Join us immediately following Sunday morning service on November 24th for a Thanksgiving potluck. We’ll be serving lunch family style, we only ask that you bring your favorite dessert and of course your appetite! See you there!
Interested in serving or cooking turkeys (for those feeling adventurous.)
Call or text Paula at 402.706.5913
Out in the cold wondering what our family movie is this year? You’ll learn real soon, don’t worry you won’t be in de-nile for long that this is one of the greatest movies ever! Parents, this is a special evening for you to attend with your children. Bring some friends and enjoy popcorn and Christmas candy! It’s Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30.
Ladies join us for our annual Christmas Dessert Night. We’ll hear from Becca Becker from the Todd Becker Foundations, our guest speaker this year. With special guests Vota leading us in worship. Registration opens November 1st and cost is $10. Doors open at 6:00 pm and we’ll gather in the sanctuary.
To support our GI Free Women in Missions, a love offering will be taken. Donations accepted at church and online.
Becca is the wife of Keith Becker who is the founder of the Todd Becker Foundation. Becca will share the tragic, yet powerful life and death story of Todd Becker, Keith’s brother, and how Keith and his team from the Todd Becker Foundation have been presenting outreach assemblies to high school students across the Midwest since 2005. Their ministry has impacted hundreds of high school youth.
Vota, a Christian pop/rock band from Lincoln, will be doing worship and special music. Bryan Olesen, lead singer in the band, is a former guitarist for the Newsboys and recently reached 3rd place on the NBC show The Voice.
OK Christmas
It’s an OK (Older Kids) Christmas Event
Join us Saturday, Dec. 7 - 10 a.m., in the GI Free Gym for some fun, fellowship, and a Christmas Concert!
Christmas lunch will be provided
Everyone is to bring an unwrapped white elephant gift.
Do not buy a gift - bring something from home or something you make.
Pleases register by December 1st below, email carolyn@gifree.org or call 402.987.8510
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN LEAD CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
December 8 • 10:30 Service
SONGS TO LEARN
Preschool
Baby Jesus, We Love You
Elementary
Feels Like Joy
Joy To the World/Our God Saves
The Spotify playlist can be accessed HERE
PRACTICE
Children practice each week in Sunday School at 9:00. An extra-special practice will be held during Sunday School on DECEMBER 1ST. Please have your children checked in and ready to go by 9:00.
Please work with your children during the week, too. We count on families to help prepare.
WHAT TO WEAR
Children may wear whatever festive clothing they would like; there is no special costuming.
DECEMBER 8TH SCHEDULE
9:00 -Children checked in for Sunday School and ready to go (bathroom break before check-in please)
10:30 - Sunday School children will lead worship – children must have attended Sunday School to participate
§ Preschoolers will be guided back to the Early Childhood Suite
§ K-5 will be guided back to the Chapel then dismissed. Families, please come to the Chapel to pick your child up.
Children will not be dismissed to families until they have been safely returned and counted.
CAN’T PARTICIPATE?
Sunday School parents, if you know your family will NOT be able to participate, please let Dawn Feely or Kristy Casarez know ASAP - Thank you!
Grab your tickets now!
General Admission is $35. GA doors open at 6:15pm. Ticket prices increase $10 day of show. Don't miss an unforgettable evening with Steven Curtis Chapman.
Group Rate Discount: $32 General Admission Ticket when purchase 10 or more General Admission tickets. ONLY 150 Group tickets are available. Secure yours now and save!
Early Entry: $65
Early entry doors open at 6:00pm. Beat the crowd and get the best seats behind VIP. Does not include reserved seating.
The VIP Experience: $125
Includes: Reserved Seating. Meet & Greet at 5:15pm and photo with Steven Curtis Chapman. Commemorative VIP Tour Laminate.
Early entry for VIP 5:00pm.
Bring your family and invite your friends to a FREE evening with Master Illusionist Matt Adams. Matt will be performing at GI Free at 6:45 p.m. on November 20.
Matt’s story is a true testimony to God’s amazing love for all mankind. Parents, this is a special time for you to attend with your children. All children need to be accompanied by their parent(s) or a responsible adult.”
CLASS: November 3 | 9:45 am | Chapel
DEDICATION: November 10 | 10:30 am | GI Free Church
Child and Parent Dedication is a public statement by Christian parents who stand before the Lord and the congregation to:
• Present the child to the Lord for his blessing
• Dedicate themselves to their task
• Ask for the help and the prayers of the church family
RSVP for the class (by October 28) if you have questions or want to proceed with dedication!
Let’s connect with our community! We are having our annual Trunk or Treat and this year we’re taking it to the city! Sign up to be a host home on Halloween night and we’ll provide you with a block party kit and some promotional materials. To participate please sign up by Sunday, October 20th so we can insure all the supplies have enough time to be delivered and prepare for you to pick up. Your package will be available to pick up Sunday, October 27th.
Host House | Party Package - This host and hostess box will provide you with a few needed decorations and other supplies to get your party started. The supply list will be released soon. Included in this package are a few promotional materials and some instructions to help get you started, (yard signs, How to share the Gospel sheets, Church invite cards, etc.).
Host House | Promotion Package - This package is for the host and hostess who want to and are able to do their own thing involving decor and activities. Included in this package are a few promotional materials, (yard signs, How to share the Gospel sheets, Church invite cards, etc.).
Out & About | Promotion Package- This package is for the family who is going outside of their home with their kids or grandkids, but still wants to make connections and talk with the people they come in contact with. We’ll provide you with a few things to help strike up a conversation, (How to share the Gospel sheets, Church invite cards, etc.).
GI Free Gym
Saturday, October 12
9:00 AM
Cost is $10
Ladies join us for a fun morning. We’ll be painting door hangings that will grace your front door the same day you make it. Our guest speaker, Shannon Lenz, will be sharing from the Extraordinary Hospitality book, and you could have a chance to win it at the end of the morning.
$10 to attend, supplies are provided. Invite a friend and bring a brunch item to share, beverages are provided. Come and enjoy a special time of connection.
Students it’s time for the Fall Retreat! Join us in October for an over night at Covenant Cedars Bible Camp. This years theme is “Be With”. Have your parents register you today!
Join us for a movie, snacks and lots of fun!
We’ll be watching Hacksaw Ridge Sep. 28th at 7 pm upstairs in The Loft. Grab a buddy and come for this free event.
Thursday, September 26th
Begins at 6:00 pm
Featuring our very own Terry Medjo
You are invited to bring a dish for the potluck meal.
JOIN OUR NEXT STUDY!
Mon. Evening at church (6:30-8:00 pm)
Wed. Morning at church (9:00-10:30 am)
Wed. Evening at church (6:30-8:00 pm)
Romans: Live with Clarity
Current culture tells us humans are basically good, evangelism is for the pastor, and unity is marginally important among Christians. And because we don’t truly understand the grace we have received, we are stingy in giving grace to those around us. Have we re-defined the Gospel to be something convenient, something never uncomfortable?
This 8-week study brings the clarity we need to truly understand what the Gospel is and how we are to live it out. Romans uncovers God’s heart and plan for the salvation of mankind. Join us as we are challenged to learn about and live out God’s incredible Gospel plan!
Rock Solid Kid’s Club and The Summit Club will kick off with family fun at Stolley Park at 6:30 on September 4!
Parents: This is a special evening for you to attend with your children. All children need to be accompanied by their parent(s) or another responsible adult. Please register your child(ren) for the 2024-25 Club year online at gifree.org starting August 1.
BONUS:
· 50 bonus “bucks” for each 3-yr-old through 4th grade clubber attending
· Free t-shirt award drawing for The Summit Clubbers (5th graders) attending
Join us Sunday the 25th for a Ministry Expo at 9 in the gym! You’ll have a chance to learn from our ministries and hear their heart behind what they do. As well as getting a chance to learn the needs of our church and how you can help!
What - FreeLife Fall Kickoff
When - August 21st @ 6:45 pm
Where - GI Free Church | Gym
Who - You and your friends!
Aug 17 | 6-8pm | Cost is $15 per couple
Married couples young and old, join us for a night of marital fun! We’ll play games and feel like newlyweds again. Did we mention we’ll have ice cream from the Anna Street Trolley?
Doors open at 5:45, we’ll get started at 6:00 pm
No childcare provided
Elementary Sunday School classes will be according to the child’s grade in the 2024-25 school year.
Notes for Parents of Preschoolers:
Sunday School – Most Preschool children will be moving to a new classroom with a new bear name. They will stay with this group for the next twelve months, regardless of when their next birthday is. Three-year-olds who have recently moved from the Nursery often stay in their current room. Gathering Point – All 3-year-olds through Pre-K are together for Gathering Point.
Notes for Parents of 2024-25 Kindergarteners:
The 2024-25 Kindergarten Sunday School class will visit Elementary Sunday School Large Group Time on August 4 so they know what to expect on August 11. Starting that day, the new Sunday schedule for 2024-25 Kindergarteners includes:
9:00-10:10 Sunday School — Large Group meets in the Chapel starting at 9:00, followed by Small Group in the Kindergarten Girls Room (both boys and girls). You will need to come to the Small Group room to pick up your child at 10:10.
10:30 Worship Service — Kindergarteners and older will not attend Gathering Point, instead they will be in the service with their families. This will be different than what they may be used to!
Family Worship — Experiencing the worship service together helps families grow together spiritually.
Children’s Bulletins — Special children’s bulletins can be found in the Worship Center Lobby. The bulletin coordinates with a Sunday School lesson taught that day, and the back can be used for sermon notes.
Thursday, July 25th
Begins at 6:00 pm
Featuring one of the missonaries our church supports
We’ll be filling suitcases for mission partners in South East Asia. If you’d like to bring supplies take a look at the list below for some guidance.
For the School
Basketballs (deflated)
Soccer Balls (deflated)
Watercolor Paints
Crayons
Pencils
For the Community Center
Basketballs (deflated)
Soccer Balls (deflated)
For Barista Training Ministry
Coffee Grinders
Scales
Missionary Derrick will be able to take 2 or 3 suitcases full or gifts when he travels to Indonesia.
Please note: Because we serve in an area that is under Sharia law, we need to make sure that none of the basketballs or other gifts have crosses or Christian language on them, or our partners could get in trouble.
You are invited to bring a dish for the potluck meal.
We believe a believer is baptized as a public confession of their faith and obedience to Christ, it is not a means of salvation. Baptism is a public display of the saving work God has done within a person. In the waters of baptism, we are wordlessly saying that we belong to the people of God--those who have repented of their sins and put all their faith in Jesus Christ.
We believe that every follower of Jesus should be obedient to this command.
Interested in being baptized click here to fill out the form.
2727 W US Highway 34
We’ll have volunteers guiding you to parking when you arrive at the Benson’s house.
Want to volunteer? Email greg@gifree.org to serve this Sunday.
Bring a friend and hear from Jen Ramaekers, “ordinary girl, serving our extraordinary God.”
If you want to carpool in the church van, call Kristy at the church office to reserve a spot. (308).382.1898
Be at the church at 5:45 pm. Van will leave at 6:00 pm
Join us for a night of swimming fun! This event is free and for everone so invite some friends.
Lincoln Pool • from 6:15-8:15
We plan to take a church van full of children who’ve completed Kindergarten through 4th grade to Day Camp at Timberlake on July 3 and/or July 24 (sorry, Timberlake has reached capacity). First come, first served.
Registration fee is $55.00/day.
Three steps:
1. If you are using earned certificates to help pay, calculate what you owe ($55 per child) minus your earned certificates. When registering, select “I have church scholarship or gift certificate” and pay the difference. Turn the certificates in to Dawn Feely ASAP.
2. Register ASAP by clicking here: timberlake.org/day-camp
3. E-mail dawn@gifree.org to reserve a space for your child on the church van! Include their name and emergency contact phone number.
Parent Note: Day Camp is available a few days this summer, however the church will only transport Day Campers on July 3 and July 24. Check out timberlake.org/day-camp for more information if you would like to take your child yourself any other day. The church van will only transport those who have finished Kindergarten-4th grades this spring.
Sign up by March 5 | $100 down payment due. (Total cost is $500 due by June 1st)
High schoolers (and middle schoolers who have attended Sunday night discipleship group) are welcome to sign up.
Learn more about Challenge here
This is a beautiful float that takes you through a winding series of bends right in the city limits of Kearney. It also flows through the new Kearney Whitewater Park which consists of 2 drops in the river that will add a thrill and a splash to your trip.....yes you will get wet! It takes right at 90 minutes and is a perfect getaway for those who want to have a blast but don’t want to plan their whole day around it. Come float and 90 minutes later you’ll be in your car and on your way to enjoy the rest of your day relaxed and with a smile on your face.
What: This "Elevate-26-8" Kayaks in Kearney event is open to any new high school graduates, 20s & 30s, married or single.
Date: June 22, 2024 (Register by June 17 - Limited to 16 spots, will look at extending the time into 2 slots if there’s enough interest)
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm, we will go out to eat afterwards.
Bring: sunscreen, water, beverages, water shoes, etc..
Cost: $40 (includes kayak, life vest, transportation to drop site, portage of kayak). If you can’t afford this, and would be interested in a scholarship, please contact us.
If you have your own kayaks and wish to transport with 2 vehicles, cost is free.
This out-of-the-ordinary day for all people 60+ is now an annual favorite!
OK Camp is FREE
Questions? Call Carolyn 402-987-8510
Register by Thursday, June 13
Here’s our lineup:
8:30 AM Cinnamon rolls and coffee
8:50 How to Share your Faith
9:25 Dismiss to Activities
9:35 Activities
10:50 Break and Chapel
11:00 Ok Varity Show
11:45 Lunch!
Crafts
Fishing
Kayaking Adventures
Looking For Treasure
Painting
Strength Building
Woodworking
JOIN OUR NEXT STUDY!
Mon. Evening at church (6:30-8:00 pm)
Tue. Morning in Aurora (9:00-10:30 am)
Cristin Roades’ home
Wed. Morning at church (9:00-10:30 am)
Wed. Evening at church (6:30-8:00 pm)
When You Pray
Join us for this 7-session study where 6 beloved Bible teachers will each guide you through a prayer from the Bible that can inspire and transform your own prayer life.
We will:
• Explore the different types of prayer modeled in Scripture.
• Understand how prayer unites believers to God and to one another. • Learn how to overcome struggles that keep you from talking to God
So much fun with a purpose!
So many ways to be part of the fun!
See all your options here and get on the team!
CALLING ALL KIDS! FRIENDS! NEIGHBORS!
(3 years through 6th grade incoming)
Camp VBS 2024: Breaker Rock Beach
Those finishing Kindergarten through 5th grades this spring will choose to be a part of one of these sports and activities. Here’s a handy list to use as you register:
FULL/No longer available: Archery – 5th & 6th grade only, limited to 10 – Head Coach Cristin Rhoades
Basketball – limited to 24 – Head Coach Pastor Dan Brenton – Bring your own basketball
Cooking – 1st, 2nd & 3rd grade only, limited to 20 – Head Coach Julie Griess
Crafts – 1st, 2nd & 3rd grade only, limited to 24 – Head Coaches Angie Berger and Denise Pedersen
Creative Serving – 4th, 5th & 6th grade only, limited to 12 – Head Coach Mindy Lavalleur
FULL/No longer available: Fishing – limited to 12 – Head Coach Scott Welk – Bring filled, labeled water bottle
Science Experiments – 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th grade only, limited to 16 – Head Coach Diann Chaney
Slackline – 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th grade only, limited to 12 – Head Coach Pastor Daniel Longmore – Bring filled, labeled water bottle (Video Below)
Soccer – limited to 24 – Head Coach Clark Pedersen – Bring your own soccer ball
Taekwondo – limited to 24 – Head Coach Steve Rees
Wrestling – limited to 16 – Head Coach Sarah Klein
Yard Games – limited to 16 – Head Coach Della Hessel
At GI Free our mission is to pursue Jesus together. Central to this mission is our commitment to corporate worship and the arts. We strive to cultivate an atmosphere rich in creativity and spiritual depth, fostering an authentic encounter with God. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just getting started on your musical journey, your unique gifts are valued here. It's more than just performing; is about facilitating genuine connections within a community that nurtures and supports individuals along their faith journey.
This evening is an opportunity to connect with current team members and learn more about our vision for the future. We encourage you to bring your instrument as we jam together and lift our voices in worship. Currently we're seeking the following team members:
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Piano
Drum
Singer
Video Camera Operator
Audio Visual Tech
Live Stream Tech
Stage Crew (move, repair, set-up equipment and staging for weekend services and events)
Creative Team (create experiences that excite and engage our church during special events/occasions)
We serve the Creator of the universe and it is our joy to draw people into an environment of worship that is filled with creativity, passion, and excitement. Come join us on June 4th to see how you can use your gifts and talents to help others connect with Jesus.
For 6th - 8th grade completed Register today! Deadline is May 19th.
Come for a day of fishing, food, and fun.
Plan on bringing:
Any fishing gear (Rod and Reel, lures, bait, etc.)
Your fishing license
A folding chair
We’ll fish from 6 - 11 am
Lunch, yard games, and devotional at noon
Fish will be fried at 5 pm
You’ll be home around 9 pm
CLASS: May 5 | 9:45 am | Chapel
DEDICATION: May 12 | 10:30 am | GI Free Church
Child and Parent Dedication is a public statement by Christian parents who stand before the Lord and the congregation to:
• Present the child to the Lord for his blessing
• Dedicate themselves to their task
• Ask for the help and the prayers of the church family
RSVP for the class (by April 29) if you have questions or want to proceed with dedication!
