Herald Newsletter

Events & Announcements


In the midst of your busy week, join us to refuel your body, mind, and spirit with a variety of children, youth, and adult programs.

FP Kids (K-5th) & Littles (0-4)

Through hands-on activities, engaging discussions, creative art, and fun games, “we’ll unpack the Easter story in a way kids can understand and connect with.

Middle School Youth Group (6th-8th)

Bring a Friend and Meet in the Gym for games, community, and service project.


Adult Programs: Contact Addie Vortherms, Program Director, addie@firstplymouth.org

40 Days 4 Pastors: Lenten Bible Study

Wed. April 2 & 9, 6:15-7:30pm, Pilgrim Hall. Led by Dr. Jim Keck and Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas. Join others in hearing the ancient story in new ways and deepen your Lenten journey.

Love Your Neighbor series Continues

April 2 & 9, 6:15-7:30pm, Sanctuary

  • April 2: What Do You or a Neighbor Do if ICE Knocks on Your Door?

    What rights do individuals have when facing the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)? Learn practical guidance on what to do to ensure safety and due process. Panelists: representatives from ACLU Nebraska (American Civil Liberties Union), and CIRA (Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement), moderated by Kevin Ruser, UNL College of Law.

  • April 9: Immigration…What About the Children?

    Learn tools and strategies for advocating on behalf of immigrant neighbors. We will discuss the importance of staying informed, understanding legal rights, and learning how to effectively resist harmful policies. Panelists: representatives from CEDARS, Las Abejitas Bilingual Education Center, and Community Action HeadStart, moderated by Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas.

Unicameral Bills and What We (or You?) Can Do About Them

April 16, 6:15-7:30pm, Chapel. Led by Eric Savaiano, Nebraska Appleseed Program Manager, Food and Nutrition Access, Economic Justice. Sponsored by Bread for the World ministry at FP.

Eric Savaiano will provide clarity on several bills with a focus on food insecurity, noting ramifications if they become law in Nebraska. Learn how to best convey your opinions and knowledge to senators. Remember, our faith directs our actions. Please bring non-perishable food items to donate. Goal: collect 100 pounds of food! 

Heaven and Hell Revised: “The Great Divorce” Sermon Talk-Back with the Pastors

April 16, 6:15pm, Pilg. Hall. Led by Jim Keck and Juan Carlos Huertas. C.S Lewis wrote a book he titled “Who Goes Home” but the publisher insisted on the overly clever title “The Great Divorce” trying to play off the William Blake poem “The marriage of Heaven and Hell.” But the result was a book that sounds like it’s about a failed marriage. Yet it is actually about how people in Hell are given the choice to go to heaven, but they just can’t let go of their petty issues. This book was part of a two-part sermon series during Lent. Reading the book is not required.

“Never Quit” (the Glenn Cunningham Story) Documentary Movie Screening

April 23, 6:15-7:30pm, Chapel. Presented by Dori Bush. Glenn Cunningham was one of America’s greatest middle-distance runners in the 1930’s, running in the 1936 Olympics with Jesse Owens. Born in 1909, he and his younger brother were severely burned in a schoolhouse fire in 1917. The accident took his brother’s life. Glenn’s legs were so severely burned that amputation was considered. His determination to walk and eventually run contribute to his nickname of the “Iron Man of Kansas.” Glenn’s niece, Dori Bush, will be showing a documentary about Glenn’s life highlighting his strong belief in God and his life-long devotion to his fellow man.

Healing Resistance: Conversations on Non-Violence, Advocacy, and Solidarity

April 23, 6:15-7:30pm, Pilgrim Hall. Led by Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas

Disuss the ways the church can be an effective movement of resistance in the world today. Pastor JC believes that such resistance does not use the tools of the oppressor in thought, word, and deed and yet the tools it uses can be effective if only we commit to this healing way together.

Yoga

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 6:15-7:30pm, Mayflower Hall. Led by Jessica Jewell, Yoga Together Lincoln. All ages and abilities including beginners are welcome. Bring a yoga mat.

Strengthen Your Parenting Skills!

Power of the Pause in Parenting

April 30, 6:15-7:30pm, Chapel. Led by Dr. Hollie Hatten-Bowers, UNL Associate Professor and Early Childhood Extension Specialist. Discover the mindful caregiving and the benefits of using compassion and mindfulness to support our emotional health.

 

Save the Date for the Pet Blessing

Annual Pet Blessing will be Sunday, June 1 at the 11:59 service. Mark your calendars now! If you’re interested in joining F-P Pet Ministry group, contact the church office.

We Need Your Help: Join Our New Welcome Team!

At First-Plymouth Church, we have always prided ourselves on being a warm and welcoming community. However, due to the size and layout of our building and the variety of services we offer, we recognize that it can sometimes be challenging to greet visitors, assist families in finding Sunday school classes, help guests find their seats, or even share a cup of coffee in conversation. That’s where we need your support.

We are excited to announce the formation of a new, unified Welcome Team that will bring together our ushers, greeters, and first-welcome team members. This team will play an essential role in ensuring that every visitor and congregant feels embraced and at home, whether you greet them at the door, assist at the Welcome Table, or help with the offertory.

What makes this opportunity truly special? As part of the Welcome Team, you’ll work alongside a group of dedicated and supportive individuals, collaborating to make each service a meaningful experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to serve at the following times:

9:00AM, 10:30AM, and 11:59AM services

9:30AM at FP South, Roper and Sons South Chapel

Already serving in one of these roles? No problem—this initiative is simply about adding more hands and hearts to strengthen our team.

We want to ensure enough people to cover every service and continue offering a heartfelt welcome to everyone who joins us. Teams will rotate once a month each quarter so that you won’t be serving every week.

We’d love to hear from you if you want to learn more or get involved! Please get in touch with Pastor KJ at kj@firstplymouth.org for more details.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of our visitors and congregation. We look forward to welcoming you to the team!