Holy God, we pray today for the unity of your people, conscious of the issues that still divide us, our failure to enjoy the oneness you desire. Reach out and work in hearts everywhere, to break down barriers, to overcome prejudice, and to bring people together in genuine love and understanding. Wherever your body is broken today, Lord, make us one. Amen.

The classic phrase "Born Again" can also be translated as "born from above." American Christianity seized upon the idea of being "born again" as an individual believer but what would it mean to be "born from above?" Join Dr. Keck as he continues his exploration of the power of the Holy Spirit. Sun 9:30am | First-Plymouth East, Kloefkorn Elementary School (6601 Glassridge Dr) Sun 1:30pm | First-Plymouth, 20th & D

Tom Trenney, FP Minister of Music will be sharing the sermon "Breaking Down the Walls of Privilege" this weekend on Saturday at 5:30pm and Sunday at 9:00am, 10:30am*, 1:30pm at 20th & D. Watch a preview below. *The 10:30am service will be livestreamed here on Facebook, tune in! #lovefirstplymouth

Tom Trenney, FP Minister of Music will share this weekend's sermon "Breaking Down the Walls of Privilege." Watch live at 10:30am on Sunday right here on Facebook. God does not draw the boundaries we create between nations and races and classes and religions and genders, separating us from one another. Christ envisions a world where there are no strangers to fear, only neighbors to love-- a peaceable kingdom where the wolf and the lamb lie down together. Our worship will offer a fervent prayer that unity and peace can come, not from a wall built high to shield us from one another, but from a higher calling that God has planted within each of us to break down the walls to love one another.

WATCH ›› "Spiritus Sanctus" with Pastor Jim Keck.

First Plymouth Love. In a New Way. We are blessed to have a strong, inspirational leader in Jim Keck. We never want to take that fact for granted (although he enthusiastically expresses his intent to remain here.) In an effort to position F-P for future success in leadership recruitment, and to express our appreciation for Dr. Keck’s contributions to First-Plymouth, a new initiative was created. A little more than a year ago, the Board of Trustees voted to support, endorse and introduce a new initiative. Its working title is: The Senior Minister Retention/Recruitment Plan. We now have legal agreements and core donations in place to bring this concept to life. Initial funds were generated from past F-P moderators, past and current trustees and previous key F-P supporters. Here are the three main reasons this fund was established: 1. Provide an incentive for our senior minister to remain our senior minister until he retires, with financial support for his retirement. There is a vesting clause outlining the “stay” incentive. 2. Express our gratitude and appreciation for the contributions our senior minister has made to First-Plymouth Church, as well as to our congregation, our individual members and our community. 3. Establish this ongoing fund to be used to recruit and retain our next senior minister when that time comes. (At the risk of over-using NU football as an example, a senior minister search for First-Plymouth is national in scope. Just like coaching.) Things you’ll want to know. These funds remain the assets of First-Plymouth up until and throughout the payout disbursements. If our senior minister (Jim) leaves prior to the agreed upon time line, F-P retains the money. A team of F-P members who are also very well-experienced financial and legal professionals provided dozens and dozens of hours of expertise to generate the plan as well as the legal documents needed to define the agreement between F-P and Jim Keck. That group was made up of Stephanie Dinger, Jenni Lesoing, Jim Pittenger, Jeff Johnson, Jeff Greenwald, Tom Henning, and Rich Vierk. All of us owe them thanks for their time, talent and support of this effort. Should you wish, you can be a part of this. Contributions can be sent to Kristin Buntemeyer, Kristin@ firstplymouth.org; 402-475-7565. Checks should be made out to First-Plymouth Church. Please note that your contribution is for the Senior Minister Retention/Recruitment Fund. Thanks for your consideration of this effort that goes beyond your generous support of our annual budget needs. I’m confident that you feel First-Plymouth Church is very special. We’ve just completed our most successful year. Our congregation is growing. Our programs and services are expanding. Attendance is at an all-time high. Our programs for kids have been renewed and are expanding. I recognize that we have recently completed the most successful pledge drive in our church history (thanks to you), and that supporting this in addition to what you already do for our mission is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you choose to be a part of this initiative or not, many, many thanks to you for all you do as a part of First-Plymouth. You should be proud. Call or email me if you have questions. Thanks. Jim Lauerman, Moderator jlauerman@baileylauerman.com 402-525-9700

This weekend we welcome Jay Wilkinson to FP at our 11:59 worship service. #lovefirstplymouth

This weekend we welcome Jay Wilkinson to FP. He will be speaking at our 11:59 service. Listen below as Pastor Jim an Jay talk about what is in store for the weekend.

The minister opens the doors and hopes a congregation will gather. And then the Holy Spirit makes it happen.

Spirit of Life, Fill our emptiness with the fullness. Spirit of Power, Stir our hearts afresh. Spirit of Love, Touch us, and through us, touch our neighbor. Spirit of Creation, Enable and empower the unique gifts you have given to each of us. Draw us ever deeper into your Kingdom and transform our lives with your radiant light. Amen.

Did you miss "Just a Closer Walk" last Sunday? Be sure to watch until the end. #lovefirstplymouth