EASTER AT
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Lent 2025: A Journey of Discipleship through Inclusion, Joy, and Love
Lent began as an intense three-day course on what it meant to follow Christ, culminating in baptism and church membership during the Great Easter Vigil on the Saturday before Easter. In the ancient church, this was the official time when converts were baptized. Over time, those three days expanded into 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. However, the focus has remained the same: growing in discipleship, deepening our understanding of who Jesus is, what that means for us, and how we faithfully follow in his footsteps.
This year, we are focusing on three key aspects of Jesus’ ministry—Inclusion, Joy, and Love—which also shape our calling as a church.
What does it mean in today’s world to work for inclusion?
How can we find joy, even in the midst of challenges?
What does it mean to love as Christ loves?
Special Services & Sermon Series
Sundays at 10 am in person and online
March 9: Rev. Dr. Sue Coller introduces the series, reflecting on the challenge of living in ways that are not always in sync with the world. *Daylight Savings - be sure to set your clocks ahead!*
March 16: Rev. Doodle Harris explores the theme of Inclusion.
March 23: Matt Williams explores the theme of Joy.
March 30: Rev. Dr. Barbara Anne Keely explores the theme of Love.
April 6: Rev. Dr. Sue Coller concludes the series.
Palm Sunday (April 13, 10 a.m.) – Celebrate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem as we move into the events of Holy Week. (Sanctuary & Livestreamed)
Maundy Thursday (April 17, 6:15 p.m.) - Join us for a light soup dinner in Fellowship Hall, followed by Communion and a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m. (Sanctuary & Livestreamed)
Easter Sunday (April 20, 10 a.m.) – Celebrate the joy of Jesus’ resurrection and the new life made possible for us! (Sanctuary & Livestreamed)
SERMON SERIES REPLAY
Coming Soon
Meet Our Guest Preachers
Rev. Doodle Harris
Doodle moved to Hastings, Nebraska, in 2022 after living in various places along the East Coast. She is the Chaplain and Director of Service Learning at Hastings College, where she teaches Bible Survey courses as well as Faith and Pop Culture. A self-described nerdy homebody, she enjoys assembling large puzzles, winning complicated board games, and binge-watching Star Wars with her lovely family: Amanda (wife), Kathy (best friend), Sam (son), Julia (daughter), and three cats.
Matthew H. Williams
Matt is Chairman of Flatwater Bank in Gothenburg, Nebraska, continuing a four-generation family banking legacy. Since joining the bank in 1973, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including as a Nebraska State Senator (2015-2018), Chairman of the American Bankers Association (2012-2013), a member of the FDIC Advisory Committee on Community Banking, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Nebraska Innovation Campus. He holds a law degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Matt and his wife, Susan, have two children and six grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Barbara Anne Keely
Barbara Anne is a retired professor of Religious Leadership, Christian Education, and Spirituality from United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, MN. She has served as a pastor, interim pastor, and Christian Educator in multiple churches. She loves quilting, her cat, family, and friends—and holds a special place in our church community as the pastor who officiated Pastor Sue and Linda’s wedding!