First Free Church
Agents of H.O.P.E.
Kevin Krosley
Locations & Times
First Free Church
1375 Carman Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:45 AM
The Examen
by Ignatius
Be Still: Focus on the fact that God is present.
Give Thanks: Be thankful for every gift and difficulty.
Reflect: Reflect on your emotions and actions.
Pray: Pray with confidence and boldness.
Hope: Look towards tomorrow with hope.
by Ignatius
Be Still: Focus on the fact that God is present.
Give Thanks: Be thankful for every gift and difficulty.
Reflect: Reflect on your emotions and actions.
Pray: Pray with confidence and boldness.
Hope: Look towards tomorrow with hope.
“Where is the hope? The hope that each of us have, is not in who governs us, or what laws are passed, or what great things we do as a nation. Our hope is in the power of God working through the hearts of people. And that’s where our hope is in this country. And that’s where our hope is in this life.” - Chuck Colson
“Hope . . . means . . . a continual looking forward to the eternal world. . . . It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. . . . It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth “thrown in”: aim at earth and you will get neither.” - C.S. Lewis
Database and Directory
We’re building a digital directory that will launch in early 2020 and we need your help to make sure our information is up to date! If you’d like to be in the Directory, please opt-in at www.efree.org/directory. If you prefer to not be in the directory, please still update your profile - it helps us to communicate more effectively with you!
http://www.efree.org/directorySnow Removal Team
We need a team we can call on to help us clear sidewalks and walkways after a snowfall! To join the team, sign up below!
http://www.efree.org/snowTake Back Black Friday
Each year, we encourage our church family to spend less so that we can give more. Our yearly Take Back Black Friday offering has been used to support people in need of mercy and grace wherever we find them - whether in Lebanon, Burkina Faso, or in our own neighborhood. This year, funds raised will be split between two projects: Bridge of Hope Ministries in north St. Louis city, and Jireh Ministries in India. We'll be accepting donations through December 31. Follow the link below to give!
https://www.efree.org/blackfriday/Women's Bible Studies
Make getting closer to God your New Year's Resolution! We have some great studies this winter - check them out and register at efree.org/women.
https://www.efree.org/womenIF:Gathering Local
First Free is excited to be hosting a presentation of the 2020 IF Gathering! Join us on February 28th and 29th to tune out all of the noise and chaos of the world around us and focus completely on Jesus. This is a great opportunity for women in our congregation and community to come together in community to worship and learn together. You can learn more and register at efree.org/events.
https://www.efree.org/event/ifgathering-local/Thorn Tour 2020
The Thorn is a visually dynamic and heart-stirring theatrical portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not your average Passion play, The Thorn combines martial arts, aerial acrobatics and emotionally powerful performances that have been engaging audiences across the US for over 20 years. There will be 3 showings of this amazing production - Friday, March 27 at 8 pm, Saturday, March 28 at 2 pm, and Sunday, March 29 at 2 pm. Get tickets below!
https://www.efree.org/thornPhotography 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/phototeamAWANA volunteers needed!
Our AWANA ministry is booming! We have 14 kids on the waitlist and need more adult volunteers. If you have free time on Wednesday evenings and a heart for children, please contact awana@efree.org for information on serving!
Groups at First Free
Groups at First Free are a place to belong. Groups provide an environment for discipleship and study. They give opportunities for hospitality. They help us to grow and learn about God, the Bible, ourselves, and each other. Groups do not supplant the church, but they provide a setting where believers can more fully realize what it means to be the church. To learn more and find your fit, click the link below!
https://www.efree.org/groupsWe're Hiring!
We've got a couple of open positions - come and join our team!
https://www.efree.org/careersHoly Land Tour 2020
Our 2019 trip to Israel was amazing! We visited the Sea of Galilee, explored the ruins of Herod’s mountain palace in Masada, walked on the Mount of Olives, floated in the Dead Sea, and walked in the old city of Jerusalem where Jesus gave His life for us. Due to the incredibly high response from this trip and the number of people who wanted to go but could not this year, we’re considering another trip in the spring of 2020.If you are interested in joining us, please let us know at efree.org/israel.
http://www.efree.org/israel/Care Team Counseling
Life often includes challenges that are too big to face alone. Our lay Care Team Counselors are trained to walk alongside and assist people who are in need of hope, care, and direction. Counselors are available by appointment every Wednesday evening - email care@efree.org.
http://www.efree.org/care/Carman Trails Partnership Backpack Program
We are partnering with Carman Trails school to help support some of their students who face food insecurity. To help, please bring non-perishable, shelf-stable items (not canned, because of weight) to the hampers at the entrances to the building. Suggested items include fruit cups, prepared pasta meals, chicken/tuna packets, etc. Thank you for your generosity!
Ushers Needed!
Guest Connection is looking for ushers! We have openings in both services, so if you're interested, please contact guestconnection@efree.org.
RightNow Media
Ready to grow in your faith? First Free has launched RightNow Media - it’s like the "Netflix of Video Bible Studies" and has a HUGE library of faith-based videos aimed at helping you grow. You can access the videos wherever you want (on your phone, computer, at home on your TV) and with whoever you want (alone, with your spouse, with your small group). Log in and look around!
Didn’t get the email? Check your spam or visit efree.org/rightnow.
Didn’t get the email? Check your spam or visit efree.org/rightnow.
SOS - Servants On Site
God uniquely gifts every person for service, and SOS is a way to serve by using your maintenance skills on minor jobs such as painting, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, etc. To get involved, contact Tom Siener at 636.779.2160 or tsiener@efree.org.
Messages
Our sermons and Preparing for Worship emails are now available as podcasts!
http://www.efree.org/messages