Herald Newsletter

Events & Announcements


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)

Focus on exploring emotions with the theme “Loving God from the Inside Out.”

Middle School Youth Group (6th-8th)

Bring a friend and meet in the gym for games, community, and 10 Minute Talks. 

ART Club | Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00pm

Join Lisa at the new time as part of WNL. Art for all ages!


Adult Programs: Contact Addie Vortherms, Program Director, addie@firstplymouth.org

Yoga

Feb 5, 12, 19 & 26, 6:15-7:30pm, Mayflower Hall. Led by Jessica Jewell, Yoga Together Lincoln. All ages and abilities including beginners are welcome. Bring a yoga mat.

Poetry in the Biblical World Continues

Feb 5-19, 6:15-7:30pm, Pilgrim Hall. Led by Dr. Jonathan Redding, Nebr. Wesleyan Univ.

When we want to know what a society was like, really like, we don’t look to artifacts or stories of war. We read their poetry. Join Dr. Redding to dive deep into Poetry of the Ancient World. We will start with poetry of the ancient levant (Egypt, Mesopotamia, and others) to set up a discussion about poetry in the Hebrew Bible. These writings tell us about the heart and soul of who wrote them, and in analyzing these poems we can better understand what it means to be human then and now.

Worrier to Warrior: Stories and Rhymes for Anxious Times

February 26, 6:15pm, Pilgrim Hall. Led by Dr. Jerry Bockoven, Psychologist. We all have an internal fortune teller who is constantly predicting future gloom and doom. Sometimes that voice helps us anticipate and avoid problems. Other times, it creates anxiety reactions like panic, perfectionism, and worry that make life more challenging than we would like. Discuss the nature of anxiety and how we can best manage it, particularly when it is overactive and problematic.

Jerry Bockoven is a native of Lincoln and holds a master’s degree in divinity and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Oregon, he has worked as a parish minister, leadership consultant, public speaker, and non-profit administrator. He was the chair of the psychology department at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Love Your Neighbor series

Continues Feb 5-26, 6:15-7:30pm, Chapel

In a time of increasing division and polarization, this series offers a refreshing, biblically grounded perspective on one of the most central commands in the Christian faith. This series invites participants to explore the timeless message of loving your neighbor—a message that remains as relevant today as it was in ancient time. Designed to inspire, challenge, and equip you to live out the radical love Jesus calls us to, fostering deeper relationships with our neighbors and working toward healing in our communities. Over the course of these sessions, we will dive into key questions that challenge and inspire us to live out this command more fully in our daily lives

Feb 5: Review of Immigration Laws in U.S. Policy

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for being informed advocates for immigrant neighbors. Explore the history, the present-day realities, and the implications of these policies on individuals and communities.

Feb 12: What Do You or a Neighbor Do if ICE Knocks on Your Door?

What rights do individuals have when facing the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)? Learn practical guidance on what to do to ensure safety and due process.

Feb 19: Immigration . . . What About the Children?

Learn tools and strategies for advocating on behalf of immigrant neighbors. We will discuss the importance of staying informed, understanding legal rights, and learning how to effectively resist harmful policies.

Feb 26: Loving God, Loving Neighbor: What the Bible Says and What Do We Do Now?

As we conclude the series, we will reflect on the relevance of Jesus’ teachings today. What does it mean to love your neighbor in the midst of today’s cultural and political challenges? How can we practically embody love in a world that is often marked by division and conflict? Together, we will explore how to move from understanding to action, answering the call to love with intention, humility, and grace.

 Events & Announcements

Free Little Pantry on the east side

(21st St) welcomes groceries and food for our community.  Sign up to fill up the pantry at:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4CAAAB2EABFC1-48067218-fpfree#/


 

Save the Date for the Pet Blessing

Annual Pet Blessing will be Sunday, June 1 at the 11:59 service. Mark your calendars now! If you’re interested in joining F-P Pet Ministry group, contact the church office.

Around and About for Young Adults

Contact tori@firstplymouth.org

HEART & SIPS SOCIAL

Looking for something fun to do on Valentine’s Day? Join Tori at Ollie’s Sake Bar from 8:00–10:00pm, Feb 14, for a casual evening of great company and good vibes! Whether you’re single, coupled up, or just looking for a good time, come sip, mingle, and enjoy the company.

Ollie’s Sake Bar (800 Q St) | 1 drink ticket per person included.

Young Adults Book Club

1st Tuesday of the Month (Feb 4) 

Join at any time as we pick a new book every month. The perfect way to get to know your community and read a good book!

We want to Hear from You!

Congregational Care Ministers would like to know if you or a family member is hospitalized and would find comfort from a visit. Contact any pastor or the church office (476-7565 or lana@firstplymouth.org).

IF YOU MOVE TO A NEW ADDRESS - call the Church and let us know. HIPAA prevents a hospital/nursing facility from telling us where you are going and sometimes even if you are in their unit. Someone can come by sing, dance, cry if need, but will bring some of God’s light along with a prayer to brighten the day.

The Reverend Jane Ellefson, a former minister at First-Plymouth passed away on January 20, 2025. She was 85 years old. She touched many lives through her devotion to a ministry in Ghana. For her full obituary visit: www.gasshaney.com/obituary/rev-jane-ellefson