First Free News & Notes: February 2004

We warmly welcome our new members this morning. They are Mark & Kris Larson, Doug Nelson, Al & Darlene Tunberg, and Thomas Wolf. Be sure to greet them at fellowship time.

Our prayers go out to the family of Marilyn Larson. Her brother, Larry, recently went home to be with the Lord. His memorial service was held at the Berean Church in Burnsville on Sunday, February 22.

"The Passion of Jesus Christ" by John Piper will be given out free in the foyer today. Please limit one book per family.

Women's Guild will meet on March 2^nd at 1:00 PM. Dr. Bob Chapman will be speaking on the theme of prayer.

A Hymn Sing will be held at Edgewater Baptist on Sunday, March 7, at 4:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Read Thru the Bible will begin Tuesday, March 30. If you have an interest, contact Bob & Lois Chapman at (612) 827-6513, or write "Read Thru the Bible" on your welcome card.

Carrie Boyum's baby shower will be held at the church this afternoon at 3:00 PM. All women from the church are invited. Carrie is registered at Target and Babies R Us. Contact Vanessa Beckett with any questions.

Youth Group will view The Passion of the Christ on Saturday, March 6. We'll meet at church, eat lunch together, watch the movie, and return to church for discussion. Youth must have a signed permission slip. See Pastor Eric for complete details.

Chaim Class Pizza & Game Night is planned for Saturday, March 6, First Free Church at 6:00 PM. Bring your favorite pizza toppings and beverage for you and your family. RSVP to Vanessa Beckett at (612) 721-6885.

Vanessa Beckett's baby shower will be held at the church on Sunday, March 7, at 3:00 PM. All women from the church are invited. Vanessa is registered at Target and Babies R Us.

Sojourners' Movie Night, is planned for Friday, March 19, 7:00 PM, at church. Bring snacks to share; beverage will be provided. Children are welcome.

YTD Giving: Local Ministries: $320,244 Budget: $311,827
Feb. 22, 2004 Outreach: 116,096 Budget: 107,422

Missionary Prayer Focus

North Central District of the EFCA

The North Central District has requested prayer for Brent Waiwaiole (youth pastor at Grace EFC in Fridley and the NCD Youth Director). He recently suffered a severe seizure that stopped his heart. It does not appear to have caused heart damage, but Brent remains in Intensive Care.
Brent has shown improvement and is now conscious and engaging family and medical staff in conversation. There is still no word on cause of the seizures. Pray for Brent, his wife Linda, and their three children, Jordan, Bethany, and Noah as they go through this difficult time.

"Words can't adequately express my appreciation for the lovely Birthday Celebration last Sunday and for the many kindnesses shown to me through the years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Much Love, Hazel Johnson"

Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Marianne Schlegel. She passed away on February 16. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 10:00 AM, at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel.

Women's Guild will meet on March 2^nd at 1:00 PM. Dr. Bob Chapman will be speaking on the theme of prayer.

Begin to prepare for Easter by joining the choir for the Easter season. Choir meets on Tuesdays at 6:45 PM. At Choir, you will find warm fellowship, good music, and fun!

Women's Neighborhood Bible Study is starting a new 12-week study of the Psalms. They meet on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM. It's a great opportunity to study God's Word and have fellowship with other women. Please join us and invite a friend! Childcare is provided.

Carrie Boyum's baby shower will be held at the church on Sunday, February 29, at 3:00 PM. All women from the church are invited. Carrie is registered at Target and Babies R Us. Contact Vanessa Beckett with any questions.

Chaim Class Pizza & Game Night is planned for Saturday, March 6, First Free Church at 6:00 PM. Bring your favorite pizza toppings and beverage for you and your family. RSVP to Vanessa Beckett at scizot_indahouse {at} hotmail.com or call (612) 721-6885.

Vanessa Beckett's baby shower will be held at the church on Sunday, March 7, at 3:00 PM. All women from the church are invited. Vanessa is registered at Target and Babies R Us.

Camp Scholarships: If you are planning to attend camp this summer, registrations are due by March 1^st. First Free will pay half of your cost to attend Camps Shamineau, Nathanael, or Cherith. See Sherie McClun for details regarding scholarships or call (612) 827-1863.

YTD Giving: Local Ministries: $315,591 Budget: $305,192
Feb. 15, 2004 Outreach: 114,540 Budget: 105,137

Missionary Prayer Focus

EFCA - Urban & Intercultural Mission

Enrique Fernandez - Pray as he prepares to defend his dissertation this winter in preparation for graduation in May.

John Gerhardt - Pray that God would provide the funds needed for the new ministry center they are trying to purchase in the heart of New Orleans. Pray that God would provide the teams needed to help renovate this facility and staff its many ministries.

Dan Reeve - Pray that God would provide the student teams still needed this summer for BUMP in Dallas and Bridgeport, CT.

We extend a warm "welcome home" to Grace Vandervort, who has retired after 37 years of service in the mission field. Her last assignment was with the Red Sea Team in Djibouti, Africa. A welcome home reception for Grace will be held today during the coffee time. Be sure to stop by and greet her. There will be a basket provided for gifts and cards.

Begin to prepare for Easter by joining the choir for the Easter season. Choir meets on Tuesdays at 6:45 PM. At Choir, you will find warm fellowship, good music, and fun!

Attention All Ladies- Mark Your Calendars! On Wednesday, February 18, from 9:30-11:00 AM, Women's Neighborhood Bible Study is starting a new 12-week study of the Psalms. Topics include what the Bible says about happiness, fear, security and perspective in bad times - to name just a few. It's a great opportunity to study God's Word and have fellowship with other women. Please join us and invite a friend! Childcare is provided.

Sara Gallagher's baby shower will be held at the church on Thursday, February 19, at 7:00 PM. All women from the church are invited. Sara is registered at Target and Babies R Us. Contact Carrie Boyum with any questions.

Vanessa Beckett's baby shower will be held at the church on Sunday, March 7, at 3:00 PM. All women from the church are invited. Vanessa is registered at Target and Babies R Us.

Camp Scholarships: If you are planning to attend camp this summer, registrations are due by March 1^st. First Free will pay 50 percent of your cost to attend Camps Shamineau, Nathanael, or Cherith. See Sherie McClun for details regarding scholarships or call (612) 827-1863.

YTD Giving: Local Ministries: $309,906 Budget: $298,558
Feb. 8, 2004 Outreach: 112,375 Budget: 102,851

Welcome Back & Happy Birthday, Don! Don Brueske moved to Buddensiek's home on February 7^th. All Don's mail should now be forwarded to Aaron & Sharon's place.

The Quarterly Business Meeting is set for tonight at 6:00 PM. The following people have been nominated for 2004-2006 positions that will be voted on at the meeting:

Council Chair-Steve Mondy; Council Secretary- Marilyn Fisher; Church Council- Ardese Barrett, Jack Nordin, Jeff Olson, and John Symington; & 2003-04 Audit Committee- Doug Beckett, Char Boyles, and Ron Sollie.

A welcome home reception for Grace Vandervort will be held on Sunday, February 15, during the coffee time. There will be a basket provided for gifts and cards.

Laugh in the Face of Winter! Youth and adults are invited to go cross-country skiing on Friday, February 13, 7:00 PM, at French Regional Park in Plymouth on groomed, lighted trails. Ski rentals are available. For more information, email Katie Dudgeon (kd {at} efca.org) or call Jill Rose, 612-827-4402.

Begin to prepare for Easter by joining the choir for the Easter season. Choir meets on Tuesdays at 6:45 PM. At Choir, you will find warm fellowship, good music, and fun!

Women's Neighborhood Bible Study meets on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:00 AM and is starting a new 12-week study of the Psalms on February 18th. This is a great opportunity to study God's Word and have fellowship with other women. Please join us and invite a friend!

Sara Gallagher's baby shower is being held at the church on Thursday, February 19, at 7:00 PM. All women from the church are invited. Sara is registered at Target and Babies R Us. Contact Carrie Boyum with any questions.

An in-home caregiver for an adult is needed on Saturdays for 2-4 hours. This is a paid position of $10/ hour. Call Sharon Buddensiek at (612) 866-9428 if you have an interest.

YTD Giving: Local Ministries: $301,941 Budget: $291,923
Feb. 1, 2004 Outreach: 110,103 Budget: 100,565

Every Marriage Needs Preventative Maintenance!

"Becoming Soul Mates" Seminar

at Crystal Free Church

Saturday, March 13
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

If 8 Couples Register by TODAY
The Cost: $60 per couple (Includes lunch)

Register today at the table in the foyer

Happy 95^th Birthday to Hazel Johnson! We are thankful for her many years of faithful service to First Free Church.

Don Brueske will be moving to Aaron & Sharon Buddensiek's home on February 7^th. All Don's mail should now be forwarded to Aaron & Sharon's place.

The Quarterly Business Meeting will follow the MN Vespers Service on Sunday, February 8, at 6:00 PM. The following people have been nominated for 2004-2006 positions that will be voted on at the Quarterly Business Meeting:

Every marriage needs preventative maintenance! The Caring Commission is encouraging our couples to take the "Becoming Soul Mates" seminar at Crystal EFC on March 13, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If we register as a group by next Sunday, the cost per couple will be reduced from $80 to $60 (includes lunch). Check the table in the foyer for more info.

JUST DO IT! The Caring Commission would like to encourage you to take the time to get together with someone in the congregation during the month of February.

Return your baby bottles for New Life Homes (GMAE) to the church by next Sunday, February 8^th.

Minnesota Vespers (Hymns, Gospel Songs, Scripture, and Meditations in the Traditional Style) will be held here at First Free Church, on Sunday, February 8, at 4:30 PM.

Baby Showers are coming to First Free! See your February Newsletter for more information on showers for Brian & Sara Gallagher, Jon & Carrie Boyum, and Scott & Vanessa Beckett.

Mark your calendars for Outreach Sunday, February 22^nd. Check your February Newsletter for complete details.

YTD Giving: Local Ministries: $292,539 Budget: $285,288
Jan. 25, 2004 Outreach: 107,814 Budget: 98,280