First Free Church
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Rooted in Christ: Christ in You
John Richardson
Locations & Times
First Free Church
1375 Carman Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
Make a Difference
You can make a difference for Christ in someone’s life! God wants to use you to befriend someone who is lonely, to care for someone who is hurting, to encourage someone who is down, to help someone who is weak, or to serve someone in need. It's easier than you think to get started!
https://www.efree.org/makeadifference/Auditorium Open!
We've got exciting news - the auditorium is open! Our capacity is still pretty limited, so as with any of our other venues, you'll need to make a reservation. We'll be blocking off rows to make sure that we all stay an appropriate distance apart and face coverings will be required. We've closed the Traditions service in the Chapel and the kid-friendly service in Room 140, but have added an outside overflow venue on the north patio with a live feed from the auditorium. You can learn more about our different service venues and make a reservation at efree.org/reopen.
https://www.efree.org/reopenKid Connection is Open!
Kid Connection is open during the 11 am service! We'll be operating on a smaller scale than normal at first, with three rooms open (Nursery, Preschool, and Elementary). We ask that you reserve a spot for each child that will be in attendance - to make a reservation, visit efree.org/reservations. To view a more detailed reopening plan for Kid Connection, visit efree.org/kids. If you have any questions, please email kidconnection@efree.org.
https://efree.churchcenter.com/registrationsKid Connection is Recruiting - Build Something New!
Life is crazy right now, and we just don't know what's coming next. But, because we trust in God, we have all of the tools we need to have a fun year no matter what! Kid Connection is recruiting adults and teens who love kids to serve and help us build something new this year. To learn more, click the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftZ3ko2k1HpjU6afYVqRttxK-Y_5D5nz6RhOvEbzrCTEJ8hw/viewformFarmers to Families Food Box Program
On October 17th, 24th, and 31st, First Free will be distributing FREE food boxes loaded with produce, meat, and dairy to families facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you're in need, please come and grab a box between 9:30 - 10:30 am (or until we run out of boxes, whichever happens first) in the west parking lot at First Free. There is no registration needed to receive a box.
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.
Bridge of Hope provides the curriculum and training you need to be successful.
To learn more about how you can get involved and help change a life, email robin@bridgeofhopestl.org.
Bridge of Hope provides the curriculum and training you need to be successful.
To learn more about how you can get involved and help change a life, email robin@bridgeofhopestl.org.
Men's Bible Studies
Join the men of First Free this fall as we study the Gospel of Mark with Francis Chan. The Gospel of Mark chronicles Jesus’s journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. Along the way, the Messiah gathers a ragged band of disciples. As crowds grow and dwindle on the road to Jerusalem, only a few stick by the Suffering Savior on the road of discipleship. Tracing the steps of Jesus and the Twelve through Israel, Francis explores the major themes of the Gospel of Mark, and asks: Are we willing to take this journey to embrace discipleship? Join us Wednesday nights from 6:45-8 pm! Let us know you're interested by filling out the form at efree.org/events! Contact us at men@efree.org with any questions!
https://www.efree.org/events/Worship Leadership Team
One of the amazing things about church is all of the different people with different talents who come together to create the worship experience on Sunday mornings. We’re looking for intermediate to advanced guitarists, bassists, keyboardist, and drummers. And we’re also looking for gifted vocalists with experience singing harmony,reading music, and leading worship. If you’re just learning to play an instrument or sing, let us know. We’d love to provide you with some resources to help you grow! You can learn more about our team and apply at efree.org/worship.
https://www.efree.org/worshipConnections Community Night
Our Connections team wants to make it as simple as possible for guests to get connected to our church. If you’re a member of our Connections (hospitality) ministry, or if you’d like to get involved, join us on October 17 for an evening of fellowship and learning as we seek to create personal and memorable experiences for the people who come through our doors each week. Dinner & childcare are provided!
https://www.efree.org/event/connections-community-night/Drive-Through Trunk or Treat
On Friday, October 30, we’re having a hero-themed drive-through Trunk or Treat! Families can drive through decorated trunks, vote on their favorites, get some candy, and enjoy some food trucks! You can get more information and sign up to decorate a trunk at efree.org/events.We do need some donations of pre-wrapped candy, so if you can donate, please bring the candy to the church and drop it in the bins by the entrances.
https://www.efree.org/event/drive-through-trunk-or-treat/Baptism
Our next baptism celebration is November 8 during the 11 am service! If you haven't been baptized since giving your life to Christ, now is a great time! Please prayerfully consider this step of obedience. Learn more and sign up at efree.org/baptism!
https://www.efree.org/baptismLibrary Open!
The library is back open for business before and after the 11 am in-person service on Sundays (hooray for books!).
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
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
Pinecrest Family Retreat Cancelled
Given the current situation with the coronavirus, we have made the hard decision to cancel the Pinecrest Family Retreat this year. We're sad, but know it's the right call. The safety of our families is so important to us!
We are excited for an amazing weekend together October 22-24, 2021, so make sure to mark your calendars!
We are excited for an amazing weekend together October 22-24, 2021, so make sure to mark your calendars!
Capital Offering
We're so excited for the what God has in store for First Free! To give to our capital offering, click the link below and select 'Capital Offering' from the dropdown!
https://efree.churchcenter.com/givingRightNow 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://www.efree.org/rightnowmediaNeed Help?
We know that the coronavirus outbreak is impacting us all a little differently. If you need help, let us know by heading to efree.org/care and clicking on ‘I need help’. And if you can offer help, click on ‘I can help’. If you need prayer, visit efree.org/prayer. We want you to know that we’re here for you even if we can’t be physically here for you, and we’ll get through this together!
https://www.efree.org/careWe're Hiring!
We have multiple open positions - check out efree.org/careers to view the opportunities to join our team!
https://www.efree.org/careersPhotography 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/phototeamDatabase and Directory
Opt-in to our church directory at efree.org/directory!
http://www.efree.org/directoryGroups 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/groupsCare 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!
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