dawn breaks. Gather in the Sanctuary, then head outdoors to the Courtyard. A light continental breakfast will be served in Pilgrim Hall following the service.

8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am

Beginning with a solemn procession, the promise of the Easter story is shared in a hope-filled scripture and an inspiring sermon, accompanied by the holy strains of the Plymouth Choir and Orchestra. Childcare (0-2yr) provided. Helpful tip – the 8:00am has ample seating!

9:30am at FP South (Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3859 Hohensee Dr)

Easter worship perfect for families and friends of all ages! *Accessible parking. Easter gift bags will be handed out to all the children in attendance.

9:30am Family Service

Experience Easter in an interactive worship experience in Mayflower Hall, designed for young children and families.

12:29pm

Celebrate the Easter message with music from Josh Hoyer. A worship service without the formalities of the morning services.

Easter Day Livestream, Television, and Radio Broadcasts

Digital Worship: Sun 9:00am | Livestream: Sun 11:00am

Reach Out & Live Television Broadcast:

Midnight KPTM | 8:00am KFXL and Dish 17 & 51 | 9:00am KPTM FOX 42 | 9:00am KNOP North Platte | 7:00pm Spectrum

Radio: 9:00am KFOR 1240AM

Compline

Sunday, April 12, 7:00-7:30pm, Sanctuary

Ancient Worship for the modern soul


Into the Stillness Pre-Compline series

Yoga

April 12, 6:00-7:00pm, Chapel. Led by Maggie Pleskac, Milkweed Yoga. Free.

This series combines yoga and worship, guiding participants through breath and movement to a place of stillness at the center of their being – the space that connects us with the Divine within. At 7:00pm, following the yoga session, all are invited to the sanctuary to experience Compline, a time of deep inner peace.

 

Tonality: America Will Be

Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Led by Founding Artistic Director, Dr. Alexander Lloyd Blake, Tonality features vocalists from the Greater Los Angeles Area who represent diverse cultures, ethnicities, and experiences. Their mission is to inspire, innovate, and spark social change through the power of diversity. In America Will Be, Tonality invites us to look toward a more perfect union for ourselves and future generations.

Freewill offering to benefit Lincoln’s Indian Center.

Sponsored by Dr. Jim and Betsy Bobenhouse, sponsored by Lowell & Jane Nickolaus celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary (April 12, 2026) and with the support of Susan Clifford and Jeff & Judy Greenwald.

Sanctuary at First-Plymouth Church | Livestreamed at Abendmusik.org

Caught in the Middle: Challenges

An evening with author Carolyn Zeisset

Tuesday, April 21, 6:30pm. Chapel

Join us for a thought-provoking evening as author Carolyn Zeisset explores the challenges of navigating faith and politics, connecting across differences, and engaging children in difficult conversations.

Through readings from her novel Caught in the Middle—a story of a 12-year-old girl shaped by World War I and a peace church tradition—along with personal stories shared by special guests, Dottie Ladman and Chuck Friesen, this lecture invites reflection, empathy, and meaningful dialogue.

A book table will be available, hosted by Francie & Finch Bookshop.

Theology on Tap

with Pastor Juan Carlos

  • Mon, April 6 @ The Mill- Innovation Campus (2021 Transformation Dr), 6:30-7:30pm

An Abolitionist’s Handbook: 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World

As our world faces renewed conflict, including rising tensions and war with Iran, many people are asking what faithful peacemaking looks like today. Join Pastor JC for a conversation about how Christians might practice radical peacemaking in a time of war and global uncertainty.


Sustainable tips from First-Plymouth’s Climate Action Team and Sustainable Living Ministry

Vote with Climate in Mind. Learn more about the Respect Nebraska Voters ballot initiative here: https://respectnevoters.org/.

Stewardship of the Earth Prayer Vigil

Sponsored by the FP Sustainable Living Ministry

The Climate Action Team invites you to participate in a one-day Stewardship of the Earth Prayer Vigil on Wednesday, April 22, in observance of Earth Day. From 9:00am to 9:00pm, members and friends are encouraged to commit to a 30-minute time of prayer, reflection, and care for our shared home.

You may choose to come to the church to pray or observe your time wherever you are—at home, in a park, or in another place that invites quiet reflection. Multiple participants are welcome to sign up for each time slot, creating a shared rhythm of prayer throughout the day.

Prayer suggestions and resources can be found on the Climate Action Team page of the church website. Together, on this Earth Day, we join our hearts and voices in gratitude, lament, and hope for the healing of creation.


Calling all gardeners!

Please bring your gardening tools and help us keep the church grounds looking beautiful. And thank you to those that helped to clean up for Holy week! Contact Candy: ccrellin@neb.rr.com

Sat, April 18, 9:00 – 11:00am

Sat, May 16, 9:00 – 11:00am

FP Indigenous Working Group

We gather to learn about Native American cultures through speakers, films, events, and service opportunities. Our goal is to build meaningful relationships and foster kinship with our Native neighbors. All are welcome.

Monthly Meeting: 2nd Thursday, 5:00–6:30pm, Calvert Parlor

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

  • April 11 – Return of the Thunderbirds, 10:00am–3:00pm, Indian Center. Culture, art, & food.

  • April 12 – Abendmusik Concert “Tonality: America Will Be,” 4:00pm, FPC (benefiting the Indian Center)

  • April 13 – Film at the Ross (Scha’nexw Elmtal’newx Salmon People), 7:00pm

  • April 18 – Road trip to Prairie Flower gravesite, meet 10:00am at FPC

  • April 23 – Guest speaker Karen Hardenbrook, 5:30–7:00pm, Pilgrim Hall. Karen will discuss her experience as a child who was taken from her Native family and placed into an adoption program.

  • April 30 – Eagle Feathering Ceremony, Indian Center (time TBD) an important annual graduation event within the Lincoln Public School system

  • May 2 – Road trip to Susan La Flesche Picotte Memorial Hospital, meet 9:00am at FPC


Academic Bible Study: Biblical Hebrew, Simplified:

Language Insights to Deepen Your Bible Study

Sundays, April 12-May 3, 11:30am–12:30pm, Tower Room. Led by Leah Cech, Ph.D.


Caring Congregation Sunday

Join us on April 26th, as we celebrate all the many groups offering care to our congregation. Recognition at all services, and special treats at coffee hour to honor our many volunteers who touch lives through their ministries.

Threads of Comfort

Loaves & Fishes

Funeral Care Teams

Congregational Care Teams

Hospital

Short & Long-term Care

Assisted Living

Phone Ministry

Hospice

Stephen Ministers

Widow to Widow

Prayer Team

Spiritual Direction

Grief Support

Faith in Recovery

Cancer Ministry

Monthly Art featured in Pilgrim Hall

Meet the artist: Gayle Kuhlman. Her mission is to empower your personal style and bring inspiration into your home through her paintings.

Grape Expectations Church Social

Fri. April 17, 6:30-9:00pm. Hosted by Candy & Bob Campbell at their home.

A great way to meet others who attend First-Plymouth. Casual gathering. Bring an appetizer and drink to share (most bring wine). RSVP to camp51966@yahoo.com

Grief Support

  • 2nd Friday (April 10) 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Group led.

  • Tues, April 21, 6:00-7:30pm, Tower room. Led by Lisa Borchardt, LCSW. Register with addie@firstplymouth.org

Volunteer at the Church

We’re looking for volunteers to serve a few hours during the week at the west door reception desk. Welcome visitors and transfer calls. A meaningful way to support our church. Contact julie@firstplymouth.org.

Lost & Found Update

A new Lost & Found basket is now located in the coat closet area by Pilgrim Hall. It’s already filling up with winter gear, sunglasses, and more—if you’ve misplaced something, be sure to take a look!

FP Singles Ministry

Check out the monthly events by getting on the email list. Email addie@firstplymouth.org.

Plymouth Pride Bingo

Fri. April 17.  Watch your email for details. To be added email firstplymouthpride@gmail.com