First Free Church
Created to Connect (Week 1)
Adam Bowers
Locations & Times
First Free Church
1375 Carman Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:45 AM
Welcome!
If you’re new, welcome! We’re so glad you’re with us today, and we’d love to get to know you! Please connect with us at efree.org/connect! You can also stop by the Welcome Center in the west entrance to fill out a Connect Card and get a free gift.
https://www.efree.org/connectBack Together
We are so excited about our focus for 2023 - Back Together! Check out efree.org/backtogether for more details and to download the Bible reading plan, sign up to host or attend a Dinner Together, and subscribe to our podcasts!
https://efree.org/backtogether/Women's Fall Bible Studies
Ready for some connection with other women this fall? Join us for a Bible study. These classes are designed to encourage you in your faith, build relationships, and grow closer in your walk with the Lord. Studies begin September <b>12th & 13th</b>.
https://efree.org/women/Men's Bible Study
Join our Wednesday night (6:30 - 8 pm) men’s group this fall as we study the book of Deuteronomy! The study begins <b>September 13th</b>.
https://efree.org/men/Red Cross Blood Drive
There are lots of small things that we can do to make the world a better place – like giving blood! It only takes about an hour, and you can save up to 3 lives with your donation. Make an appointment to give during our drive on <b>September 21st</b> by clicking below.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=FirstFreeChurchPastor of Family Ministries Candidate
We are excited for our church family to meet Kyle Howard, our candidate for Pastor of Family Ministries. To learn more about Kyle and the candidate process, click below. <br> We will hold multiple forums to allow our congregation and volunteers to meet Kyle, learn more about his heart for family ministry, and ask questions. <br> There will be forums specifically for Kid Connection and Student Ministries volunteers – if you are in those groups, you will receive an invitation from your ministry leader. <br> <b>The open congregational forums are on Saturday, September 23rd, in Room 341, at 10 am and 4:30 pm.</b>
https://efree.org/candidate/Bridge of Hope Service Saturday
On <b>September 23rd</b>, First Free will be sending some folks over to Bridge of Hope in The Ville for a Service Saturday! Bridge of Hope is one of our local ministry partners, and we’ll be helping them maintain their building and grounds so that they can continue ministering to the people in their community who need their help.
https://efree.org/event/bridge-of-hope-service-saturday/Baptism
Join us for an evening baptism celebration on <b>September 24th</b>. If you'd like to be baptized, please register at efree.org/baptism. We hope to see our whole church family there to celebrate with the people being baptized!
https://efree.org/baptism/Mission Community Lunch
We’re hosting a Mission Community Lunch on<b> October 1st </b>with a super special guest – a former recipient of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. We’ll get to learn more about the Operation Christmas Child organization and how the gifts impact the children that receive them. Join us for lunch in the Activity Center – please register below!
https://efree.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/18262722024 Short-Term Teams Informational Meeting
Come and learn about the options for Short–Term Missions Teams in 2024!<br>Find out about our trips to Kenya, Greece, Peru, and other options for college students through Apex. Updates on Ironton and our Crisis Response trip to Kentucky will also be provided.<br><br>This informal gathering will be held on <b>October 15th</b> in the chapel after each service and will begin as soon as possible after the conclusion of the worship service.
Pinecrest
The 2023 Pinecrest Family Retreat is <b>October 27-29</b>! Join us for a weekend of fellowship and fun! Learn more and register below!
https://efree.org/pinecrest/Membership Class
Our membership class covers the basics of spiritual growth, the history and doctrine of our church, and the benefits and expectations accompanying membership. Our next class is in November - sign up below!
https://efree.org/membership/Newsboys
Newsboys are one of the biggest bands in Christian music history, having sold more than 10 million records across 23 recordings and garnering boundless accolades, including 1 RIAA® Double Platinum certification and 8 Gold certifications, 33 #1 radio hits, four GRAMMY® nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. We are excited to be welcoming them to First Free on <b>November 16th!</b> Get all of the details and buy tickets at the link below!
https://efree.org/event/newsboys-let-the-music-speak-tour/Bridge of Hope Tutoring
Right now, the two elementary schools nearest Bridge of Hope in north St. Louis city have only a 4-6% reading proficiency rate, but you can help improve that number. If you’ve been looking for a tangible way to impact the lives of others during the pandemic, we’ve got a great one for you! Bridge of Hope has created an online tutoring program to help these children learn to read. It only takes 40 minutes, twice a week, and the impact can last a lifetime. <br><br>Bridge of Hope provides the curriculum and training you need to be successful.<br><br><b>To learn more about how you can get involved and help change a life, email robin@bridgeofhopestl.org. </b>
Groups
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul encourages believers to “share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Life can be hard sometimes, and we aren’t meant to go it alone - we’re meant to do it as part of a group. If you're interested in joining or starting a Group, check out efree.org/groups!
https://www.efree.org/groupsChurch Center App and Directory
<b>Church Center</b> is a hub for First Free - you can manage giving, find a group, reserve your spot for a Sunday service, and more. The app also has a directory! Download the app, go to your profile and ‘My Directory Settings’ and choose the information you’d like included in the Directory. If you need help, email directory@efree.org.
http://www.efree.org/directoryLibrary Open!
The library is back open for business before and after the 11 am in-person service on Sundays (hooray for books!). <br><br>Please be sure to return the books you already have out, even if the library is technically closed when you are there. There's a slot in the security gate where books can be placed. When in the library, please keep your masks on and s
RightNow Media
We wanted to remind you that RightNow Media has thousands of videos for your kids and loads of Bible studies for you to help you stay grounded in your faith during all of this stay at home time. We’re giving you free access to the RightNow Media library, so head over to efree.org/rightnowmedia to learn more and get signed up.
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/firstfreechurchPhotography Team
We’re looking for volunteers to join our Photography Team! To get involved, fill out the form at efree.org/phototeam.
http://www.efree.org/phototeamMessages
Our sermons and Preparing for Worship emails are now available as podcasts!
http://www.efree.org/messages