Stories
To equip us to go, tell and show the love of God. To help us see the world with new eyes. To inform, inspire, unite and engage. This is the purpose of stories.
A new summer day camp for a new era
First Free Rockford has retired Summerama for 2025. Instead, Kids Ministries plans a one-week camp called VBS XL. We spoke with Kari Heckler, First Free Kids Director, about what’s anticipated.
10 good quotes about fasting
As we wrap up our church’s call for 21 days of fasting and prayer, it’s with the hope that those intertwined spiritual disciplines habits become part of our lives more regularly. Here’s some inspiration.
The good kind of pressure
A season of fasting and prayer is helping Sophia Vale redirect the pressure she naturally applies to life.
What Dr Pepper taught me about fasting
First Free has called for 21 days fasting and prayer. Over that time, several people from our church family are writing about those experiences. First up: Kristi Countryman.
Not a singular problem
Churches focus much of their attention and programming on marriage and family. That can leave singles feeling misunderstood or unseen. We can do better.
Seeing Jesus in our quarterback
How my 9-year-old football player gave me a better view of Jesus
‘Those moments are priceless’
Looking for ways to read more with your kids or grandkids? Check out The Book Nook.
Do you bring your Bible to church? Does it matter?
A growing number of Christians use their phones as their Bible. Meanwhile, the percentage of “Scripture engaged” Christians is dropping. It’s too soon to tell if those trends are related—but it’s worth a conversation.
Wonder Working Power
If Christmas isn’t all joy for you, remember that everything about Jesus flips the world’s script.
The Shocking Reason We Don’t Pray More
An amusing psychological study sheds light on a spiritual problem most of us struggle with.
Quieting the Chaos
Silencing our culture’s loudest voices can help us see and hear God more clearly through his Word. But when our phones are always near, this requires a plan.
If I Can Do It…
With all that life piles on our plate, honoring the Sabbath sounds as rewarding as it does unattainable.
