The Herald Newsletter
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Issue 12 I December 2024
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Christmas - Join Us For Worship
Monday, December 23
1:00pm
A Light Within the Darkness A service for those who have lost a loved one or are weary and heavy-burdened during this holiday season.
7:00pm
Christmas Eve-Eve Worship, Sanctuary. A vibrant and upbeat service featuring Josh Hoyer & the Soul Colossal Band that will have you dancing in your seat.
Tuesday, December 24
11:00am
Christmas worship for young children (ages 3-7) and their families in Mayflower Hall
Noon & 1:30pm
Simple, joyful celebration of lessons and carols in the Chapel.
3:00pm
Classic Christmas pageant for children of all ages.
4:00pm FP SOUTH, Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr)
Christmas worship perfect for families and friends of all ages! *Accessible parking.
5:00pm
Family-friendly service with spirited music led by our youth orchestra and choir.
7:00 & 9:00pm
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.
Digital, Television, & Radio
Digital Worship 9:00am on firstplymouth.org, Facebook and YouTube.
Livestream online at 7:00pm.
Tune into the television broadcast at Midnight on FOX 42.
KFOR 1240 AM radio aired at 7:00pm
Advent: Fear Not..For Behold!
December 1, 8, 15, & 22 At all services at First-Plymouth and FP South
Advent is a four-week season in the Church dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or “advent,” of Jesus. Join us in worship as we celebrate this time with reflections on hope, peace, love, and joy.
Sunday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. (livestreamed and in-person)
Monday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. (in-person only)
Experience the wonder of the Christmas story and hear the comforting message of the angels, sung by the Plymouth Choir, accompanied by the Plymouth Ringers and Abendmusik Orchestra.
A fundraiser for Lincoln Littles
Co-sponsored by Mike Fultz & Linda Schwartzkopf Fultz, Cary & Debbie Wheeland in honor of Lorraine (Lou) Lau, and Dr. Andrew F. & Elizabeth U. Thompson in honor of their daughter Anne Thompson, MD, MPH, with the support of Denny & Arlene Van Horn and Cindy & Chad Mohr.
First-Plymouth has 25 spots for walkers. Sign up today!
Registration required with addie@firstplymouth.org
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)
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.
New 4:00pm Christmas Eve worship on Dec 24th!
Tuesday, December 31 at 7:00 p.m.
Livestreamed at abendmusik.org/livestream
Ring in the New Year with the Plymouth Brass and Plymouth Ringers who welcome you to a festive celebration of toe-tapping marches and holiday classics to greet 2025!
A fundraiser for Cause Collective. Sponsored by the Ruth Marie Amen Performing Arts Fund
Co-sponsored by Chuck & Mary Ann Erickson and the Levick Legacy Society with the support of Rosalind Carr
Sixty straight days of Bible study at FP Continues in October
This series with Dr. Jim Keck wraps up in December. Join us for one last week of classes:
Mon Dec 2, 5:15pm, Calvert Parlor
Tues Dec 3, Noon, Calvert Parlor
Wed Dec 4, 6:15pm, Pilgrim Hall
Thurs Dec 5, Noon, Choir Room
Fri Dec 6, Noon, ZOOM online firstplymouth.org/60days.
Deck the Trees with Love and Heritage This Holiday Season!
The Music & Fine Arts Board invites you to participate in two cherished traditions at First-Plymouth by decorating our Remembrance Tree and Heritage Tree.
Remembrance Tree: Honor the memory of a loved one by adding a cardinal ornament to this meaningful display in the Prayer Room.
Heritage Tree: Celebrate the vibrant community of First-Plymouth by adding a silver, blue, gold, or white ornament to the tree in the main hallway.
‘Tis The Season . . .
Oh, there is so much packed into the December season from joy, excitement, anticipation, beauty, worship, music, sounds, lights, and events. Yet, in this season we also find stress, loneliness, disappointment, sadness, regret, grief, and depression. As with all of life, we ebb and flow through seasons of emotions and challenges.
This season, while you may experience a wide array of feelings, make an intentional effort to remain balanced. When life is hard, go to a concert, attend events at church, listen to music, call a friend, take a walk even inside a building, or turn on the lights both in your home and within your faith. The light of Christ is available all the time, not just for a season. As we celebrate the season of Advent with Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, find ways to seize those elements each day in your life. Light a candle. Let it be love.
There are so many opportunities to engage in the season at First-Plymouth by attending in person or watching online. We have grief groups, we have Stephen Ministers you can visit with, we have volunteer opportunities. ‘Tis the Season to deepen your faith and find the joy of fellowship. May you find God’s hope, peace, joy and love in all of your days.
Many blessings,
KJ Langlais, Minister of Congregational Care | kj@firstplymouth.org
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Tues Dec 3, 10, 17, 9:30-11:00am, Calvert Parlor. Led by Carolyn Zeisset
Enigmas in Christmas Music: Where Did Those Words Come From?
Advent with Our Christian and Jewish Neighbors Academic Bible Study
Led by Leah Cech. Sundays, Dec 1, 8, 15, 11:30am-12:30pm, Tower Room.
Join us for three sessions focused on biblical passages held sacred by both Jews and Christians. How does each religious community read and interpret these stories? Learning multiple means of interpretation will enable us to see these meanings coexist as each of us strives to be peaceful neighbors to those who orient themselves differently around religion.
We need your help
It’s not too late to make your pledge commitment in support of the 2025 budget by completing your pledge. Visit online at firstplymouth.org/giving or email LeEtta@firstplymouth.org, or call 402-476-7565.
2024 Contribution Deadlines
Walk-ins Dec 30, Noon
Mail postmarked & stock transfers Dec 27
Grief Support
Tues. Dec 17, 6:00-7:30pm, Tower Room. Led by Lisa Borchardt, LCSW.
2nd Friday (Dec 13) 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Group led.
Lenten Devotional Book
First-Plymouth Church is looking for volunteers to write a brief reflection for the 2025 Lenten Devotional Booklet. Please consider offering your voice, anyone can write for the booklet. For details, contact Dale Hauptmeier at dale.hauptmeier@gmail.com or text/call (402) 429-1371.
Grape Expectations Church Social
Meet and get to know others who attend FP! Sat December 7, 6:30-9:00pm, at Candace & Pat Dussault’s home. Bring an appetizer and beverage (most bring wine) to share. RSVP for directions to cdussault50@gmail.com.
Plymouth Pride Christmas Party
Fri, Dec 13, 6:30pm Pilgrim Hall. A cookie exchange, ugly Christmas sweater contest and a white elephant gift exchange (all optional). RSVP to FirstPlymouthPride@gmail.com.
FP Singles Christmas Party
Sun. Dec 8, 6:00-7:15pm, Calvert Parlor. Open to all singles! Food, music, and games! RSVP by emailing addie@firstplymouth.org to help with the food count.
Do you enjoy photography?
We are looking for a handful of volunteer photographers that we can occasionally assign photo projects (capturing an event, worship service, etc.) Must provide you own camera. Email addie@firstplymouth.org for more info.
Sponsor 2025 Altar Flowers
Cost: $95. Sign-up on firstplymouth.org/events-calendar
