The Herald Newsletter
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Issue 7 I July 2026
The Lord is My Light and My Salvation
Special Worship with Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock featuring Melanie DeMore and Jennaya Robison
Sunday, July 19 | 9:00, 10:30, & 11:57am
Join us for a special Sunday of worship as First-Plymouth welcomes distinguished guests from this year’s Sing Your Faith music retreat. Following a weekend of inspiration and learning through music and faith, we are honored to welcome Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock as our guest preacher, along with Melanie DeMore and Jennaya Robison.
Rev. Pitts-Murdock serves as Senior Pastor of Light of the World Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis and is known for her dynamic leadership, thoughtful preaching, and commitment to spiritual growth and excellence. Since becoming Senior Pastor in 2020, she has helped lead the congregation through a season of renewal while making history as the first woman to serve in the role in the church’s 154-year history.
Come experience a meaningful morning of worship shaped by powerful preaching, inspiring music, and the spirit of Sing Your Faith. All are welcome.
Compline
Sunday, July 12, 7:00-7:30pm, Sanctuary
Ancient Worship for the modern soul
Into the Stillness Pre-Compline series
Yoga
July 12, 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.
Hot Times in the Summertime
Our Stephen Ministers are here for you!
As summer ramps up, there will be times when we feel overwhelmed… trying to adjust to a new summer schedule … trying to figure out day care… trying to get done the things our bodies no longer can do. Summers can also be a time of chaos and grief, health challenges, and disappointments. Changes in life are hard. You do not need to feel alone. First-Plymouth has Stephen Ministers ready and willing to walk with you through the challenges of life. If life starts to swirl, please reach out to Pastor KJ Langlais at kj@firstplymouth.org and ask for a Stephen Minister who will confidentially meet with you each week.
Music + Message
Summer Courtyard Series
6:00pm - 7:30pm in the Courtyard
Live music & A Message from the Pastors
FREE ice cream treats | FREE balloon animals | FREE face painting
Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets!
FREE family Fun for all ages!
In the event of rain or high temperatures, the event will be relocated to Pilgrim Hall.
Become a Part of First-Plymouth
Have you been joining us for Sunday services and wondering what’s next? We invite you to take the next step and make First-Plymouth your church home. Come learn more about our community, our values, and what it means to become a member. July 22, at 5:30pm in Calvert Parlor. RSVP to julie@firstplymouth.org
Could you survive 46 days alone at sea?
Anybody, Everybody invites you to a special community event featuring history-making Nebraskan, Taryn Ann Smith. Sat July 11 (Social at 5:15pm, Talk from 5:30–6:00pm) in Mayflower Hall (lower level)
Before signing up for the “World’s Toughest Row,” Taryn had never rowed a day in her life. Three years later, she became the first American woman to solo row across the Atlantic Ocean. She’ll be sharing the raw, unfiltered reality of her 3,000-mile journey—the isolation, the wild beauty of the sea, and the sheer mental grit it took to pull through.
The program will leave you ready to tackle your own biggest dreams.
Drop-In Summer Choir
We will gather at 9:45 a.m. on these Sundays (right) over the summer for an impromptu and fun warm-up rehearsal in preparation to lead hymn singing and to offer the anthem for the 10:30 a.m. service. Everyone is welcome, even if they have never been in one of our choirs before. We will not wear robes, and there is no official dress code. No registration or rehearsal required. Please drop in and join us whenever you can, and invite family members and friends who might enjoy singing along!
July 5- My Shepherd Will Supply My Need- arr. Howard Helvey (with trombone)
July 26- Dereva ni mungu- Jake Runestad (with percussion)
August 2- Draw the Circle Wide- Mark Miller (Ariel Merivil, guest conductor)
August 16- The Storm is Passing Over- arr. Barbara Baker (with jazz combo)
August 23- Alabaré- arr. Ronald Nelson (with percussion)
August 30- And Jesus Said- Tony Alonso (with cello)
More than 120 cars came through the gas station as volunteers from First-Plymouth’s JustNeighbors ministry provided free gas to neighbors in need. From distributing vouchers throughout the neighborhood to pumping gas, washing windshields, and offering a friendly greeting, our volunteers shared kindness and care in tangible ways.
Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to make this ministry possible. Small acts of generosity make a big difference, and together we helped fill more than just gas tanks—we helped fill hearts with hope.
Interested in joining JustNeighbors Ministry? Email addie@firstplymouth.org
Sundays 11:30am | Otis Young Room
A brief meet-up for those who share an interest or experience—a great way to get to know other FP’ers.
June 28: Joined First-Plymouth in the last year?
Meet others who are also getting connected and finding their place.
July 5: Military Family?
Connect with others who understand military life.
July 12: Recently retired?
Connect with others discovering what this new season of life can hold.
July 19: Gardeners
Share ideas, tips, and stories from the garden.
July 26: Walkers/Outdoor Enthusiasts
Connect with others who enjoy fresh air, movement, and being outside.
Marissa Mark has recently joined our Music Ministry department at First-Plymouth. Her new role is to be the Music Ministry and Abendmusik administrative assistant. Stop by and say hello, or you can email marissa@firstplymouth.org.
Grief Support
2nd Friday (July 10) 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Group led.
As you clean out your closets and garages, save all of your old electronics for the annual electronic recycling Sunday, to be set in September TBD.
God’s Garden Returns This Summer
Sunday mornings through October 11,. Explore a beautiful selection of fresh flowers, garden vegetables and more available for a small donation. If you have extra produce or flowers from your own garden to share, donations are welcome. All proceeds support the Sustainable Living Ministry.
Garden and Grounds Volunteers Needed
Help us keep the church grounds beautiful all summer. Contact Candy ccrellin@neb.rr.com Bring your own tools.
Sat July 18, 8:30-10:30am
Sat August 15, 8:30-10:30am
Food Distribution Volunteers Needed. Join The Team!
Join the FP team on the first Saturday of each month as we partner with the Food Bank of Lincoln to help distribute food to neighbors in need. We are one of the largest food distribution sites in Lincoln, welcoming nearly 800 cars each month. Volunteers assist with greeting guests, organizing food, and helping make the morning run smoothly. There are a few requirements to serve in this role. To learn more email Ron at nu5527@hotmail.com.
FP Singles Ministry
Join our email list for monthly events. Email addie@firstplymouth.org.
First-Plymouth is Hiring
Part-time Custodians. Email adam@firstplymouth.org for details.
The Tool Library is Now Open
First-Plymouth is proud to partner with NeighborWorks on the new Tool Library, housed at The Hope House at First-Plymouth. An opportunity for the neighborhood to come check out a tool or two to use and return when your project is finished. For more information and the hours visit https://nwlincoln.org/our-work/cb/toollibrary.html
Anybody, Everybody’s Annual Summer Camp
This summer, participants in Anybody, Everybody, led by Rev. Cathy Gebers, returned to Camp Joy Holling for a fun-filled week of summer camp in June. The week included kayaking, crafts, hayrides, and plenty of opportunities for friendship, worship, and joy. All are welcome to join Anybody, Everybody worship held each Saturday at 5:15pm in Mayflower Hall.
Star City Pride
First-Plymouth was a proud sponsor for this year’s Star City Pride Festival & Parade. Thank you to all who joined the church in the parade or stopped by the church booth at the family festival.
Blessing of the Animals 2026
Paws, blessings, and community! Thank you to all who joined us for our annual Blessing of the Animals service—and a special thank you to our four-legged friends who made the day extra joyful!