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
Christian Friends,
This issue of Beyond the Bricks is a little different, to reflect the very different times in which we are living. Most, not all, of the news articles below are about events that have been postponed because of COVID-19. Nevertheless, there are still ways you can be involved. Make sure you read this issue and find ways you can help.
Although we may all have to stay at home, that doesn't mean we can't reach out and help someone. Be aware of the needs around you. Check in with neighbors, friends, and family. Reach out to someone who may be alone and isolated. Do what you can to spread some cheer and love today!
around the clock to provide protection to hospitals, doctor offices, prompt cares, pharmacies, nursing homes, immunocompromised people, and so many more during this crisis.
We are working with Jim Ardis, the Mayor of Peoria because the medical field is rationing the masks for their workers, and it is just not enough. Our group has received THOUSANDS of requests in just 10 days from medical professionals who need to be protected on the front line. We want to make sure that everyone who asks for a mask gets one! Here are the needs:
Please help, or share this need with your friends. We need to spread the word to get more help to mask everyone we can! We want to keep everyone in the community safe and healthy!
Click here to join the group and get more info on the needs:
Coalescence Theatre Project proudly presents our production of THE EXONERATED by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen. Directed by George Jackson III.
THE EXONERATED is a powerful docudrama that centers on six people who were wrongly convicted of and sentenced to death for crimes they did not commit. The six interwoven stories paint a picture of an American criminal justice system gone horribly wrong -- and of six brave souls who persevered to survive it.
THE EXONERATED features John Bowen, Austin Colbert, Milagro Cortez, Jennifer Cirillo, Elaine Hill, Wes Melton, Chuck Pettigrew. Anthony Overton, Claron Sharrieff, and Kim Wernecke. Tabitha Miller, Production Manager for Coalescence, serves as stage manager and THE EXONERATED is produced by Don Shandrow, Executive Artistic Director of Coalescence Theatre Project
"Riveting, Simple, honest storytelling that demands reflection" - Associated Press
"Artful and moving... pays tribute to the resilience of human hearts and minds." -Variety
Tickets are $7 General Admission/$5 Student and are available in advance at www.normaltheater.com or at the door prior to each performance.
The Coalescence Theatre Project is a nationally recognized and award-winning theatre that exists to incite our community to thoughtful action. We focus on unheard stories and offer a place where the silent and the underrepresented have a voice. Coalescence Theatre Project aspires to be a home where play, discovery, and learning are celebrated and our audience reflects the diversity of the community we serve. Our mission is equity and inclusion in the exploration of identity and our place in a global community.
Attend Black Lives Matter in B/N Book Club
ONLINE!
Tuesday, April 14
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
On your computer or phone
Our book is
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo. New and occasional members are more than welcome. Intive a friend!
Due to COVID-19 concerns and the shelter in place order, the next Black Lives Matter Book Club in Bloomington-Normal get-together is now a Zoom meeting. We'll be talking about Robin DiAngelo's book White Fragility (2018) on Tuesday Apr 14, 2020 at 07:00 PM. Audio and digital versions of the book are available through your local public library.
Gill Street Sports Bar will be hosting a fundraiser for INtegRIty Counseling after the quarantine time is finished! We will receive 20% of every food purchase that evening!
In the meantime, if you would like to donate directly to INtegRIty Counseling, visit them atwww.INgegRItyhelps.org.
Thanks so much for your support of INtegRIty, our clients, and the community!
Participate in or Volunteer for Tee It Up! for GFPD 2020
Reception & Silent Auction - Thursday, May 14
ISU Alumni Center
Golf Scramble - Friday, May 15
Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University
When Max Chapman was 14 months old, he received the devastating diagnosis of Peroxisomal Biogenesis Disorder (PBD), a very rare disorder that will cause him to lose his sight and hearing and eventually cause life threatening damage to his kidneys, liver, and bones. Treatments for PBD are very limited and most affected children do not live past the age of 10.
The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders (GFPD) was created to fund much needed research around PBD and to support those families facing this horrible disorder. Recently, they have made some major strides in their understanding of this disease, but additional funding is needed!
In our first four years of Tee It Up, we have raised over $500,000 for the GFPD to help support cutting-edge medical research! Please join us as we raise money to support this amazing organization!
With the "STAY-AT-HOME Order" in full effect, people are in need of help, emotional support, and resources now more than ever. We know how important it is to stay informed and band together in this time of crisis, so thank you to all the community members who have helped us stay up to date with resources!
We have been making daily updates to our Google Document to keep up with changes. Please visit the link below to see the last COVID-19 community resources.
Join with Welcoming America to Support New Neighbors
Bloomington-Normal, IL, Area and Beyond
Welcoming America provides direction and support to communities to become more inclusive toward immigrants and all residents. Launched in 2009, Welcoming America is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that fosters a culture and policy environment to make it possible for newcomers of all backgrounds to feel valued and to fully participate alongside their neighbors in the social, civic, and economic fabric of their adopted hometowns. Its approach goes beyond a single program or service to work with institutions across the community to reduce the barriers that immigrants face to fully participate and build bridges between newcomers and long-time residents.
Share your talents with our kids! Since we are all staying in our homes, we'd like you to share a video. This could be you doing something like cooking dinner or making your favorite snack, sewing a button on your favorite shirt, or playing music. It could be you talking about how much you miss the kids in the building or about your favorite app. We are open to all ideas and suggestions.
While services and events are suspended, the WBRP could use your monetary help. Your donation will benefit these things (you can designate what you want it to go to):
First Christian Church |
info@blmfcc.org| 309 829-9327 |
www.blmfcc.com 401 West Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Bloomington's Oldest Continuing Congregation
