Strong Communities Luncheon
April 08, 2025 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
1040 P Street, Lincoln, NE, USA
Available for Purchase
About our Speakers
Juan Carlos Huertas is the Minister of Proclamation & Practice of Justice at First-Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, NE, and a graduate of Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Before his position at First-Plymouth, Juan Carlos served congregations throughout the state of Louisiana for sixteen years. A native of Puerto Rico, he is passionate about helping congregations get reconnected to their neighborhoods, about a decolonized church, and about worship that expresses the human need for ritual and spiritual community in the messiness of life. Juan Carlos loves writing and speaking about discipleship as empowerment to transform our neighborhoods, cities, and world. He is married to Shannon Huertas, a psychotherapist, and they have three adolescent children. In his spare time Juan Carlos enjoys cooking, listening to salsa music, and reading a good book.
Willie Miller's journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of purpose. A standout fullback for the Nebraska Huskers in 1999-2000, Willie excelled both on and off the field, earning multiple academic honors and recognition for community service. However, life after football brought profound struggles, including addiction, homelessness, and personal loss. Determined to rebuild, Willie embraced recovery and pursued a nursing degree, graduating from Creighton University. In 2024, his exceptional care earned him the prestigious Daisy Award, honoring his compassion and dedication to patients. Despite life's challenges, Willie continues to inspire others, proving that with faith, perseverance, and openness to change, redemption is always within reach.