• Sunday Traditional Worship 9:00 a.m. with Worship and Wonder for Children
  • One and All Worship 10:15 a.m.
  • Sunday School for All Ages 10:00 a.m.
February 13, 2019

February:
Week of Compassion Offering   February 17 and 24
Cancellations Due to Weather  Please listen to WJBC, check our Facebook page, or go to the church website at www.blmfcc.com for information regarding cancellations.
Epiphany Scriptures and Sermon Topics: Stories That Matter
  • February 17  Luke 10:38-42 The One Thing Needful
  • February 24 Acts 8:26-38 Unless Someone Guides Me
  • March 3 Revelation 3:14-22 A Lukewarm Church

Important Lent Dates
  • March 6 Ash Wednesday: Meal at 6:00; Worship at 6:30 all in Fellowship Hall
  • April 18 Maundy Thursday: Meal at 6:00; Worship at 6:30 all in Fellowship Hall. For this evening’s activities, we welcome Centennial Christian Church to participate with us, as is an annual tradition.
 
Easter is April 21!
Thank You!
 
Thank you very much for the wonderful celebration you held for my 20th anniversary at First Christian Church. I was overwhelmed and humbled by your many expressions of kindness and support. Everything about the day was wonderful: the morning worship service, luncheon, gifts, 20 for 20 gifts, notes on Wrigley Field ivy cards, etc. I couldn’t have asked for a better day.
 
Even more, my family and I thank you for what you’ve meant to us since we came here in December 1998. We’ve partnered in ministry for two decades and have worked together to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for each one of you.
 
I am honored to serve such a strong and faithful church filled with such kind and loving people. Thank you.
 
Jim Warren
Reach Out
A Clean Shake   The Reach Out Ministry would like for you to reach out with a clean handshake. Hand sanitizer is provided in each pew and in One and All. Please pass it down to your friends.
food_drive_girl.jpg
Gifts for Another Table The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry is an important resource for many community members. We are collecting the following items in February: rice and rice dinners, potato dinners, pasta of any kind, pasta sauce, Hamburger Helper, dinner meals, cereal, mashed/boxed potatoes, and canned fruits and vegetables. Thank you!
Meals for Abundant Life Church will continue to be served the third Sunday of each month . Mark your calendar now for meals on February 17 and March 17. We need servers and those who can help with desserts or meal preparation. Contact Julie Robinson at
Bent School teachers and students are in need of many items. FCC is “adopting” the school and we are collecting the following, new or gently used,  at the Information Center through the end of February:
  • Tennis shoes
  • Coats
  • Multi colored highlighters
  • Manila folders
  • Binder tabs
  • Post it notes (all sizes) 15 sets
  • Black Expo dry erase markers
  • Dry erase spray
  • Thick sharpies
  • Headphones
  • Swiffer duster with refills (library)
  • Clorox wipes/Lysol wipes
  • Baby wipes/unscented
  • 3- hole punch
  • Stapler
  • Card stock paper
  • Snacks
  • Timers
  • Trinkets/small prize items
  • Mini white boards
  • Flashlights
  • Thermometers for Science projects
  • Button beads
  • All sizes sweat pants for accidents
  • Stickers
Children and Youth
Youth Group 
A Youth Group Schedule can be seen here .
  • February 17 Youth Group grades 6-12
  • February 24 Youth Group grades 6-12

Youth Sunday is March 17
 
Camp Registration is open for all 2019 camps  Visit cciwdisciples.org/camp-program/ to access and complete the online registration form. Instructions and other important information are also available on the website.
 
Youth Group schedule is on the FCC Website (in Family Ministries).
 
VBS Meeting for those interested in serving in a leadership role will be held Monday, February 25, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Luke Union Church. VBS will be held at St. Luke this year on June 2-6.
 
Pastors’ Class will begin on March 10 and will meet during Lent. The class is for those 6 th grade or older. If you haven’t spoken with a pastor and are interested in attending, please contact Jim Warren or Holly Irvin.
Spiritual Growth
Brown Bag Bible Bunch Jim Warren leads this weekly study group on Wednesdays 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. The topic studied each week is the scripture for the upcoming Sunday. Come join us! All are welcome!
magic_ribbons_book.jpg
New Adult Sunday School Class continues, meeting in #129 after the 9:00 a.m. service (on break February 17). All are welcome for topical studies and studies about books of the Bible. The group is involved with the Rob Bell NOOMA DVD series, which will wrap up in late February or early March. It is likely the group will then begin a Lenten study.
Mission Trip Meeting  If you are interested in finding out more about a mission trip in June with The King’s Carpenters, please join them on February 24 in the Founders’ Room for an information meeting. 
Saving those Box Tops for Education?  Please do! There is a Disciples Women’s Ministries mailbox just outside the office door where you can leave them. Donate your Box Tops and we can make a big impact on a local school. Thank you!

Registration for Tee It Up! For The GFPD 2019 is now open!!    A r eception and Silent Auction will be Thursday, May 16 from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and our Golf Scramble will be Friday, May 17, with tee times at 8:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Weibring Golf Club will once again be hosting our event, and lunch will be included for all golfers. Golf spots have filled up quickly in the past, so don’t wait and sign up today! Volunteers are also needed. See the website www.teeitup4gfpd.com for information about registering and volunteering.
Meet your Congregational Vice President
 
Joe Bandy has been a member of FCC for 30 years. He and his wife, Sue, have found FCC to be a great place to raise their four children in the church.

Joe’s activities at FCC have included the Building and Grounds and Stewardship Committees. He served as a Deacon as well as chairman of the Deacons. Presently, he is serving as an Elder and Vice President of the Congregation.

Living out of town, Joe and family have made FCC their church home. This is due to positive experiences and the welcoming spirit of all those who attend. Joe is happy to serve where called upon to make FCC a continuing, healthy, and vibrant congregation.
WEDNESDAY SUPPER CLUB
February 20  5:00 p.m.
FAMOUS DAVE’S
To Attend:
Note Number Attending on Sunday Attendance Pad or
Phone FCC Office (829-9327)
before 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 18

~ All Are Welcome ~
In case of inclement weather, be sure the office has your current email &/or mobile number for text.
Want to help the Warrens by providing a meal?    
If you would like to help provide meals for the Warren family, please follow the steps below. Thank you!
  • Go to the web site: www.takethemameal.com
  • Type in "Warren" for the family name
  • The Password: Godisgood
  • Sign up for the time(s) when you would like to supply a meal, and just follow the simple steps for delivery 
thankyou_paper_hdr.jpg
Please find Thank You notes from Neil & Dorothy Sallee (health), John & Rita Hensley (sympathy), and Boys & Girls Club (Gifts for Another Table) on the Centrum bulletin board.
Legacy Circle  Visit the church website (in the Member Portal) to learn about this group whose members have decided to keep the church in their long-term plans.
More than we can imagine from the Disciples News Service
Submitted by Week of Compassion
We hear the word “imagination” and we may think “fantasy” that escapes the reality of the world as it is. We hear the word “imagination” and we wonder if it is truly helpful in a world filled with so much need.

Far from being an escapist or unreal thing, imagination is actually one of the most powerful engines for change that human beings have! Long ago, the philosopher Aristotle said that “Thinking itself begins in wonder, begins in imagination,” and he was right – imagination, particularly when fueled by a vision of God’s hopes for all humankind, can keep us energized; keep us seeking to do the good that is possible; seeking to better the lives of those who have been battered by circumstance.

The theme for the  2019 Special Offering for Week of Compassion  (collected February 17 and 24) is “More than we can imagine!” That theme, based on Ephesians 3:20, reminds us that we are not alone in our imagining a better world for all God’s children. It is God’s imagination that fuels and empowers ours. God imagines a world where:
  • No one is left to face the ravages of natural disaster alone – neighbor helps neighbor, stranger helps stranger – we are the church together!
  • Even if things will never quite be the same after a disaster, God can work through all events to bring new life, and new hope
  • Clean and abundant water and ample sanitation facilities are available to every person
  • Work brings security from hunger and the land is treated with respect
  • Families displaced from their homes are able to build new lives
  • Women are no longer subject to discrimination and gender-based violence.
Serving Schedule
Serving Schedules are included in each Messenger and in the Friday Email (sent via email to all who have subscribed) two days before worship services. These are to help you as a final reminder of your duties. Ministry areas send initial serving calendars or schedules for each area of duty, and we hope you have already marked your calendar. When you find it necessary to find a substitute, please try to trade with someone else and don’t forget to tell the church office at 309-829-9327 or office@blmfcc.org as soon as you can. Knowing who is actually serving is important to the staff and leadership for various reasons. Thank you for your help!

Sunday, February 17

Acolyte:  Jeremiah Hall
Child Care: 
·          Trish Logan
·          Amy Nichols
Deacons:
·          9:00 Brian Metz, Michelle Kiesewetter
·          10:15 Matt Davis, Stephanie Reed
Jr. Deacons: 
·          Drew Logan
·          Jaci Cox
Drivers:  
·          Rich Crusius
·          Ralph Lehmann
Elders: 
·          Nancy Trefzger
·          John Hensley
Homebound Elders:  
·          Naomi Kosier
·          Becky White
Fellowship Hosts: 
·          Robyn Loftin
·          Holly Rocke
Fill Candles:  Becky White
Greeters:  
·          Matt & Naomi Kosier
·          Shirley Wotherspoon
Information Center:  Mary Helen Haskell
Scripture:  Heather Damery
Sound Tech:   James Nussbaum
Time for Children:  Abby Logan            
Video Tech:  Austin Metz
Worship & Wonder Greeter:  Kim Cox
Pulpit:  Jim Warren – Luke 10:38-42
“The One Thing Needful”
Jesus goes to Martha’s and Mary’s home,   where Martha busies herself in household tasks. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet learning from Him. Martha complains Mary isn’t helping, but Jesus says Mary has chosen the better part. Which is it? Being active like Martha or prayerful like Mary?


Sunday, February 24

Acolyte:  Ellie Chapman
Child Care: 
·          Trish Logan
·          Jenny Henneberg
Deacons:
·         9:00 Justin & Kim Cox
·         10:15 Pat & Jenny Lawler
Jr. Deacons: 
·          Carson Damery
·          Sadie Newton
Drivers:  
·          Ryan Newton
·          Ralph Lehmann
Elders: 
·          Gregg Kiesewetter
·          Mike Robinson
Homebound Elders:  
·          Deanne Bryant
·          Mike Robinson
Fellowship Hosts:  
·          Betty Steinlicht
·          Susan Hinrichsen
Fill Candles:  Becky White
Greeters:  
·          Renae Hammitt & children, Sam & Josie
·          Pete Whitmer
Information Center:  Nancy Pool 
Scripture:  Emily Mejia
Sound Tech:  Dave Phillis
Time for Children:   Jim Warren or Holly Irvin     
Video Tech:  Todd Chapman
Worship & Wonder Greeter:  Sue Bandy
Pulpit:  Jim Warren – Acts 8:26-38
“Unless Someone Guides Me”
Philip comes across a eunuch who is reading from scripture, but the eunuch doesn’t understand it. “How can I,” the eunuch asks, “unless someone guides me?” Philip then shares the good news with the eunuch, and the eunuch is baptized. This story brings out our responsibility to help one another understand and live the scriptures.




mobile_tablet_comp.jpg
Contact Us
Senior Pastor:   James Warren

Minister Emeritus:   John Trefzger

Dir. Music, Dir. Music & Youth
Ministries: Holly Irvin

Organ/Piano: Lou Ann Fillingham

One and All Music Coordinator:
Bill West

Communications Coordinator:
       Jenifer Petri

Office Receptionist: Maggie Burton

Financial Secretary:
Deborah Stumm

Child Care Coordinator: Trish Logan
        tllogan4@hotmail.com
Witness of the Faithful
Attendance:
  • 2/3/19: 126, 35
  • 2/10/19: 134, 32

Offering:  $ 21,054.65
 
Prayer Concerns
Aftercare:
  • Dan Cavanaugh
  • Jim Fry
  • Connie Lindenbaum
  • Peggy O’Neal
  • Mary Smart
  • Carolyn Stucky
Treatment: 
  • Don Gottselig
  • Forrest Kaufman
  • Sharon Warren
Hospice: Harold Goyen
Assisted Living:  
  • Mickey Armstrong (Luther Oaks)
  • Niola Daily (Westminster)
  • Mary Lou Mercier (Home)
  • Glenn & Betty Metz (Villas of Holly Brook)
  • Neil & Dorothy Sallee (Westminster)
  • Alma Samuels (Taylors’ home) 
  • Suzanne Summers (Evergreen Village)
Nursing Homes:    
  • Alden Valley Ridge, Bloomingdale – Hazel Kuhn
  • Eastview Terrace, Sullivan – Joe Violano
  • Heritage, Blm. – Merle Murray
  • Heritage, El Paso – Sonna West 
  • Heritage, Normal – Harold Goyen
  • Liberty, Clinton – Corena Meyer
  • Martin Health – Myrna Cable, Marlyn Mahannah, Neil Sallee, Barbara Thatcher
Military:
  • Adam Jacobs (Army)
  • Chris Kavanaugh (Marines, CA);
  • Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
Sympathy to:
  • Helen Joyce Barclay family on the February 2 death of her sister, Enid Ewing Hickman, of Topeka, Kansas
  • Dianne (Doug) DeFilippo family on the death of her mother, Darlene Bethel
Meet Your Administrative Staff 
Debbie Stumm , Financial Secretary
 
Debbie has an Office Administration degree from ISU, and joined the FCC staff in August of 1981. She came to type the bulletin for one Friday afternoon and has now stayed over 35 years. As our Financial Secretary, she is responsible for managing our income and expenses. She also keeps track of prayer joys and concerns, mails the weekly prayer cards, and records attendance and visitor counts.
Debbie is a member of First Baptist Church of Bloomington where she is also the Financial Secretary there, teaches preschool Sunday School, and sings in the choir. She also enjoys singing in the Passion Play Choir, playing games, cats, flower gardening, and square and round dancing. 
 
One of Debbie’s favorite Bible verses is the 100th Psalm which is read each year as the prayer at her family’s Thanksgiving dinner: “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing …”
Maggie Burton , Receptionist
Maggie was born and raised in Indiana, where she attended Indiana State University. Later she moved to Palatine, IL where she began her career as a church bookkeeper and administrator.
At FCC, Maggie is present for our church visitors during the weekdays, and she is the friendly voice on the phone during the core hours our church office is open. Maggie maintains the church calendar, distributes mail and handles general church email, coordinates building use, prepares various serving schedules, maintains bulletin boards, orders supplies, maintains myriad office equipment, coordinates office volunteers, sends letters for special church occasions and observances, coordinates funerals, and provides general office support including printing of other staffpersons' documents, bulletins, newsletters, and certificates. 
Maggie is married, has three daughters, four grandchildren, and one dog. She enjoys visiting with family and friends, walking, and reading in her spare time.
Jenifer Petri , Communications Coordinator
Jenifer has been working for FCC since the summer of 2013. She composes the digital weekly newsletter, the Friday Email, preparing the reader for the coming Sunday's worship services and other events at the church. Jen designs a bi-weekly church newsletter, The Messenger , and sends an interactive electronic version, while producing a version that is printed and mailed from the office. 
She also coordinates the production of a bi-weekly newsletter called Beyond the Bricks , which highlights varied community events that focus on mission, service, and fellowship. Jen develops the visuals used in worship each Sunday in both the traditional and One and All services, and she is the social media coordinator and website master for the church. Jen prepares the traditional and One and All service bulletins.
Jen's greatest joys are her children, Paige and Austin, and her husband, Darrel. She is an avid introvert who enjoys her pets, fishing, and nature in general. She and Darrel enjoy traveling and whatever adventures life brings.
Her favorite Bible passage is John 1:1-18, a beautiful description of our Savior's power and omnipresence by the Apostle whom He loved, and words of hope, light, and comfort for a world often a challenge to navigate. 
Front of Church
Office Phone 309 829-9327 Fax 309 829-2865
Address 401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Website www.blmfcc.com
Hours Of fice hours have changed. The office is open Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. , and Tuesday through Friday 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.  The office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. every day. The best times to contact the church office are while Maggie is here, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Keeping You in the Loop: The Messenger , Friday Email , Beyond the Bricks
FOLLOW US