2026 Annual Congregational Meeting
Date: Sunday, February 1
Time: 12:15 pm
Location: Auditorium
Purpose of the Meeting
- Vote on the annual budget
- Approve new church leadership members
- Additional church business
Attendance Options
- In-person attendance encouraged
- Online option available at live.efree.org for those unable to attend in person
Childcare
- Childcare will be provided
- Registration required (please register in advance)
Voting
- All attendees are welcome
- Only church members may vote
leadership candidates
Leadership candidates will be announced soon.
Elder
Brian Lehmann
DEACON
AAron Thorne
I live in Manchester, MO and have been attending First Free for 20 years. In that time I have been involved in various ministries at the church, including young adult ministry, elder care, and the usher ministry.
I currently serve as Assistant Coordinator for the Connections ministry and as a discussion leader in Faithbuilders.
I work in the Internal Audit department at Graybar Electric, and in my free time I read science fiction and history, attend St. Louis CITY SC soccer matches, and play strategy board games.
Patrick Fink
I have been married to Hannah, and we have two sons, Owen (5) and Eli (3). We have been attending First Free since 2014.
I have served in multiple ways throughout the church, including as a small group leader for the last ten years, as well as multiple areas in Kid Connection, currently serving as a third grade teacher.
I am a CPA who does audits of multinational companies for Ernst & Young. In my free time, I enjoy running, cheering on my native Iowa Hawkeyes, and enjoying God’s creation outdoors, especially visiting National Parks across the country (Glacier National Park is the current favorite).
John Depasquale
My wife of 43 years, Deann, and I have been attending FFC for 18 years. We have been members of the church for about 5 years. We have been blessed to have three adopted children who are now young adults. We have a granddaughter who will be
turning two.
I have been connected to the church through Guest Connections and the Men’s Ministry. I have had the privilege of serving as an usher and auditorium lead for many years, as well participating in the Men’s Ministry for several years. Recently, I participated in the 2-year program “Discipleship Essentials” and I will commence a small group within FFC to facilitate this training starting in February of this year. Deann was a greeter for many years and currently is a help desk volunteer.
I have an undergraduate (Missouri S&T) and a post-graduate (Washington University) degree. I retired in 2017 from a 36-year career at Anheuser-Busch. I currently work part time as a Supply Chain consultant.
I look forward to serving the Lord in various ways at First Free.
Nominating Committee Member
Nominating Committee candidates will be announced soon.
Erinn Shaver
I have known Jesus since childhood, thanks to the foundation my parents gave me. During college, my faith deepened through Bible Study Fellowship, where I began to truly understand and appreciate the depth of God’s Word, His grace, and the gift of salvation.
My husband (Paul) and I celebrated 24 years of marriage this past August. We first met while serving together on the leadership team of Young Adult BSF. We have three children: Alivia (20), Avril (18), Anderson (16). Of course, the favorite family member is our pug, Piper.
I currently serve as a mentor mom in the Moms of Littles group and volunteer in the preschool program on Sunday mornings. Over the years, I’ve also had the privilege of leading small groups for Senior High girls and being involved in various programs at First Free.
I’m a pediatric speech pathologist, blessed to work with children ages birth to three and their families. My career and ministry roles both center around supporting others and helping them communicate, whether through speech, faith, or community.
Patty Yoss
I had the blessing of growing up in a Christian home. At age 9, I came to saving faith in Jesus. God has used many avenues to grow and mature my relationship with Him, including church, Bible clubs, and BSF (Bible Study Fellowship).
My husband, Tim, and I have been married for 48 years. We have two children, Clif and Amy, and 10 grandchildren. We have been part of Frist Free since 1991. Tim and I served the Lord through BSF and the Rafiki Foundation for eleven years in South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Madagascar. At First Free, I’ve had the privilege of serving through Kid Connection, Women’s Ministry, the Prayer Team and FaithBuilders.
I also serve on two international boards: Thrive Life Skills and Lingomso Ministries. I enjoy tutoring math, leading an after-school Student Bible Study at Rockwood South Middle School and hosting “Cousins’ Camps.”
It would be my pleasure to serve the Lord and First Free as a member of the nominating
committee.
Brian Deters
Patrick Fink
Deacon Candidate
I have been married to Hannah, and we have two sons, Owen (5) and Eli (3). We have been attending Fir...Read More
Aaron Thorne
Deacon Candidate
I live in Manchester, MO and have been attending First Free for 20 years. In that time I have been i...Read More
Brian Lehmann
Elder Candidate
I first met Christ through a missionary at Mizzou in 1992, after years of God pursuing me through oth...Read More