First Free Church
![The Verse that Changed Everything (Week 4)](/_next/image?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2F1440x810%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fmushroom-event-images-prod%2F75454257-1688139281797.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The Verse that Changed Everything (Week 4)
Dr. David Croteau
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/Red Cross Blood Drive
There are lots of small things that we can do to make the world a better place – like giving blood! The Red Cross is facing a blood shortage, so your donation is needed now more than ever. Make an appointment to give during our drive on July 27th by clicking below.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=FirstFreeChurchRefugee Relief in Turkey
A couple of our supported missionaries in the Middle East are visiting St. Louis this summer. They will be at First Free on July 30th to share their experiences working with refugees and ministering in the aftermath of the recent earthquake in Turkey.
Join us on the 30th at 12:15 pm in the Activity Center!
Join us on the 30th at 12:15 pm in the Activity Center!
Safety Exercise
If you volunteer in any capacity at First Free, then you're invited to our all-hands-on-deck safety training exercise on August 12th! It’s a really fun time where you also learn and run through important safety practices that help to keep our church safe. After we practice, we’ll have a volunteer appreciation picnic with delicious food and fun activities. We hope to have as many volunteers as possible attend - register below!
https://form.jotform.com/231495096202151Luncheon with Dr. Aila Tasse
Come and hear how the church is growing in East Africa! On Sunday, August 20th, Dr. Aila Tasse, Founder and President of our ministry partner Lifeway Mission International in Kenya, will talk about the Disciple Making Movement in East Africa and teach transferable principles that can be applied in our ministries. Lunch will be served at 12:15 pm. Donations will be accepted, and registration is encouraged. You’ll be encouraged, challenged, and uplifted by hearing Dr. Tasse share his experience and wisdom. Register below!
https://efree.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1813777STARS Foster Parent Training
In the state of Missouri, there are about 15,000 kids in foster care. Have you ever considered becoming a foster parent? One Heart Family Ministries walks with families through the entire process of learning about foster care, taking the required training, and then supporting families after foster children are placed. We’re hosting a STARS foster parent training in September for aspiring foster parents whose applications to foster have been approved. The course is nine weeks and begins on September 11th.Registration for this course ends on August 1st. To begin the process, click below to access and download the application form.
https://www.ohfm.org/state-foster-care-adoptionEldership Course
Join us for the First Free Eldership course! This course is open to anyone at First Free Church, but is especially important for anyone interested in serving as an elder. Our Eldership course runs on Wednesday evenings from September 13 to October 11. Space is limited, so register now! Registration closes on August 31st.
https://efree.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1843830Pinecrest
The 2023 Pinecrest Family Retreat is October 27-29! Join us for a weekend of fellowship and fun!
Learn more and register below!
https://efree.org/pinecrest/Learn more and register below!
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/Men's Bible Study
Men’s Bible studies meet Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. You can get the details at efree.org/men.
https://efree.org/men/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/phototeamMessages
Our sermons and Preparing for Worship emails are now available as podcasts!
http://www.efree.org/messages