Meet Toni Rowley

Meet Toni Rowley

Toni became the Kids Ministry administrative assistant in August 2021, though she and her family have called First Free home for several years. Born and raised in Minnesota, Toni found her way to Rockford after marrying her husband, Philip, a Rockford native. At the...
Defeat the January gloom

Defeat the January gloom

by Jim Killam | 3-minute read   Here’s one way to fight the post-Christmas COVID doldrums: Get outside. So far, the January weather is not that bad. In fact, lingering snow and daytime highs just below freezing make for great sledding and skating weather....
Gratitude

Gratitude

by Jessi Uran | 3-minute read   We trailed through whispering, gold grasses, making our way around the shining lake. Our cheeks were a mix of dusty rose from the cold, and dainty pink from the noonday sun. I the teacher, she the student. The homeschool lesson:...

Kaylin’s Quarantine Run

Kaylin Carlson prayed for a way to bring creativity and fun to people during COVID-19. Kaylin’s Quarantine Run has done even more — and it just keeps growing.   Kaylin’s Quarantine Run – May 30, 2020 Sign up here by Monday, May 11.   . . ....
Good Friday

Good Friday

Editor’s note: This was written before COVID-19, but we think it’s relevant during this difficult week. Enjoy a brief diversion. by Jim Killam | 4-minute read Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those...