As a church community we know our mission, “to make disciples,” but how do we do it? Is it anything more than just a good intention? How do we purposefully grow in discipleship and invite others into this pilgrimage? The possibilities might seem endless, but as a church we believe we are called to specific pathways for discipleship. It’s not a road we walk alone, rather a path we must travel together....Keep Reading
Christmas is many people’s favorite time of the year. It’s a time to be with family, to go to Christmas parties, and to exchange gifts. It’s also a time to remember the reason for the season! Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The Christmas landscapes are full of Santa Claus pictures and blow ups, but they’re also full of nativity scenes. We see mangers everywhere. But why does the manger matter? The manger represents the incarnation of the Son of God. The manger reminds us that God the Father sent his Son to save us from our sins. The Nicene Creed says, “[Jesus Christ], for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.”...Keep Reading
Few experiences can compare to the pain of adultery—and God knows this better than anyone. God’s people were wedded to him alone, but they betrayed him. They left him for other lovers and forgot him. But how will the story end—in restoration or tragedy? How can a promise-keeping God abandon his chosen people? On the other hand, how can a holy God be reunited with sinful people? The Bible gives us some answers in the words of the prophet Hosea. Join us as we plumb the depths of God’s love—and in the process learn something about ourselves....Keep Reading
How do you know if you’re going the wrong way? What would it take to get your attention? To wake you up to the needs of the vulnerable, the outcast, and the oppressed? Grieved by their idolatry and the injustice it perpetuates, the Lord comes like the roaring of a lion, warning of imminent judgment. A judgment no offering or song can turn away. For a God who desires renewed lives will not settle for stale ritual. The Lord is roaring. Will we listen?...Keep Reading
You’ve probably heard about adult small groups at First Free. But did you know small groups are a mark of our ministry from preschool through high school? That’s because we know that small groups are one way the Lord has given us to build up the body of Christ. Here are four ways we see this happening in Children’s and Student Ministries...Keep Reading
When I ask you “What makes a great youth leader?”, what do you think of? Most adults would say: young, extroverted, and high energy. That’s the stereotypical youth leader. But do students agree? To find out, I asked several of our students that question. And what students want in a leader and the stereotype couldn’t be further apart. ...Keep Reading
Are you interested in joining the team to disciple the next generation, but not sure you’re cut out to be a teacher? We have good news! We need folks with a variety of gifts, skills, and interests to serve in children’s classes. Here are four roles you can consider for serving on Sunday mornings...Keep Reading
Construction for our new kitchen area is nearing completion! Finishing touches are being made and you'll soon have the chance to see it in person. We are planning an open house for between after services next Sunday, May 13....Keep Reading
Construction for our new kitchen area is nearing completion! Here's a peek behind the wall sectioning off the construction area in the gym. ...Keep Reading
Each week as I prepare for my sermons, there are things I find in my study that I simply don’t have time to include. They get left on the cutting room floor. A lot of what gets left out isn't needed in the sermon, but sometimes I run across something I really want to share. That happened last week. I was really blown away by some observations James Montgomery Boice made in his sermon on Thomas, and I’ve been mulling them over since....Keep Reading