Staying involved in the Bloomington/Normal area, and beyond. 
Where do you fit... Beyond the Bricks?


Welcome... to the latest issue of
Beyond the Bricks!

 

Dear Friends in Christ,
 
Another devastating hurricane hit the US. This time it was Michael, following on the heels of Florence in the southeast US and Lane and Olivia in Hawaii. We've also seen typhoons battering the Philippines and Taiwan and an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia. That feels like a lot, even too much.
 
I've encouraged you before to reach out to those devastated by these natural disasters, and I want to encourage you again to give generously to help those in need. There are many good relief agencies that you can support. One I recommend is our denomination's Week of Compassion.
 
Wherever natural disasters strike, Week of Compassion is quick to respond to the short-term needs and goes on to support the long-term re-development of the affected areas. You may donate through First Christian Church or through Week of Compassion's website designated for Hurricane Relief.
 
Let's answer Christ's call to care for our sisters and brothers nearby and around the world. Thank you for your generosity.
 
Your brother in Christ,
     
Jim Warren
"SHARE THE WARMTH" Winter Outerwear Drive for Men

Bloomington-Normal, IL
First Christian Church and Area Churches/Organizations
 
What Winter outerwear drive for men
How:   Donate gently used or new winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves in all sizes.
When:  October 1 to February 1 
Where:   Drop donations in the "Start Fresh" bins at the Information Center 
Why?   Jesus commands us to love and clothe those in need and many of our neighbors are cold in the winter
Contacts:   If you have any questions, please contact:
Julie Robinson at jerobinson21409@yahoo.com
Sarah Trefzger at trefzger.fcc@gmail.com
 
Thank you in advance for your help!
 
Together as The Body of Christ we will serve those in need and share God's love.
-- Mathew 25:36
Throughout October, 2018
Sponsored by Mid-Central Community Action
Various Locations
Bloomington-Normal, IL
 
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Come out and be part of the 2018 Stand Up With Me events and let survivors of domestic violence know they are not alone!  See the attached flyer for many, many opportunities throughout the month, including a rally, cell phone drive, volleyball game, "Purple Day," Domestic Violence Simulation, and drive for donations for Neville House. 
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Shifts Throughout the Day
Youthbuild
360 Wylie Dr.
Normal, IL 61761
 
The Third Annual Bed Blitz is a community driven project sponsored by The Tool Library, Youth Build McLean County and West Bloomington Revitalization Project, where we will be building beds for children in the McLean County area. To make this event a success, we need the help of individuals and groups around the community to attend our Bed Blitz event on Saturday October 20th.

There will be two shifts throughout the day and you can sign up with a group to help build beds (no construction experience required!) as an individual or sign up as a group! We will be using a new plan and template this year that simplifies the building process and improves the portability of the bed frames for receiving families allowing our groups to build more beds in less time!
Community Band and Parkland Band Combined Concert 
 
Sunday, October 21, 2018
3:00 p.m.
Wesley United Methodist Church 
502 E. Front St.  
Bloomington, IL  61701
Free
 
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful Bloomington-Normal Community Concert and Parkland bands combined. Expect a great concert and a great time. 
Help Serve a Meal at Abundant Life in Christ Church
 
Sundays
First Christian Church is Serving Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec.16, 2018
Abundant Life in Christ Church
108 E. Market St.  
Bloomington, IL  61701
 
Abundant Life's mission is "to lead people to saving faith in Jesus Christ by sharing the Gospel, as defined in the Holy Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-6).  
We exist to help people get from where they are to where God wants them to be (Philippians 3:13-14)."
 
Continued contributions are needed along with helpers to serve or make desserts for the meals FCC serves.  Contact Julie Robinson (jerobinson21409@yahoo.com) if you would like to help on the above date and for details.  Or contact Abundant Life (309) 232-8702 to help in any other way.

THRIVE!  Becoming a People of Welcome
 
Saturday, November 3, 2018
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Central Christian Church 
650 W. William St.  
Decatur, IL  62522
$10 per person with lunch included

You're invited to join others from the CCIW region at Central Christian Church in Decatur, Illinois. Ruth Fletcher, a well-known Disciples minister will be with us to talk about nurturing the lives of congregations.
 
Ruth is the author of Thrive: Spiritual Habits of Transforming Congregations. It is available on Amazon in paperback and electronic formats. In addition to making a compelling case for congregational transformation, her book is a rich resource of practical tools (12 appendices).  
 
This event is open to everyone - clergy, laypersons - everyone.  
Register by October 29.   
Volunteer at INtegRIty Counseling  

Hours Vary
INtegRIty Counseling
502 S. Morris Ave., Suite D
Bloomington, IL  61701

INtegRIty Counseling is looking for reception volunteers. We need both regular volunteers (two hours or more per week) and substitutes. We especially need volunteers for afternoons, evenings, and one Saturday morning a month.  
 
Our reception volunteers answer our phones, do phone screenings, and help schedule clients based on counselor availability. We are flexible with schedules and are a great volunteer placement for retirees and students.  
 
For more information contact Luella at 309-827-9100 or email info@integrityhelps.org
Support the Harmony Park Project

Bloomington-Normal, IL
First Christian Church Contacts:  Todd and Corin Chapman
 
The Harmony Park Project is a partnership of local nonprofits with the purpose of purchasing safe and accessible playground equipment within Bloomington-Normal.

The latest news from the Harmony Park Project's Facebook page:
"The Harmony Park Project recently qualified for a grant through our playground equipment vendor, GameTime. This grant will save the project approximately $30,000 bringing the total budget from $330,000 to $300,000!
We have already raised $250,000, which means we only need $50,000 more to complete this much anticipated and needed playground!
Please donate today to drive this project to completion!!"

Click below to donate.
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Around the Community
First Christian Church | info@blmfcc.org| 309 829-9327  | www.blmfcc.com
401 West Jefferson St.  Bloomington, IL  61701
Bloomington's Oldest Continuing Congregation
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