The Herald Newsletter
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Issue 3 I March 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
In March, we continue our Lenten journey of faith that extends across all 40 days—from Ash Wednesday, to the start of Holy Week. 40 Days: Engage in Your Faith offers daily opportunities to participate fully in the season through worship, study, service, and community.
The Challenge: While you’re welcome to participate as often as you are able, we invite you to set a goal of attending at least six offerings during the 40 days of Lent.
This series is designed to help you go deeper with intention, wonder, and adoring reverence as we prepare our hearts and lives for Easter.
Lent in a Polycrisis World
Find Hope in Challenging Times
This Lent, join a discussion group—at church, in homes, or online via Zoom—as we explore topics like immigration, climate change, religion, and more. Together, we’ll seek the spirit of hope and reflect on biblical texts that guide us forward through these difficult times.
Groups begin the week of March 8.
Contact group leader to join. This is a safe space to share, listen, and reflect.
Sundays, March 8, 15, 22
9:45-10:30am - Tower Room at First-Plymouth. RSVP to pennylarsen66@gmail.com
5:30-6:30pm – FP South campus (Roper and Sons South Chapel). Led by Pastor KJ Langlais. RSVP to kj@firstplymouth.org
Mondays, March 16, 23, 30*
6:00-7:00pm – Otis Young Room at First-Plymouth. *Will start a week later, March 16, 23, 30. RSVP to Lisa Borchardt, lisaborchardtne@gmail.com
Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24
10:00-11:00am – The Legacy (5600 Pioneers Blvd), small dining room. RSVP to Marcia Davis, marciadavis317@gmail.com
Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25
6:15-7:15pm – Young Adults (including college aged), Otis Young Room. RSVP to marenmsteinke@outlook.com
6:30-7:30pm – Nancy & John Becker’s group. FULL
Thursdays, March 12, 19, 26
8:00-9:00am – Men’s Early Bird Discussion. Pilgrim Hall. RSVP to bobreeves63@gmail.com
6:30-7:30pm – Suzanne Jouvenat’s home (70th & Pioneers). RSVP to sjouvenat@gmail.com
Fridays, March 13, 20, 27
10:00-11:00am – David Shipley & Patricia Miller’s home (Fallbrook). RSVP to datoship@icloud.com
1:00-2:00pm – The Grand Lodge (4400 S. 80th St). Host: John Casey. FULL
1:30-2:30pm – New Day Coffee (7501 S. 15th St). RSVP to Jeannine_bryant@yahoo.com
Lenten Highlights
A reflective Bible study exploring Jesus’ seven last words from the cross. Led by Pastor Juan Carlos.
Join the Pastors for a special Lenten Bible study with a light pizza lunch (freewill donation).
Brief scripture, a good word, and communion with one another. Led by Pastors Jim Keck, Juan Carlos Huertas, and KJ Langlais.
A contemplative Stations program that guides participants through Jesus’ final journey. Led by Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas.
Laundry Love
Mon, Mar 23, 6:00-8:00pm. Volunteer to help our neighbors at the local laundromat. Sponsored by JustNeighbors ministry. Email addie@firstplymouth.org to learn more.
SIGNIFICANCY
THE BIBLE FOR RECOVERING LITERALISTS
Monday March 16, 7:00pm | Sanctuary – Free
With Dr. Jim Keck and Rev. Juan
Live music from singer-songwriter Emily Bass | Childcare available during the program
BIG IDEAS | CONVERSATION| MUSIChose moving beyond strict biblical literalism to rediscover scripture as a living, nuanced text.
Meet Rev. Katie Miller
We are delighted to welcome a new minister to the First-Plymouth team! Originally from northeastern Nebraska, Pastor Katie earned her Master of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2016 and holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Before seminary, she worked extensively as an actor, musician, vocalist, and nanny in Chicago and New York. She continues to enjoy occasional work onstage and backstage, and has authored inclusive Christmas plays and pageants performed throughout the Midwest.
Rev. Katie has a deep passion for outdoor ministry and has spent the past decade working and volunteering at UCC summer camps. She brings a love of music, people, and the outdoors to her ministry, along with her partner, Chris, and their cat, Tormund.
At First-Plymouth, Pastor Katie will share in preaching, pastoral care, and teaching, with particular leadership at FP South and ministerial oversight of our children and youth programs. Her authenticity, humor, and compassion made a strong impression on the interview team—and we can’t wait for her arrival in June!
ACADEMIC BIBLE STUDY
Women of the Bible: Victors and Villains
Sundays, March 8–29 | 11:30am–12:30pm | Tower Room. Led by Leah Cech, Ph.D.
Each week explores a different female victor or villain using Tikvah Frymer-Kensky’s Reading the Women of the Bible. The book’s literal, sometimes awkward translations of Hebrew reveal deeper meaning and enrich interpretation.
Book required; limited copies available at the church.
This Spring: Biblical Hebrew, Simplified: Language Insights to Deepen Your Bible Study – April 12- May 3
Jacob A. Mason to Deliver the Polk Lecture on Race & Social Justice at Doane University
Mon, April 13, at 7:00 p.m., Heckman Auditorium, Doane University, Crete, NE. Church and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
First-Plymouth’s seminarian Jacob A. Mason will deliver the 11th annual Robert L. Polk Lecture on Race & Social Justice at Doane University. As a university of the United Church of Christ, Doane embodies our denomination’s commitment to racial equality.
Named for Doane’s first Black graduate – Robert L. Polk (1952) – the Polk Lecture facilitates important discussions on race. This year’s lecture is entitled, “Walking Into Discomfort: Why Easy Conversations Don’t Create Change.” Myeisha Essex, COO of YWCA Lincoln, is the co-speaker.
“I am honored to be the youngest speaker to deliver the Polk Lecture,” said Jacob. “I look forward to engaging in fruitful discussion and reflection with Myeisha in this time of moral reckoning for our great nation. I hope to see many First-Plymouth members and friends in attendance!”
J.S. Bach’s Mass in B minor
Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Tom Trenney leads sounding light, the Plymouth Choir, soloists, and the Abendmusik Orchestra in this profoundly moving work.
Dr. Pamela F. Starr, Professor Emerita, Music History in the Glenn Korff School of Music at UNL, will give a talk entitled “An extraordinary job application: explaining the quality and variety of J.S. Bach’s Mass in B minor” at 5:00 pm in Pilgrim Hall.
Compline
Sunday, March 8, 7:00-7:30pm, Sanctuary
Ancient Worship for the modern soul
Into the Stillness Pre-Compline series
Stories of Recovery: Giving a Voice to Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges
Sun. March 8 | 5:30-7:00pm, Chapel
Join us in learning from the lived experience of church members as they recount their journeys with mental health and substance use issues. This panel will explore the role that faith communities can play in recovery while working to reduce the shame and stigma associated with these illnesses.
Sponsored by the FP Faith in Recovery Team.
Grief Support
2nd Friday (Mar 13) 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Group led.
Mar 17, 6:00-7:30pm, Tower Rm. Led by Lisa Borchardt, LCSW. Register with addie@firstplymouth.org
Grape Expectations Church Social
Fri., Mar 13, 6:30-9:00pm, at the Dougherty’s home. Hosted by Judy & Terry Dougherty. A great way to meet others who attend First-Plymouth. Casual gathering. Bring an appetizer and drink to share (most bring wine). RSVP to judydougherty1@gmail.com.
First-Plymouth is Hiring
More information on how to apply at firstplymouth.org/employment-opportunities
Office Administrator, part-time (Music & Abendmusik)
Custodian, part-time, evenings.
Have you tried FP South yet? We’d love to see you there!
Sundays, 9:30am, located at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr.
Theology on Tap
with Pastor Juan Carlos
Mon, March 2 & 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
This series invites activists and everyday people to practice abolition in daily life --- not only by dismantling harmful systems, but by transforming personal relationships through love, compassion, and accountability. The 12 Steps offers practical guidance on forgiveness, community-building, and moving from “cancel culture” toward healing and shared vision.
Sustainable tips from First-Plymouth’s Climate Action Team and Sustainable Living Ministry
Many Lincoln recycling collectors participate in the Hefty® Renew program for hard-to-recycle plastics. If your provider participates, fill a special orange bag (available at local grocery, hardware, and big-box stores) with approved items and place it in your recycling bin.
Calling all gardeners!
Help prepare the church grounds for Palm Sunday and Easter. Bring gloves and tools. Sat Mar 21, Mar 28, 9:00-11:00am; Fri Apr 3, 9:30-11:00am. Contact Candy at ccrellin@neb.rr.com
FP Indigenous Working Group
The Indigenous Working Group meets monthly (2nd Thursday monthly at 5:00pm in Calvert Parlor) to deepen understanding of First Peoples’ histories and issues to offer meaningful ways to engage. Contact danklock16@gmail.com.
Mar 9, 6:45pm, Ross Theater (313 N. 13th St.)
Indigenous Film Series: Coming Round. Learn about the return of 700 acres of Sonoma Pacific Coast land to the Kashia Pomo Indians. Free admission.
Mar 17: IWG Book Club. Contact LeeAnn, 402-617-0311 for details.
Mar 26 – Winter Native American Film Series: Home from School: The Children of Carlisle, 5:30–7:00 pm, Pilgrim Hall. Free admission.
Apr 23: Karen Hardenbrook will present on the government’s post–boarding school adoption program and her personal faith journey.
Congrats to our partner, Las Abejitas Bilingual Education Center, on receiving a Step 5 rating for their school housed at First-Plymouth!
Step 5 is the highest quality rating in the state, and we are proud to host this outstanding early childhood center in our building.
David Crawford is working to help First-Plymouth’s archives
Volunteers needed to help
David Crawford, a member of First-Plymouth and a professional archivist, is spending time helping to organize the vast collection of historic church documents.
Crawford has worked as head archivist at Creighton University after serving as vice president of a public history firm. He now has his own firm that helps organizations and individuals protect and preserve their histories. He is volunteering his time to do the same for First-Plymouth.
Most surprising to Crawford is how much material was kept.
“I am impressed that we have bound journals with hand-written records from the 19th century, including the church’s constitution, blueprints, stuff from the early 20th century – there are minutes and annual reports, banquet programs from mother-daughter banquets and much more. With the amount of material and what is covered—you could do an intense history from these source documents, including some great early photos,” Crawford explained.
Crawford is extending an invitation to other church members to work alongside him to help make the church archives more usable.
“We need a lot of skill sets---people with different interests, passions and abilities---from data entry to sewing, even jigsaw puzzles. There are opportunities for individuals to help and we are thinking about organizing sessions on some Saturday mornings from 9:30 to noon--a group project to help with volumes of bound Heralds, for example. It’s also a good social opportunity. Later we will need help identifying people in photos, so we need volunteers who have been around the church for a longer time.”
“We are not collecting just to be collecting but because this is an important part of our history and culture that will keep informing our heritage as we go forward. You don’t know what’s going to be important in the future.”
“My hope is to continue the work of others, making it easier for others to pick up that work of organizing, protecting, and cataloging archival items in a way that points to the items in a helpful way,” Crawford explained.
To volunteer to help David Crawford organize church archives, contact addie@firstplymouth.org
Original church building on the site of the Cornhusker Hotel
Original church constitution