Thank you to all who helped make this year's VBC a huge success! We had 200 kids come through our doors (average 155); 116 volunteers; and donated $307.69 for the Conrads, missionaries in Japan, to buy books and DVDs for the Meinohama Christian Center Library.

Women's Guild Members: Note that you will be not be meeting in July or August for a summer break.

All are invited to attend a Baby Shower for Maggie Zhao and Bob Gu on July 12^th at 1:30 PM.  They are registered at Babies R Us under Maggie Zhao, Roseville, MN.

Join us on July 19^th at 10:30 AM for a special Worship Service at Minnehaha Falls! Invite cards for friends can be found at the Welcome Center. Do you like to bike? A group of cyclists will be leaving from First Free at 9:50 AM to ride together to the service. See you there!

If you would like to be baptized at Lake Nokomis this summer, please mark your Welcome Card or contact the Church Office. The service will be on August 16^th with a picnic to follow.

Plan Ahead! Family Camp will be August 21^st-23^rd. Contact Carrie Boyum (joncarrieboyum {at} hotmail.com) with questions.

HOST A NEW ARRIVAL FROM CHINA
New graduate students from China are arriving in late July -August to study at the U of MN. They need a place to stay for several days while they find regular housing. China Outreach Ministries is looking for people willing to open up their homes in this way. This hosting involves providing temporary housing, arranging daily transportation to and from the U of MN's campus, and providing breakfast and supper. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Bob and Joanne Kraftson with China Outreach Ministries at rjkraftson {at} embarqmail.com or 651-437-6806.

Fiscal YTD Giving:  Local Ministries: $91,150  Budget: $104,939
May 31, 2009            Outreach: $24,359   Budget: $26,939

We warmly welcome Dr. Nupanga Weanzana, President of BEST Seminary in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to our pulpit today. Thank you for sharing with us!

News from the Dock!
A huge thank you to all who donated items for VBC. We appreciate your generosity!
--VBC Team

Come see what Crocodile Dock is all about! One-day volunteers are always welcome. VBC will be from 9 AM-Noon, M-F. Special Events include visits from the Conrads, missionaries to Japan, and a special magic show on Thursday by Jack Nordin.

Crocodile Dock begins TOMORROW! Please stay after second service today to help turn First Free into a bayou! Lunch will be provided.

Save the date: Wednesday, July 1^st, we'll have a church blood drive from 2:30-6:30 PM. You must be 16 or older and in general good health to give blood. Sign up at the Welcome Desk or by calling the Church Office.

All are invited to attend a Baby Shower for Maggie Zhao and Bob Gu on July 12^th at 1:30 PM.  They are registered at Babies R Us under Maggie Zhao, Roseville, MN.

HOST A NEW ARRIVAL FROM CHINA
New graduate students from China are arriving in late July -August to study at the U of MN. They need a place to stay for several days while they find regular housing. China Outreach Ministries is looking for people willing to open up their homes in this way. Your participation would mean a crucial first impression of America and, often, of Christian faith. This hosting involves providing temporary housing, arranging daily transportation to and from the U of MN's campus, and providing breakfast and supper. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Bob and Joanne Kraftson with China Outreach Ministries at rjkraftson {at} embarqmail.com or 651-437-6806, Cell: 651 303 7683.

Fiscal YTD Giving:  Local Ministries: $91,150  Budget: $104,939
May 31, 2009            Outreach: $24,359   Budget: $26,939

We warmly welcome Andy and Lorna Gilbert to our services today. The Gilberts serve as EFCA missionaries to Japan. Thank you for sharing with us!

Congratulations to our new members! We welcome DJ & Danah O'Neil, Steve & Katie Klenk, Geoff & Stacey Urbanz, Jeff & Lisa Dutton, and Darcy & Suzy Schubloom.

Congratulations to Don and Gen Erickson who will celebrate their 60^th Wedding Anniversary on June 15^th!

We offer our prayers and condolences to the families of Ellen Koland and Ednah Gabler. Ellen passed away on June 6^th, her 93^rd birthday. Ednah passed away on June 7^th. Memorial Services were held for both this past week.

Crocodile Dock begins next week! Volunteers are still welcome, even if you can only come 1 or 2 days. Sign up at the Creekside Canteen or Welcome Center. Volunteers also need to attend a VBC Training session! RSVP to Beth Brown for this Wednesday, 6:30-8 PM.

Summer Children's Ministry schedule starts next Sunday! Nursery and Preschool will be available for both services. Creekside Bible Time (Gr. 1-6) will meet during First Service; Kids in Gr. 1-6 will remain in the Second Service.

VBC Set-Up Day: We welcome anyone to stay after church and help set up the church for Crocodile Dock. Lunch will be served to all who help! Questions? Contact Beth Brown.

Save the date: July 1^st, Church Blood Drive, 3:30-6:30 PM.

All are invited to attend a Baby Shower for Maggie Zhao and Bob Gu on July 12^th at 1:30 PM.  They are registered at Babies R Us under Maggie Zhao, Roseville, MN.

Fiscal YTD Giving:  Local Ministries: $91,150  Budget: $104,939
May 31, 2009            Outreach: $24,359   Budget: $26,939

Everyone is invited to a reception in celebration of the marriage of Mark and Bobbie (Gutkowski) Fleming. The reception will be at 2 PM today in the church gym.

Will you donate items for VBC? Check the lobster net TODAY! Register to volunteer for Crocodile Dock! Fill out a VBC insert and turn it in at the Creekside Canteen or register online at www.firstfreechurch.org/vbc. Nursery and Rocky's Preschool program will be available for children of volunteers.

VBC Volunteers! Come to a VBC Training session and have a turtle shell sundae at the bayou! RSVP to Beth Brown for either this Wednesday or next Wednesday, June 17^th, 6:30-8 PM.

Everyone is invited to an Open House on Sunday, June 14^th in celebration of Ryan Friesen's graduation from Jefferson High School. 9340 Quinn Road, Bloomington, 5:00-8:00 PM.

Graduation Open House: You are all invited to a high school graduation open house for Ingrid Vatsaas on Friday, June 19, from 5-9 PM, 604 Autumn Oaks Ct, Eagan.

Save the date: Wednesday, July 1^st, we'll have a church blood drive from 2:30-6:30 PM. You must be 16 or older and in general good health to give blood. Every pint donated can benefit up to 3 patients. We hope to have 34 people participate. Sign up at the Welcome Desk or by calling the Church Office.

Two of First Free's missionaries to Asia will be making a trip to the US June 30-Aug 4.  They are in need of housing as well as a car for that time.  If you are able to meet either of those needs, please contact Ross Olson at (612) 824-7691.

Fiscal YTD Giving:  Local Ministries: $91,150  Budget: $104,939
May 31, 2009            Outreach: $24,359   Budget: $26,939