Dignity: It’s Essential Role in Resolving Conflict
The Otis Young Lecture Series on Religion and Ethics presents
Dignity
Discover how you can experience peace in your everyday lives and peace in the world around you
Additional Dignity Program Opportunities
Identifying Assets for Civic Health. Wed. April 24, 6:30-7:15pm, First-Plymouth Church (20th & D St) Free
Essential Elements of Dignity and Civic Engagement. Wed. May 8, 6:00-7:15pm, F St Community Center (1225 F St) Free
For more information contact addie@firstplymouth.org
Sponsored by Doane University, First-Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC, and Civic Nebraska
Grieving the Death of Our Parents
Led by Lisa Borchardt, LCSW. This class will provide support and share coping strategies for those who may be mourning instead of celebrating parents (and parental figures) on Mother’s & Father’s Day this year. Free, but register with addie@firstplymouth.org.
Calvert Parlor
Not Your Ordinary Bible Study Zoom Session
A spiritual adventure using the Bible to launch the imagination and catapult us into far-ranging topics of real interest.
Lead Us On to the Light
Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir Tour Home Concert with Lincoln Southwest High School Chamber Choir
The Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir and Jazz Choir culminate their 2023-24 season with a concert tour entitled “Lead Us On to the Light” that will feature the chamber choir from Lincoln Southwest High School. Inspired by a phrase from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite hymn (“...lead me on to the light”), this eclectic and illuminating program features music by Rosephanye Powell, Moses Hogan, Maurice Duruflé, Tomás de Torrejón y Velasco, and Dolly Parton. Tom Trenney’s arrangement of “We Shall Overcome” and U2’s haunting “MLK” are sure to be highlights of this powerful program.
Having recently performed at Carnegie Hall, the 65-voice Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir has been named a finalist in the American Prize for Collegiate Choirs. Nationally celebrated concert pianist, organist, and composer Anne Wilson will serve as accompanist for the tour performances.
“Though music may not have the power to cure us, we believe that singing from the heart can bring healing,” said NWU’s Conductor of Choirs, Tom Trenney. “We experience this often in our choir. There are days when we may not be feeling joy, but we get to sing a song together that reminds us what joy feels like, and that can make a big difference in opening us to a glimpse of light to carry into the day.”
Join us for this free concert at First-Plymouth or stream at www.firstplymouth.org
Muffins For Moms
All coffee hours
In honor of Mother’s Day we will be having muffins during coffee hour for everyone.
FP Presents: The four best religious jokes and what they really have to tell us
With Pastors Jim Keck and Juan Carlos Huertas
Live Music from the Screamers Singers
Doors open at 5:00pm
Screamers Family Restaurant (803 Q St)
Grab a soda, beer, or dinner (available for purchase). Parking garage located across the street.
Pet Blessing
All well-behaved leashed or crated pets are welcome to our 11:59 service in the sanctuary.
Following the service, our ministers will individually bless animals in the courtyard. A certificate and St. Francis of Assisi charm will be given. You and your pets are welcome even if they have been blessed before. Photos of pets not present, as well as a child’s favorite stuffed animal will also be blessed.
A free will offering will be collected to help various community organizations serving animals.
A Concert of Musical Favorites
You are cordially invited to a grand concert of musical favorites by Plymouth Choir, Cantorei, and outstanding soloists, all directed by Tom Trenney. The free community concert is a gift to the congregation from Matthew & Ann Finkner in celebration of their 40th Wedding Anniversary, and in thanksgiving for the love and support they have received from this church. Reception following the concert.
Pride Sunday
9:00am, 10:30am & 11:59am services
Open to the community!
Rev. Dr. Jenny Schultz-Thomas, Pastor of Countryside UCC at the Tri-Faith Campus (Omaha)
Join us for worship with Rev. Dr. Schultz-Thomas. She is a fully ordained United Church of Christ (UCC) minister with more than 15 years of dedicated service to progressive faith and LGBTQIA+ communities, and is always working at the intersection of social justice, spirituality, and community building.
Sing Your Faith. Refresh Your Spirit.
A CHORAL AND SPIRITUAL RETREAT IN THE HEARTLAND
Inscribed above the main entrance to First-Plymouth Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, are the words, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We invite you to come to join us here in the heartland for a weekend choral and spiritual retreat—a gathering intended to offer inspiration for those who love to sing their faith and healing for those who long to refresh their spirit through singing and worship. We look forward to welcoming you to the sanctuary of our church and to the heart of our ministry where you can truly sing your faith and refresh your spirit.
The Wartburg Choir
Wartburg College from Waverly, Iowa, sends its celebrated 80-voice Wartburg Choir for its fourth Abendmusik performance. Iowa’s Harlan Community High School Concert Choir will be featured in a concert sure to awaken the soul.
Sponsored by the Trenney family.
Freewill offering to benefit Center for People.
Ordination of Klly J. Tyrrell
Heartland Association Nebraska Conference United Church of Christ invites you to the ordination of Kyly J. Tyrrell into Christian Ministry.
First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street
Walking With Hope
A panel discussion of Lived Experience and Recovery
Join us for an evening discussion about mental health and/or substance use recovery presented by persons with the “lived experience” perspective. These champions of recovery share their recovery journey which has inspired them to advocacy with compassion and a passion to break the stigma surrounding the challenges of living with a mental health and/or substance use condition. We will also explore some insights shared about the support of persons struggling with these challenges.
Identifying Assets for Civic Health in Our Community
Presented by Civic Nebraska as part of the Year of Hope Initiative and upcoming lecture “Dignity with Dr. Donna Hicks (May 2, 7:00pm at First-Plymouth). Join the discussion as we explore the many different types of gifts that benefit our community.
Session followed with Essential Elements of Dignity and Civic Engagement Wed. May 8, 6:00-7:15pm, F St Community Center (1225 F St) Free.
Yoga
April 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6:30-7:15pm, Mayflower Hall. Led by Jessica Jewell, Heart of Light Yoga.
All ages and abilities welcome (beginners welcome!) Bring a yoga mat.
Orange Bag Program
Do you know about the Hefty ReNew Bag program? It allows you to recycle lots of single use plastics and hard to recycle plastics like those that don't have a chasing arrows recycle symbol on them.
Come out to God’s Garden on the patio on Sunday, June 9th, 9:15 -11:45am to learn about Orange Bags.
Fearfully & Wonderfully Made
Guest Preacher, Dan Berry-Massey
Sunday, April 21, 11:59am Worship
Dan is a non-binary voice actor, writer, and artist who lives in York, NE. They care deeply about queer issues, and especially the way queerness and spirituality intersect. Dan has a passion for helping others feel seen, heard, and valued—because every human deserves to understand how much their lives matter.
The Bible With and Without Jesus: The Creation Narratives
Led by Dr. Leah Cech.
Join us for three sessions focused on biblical passages held sacred by both Jews and Christians.
How does each religious community read and interpret the creation narratives in the book of Genesis? Learning multiple means of interpretation will enable us to see these meanings coexist, as each of us strives to be peaceful neighbors to those who orient themselves around religion differently.
March 3: Introduction/Ch. 1: On Bibles and Their Interpreters
March 10: Ch. 3: The Creation of the World
March 17: Ch. 4: Adam and Eve
CELEBRATING VOLUNTEER SERVICE
During National Volunteer Appreciation month, First-Plymouth will be honoring all the volunteers who are the bedrock of the church. We want to Celebrate You in worship, and in Pilgrim Hall with a special cake thanking you for all you do to help make the many ministries and services at First-Plymouth possible. From caring for the building, to education, worship services, weddings, funerals, WNL, office, music and so much more . . . you become the breath and life of our church. THANK YOU!
Sunday, April 21, 9:00am, 10:30am & 11:59am services
Connecting The Dots . . . .
When young people have more "assets" they are….
More likely to thrive now and in the future
Less likely to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors
More likely to be resilient in the face of challenges.
Mandy Berlin-Coyle, LPS school social worker, will explore these assets in a free Saturday morning workshop based on "The Asset Approach: 40 Elements of Healthy Development" developed by the Search Institute, based in Minnesota.
The workshop will be held April 20, 8:45 AM to noon in Mayflower hall.
The workshop can be helpful to parents, teachers, grandparents, others who work with youth, even people who just know youth in their neighborhood.To register, email Dori Bush at dbush2508@gmail.com. Sponsored by the FP Faith in Recovery team.
Grape Expectations Church Social
A great way to meet others who attend FP! April 19. 6:30-8:30pm, at the Campell’s home. Hosts: Bob & Candy Campbell. RSVP to 402-435-0235.
Plymouth Pride Craft Night
Held at AR Workshop. Pre-registration is required. RSVP at FirstPlymouthPride@gmail.com.
Significancy: After Grief
Finding our way along the long arc of loss with New York Times Bestselling Author Hope Edelman, and Dr. Jim Keck, Senior Minister First-Plymouth.
Sponsored by First-Plymouth and Mourning Hope Grief Center. Freewill donation. Francie and Finch Bookshop will have copies of the Edelman’s books for sale followed by a book signing from the author.
Carillon & Bell Tower Tour
Led by Kathie Johnson, carillonneur. Meet in the back of the Sanctuary. Must be able to climb numerous steps.
Yoga
April 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6:30-7:15pm, Mayflower Hall. Led by Jessica Jewell, Heart of Light Yoga.
All ages and abilities welcome (beginners welcome!) Bring a yoga mat.
Introduction to Essential Oils
Led by Margaret Rickers, licensed massage therapist and wellness consultant. Learn more about the use and different ways of using some common essential oils.
On Wanting Change
Chapel. Led by Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas.
Join Pastor JC in a discussion about the book, “On Wanting Change” by Adam Phillips. All are welcome to attend the session even if you have not read the book yet.
8 to Great: How to Take Charge of Your Life and Make Positive Changes
April 3, 10, 17, 6:30-7:15pm. Led by John Heineman.
This series based onon MK Mueller‘s book 8 To Great, you will learn how thoughts shape our lives, and that getting the picture, full responsibility, feeling all your feelings, honest communication, gratitude, and forgiveness can be hope. April 3: Parents & Adults. April 10 & 17: Middle & High school youth only.
Movie Screening: Purple: America, We Need To Talk
In a time of immense division, PURPLE tells the story of everyday Americans with opposing viewpoints confronting their disagreements head-on and discovering the humanity and concerns that lie behind each other’s positions.
Filmed in rural Wisconsin and Iowa – in a swing region that spans two bordering swing states – PURPLE captures six people investigating their divergent views on equity, work ethics, and the social safety net. Created by political mediation organization Resetting the Table in partnership with Transient Pictures, PURPLE provides viewers of all stripes – liberal, conservative, and independent; rural and urban; religious and secular – with a vision for what a healthy public debate on fault-line issues might look like. The film presents a rare political conversation that uplifts, provokes, and inspires while going toward the heat of passionate political differences.
Run Time:
21 minutes
Theology On Tap
Deconstructing & Reconstructing Our Faith: Our journey of faith takes many twists and turns but for many of us our beginning point was in a tradition that did not want questions, that had all the answers, and was not open and affirming of all persons. Being part of these Christian traditions leave many of us wounded and wondering if there is a different way of being Christian. Even when we find a different way we wonder how we reconcile the way we were taught to believe with this new found freedom.
Join Pastor JC – himself a survivor of a more conservative Christian tradition – as we walks us through four key themes in our deconstructing – Authority, the Bible, Salvation, and the End of Time - so that we can reconstruct our life of faith. Freedom, grace, and joy in this new season of our lives in God!
February 19
March 18
April 15
The Mill Innovation Campus )2021 Transformation Dr)
Soul Care Sunday & Compline
Yoga: 6:00-6:50pm
Chapel. Led by Maggie Pleskac, Milkweed Yoga. Bring a yoga mat.
Compline Worship 7:00-7:30pm
Sanctuary. Ancient Worship for the modern soul.
Adult Service Trip Opportunity to Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Trip: September 14-20 (open to adults age 18-100) (14 spots).
A trip to Re-Member provides volunteers with a unique and engaging service-learning experience. Over the course of the week, volunteers are provided the opportunity to visit locations of significance around the reservation, engage with local artisans and cultural presenters, attend local events such as pow-wows, and work on various construction projects. The cost approx. $744/person and will cover travel, food, lodging, the work & learning.
Learn more at the Trip Information Night: Sunday, April 14, 5:30pm, Calvert Parlor. RSVP to Nancy Green, nancygreen19@gmail.com.
The Bible With and Without Jesus: The Creation Narratives
Led by Dr. Leah Cech.
Join us for three sessions focused on biblical passages held sacred by both Jews and Christians.
How does each religious community read and interpret the creation narratives in the book of Genesis? Learning multiple means of interpretation will enable us to see these meanings coexist, as each of us strives to be peaceful neighbors to those who orient themselves around religion differently.
March 3: Introduction/Ch. 1: On Bibles and Their Interpreters
March 10: Ch. 3: The Creation of the World
March 17: Ch. 4: Adam and Eve
Do you have questions about Nebraska’s new voter ID law?
Sunday, April 14, 9:30am-Noon, stop by the table staffed by Civic Nebraska and members of the FP Climate Action Team to register, get more info or sign our “We Vote!” poster.
Connecting The Dots . . . .
As a parent, are you concerned about connecting with your children and find your main opponent in this battle is the time spent on “screens”? If so, or if you’re curious, attend one of both of the programs planned at First-Plymouth.
April 13, 8:30am-Noon: Representatives from HopeSpoke, Lincoln Public Schools, BraveBe (child advocacy center) and a local psychologist will share the wisdom they have gleaned from working with children.
April 20, 8:30am-Noon: Mandy Berlin-Coyle will guide us through The Asset Approach: 40 Elements of Healthy Development which will provide us with skills that will enable us to better “connect” with our children.
To register, email Dori Bush at dbush2508@gmail.com. Sponsored by the FP Faith in Recovery team.
8 to Great: How to Take Charge of Your Life and Make Positive Changes
April 3, 10, 17, 6:30-7:15pm. Led by John Heineman.
This series based onon MK Mueller‘s book 8 To Great, you will learn how thoughts shape our lives, and that getting the picture, full responsibility, feeling all your feelings, honest communication, gratitude, and forgiveness can be hope. April 3: Parents & Adults. April 10 & 17: Middle & High school youth only.
Yoga
April 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6:30-7:15pm, Mayflower Hall. Led by Jessica Jewell, Heart of Light Yoga.
All ages and abilities welcome (beginners welcome!) Bring a yoga mat.
Symbols Tour of First-Plymouth
Led by Dr. Jim Keck.
Learn about this historic building and its unique features and symbols. Meet in the back of the sanctuary.
How Do I Know if Therapy is Right for Me?
Pilgrim Hall.
oin mental health practitioners Becca Rivers-Keck and Shannon Huertas on a discussion about what therapy is, what it is not.
Become a Part of FP
Calvert Parlor. Learn about what it means to become a member of the church. RSVP to julie@firstplymouth.org.