The Herald Newsletter
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Issue 12 I December 2025
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Monday, December 22
Noon
A Light Within the Darkness, a service for those who have lost a loved one or who are weary and heavy-burdened during this holiday season. Followed by a light soup lunch and fellowship time together. All are welcome.
Tuesday, December 23
7:00pm
Christmas Eve-Eve worship, Sanctuary. A vibrant and upbeat service with Josh Hoyer and the Colossal 4 that will have you dancing in your seat.
Wednesday, December 24
11:00am
Christmas worship created for young children (ages 3–7) and their families in Mayflower Hall. The Christmas story comes to life through storybook moments, a playful skit, and opportunities for children to become part of the nativity.
Noon
Simple, joyful celebration of lessons and carols in the Chapel.
1:00pm
Family-friendly service with a Christmas message from Dr. Jim Keck and spirited music led by our youth orchestra and choir.
3:00pm
Classic Christmas pageant for children of all ages.
4:00pm
FP SOUTH, Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr) Christmasworship with a
string quartet—perfect for families and friends of all ages! Accessible parking available.
5:00pm, 6:30pm, 8:00pm
Timeless festival of lessons and carols with choir, brass, and organ.
11:00pm
Peaceful candlelighting, communion, and carols to greet
Christmas Day as we conclude at midnight.
Peter Allman to Guest Preach at 11:57
Author Pete Allman to Guest Preach Sun Dec 7, 11:57am worship in the Sanctuary
We welcome the author of Love, Love, Love—a beautiful invitation to love more fully, live from the heart, and share kindness in a world that often forgets it. Come be inspired! Copies of his book will be available for $15.
Support Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s Roof Solar Project
A message from First-Plymouth’s Climate Action Team
Mt. Zion, a historic African-American congregation in Lincoln, received federal funding for a solar project, but with those incentives expiring, they need to raise the remaining funds before year’s end. Help them show that local solutions to climate change are possible!
Ways to Give:
Check: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 3301 N 56th St, Lincoln, NE 68504 (memo: “Solar Project”)
Online: Through Givelify (select “Solar Panel Project” as the purpose)
Give Love. Give Hope.
We Need Your Help
It’s not too late to turn in your pledge commitment in support of the 2026 budget. Visit firstplymouth.org/giving, email LeEtta@firstplymouth.org, or call 402-476-7565 to complete your pledge.
2025 Contribution Deadlines
Walk-ins Dec 30, Noon
Mail postmarked & stock transfers Dec 26
Church offices and the building will be closed Dec 25 & 26, and Jan 1 & 2.
Have you tried FP South yet? We’d love to see you there!
Sundays, 9:30am, located at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr (S. 40th & Yankee Hill)
Sun Dec 14, at FP South, Immediately following the 9:30am service
Ever had a question about faith you were afraid to ask in church? Dr. Jim Keck says—ask away! No Bad Questions is your chance to get real answers
(and probably a few laughs). We will also will have slices of pie available for coffee hour!
4:00 pm Christmas Eve Worship | Dec. 24
All children in attendance will receive a Christmas keepsake.
Compline
Sunday, January 11, 7:00-7:30pm, Sanctuary
Ancient Worship for the modern soul
Pre-Compline series Into the Stillness
Loving Kindness Meditation
January 11, 6:00pm, Chapel. Led by Jason Padilla, Omaha Zen Center.
. . . and on earth . . . peace
Christmas With ABendmusik
Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 4:00 & 6:30 p.m.
Plymouth Choir
Plymouth Ringers
Abendmusik Chamber Orchestra
Tom Trenney, Conductor
Freewill offering to benefit The Gathering Place.
See the full season concert lineup at Abendmusik.org
They That Wait: Interfaith Reflections on the Spiritual Discipline of Waiting
Academic Bible Study
Sundays, Dec 7 & 14, Tower room. Led by Leah Cech, PhD. This series explores waiting as a spiritual discipline across religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. Reflections on common elements such as hope, resilience, patience, and mindful action will invite participants to deepen and broaden their experience of the Advent season.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Tues, Dec. 2 & 9, 9:30-11:00am, Calvert Parlor. Led by Carolyn Zeisset.
Biblical Roots of Words in Advent and Christmas Hymns & Carols: Curious words and phrases appear in some Advent and Christmas hymns and carols—where did they come from?
Grief Healing & Support
2nd Friday (Dec 12) 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Group led.
Dec 16, 6:00-7:30pm, Tower Rm. Led by Lisa Borchardt, LCSW. Register with addie@firstplymouth.org
Hope House Open House
Sun Dec 7, 10:00am-Noon, 2045 E St
We invite you to an open house showcasing the church’s recently opened Hope House, dedicated to helping those in need navigate community resources with dignity and care.
Share Your Voice in the 2026 Lenten Devotional Booklet
First-Plymouth is seeking volunteers to contribute brief reflections for the 2026 Lenten Devotional booklet. No writing experience is necessary. Contact dale.hauptmeier@gmail.com for details.
Be a Lenten Group Host
Our Lenten discussion groups are returning for 2026—and we’re looking for people to host! You can gather a few friends or new faces at your home, a coffee shop, at church, or wherever community feels right. Interested? Email addie@firstplymouth.org
Thank You for the Donations
FP Animal Ministry wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you to our congregation for supporting our annual Pet Supply Drive. The two 55-gallon barrels were overflowing! Lincoln Animal Ambassadors were extremely grateful, as the need to assist community members struggling with pet care has grown during these challenging economic times.
Sustainable tips from the Climate Action Team and Sustainable Living Ministry
Reuse Christmas decorations year after year by storing them carefully. Consider making your own wreaths or table decorations from natural greenery or recyclables from around your home. Nature-Inspired Christmas Decorations
Recycle Your Holiday Lights
All broken strings of lights, extension cords, and insulated wires can be taken to any Lincoln Fire Station now through mid-January. Strings without bags or boxes may be left in the containers at the stations.
God’s Garden This Summer was a Success!
Thank you to everyone who participated in God’s Garden this year. FP Sustainable Living Ministry took in $2,242 in donations to help assist with composting, replacing trash cans, and tree removal.
Sponsor 2026 Altar flowers
Cost $95. A few spots left! Sign-up on firstplymouth.org/events-calendar
New Year’s Eve Last Blast
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
Free Concert | Livestream Available
Grape Expectations Church Social
A great way to meet others who attend FP! Bring an appetizer and beverage (most bring wine) to share. All are welcome. Fri. Dec 12, 6:30-9:00pm, at Rebecca & Ryan Wells home. RSVP for address to rwellscnm@yahoo.com
Plymouth Pride Christmas Party
Fri. Dec 12. Watch your email for details. To sign up for our emails or for questions, email FirstPlymouthPride@gmail.com.
FP Singles Ministry
Check out the monthly events by getting on the email list. Email addie@firstplymouth.org.
Shoe Drive for Guatemala
The Guatemala team is collecting new or gently used children’s shoes (anything smaller than size 6). Donation box located at the West entrance until Jan 11.
Health Professionals Needed for Zambia Project
The Zambia project is in need for a health professional to travel to Zambia to monitor the program and
to report their findings. Contact Chris Gay, anna.c.nothstine@gmail.com or Dr. Chuck Erickson, cerickson2003@gmail.com.