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JULY 2022 |VOLUME 48| ISSUE NO.7
EVANGEL
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF FIRST FREE CHURCH
Written by joel rishel
On July 10 we plan to re-open the auditorium and begin using the remodeled areas. We're very excited for a few key reasons -First, this project began in January, so it’s been going about 6 months. The contractors and subcontractors have done a phenomenal job, working around supply chain issues and all sorts of complications that arise from a project of this scope. As all of it is coming together, we are filled with praise to God. Second, we are eager to get out of the gym— especially as the temperatures continue to rise. Our teams have done a great job making it work, and we are blessed to have the gym space where we can meet, but we’ll be glad to make the transition.
Third, and most importantly, the re-opening provides us with refreshed and new spaces for Gospel ministry. Our main lobby will be easier to navigate for guests. There will be comfortable and attractive areas to connect with people, get a cup of coffee, or pray. The auditorium is inviting and designed for corporate worship. And now you can get from the Main Lobby to the Student Lobby without getting lost. All of this prepares us for growth as we continue to welcome new people and worship God! We will continue to live stream our services. This is a great tool for us to reach guests and seekers as well as serving anyone who is unable to attend. It doesn’t replace in-person worship, but supplements what we do by reaching out to new people. On July 10 the balcony will not be open. We plan to open it when needed for additional seating. There will be a few adjustments with the pews on the main floor because we have moved the tech booth to the back of the auditorium and have made space for a new hallway to the Student Lobby. Please be careful with drinks as we have new carpeting throughout and re-upholstered pews in the Auditorium. Yes, in case you’re wondering, the mauve carpet is completely gone.
(We're Back, con't ... ) There is a whole host of people that have been working on this project, but three people in particular have been diligently planning this for years—Daniel Zajdel, Dave Parkinson, and Joe Squires. We are grateful for the detail they have provided and for their intentionality at enhancing our in-person experience of fellowship, service, and worship. And we are grateful to all of you for your partnership with us in the Changed Lives campaign to reduce the loan balance.
We are truly blessed with a wonderful and spacious building, which has now been updated and significantly remodeled. This highly anticipated project will move us forward in following the exhortation of Hebrews 10:24-25, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” One final encouragement: We are treating July 10 as a soft-open, meaning there will still be some finishing touches to button up and there will most likely be some technical glitches as we learn new equipment and procedures. Please continue to extend grace as you have been doing through this entire building project.
Upcoming Senior Achiever Schedule September 13 Covered Dish meal
Changed Lives To see more people know God's lifechanging power and love, grow in community, and live out his truth daily, we need YOU!
Devotions: Pastor Alex Specifically, we're asking every member and friend of First Free Church to: Pray Listen Respond Watch For more information, please visit myfefc.org/changedlives. Thank you for your continued support of this ministry!
Too Many Books?
Teen OAC Outreach
Written by nancy Jo demolin
Too many books? I believe the phrase you are looking for is ‘not enough book shelves.’ I love books and I love that my office has lots of book shelves!! Books became special to me as a small child. My mom read to me often and taught me to read by age three. She often told the story of taking me to the doctor’s office and as I read Dr. Seuss’ One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish the doctor responded by saying that I probably had just memorized it. OAC| discussions
But when my mom told him to point to any word on any page and I read the isolated word correctly, he had to admit, that I was, indeed, reading independently. Every week, the McKeesport Public Library sent the library bookmobile into our local community, giving us easy access to hundreds of books. One would enter the huge bus near the rear and choose your books as you made your way to the front of the bus to check out your books to enjoy each week. Books have become almost like friends to me. I realize this now when I am in the process of minimizing my personal ‘library’. As retirement looms near, I know that I do not have room in my house for all my books. If you are a reader, I would love to introduce you to some of my ‘friends’ that you could adopt. If you are not a reader, it is never too late to begin to enjoy reading. It can be very good for your mental health. Check out these recent findings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Reading can reduce mental decline in old age by up to 32% Reading can lead to greater satisfaction in life. Reading can reduce stress up to 68%. Reading fiction can make you a better decision-maker. 50% of people who read [not using phone or laptop] before going to bed, sleep better.
OAC| praying
Remember that what you read matters. Not all books are created equal. Praise God that His book, the Bible, is the most widely read book in the world! Just the thought that it contains the words of the living God should make us quick to open it. It should be our number one book! For some other wholesome book recommendations, check out Gladys Hunt’s, Honey for a Child’s Heart, Honey for a Teen’s Heart, and Honey for a Women’s Heart. While I will always prefer holding an actual book in my hand, I am very thankful for my KINDLE. No book shelves needed. Now I just need to find the time to relax and read!
OAC| drawing a crowd
Mark Your Calendars Independence Day - office closed | July 4
Family News Memorial Gifts THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED
White Cross |
International July 19 at 9 a.m. WRITTEN BY KIRK ALBRECHT Partner Spotlight Summer Blast Dress Rehearsal | July 20 at 6:30 p.m. Summer Blast Dress Rehearsal | July 23 at 10 a.m.
MEMORIAL GIFTS FOR THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE. For Jim Danielson Alberta Danielson
Anniversaries CONGRATULATIONS TO...
General Assembly | July 24 at 12:30 p.m. Summer Blast & Summer Pop | July 26-29 at 6:30 p.m.
Elmer & Susan Durst for 70 years of marriage on July 5. Karl & Sally Irwin for 62 years of marriage on July 8. Ron & Jan Pry for 63 years of marriage on July 11. John & Linda Gougler for 54 years of marriage on July 20.
Growth Group leaders meeting | August 7 at 12:30 p.m. Youth Leader Retreat | August 12-13 White Cross | August 16 at 9 a.m. AWANA Training | August 28 at 12:30 p.m. Next Gen Prayer Meeting | September 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Labor Day - office closed | September 5 Connect re-start | September 7 at 6:30 pm Women's Conference | September 10 at 9 a.m. Please visit www.myfefc.org for our full and updated calendar. Copyright © 2022 | First Evangelical Free Church. All rights reserved.