Herald Newsletter
Events & Announcements
PRIDE SUNDAY
Rev. Dr. Jenny Schultz-Thomas, Pastor of Countryside UCC at the Tri-Faith Campus (Omaha)
Sunday, June 9, 9:00am, 10:30am & 11:59am services
Open to the community!
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.
Plymouth Pride would like to invite you to a Night of Entertainment, Friday, May 17, 6:30 - 8:30pm in Mayflower Hall. The evening will include a Drag Show and performance by Star City Chorus. Refreshments provided.
Please RSVP to FirstPlymouthPride@gmail.com.
Open to all LGBTQIA+ and allies
Breakfast Church @ 8:15am
Sundays, 8:15am in Pilgrim Hall. Enjoy a continental breakfast and coffee as Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas shares the message.
Not Your Ordinary Bible Study with Dr. Keck
A spiritual adventure using the Bible to launch the imagination and catapult us into far-ranging topics of real interest.
Weekly In-Person: Thursdays, Noon-1:00pm, Choir Room.
Zoom Online: Thurs, May 9, 7:00-7:30pm. Zoom link available at firstplymouth.org/events-calendar
Grief Support Opportunities
Tuesday, May 14, 6:00-7:30pm, Tower Room. Led by Lisa Borchardt, LCSW. Free, but register with addie@firstplymouth.org.
2nd Friday (May 10), 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Get a reminder by emailing kj@firstplymouth.org.
New! Grieving the Death of Our Parents
Wednesday, May 8, 6:00-7:30pm, Calvert Parlor. 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.
Join the First Welcome Team
Finding a new church is hard. Navigating new spaces, meeting new people, and connecting with all the available resources in a congregation can be overwhelming. Enter our First Welcome Team!
Our First Welcome Team is our effort at providing hospitality, connection, and follow up for all who are new to our community or seeking a deeper level of understanding. As a member you know how important it is to find partners to help you connect and become more involved in the life of the church so there is no one better to join this important group.
Would you consider serving in this way?
If you would like to sign-up or for more information about other ways to connect, serve, and/or grow contact julie@firstplymouth.org.
Lead Us On to the Light
Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir Tour Home Concert with Lincoln Southwest High School Chamber Choir
Saturday, May 11, 7:30pm, Sanctuary | Livestream at firstplymouth.org
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
A Concert of Musical Favorites
Sunday, June 2, 3:00pm, Sanctuary
Reception following the concert
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.
You are a part of one of Lincoln’s great traditions: Abendmusik at First-Plymouth. So far this season, Abendmusik has attracted nearly 5,000 in-person and 6,700 online viewers!
Between May 1 and May 30, you can enhance our 52-year collaboration by making a “Give to Lincoln Day” donation to Abendmusik. Go to abendmusik.org to donate online. You can also write a check, use your Lincoln Community Foundation Donor Advised Fund, or make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA. Note: If writing a check, please make it out to Lincoln Community Foundation and put Abendmusik in the memo. This makes your donation eligible for a match.
First-Plymouth Pet Blessing
Sunday, June 2 at the 11:59 service
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.
First-Plymouth 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
Sunday, May 19, 6:00pm (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.
Tips from the FP Climate Action Team
After spring planting, sustain your garden through the seasons by covering with 1”-3” of organic mulch. As mulch decomposes into the soil, it mitigates soil compaction, prevents erosion, adds nutrients, and increases water retention. Organic mulches are wood chips, grass clippings, brown leaves, compost material, or even cotton seed hulls.
GO GREEN, GO PAPERLESS
Sign up to receive The Herald newsletter via email only. Contact lana@firstplymouth.org, or 402-476-7565 ext. 201.
Church Clean Up Volunteers Needed
May 11, 9:00-11:00am. Bring your gardening tools. For more info, email ccrellin@neb.rr.com.
God’s Garden Returns
God’s Garden will be on the patio again from May 19-Sept. 29. Your support raises funds for green projects at First-Plymouth. Sponsored by Sustainable Living Ministry.
Help Stock our Free Food Pantry
One in eight Nebraskans do not have enough food for dinner. First-Plymouth continues our mission of demonstrating love of neighbor with our free little food pantry, located on the East side on 21st St. The Board of Christian Outreach invites you help stock the pantry. The need is great, it is often emptied within the hour. Sign up at firstplymouth.org/littlepantry.
Singles Ministry
Stay up to date with the latest events and activities. Email addie@firstplymouth.org to get added to the email list.
Indigenous Working Group
All are welcome to join the meetings each month to find out what the group is working on. Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month (May 16) 5:00pm, Otis Young Room. Current Projects: Land acknowledgement, working with the Indian Center, and creating a space of Indigenous books in the church library (Tower room).
Grape Expectations Church Social
A great way to meet others who attend FP! May 31, 6:30-8:30pm at the Beans home. Hosts: Pat & Ellen Beans. RSVP to ebeans66@gmail.com. Open to all!
VBS Registration is Open!
Camp Firelight June 3-7th
Kids (K-5th) - Get ready for an exciting week at “Camp Firelight” where you will learn to connect with & trust God no matter what situation life brings & know that God is always with you! You will get to experience the stories through music, storytelling, games, crafts, science, and even snacks!
VBS Volunteers Needed
We’re excitedly preparing for our upcoming Vacation Bible School camp and we’d love your support to make it truly special! Can you lend a hand? Your involvement will play a vital role
in creating a memorable experience for our children. Thank you for considering
to be a part of this exciting journey!
Registration is available at firstplymouth.org/vbs for both kids and volunteers.