The Evangel - April 2024

the EVANGEL

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF FIRST FREE CHURCH

First Free Staff News

Hello, First Free Church Family -

As Pastor Kirk Albrecht's transition from First Free Church to Grove City Christian Academy approaches, we're writing to pass along some relevant staffing news. Here are some things we want you to know.

First, we're happy to announce the promotion of Alex Ielase to Associate Pastor of Students and Congregational Care. Alex has been and will remain a dedicated minister to our students. However, as part of this transition, we plan to transition our Young Adult Ministry, previously under Pastor Alex's direct oversight, to a team of dedicated volunteers. His new role will see him working more closely with Pastor Kevin, our staff, our Board of Deacons, and others to ensure a comprehensive approach to

Live Like A Spear

By Pastor Kirk Albrecht

Hunters in tribal Papua New Guinea among the Malamaundan people de8ly move through the lush forest in search of game, specifically wild pigs. Armed with liAle more than a bag over their shoulder and a wooden spear, they provide much-needed meat for their families. In my hand, these spears are nice to behold, being hand-carved; in their hands, they are deadly.

I returned from a couple of visits to that region of Papua New Guinea with several spears for decoraEon and gi8s. But my use of them is not their intended purpose. That purpose is to kill wild animals for food. And that use is dependent on the skilled aim of the hunter.

Would I throw one of those spears in a hunt, it would fail miserably. I am not trained nor skilled in its use. It would not fulfill its purpose.

God has equipped us with everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We have a purpose – to proclaim the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We need to live like a spear in the

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

The women of First Free Church will gather for the Women's Ministry Spring Event taking place on Friday, April 12th at First Free Church from 7pm-9pm.

Speaker: Sarah Albrecht

Bible teaching, worship, makeand-take craft, dessert and more!

Live Like A Spear

By Pastor Kirk Albrecht

( Live Like A Spear, cont.)

Hunters in tribal Papua New Guinea among the Malamaundan people de8ly move through the lush forest in search of game, specifically wild pigs. Armed with liAle more than a bag over their shoulder and a wooden spear, they provide much-needed meat for their families. In my hand, these spears are nice to behold, being hand-carved; in their hands, they are deadly.

I returned from a couple of visits to that region of Papua New Guinea with several spears for decoraEon and gi8s. But my use of them is not their intended purpose. That purpose is to kill wild animals for food. And that use is dependent on the skilled aim of the hunter.

Would I throw one of those spears in a hunt, it would fail miserably. I am not trained nor skilled in its use. It would not fulfill its purpose.

Celebrating Pastor Kirk & Sarah Albrecht!

April 21st, 5-7 pm

Join us as we give thanks to God for His goodness to us through Kirk & Sarah Albrecht!

Overflow seating is still available! RSVP online or call the Main Office for dinner, dessert, and a program full of gratitude, remembrance, and celebration!

God has equipped us with everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We have a purpose – to proclaim the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We need to live like a spear in the hands of a skilled hunter – on target, aiming at the right things in life.

What should this look like? We need to know our target above all. We find that in the Bible, God’s word for us. In the Bible, we encounter what God has revealed as his will for our lives. If you

FF Men’s Retreat

May 3-4, 2024

Register online or by calling the Church Office!

Join us for our annual retreat at Laurelville Retreat Center!

With overnight and Saturdayonly options this year, we're offering a flexible event of Spirit-led worship, warm times of fellowship, delicious food, and sound Gospel-centered teaching.

congregational care. We're confident in Alex's ability to lead this vital aspect of our church's ministry.

Second, we are changing Debbie Neiman's title to reflect this change. She will now serve as the "Associate Pastor's Assistant." She will continue to support Pastor Alex's ministry and help ensure its smooth operation.

Third, we recently changed Joe Squires' title from "Business Manager" to "Operations Manager," recognizing the full scope of his oversight.

Fourth, we're delighted to welcome Heather Clement, a longtime member of First Free, to our team. Heather will enter the Children's Ministry Leader role starting May 1, 2024. With her extensive volunteer experience and passion for children's ministry, we're confident that she will provide excellent leadership and support to Beth Jewel (Children's Ministry Assistant), Michelle Washington (Awana Coordinator), and Marie Zajdel (2024 Summer Blast and Pop Coordinator). We're grateful that Makayla Rothey, our Interim Sunday Morning Coordinator, will serve through the end of May to aid in this transition.

We plan to share additional updates shortly regarding aspects of Pastor Kirk's ministry transitioning to new oversight—such as Adult Bible Fellowships, Global Ministries, Growth Groups, Leadership Cohort, Senior Achievers, etc. We're working through those details now and will share an update with you by April.

Your Friends at First Free

Senior Achievers Luncheon

Introducing Chiz Rider - Jazz Trumpet Minister

Senior Achievers Luncheon

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 @ 11:00 am

Join the Senior Achievers for a very special monthly gathering to hear Chiz Rider, Jazz Trumpet Minister! The $10 LUNCH includes Chicken Pot Pie over Biscuits, Jell-O Salad, Blondies & Brownies. Seniors will enjoy a very special Program from Chiz Rider, Jazz Trumpet Minister! Devotions will be led by Pastor Kevin Labby. Questions? Call Cheryl in the Church Office at 412-678-6655.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Next Gen Prayer

April 7, following worship

Spiritual Recovery Workshop

April 9, 16, 23, 30

Griefshare

April 4, 11, 18, 25

Senior Achievers Luncheon

April 9, 11:00 am

Women’s Ministry Spring Event

April 12, 7-9 pm

Student Ministry Game Night

April 19, 7 pm

Celebrating Kirk and Sarah Albrecht!

April 21 5-7 pm

Day of Prayer & Fasting

April 25

Prayer & Praise Service

April 25, 7 pm

General Assembly

April 28th, following worship

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Darlene Caldwell

Anonymous

Laurie Bezeck

John Callahan

Anonymous

Joyce Epolito

Anonymous

William & Shirley Somerville

Greg Smith

Mike & Judy Davis

Diane Verdish

Pauline Tonsetic SYMPATHIES

Our Christian love and sympathy

To the friends and family of Darlene Caldwell

To the friends and family of Joyce Epolito

To the friends and family of John Callahan

Senior Achievers Luncheon

Tuesday, April 9

11 am - Social time

11:30 am - Lunch

Devotions: Pastor Kevin

Program: Chiz Rider, Jazz Trumpet Minister

$10 LUNCH includes Chicken Pot Pie over Biscuits, Jell-O Salad, Blondies & Brownies

Questions? Contact the Church Office at 412-678-6655. ANNIVERSARIES

James & Virginia Cottrell 53 years

David & Valerie Sas 45 years

William & Linda Fawcett, Jr. 49 years