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Thanksgiving Break!
WNL dinner or programs WILL NOT be held on November 27
In the midst of your busy week, join us to refuel your body, mind, and spirit with a variety of children, youth, and adult programs.
FP Kids (K-5th) & Littles (0-4)
Explore the meaning behind the Advent wreath and candles.Don’t miss this opportunity to help kids understand and participate in this special tradition!
Middle School Youth Group (6th-8th)
Meet in the Gym for games and lessons. We are finishing up with Fruits of the Spirit!
Faith Basics: Wednesday Worship 6:00-6:15pm
5 minute sermons on basic elements of our faith—like a super short Christianity 101
Adult Programs: Contact Addie Vortherms, Program Director, addie@firstplymouth.org
60 DAYS: Bible Study with Dr. Jim Keck
Nov 6, 13, 20 (skip 27th), 6:15-7:30pm, Pilgrim Hall. Our vision for our church is to immerse ourselves more deeply in the Bible while embracing our inclusive and loving spirit.
Mysticism- Exploring Spiritual Insight
Wed. Nov 6, 6:15-7:30pm, Chapel. Led by Dr. Jim Keck and Dan Klock.
Mysticism is the pursuit of a greater understanding of the divine, often transcending intellectual understanding or religious doctrine. Rooted in many spiritual traditions, it emphasizes sacred practices like meditation, prayer, or contemplation.
White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy
Nov 13, 6:15-7:30pm, Chapel. Join Pastor Juan Carlos and Church Moderator Amanda Barker as they lead a discussion on the myths that separate us, share hopes for the future, and invite you to consider your role in that future.
Land Acknowledgements: the Good, the Bad, and the Better
Sponsored by First-Plymouth’s Indigenous Working Group
Nov 20, 6:15-7:30pm, Chapel
Many UCC churches are considering writing Land Acknowledgements as statements of confession regarding Native history and intended repair with Native communities. But often, Land Acknowledgements do more harm than good. Join Rev. Stephanie Perdew, PhD, citizen of the Cherokee Nation and Director of the Damascus Project shared theological education ministry of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Conferences UCC for a presentation on best practices and things to avoid. Participants are invited to read her article, “On Native Land” in preparation for the evening: https://www.christiancentury.org/article/features/native-land
Yoga
Nov 6, 13, 20, 6:15-7:30pm, Mayflower Hall. Led by Jessica Jewell, Heart of Light Yoga. All ages and abilities including beginners are welcome. Bring a yoga mat.
Events & Announcements
Indigenous Working Group
Monthly Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month (Nov 14), 5:00pm, Otis Young Room.
Land Acknowledgements: The Good, the Bad, and the Better with Rev Stephanie Perdew. Oct 9, 6:15pm, Pilgrim Hall. Details page 5.
Spirit of Giving for Mourning Hope
A dedicated group of FP volunteers will be hosting the 5th annual ‘Spirit of Giving’ holiday event for the Mourning Hope Grief Center (a grief support for children and their families). Gift tags available in the hallway on Sundays between Nov 17 – Dec 1. These donations will allow the children to choose gifts to give their caregivers. Financial donations also welcome. If you prefer to shop online, visit https://tinyurl.com/3vmvmsse.
Board of Christian Outreach News
Upcoming First-Plymouth Opportunities to spread the Love!
The Giving Tree; Nov. 24, Dec, 1, 8, final date December 15.
Sign-up to donate for a First-Plymouth blood drive.
Laundry Love, Saturday, December 14. Volunteers Needed.
Distribute Neighborhood Gas Vouchers (TBA).
Zambia Nutrition Program Update, 2024
In 2023, the Board of Outreach allocated $5,000 to fund a much-needed new water source in the village of Siandwazi. Please know that your pledge dollars spread FP love far and wide and help to prevent malnutrition in parts of Zambia. To learn more, contact Chris Gay at 402-423-4746.
Welcome to the FP Team
Meet LeEtta Suhr, Director of Finance and Accounting
LeEtta is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, where she earned a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. In her free time, LeEtta enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family, friends, and many fur babies.
You can contact LeEtta for any financial questions including your pledge, statements, and more by emailing leetta@firstplymouth.org
Meet Roshan Eghdami, Children, Youth & Families Administrator
Roshan went to school in Northwest Georgia before moving on to run his own photography business for eight years. In their free time they enjoy writing short stories, cooking with their wife, and doting on their beloved cat.
Contact Roshan at Roshan@firstplymouth.org.
Happy Retirement Mary
Mary Graham, our cherished receptionist, retired this past October after an incredible journey with our church. Eleven years ago, she began as a dedicated volunteer, and for the past nine years, she served as the receptionist for Dimensions Education Center. When Dimensions departed from First-Plymouth in May, Mary seamlessly transitioned to continue her role as our front desk receptionist.
Throughout her time here, Mary has been a warm and welcoming presence for all who entered our doors or called on the phone. Thank you, Mary, for your commitment and service to our church. We wish you all the best as you embrace this exciting new chapter of life—retirement!
Get your First-Plymouth Merch
During the month of November our pop-up online store will be open again to purchase FP apparel.
Items will be available in December for shipping or in person pick up at Screen Ink, 1827 O St, Lincoln.
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.
Tips from the FP Sustainability Committee and Climate Action Team
For holiday gifts, try under consumerism by giving experiences (zoo or museum memberships, sports tickets), food baskets, a letter, or donations to shared charity.
Thank You Garden Volunteers
A heartfelt thank you to the church grounds/garden club crew for another successful season. A special thank you to Chino, who helped on the many hot summer days! So grateful to all.” - Candy Crellin
Grape Expectations Church Social
Meet and get to know others who attend First-Plymouth. Nov Social: Fri. November 15, 6:30pm, at Candy and Bob Campbell’s home. RSVP to camp51966@yahoo.com
Between Services Book Club
Sundays, 9:45-10:30am, Tower Room. Beginning on November 10, begin The Lord’s Prayer by Adam Hamilton. Our reading assignment will be the Introduction and the first three pages of Chapter 1.
Contact: pennylarsen66@gmail.com
Plymouth Pride Bingo
Fri. November 22, 6:30pm, Pilgrim Hall. A fun night of Bingo with our very own Church Lady. RSVP to FirstPlymouthPride@gmail.com.
Around and About – FP Young Adults
Lunch: Nov 10, 12:30-2:00pm, Mayflower Cafe.
NEW Book Club: 1st Tuesday monthly (Nov 5th – pick the first book), 6:30pm, Room 202.
Calling all Singles!
For upcoming FP Singles Ministry events, email addie@firstplymouth.org
Sponsor 2025 Altar Flowers
Sign-up on firstplymouth.org/events-calendar COST $95.
NEW! Caregivers Support Meeting
2nd Tuesday monthly at 6:00pm in Room 207. Begins Nov 12). Questions? Email Rebel Umphlett, r.umphlett@yahoo.com.
Grief Support
Tues. November 19, November 19, 6:00-7:30pm, Tower Room. Led by Lisa Borchardt, LCSW. Free, but register with addie@firstplymouth.org.
2nd Friday (November 8) 3:00pm, Calvert Parlor. Contact kj@firstplymouth.org. Group led.
Grief and the Holidays: Thurs. November 21, 6:00pm. Led by Lisa Borchardt, LCSW. Register with addie@firstplymouth.org