The Herald Newsletter

Issue 7  I  July 2025

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Summer Fun at FP South

FP South Worship - Sundays, 9:30am

Roper and Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Dr (S. 40th & Yankee Hill)

 Celebrate summer with your church family! July 6 at FP South

Sunday, July 6, immediately following the 9:30 am service (10:30-11:30am)

Hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, and cookies will be served.

Freewill donations accepted.

 

 The Entire Bible in 3 Sermons

Sermon Series with Dr. Jim Keck and Juan Carlos Huertas

Sundays, July 6, 13, & 20, 9:30am at FP South

Join us for a sweeping journey through Scripture—from the wonder of creation to the hope of a renewed world. In just three Sundays, Dr. Jim Keck and Juan Carlos Huertas will guide us through the grand narrative of the Bible, revealing how its timeless themes speak to our lives today. Whether you’re new to the Bible or looking for fresh insight, this series offers a clear and compelling overview of God’s story—and our place within it.

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

July 12 Pizza (freewill offering) * August 3 Skymart Food Truck

Saturday, July 12 - The Melody Wranglers


Sunday, August 3

Emily Bass & The Near Miracle

Back-to-School Blast!

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.


Dr. King’s Six Principles of Nonviolence

Series Wednesdays, July 23, 30, Aug 6, & 13, 6:30-8:00pm, Pilgrim Hall

Join seminarian Jacob Mason for four classes on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s six principles of nonviolence, as examined through the life of Jesus Christ and the early church. Each class will be full of scripture, discussion, and activities that seek to deepen our walk with Christ in His nonviolent ways.

These classes were inspired by Jacob’s work as the Social Justice Intern at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the home congregation of Dr. King and Jacob’s role as a John R. Lewis Fellow with the Faith & Politics Institute in Washington, DC. Both experiences have led Jacob to ask, “What is the role of nonviolence today? How can we create a positive vision for tomorrow?”

Unable to attend all four classes? Come as you are able!

Contact addie@firstplymouth.org if you have questions.


Celebrate! Music by American Composers

Summer Carillon Concert

Performed by Guest Carillonneur Dr. Tin-Shi Tam, Cownie Professor of Music, (University Carillonneur) Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

Saturday, July 5, 6:30pm (following the 5:30pm service), Courtyard. Ice cream treats will be served!

Compline

Sunday, July 13, 7:00-7:30pm, Sanctuary

Ancient Worship for the modern soul

Women’s Circle 3 with Pastor KJ Langlais

It’s more than just a book study - it’s fellowship, friendship, and fun! 2nd Wednesday of each month 10:00am – 11:30am, September 10-May 13th, in Pilgrim Hall

Book this Year: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again! By Rachel Held Evans. “Inspired is both delightful and essential”, What does it mean, “the Bible is inspired?” Books available at the meeting for a donation of $12. For more info, contact 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 6:30pm, September 9th to November 11th, with Commissioning on Sunday, November 16th. Contact Pastor KJ Langlais at kj@firstplymouth.org


We’re Hiring!

We’re hiring! First-Plymouth Church is looking for a passionate Youth Ministry Assistant to help lead our middle & high school programs alongside our Youth Director. If you’re energetic, love working with teens, and want to make a difference in their faith journey—we’d love to meet you!

Interested in Joining the Guatemala Trip?

Guatemala travelers are getting ready for a trip in January or February. If you are interested but haven’t attended either of our initial meetings, let us know and we’ll bring you up to speed with current information. Email: Judy Greenwald at jlbgreenwald@gmail.com and note subject as Guatemala

 Volunteer Opportunities

11:59am volunteers

Help our facilities crew with setting up the 11:59am service on Sunday mornings (11:30am-Noon). Contact adam@firstplymouth.org for info. We are also in need of volunteers for the welcome team. If interested, contact lana@firstplymouth.org

Volunteer for the Reception Desk

Assist at our front reception desk. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of the FP team and create a welcoming environment. Contact julie@firstplymouth.org.

Church Grounds Clean Up Volunteers Needed

July 12, 8:30–10:30am. Please bring garden tools. Contact: ccrellin@neb.rr.com

Grief Support

2nd Friday (July 11) 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Group led.

Adoption Triad

July 17, 6:30-8:00pm. RSVP to Dori dbush2508@gmail.com

FP Singles Ministry

Check out the monthly events by getting on the email list. Email addie@firstplymouth.org.

First-Plymouth Presents

The Most Important Bible Passage

What scripture speaks most deeply to the heart of our faith? Join Pastors Jim Keck and Juan Carlos Huertas as they each share the Bible passage that has shaped their journey and why it matters. This personal and powerful conversation will invite you to reflect on the passages that ground your own faith.

Sun July 20, 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!

Indigenous Working Group 

2nd Thursday monthly (July 10), 5:00pm Calvert Parlor

Native American Film Series:  Free each 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00pm. (Check for exact time)

  • Jul  14:  OHIYESA: THE SOUL OF AN INDIAN

  • Aug 11:  NAVAJO MATH CIRCLES

  • Sep  8:   ACROSS THE CREEK & FINDING REFUGE

Sheldon Art Museum Exhibit through July 13th: Exploding Native Inevitable (15 Native American artists)

Check out Dr. Katrina Jagodinsky’s project online: petitioning for freedom.unl.edu.  Habeas Corpus in the America West, 1812-1924

 Over 40 people walked with the First-Plymouth entry in the Pride Parade on June 14. It was a vibrant, joyful celebration of love!

Summer Drop-In Choir

Help fill the choir loft this summer by raising your voice with the Summer Drop-in Choir. 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.


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.


Love the Planet

Sustainable tips from First-Plymouth’s Climate Action Team

Want to use less gas? Inflate your tires properly and keep your calm. Moderate acceleration and speed will save fuel and money.

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: July 18, 6:30-9:00pm at Patricia Miller and Dave Shipley’s home. RSVP for the address by emailing datoship@icloud.com

Pickleball at FP

Join us for Pickle Ball! Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00pm. Enter from the East parking lot

FP Pride T-shirts

are still available for $15. Stop by the church office during the week, 8:30am-4:30pm. Cash, Check, or Venmo.

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.