Summer Happenings
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. We know it’s a big church, so we are providing opportunities for you to meet people.
Next Steps Page
This summer we have a lot going on. Our Young Adults are playing volleyball, going on a hike and eating dinner at local homes. Men are playing golf and building community with each other. Women are having a summer Bible study, playdates, and a paint night.
Some of these activities are mentioned below. As a reminder, you can find all of our highlighted events on the Next Steps page. At the bottom of the page are various cards for you to scroll thorough and peruse.
Young Adults and Students
KIDS
KREW
June 16-20 | 6 to 8:30 PM
We hope you will join us this year as we step back in time to Egypt, exploring the life of Joseph! Kids and adults will celebrate with upbeat worship, participate in a memorable Bible-times marketplace, play teamwork-building games, dig into Egyptian eats, visit Joseph in prison and then in his palace home! Everyone will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through God-sightings.
KidStep Family Picnic
June 29 | 12 PM | Core Cafe
KidStep families are invited to bring a side dish and dessert to share. KidStep will provide hot dogs for
dinner. Please sign up to to attend.
45 Hangout
August 15 | 6:30 - 8 PM | Auditorium
KidStep kids in grades 4 and 5 are invited to bring friends and come for a fun evening! We also welcome upcoming 3rd graders. We will hang out, play games, have a short lesson, and enjoy snacks together!
STUDENTS
CORE Summer Nights
June 25, July 23, and August 13 | 6:45 to 8:45 PM | Back Parking Lot
As school ends and summer begins, these monthly summer nights offer students (6th through 12th grade) a casual time to be with each other during a busy summer. On this first summer night, we will enjoy snacks and plenty of outdoor games such as 9-square, basketball, and more.
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 or reach out to Janelle Koontz at 717-592-8482.
Volleyball & Picnic
May 31 | 5 PM | Gelder Park
This event is for anyone ages 23-40. Bring a side or dessert to share. RSVP to thebranchhfc@gmail.com
Ice Cream Outing
June 19 | 7 PM | 3B Ice Cream, 2199 Colonial Road, Harrisburg
This event is for anyone ages 23-40. Bring a lawn chair.
Hike at Climbers Run Nature Preserve
June 29 | 2:30 PM | 226 Frogtown Road, Pequea
This event is for anyone ages 23-40. If you want to carpool from church, meet at 1:30 PM. RSVP to thebranchhfc@gmail.com.
Summer Pool Party
July 12 | 3 PM | Craft Home, 121 Savannah Dr., Hummelstown
This event is for anyone ages 23-40. Bring a swimsuit and a side or dessert to share. RSVP to thebranchhfc@gmail.com.
Mini Golf
July 24 | 6:30 PM | Water Golf on City Island
This event is for anyone ages 23-40.
Beyond Tuesday Dinners
Tuesdays through August 12 | 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. Come for dinner, swimming, and conversations. Click the link below for a full list of dates and locations.
Men and Women
WOMEN
Summer Women’s Connect
Tuesday evenings, June 3 to July 29 | 7 to 8:30 PM | Core Cafe
Simply Jesus – This study will explore the “I AM” statements that Jesus makes in the gospel of John. The goal of this study is for you to strengthen your faith as you study and reflect on these statements and spend time in God’s Word. Cost of the book is $13. Please register to attend. Contact Michelle Bailey at 520-907-4038 or michprov3@gmail.com or Laura Ludlam at 717-571-3674 or ljludlam@comcast.net with questions.
Summer Moms Connect
Wednesdays | 9:30 - 11:30AM
June 4 | Hilltop Playground and indoor muscle rooms | Hershey Free Church
July 9 | Founders Park | 570 Homestead Road, Hershey
August 6 | Old Trolley Line Playground 475 Beverly Road, Elizabethtown
Moms with children of all ages are invited to our summer playdates. Invite your friends, and come and go when you please. July and August’s playdates have a backup location at Hilltop in case of rain or extreme heat, which will be communicated in advance on hfcinfo.com. Questions? Contact Sarah
Applequist at slj175@gmail.com.
Women’s Summer Swim
June 24 | 1 - 4 PM | Craft Home, 121 Savannah Drive, Hummelstown
Bring a snack to share and enjoy time with other women as you swim and relax by the pool. (Adult
swim only, sorry, no kids) Questions? Contact Janice at 301-661-0020 or craftdw@comcast.net.
Women’s Paint Party
July 16 | 5:30-9 PM | Core Cafe
Bring a salad of your choice (green salad, fruit salad, potato salad, etc.) for the salad bar for our shared meal. Painting will begin at 6:30 PM. The cost for the evening is $15, which includes the canvas, paint, and brushes to create your masterpiece. Questions? Contact Deb Hinkel at dhinkel@hersheyfree.com or Janice Craft at 301-661-0020 or craftdw@comcast.net. Please register by July 2.
Women’s Praise and Prayer Evening
August 19 | 7 - 8:30 PM | Tent
Come for a beautiful evening as we join our hearts in prayer and praise under the tent. Questions? Contact Kathie Zipf at (717) 304-9758.
MEN
Saturday Breakfast & Devotional
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 Campfire
May 18 | 7-9 PM | The Inn, 1426 Church Road, Hershey
We hope men of all ages will join us as we relax around the campfire, talking, laughing, and sharing stories. The host requests no alcohol or tobacco on site. Please bring a lawn chair. Contact Kent Bailey with any questions at jbkent2020@gmail.com.
Men’s Golf League
Thursdays, starting May 29 | 5 PM | Tree Top Golf Course, Manheim
Any guy who is a golf pro or wants some practice swinging a club is welcome to join us on Thursdays this summer for 9 holes of golf. The cost is $16 per week (cart included). Join us when you can; no commitment is required. Hope to see you on the green!