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Issue 10 I October 2026
The Future of Faith
Festival Sermon Series by Dr. Jim Keck
Sundays, October 25, Nov 1, 8, 9:00 & 10:30am services
What happens when the world changes faster than the church? What will faith look like in the years ahead? What will we carry with us, what might we need to let go of, and what new possibilities are waiting to be discovered?
Join us for The Future of Faith, an upcoming sermon series exploring the changing landscape of faith, the church, and our lives. Together, we’ll ask big questions about where we’re headed—and what it means to be people of faith in a rapidly changing world.
Along with each week’s message, enjoy special music and guest musicians that will bring another dimension to the themes of the series.
The State of Faith in America
Why Are American Churches Vanishing—and What’s Next?
An Evening with Ryan Burge
One of America’s leading researchers on religion, politics, and the future of faith explores the changing religious landscape—and where hope can still be found.
Monday, November 2, 2026 • 7:00pm l $10 suggested donation
Words. Questions.
What Does it Mean? Big Words. Bigger Questions.
Theology on Tap with Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas
Mon Oct 12 & Nov 16, 6:30-7:30pm, New! Ironhorse Bar & Event Room (728 Q St)
We hear them, we repeat them, we think we might understand them, do we? This Fall and Spring at Theology on Tap with Pastor JC, we dig into churchy words, their history, the ideas they are trying to convey, and what they might mean for us today. Join us!
Sun Oct 4 & Oct 11, Sermon Series at 11:57am
With special musical guests Emily Bass and friends
Religion can bring out our very best—and sometimes our very worst. It can offer hope and belonging, but it can also divide, exclude, shame, and do real harm. In this series, Dr. Jim Keck and Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas explore some of the ways religion gets it wrong—and ask what faithful, healthy religion might look like instead.
Give Love. Find Your Joy.
Pledge drive begins October 3
First-Plymouth’s pledge drive for 2027 gets underway on Sat., October 3. Please watch your mailbox for your pledge card and information on how we put your gifts to work.
Every year, we come together as a congregation to offer financial support for our ministries and our community. This critical support is just one of many ways we live out our mission to increase the love of God and neighbor.
First-Plymouth’s worship services, music ministry, Christian education for children and youth, Hope House, and other community outreach are only able to thrive because of the generosity of this congregation.
As the Board of Trustees works to develop the 2027 budget, your pledges and commitments help ensure that the budget is accurate and effective as they carefully steward every dollar.
When you make a pledge of any size, you make a gift of love to a world that always seems to be in need of more. May you also find joy in helping our Church bring light and peace to so many.
For more information on how to make a pledge, visit www.firstplymouth.org/giving or contact LeEtta Suhr, Director of Accounting and Finance, in the church office.
Thank you for being a part of First-Plymouth and all that we do together to make the world more loving, joyful, and peaceful.
Will Jones
Director of Donor Relations
First-Plymouth Church
There are 302,400 minutes in September . . .
Spend thirty minutes to be still, exhale and rest in silence and song.
Compline
Sunday, October 11, 7:00-7:30pm, Sanctuary
Ancient Worship for the modern soul
Nia: Mindful Dancing
Pre-Compline program
Oct 11, 6:00-7:00pm, Chapel. Led by instructor Lauren Pick
Experience the joyful, mindful movement practice called Nia. Blending dance, martial arts, and healing arts by taking a holistic approach to fitness. No dance experienced is needed. Nianow.com
Grief Support
2nd Friday (Oct 9) 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Group led.
Tues. Oct 20, 6:00pm, Tower Room. Led by Lisa Borchardt, NWU. A monthly educational support group offered for those experiencing the death of a loved one. Each month a different topic will be presented to help us acknowledge our grief and move through the mourning process. Register with addie@firstplymouth.org
Grief & The Holidays: Nov 17, 6:00pm.
Sponsor 2027 Altar Flowers
Sign-up on firstplymouth.org/events-calendar COST $95
KJ Langlais & Jacob Mason
Take the Next Step Toward Ordination on October 10
Two pastors from First-Plymouth, KJ Langlais and Jacob Mason, will undergo a formal review by the regional United Church of Christ’s Ecclesiastical Council, the final step clearing the way for ordination. Delegates from 17 UCC churches across Southeast Nebraska will gather at First-Plymouth October 10 to conduct business and for a final public presentation of candidates for ordination. First-Plymouth members are welcome to attend.
IF YOU GO
UCC Heartland Region Association Assembly
Sat. Oct 10 at FP
Members of our congregation are welcome to attend in support of this important day in the lives of two First-Plymouth pastors, KJ Langlais and Jacob Mason.
Make reservations for the luncheon by contacting julie@firstplymouth.org or by calling the church office.
Schedule:
10:00am Worship, followed by business meeting
11:00am Review of KJ Langlais and Jacob Mason as candidates for ordination
12:15pm lunch in Pilgrim Hall ($10)
About the ordination process: There are two paths to ordination, either through seminary attendance, which was Jacob’s path, or through experience, education, written papers and interviews, which was KJ’s path. Each candidate has what is called a Discernment Committee of other ministers and church leaders to walk with them through the process.
KJ’s story
KJ Langlais, First-Plymouth’s Minister of Congregational Care, knew in junior high that she was called to be a minister while leading youth groups. She wanted to pursue a career in ministry while in college but could not afford it. As a single parent it was never possible to go to seminary, so her path to ministry was through her work experiences, service and study on her own. She worked for 36 years in aging services as a licensed administrator while doing ministry at churches on the side. KJ became a licensed minister in 1992 in the Disciples of Christ denomination, and in 2018 was licensed by the United Church of Christ.
KJ says the best part of being a minister at First-Plymouth is the people. “The members of this congregation are wonderful souls. They are genuine, kind, giving, and always willing to serve. Truly I love the members of this church. I love the mission, philosophy, and faith of First-Plymouth. Having been in other denominations throughout my life, FP truly walks the path of Christ,” KJ said.
Jacob’s story
Jacob Mason has been a member of First-Plymouth for most of his life. He first considered becoming a minister when he was eight years old. Jacob attended Nebraska Wesleyan University where he lettered in swimming, served as student body president and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in political science and history, and a minor in religion and philosophy. He then went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. While at Emory, Jacob served as the social justice intern at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the home church of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During summer breaks at Emory, Jacob served as the Music Ministry Intern and Pastoral Intern at First-Plymouth, gaining experience in worship leadership; music and fine arts; children, youth, and family ministries; adult education; funerals; congregational care; archival preservation; and digital ministries. He is a member of the Plymouth Choir.
“My favorite thing about First-Plymouth and the UCC more broadly is that we take Christ’s greatest commandments seriously-- to increase the love of God and neighbor. All are welcome at our church! First-Plymouth’s expansive sense of love, service, and inclusion is something I will take with me as I continue to grow in ministry,” said Jacob.
VOCES8
Sunday, October 4, 4:00pm. FREE Concert.
The 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is the world’s top-streaming classical vocal group.
Touring globally, this season the octet performs over 100 concerts, including this performance to launch the Abendmusik season.
Welcome Rev. Wayne Alloway
FP’s New Part-time Minister of Congregational Care
The Rev. Wayne Alloway joins the FP staff in a part-time ministry role focused on congregational care, funerals, and general pastoral ministry. For Wayne, coming to First-Plymouth feels especially meaningful. He has admired the congregation and its ministry for many years, and Pastor Jim Keck has been a good friend since Jim came to Lincoln more than 20 years ago. The late Otis Young, former senior minister of FP, was also a valued friend and mentor.
“I have long admired the way First-Plymouth seeks to live out the heart of the gospel by loving God and loving others,” Wayne says. “It is a great joy for me to now have the opportunity to serve alongside this congregation.”
Wayne spent the first 18 years of his life in India, where his parents, Lyle and Ruth Alloway, served as Salvation Army medical missionaries. His father was a physician and his mother a nurse. Wayne attended Kodaikanal International School, a boarding school in the mountains of South India, before coming to the United States for college.
He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho, and later received his Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.
Beginning his pastoral ministry in 1984, Wayne served United Methodist congregations across Nebraska, including Scotia and Scotia Salem, Shelton, Lincoln First, and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln, where he served as senior pastor until July 2025. Throughout his ministry, Wayne has especially valued preaching, pastoral care, generosity, and helping churches communicate the grace and love of God in ways that connect with everyday life.
Wayne is married to Analise, and they have two grown children, Sarah and Peter, and four grandchildren: Wyatt, Jayde, James, and Lea.
Away from church, Wayne loves golf, is a voracious reader, and enjoys cooking Indian food, a passion that reflects the country where he spent his childhood.
Wayne is grateful for this new chapter of ministry and especially pleased that it brings him to a congregation he has respected from a distance for many years. He looks forward to getting to know the people of First-Plymouth and sharing in the life and ministry of the church.
FP South
Sundays, 9:30am at Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr)
Brunch @ FP South
2nd Sundays of each Month
Come for worship, stay for brunch!
On the second Sunday of every month, Brunch @ FP South brings us together around the table for good food, good company, and a different activity each month.
Oct 11 - Pancakes & Pumpkins immediately following worship
Enjoy pancakes made and served by our High School Youth, while kids can get creative decorating their very own pumpkin. Come enjoy a delicious breakfast, some fall fun, and time together as a church family.
Miami Arts Studio Vocal Ensemble
Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
The award-winning youth from Miami Arts Studio make their Nebraska debut.
This viral ensemble is mostly made up of Hispanic students who are all first or second generation immigrants from the Caribbean Islands, Central and South America.
Oct 4 – Was born outside of Nebraska
Oct 11 – Discover First-Plymouth? Would you like to learn more about the church, ask questions with the Pastors and more.
Oct 18 – Young Adults (19-30 years old)
Oct 25 – For foster parents, former and current foster youth, adoptive families, and anyone whose life has been touched by the foster care system.
Academic Bible Study
Jesus & The Pharisees
Sundays, Oct 4, 11, 18 & 25, 11:30am, in the Tower Room. Led by Dr. Leah Cech
We often hear about the Pharisees as the “bad guys” of the Gospels—the religious opponents who challenged Jesus at every turn. But is that really who the Pharisees were? What did the historical Pharisees actually believe, and what role did they play within the Jewish community of their time?
Join us as we explore a brand-new book that takes a closer look at the Pharisees beyond their familiar portrayal in Christian tradition.
Thank you for your donations
The Animal Ministry thanks the congregation for your generous offerings from the June Pet Blessing. $500 each was given to Dream Catchers, Shelter Me, and Second Chance Pups. Thank you for making this possible!
Pets in Need Donation Drive
Oct 5-25th. Donation barrels at the West entrance and by the door near Pilgrim Hall.
Please donate new and gently used collars, leashes, food bowls, toys, bed, cat litter, both dry and wet cat food and treats to assist Lincoln Animal Ambassadors. They assist low-income pet owners with needed assistance.
Confirmation Crash Course
Oct 4, 10:30-11:30am at FP South
Join for a lesson on the Bible and how we can engage in an ancient text. Questions? Contact tori@firstplymouth.org. Open to high school youth and adults.
Stop by God’s Garden ends October 11
Explore a selection of flowers and vegetables, available for a small donation.
Church Grounds Volunteers Needed
Calling all gardeners, please join the garden grounds crew to keep the church grounds looking beautiful! Gather on Oct 17 from 8:30 -10:30am. Bring your garden tools. Contact ccrellin@neb.rr.com
Love the Planet
A helpful tip from FP Sustainable Living Ministry and Climate Action Team
Buying local food reduces emissions. Now is your chance to visit the farmers market before the season ends!
Indigenous Working Group (IWG)
IWG brings people together to learn about Native American cultures through speakers, films, service opportunities, and community events. We seek to build meaningful relationships and support our Native American relatives in Lincoln and beyond.
Oct 22, 5:30pm in Pilgrim Hall. Candice Walahowski, member of the Ponca Center team of mental health workers will provide insight of the topic of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women as well as the effects of generational trauma known throughout the Native American community.
Offering Of Letters
Use your voice to help fight hunger at home and around the world.
On October 4, 11, and 19, stop by the hallway near the Otis Young Room to pick up an Offering of Letters packet. Write to your members of Congress and urge them to support families and children experiencing hunger and poverty.
Skills for Disagreeing Better
A Braver Angels Workshop
Oct 17, 9:30-11:30am, Art Room
A workshop on building unity—not uniformity of beliefs—and learning how to have more respectful, productive conversations across political differences. All are welcome.
FP Singles Ministry
Join our email list for monthly events. Email addie@firstplymouth.org.
Grape Expectations Church Social
Fri. Oct 23, 6:30-8:30pm, at Candance & Patt Dussault’s home. A great way to meet others who attend FP! Bring an appetizer and beverage (most bring wine) to share. RSVP for directions to Candace at cdussault50@gmail.com.
Plymouth Pride Movie Night & Costume Contest
Fri. Oct 23. Contact firstplymouthpride@gmail.com for more info.
St. Benedict Center Retreats
Looking for a time of reflection and renewal this fall? The St. Benedict Center near Schuyler, NE, offers a variety of retreats throughout the season. Learn more at St. Benedict Center. FP members with questions contact Jeanne at jeanne@firstplymouth.org
The center also has both digital and print copies of the handwritten St. John’s Bible. Contact David Crawford at decarchivist@gmail.com for info.