Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends
Fall Session: Wednesdays, September 8 – October 27, 6:30-7:30 PM
Spring Session: Wednesdays, January 19 – March 9, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Kathy Foster and Gary Summers
Cost: $35.00 (includes materials). Class size limited.
Divorce is not easy and can be extremely painful. Emotions like anger, frustration, fear, sorrow, bitterness, hatred, guilt, grief, regret and loss of self worth, might arise. You will be in a caring environment with other people who are going through the same process. Learn about yourself and how to rebuild your life.
Divorce Recovery for Children
First session for Elementary School Children: Wed. September 8-29, 6:30-7:30pm
Second session for Middle School Children: Wed. October 6 – 27, 6:30-7:30pm
Led by Rachel Kluck-Spann, LPS Middle School counselor.
A class for children whose parents are going through or have been through a divorce or separation. Your children may feel sad and confused. They may hide their feelings, and may not know how to express their feelings to you. In this class, children will learn coping and healing strategies focusing on the emotions they have regarding their parents divorce. Class held in a healthy and safe environment, where they can learn that they are not alone and helpless. Help your children process the divorce and move forward in their lives.
Divine Life of Animals
Wednesdays, September 8 -29, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Pastor Karen Clarke, F-P Animal Ministry Facilitator
Cost: $15.00 (materials not included).
Using ancient insights going back to the first civilizations and blending them with stories about animals today, the Divine Life of Animals considers and discusses the spiritual importance of animals in cultures from ancient times up to today. This class will use the book: The Divine Life of Animals, by Ptolemy Tompkins. Please bring the book to the first class. Enrollment limited.
Parenting Through Strengths
Wednesdays, September 8 -29, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Nancy Marshall, Mental Health Therapist, Strengths Coach and Dream Tendor.
Cost: $15.00 (materials not included).
Recognize your child’s strengths from a new perspective. Put into practice techniques that identify and reinforce each child’s unique strengths. For children ages 10 to 14. Class size limited to 10 participants.
Church Tours and Church Mural Tours
1st Wednesday of the month, rotating church and mural tours.
Led by Judi Cook.
Church Tours: Sept. 8, Nov. 3, Jan. 5, Mar. 2, and May 4, 6:30 PM
Learn more about this unique historic building and discover interesting features, symbols and how to navigate.
Mural Tours: Oct. 6, Dec. 1, Feb. 2, and April 6, 6:30 PM
Get a quick chronological order review of the Old Testament stories depicted on a mural located on the top floor of the west wing.
You and Your Spiritual Gifts: Discovering the Spirit's Vision for Your Life
Wednesdays, September 8 – 29, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Rev. Ralph and Joyce Sturdy
A Spiritual Gift is given to every person by God and are not earned, bought, or learned ... they are given for the mutual good of the Family of God. Some of the Spiritual Gifts are: Mercy, Insight, Affirmation, Wisdom ... (and more).
Exploring Transformational Mission: Book Study
Thursdays, September 9 – November 11, 6:30-8:00 PM
Led by Rev. Barb Smisek, Associate Minister
Cost: $17.00
Are you interested in mission work? This is a perfect opportunity to explore the philosophy and practice of mission. Explore the right and wrong ways to do mission according to author, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. Who are the poor? What is the best way to help - relief, rehabilitation, or development? Do we really "help"? Explore real-life situations with biblical principles.
Practices for a Healthy Body
Wednesdays, September 15 – October 6, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Susan Brasch, Visual Artist, Mediator; and Kay Jantzen, Masseuse and Energy/Body Worker.
Cost: $15.00
This tool kit includes an intro to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique-tapping) and daily practices to promote energy, balance and self-monitoring.
Gender Dynamics Discussion Group
Tuesdays, September 21 – October 12, 7:00-8:00 PM
Led by Gary Summers, Facilitator
Cost: $15.00
An interactive group exploring the myths, misconceptions and realities about gender identity. The purpose of the group will be to craft a more realistic perception and appreciation of the “male” and “female” aspects of one another. How women perceive men and how men perceive women is seldom discussed in mixed company. Come join in the exploration of the sexes.
Sacred Geometry
Tuesdays, October 5 - 19, 6:30-8:00 PM
Led by Dr. Paul Thompson, retired Gallup Analyst.
Genesis clearly reveals to us God's creation of this amazingly ordered and beautiful world in which we live. Both the physical and natural elements contain innumerable instances of what we might consider to be "aesthetically pleasing." Explore how the Golden Mean and the Divine proportion, often called the "formula for growth" plays a role in art, architecture, music, and all of nature. Take a "hands on approach" through a body of knowledge known as Sacred Geometry. Books and visuals will be available to examine. Bring a compass, protractor, and straight-edge.
Creative Writing with Best Selling Author Tosca Lee
Tuesdays, October 5 - 26, 7:00-8:30pm
Led by Tosca Lee
Cost: $15.00.
Do you like to write...short stories, poems, novels or memoirs? Learn some of the basics on writing from a best selling author. In the class you will learn as well as have the opportunity to write and share your work with the group. Tosca Lee is the critically-acclaimed author of Demon: A Memoir--Christy Award finalist and ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Silver Award winner--and Havah: The Story of Eve, which received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and 4.5 stars from Romantic Times. Forbidden, the first book in her series with NY Times best-seller, Red Dekker, is due September 2011 from Hachette Book Group.
The When, What, How of Feeding Our Families
Wednesdays, October 6 -20, 6:30-7:30 PM
Wednesdays, February 2- 23, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Karen Creswell, Registered Dietician
Cost: $20 per family (covers cost of food). Open to all ages. Enroll as a family.
How do we get dinner on the table when time is so constrained? What do we fix so that everyone is happy? Mealtime is such a central part of family time and a spiritual life. How do we reclaim the joy and sacred quality that mealtime can offer? This four part class is designed for all ages. Come ready to plan, cook and sample your creations. Karen will be available to answer any questions you have about food and eating. Join her in making mealtime fun again.
Blending Families
Wednesdays, October 6 –November 17, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Lori & John Goff
So you've remarried and now you have yours, mine and our kids. It makes for a great movie, but what's it like being a step-parent in real life? Learn how to effectively deal with different parenting styles and expectations, anger, jealousy, disagreements, discipline, and ex's. Lori Goff has been a Family & Consumer Science teacher at LPS for 25 years. Lori and John have been married for 25 years and have overcome the challenges of a Step Family. Learn, share and enjoy the joys of blended families.
Life's Transitions - Navigating Change
Thursdays, October 7 – November 11, 7:00-8:30 PM
Led by Gary Summers, Facilitator
Cost: $30.00 (materials not included)
Are you stuck in a quandary of knowing that there is a change that is asking for your attention, but lost in the overwhelming process? This class will allow participants to identify their need for CHANGE and explore the path that takes them from an "ending" to a "beginning".
Being a Man: What Does it Mean?
Men’s Retreat
Saturday, October 23, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, at the Serenity House, a country acreage, just minutes East of Lincoln at 13301 "A" St. (the S.W. corner of 134th and "A").
Led by Gary Summers, Facilitator.
Cost: $35.00
Come join other men of all ages for a day of discussion and insightful exercises that will allow us to tell our stories and clarify our role as men with "ourselves", our "relationships" and with our "community".
Art in Venice
Mondays, October 25 – November 15, 7:00-8:30 PM
Led by Andrea Bolland, Associate Professor of Art History, UNL
Cost: $15.00
Venetian art has always constituted a special subset of Italian art: deriving its language from color and light rather than drawing and geometry, taking its models from the Byzantine east as much as, or more than, from classical antiquity. This class will examine the artistic traditions of Venice, from the later middle ages (e.g., the mosaics of San Marco) to the 18th century (e.g. Tiepolo), while concentrating on what is arguably the greatest moment in the tradition, Venetian Renaissance painting (Giovanni Bellini, Giorgione, Titian).
Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters
Mondays, November 1 – December 6, 7:00-8:30 PM
Led by Gary Summers, Facilitator
Cost: $30.00 (materials not included).
This class will offer an opportunity to take an intimate look at ourselves and determine what we want in our lives and how to effectively go about getting it. Coupling our personal values with personal goals will be the focus of this class. We will review Dr. Phil's Ten Laws of Life that he believes are necessary for effective living.
Grief Recovery Workshop
Fall Session: Tuesdays, November 2 – December 14, 7:00-8:30 PM
Spring Session: Tuesdays, April 5—May 24, 7:00-8:30 PM.
Led by Becky Walkowiak, RN, LPMH and Laurie Reinsch, LPMH
Cost: $50.00 (materials included)
Everyone will experience grief. It is part of the human condition that we cannot escape. Grief impacts the essence of who we are emotionally, physically, psychologically and spiritually. Loss can take place in many forms: death of a child, a parent, a spouse, loss of a pregnancy, loss of career, loss of a marriage or relationship and more. There is hope for those who are experiencing pain from a recent loss, or continue to be impacted from a loss that occurred many years ago. The life we knew before will not be the same, but it is possible to find a renewal of peace, happiness, and be open to a new way of life. Participate in your own grief recovery in a supportive and confidential small group atmosphere.
Dream Tending
Wednesdays, November 3 - 17, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Nancy Marshall, Mental Health Therapist.
Cost: $15.00
Learn specific steps on how to process and interpret your own dreams. Recent dreams, dreams from the past, and recurring dreams will be looked at. Participants are invited to bring a dream, but it is not a requirement for learning the process. Class size limited to 10 participants.
Discovering Genealogy
Wednesdays, November 3 – December 15, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Pat Smith, Genealogy Enthusiast
Genealogy is the search for, and recording of, family members. Tracing your family history and learning about your ancestors will reward you with greater understanding of who and why you are you. Topics will cover a variety of topics including: Where to begin?; Sources of information; Genealogy by computer – free and fee; better use of federal and state census; documenting your research and immigration and naturalization. Beginners are welcome.
Meditation Series
Wednesdays, November 3 – December 15, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Margaret Rickers, LMT, CHTP
Learn the relaxation Response, westernized version for Transcendental Meditation, developed by Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard. Explore Creative Imagery, Mindfulness and Lovingkindness to enhance your health, goals and daily living.
Single Parenting
Wednesdays, November 3 – December 8, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Jean Bartels, Educator and successful single parent (and step parent)
You may have become a single parent by divorce, separation, death or by choice. Whatever the reason, learn how to support your children through positive parenting. Discuss techniques on problem solving, communication, and how to co-parent with an ex. Network with other single parents. Jean has been a teacher/administrator for 30 years, working with at-risk students.
You are Special: Sharing the Simple Faith of Mister Rogers
Tuesday, November 9, 7:00-8:30 PM
Led by Tom Trenney, First-Plymouth Minister of Music and Artistic Director of Abendmusik: Lincoln
For decades, children have found affirmation, peace, hope, and love in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. A visionary, musician, pastor, television personality, and icon, Fred Rogers' life was a gift to many, and his legacy lives on. Come to share in a conversation about the simple faith of Mister Rogers as we study the profound simplicity of an unforgettable twentieth-century theologian whose pulpit was a children's television studio. Abendmusik: Lincoln will present a program celebrating the music of Mister Rogers Neighborhood on November 21 at 4:00 p.m.
Healthy Relationships
Wednesday, November 10 – December 8, 6:30- 7:30 PM
Led by Lisa Borchardt, Assoc. Professor of Social Work at NWU, and 2009 Southeast Region Social Worker of the Year
Cost: $15.00
Focus on communication styles, boundary setting, and discussing the Power & Control wheel used to identify unhealthy behaviors and actions seen in damaging relationships. The class will conclude with the study and implementation of the Equality Wheel which gives us ideas of how to build and maintain healthy relationships. This will be an interactive course utilizing handouts, small/large group discussion, and role playing (optional) for those interested in putting their new found knowledge into practice.
Journal Writing
Wednesdays, November 17 – December 15, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Dr. Meghan Davidson, Assistant Professor, UNL, and Licensed Psychologist
Cost: $15.00
This class will offer a variety of journal writing activities and exercises, and will encourage you to explore and get to know yourself better through the practice of journal writing.
Symbolic Expression of the Joys of Your Day
Saturday, November 20, 10:00 AM-Noon, Resource Room
Led by Jean Schaefer-Albers, Educator.
Cost: $15.00
What would you like to release in your day? Are there blocks to the enjoyment of your day and to your spiritual progress? What are the golden nuggets, the joys of your day? What are you truly grateful for in your day, in your life? Let's express it all symbolically in collage. Bring your scissors and magazines to cut out of.
Four Great Dates
Sundays, January 2 – 23, 10:30-11:30 AM
Wednesdays, January 5 - 26, 5:30-7:30 PM
Led by Judi Cook, (former First-Plymouth staff member) and others in our faith community.
Wishing you had more opportunities for one on one conversation with your partner? Thinking that planning a date night might be a good way to begin a new year? We'll help get you started with Four Great Dates. Spend four Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 PM on a date with your significant other. Child care will be available at First-Plymouth. Then on Sunday morning from 10:30- 11:30 AM join with other couples who are enrolled in this class to review resources that provide suggestions for facilitating communication and scheduling time for each other. Children are welcome to attend Church school or be in child care during this time. Afterwards, attend the 11:59 worship service together to get your week off to a great start and look forward to your next great date. This class is free, however, we ask that you make a donation for child care services on Wednesdays (suggested donation: $15 a child, $25 family). Scholarships are available.
Overcoming the Fear of Death
Tuesdays, January 4 – February 8, 7:00-8:00 PM
Led by Gary Summers, Facilitator
Cost: $30.00
Dying is the one inevitable commonality that we all share, yet seldom talk about until we are on it’s doorstep. The purpose of this class is to encounter, as a group, the topic of “dying” so that we may increase our awareness of its influence in the process of “living.”
Discovering Genealogy (Advanced)
Wednesdays, January 5 – February 9, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Pat Smith, Genealogy Enthusiast
Cost: $15.00
A problem-solving approach to genealogy; working through "brick walls" by discovering new clues and improving your methods of research. We will learn by helping individual class members. Topics will cover a variety of topics including: the value of timelines; social networking; researching overseas; DNA testing, is for you?; and following your interests.
Introduction to Liturgical Dance
Wednesdays, January 5 -26, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Maribel Cruz, Dance Instructor
For dancers and movers of all ages (12 years and older) and backgrounds. We will focus on learning a short movement piece to be performed at First-Plymouth as part of our worship service. Our emphasis will be on using liturgical text and reverent music as a springboard for the expression of spirit. Specific dance training is not required; all levels and abilities will be incorporated into the class.
Don’t Re-tire Your Life, Re-fire Your Life
Thursday, January 6, 7:00-9:00 PM
Led by Gary Summers, Facilitator.
Attend a free discussion group centering around a panel of “expert” retirees.
Herbs for Health
Wednesdays, January 12 and 19, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Margaret Rickers, LMT, CHTP
This class will discuss how herbs can be used to enhance our health, how to use them and when they may not be appropriate. There will be general information and resources available.
Exploring the World of Retirement
Thursdays, January 13 – February 17, 7:00-8:30 PM
Led by Gary Summers, Facilitator.
Cost: $30.00
Whether you are dreaming of retirement of, or are newly retired, join in discovering the challenges and opportunities of re”firing” your life, instead of re”tiring” your life.
Learning Forgiveness and Acceptance Through Collage
Saturday, January 15 & 22, 10:00 AM-Noon, Resource Room
Led by Jean Schaefer-Albers, Educator
Cost: $30.00
What is preventing you from feeling peace and joy in your life? Through the art of collage we will explore accepting life as it is as you forgive yourself and others. Your heart will feel at peace as it fills and expands with love.
Feng Shui
Tuesdays, January 18-February 8, 7:00-8:30 PM
Led by Pat Flodman
Cost: $15.00
Do you feel embraced by some spaces and squashed in others? Perhaps there is something to that Feng Shui stuff. Learn techniques to rejuvenate your home and office space. Pat Flodman has been to four Feng Shui International conferences and spent two weeks in China studying with the Feng Shui Guild. She's witnessed profound changes in peoples' lives utilizing 5000 year old concepts. Let's laugh and assimilate together.
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University
Tuesdays, February 1 – April 26, 7:00-9:00 PM
Facilitated by Shane Rhian
Cost: $100.00 for membership kit (one per person/or family)
FPU is a life changing program that empowers and teaches how to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals using Biblical principles. FPU is for everyone from the financially secure to the financially distressed. During this 13 week workshop, the average family pays off $5,300 in debt and saves $2,700. Membership kit includes: book, workbook, audio CD’s, envelope system, financial resources and life-time enrollment.
Rethinking Fear
Wednesdays, February 2 - 23, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Susan Brasch, Visual Artist, Mediator, Workshop Facilitator
Cost: $15.00
Learn ways to reframe fears into more productive energy, and negotiate balance in your life.
“Living the Life You Want” – Sticking to the Resolutions!
Wednesdays, February 2 - 23, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Dr. Meghan Davidson, Assistant Professor, UNL, and Licensed Psychologist
Cost: $15.00
This class will help you commit or re-commit to some changes and/or resolutions that you have made for yourself. Class members will discuss the life they want to be living and the class will help to support one another in these life changes and achieving the goals.
Introduction to Argentine Tango
Thursdays, February 3 -24, 6:30-8:30 PM
Led by Maribel Cruz, Dance Instructor
Cost: $10 per person/$20 couple
This ballroom class will focus on basic elements of the tango including musicality, navigating the dance floor, partnering and footwork. Emphasis will be on dancing in a social context and learning to communicate effectively with your dance partner. All levels are welcome; partners are not necessary but an effort will be made to ensure that all dancers have a chance to dance with someone other than their usual partners. Spice up your Valentine’s Day with some tango!
Celebrating Life and Preparing for Loss
Wednesday, February 16 – March 16, 6:30- 7:30 PM
Led by Lisa Borchardt, Assoc. Professor of Social Work at NWU, and 2009 Southeast Region Social Worker of the Year
Cost: $15.00
This preparatory course will identify individual strengths and focus on how they can be used to celebrate life and prepare for loss. Discussions of healthy choice making concerning the mind and body will be infused with conversations about our strengths. The second half of this four week course will be used to discuss types of loss (not limited to physical death) and disenfranchised grief. We will process how to implement individual strengths into areas of loss. This educational course is offered to get individuals to think about and acknowledge their preparation for loss. This is not a grief group nor is it intended for those in mourning.
Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel
Monday, February 21 – March 14, 7:00-8:30 PM
Led by Andrea Bolland, Associate Professor of Art History, UNL
Cost: $15.00
It is rare that an artist gets the chance to present the broad sweep of Christian history from the first acts of God’s creation to his final act of judgment, all in the same space. Yet such was the case with Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, where he began frescoing a Genesis cycle in 1508, and finished painting the Last Judgment in 1541. This class will examine the Sistine Chapel frescoes as interpretations, rather than simple representations, of the biblical narratives, and will look at changes both in the artist’s visual language and in Christian thought over the interval between painting the ceiling and the altar wall.
Personality and Communication
Saturday, February 26, 9:45 AM – 2:30 PM.
Led by Carolyn Zeisset, M.Ed., and Ray Zeisset, Ph.D.,
Approved providers of MBTI©Master Practioner continuing education.
Cost: $35 (materials, lunch, snacks included) $55 for two people (if sharing materials).
Communication is integral to relationships, whether business or personal, casual or intimate, short-term or ongoing, with adults or children. Communication is also a window into our own personality preferences and the preferences of others. Learn to identify clues to personality type, adapt communication to preferences of others, recognize interactions between personality preferences, and hear communication patters.
Guided Imagery as a Method for Spiritual Growth
Wednesdays, March 2-30, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Rev. Nancy Erickson, Associate Minister
Each one of these three classes will explore a different guided meditation and how this process can be useful on our spiritual path.
Parenting for Middle School Children
Wednesday, March 16, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Pastor Karen Clarke
Have you ever wondered what is going on in your middle school child's head? How they make decisions? Why things that used to be important have been abandoned for other interests? How to communicate with them to obtain more than one word responses? This class will look at what makes the middle school child "tick" and how to work with them during this often confusing stage of development.
Mozart’s Requiem: Unraveling the Mystery of a Composer’s Final Masterpiece
Monday, March 28, 7:00-8:30 PM
Led by Tom Trenney, Minister of Music
The circumstances surrounding Mozart's Requiem are mysterious. Only a few movements were complete at the time of the composer's untimely death at the age of 35. We will investigate the composer's compositional process, the inspiration for this project, the history of the Requiem mass in general, and the musical connections which bind this masterpiece together. Share in a behind-the-scenes discovery of why this dramatic work has become an important part of Mozart's legacy. Abendmusik: Lincoln will present Mozart's Requiem on April 3 at 4:00 p.m.
Discover Your Personal Strengths
Wednesdays, April 6-20, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Dr. Paul Thompson, retired Gallup analyst.
Free class, however does not include materials.
Scripture suggests that God wants us to have an abundant life and to become all we can be. Understand how your unique, God-given gifts and talents can make a difference in your life. Class based on Don Clifton’s, Strengths Finder 2.0 online assessment test, which will reveal your personalized “Signature Themes.”
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Wednesdays, April 6-13, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Margaret Rickers, LMT, CHTP
Learn about some of the common oils available and how they may be used safely. There are also differences in the quality of oils We will also discuss some of the Oils of the Bible and their properties.
Honoring God's Earth! Series
Wednesdays, April 6-27, 6:30 PM
Sponsored by F-P Environment Committee. Contact: Rev. Barb Smisek
In honor of Earth Day 2011, First-Plymouth's Environment committee will host a series of classes. For middle school age through adults. Topics in the works: Rain gardens and tour, rain barrels, wild bird habitat, starting a compost pile, carbon footprint, community gardens, recycling, gardening tips, eco-friendly ideas.
Families and Prayer
Wednesday, April 13, 6:30-7:30 PM
Led by Rev. Kathryn Campbell, Minister of Spiritual Direction
Discussion with parents on prayer: What is it?; What is it good for?; How do we pray? We'll also talk about discomfort with prayer, what happens if we don't pray (or if we do), and how to talk with children about prayer.
For the Birds: An Introduction to Bird Watching
Saturdays, April 30 & May 7
Led by Gary Summers, Facilitator
Cost: $15.00
Requirements: binoculars, field guide book.
April 30: 8:00-11:00 AM, Gary's acreage (House of Serenity: 13301 "A" St.) Basic bird identification; Guide resources; Feeding/watering; Bird houses and Binocular use.
May 7: 7:30-10:30 AM, MoPac Trail parking lot by grain elevator in Walton (120th and "A" Streets.) Guided hike (viewing birds in the field).
Peace and Justice Discussion Series
First-Plymouth’s Peace and Justice Team will feature a series of discussions, once a month, September—May, on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.
Sept 15
Economic Injustice. The opposite of poverty is not wealth but Justice.
Oct 20
Oscar Rios “Day of the Dead.” Learn more about the Mexican All Saints Day celebration with stories, music and food by friends from Mexico
Nov 17
Law & Justice. Understanding legislative process in NE
Dec 15
Gift of the Magi. Panel of volunteers discuss the gifts received from volunteering
Jan 19
Emmett Till. Discussion of the award winning play written and produced at Lincoln High School about Emmett Till and how it impacted the lives of the participants.
Jan 26-March 16
Eyes on the Prize. Part 2 of the award winning civil rights era documentary
