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GET CONNECTED - NEXT STEPSOur goal is to help people connect with God and with each other. Maybe you’ve been coming to Free Christian Church for a couple weeks, or perhaps a few years. How do people get connected and develop friendships in a church this big? Ready to ramp up your involvement? At Free Christian Church we believe that everyone has a next step.

If you are interested in meeting people, learning more about the church and how to grow spiritually, here are some good first steps.

THE ALPHA COURSE

Explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. Each session, people enjoy great food, laughter and learning in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life or God is seen as too simple or too hostile. More info: alpha.freechristian.org

CHOOSE YOUR DAY:

Family AlphaCheck-It-Out Lunch: Sunday, Sept. 22, 12:15-2:30pmCourse runs on Sundays, 12:15-2:30pm starting Sept. 29, includes children’s program for pre-registered children.

Women’s AlphaCheck-it-Out Lunch: Thursday, Sept. 26, 12:00-1:30pmCourse runs on Thursdays, 12:00-1:30pm, starting Oct. 3, bring a bag lunch.

Evening AlphaCheck-It-Out Dinner: Tuesday, Sept 24, 6:30-8:30pmCourse runs on Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00pm, starting Oct. 1, no childcare available.

THE DISCOVERY COURSE

Discovery consists of two parts, each lasting about 30 minutes. The first part provides an opportunity to get acquainted with others and ask our pastors any questions you have about God, faith, or the church. During the second part, one of the pastors or church leaders will present one of four topics and answer questions. Contact: Roselle, rheckendorn@freechristian.org

Runs: Sundays, 12:00-1:00pm Fall Course: Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27 at FCC Andover

FALL HAPPENINGS

FOR EVERYONE

Church PicnicSunday, Sept. 15, 12:30-3:30pm at Rolling Ridge Conference Center 660 Great Pond Road, No. Andover. Everyone welcome, invite your friends too!

Prayer & Worship GatheringsJoin us for prayer and worship on Sunday Sept. 22, Oct. 20 & Nov. 24 at FCC Andover from 6:00-7:30pm. Each gathering has a different theme but all incorporate times of prayer interspersed with worship. Our goal is to create space to connect with God and experience his presence. Childcare is always provided.

Blood DriveBlood donations can be given on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 2:00-7:00pm at FCC Andover. Volunteers needed to greet donors & host the canteen area.

Lazarus House Donation A truck will be in FCC Andover’s parking lot on Saturday, Sept. 28, 8:00am-12:00pm.

Loaves & FishesSaturday, Oct. 5, 12:00-2:30pm at FCC Andover. Enjoy Christian Fellowship and a free pork lunch. Contact: Barbara McGovern, 978-475-3041

Community Service Day Individuals, families and small groups at Free Christian go into Merrimack Valley and share God’s love by serving our neighbors. Join us on Saturday, Nov. 16 as our entire congregation works together on a variety of community projects. Contact: Maureen, msmith@freechristian.org

FOR MEN

Saturday Morning Men’s Breakfast at FCC AndoverThe third Saturday of each month from 7:30-9:00am is an opportunity for men to gather, enjoy a warm breakfast, fellowship and participate in an early worship service which includes a guest speaker and lively music. Childcare provided. Contact: men@freechristian.org

Fall Dates: Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 21

FOR WOMEN

Saturday Morning Women’s Inspirational Breakfast at FCC Andover Bring your friend, your sister, your mother, daughter or neighbor. All women welcome ages 13 on up! Talk title: Ask, Seek & Find by Susan Hanson, who will speak about Prayer & Doubt. Saturday, Nov. 9, 9:30-11:30am. Contact: women.freechristian.org

Women’s Canoe OutingSaturday, Oct. 5 on the Ipswich River in Topsfield. Children are welcome!Contact: Susan, safh100@verizon.net

FOR SENIOR ADULTS, EMPTY NESTERS & RETIREES:

New Life LuncheonSenior adults, empty nesters & retirees from FCC and the community for a home-cooked lunch, fellowship, a devotional message and a time of worship. The cost is $5.00 and all gatherings take place at noon in the lower hall of FCC. Contact: Sharon, sharonthomson@comcast.net or 978-475-7079

Fall Dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 23

FOR FAMILIES:

Family DeRive-InWednesday, Oct. 2, 6:15p-7:30p at FCC Andover. “where kids bring their parents to learn!”

Family HikeSaturday, Oct. 20, 1:00pm. Meet at the Shannon’s home 188 Salem Street, Andover and hike to Holt Hill on Charles Ward Reservation.

Family Barn PartySaturday, Oct. 26, 10:00am-12:00pm for children up to Kindergarten. The Givens’ home, 32 Marland Street, Andover.

FOR CHILDREN:

Club 365: Events for 5th & 6th GradersSept. 20, 6-8:00pm Sky Zone Giant Trampoline ParkOct. 4, 6-8:00pm help make college student care packages at FCC AndoverNov. 15, 5-8:00p Lazarus House food drive, Grocery store TBD

FOR YOUTH (7-12th Grade)

Teen Connections Events Sept. 13 - Hay Ride & Corn MazeOct. 27 - Screamfest at Canobie Lake ParkNov. 17 - Movie Night at the Bell House

COMMUNITY LIFE - Join at anytime! Contact leader for more info.

Marriage Matters - NEW! Uncover new perspectives about yourself and your spouse’s needs and expectations. Enjoy dinner as we focus on sacred marriage. Contact: Melanie, mbilazarian@gmail.com

Dates: Fridays - Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 22 • Celebration: Friday, Dec. 6

Grief ShareHelps you face the challenge of losing someone close to you and move toward rebuilding your life. The 13-week session runs on Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm at the Parish House. Contacts: Emily, emilynahlik@gmail.com or Reid, reid@ais-nh.com

New Beginnings Small GroupCo-ed group with a focus on recovery and discipleship. Mondays, 7:00pm at FCC Andover. Contact: Suzanne, 978-606-3752

Women in the Word Bible StudyWednesdays starting Sept. 11, 9:30-11:30am. Praise & Worship, Small group time & Lecture, Studying Song of Solomon. Childcare available. Contact: Michele, michfour13@verizon.net

Mom2MomWednesdays starting September 11, 9:30-11:30am. Mothers can be mentored, prayed with, listened to, and encouraged while furthering parenting skills. Contact: Michele, michfour13@verizon.net

DivorceCareBible-based support group to address the needs of a divorced or separated persons.The 13-week session runs on Thursdays, 7:00-9:00pm at FCC Andover. Contact: Nina, divorcecare@freechristian.org

Family NightAdults enjoy their small group time while your children enjoy their small group. Wednesdays starting Sept. 15, 6-7:30pm. Fall Study: Andy Stanley’s Go Fish Contact: The Smiths, familynight@freechristian.org

Senior LinkSenior men and women get together for Christian fellowship and Bible study. Meets every Friday, 9:30-11:30am at FCC Andover for refreshments, prayer and Bible study. Contact: Laurie, llawliss@freechristian.org or 978.618.2772

SMALL GROUPS - You can join a small group at anytime!

DAY & TIME LOCATION LEADER(S) FOR

Sundays 7:00pm

Andover Clancey Paul clanceymeghan@yahoo.com

College & Career Women

Tuesdays 7:00pm

Andover Mark Gotobed migtb@aol.com

Mixed Group

Tuesdays 7:00pm

North Andover Chuck & Lorna McDonald chuck.lorna@comcast.net

Mixed Group

Tuesdays 7:30pm

North Andover Maria Carter/Sandra Skelton kmaria.carter@yahoo.com

Women’s Group

Wednesdays 6:30am

Chelmsford Panera Bread

Jim Taggart/Vic Haven jrtag101@gmail.com

Men’s Group

Wednesdays 7:45am

Lawrence Denny’s

John Givens/Richard Steinhoff Richard@dahercompanies.com

Men’s Group

Wednesdays 6:45pm

Andover John Hess/Nina DiTripani phorne101@aol.com

Singles Group

Wednesdays 7:30am

North Andover Ken Thornton kthornton7@comcast.net

Mixed Group

Thursdays 12:00pm

Andover Kathy Shannon/Nancy Lowry kshannon@freechristian.org

Lunch Ladies Alpha this Fall

Thursdays 6:00pm

Lawrence Cynthea Givens/Kim McElfresh cyntheagivens@gmail.com

Working Women

Fridays 6:00am

Andover Steve Hathaway/Stan Martin s_martin@verizon.net

Men’s Group

Fridays 6:00am

Andover Doug Cook/Tom Walsh twalsh@ksarealtyllc.com

Men’s Group

Fridays 6:00am

Andover Jack Reeder/Jim Hackett Hackett.jim@comcast.net

Men’s Group

Fridays 6:00am

Tewksbury Nick Warne/Greg Reynolds gjjsrreynolds@comcast.net

Men’s Group

Fridays 6:00am

Andover Chris Mosby mosby4X4@yahoo.com

Men’s Group

Fridays 7:00am

Amesbury Bob Orem/David D’Olimpio bob.orem@aol.com

Men’s Group

Saturdays 7:30am

Andover Mike Fedenyszen/Doug Saal mfedeny@comcast.net

Men’s Group

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