As the unjust killing of George Floyd and the destruction from riots in the city have caused us to ask "how can we respond?" we want to be a Christ-Centered and Christ-Sent people seeking to bless the city in the midst of these trying times.

 After an overwhelming response to immediate needs that emerged in the first couple weeks of the aftermath, we're now turning our focus towards supporting ministries that are long-time experts in the issues most affecting our city at this time. We will be updating our website with those opportunities, but here are the current recommendations:

Serve with Community Emergency Services

While we've been able to organize and collect a sizeable donation of personal hygiene products to CES, they need volunteers to help in the distribution of those products and food throughout the coming weeks. An application process is necessary and can be found at: https://www.cesmn.org/ces-volunteer-application/view/form

The One Fund

For several months now, we have been collecting donations for the One Fund. The One Fund is a Minneapolis based organization that exists to support the work of local African American churches and ministries that—due to historic inequities—have been disproportionately affected by the recent crisis in our Twin Cities. The One Fund offers grant dollars to front-line, African American churches and ministries as they proclaim the truth of the Gospel and demonstrate God’s love to those in our city.

"Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality." 2 Corinthians 8:13–14

You can make a financial gift electronically by clicking on the link below. You can also give by mailing a check to First Free Church and mark your gift, “One Fund”.

 Give to the One Fund 

For more information visit: www.bethechurchmn.com/onefund

Partner with Source

From the Source website:

"The loss of George Floyd’s life was a terrible tragedy, since he died at the hands of those who were supposed to protect him. We see that what was started as a tragedy and injustice would not only be a conduit for historic change in police and political culture but also for racial reconciliation and restoration throughout our culture and society. Each of us needs to first search our minds and actions to discover ways we need to change. Then we need to voice the need for change in our own networks and congregations, using our influence to spread racial reconciliation and restoration."

Ways to get involved with Source