The Herald Newsletter
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Issue 5 I May 2026
Nebraska Native Katie Miller Joins First-Plymouth Ministry Team
First-Plymouth’s mission and strong community pulled back home Nebraska native Katie Miller to serve as the church’s newest minister.
Katie and her husband Chris Ciriaco, will move into their Lincoln home in mid-May. In her new role at First-Plymouth, Katie will serve the First-Plymouth South campus, help lead children’s education programs, and share in the broader responsibilities of ministry across the congregation.
“I’m excited to come and be a part of this community and to get to know everyone and to be a part of this church’s mission in this community.
First-Plymouth is such a great church and community,” Katie said recently while in town to prepare for their move, along with Tormy, aka Tormund, the family’s pet cat.
The Lincoln and Nebraska connection is deep. Katie and Chris were married in Lincoln on May 31st last year in her mother’s backyard garden, which Katie suspects was created just for that occasion. Her husband, Chris Ciriaco, is a retired Air Force crew chief on U2 jets (spy planes). Katie’s mother is Patricia Miller. Patricia and her husband David Shipley, are both active in First-Plymouth.
Katie grew up in Elgin, a community of 650 people, and went to church at the Peace UCC church in Tilden — a church that’s played a most important role in her life. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney before being ordained 10 years ago. However, she has worn many work hats over the years and lived in Chicago and New York.
In New York, Katie was an actor, and, to support herself during those days, a nanny, a singer in a number of Catholic churches, and a UCC church secretary, where she became intrigued with what people and especially children learn in church and how that affects them the rest of their lives. That experience, she said, helped confirm her own life mission and work.
During COVID, Katie created a children’s church service from her living room, playing her guitar and praying with children on Facebook at a time when children could not attend church. She was surprised when the service grew much bigger than she expected. And, when she couldn’t find children plays she liked, she wrote her own, revising A Christmas Carol and creating numerous Christmas pageant plays that other churches now use.
Katie received her Master of Divinity from the Chicago Theological Seminary in 2016. She holds a Bachelor in Music in Musical Theater from UNK. Most recently, she has been a UCC minister in Vermillion, South Dakota.
Welcome Katie!
Saturday is the new Sunday
Avoid the traffic on Marathon Sunday, May 3
Join us for a festive worship, as well as honor our 2026 Confirmands, on May 2, 5:30pm in the sanctuary. Of course, our regular Sunday morning services will also be held on May 3 at 8:15am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 11:57am. Or, worship at FP South (Roper and Sons south chapel) on Sunday at 9:30am for easy and accessible parking! View the race map to plan your route to church: lincolnmarathon.org
Celebrate our confirmands
as they culminate a year of study and reflection, exploring their ever-changing lives as young Christians at First-Plymouth. Congratulations to the Confirmands of 2026!
Sat May 2, 5:30pm, Sanctuary
Neven Ablao
Camden Ballinger
Harper Beil
Ezra Carlson
Jonah David
Layna DeBuhr
Violet Franz
Gabriella Guardiola
Ryan Hayes
Paige Kelle
Avery Lawton
Lucia Mues
Marley Myles
Lucas Nelson
Greta Riehle
Leah Salmen
Wyatt Scofield
Aubrie Thietje
Merveille Vigan
Chole Wolff
Jesiah Zepeda
Support Abendmusik this Give to Lincoln Day
Inspiring, world-class performances are offered free to the community, bringing people together through music. Your gift helps sustain these concerts and keep this cherished tradition thriving.
Details at Abendmusik.org.
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 10
Enjoy muffins in honor of all mothers after services at First-Plymouth and FP South. The Plymouth Brass will play the Mother’s Day tradition of “A Closer Walk With Thee” at both the 9:00 and 10:30am services!
Compline
Sunday, May 10, 7:00-7:30pm, Sanctuary
Ancient Worship for the modern soul
Into the Stillness Pre-Compline series
Yoga
May 10, 6:00-7:00pm, Chapel. Led by Maggie Pleskac, Milkweed Yoga. Free.
This series combines yoga and worship, guiding participants through breath and movement to a place of stillness at the center of their being – the space that connects us with the Divine within. At 7:00pm, following the yoga session, all are invited to the sanctuary to experience Compline, a time of deep inner peace.
Award-Winning Designer Kevin Perlic Joins First-Plymouth Staff
Kevin Perlic is an award-winning motion designer and video editor with over 20 years of experience in visual storytelling and broadcast production.
He is a two-time Emmy Award nominee, multi–Telly Award winner, and recipient of a Best in Show Addy Award.
In his role at First-Plymouth, Kevin applies his technical expertise to elevate the organization’s media presence, complementing a prolific freelance career that includes collaborations with global brands such as Coca-Cola and Sherwin-Williams.
Beyond the edit suite, Kevin is a multifaceted artist whose creative vision extends into photography and music. Whether capturing a moment through a lens or composing soundscapes, he brings the same sharp eye for detail and rhythm to his personal art as he does to his professional productions. This lifelong passion for multimedia expression is built on a foundation in professional sports—including work for the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks—and a degree in Cinematography from Cleveland State University.
From the music series The White Wall Sessions to his own artistic pursuits, Kevin remains dedicated to the craft of compelling, multi-sensory storytelling.
The Hope House at First-Plymouth Open House – You’re Invited!
Sun, May 31, 9:30am-Noon
2045 E St, the small house on the north side of the church campus (21st & E)
Come see how First-Plymouth is making a difference right here in our neighborhood. The Hope House offers support, resources, and a welcoming space for our neighbors—and now you’re invited to take a closer look. Stop by for a brief tour, meet our Navigator volunteers, learn what the Hope House is doing for our neighbors, and discover how you can get involved.
Sustainable tips from First-Plymouth’s Climate Action Team and Sustainable Living Ministry
Food waste fuels climate change by releasing methane in landfills. Cut waste by eating leftovers—and if backyard composting isn’t an option, consider a pickup service: https://tinyurl.com/compostLNK
Calling all gardeners! Sat May 16, 9:00 – 11:00am
Please bring your gardening tools and help us keep the church grounds looking beautiful. And thank you to those that helped to clean up for Holy week! Contact Candy: ccrellin@neb.rr.com
Plymouth Pride Bingo
Next event: May 15. Watch your email for details. Not on the list? Email firstplymouthpride@gmail.com to subscribe.
FP Singles Ministry
Join our email list for monthly events. Email addie@firstplymouth.org.
First-Plymouth is Hiring: Youth Assistant Director
More information on how to apply at https://www.firstplymouth.org/
FP Indigenous Working Group
We learn about Native American cultures through speakers, films, events, and service opportunities, building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. Join us at our monthly meetings to share ideas and support IWG initiatives. All are welcome.
Monthly Meeting: 2nd Thursday, 5:00–6:30pm, Calvert Parlor
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
May 1 – First Friday at the Great Plains Museum (1155 Q St), 5:00pm, free, Native American art on display
May 2 – 53rd Honoring of the Graduates Powwow, Indian Center (1100 Military Rd.), Grand Entry 1:00pm (arrive by 12:45pm)
May 9 – IWG Monthly Meeting, 5:00–6:30pm (Calvert Parlor)
May 11 – Ross Theater Indigenous Film Series: In the Wake of Justice Delayed, 7:00pm
May 23 – Road trip to Susan La Flesche Picotte Memorial Hospital (Walthill, NE); meet at church parking lot 8:30am, depart 9:00am. Donations accepted. Contact Dan Klock (703-350-6815) for details.
Grief Support
2nd Friday (May 8) 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Group led.
Tues, May 19, 6:00-7:30pm, Tower room. Led by Lisa Borchardt, LCSW. Register with addie@firstplymouth.org. Last gathering before summer break - resumes in September.
Become a Part of First-Plymouth
Come learn more about our community, our values, and what it means to become a member. Join Dr. Keck on Wed, May 20 at 5:30pm in Calvert Parlor.
A New Chapter in Stewardship
Will Jones Joins First-Plymouth
We welcome Will Jones as our new Director of Donor Relations. Will is responsible for developing and implementing plans connected to planned giving, endowments, and gifts that support the work of our church. “It’s exciting to be a part of a growing organization that is looking to the future,” said Will. “Our church is a dynamic organization, always seeking improvements and progress.”
With a law degree from Loyola University, he spent many years as an attorney and corporate counsel before moving into philanthropic work as Director of Development for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska Foundation in 2020.
Will, his wife Valerie, daughter Cora, and son Pete have been First-Plymouth members for more than eight years. As a family, they’ve been most active in our youth ministries and children’s programming. Will is now eager to deepen his engagement across the full breadth of what First-Plymouth has to offer — from worship and community outreach to the many events that bring our congregation together. “I believe in our church’s mission and the important messages we deliver. It’s an honor to be a part of that!”
To contact Will, email will@firstplymouth.org
Celebrating a Legacy of Service – Time to Create Yours
We extend heartfelt thanks to John Berry for 42 years of faithful service as an usher since 1984. For decades, John has been a warm, welcoming presence—greeting all who enter with kindness and helping create the sense of belonging that defines our church. We are deeply grateful for his lasting impact on this community. Please join us in thanking John!
John joined the Usher Team to meet more people at First-Plymouth, as this was his wife’s church. He says he’s always amazed by the many visitors we welcome on Christmas Eve and Easter. When asked what he would say to encourage others, he shared: “Do it! It’s fun, enjoyable, not hard work, and you get to meet great people and work with amazing people.” What he will miss most is “the camaraderie of his team.”
As we celebrate John’s legacy, we’re reminded how important this ministry is. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to get involved, consider serving on the Welcome Team. No experience is needed—just a friendly spirit and a willingness to welcome others.
To learn more or sign up, contact Lana at lana@firstplymouth.org
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, June 7, 11:57am worship
All well-behaved leashed or crated pets are welcome to our sanctuary service at 11:57. Following the service, our ministers will individually bless animals at stations in the courtyard. A certificate and a St. Francis of Assisi charm will be given. You and your pets are welcome again 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. Hosted by the First-Plymouth Animal Ministry.