As many of you might know, First Evangelical Free Church began over 141 years ago as a mission effort among Swedish immigrants to our region. For decades, the church employed only Swedish-speaking pastors and conducted all services and ministries in Swedish.

However, as our communities grew and their composition changed, the congregation graciously started worshipping and ministering in English to reach its neighbors with the gospel more effectively.

We retain the annual Christmas tradition of singing Lyssna, Lyssna (meaning "Listen, Listen") to honor God's faithfulness to First Free Church over 141 years, its first members, and our continuing desire to see Christ build His Church from every nation, tribe, and tongue on earth.

Here are some of the lyrics in English:

Listen, listen; hear the angels singing?
Listen, listen: “Glory be to God!”
Listen, listen; hear the angels singing?
“Glory, glory, glory be to God!” 

Glory be to God, in the highest,
In the highest, in the highest.
Glory be to God, in the highest,
On earth, on earth, goodwill to all
Glory be to God, in the highest
And on earth goodwill to all!