
The Herald Newsletter
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Issue 6 I June 2025
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Pride Sunday
Special Guest Preacher, Rev. Dr. Michael S. Piazza, Senior Minister at Progressive United Church of Christ
Sunday, June 15, 9:00am, 10:30am, and 11:59am services
Dr. Piazza is best known as the former senior pastor and dean of the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, TX, one of the nation’s largest primarily LGBTQ congregations, which, under his leadership, grew from approximately 350 members to more than 3,500.
Omaha’s River City LGBTQ chorus will sing at both the 9:00am & 10:30am services.
Star City Pride Parade & Festival
First-Plymouth is a sponsor again in this year’s Pride parade and festival. Cheer for First-Plymouth and the Plymouth Pride Ministry in the parade around the state capitol on Saturday, June 14, beginning at 10:00am or stop by the Plymouth Pride booth at the festival on Friday, June 13, at Woods Park. Festival details at starcityprideevents.org
Join us in the Parade!
All LGBTQ friends and allies join the Pride parade by signing up to walk with First-Plymouth. Limited spots available.
First-Plymouth Pride T-shirts available for $15. Stop by the table in the hallway on Sundays or visit the church office during the week.
Annual Pet Blessing
Sunday, June 1, at the 11:59 service in the Sanctuary and Courtyard. Everyone is invited to bring their well-behaved leashed or crated pets to our 11:59am service in the sanctuary. Following the service, the ministers will offer an individual blessing in the courtyard to your pet. Photos of pets not present, as well as a child’s favorite stuffed animal will also be blessed. Sponsored by the FP Animal Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, contact jmkeister@hotmail.com.

Summer Courtyard Series
Music + Message
5:30 - 7:00pm - FP Courtyard
Live Music | Message from Dr. Jim Keck and Juan Carlos Huertas | Children’s Moment | FREE ice cream treats
FREE balloon animals | FREE face painting
SkyMart Food Truck items available for purchase
Sunday, June 22 - Orion Walsh
Saturday, July 12 - The Melody Wranglers
Sunday, August 3, Back-to-School Blast!
Band TBA
Summer Drop-In Choir
Help fill the choir loft this summer by raising your voice with the Summer Drop-in Choir. Simply join us any Sunday between June 22 and August 31 at 9:45am in the Choir Room for a brief rehearsal, then we will sing for the 10:30am service. No other reservations, rehearsals, or requirements Questions? Contact jeremy@firstplymouth.org.
Donuts for Dads - Sunday, June 15
In honor of Father’s Day; we will be serving donuts for everyone during all coffee hours at First-Plymouth and at FP South.
Revs. Ricky & Brooke Melendez
Guest Preachers on Sunday, June 8, 11:59am Worship
Revs. Ricky & Brooke Melendez are passionate about creating environments that foster meaningful community and holistic spiritual growth. For over a decade, their greatest desire and the heart of their ministry has been to live out the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

Compline
Sunday, June 8, 7:00-7:30pm, Sanctuary
Ancient Worship for the modern soul
Native Citizenship & Legal Status in U.S. History
Presented by Dr. Katrina Jagodinsky
Wednesday, June 4, 6:30-8:00pm, Pilgrim Hall at First-Plymouth Church
Sponsored by First-Plymouth’s Indigenous Working Group. All are welcome.
Dr. Katrina Jagodinsky is Associate Professor of History at University of Nebraska Lincoln and specializes in American legal history. She has earned prizes and funding from the American Philosophical Society, the American Society for Legal History, the Coalition for Western Women’s History, the National Science Foundation, the Western History Association, and the Western Journal of Legal History. On June 4, she will offer a lecture outlining Native American legal status and citizenship over the long nineteenth century and into the twentieth century, ranging from national to local histories of Indigenous legal and political activism.
Seminarian Jacob Mason Returns to First-Plymouth This Summer
After his second year at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Jacob Mason is excited to return to First-Plymouth for the summer of 2025. This summer, Jacob’s work will span a variety of First-Plymouth ministries: in-person and digital worship, pastoral care, Christian education, music, and children and youth. Jacob is looking forward to learning alongside the pastors, staff, and members of the congregation. In addition to his pastoral work this summer, Jacob also serves as Assistant Carillonneur and as a Baritone in the Plymouth Choir.
Over the past year, Jacob served as the Social Justice Intern at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the home congregation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This summer, Jacob will conclude his John R. Lewis Fellowship with the Faith & Politics Institute in Washington, D.C., where he has learned how to affect positive social change through Kingian nonviolence. Jacob currently serves on the Steering Committee for The Carter Center’s Emerging Leaders for Community Change (ELCC) initiative in Atlanta.
Jacob is the son of Todd and Betty Mason, twin brother of Emily Mason, and grandson of the late Rev. Gary and Ann Nienkamp. He looks forward to getting to know the members of First-Plymouth this summer. Email Jacob at jacob.mason@emory.edu to schedule a conversation.

First-Plymouth Presents
GOLD
The Best Sermon Illustrations We Have Ever Used.
Join Pastors JC and Jim as they share their favorite sermon illustrations from over a combined 60 years of preaching.
Sun June 29, 6:00pm (doors open at 5:00pm)
Screamers Family Restaurant (803 Q St) with live music!
Parking garage located directly across the street.
First-Plymouth Receives Award from Preservation Association
The Preservation Association of Lincoln held their annual awards and membership gathering event on May 16th at First-Plymouth.
First-Plymouth was the recipient of the Commercial/Institutional Rehabilitation award. The award recognized the Accessible pathway entrance ramp at 2000 D Street. This ramp utilized the existing grade of the stair landing to make the courtyard and columbarium more accessible to all.
Lowell Berg and Wynn Mehlhaff, leaders in the First-Plymouth Building and Facilities Committee, accepted the award on First-Plymouth’s behalf.
Celebrating 20 years
Congrats to Addie Vortherms, ourDirector of Programs & Communications, who joined the staff at First-Plymouth back in May 2005.
Thank You Alice!
We wish Alice Vosika blessings on her retirement from almost twenty years as our 10:30am Worship Greeter! Your smile and presence have been a cherished part of worship at First Plymouth. Thank you for your dedication!
A Stephen Ministry Story
by Jason Cruise
In late 2019, I was going through a divorce, which is a significant life change. As one can imagine, I was struggling, so I reached out to the church and was blessed with the offer of a Stephen Minister. The application process was quick, and I was matched with a Stephen Minister who had experience in what I was facing.
Having a Stephen Minister was crucial for my healing during this transitional period. I could speak candidly with someone who was not involved in the situation, and who listened in a nonjudgmental manner. I felt free to discuss whatever was on my mind, knowing no conversations would be shared with anyone. This openness allowed me to be honest about my feelings.
After being supported by my Stephen Minister and continuing my journey, I was profoundly moved by the support I received, and I wanted to give back by helping others. I’ve always believed that one should embrace challenges and assist others facing similar difficulties. During the application process, I discovered a shortage of male Stephen Ministers, which made my decision to become one even more significant. The training I received as a Stephen Minister also enhanced my active listening skills, which I have applied as a parent, with family, and in my relationships.
Starting my journey with a Stephen Minister to support me during trying times and then transitioning to becoming a Stephen Minister has been a wonderful and eye-opening experience. If you are facing a challenge that you believe a Stephen Minister could help you with or want to become a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor KJ Langlais at kj@firstplymouth.org.
Stephen Minister Class 2025
Applications to become a Stephen Minister are now available and are due by July 20th. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:30 PM, September 9th to November 11th, with Commissioning on Sunday, November 16th. Contact Pastor KJ Langlais at kj@firstplymouth.org
Peaceful Presence
A Holistic Approach to Managing Stress and Cultivating Inner Calm, Sun. August 10, 6:00-7:00pm, Chapel. Compline service follows 7:00-7:30pm.
Led by Faith Lauterbach, Registered Nurse, board-certified Nurse Coach (Holistic Wellness Coach), a yoga instructor, certified nutrition coach & podcaster!
In this nurturing and soul-centered workshop, participants will learn how to release stress and reconnect with their inner peace through holistic practices. Guided by a holistic nurse and wellness coach, “Peaceful Presence” combines mind-body wisdom, practical tools, and spiritual insight to help you manage life’s challenges with grace and grounded calm.
Free and open to the community. RSVP to addie@firstsplymouth.org if you would like to attend.
Caregivers Support Meeting: 2nd Tuesday monthly (June 10, 6:00pm in Room 209. Contact r.umphlett@yahoo.com for more info.
Adoption Triad: June 12, July 17, 6:30-8:00pm RSVP to Dori dbush2508@gmail.com
Volunteers Needed for the Reception Desk
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist at our front reception desk. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of the FP team and create a welcoming environment. For more information contact julie@firstplymouth.org.
Volunteers Needed for 11:59 on Sundays
We are looking for a few more volunteers to help Facilities Director, Adam Witte and his crew with setting up for the 11:59am service on Sunday mornings (11:30am-Noon). Contact adam@firstplymouth.org for more info.
Celebrate Music by American Composers
Summer Carillon Concert
Saturday, July 5, 6:30pm
(following the 5:30pm service), Courtyard.
Performed by Guest Carillonneur Dr. Tin-Shi Tam, Cownie Professor of Music (University Carillonneur), Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Ice cream treats will also be served! Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets to listen to the outdoor concert.
Sundays, 8:15am in Pilgrim Hall. Join Dr. Jim Keck and Juan Carlos Huertas for a casual service of coffee, donuts and a good message.
Church Grounds Clean Up Volunteers Needed
Summer dates: June 14 and July 12, 8:30–10:30am. Please bring garden tools. Contact: ccrellin@neb.rr.com
Love the Planet
Sustainable tips from First-Plymouth’s Climate Action Team (CAT). Even one pot of flowers supports pollinators while making your balcony or porch more appealing!
FP Singles Ministry
Check out the monthly events by getting on the email list. Email addie@firstplymouth.org.
Grape Expectations Church Social
Join the church socials – a great way to meet others who also attend First-Plymouth! All are welcome. Bring an appetizer and beverage (most bring wine) to share! Next social: Fri. June 13, 6:30-8:30pm, at Mary and LaMoine Smith’s home. RSVP for the address by emailing smithmary5750@gmail.com. *In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Pilgrim Hall at the church.

Sundays, 9:30am, located at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr (S. 40th & Yankee Hill)
A casual service, but deeply Christian with scripture, prayer, singing and joy. The service is a fusion of our other FP services at the main site but in a smaller setting. There is a Sunday school experience for the kids. PLUS+ there is an accessible entrance and easy parking.