2223 N. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61107(815) 877-7046

All posts in “Community”

3 long runs in the same direction

by Kaylin Carlson | 3-minute read

 

I love to run. It’s my time to decompress, pray and just be with God in his creation, doing something I believe he’s created me to do. Back in March, I was praying for a way to bring joy to others during COVID-19. While I was running, an idea popped into my head to create a virtual run. I wanted to give people something to look forward to, to have fun with and to bless the community during these challenging times. I’d charge a small fee to participate, make the medals myself and we’d donate everything to charity. Read More

September 8, 2020 / 1
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School year prayer of dedication

We asked several people from our church family who are teachers and students to record a corporate prayer of dedication and God’s blessing on our students, teachers, administrators and staff — from preschool to graduate or trade school, or home school.

 

DOWNLOAD PRAYER TEXT

Written by:
Jim Killam & Rob Ullrich

Readers:
Allegra Griffin (student)
Emma Joiner (student)
Heather Schlueter (teacher)
Rob & Cherice Ullrich (teachers)

Music
Baptize Me by Benjamin James (Musicbed license)

 

August 30, 2020 / 0
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Rise and Build: Q&R with Pastor Luke Uran

by Jim Killam | 10-minute read

 

With a new sermon series under way, we spoke with Lead Pastor Luke Uran about the book of Nehemiah, leadership and prayer for our church as we enter a new season. Read More

August 26, 2020 / 0
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Back to school during Covid-19

As we prepare for a school year like no other, we spoke with two teachers and an administrator about their upcoming challenges, and how our church family can pray.

Teachers:
Jason Blume
Heather Schlueter
Rob Ullrich

Interviewer:
Jim Killam

Recorded Monday, Aug. 17, 2020

*Opinions expressed are the individuals’ own, and do not necessarily represent First Free Rockford, Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) or their places of employment.

August 19, 2020 / 0
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Summer mission trip interview with Student Ministries

Our students’ summer mission trips were canceled, but ministry goes on! We spoke with Student Ministries Director Meredith Domanico and Middle School Coordinator Clayton Ganziano, about plans for our students to serve locally this month.

They would welcome your prayer support. You can download a prayer guide below.

 

DOWNLOAD PRAYER GUIDE

 

 

July 8, 2020 / 0
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Q&R with Pastor Luke: June 2020

by Jim Killam | 10-minute read

 

In this “everything but the kitchen sink” interview, Lead Pastor Luke Uran talks about adjusting to a unique season, the Ten Commandments sermon series, the national conversation on race, COVID-19 and gathering again for worship.

 

First, how are you?

I’m hanging in there. It’s been a whirlwind, going back to the beginning of the coronavirus and now obviously with the racial tension and divide that our country is facing. I think it has definitely affected everyone in one way or another. There is a heaviness to these days. It’s still taking some adjusting. Read More

June 25, 2020 / 0
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Playing it by ear

by Rob Ullrich | 5-minute read

 

Occasionally, when my seventh graders are working in my classroom, I’ll play jazz. They don’t know they’re hearing Django Reinhardt, the guitar giant who shaped a genre around himself. They couldn’t trace his influence to the musicians on their YouTube channels. They can’t tell the story of his terrible accident and miraculous comeback.

It’s an anonymous background tune for them, but a time machine for me. Reinhardt’s style is frequently featured in World War II movies and dramas of that same period. Picture that scene in a smoky, low-lit jazz club.

For the past few months, there has been no jazz crooning from my classroom speakers. Teachers had to improvise to transform their classrooms into remote hubs for e-learning. This task took extemporaneous technique. It was a jazz number and I was playing it by ear. Read More

June 10, 2020 / 0
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Hate finds a dead end

by Jim Killam | 5-minute read

 

Shane Heckler had a hard day Tuesday.

At his job at an East State Street grocery store, he was collecting carts from the parking lot when a man pulled up in his car, rolled down the window and unleashed a stream of obscenities.

“Are you one of those f***ing n*****s who are looting?”

Before Shane could say anything, the man drove away. Read More

June 4, 2020 / 2
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COVID-19 UPDATE