Apr
15
to May 24
May
18
6:00 AM06:00
Men's Lake Day
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
May
28
to May 29
Middle School Kansas City Trip
Main Event and Worlds of Fun!
For 6th - 8th grade completed Register today! Deadline is May 19th.
Jun
10
to Jun 13
Camp VBS 2024: Breaker Rock Beach
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
Jun
10
to Jun 13
Serve: Camp VBS 2024
So much fun with a purpose!
So many ways to be part of the fun!
Before • During • After
See all your options here and get on the team!
Jul
1
to Jul 6
Challenge Conference 2024 | Free Life
Students join us for the 2024 Challenge Conference in Kansas City, MO. We'll worship, learn about our savior, spend time together and with other groups, and serve the community.
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.
Have questions? Talk to Daniel
Learn more about Challenge here
Jul
3
8:00 AM08:00
Timberlake Day Camp 2024
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.
Jul
12
to Jul 14
All-Church Campout
Everyone is invited to All-Church Campout!
All housing is on a first-come, first-served basis. As you register, you will see all housing options and if they are still available or already reserved. Individual units can’t be selected. Unmarried couples are required to make separate housing accommodations.
Families sharing housing with another full-priced paying family pay a $50 additional fee.
Families participating on Saturday only pay a $50 day use fee.
A Note for Families Using Earned Certificates: If you are planning on using earned certificates to pay for some or all of the Campout, you will be able to make a partial or no payment when registering. EARNED CERTIFICATES MUST BE TURNED INTO THE CHURCH OFFICE BY JUNE 27.
LOOK AT LAST YEAR’S FUN
May
12
10:30 AM10:30
Child & Parent Dedication
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!
May
5
10:30 AM10:30
Graduation Sunday
Join us as we recognize our Seniors and help send them off into the adult world.
Parents of seniors, or seniors of GI Free, if you haven’t sent Daniel your information for your student’s slide please email it to him at daniel@gifree.org no later than Sunday April 28th.
May
4
11:00 AM11:00
Run for the Son
Missed Biker Sunday yesterday and want to donate? You still can! Click the link below to donate to Run For The Son!
Apr
28
8:30 AM08:30
Annual Dessert Auction - 2024
Share with friends and family! Desserts and baked goods will line our halls.
Plan to support our High School missionaries to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
CASH • CHECKS • CARDS WELCOME!
Apr
26
to Apr 28
Weekend to Remember | Lincoln, NE
Join us for a Weekend To Remember Marriage event.
At the Weekend to Remember marriage retreat, you’ll:
Find lifetime tools to strengthen your relationship—no matter how firm or fragile.
Hear engaging talks from marriage experts.
Get alone with your spouse in guided, practical-application projects. Create wow-level memories.
How to:
Handle issues as they arise, rather than letting resentment fester.
Express feelings positively, so your partner remains engaged.
Maintain a vital sexual connection.
Forgive freely and completely.
Increase your commitment―and your closeness.
For more information visit their website HERE
Save 43% when you register by April 15th, registration does not include price or reservation of hotel.
Use group name GIFREE for $100 your total
Apr
6
9:00 AM09:00
Ladies Brunch & Bunco
BRUNCH & BUNKO
Gathering Place
Saturday, April 6
9:00-11:30 AM
Cost is $10
Invite family, friends, neighbors to join us for this come event!
9:00...BRUNCH
Scrambled eggs, blueberry French toast, bacon wrapped smokies, fresh fruit
9:45...DEVOTIONAL
Growing in faith, Angie Berger
10:00...BUNKO
11:00...SOCIAL TIME
Mar
24
to Mar 31
Easter Season Services
Join us this Easter Season at any of our services.
Palm Sunday-
March 24 10:30 am
Join us for Palm Sunday, our kids will help lead our service through worship and scripture reading.
Good Friday-
March 29 | 6:30pm
Join us for Good Friday service as we remember the when our savior was hung to bare our sins.
Easter Sunday-
March 31 | 9:00 & 10:30 am
Join us as we celebrate our risen Savior and thank him for dying for our sins.
Breakfast will be provided in the gym starting at 8:30 am and will end around 10.
Mar
24
10:30 AM10:30
Sunday School Children Lead Worship
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN LEAD WORSHIP
March 24th • 10:30 Service
SONGS/VERSES TO LEARN
Preschool
Hosanna Rock
Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Elementary
For Your Glory
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Matthew 21:9, “ Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
The Spotify playlist can be accessed HERE. Song videos can be viewed on YouTube. E-mail Dawn Feely for the link.
PRIZES
Starting March 3rd, if Sunday School children arrive in the Early Childhood Suite (Preschoolers) or Chapel (Elementary) by 9:00, they will be entered into a drawing for some great prizes that will be given out the day we lead worship.
MARCH 24TH SCHEDULE
9:00 - Children checked in for Sunday School and ready to go (bathroom break before check-in please)
10:30 - 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.
WHAT TO WEAR
Children may wear whatever festive clothing they would like; there is no special costuming.
CAN NOT 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!
Mar
23
8:45 AM08:45
The Summit Club Service and Fun Trip
5th grade families, join your clubbers for a morning of serving at Timberlake Ranch Camps near Marquette on Saturday the 23rd. Fun just for the clubbers follows at The Fitness Center in Central City. All details (and the registration form) are at gifree.org. Register by Wednesday, March 20.
Mar
17
7:00 PM19:00
Where The Joy Is Tour with We Are Messengers (Feat. Ben Fuller and Jonathan Traylor)
General Admission: $28. Ticket prices increase $10 day of show.
Group Rate Discount: $25 General Admission Ticket when purchase 8 or more General Admission tickets.
The VIP Experience: $65
Includes: Reserved Seat closest to the stage.
Access to a pre-show Question & Answer Experience @ 5:30pm with Artists.
VIP Tour Laminate.
Early entry for VIP 5:15pm.
Tier 2 Ticket :$50
Includes: Reserved Seat closest to the stage behind VIP.
Mar
1
6:00 PM18:00
Soups on, Game On | Hosted by Elevate
Join us for a multi-generational event! We’ll play some board games, and eat some great soup! Childcare is not provided, but kids are invited to come. Bring a game and come ready for some fun!
Interested in bringing a soup to the competition? Text or Email:
Eric - (308) 380-6655 | ericdelancey8@gmail.com
Dyanne - (308) 258-0544 | dyanne.medlock@gmail.com
Want to RSVP and let us know you’ll be attending? Click the button below!
Feb
24
12:00 PM12:00
OK Fellowship | Birthday Party
OK Birthday Party (All Older Kids 60 & up)
Saturday, Feb. 24
Begins at 12 noon with homemade soup lunch
Event Schedule:
Homemade Soup Lunch
Devotions
“The Price is Right”
Ice Cream and Birthday Cake
Each person please bring a White Elephant gift RSVP to 402-987-8510 Guests are welcome!
Feb
20
to Mar 26
Band of Brothers | The Daniel Dilemma Study
Men join us as we study through The Daniel Dilemma. We’ll start Feb. 20th. Cost is $13. Have questions call Keith at (308) 325-2847
As Christians, we have real hope in Jesus that we have been called to share with others. But how we share that hope makes a difference. In a world that rejects everything we believe, we face a dilemma: how do we walk closely with God without caving in to pressure or alienating those we want to reach?
In this study, Chris Hodges looks at the lives of both Daniel and Jesus, showing how we can stand for our biblical beliefs without being hostile or insulting to others. We can stand up for God’s truth in a morally corrupt culture–while still loving others–because the goal is never about winning the argument but about winning hearts. As Jesus demonstrated, when we connect with others before we correct them, we can handle the hard questions without compromising God’s grace or truth.
Feb
16
6:30 PM18:30
Iron Sharpens Iron
Men join us for a night of axe throwing and fun!
Cost is $20 We’ll start the night at Axe Holes and end it at the church.
2300 N Webb Rd Suite 109
Grand Island, NE 68801
Feb
10
6:00 PM18:00
Date Night
Let’s laugh the night away.
Guys, grab your gal for our comedy date night! We’ll have dinner and a great laugh provided by Comedian, Amy Barnes. Register by Feb. 4th
Check out Amy here
Cost is $50 per couple, click the button below to register.
Feb
9
to Feb 11
Ski Snowy Range | High School Trip 2024
Our annual two nights at Table in the Wilderness Camp (Centennial, WY) and we will
SKI SNOWY RANGE!
Early Bird Registration - $175.00 by JAN 17
Regular cost is $200.00 - deadline to register is Feb 2
ONLINE: register and pay HERE
PAPER: print form below or get one from Pastor Daniel
See your packing list on the
REGISTRATION FORM
Feb
7
6:00 PM18:00
Gym, Swim, & Games
Rock Solid Kid’s Club and The Summit Club
Gym, Swim & Games
February 7, 6:00-8:00
YMCA, 221 E South Front St
Parents, this is a special evening for you to attend with your 5th grade and younger children. Bring some friends and a snack to share if you’d like! This is a FREE EVENT!
Pool opens at 6:30 om
ALL those 6 and under, regardless of life jacket use, will need someone 18 or older supervising them who is IN THE WATER with them. Lifeguards will be on staff.
ALL those 17 and under who aren’t wearing a life jacket will need to take a swim test before being allowed to swim anywhere in the pool.
The YMCA provides life jackets, but you’re also welcome to bring your own.
Feb
4
11:45 AM11:45
Community Life Meeting and Potluck | Feb 4
Be part of our church family life!
Hear from staff and leadership about the state of GI Free and where we are going.
AFTER 10:30 SERVICE IN THE GYM
Lunch will be served in the gym, main entree and dessert provided, please bring a side or a salad to share.
Feb
2
to Feb 4
Winter Blast | Middle School Retreat 2024
This is our annual 6-8 grade retreat where we meet with other student groups in our district.
Early Bird Registration - $100.00 by JAN 17
Regular cost is $130.00 - deadline to register is JAN 31
ONLINE: register and pay HERE
PAPER: print the FORM below or get one from Pastor Daniel
Click here for Packing list, activities, and map
Jan
27
9:00 AM09:00
Breakfast & Bingo | OK Fellowship
OK Fellowship | All “older kids” 60 & up invited!
Jan. 27, 9:00 am | GI Free Gym
Food | Fun | Fellowship | Prizes
Jan
22
to Mar 20
Women's Winter Bible Study
The Kingdom of God is on the move.
For the vast majority of His life, Jesus never traveled outside of a one-hundred mile radius from where He was born, but today His name is spoken in every corner of the Earth. The Gospel on the Ground is the story of how Jesus’s message of home and reconciliation began to spread from Jerusalem and how it’s still spreading like wildfire today. Join Kristi McLelland for a 7-session study of the early years of the church as told in the book of Act. Along the way you’ll learn that the kingdom of God is always on the move, offering purpose and joy to those longing for true fulfillment. And you’ll come to understand the part you are meant to play in the redemptive story God continues to write through your life today
Jan
21
10:30 AM10:30
Child & Parent Dedication
CLASS: January 14 | 9:45 am | Chapel
DEDICATION: January 21 | 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 if you have questions or want to proceed with dedication!
Dec
24
5:00 PM17:00
Christmas Eve Service
Join us for our annual Christmas Eve service at 5 pm. We’ll be celebrating the reason for the season through worship and teaching. Nursery will be provided We can’t wait to see you!
We will still be having our normal worship service at 10:30 am, nursery will be provided.
Dec
17
10:30 AM10:30
Sunday School Children Lead Worship
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN LEAD WORSHIP
December 17th • 10:30 Service
SONGS TO LEARN
Preschool
Oh What a Special Night
Elementary
It’s Christmas
Live Like Christmas
The Spotify playlist can be accessed HERE. Song videos can be viewed on YouTube. E-mail Dawn Feely for the link.
PRIZES
Starting November 26th, if Sunday School children arrive in the Early Childhood Suite (Preschoolers) or Chapel (Elementary) by 9:00, they will be entered into a drawing for some great prizes that will be given out the day we lead worship.
DECEMBER 17TH SCHEDULE
9:00 - Child(ren) checked in for Sunday School and ready to go (bathroom break before check-in please)
10:30 - 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
WHAT TO WEAR
Children may wear whatever festive clothing they would like; there is no special costuming
CAN NOT 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!
Dec
13
6:30 PM18:30
Family Movie Night
We’re watching Family Camp together! 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 13 at 6:30.
Dec
12
7:00 PM19:00
The Very Merry Christmas & More Tour with Jeremy Camp & Newsong
General Admission is $35. Ticket prices increase $10 day of show.
Group Rate Discount: $28 General Admission Ticket when purchase 8 or more General Admission tickets.
The VIP Experience: $75
Includes: Reserved Seat closest to the stage.
Access to a pre-show Question & Answer Experience @ 5:30pm with Artists.
Meet and Greet @ 6:00pm with Artists.
Early entry for VIP 5:15pm.
Tier 2 Ticket :$50
Includes: Reserved Seat closest to the stage behind VIP.
Dec
10
10:30 AM10:30
Baptism Sunday
Join us Sunday December 10th for a baptism Sunday.
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.
Dec
6
6:30 PM18:30
Ladies Christmas Dessert Night
Ladies join us for our annual Christmas Dessert Night. We’ll hear from Dawn Gilfry, LCC Comfort Dog Administrator, our guest speaker this year. 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.
About LCC Comfort Dog Ministry
Launched in 2008, the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog ministry is a national human-care ministry embracing the unique, calming nature and skills of purebred Golden Retrievers. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are a bridge for compassionate ministry, open doors for the conversation about faith and creating opportunities to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ.
About Dawn Gilfry - LCC Comfort Dog Administrator
Dawn is a full-time volunteer as a handler for Katie and Phinehas Comfort Dogs. These comfort dogs are working animals, trained to interact with people of all ages and circumstances who are suffering and in need. The comfort dogs serve daily in their community. They average 45 visits a month. Dawn has served in numerous deployments coast to coast which include shootings, suicides and natural disasters. Following tragic events, Dawn and her comfort dogs bring comfort to individuals and families directly impacted, first responders and volunteers to bring light in the darkest corners of crisis. Their presence becomes a beacon of hope and a reminder the God’s love is unwavering.
Dec
2
10:00 AM10:00
Kevin and Heidi | OK Christmas
OK Christmas
It’s an OK (Older Kids) Christmas Event
Join us Saturday, Dec. 2 - 10 a.m., in the GI Free Gym for some fun, fellowship, and a Christmas Concert! You are invited to bring items to be given to Crossroads Mission in Grand Island. Current needs include cooking oil, condiments, XL twin sheets, & twin blankets.
Christmas lunch will be provided
Pleases register by November 26 or call 402.987.8510
Nov
19
12:00 PM12:00
Thanksgiving Potluck
Join us immediately following Sunday morning service on November 19th 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!
We are stilling needing volunteers to serve and cookers of turkeys, for those feeling adventurous.
Want to help? Call or text Paula at 402.706.5913