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!
 

Happy New Year!
 
In just a few days we'll usher in 2019, and many of us will make New Year's resolutions. 
 
Often resolutions concern changing our diet and losing weight, improving ourselves in some way, or learning to do something new.  We seek to better ourselves by committing to changing in the New Year.   What resolutions will you make for 2019?
 
How about adding a resolution to reach out to and help someone else?  Pledge yourself to improving not just your own life, but the lives of those around you. What can you do to make a difference in someone's life in 2019?
 
Your friend in Christ,
Jim Warren
Improve Your Speaking and Leadership Skills

Meetings are the First and Third Tuesdays of Each Month
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
First State Bank
202 N. Prospect Rd.  2nd Floor Conference Room
Bloomington, IL  61704
 
Looking to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Gain the confidence to speak up?  Voices for Service Toastmasters is the place for you.
 
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development, with more than 332,000 members in over 15,400 clubs in 135 countries. This network of clubs and their learn-by-doing program are sure to help you improve. Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to express yourself effectively in any situation. Whether you're a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retired, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills.
GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

Visit our next meeting -- bring a friend - bring your lunch. You won't regret it!
 
For more information: VP Membership Mike Guaderrama 309.706.8476
7 Habits of Highly Effective People  
Personal Development Course
 
Tuesdays 6:30 to 8:00 PM
  January 22 through February 26, 2019
The HUB at 502 S. Morris Ave.
Bloomington, IL  61701
 
INtegRIty Counseling invites you to attend a Personal Development Course based on Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This course will help you apply principles of effective living to help your life become more self-fulfilling. The course will be taught by INtegRIty's Dennis Goodwin whose experiences span more than 20 years of counseling and 17 years in the corporate business environment working as a corporate trainer and certified leadership coach.  
 
Dennis has been certified by the Franklin-Covey organization to teach the "7 Habits" courses. He brings a wealth of information, personal stories and hands-on experience and has consistently received positive feedback for his course delivery.
 
Thanks to Thrivent Financial, all participants will receive their own 7 Habits workbook and will get to enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and treats!  Registration is limited to 20 participants based on a first come, first serve basis so call 309-827-9100 to register yourself and a friend.  
 
As always, financial contributions are appreciated to help offset the costs of our services.
Be a Symbol of Hope for Those Who are Waiting

Learn more about being a Living Donor
 
First Christian Church recently received a request to inform our congregation about a local man's need for a kidney transplant.  He is looking for a living donor.  We are happy to include a link here for readers to find out more about this unique opportunity to help others.  If you would like more information about this individual, please email info@blmfcc.org.  See the link in the button below for general information about OSF St. Francis' Transplant Center.
Help at Heartland Head Start by Providing Child Care

Meetings are the First Wednesday of Each Month
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Heartland Head Start
206 Stillwell St.
Bloomington, IL  61701
 
A message from Heartland Head Start:  We are looking for people ages 15 and up to help with child care once a month for our Policy Council meeting we have with the parents.  We provide child care from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month. We are looking for 4-5 people every month. I was wondering if you would have any members of the church who would like to come do some volunteer child care for us. Thank you. 
 
Please contact Erica Tisdale at
Help Serve a Meal at Abundant Life in Christ Church
 
Sundays
First Christian Church is Serving January 20, 2019
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.
"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
texture-graphic-community.jpg
 
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
Like us on Facebook