At Hershey Free, we believe a disciple of Jesus is someone who lives with Jesus, loves like Jesus, and leads others to do the same. Simply put, this means we want to be a place where you can learn about Jesus and connect with him. We want you to experience God’s love and find opportunities to share that love. And we want you to discover your gifts and be able to serve within the church and the wider area.
One of the best ways to begin to Live/Love/Lead is to find friendships and get connected in a small group setting. Lack of meaningful friendships is a common problem within our American culture, and the church wants to go against that trend. We know it’s a big church, so we are providing opportunities for you to meet people.
This summer we have a lot going on. Our Young Adults are testing out their trivia knowledge and eating dinner at local homes. Men are playing golf and building community with each other. Women are making edible fruit arrangements. We can’t wait for KREW in June and a family social in July.
Some of these activities are highlighted below. As a reminder, you can find all of our offered events on the Next Steps page. At the bottom of the page are various cards for you to scroll thorough and puruse.
YOUNG ADULTS
The Branch (young adults 23-40)
If you have not yet connected at The Branch Sunday Connect Group, feel free to email the leadership team at thebranchhfc@gmail.com orreach out to Janelle Koontz at 717-592-8482.
June 1 | 5 PM | Volleyball Picnic at Gelder Park
* Come and play or just hang out with the group. Bring a side or dessert to share.
June 27 | 6:30 PM | Mini Golf at Adventure Sports
July 13 | 3 PM | Summer Bonanza Pool Party & Picnic at David and Janice Craft’s home.
* 121 Savannah Drive, Hummelstown. Bring a dish to share.
July 26 | 7 PM | Ice Cream & Movie Night at George and Rose Davis’ home
* 6 Oakglad Drive. Hummelstown. Bring something for the ice cream bar.
August 9 | 6:30 PM | Trivia Night at Church | room 302/304
* Bring your random knowledge and your best guesses.
August 24 | 10 AM | Walking at Wildwood
* We will meet at Wildwood for a leasurily hike through the park.
Beyond Tuesday Dinners
Tuesdays starting May 21 | 6 PM | Various Locations
Beyond Connect Group (18-22) meets on Sundays at 10:30 AM in room 20 and they also
have weekly dinners in local homes over the summer. The first night will be at Dean and Ada Overholt’s home. Come for dinner, swimming, and conversations. Click the link below for a full list of dates and locations.
WOMEN
Summer Bible Study for Women
Tuesday evenings starting May 7 | 7 PM | Core Cafe
Summer is a great opportunity to slow down, connect with other women, and get deeper into
God’s Word. Tracing the Thread of Redemption is a study about the life of Rahab. In this study, your
sense of awe for God’s redemptive work in your life will be renewed. This study contains memory verses, daily study, and group discussion questions to guide you deep into Joshua 2 and the beauty of God’s saving grace. Join us on Tuesday evenings from May 7 to July 23. Sign up below.
Preschool Moms PlaydateÂ
June 5 | 9:30 - 11:30 AM | Hershey Free Playground
Summer is a great time to connect with other moms of young children while your kids have a safe place to run around and play with others. This play date is intended for kids, 5 and under, at the playground in the back parking lot of Hershey Free Church. Older siblings are welcome to come, however, the playground equipment is geared to younger children. We are going to gather two additional times this summer: July 10 at Old Trolley Line Park in Elizabethtown and August 7 at Founders Park in Hershey. In case of rain, room 108 at Hershey Free will also be available for kids to play. Questions? Contact Sarah Applequist at slj175@gmail.com.
Summer Swim for Women
June 21 | 1 - 4 PM | 121 Savannah Drive, Hummelstown
Summer is a great time to connect. One common theme repeated is the need for friendships, so this summer, we are offering several connecting opportunities for women. Come for an afternoon around or in the pool at the home of Janice Craft. Bring a snack to share. This event is for women of all ages (sorry, no kids). You can call Janice with any questions at 301-661-0020.
Edible GreetingsÂ
July 18 | 9:30 - 11:30 AM | Core Cafe
Come and watch Sheri Hoke demonstrate how to make an edible arrangement using fruit. Bring a paring knife if you want to practice making a strawberry rose. Please register or this event by July 15 so fruit can be purchased. We’d love for you to invite friends!
Praise and PrayerÂ
August 6 | 7 PM | 947 E. Oak Street, Palmyra
Women of all ages are invited to an evening of praise, prayer, food, and fellowship at the home of Kathie Zipf. For questions call Kathie at 717-304-9758.
MEN
Men’s Golf League
Thursdays May 30 to August 8 | 5:30 PM | Tree Top Golf Course, Manheim
Any man who is a golf pro or just wants to practice swinging a club is welcome to join us on Thursdays for 9 holes of golf. The cost is $20 per week (cart included). There is no need to come every Thursday but we ask that you RSVP by noon on Wednesday to Herb Taylor at htaylor325@comcast.net or 717-490-4066.
Saturday Breakfast
2nd Saturday of the month | 8 to 9:30 AM | Core Cafe
Are you looking for a no-pressure environment that includes breakfast? Every second Saturday, all men are invited to enjoy a meal, spend time in prayer, and simply be together. These breakfasts happen every month and are an informal way of meeting other guys in the church and building connections. A $5 donation is suggested. No registration is required.
Men's Connect WednesdayÂ
Wednesdays | 6:45 to 8:45 PM | Room 10
Our main focus is building community with other men by studying God’s Word and getting to know each other. We don’t just focus on learning information but about how to practically apply the truth to our everyday lives. No need to register or buy a book ahead of time. You can jump into our study at any time. This study goes through August 28.For more information, contact Kent Bailey at Jbkent2020@gmail.com or (717) 574-5185.