First Free News & Notes: December 2003

We extend our condolences to Howard Schroeder. His son Phil recently went home to be with the Lord. A memorial service for Phil Schroeder will be held at First Free on Saturday, January 10, at 11:00 AM. A light lunch will follow the service.

Poinsettia Plants: Thank you to those who have purchased a poinsettia plant(s) in memory of loved ones. A list of your loved ones is on the back of this bulletin. If you have not yet picked up your poinsettia plant, you can do so today.

Our Christmas Card Fund at First Free is a way for you to send Christmas greetings to all your friends at First Free without mailing a single Christmas card! Just donate a monetary gift and sign the large card in the foyer. The money collected will go to John & Wendy Gerhardt with Urban Impact Ministries in New Orleans.

All Adult Bible Fellowships and Sunday School Classes will be cancelled today.

Chaim Class New Years Eve Party, at Brian & Sara Gallagher's home on Wednesday, December 31, at 7:30 PM. The Gallagher's address is 5248, 37^th Ave. So. Their phone is (612) 728-8094. Bring an appetizer to share. RSVP to Vanessa Beckett at (612) 721-6885.

A Concert of Prayer is planned for Sunday, January 11, at 6:00 PM. Let's start out our New Year right by coming together and dedicating 2004 to the Lord.

Our winter outreach, 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible, will begin Monday nights, January 19 - March 22, from 6:00-7:30 pm at church. A catered dinner and childcare will be provided for a nominal fee. You can purchase a 10 Key Book for $7 at the table in the foyer. Do you know someone who you could pray for and invite? Invitations to invite friends are also available in the foyer.

People of Prayer Needed: Pastor Joel would like to bathe the 10 Keys Outreach in prayer before, during, and after this event. If you would be interested in special prayer opportunities, please call Cindy Sawyer at (612) 827-4705.

YTD Giving: Local Ministries: $253,355 Budget: $252,115
Dec. 21, 2003 Outreach: 89,872 Budget: 86,852

Poinsettia Plants: Thank you to those who have purchased a poinsettia plant(s) in memory of loved ones. The insert honoring your loved ones will be in the Christmas Eve Service bulletin. You may pick up your poinsettia plant(s) following the Christmas Eve Service.

All Adult Bible Fellowships and Sunday School Classes will be cancelled on Sunday, December 28^th.

A Concert of Prayer is planned for Sunday, January 11, at 6:00 PM. Let's start out our New Year right by coming together and dedicating 2004 to the Lord.

YTD Giving: Local Ministries: $244,651 Budget: $245,481
Dec. 14, 2003 Outreach: 82,835 Budget: 84,566

A Note from the Outreach Commission

Funds from the Outreach Commission Budget are used to support career missionaries throughout the world, mission-related organizations, and short-term missionaries going out from this church.
We currently have a budget shortfall. If you can help with this need, mark MISSIONS FUND on your giving envelopes or the offering envelopes in the pew.

Send a Christmas card of encouragement to Curt Decker or to his entire battalion serving in Afghanistan. A first-class 37 cent stamp will get to him at the following address: Curtis L. Decker, HHC 327 MP BN, APO AE 09354.

Angel Tree volunteers are needed! If you can help to deliver gifts to Angel Tree families, please contact Gail Marchand at (612) 823-3114.

Agape Christmas Banquet is set for tonight, 6:30 PM, at the Lakeville Chart House Restaurant. (For directions, see the announcement inside the bulletin.) For ambience, a coat and tie is required.

Fidelis Christmas Event, Spirit of Christmas is planned for Saturday, December 20, 7:00 PM, at Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Rd. See Jack or Phyllis Nordin for tickets.

A Family-oriented Christmas Eve Service with music and candlelight will be held at First Free on Wednesday, December 24, at 4:30 PM. Bring your family and friends!

All Adult Bible Fellowships and Sunday School Classes will be cancelled on Sunday, December 28^th.

YTD Giving: Local Ministries: $236,817 Budget: $238,846
Nov. 30, 2003 Outreach: 79,418 Budget: 82,281

A Note from the Outreach Commission

Funds from the Outreach Commission Budget are used to support career missionaries throughout the world, mission-related organizations, and short-term missionaries going out from this church.
We currently have a budget shortfall. If you can help with this need, mark MISSIONS FUND on your giving envelopes or the offering envelopes in the pew.

Who is that guy in the service? What is he trying to do? Stay tuned to find out what he's trying to unlock.

You are invited to the ESOL Christmas Program at Salem Free Church on Tuesday, December 9, at 8:00 PM. If you have further questions, contact Maureen Juarez.

Angel Tree volunteers are needed! If you can help to deliver gifts to Angel Tree families, please contact Gail Marchand at (612) 823-3114.

Agape Christmas Banquet is set for Sunday, December 14, 6:30 PM, at the Lakeville Chart House Restaurant. The cost is $30 per person. For ambience, a coat and tie is required. Please RSVP and mail $10 deposit to Mary Anderson.

Fidelis Christmas Event, Spirit of Christmas is planned for Saturday, December 20, 7:00 PM, at Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Rd. See Jack or Phyllis Nordin for tickets.

Mark "Read the Bible" on your Welcome Card today if you have an interest in a 2004 Read Through the Bible Study Group, or contact Bob & Lois Chapman at (612) 827-6513.

The Overcomers Lunch, Council & Commission Meetings are cancelled for the month of December.

YTD Giving: Local Ministries: $230,298 Budget: $232,212
Nov. 30, 2003 Outreach: 74,743 Budget: 79,995

A Note from the Outreach Commission

Funds from the Outreach Commission Budget are used to support career missionaries throughout the world, mission-related organizations, and short-term missionaries going out from this church.
We currently have a budget shortfall of $5,000. If you can help with this need, mark MISSIONS FUND on your giving envelopes or the offering envelopes in the pew.