FirstLook a first free publication Winter 2022
All Church
discovering the bible
Thu. starting Jan. 6 • 7 p.m. • Room 202 Read through the Bible in 2022 with weekly group discussion. Our devotional books and reading guides are available in the Lobby at the Welcome Center.
Contact: Jon Addington at 651.283.2404 or jladdington.fefc@gmail.com.
the jesus follower and evangelism class
Sun. from Jan. 9 - 23
10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. • Room 202
David Rhone shares his experience as a long-term evangelist including his list of scripture-based best practices.
constitution & bylaw forums Jan. 30 • 4:30 - 5 p.m. • Worship Center A time for you to ask questions of the Elder Board about changes to our Church Constitution & Bylaws. The forum on Jan. 30 will be directly after the EFC Governance Forum.
membership matters a) Jan. 14 • 6:30 - 9:15 p.m.
Pastor Bruce’s Home (Roseville) b) Jan. 16 & 23 • 10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Room 201
c) Jan. 22 • 9 - 11:45 a.m. • Room 201 This class covers who we are, what we believe, how we function and why membership is important. You only need to attend one of the class dates listed above. RSVP to Pastor Bruce Henry at bhenry@firstefc.org or 612.849.1844.
Childcare is available for some dates upon request.
communion (third sun.) Jan. 16 & Feb. 20
encounter: potluck & prayer Jan. 16 • 5 p.m. • Gym
Join your family in Christ for supper, prayer for our Global Partners and a few worship songs. The entrée is provided;
please bring a side dish to share.
connected families workshop:
sibling conflict Jan. 23 • 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Worship Center & Livestream
By facilitating joyful connection and true reconciliation, you can help your children become great friends while they’re still at home! Learn to prepare your kids with the skills and values they’ll need to become great spouses, parents, friends and coworkers. Register on Church Center. Childcare available.
walking in the light during a time of darkness
Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Mar. 27 & Apr. 24 6 p.m. • Worship Center
A seven-part forum series facilitated on cultural topics Christians encounter. Visit Page 3 for the remaining series dates.
efc governance forum Jan. 30 • 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Worship Center
Greg Strand is the EFCA’s Executive Director of Theology and Credentialing.
He will speak on church governance before the Constitution & Bylaw Forum on Jan. 30.
first connection
Feb. 6 • 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. • Room 201 New to First Free? Attend this casual gathering to hear about our mission and values. Ask questions! Contacts: Jon &
Louise Addington at 651.283.2404 or at jladdington.fefc@gmail.com.
town hall meeting Feb. 15 • 7 p.m. • Room 201
A time to ask questions before the upcoming Congregational Meeting.
congregational meeting
& new member reception Feb. 20 • 6 p.m. • Worship Center Our biggest meeting of the year!
Everyone is invited to hear about and discuss the future of First Free while warmly welcoming new members at a reception in the Lobby afterward.
baptism
Baptism is a testimony that you love and trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you are a believer and want to be baptized, contact Pastor Frank Lanier at flanier@firstefc.org or 214.412.0329.
Women
titus 2 mentor ministry Mentor classes held upon request This program pairs women age 40+ with younger women (20 - 40) for friendship, discipleship, encouragement, spiritual growth and prayer. To become a mentor or be matched, email Jeannine Brown at kjbrown103@gmail.com.
ladies night
Feb. 4 • 6:30 p.m. • Family Center A night of food, fellowship and fun to beat the winter blues. Watch for details from Women’s Ministries!
women in the word Meeting at church and via Zoom:
Romans – Tue. • 9:15 - 11:30 a.m.
Isaiah – Tue. • 9:15 - 11:30 a.m.
Meeting via Zoom:
Jeremiah – Tue. • 6:30 - 8 p.m.
These in-depth, inductive Bible studies meet on Tuesdays during the school year in multigenerational small groups.
Childcare is available to our morning attendees. Register on Church Center, on Sundays, or call the Church Office.
Contact: Nini Bronson at 651.262.9314.
wednesday study Wed. starting Jan. 12 10 - 11:30 a.m. • Room 200
Join other ladies as we study I and II Peter and Jude. Bring a friend! Contact:
Marilyn Tetzlaff at 651.492.3995.
growth through discovery Thu. • 6:30 p.m. • Zoom
Studying I and II Thessalonians. Women of all ages are welcome to join any time!
To register, contact Jeanne Howse at 651.739.6161 or mjhh@comcast.net.
grace group
Meetings announced periodically.
God Reigns Against Cancer’s Efforts is a group for women who have or have had cancer. They meet to share resources, personal news, encouragement and prayer. With questions, call Diane Johnson at 651.777.0041 or Pat Plooster at 651.777.3322.
Men
men’s basketball Mon. • 6:30 p.m. • Gym
All ages and skill levels can come play!
Contact: Chris Fultz at 218.280.9995.
bible study & fellowship Mon. • 6:30 p.m. • Room 201
Come study Ephesians in a thoughtful, interactive and down-to-earth manner.
Contacts: Jim Kirkpatrick (651.303.0098) and Marty Dennison (612.810.1525).
men at work
Mon. • 6:30 p.m. • Room 200
This winter, we will explore church history and doctrine. Contact: Frank Lanier at flanier@firstefc.org or 214.412.0329.
growth through discovery Wed. • 6:30 p.m. • Zoom
Studying I and II Thessalonians. Men of all ages are welcome to join any time!
To register, contact George Howse at 651.739.6161 or ghowse@comcast.net.
men’s weekly prayer Thu. • 7:30 a.m. • Room 202
Come pray for our church, community, nation, missionaries and one another. All ages welcome. Contact: Mike Anderson at 651.324.3259.
the forge (men’s purity group) Thu. • 7 - 8:45 p.m. • Room 201
In an impure world, we need the power of the Holy Spirit and the support of brothers to live a pure and godly life.
Men, join us and join the fight. Contact:
Mike Anderson at 651.324.3259.
saturday bible study Sat. • 8 - 9 a.m. • Room 103
Join us any time for men’s fellowship and discussion of God’s Word! Contacts:
Brian Finley at 651.357.0793 and Dave Gustafson at 612.251.4513.
quarterly men’s breakfast Feb. 19 • 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Fellowship Hall
Men (14+), bring a friend for breakfast, fellowship and Bible study. Coffee starts at 7:30 a.m. with an 8 a.m. meal. Contact:
Matt Wellendorf at 712.369.0031.
Mini-Congregations
These adult groups train disciples through weekly time together in God’s Word and prayer. Come study any time!
(Not meeting Feb. 27.) Visit Church Center Groups for details: firstefc.
churchcenter.com/groups.
Body Builders: Age 20+
Sun. • 9 a.m. • Fellowship Hall The Crossing: Age 20s - 40s Sun. • 9 a.m. • Room 100
@the.CORE: Age 35 – 55
2nd/4th/5th Sun. • 9 a.m. • Room 200 Faith Connections: All Ages
Sun. • 9 a.m. • Room 102 The Living Room: All Ages Sun. • 10:45 a.m. • Room 203 Bereans: Age 50+
Sun. • 10:45 a.m. • Room 200 Koinonia: Age 50+
Sun. • 10:45 a.m. • Youth Center B
Small Groups
We encourage all First Free attenders to consider joining a small group. It is a great way to connect with believers for encouragement, accountability and intentional fellowship. View available groups on Church Center or contact Pastor Frank at flanier@firstefc.org.
A precious day of encouragement and interaction with our Global
Partners! Guest speaker Mark Gauthier (U.S. National Director
of Cru) and four other speakers will share both hours during church
services and in the Youth Center.
Enjoy refreshments while hearing about this important work!
Music Ministries
choir Rehearsal:
Wed. • 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Leading Worship:
Two Sun. per month • 9 a.m.
Contact Director Dan Lundberg for the schedule at 651.808.7584.
orchestra
Rehearsal (Once Monthly):
Wed. • 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Leading Worship:
One Sun. per month • 9 a.m.
Contact Director Dan Lundberg for the schedule at 651.808.7584.
worship team Rehearsal:
Every Thu. • 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Leading Worship:
Sun. • 9 & 10:45 a.m.
Contact Worship Ministries Director André Venter to schedule an audition at aventer@firstefc.org or 651.262.6233.
Young Adults
(age 18-26) the fellowshipThu. • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. • Fellowship Hall You are invited to grow spiritually via the Word of God, prayer and Christian friendship with peers from all walks of life. Visit our Church Center Group for a full calendar of upcoming social events!
Contacts: Frank Lanier (flanier@firstefc.
org) and Paul Junker (763.333.6510 or psjunker5@gmail.com).
Senior Adults
senior bible study
Wed. • 10 - 11:30 a.m. • Room 202 Enjoy fellowship, hymn singing and biblical study led by Nathan Greenwalt.
Youth
Junior High includes grades 7-8. Senior High includes grades 9-12. Follow our Instagram account: @firstfreeyouth.
Printed rosters of all youth events are available at the Welcome Center and on the Youth Wall.
• Pastor Kenny King
651.600.4063 or kking@firstefc.org • Kirsten King
651.600.4064 or kbking@firstefc.org sunday school
Every Sun. • 9 a.m.
JH: Youth Center A SH: Youth Center B
Students grow in their knowledge and love for Jesus through an overview of both Testaments. As we encounter God’s Word, He shows us how to think, act and live. We discuss biblical life issues and put learning into practice.
youth group (yg) Every Wed.
JH: Youth Center A • 6:30 - 8 p.m.
SH: Youth Center B • 8 - 9:30 p.m.
Meet in the Gym to play games and hang out before large group teaching time or small group Bible studies.
outreach night (yg) Dec. 15
Talk to your small group leader for special activities and a schedule.
guys / girls night (yg) Feb. 2 • During Youth Group Ask what you really wonder and get answers that are true.
Widows & Widowers
Our deacons help meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of those who have lost a spouse. If we can assist you or if you need a ride to church, please call John Choe (651.955.8089) or Karen Choe at (651.955.8087).
norwegian christmas outing Dec. 17 • 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Depart from Church Parking Lot
We will travel to Norway House in Minneapolis to view their gingerbread houses followed by a light Norwegian lunch. The afternoon includes a guided tour of the art gallery, chapel and more at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Group transportation details to be announced. Register with Karen Choe.
soup and service
Jan. 13 • 12 - 2 p.m. • Fellowship Hall Enjoy a bowl of soup and learn more about First Free’s Global Partners, including specific prayer requests for each of them. Cardmaking supplies and finished cards will be provided to write notes of encouragement. Register with Karen Choe.
valentine lunch
Feb. 14 • 12 - 2 p.m. • Fellowship Hall We will share lunch together while celebrating God’s great love for us!
Register with Karen Choe.
forum series: walking in the light during a time of darkness 6 p.m. • Worship Center • Facilitated by Pastor Todd Olson & Dave Racer Jan. 23 The Family and Attempts to Dismantle It
Feb. 6 American Government and the Christian Citizen
Mar. 27 A Night of “Isms” – Political and Cultural Beliefs that Divide Society Apr. 24 Worshipping God, Not Gaia
youth leader meetings Jan. 10 & Feb. 7
7 - 8:15 p.m. • Youth Center B
Our leaders gather for encouragement and equipping for ministry.
jh: tubing day
Jan. 17 (MLK Day) • 12 - 4 p.m.
Green Acres Tubing (Lake Elmo, MN) An icey afternoon of tubing! The bus leaves the Church Parking Lot promptly at noon with a 4 p.m. return. Cost: $20 and money for the snack bar. Register on the Youth Wall by Jan. 16.
sh: tubing night Jan. 28 • 4 - 10 p.m.
Badlands Snow Park (Hudson, WI) Seven hills on 25 acres... snow much fun!
The bus leaves the Church Parking Lot promptly at 4 p.m. with a 10 p.m. return.
Cost: $20 and money for the snack bar.
Register on the Youth Wall by Jan. 26.
sh: broomball
Feb. 18 • 6 - 9 p.m. • Meet at First Free Join us for a fun game of broomball!
Cost: $5 for pizza.
jh: broomball
Feb. 21 (President’s Day) • 12 - 3 p.m.
Meet at First Free
Join us for a fun game of broomball!
Cost: $5 for pizza.
save the dates!
Junior High District Blitz: Apr. 8 - 10 Senior High Challenge: Jul. 1 - 8
kids’ camp Every Sun.
Register on Church Center. Pick kids up promptly after church. Contact: Stephen Gravley at sgravley@firstefc.org.
first hour
wake–up worship (k – 6th) 9 - 9:15 a.m. • Family Center A fun, upbeat worship gathering designed for children! Led by Kids’
Choir Director Kari Gravley.
sunday school (k – 6th) 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. • Classrooms Kids are taught how to grow in God’s love: learn from the Bible, obey what it says, serve God and care for others.
between services fellowship (k – 2nd) 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. • Room 204 Eat a snack with friends!
fellowship (3rd – 6th)
10:15 - 10:45 a.m. • Family Center Eat a snack with friends while deepening relationships via team- building activities.
kids’ choir (3rd – 6th) 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. • Room 205 Kids will glorify God through songs and scripture while gaining experience working in groups, learning musical concepts and leading others in worship.
second hour
kids’ choir (k – 2nd) 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. • Room 205 Kids will glorify God through songs and scripture while gaining experience working in groups, learning musical concepts and leading others in worship.
chapel time (k – 2nd)
11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. • Room 205 We study the Bible chronologically through lessons that keep kids active and engaged in learning.
Children
memory verse prize shop Dec. 15 • 6:30 - 8:15 p.m.
Dec. 19 • 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Prize Shop is in Room 206
The kids have been working hard to memorize verses and can redeem the points they earned at our prize shop!
There will be prizes at all point levels, so work on your memorization so you have points to spend!
parent & child dedication Jan. 30 • During church services
Parents can dedicate their child to the Lord while dedicating themselves to raising their child in a Christ-like way.
Contact: Croix Menzel at 651.288.1065 or cmenzel@firstefc.org.
expedition
Every Wed. • 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Various Classrooms
Kids focus on applying life skills to biblical truths in a loving, relational setting. We also break out into separate groups for ages 3–5, grades K–2 and boys and girls grades 3–6. For parents who serve in Wednesday night ministries, we offer childcare for infants through age 3. Must register for Expedition and/or childcare on Church Center. Contact: Abby Beard at abeard@firstefc.org or 651.285.5754.
special event for boys and girls
Feb. 19 • 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Family Center & Youth Center A unique event for our 3rd - 6th grade Expeditioners and their parents.
The boys and girls will each have separate activities and get to help plan the afternoon. More details coming soon!
northwoods early childhood Sun. Check-In:
Opens 8:45 a.m. • Gym Lobby Sun. Childcare:
9 - 10:30 a.m. & 10:30 - 12 p.m.
Rooms 207, 208, 209 & 210
A Christ-centered care environment for Infant - PreK age children. Pick kids up promptly after church services. Register on Church Center. Contact: Tonya Dahl at 651.324.8814 or tdahl@firstefc.org.
We provide adults the chance to run errands while their kids (birth through age 5) are cared for in a fun, safe, Christ–centered learning environment. Join us in the warmer months for PALS (Play and Learn Summer)! Our Church Center page features dates, fees and forms. Contact: Paige Lincoln at 651.785.8220.
day away
MOM’S
MOM’S
Care & Outreach
global impact team
See Pg. 1 for details on Global Impact Sunday (Feb. 27)
This team is passionate about reaching the world with the good news of Jesus.
They communicate and work with the Global Partners who First Free financially supports. To receive more information about our kingdom work or this team, contact Brett Rosso at 715.432.0524.
faith community nurse
Staff member Amy Brown works with pastors and our visitation teams to identify and meet the health and spiritual needs of our seniors (55+) via education, resources, referrals, and encouragement during health crises.
To schedule a visit or join this ministry, email Amy at abrown@firstefc.org.
visitation ministry
Our deacons provide encouragement and prayer by visiting people at home, the hospital or in transitional care. To schedule a visit or join this ministry, call Louise Addington at 952.428.9942 or Debbie Anderson at 612.708.2784.
homebound ministry
Individuals from our church who cannot leave their residences regularly receive encouragement from our team via visits and cards. More volunteers are needed.
If you have the gift of uplifting others, call Jackie Pickar at 651.779.6470.
pro-life ministry
First Free values life at all ages. For details on our current efforts, contact Tom Greenlee at gretom7@gmail.com or 651.338.8461.
operation christmas child This ministry culminates every fall when we pack shoeboxes with gifts and ship them around the world to kids in need.
The rest of the year is spent planning, sewing, knitting and shopping sales for shoebox contents. Watch for fundraisers which benefit this ministry. Contact:
Carolyn Schultz at 651.777.0029.
home care
We offer home repair and upkeep to those in need. To serve or schedule repairs, call Ron Virnala: 651.770.6615.
hospitality team
Our Greeters and Ushers make people feel welcome in our church no matter how long they’ve been attending!
Volunteers at our Guest Services Desk also answer questions for newcomers. To share your gift of hospitality, contact Jon and Louise Addington at 651.283.2404 or at jladdington.fefc@gmail.com.
harvest gardens
Green thumbs are not required to serve a little or a lot at our church’s community garden on County Road C. Many hands are needed from spring until fall.
Contact: Jon Addington at jladdington.
fefc@gmail.com or 651.283.2404.
garden kids bible club
Children of our Harvest Gardeners meet for Bible stories, crafts and more. Help is needed for this outdoor, mid-week ministry. Bring your own kids! Contact:
Rob & Mary Osterlund at 651.426.2871 or robandmaryo@usfamily.net.
giving garden
We use four garden plots to grow produce which is then donated to the Salvation Army Food Shelf. From May to October, volunteers plant, weed, water, harvest and deliver the food. All ages and abilities welcome! Contact:
Rachel Hardacre at 651.492.5406 or rachelmhardacre@gmail.com.
car care
Second Sat. of each month
Our team performs minor vehicle repairs for people with needs in our church and community. To volunteer or schedule repairs, call the office at 651.777.5180.
all-church prayer
Thu. • 8:30 - 9 a.m. • Pastor Todd’s Office Sun. • 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. • Room 201 Sun. • 5 - 6 p.m. • Room 201
We meet every week to pray over our church services and congregation.
prayer network
We harness the power of prayer for the body of First Free during emergencies.
It’s as simple as praying when a request is sent to you. To join the chain or submit a request, call Paige Lincoln at 651.785.8220 or Carol Jaehnert at 651.776.9859.
meals for moms
We provide meals to families adjusting to life with a new child. To alert us of a birth or to provide a meal, contact Bev Wentworth at 651.407.6458.
griefshare Mon. starting Feb. 14 10 - 11:45 a.m. • Room 202
Find help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. This 13-week video series features experts on biblical grief and recovery combined with group discussion and support. Join at any time. The workbook is $20. Contacts:
Carolyn Schultz at 651.777.0029 or Diane Johnson at 651.777.0041.
funeral team
Help prepare, serve, and clean up refreshments for the family of a loved one who has passed. Contact: Janis College at 651.483.0762.
2696 Hazelwood Street Maplewood, MN 55109 651.777.5180 • www.firstefc.org
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service times Sun. • 9 and 10:45 a.m.
office hours
Mon. – Thu. • 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fri. • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
library hours
Sun. • 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Mon. / Wed. / Thu. • 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Tue. • 11:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
ways to give
1. Mail or bring to church
2. Online at firstefc.churchcenter.com/giving 3. Text firstefc with any dollar amount to 84321 weekly email
An email with details on upcoming events is published every Thursday. To subscribe or have a blurb included in this email, call the office or send an email to Grace at gwellendorf@firstefc.org.
reservations
To reserve a room or plan an event, contact Tara Larsen at tlarsen@firstefc.
org or 651.288.1078. A calendar of all events is on our website.
church center
Church Center is a software First Free uses to bring ministries and people together. You can give online, opt into and search our directory, register for events, join a small group and more – all in one place! Download the app from your App Store or utilize the desktop version at https://firstefc.
churchcenter.com. With questions, call the office!
We exist to glorify God by making and maturing disciples
of Jesus Christ to minister to the world with the Gospel
by the Holy Spirit.
Encounter:
Potluck & Prayer
jan. 16 • 5 p.m.
Connected Families Workshop
jan. 23 • 4:30 p.m.
Congregational Meeting
feb. 20 • 6 p.m.
