Here's your guide to all our programs and events as we head into a new ministry year this fall! Visit our registrations page for all the links to sign up for the events listed below.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Meet the Teacher
Sunday, August 7, 10:45 am
Parents, come with your nursery toddler, preschool, and elementary children to meet the teams that will teach your children this year! Families with last names beginning with A-K will start in the Activity Hall at 10:45 for a light breakfast and a brief, but important, parent meeting. Families with last names beginning with L-Z will start in their children’s classrooms to meet teachers. Groups will then switch places at 11:15. Sunday morning classes will resume the following week, August 14.

Please note: There will still be full nursery and preschool classes at 9:00 on August 7, but only infant nursery will be available at 10:45.

Awana
Begins Wednesday, September 7, 6:45-8:15 pm
Awana, our midweek program for kids age 3 through 5th grade, begins in September. Clubs meet weekly to learn more about God, build lasting friendships, and memorize God’s Word together. You can register your kids online or contact Lynette Reimschisel for more information. Learn more about the clubs and costs>>>

Kids Choir
Begins Sunday, September 11, 6-7:15 pm, Shine! Room 202
Kids in 1st through 5th grade are invited to join a choir just for them! They’ll meet weekly for rehearsal and learn all about music and singing together under the direction of Karen Schwertfeger. You can register your kids online.

STUDENT MINISTRIES

Parent Connect
Wednesday, August 24, 6-8:30 pm, Activity Hall
Parents of middle and high school students, you’re invited to a Parent Connect for dinner and an update about what’s coming up in Student Ministries. After the meeting, you will have the opportunity to meet individually with your student’s small group leaders to connect and talk about your student. Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm. Watch your email for a link to sign up for conference time slots online or contact Claire Chapman with any questions.

Student Ministries Fall Kick-Off
Wednesday, September 7
Student Ministries Wednesday evening community groups are kicking off the school year with an evening of fun!

High School Ministry will start with dinner and then enjoy a photo scavenger hunt. They’ll meet at the Outpost from 6:00-8:30 pm. Bring a drink or dessert to share.

Middle School Ministry will enjoy an evening of snacks and games here at the church. They’ll meet in the Middle School Room from 6:45-8:15 pm. Bring a snack or sweet to share.

Sunday morning classes for middle and high school resumes Sunday, August 14, at 9:00.

College Connect Lunch 
Sunday, September 11, 12:30 pm, Wheatly’s Burgers
If you’re college-aged, you’re invited to join us following worship on September 11 for free lunch at Wheatly’s Burgers (NE corner of WSU, 4510 E 19th S N). Come connect with other college students and learn about other ways to connect at First Free! Questions? Contact Pastor Jordan Krahn. 

ADULT MINISTRIES

Fall Block One Adult Classes
Begin Sunday, August 14
Our Sunday morning classes for adults begin August 14 with a number of new topics. You can find class descriptions on our classes page or at the Welcome Desk!

9:00 Classes: Adults with Special Needs Class; The Book of Mark; Faithful Living in a Strange New World; Kingdom Living; Reading Through Judges and Ruth; Tough Questions from Ecclesiastes  

10:45 Classes: A Closer Look (August 14-28); Enlightening Epitaphs of the Kings and Prophets; Pondering Proverbs

Missions Sharing & Members Meeting
Sunday, August 21, 4 pm Missions Sharing, 6 pm Meeting
Plan on attending our upcoming Members Meeting and come early to hear updates from our short-term missions teams with snacks in between! At the meeting, we’ll be sharing updates on what’s happening at First Free with staff, elder, and financial reports. The missions sharing will be in the Chapel at 4:00, snacks in the Courtyard at 5:00, and the meeting in the Worship Center at 6:00. All are welcome to attend. Childcare is available during the meeting for kids up through 5th grade. Register for childcare online by Monday, August 15.

Wednesday Dinners
Begin Wednesday, September 7, 5:45-6:30 pm, Activity Hall
This fall we’re bringing back dinners before Wednesday evening activities at the church! Meals are $5 per person or $20 max per family. You can pay online or at the meals. There is also an option to pay for the whole semester at one time. Menus coming soon.

Worship Choir
Begins Wednesday, September 7, 6:45-8:15 pm, Choir Rehearsal Hall
Love to sing? Our Worship Choir is starting back up under the direction of Amy Brown and it's open for anyone to join! The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings during the school year in preparation for singing in Sunday worship services throughout the year.  

Young Adult Connect
Saturday, September 10, 5:30-8:30 pm, The Bridge Church
Several times a year, young adults from the area EFCA churches gather for a chance to connect. Join us at The Bridge Church for our next event on September 11 for games, dinner, worship, and teaching from Pastor Dominick Wong. Please bring a dish to share for our Mexican-themed dinner. The Bridge is located at 2328 E 13th St N.

Navigating Your Finances God’s Way
Begins Sunday, September 11, 7:00 pm, Room B2
We deal with money every single day, and the financial changes that we are living through create extra challenges in dealing with money. Join us for a six-week, Sunday evening class to hear what the Bible has to say about money, personal finances, debt, saving, investing, and generosity. Led by Pastor Ron May and Susie Lavender, this practical class is for any adult, single or married, young or old, in debt or debt-free. Cost is $10 for the workbook and you can register online through September 5.

Women’s Bible Study
Begins Tuesday, September  13
Women’s Bible Study begins our fall session in mid-September, with morning and evening options available. We’ll be using the book Psalms: Finding the Way to Prayer and Praise by Kathleen Nielson. The morning session will spend time in a large group for singing and teaching as well as small groups for discussion and prayer. Evening sessions are available in an intergenerational, small group format meeting in homes. Register online and join us in connecting with other women around God’s Word! Learn More>>>

MISSIONS

ISI Friendship Partner Training
Thursdays, August 25 - September  15, 7-9 pm, Room A6
When new international students arrive in the US, they leave behind family, friends, and most everything familiar. We have the opportunity to fill some of those gaps and share the love of Christ with students. Our missions partner ISI will be leading a four-part training to equip you to be part of their Friendship Partner program and be matched with a student. For more information or to sign up, visit the ISI website.

The Great Giveaway
Drop-off Saturday, August 27, 9 am to noon
The Great Giveaway, a ministry to internationals in the community, is coming up on Sunday, August 28. As a church, we have the opportunity to extend hospitality to students from around the world by donating household items and furniture or by helping put on this event. Learn more about donating or serving>>>

NEXT STEPS

Questions about getting connected at First Free? Contact Pastor Jordan Green.

Pizza with Pastor Josh
Sunday, August 7, 12:15 pm, Library
Attending a new church can be overwhelming, and trying to plug in even more daunting. That’s why we want to invite you to Pizza with Pastor Josh. It’s a casual time to eat pizza, hear Josh’s story, and learn about First Free. Don’t miss this opportunity to see what our community is all about. Also, did we mention free pizza?! Please let us know you’re coming by signing up online.

A Closer Look
Begins Sunday, August 14, 10:45 am, Room B2
Take a closer look at First Free! This 3-week intro class covers our mission—what we do; our methods—how we make disciples; and our message—what we believe. If you’re looking for ways to engage in the life of our community, this is a great next step. Our next session begins August 14. Please let us know you’re coming by signing up online.

Exploring Membership
Sunday, September 18, 5-7:30 pm, Library
We believe membership in a local church is an important part of living as a disciple of Jesus. Whether you are new to First Free or have been around awhile, we invite you to explore membership with us. Join us for a meal and discussion about our mission and beliefs, how we’re organized, and what it means for us to walk together. Childcare is available with registration by Monday, September 12. Please let us know you’re coming by signing up online.