All In-Person Worship and Church Activities Suspended Until Further Notice
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Live streaming We are live streaming, or broadcasting, at 9:00 a.m., a form of Sunday service each week, featuring a sermon by Rev. Jim Warren, music, and a Time for Children. You can watch from our website homepage, as well as on Facebook. On our website, scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and see that the current or most recent broadcast is toward the top of the selections there. You can also watch older broadcasts. If you use Facebook, just go to our Facebook Page and see the broadcast start a few minutes before 9:00 a.m.
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Office Hours (suspended during the quarantine) are listed at the bottom of each Messenger issue.
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September:
- In-person services are replaced by live streamed worship each Sunday
- Another ”Gathering at Rollingbrook Park” is planned for September 6 at 4:00 p.m.
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FCC Ministry Priorities and News
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Blessing of the Backpacks was held on August 16. We hope everyone is off to a great start on their school years, strange though they may seem. Read your bookmark sent with your zipper pull for encouragement and remember your church family is praying for you!
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Property Use – Help our property become a resource to the community and an entry point
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We are happy to say the Boys & Girls Club will continue to use designated areas of the building this fall. Providing this group a space is a wonderful way we help the local community. |
Spiritual Growth/
Small Groups
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Small Groups — Build on what we’ve learned and do more of these
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Brown Bag Bible Bunch This weekly study group meets on Wednesdays beginning September 9 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. using Zoom. The topic is the scripture for the upcoming Sunday. Contact Debbie Stumm at dstumm@blmfcc.org to join!
Small Groups Small groups continue to offer us another way to connect with one another. If you would like to join a group, contact Bill Robitske at bill.robitske.jr@gmail.com
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Reach Out/Meet the Neighbors |
Meet the Neighbors — Beginning with existing relationships, take a deeper dive into who God has given us to love in this area – and how our lives might intersect
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Mission Projects:
Greenhouse Project In late August we may be building a greenhouse for Sunnyside Gardens. Funding is still being worked on and they will let us know a definite date. This will be a pre-designed greenhouse that will just need some willing helpers to assemble it.
Mission Trip to Appalachia is on for October 11-16. The trip will be to Southeastern Kentucky. Anyone interested will need to fill out some forms and have a background check done. Forms can be completed at https://capgroupscv.campbrainregistration.com/. Please contact Mike Robinson if you are interested, at 309-275-5908.
Also, be thinking about another Reach Out project for Christmas similar to the Red Bags for our Seniors. Our situation with COVID will be our determining factor.
Julie Robinson, serving as
Extended Ministry Steward - Reach Out
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Happenings about Our Church
As summer 2020 begins to slip away and transcend into fall, let us be mindful that we have big plans at First Christian Church. We are now planning to return to in-person worship October 18 (moved from September 20 due to concerns over increasing COVID numbers), barring any further unsatisfactory metrics concerning COVID-19. Safety is our #1 concern.
We have been planning for in-person worship now for almost two months. There are many things to be concerned about when you talk about providing a worship service when we have an unseen virus that could impact the health and well-being of our congregation. Behind the scenes, we will provide a sanitized church building and then between entering and leaving we will wipe the touch areas and again prior to the One and All service. Temperature checks, registration, hand sanitation stations, face coverings, having people move along in one direction through the Sanctuary, distanced seating, hearing Jim’s Sermon, communion using a single disposable unit, being told when and which direction to leave, and doing all this without contact will be our norm for now. Church will certainly look and feel different. However, it will be good to see other worshippers and even though you might not be able to see smiles, due to facial coverings, you can wave and nod and let others know it’s great to be back.
Stay tuned over the course of the next several weeks and we will update you if our date, October 18, is a go. No matter what happens with our re-opening plans, we will continue to provide our usual livestream service at 9:00 a.m. via Facebook and through the FCC website and we will be exploring opportunities for fellowship this fall and winter.
Blessings!
Joe Bandy
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Red Cross Blood Drive
A blood drive is scheduled for October 20 (Tuesday).
The Red Cross continues to be in dire need of blood so please consider donating during this difficult time.
-- Wholistic Health Council
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Face Masks
Are you in need of a cloth face mask? Michelle Kiesewetter is making them and offers them for FCC members/friends who have a need. You may email her at mlkiese@yahoo.com.
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Disciples Women’s Ministries News
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2020 Plans
FCC Disciples Women’s Ministries has decided to again help with Operation Santa. Of course it will be a little different. Below you will find a few ways to help. For 2020, we are asking mainly for SOCKS and/or a MONETARY donation. Deadlines are at the end of this article.
BLACK CREW SOCKS – COTTON (or blend) IF POSSIBLE. If you feel safe going out (with your mask) to purchase socks (Jan Dyer has found them at WalMart & Sam’s), you may leave on Jan’s front porch - 15 Jodi Ln, Bloomington; 309.829.7310. (Jodi Lane is in Pinebach subdivision: turn south off East Emerson on Ebach Dr, 1st street west of St. John’s & Unitarian churches; Ebach runs into Jodi Lane).
MONETARY DONATION -- Mail check to First Christian Church, 401 W. Jefferson, Bl 61701. Check payable to FCC. MEMO line OPERATION SANTA.
STOCKINGS -- If any of those who sew still have the stocking pattern and material and are willing to sew again, any number of stockings will be greatly appreciated. You may also leave them on Jan’s porch as above.
BEEF JERKY optional -- In past years we have also collected beef jerky, individually wrapped by manufacturer, shorter size. If you want to donate jerky, deliver as above.
- Item donations need to be delivered to Jan by October 9.
- Monetary donations must be in mail no later than September 30.
There will be a container on Jan’s porch labeled OPERATION SANTA.
Your help, as always, is greatly appreciated by DWM, Operation Santa, and our Military.
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Plastic Caps and Lids
Sad to say, Pam Yerkes learned the Hudson library is no longer taking lids as the Scouts had to stop collecting. DWM appreciates your efforts bringing them in – who knew social distancing would be ongoing.
Mary Helen called the City of Bloomington, and their suggestion is to put your lids in paper sacks with enough room to fold down and crease, and then drop in a recycle bin; this will help so they aren’t just loose in the bins. As they are recyclable, this will also help save the landfill.
If you do not have curb-side recycling or access near your home, Jewel/Osco at Cottage and Hovey in Normal has recycle bins at the north end of parking lot. Please follow the same procedure of putting in paper sacks. Normal WalMart has bins in the lot at the northeast rear corner of building. If you do not have recycle access, email Pam or Mary Helen and we will try to help you. Thank you all for your help helping others.
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Fun “COVID” Farewell for Beverly Leight
If you have not heard, she is moving closer to her daughter, who lives near Geneva, Illinois.
Details will be in the September Messenger. In the meantime, be sure your car is working AND put Saturday morning, October 10, on your calendar.
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Nominating Committee News
The nominating committee continues to work on filling open positions for upcoming church terms. If you have an interest in lending your talents or know of someone that would, please contact Nominating Committee chairperson Chip Jamerson at cjamerson@gmail.com or at (309) 531-9206.
Be Faithful Stewards (2 year term) - In this position, the candidate will work with current ministry steward Nancy Pool on planning, organizing, and carrying out an annual financial campaign to support the general fund and to encourage deeper levels of stewardship.
Grow Spiritually Every Day (Adult Education) (2 year term) - In this position, the candidate will work with current ministry steward Stephanie Kiesewetter to promote and facilitate the spiritual growth of individuals and groups at FCC.
Ministering to and with Children and Youth (2 year term) - In this position, the candidate will work with current ministry steward Gregg Kiesewetter and Director of Music and Youth Rev. Holly Irvin to provide opportunities for children and youth such as Sunday School, youth group, VBS, and Worship and Wonder.
Reach Out (2 year term) - Reach Out has a twofold purpose: One is to encourage our congregation to reach out to those in need “from our doorsteps to the end of the world.” The other is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and invite people outside of the church to experience God’s love. Preferably, two individuals are needed for this ministry.
Historian (1 year term) - The candidate will work to organize and maintain the Historical Room. Examples would be clipping/printing and filing newspaper articles involving First Christian Church and filing any historical materials from the church office.
Deacons (2 year term) - We would still like to have 8-10 more deacons for the upcoming church terms. Deacons are primarily responsible for the preparation and distribution of the elements of Holy Communion and the collection of the congregation’s weekly offering. Deacons normally serve in 7-8 services over the entire year. This is a combination of the Traditional Service and the One and All Service. For example, one may serve at 4 Traditional Services and 4 One and All Services. Those could be served on the same Sunday or spread out over 8 Sundays. Deacons sign up for the Sundays and services that fit into their schedules.
Note: The congregational meeting that would have happened in April will be postponed until further notice. Officers will be voted on at that meeting. In the meantime, the current officers will continue to serve, as voted on in the May Board meeting.
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A long obedience in the same direction…
The Church is Changing
At the last Board meeting I spent some time pondering how the pandemic is changing and will change our church. There will be no returning to the way things were; we will settle into a new way of being and doing. Here are my observations on how the pandemic is affecting our church:
- Our Sunday morning attendance will decline. Many people will wait to return to church because of COVID-19. Others have so enjoyed watching church from home that they’ll continue to do so. And some people have gotten out of the habit of attending church and won’t be back.
- Our livestream worship service will receive more attention. We’ll make it as much of a priority as our other two services.
- There will be an increased emphasis on the internet. Some groups may continue to meet through Zoom, for instance.
- There will be a decreased emphasis on the building. We’ll be more open to finding ways to do ministry outside of our building. We’ve been out of our building for almost six months, and we’ve learned that church is not dependent on the building.
- There will be an increased emphasis on social justice. Social justice is a major topic in our society, and the church needs to be part of the conversation to give it a faith perspective.
Have you noticed other trends in our church since the pandemic began? What changes do you think will take place in our church in the coming months? I’d love to hear your observations!
Jim Warren
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FCC Swag!
FCC t-shirts have been designed and you can order yours now! There are three styles: adult, youth, and FCC kids. Click Here to see details and order on our website.
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Red FCC grocery bags are available for purchase for $5 for your use and for ministry projects. Contact Jen Petri at info@blmfcc.org to purchase a bag. |
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INtegRIty Counseling's GroupRaise Meal at Portillo's
202 Landmark Drive in Normal
Thursday, September 3, 2020
4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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Thank You Notes Received
Dear FCC family,
Camille and I are completely overwhelmed and extremely grateful to you for the prayers, cards, flowers, food, support and LOVE shown to us in the last few weeks. The ordeal we experienced in our neighborhood was difficult. It shook us and left us somewhat bewildered. But God has a way of restoring our spirit and faith in the goodness of His people. You have demonstrated, by your support, that our church family loves us and loves justice and awareness. It was our goal to take the lemons handed to us and make lemonade. Similar to Jesus at the wedding at Cana... there is more than enough lemonade for everyone.
Thank you for your gifts of Love! We cannot begin to express our appreciation to
our church family for the warm feelings you embraced us with and we Love You!
God is GOOD... All the Time, Art and Camille Taylor
Dear Friends,
Thank you for the lovely red gift bag of wonderful "goodies." It was so kind and thoughtful of you. It has been a rough five months for me.
Gratefully, Dorothy Sallee
Thanks for the Goody Bag. We shared it with our great grandson. It was fun.
Miss you all. Ron & Sharron Wright
Dear Friends at First Christian,
I returned from 5 weeks in Estes Park being nursed back to good health after 21 days in bed with pneumonia. Son, David insisted he take me to daughter, Mimi's to be pampered and fed too well. What a delightful surprise upon my return to find the First Christian bag full of delicious, useful, and fun gifts! Thank all who had a hand in preparing such wonderful treats. How I do miss the fellowship of our church.
Thanks so very much. Charley Ridenour
Dear FCC Friends,
What joy it was to answer the door bell and see Peggy Larson (in her Cubs jersey) running back to the car and John. And, the even bigger surprise was the Red Bag full of goodies she had left on the stoop. What a thoughtful, kind, and generous gift from the church during these crazy pandemic times. We thank you for thinking of us. Obviously, we're not going out much. Duff's condition continues to be very vulnerable, and so we are careful. Though our tech skills are limited, we are learning to be more virtual. Thanks again.
Blessings to all of you in this "Reach Out" ministry. Herb & Duff Knudsen
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A nice time was had by the 25 or so who socially-distanced and enjoyed fellowship on August 23 at Rollingbrook Park. Plans are coming together to do this again on September 6 at 4:00 p.m. The area is wheelchair-accessible! |
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Serving Schedule
We will publish serving schedules when it is determined we will resume in-person worship.
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Tech Team Volunteers Needed
When we get back to in-person worship, we could use volunteers! We typically have a three-person crew: a person who runs the computer PowerPoint presentation, another who works the sound board, and a third (and sometimes fourth) working the cameras. Interested? Contact Brian Metz at medzy65@gmail.com or James Nussbaum at masterbimmertech@gmail.com.
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Contact Us
Senior Pastor: James Warren
Minister Emeritus: John Trefzger
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
Worship and Wonder Storyteller/Sexton:
Susan Sanders
- 217 931-2430
- suznwally@hotmail.com
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Witness of the Faithful
August 2: $13,651.54
August 9: $3,988.70
August 16: $4,903.70
August 23: $4,588.70
Prayer Concerns
OSF St. Joseph: Gene Fowler
Treatment:
Awaiting Tests/Surgery: Richard Malone
Aftercare:
- Richard Malone
- Phyllis L. Miller (Heritage, Blm. Rehab #166)
- Connie Rapp
- Dorothy Sallee
- Susan Sande
- Mary Smart
Hospice: Marilyn Kopp
Military:
- Sean Montoya (Air Force, Belgium)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
Sympathy to:
- Deb Bomeli and family on the July 28 death of her husband, Bob Braun
- Patti and Wally Calvert family on the August 6 death of Patti’s father, Stanley Cembrowicz, in Pellston, Michigan
- Marcia (Ken) Christensen and family on the August 14 death of her brother, Grant Loyd
- Teresa Dulyea-Parker (Albert Kenney) and family on the August 17 death of her father, Wayne Dulyea, of Michigan
- Cindy Rousey and family on the August 18 death of her husband, Tom
Membership: Congratulations to Claire Stucky who was baptized August 14
Please be in prayer for essential and emergency workers, of which our congregation has many.
Reminder: Please let the church office know if there’s someone who needs a call or is in the hospital. Email office@blmfcc.org.
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Deadlines for Publications
Please follow these deadlines for publications to ensure that your item is included!
The Messenger (mailed last Wednesday of the month with some exceptions)
Deadline Friday at noon before mailing date as a general rule (verify with church calendar on FCC website or in previous issue of The Messenger)
Upcoming Messengers:
- September 25 deadline for September 30 mailing
- October 23 deadline for October 28 mailing
FCC Connected
Deadline Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
Announcements/Prayer Concerns
Deadline Thursday noon, unless it is an emergent prayer concern
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Office Phone 309 829-9327 Fax 309 829-2865
Address 401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Hours The office is currently closed every day out of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff members are working from home as needed. Normally, the office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. The best times to contact the church office are while Maggie is there, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
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