From the Latin Adventus, meaning "coming," Advent is the four-week season of prayerful preparation leading to our celebration of Christ's birth over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. During Advent (December 3 - 24, 2023) and through the Christmas holiday, the First Free Church Family will commemorate and celebrate our Lord's birth in many exciting ways!
On Sundays throughout December, our pastors will share an Advent-themed sermon series entitled "The Promised King," original messages built around headings I've seem some others use and enjoyed: the King's Coming, Cradle, Cross, and Crown. In addition, we will celebrate the season with special holiday music led by our Worship Team, offerings by our choir, scripture readings from members of our church family, and more.
December 3, 2023 (10:45 a.m.)
The Promised King: The King's Coming
Pastor Kirk Albrecht
December 10, 2023 (10:45 a.m.)
The Promised King: The King's Cradle
Pastor Kevin Labby
December 17, 2023 (10:45 a.m.)
The Promised King: The King's Cross
Pastor Alex Ielase
December 24, 2023 (10:45 a.m.)
The Promised King: The King's Crown
Pastor Kevin Labby
First Free Kids helped coordinate our annual participation in Operation Christmas Child in partnership with Samaritan's Purse. Shoebox gifts built online go to the ends of the earth to children in some of the hardest-to-reach places—whether deep jungles, city slums, steep mountainsides, or one of 1,000 remote Pacific islands. Many of these areas are resistant to the Gospel, for cultural or religious reasons, and are home to numerous unreached people groups, some of whom have never heard the Name of Jesus Christ.
First Free Students will enjoy singing Christmas carols, purchasing, and delivering Christmas gifts for some wonderful people in our church and community. For more information, please contact Alex Ielase, Pastor of Students and Young Adults.
First Free Women will gather for a time of fellowship at our Women's Christmas Tea on Sunday, December 3, from 1–3 p.m. Be sure to register!
We invite First Free Men to come together as they do so faithfully to serve on any of our holiday-oriented ministry teams, especially Christmas Fest. To learn more, please contact Jennifer Ielase, Lead Pastor's Assistant.
Moreover, First Free Seniors will enjoy their annual Christmas luncheon on December 12, starting at 11:00 a.m. They will also visit Oglebay in Wheeling, WV and other sites to enjoy an annual Christmas light festival.
Also, don't miss our annual Christmas Fest event on one night only - Friday, December 8, from 6–8 p.m. We plan to have fun for the whole family, including two showings of The Shepherd from the producers of The Chosen, delicious holiday treats and beverages, a cozy outdoor fire, a live animal petting zoo, holiday photos, and more. Come and bring your neighbors! It's all free.
And, of course, make plans now to join us for Christmas Eve at First Free. We will worship on Sunday at 10:45 a.m. (our regular worship service) and hold our special Christmas Eve celebration at 7:00 p.m.! Join us for a beautiful service of readings, reflection, and Christmas carols by candlelight.
Merry Christmas!