July Newsletter
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The Velvet Revolution is a term that refers to a non-violent revolution in Czechoslovakia that occurred from November 16 to December 29, 1989, resulting in the overthrow of the Communist government.

On November 17, 1989, riot police suppressed a peaceful student demonstration in Prague. That event sparked a series of popular demonstrations from November 19 to late December. By November 20 the number of peaceful protesters assembled in Prague had swelled from 200,000 the previous day to an estimated half-million. A two-hour general strike, involving all citizens of Czechoslovakia, was held on November 27.

With the collapse of other Communist governments, and increasing street protests, the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia announced on November 28 that it would relinquish power and dismantle the single-party state. Barbed wire and other obstructions were removed from the border with West Germany and Austria in early December. On December 10, President Gustáv Husák appointed the first largely non-Communist government in Czechoslovakia since 1948, and resigned. Alexander Dubèek was elected speaker of the federal parliament on December 28 and Václav Havel the President of Czechoslovakia on December 29, 1989.

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Coming up at First Free Single Worship Services Sundays, July 20, 27, and August 3, and 10 10:00 - 11:15 p.m. Business Meeting Sunday, July 27 at 5:00 p.m. in the Worship Center.

 

A Handy Way to Share Jesus

Would you like to be able to share five key Gospel points using the five fingers of your hand? The “Share Your Faith” Seminar will help you do this. Join many others on September 5 and 6 for a six-hour training session at First Free. The seminar will be held Friday evening, and Saturday morning (includes a continental breakfast) all for just $25.00. You can register online at www.syfonline.org, or at the church during the month of August. Watch for more details in upcoming weeks. Call Pastor Phil at the church if you have questions.

Children's Ministry

Single Service Sundays…an Opportunity for Family Worship!
I am looking forward to the Single Service Sundays the last two Sundays in July and the first two in August. The services are being planned with families in mind! It will be a wonderful time of multi-generational worship and studying God’s Word together.

The services will be from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. The donut table will be ready at 9:00 sharp! I hope each of you will plan now to make these services a priority for your family. Childcare is available for children ages 4 and under.

What are some things you can do to help make church more meaningful for your family? Here are some things for you to consider:

· Make it a habit. Be a family that always attends when you are in town. Children are less likely to say “I don’t want to go” if they know it is a non-negotiable. Be a family who always attends church. Be wary of recreation and sports that take you out of town on Sundays. Corporate worship is an important part of our spiritual health!

 

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First Free Does the Zoo!

Tuesday, July 1
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

6:00 Picnic Dinner at Prairie Landing (near the bears).

Please pack a picnic dinner/drinks for you and your family.
Cost: Zoo Members and children under 3: Free

Non Members: Adults $8, children ages 4-11 $4.50.
(Pay at zoo upon entering.)

 

 

Please note: On Sunday mornings, July 20 and 27 and August 3 and 10, there will only be one service so we will not have BASIC 113.

Here is our schedule of special events for July:

July 2 and 23, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. – Pool Party at Logan’s home. Guys bring a 2-liter of pop and girls bring a snack. Please arrange to be dropped off and picked up at the Logan's home.

Friday, July 11, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Bigger and Better Scavenger Hunt! We will meet in the BASIC 113 room.

Looking Ahead!
August 1 - BASIC 113 Overnighter – Watch for details to come!

 

Please note: On Sunday mornings, July 20 and 27 and August 3 and 10, there will only be one service so we will not have FrontLine.

July is a busy month in the FrontLine so here are some helpful reminders for you. Visit the church website, www.firstfreewichita.org for a calendar and more details.

July 6 – Money and registration are due for the Ladies Campout and Guys Canoe Trip.

July 6 – Back to School Retreat early bird deadline for money and registration. Save $5 by signing up early!

July 10 – 11 – Ladies Campout

July 11 – 13 – Guys Canoe Trip

July 16, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. – FrontLine will be meeting at Beech Lake for a cookout and party. Girls bring a snack or dessert, guys bring a drink.

July 20 – Money and registration due for BTSR .

July 27, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Prayer Party for the Krauses at the Pumphrey’s.

July 30, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. – Pool Party at the Logan’s. Girls bring a snack, guys bring a drink.

 

 

A Taste of... First Free Women!
Save Monday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m. for a “flavor filled” evening and come have a “taste” of what’s happening in Women’s Ministry this fall. Sample our many delicacies: Bible studies, service opportunities, connecting with women, and planned events. You’ll also be able to “taste test” new recipes and bring home the recipe cards. Come with your appetites, for the evening will be all in good taste!

 

Scrapbooking
Join us on Friday, July 11, from 5:00 - 10:30 p.m. in the Gym. Bring your scrapbooking supplies, photos, and a snack. Call Mary Lou at the church office if you would like more information or just to let her know you plan to be there.