Global Perspectives: America First - Then and Now

In person and livestream • 3:00 PM • February 8 & 15, March 1 & 8
In the United States in the past there was an American First Committee, highly active before the Second World War. It was popular especially in the interior of the country. Its two major themes were isolationism, or commitment to fortress America, and anti-Semitism, or anti-foreign sentiment especially focused on Jews who were seen as un-American.  

As Donald J. Trump moved from the business world to that of politics, he resurrected the slogan of “America First”.  Many of his supporters seemed to be isolationists or something similar.  They seemed to particularly dislike “forever wars” in Vietnam and Afghanistan, as well as foreign aid and entangling alliances. Likewise, many of his followers appeared to be nativists (prioritizing the native born, especially White Christians) and critical of the growing number of foreigners seeking entry to the United States.  

The question of anti-Semitism and Donald Trump is a much more complex topic than anti-Semitism in the days of the American First Committee involving Charles Lindbergh and Henry Ford. This series examines the similarities and differences in the America First movements, then and now. It also considers relevant linked issues such as increased tariffs in trade, arguably designed to prioritize American economic interests.


Sunday, February 8
LIVESTREAM LINK
3:00 – 4:30 PM
Sean Trundle, UNL associate professor of practice, History, will give a historical introduction to the topic.​
Sean Trundle, UNL History, has his Ph.D. from the U. of Hawaii-Manoa. His primary focus is US cultural history. Among his particular interests are digital developments and most other aspects of modern American history post-civil war.

Sunday, February 15
LIVESTREAM LINK
3:00 – 4:30 PM
Uche Jarrett, UNL associate professor of practice, Economics, will analyze the leading economic issues today for the US concerning national growth, trade, and tariffs in historical perspective.
Uchechukwu Jarrett, UNL Economics, has his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His primary interests are US economic growth, development, and trade. He has special interests in energy and environmental economics. Risk and trade is a special focus.

Sunday, March 1
LIVESTREAM LINK
3:00 – 4:30 PM
Emira Ibrahimpasic, UNL associate professor of practice in Global Studies, and Julia Reilly, UNL assistant professor of practice in Global Studies and Human Rights, will address the leading social issues stemming from the America First theme, especially immigration and deportations.
Emira Ibrahimpasic has her Ph.D. from the U. of New Mexico. Trained in Anthropology, she has broad interests including women’s studies, global studies, and colonialism and its aftermath, including attention to the Islamic world. Her current interests focus on refugees.
Julia Reilly has her Ph.D. from UNL. With an orientation toward politics and human rights, she is especially interested in accountability for human rights violations, with special attention to both the end of civil wars and genocide. She is currently interested in refugee resettlement in the American Midwest.
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Sunday, March 8
LIVESTREAM LINK
3:00 – 4:30 PM
David Forsythe, UNL emeritus professor of Political Science, will discuss Trump’s foreign policy in historical perspective, including isolationism, unilateralism, and Israel.
David Forsythe has his Ph.D. from Princeton. He is a long-time analyst of international human rights and humanitarian affairs. His recent interests focus on the role of the International Red Cross in conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine.
 

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Unitarian Church of Lincoln (UCL) Art Gallery • Featured Art: Fiber Works • February 2026

Fiber Works is a group of fiber artists from Lincoln and the surrounding area that was organized in 2009. The artists enjoy working together to expand their knowledge and push the boundaries of their creativity.  
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The February exhibit features fiber artists Sheila Green, Dorothy Heidemann-Nelson, and Lynne O’Rourke, highlighting their Improv Round Robin and Affirmation quilts. The cat is part of the Affirmation group, and the other quilt is by the Improv Round Robin. 

​ARTIST’S RECEPTION • Sunday, February 1 • 12:30 - 2:00 PM 
Join us in the Gallery to meet and greet the artists and learn more about their work.

UU Pen Pals partners youth with adults in our church community. Exchange notes, poetry, art, and fun clues about yourself on five Sundays: January 25 - February 22. Then meet your new friend at the UU Pen Pals Luncheon on Sunday, March 1, after the service. To sign up, fill out the online form or complete a paper form at church. For more information, email Kim.

​Join us for Intergenerational Fun! 

Wednesday, December 24 at 5:30 PM in the Sanctuary and Livestream

Join us in candlelight anticipation for the rebirth of the world. Rev. A.J. will lead us in contemplation and singing. (All-ages service)

Sun, Dec 21 • 10:00 AM • Sanctuary or Livestream
Worship Leader: Rev. A. J. Galazen, Worship Associates: Jason Slaughter & members of the Order of the Red Grail, Music: John Lozier, harp & Lindsay Bartlett, flute
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On the shortest day of the year, we honor the darkness and welcome the return of the light. A service filled with stories, songs, and candles in cooperation with the Order of the Red Grail. We will end the service with a spiral dance lead by Lindsay Bartlett.

Each year our members vote for ten organizations for the Share the Plate program. Once a month we are joined by a representative for that month's recipient.
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Our Share the Plate recipient for October 2025 is The Indian Center. We will send The Indian Center any monies received electronically during the month, as well as checks given to the office with "Share the Plate" written in the memo line.

For more ways to DONATE, click HERE.

Friday, Nov. 7 - 5:30 - 8:30 PM, and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 AM - 6 PM

There will be a table of UUnique items all offered by Unitarian Church of Lincoln members and friends!

Do all of the proceeds from the UUnique table and the Raffle go to UCL?  YES!

Each Handmade Harvest vendor donates a $25 item for the raffle. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. You don't need to be present to win! The drawing is at 5:30 PM on Saturday Nov. 8.

It's the perfect time to do some early holiday shopping!

Help us spread the word! Pick up postcards from the office or the newcomer table and share them with your friends. Or share the event page from the Handmade Harvest Facebook page!

BREAK BARRIERS, BUILD BELIEFS (B4) 
Sat, Nov 1 • 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM 
This workshop is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent bias in searching for our new minister.  All congregational leaders, members, and friends are encouraged to attend. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please let us know if you need childcare. You can register to attend at https://tinyurl.com/UCL-B4-Sign-Up 

Lastly, please complete the B4 survey, even if you are not able to attend the workshop:
SURVEY

More information about upcoming events on the MSC page.

Pledge letter mailed 10/2/25:
You might have been at one of the town halls before our 2025 spring congregational meeting. Elle and Christine shared a lot of good news at those gatherings. Did you know that during our last pledge drive, we had a net increase across all pledges of $40,249?

That’s because:

• 109 households increased their pledges by $49,045 for a total $269,278 in pledges
•   59 households maintained a total of $96,090 in pledges
•   17 households decreased by $8,796, but were able to pledge $23,474
•   11 discontinued pledges totaling $5,020

The best thing about that increase was that it was across many households. And, it moved the needle in a couple more important ways:

• the average increase was $363/household (it was $10/household for the past decade).
• we made progress in a healthier distribution of pledges (read more in this brochure).

As we prepare to choose our next settled minister, it is critical to keep sowing seeds of abundance. With a new staffing model and clear eyes on an abundant and sustainable future, we are well-positioned.

Thankfully, we are an economically diverse community at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln. 

Maybe:

• you have never made a financial pledge to the church. 
• you have grown your financial pledge steadily over time.
• you are able and willing to pledge 3% of your gross income for the very first time.
• you are able and willing to pledge more than 3% of your gross income.
• you will have to reduce your financial pledge this year for reasons private to you.
• you wish you could make a financial pledge, but simply can’t.

If you have pledged 3% (or more) of your gross income in the past, and are able, please maintain your pledge. If you haven’t done so yet and are able, make that transition this year. Thank YOU!

Abundantly,

Your Pledge Team (Christine, Elle, Karen, Alysa, Jean, Wendy, Jason, and Carrie)

​If you have any questions, please contact a member of 2026 PLEDGE TEAM

Pledge Drive Co-Chair - Christine Davis
[email protected]

Pledge Drive Co-Chair - Elle Straatmann
[email protected] 

Treasurer - Karen Heafer
[email protected]

Vice-Treasurer - Alysa Haack
[email protected] 

You may also leave a voicemail message in the church office 402.483.2213 and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.


IF YOU WISH TO TAKE ACTION AND PLEDGE NOW: USE THIS LINK.