Herald Newsletter

Wednesday Night Live

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

Faith Basics: Wednesday Worship 7:15-7:30pm

5 minute sermons on basic elements of our faith—like a super short Christianity 101. Pilgrim Hall

WNL Opportunities for Kids

Kindergarten–2nd Grade: No sign-up needed. They’ll experience both Handbells and Drama.

3rd–6th Grade: Sign up online to choose Handbells or Drama. If their first choice fills up, no worries—we’ll offer the same combination again in January.

Confirmation (7th & 8th Grade)

6:00-7:30pm. Build a foundation of faith, serve others through projects, play games, and get connected.

College Aged Bible Study

4:30-5:30pm, Otis Young Room. Connect and grow together!

Adult Ministries

Contact Addie Vortherms, Program Director, addie@firstplymouth.org for info.

The Cathedral Series: Sacred Art in the Chapel

Oct. 1, 6:15pm, Chapel.

Presented by artist, Edwin Carter Weitz

First-Plymouth is honored to welcome The Cathedral Series, a powerful new collection of sacred art by Nebraska painter Edwin Carter Weitz, now on loan to our chapel. These six monumental works—each six feet tall—draw inspiration from 13th-century stained glass and the late Byzantine tradition. With vivid color, bold abstraction, and sacred symbolism, the paintings invite worshippers into reflection, communion, and a sense of divine light.

As part of this installation, the artist himself will join us for an art talk, sharing the spiritual vision, influences, and creative process behind the series. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the painter and engage with the sacred imagination that shaped these luminous works.

Yoga

Wednesdays, 6:15pm, Chapel. Free. Led by Jessica Jewell. All ages and abilities including beginners are welcome. Bring your yoga mat.

Fascism and Religion

Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, 6:15-7:15pm, Pilgrim Hall. Led by Dr. Jonathan Redding, NWU. This session explores how fascist movements co-opt and weaponize religion to advance their political agendas. We’ll examine which religious groups align with authoritarian leaders and why, and how these alliances reshape faith traditions into tools of the state. We’ll also look at resistance movements—such as the Confessing Church in Nazi Germany—that sought to preserve the integrity and soul of their faith in the face of oppression.

What Is Jim Reading?  

Oct. 8, 6:15pm, Art Room. Ever wonder what’s capturing Jim’s attention these days? Join us for a lively session where Jim shares the books currently on his shelf and the ideas sparking his curiosity. It’s part book talk, part conversation, and always full of insights that might just inspire your own next read.

Place Matters: Reintroducing Our Neighborhood

Oct 15, 6:15pm. Presented by Kate Bolz, Community Health Endowment of Lincoln. Marking ten years of Place Matters, this session highlights new data from Place Matters 6.0. Learn why poverty persists in Lincoln—especially the Near South neighborhood—and discover how place-based insights can guide a healthier future for our community.

Parent Connect: A New Gathering for Parents

Oct. 22, 6:15 pm, Art Room. Topic: Mental Health & Resilience in Kids. Together, we’ll explore how to recognize signs of anxiety or stress, support our children’s emotional well-being, and encourage resilience.

All Things First-Plymouth Church

Oct. 29, 6:15pm, Art Room. Led by Dr. Jim Keck. Step into the story of First-Plymouth with Dr. Keck as your guide. Together we’ll explore the rich history of our church, the beauty of its historic building, and the mission that continues to shape our community today. Whether you love history, architecture, or the spirit of a thriving congregation, this class will deepen your understanding of what makes First-Plymouth unique.