First Free Church
A New Foundation (Week 3)
John Richardson
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 or by texting CONNECT to 636-251-4778. You can also stop by the Welcome Center in the lobby to fill out a Connect Card and get a free gift.
https://www.efree.org/connectSM Fall Retreat
We’re heading back to Clearwater Cove! We’re inviting all current 6th-12th grade students to join us for a weekend at Clearwater Cove in Lampe, MO, from September 9-11. We are so pumped to be at Young Life Camp and diving deep into the Word and worship together. Get pumped as we have our annual bannathon and tons of other fun stuff. This is a can’t-miss weekend!
https://efree.org/event/student-ministry-retreat/Cup of Nations
The Cup of Nations is all about bringing communities together through soccer. The adult tournament is happening September 10-11, and the team needs volunteers to help make it all happen. You can learn more at efree.org/events.
https://efree.org/event/cup-of-nations-adult-tournament/Rooted
Rooted is an experience that will give you the opportunity to connect with God, the church community, and your purpose in unexpected, life-changing ways. The next session starts September 11 - sign up at efree.org/rooted!
https://efree.org/rooted/Fall Women's Bible Studies
Whether new to studying God’s word or if you’ve been reciting scripture for as long as you can remember, we have a seat for you! Studies begin Tuesday, September 13 & Wednesday, September 14.
https://efree.org/women/Child Dedication
Our next Child Dedication is on September 18th during second service! If you would like to dedicate your child (any child, regardless of age, can be dedicated by their parent or guardian), register below!
https://efree.org/event/child-dedication/Christmas Play Interest Meeting
Calling all actors! If you love donning a costume, memorizing lines, and sharing the wonder of live performance, then First Free Church’s Christmas production needs you! Join us for an informational meeting after church on Sunday, September 18 at 12:15 pm in the Chapel. No need to register! Learn how you can celebrate this Christmas season through the power of theater. There will be performance opportunities as well as production team positions to be filled. Details will be shared at the informational meeting.
https://efree.org/event/christmas-play-interest-meeting-2/Financial Peace University
Living the life of your dreams starts with a solid financial plan. Join us for this short 9-week course that will teach you God’s principles for handling money and will give you the tools you need to succeed. The class meets Mondays, September 19 – November 21, from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm in Room 341. The cost is $50 per family.
https://efree.org/event/financial-peace-university-3/ESL Classes
ESL is a great place to start your English speaking journey, brush up and refine your skills, and build community! ESL kicks off on September 21st - register below!
https://efree.org/event/esl/Red Cross Blood Drive
Make an appointment to give on September 22 between 1 and 6 pm by clicking the link below!
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=FirstFreeChurchCookout for a Cause
Join us after second service on September 25th on the north patio for our second Cookout for a Cause!
Bring in nonperishable food items to benefit Circle of Concern, drop them in the bins on the north patio (or in the lobby!), and then stick around for free burgers and hot dogs!
https://efree.org/event/cookout-for-a-cause-2/Bring in nonperishable food items to benefit Circle of Concern, drop them in the bins on the north patio (or in the lobby!), and then stick around for free burgers and hot dogs!
Crisis Response Team Meeting
The next training meeting for the First Free Crisis Response Team is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, at 6:30 pm. We will discuss the vision, values, and strategy for Crisis Response. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this ministry and how you can be involved!
https://efree.org/event/crisis-response-team-meeting/Good For All Conference
Do you want to be a better neighbor? If so, save the date for October 6-8! Good For All is a national conference featuring Bob Goff, Hosanna Wong, and more! You'll leave with a new vision and real, actionable steps to help you better love and reach those around you. Learn more at efree.org/events.
https://efree.org/event/good-for-all-conference/Membership Class
Our membership course covers the basics of spiritual growth, the history and doctrine of our church, and the benefits and expectations that accompany membership. The next course will be offered on Sundays from 10:30 am – 12 pm beginning October 16 to November 13. Weekly class attendance is expected. Sign up at the link below!
https://efree.org/membership/Pinecrest Family Retreat
The Pinecrest Family Retreat is October 28-20 and registration is open now! This is an awesome weekend of fun, fellowship, ice cream, and more. You can learn more and sign up at efree.org/pinecrest.
https://efree.org/pinecrest/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.
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/groupsConnections Ministry
Every Sunday could be someone’s first Sunday so our Connections team - our parking lot team, greeters, Welcome Center hosts, and ushers - strives to provide a welcoming environment from the moment someone pulls into our parking lot. if you have a love for others and a heart for hospitality, we'd love to have you join the team! Get in touch using the link below.
https://www.efree.org/connectionsChurch Center App and Directory
Church Center 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!).
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
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/firstfreechurchNeed 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/carePhotography 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/phototeamSOS - 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