The Challenge…and the Need

At First Free we are committed to compassionate outreach by demonstrating Christ’s love to our community. Many Chicagoans are turned off by the church, which they see as irrelevant or else depicting a harsh, judgmental God. The challenge before First Free Church is for us to take the first steps, to leave our confining church walls, and to show God’s love and kindness in definitive, tangible ways.

 To this end, we invite our entire church to engage in multi-generational, "Kindness outreaches" (humble acts of service with no strings attached). These compassionate deeds may include, but not be limited to, such compassionate deeds as: picking up trash, giving flowers on Mother’s Day, free block parties (ex. "Kidfest"), Midsommarfest booth giveaways, distributing free environmentally-friendly light bulbs, doing free rain barrel and composting demonstrations, cleaning toilets in local businesses, and drying cars at local car washes.

I remember one man in his early twenties, who looked a little rough, called his mom in the middle of our free car wash just to tell her how cool it was that our church was washing his car for free. Another time a young lady whose appearance made her look very unapproachable was walking in our direction and I almost didn’t stop to ask her if she would like a free carnation, but we did ask, and her face lit up, and she received the carnation with probably more enthusiasm than anyone else that day.  During Midsommarfest 2008 our church sponsored a booth that attracted lots of people.  As people came into our booth, many of them had no idea we were even a church.  When we told them we were, some were a little suprised; others were slightly confused.  I don't think they were used to seeing a church serving their community in a positive way.  They didn't think of the church and environmental concern coming together, but they were very happy and excited about what we were doing.

To sign-up to volunteer in one of these kindness outreaches, please register on the form provided. After you have served in a kindness outreach, please give us your feedback on the form provided.

Welcoming our Andersonville community

As a church we also want to welcome our community neighbors. To that end, we have plans to offer ...

• Alpha Course - an internationally recognized ten week course providing a basic introduction to the Christian faith (click here for more details) in a safe atmosphere. Seekers are encouraged to discover God and explore a relationship with Christ.
   
• Marriage Course - helps couples focus on key areas impacting the marriage relationship. Please view their web site at www.themarriagecourseusa.org.
   
• Beginning in Fall 2008 we will be offering offering additional courses on practical life skills by addressing such topics as finances and the environment.

In the near future there are hopes to offer recovery groups through the Celebrate Recovery program. Please view their website at www.celebraterecovery.com.

Those interested in the arts are invited to explore our Worship Arts page. and obtain more information about our annual Spring Play and Semiotic Art show.

Remember the old Doobie Brothers’ song, "Taking it to the Streets?" Let’s take the love of Christ and let it spill out into the streets, our neighborhoods, communities, and work places.