- Sunday Traditional Worship 9:00 a.m. with Worship and Wonder for Children
- One and All Worship 10:15 a.m.
- Sunday School for Adults 10:00 a.m.
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Office Hours
The church office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the exception of Mondays, when the office closes at 3:00 p.m. instead. The office is closed from noon to 1:00 p.m. daily.
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May
:
- May 12 Mother's Day
- All Month Member Directory Updates at the Info Desk
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Mother's Day
is May 12. We will honor all mothers with a slideshow. Please submit your photos by emailing them to Jen at
info@blmfcc.org
or by dropping them off at the church office for scanning (if you need a new or different photo). Deadline for submitting photos is May 8.
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Member Directory
Throughout May, at the Info Desk, you will find a few copies of the member directory that the staff keeps updated as well as possible. We are aware that occasionally there is incorrect or un-updated information. Please stop by the Info Desk and make corrections on your name, address, and phone number(s). There will be instructions with the directories for this brief but helpful task.
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The Messenger
is a
Monthly
Newsletter?
On a trial basis, and as a cost-saving endeavor,
The Messenger
will now be mailed on the first Wednesday of each month. The trial will last through the summer. We will do our best to include comprehensive information in each issue, and you will find updates, breaking news, and weekend worship news in the bulletins and Friday Emails, as well as on Facebook and our website.
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Gifts for Another Table
In May we collect for our neighbors, the Regional Alternative School.
Please bring the items they depend on each day: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, hand lotion, Chapstick, and diapers. Bring a few weekly if you can! Thank you!
The Abundant Life Church Meal
will be served on the third Sunday of each month.
To help, please sign up at the Info Desk or contact Julie Robinson at
jerobinson21409@yahoo.com
.
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No Block Party
this year, but Reach Out will be collecting supplies for Bent School.
While you are out and about, please consider purchasing school supplies and bringing them to the tote by the Info Desk. Also, gently used tennis shoes, coats, clothes for kids to change into in case of accidents, and new boys’ and girls’ underwear are
needed.
Visitor Welcome Gifts
The Reach Out ministry is putting together visitor gift packages, including our new red reusable shopping bags, to make visitors to FCC feel more welcome.
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Brown Bag Bible Bunch
Jim Warren leads this weekly study group on Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. The topic is the scripture for the upcoming Sunday. Pack a lunch and join us!
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Reusable Shopping Bags
Did you get a red bag at the recent Volunteer Appreciation Day? If you missed it, swing by the office for yours, or email
info@blmfcc.org
.
This Sunday, May 5, we are making bags available for purchase: 1 for $2, 3 for $5.
The bags are sturdy and a great way to not only meet ecological goals (think fewer plastic grocery bags), but also show off First Christian Church to friends and those in the community. When you use it, folks will notice the striking graphic and church name on it. Let’s not keep FCC the “best kept secret!”
Buy your bag or bags in the Centrum on May 5 after the 9:00 a.m. service or after One and All in Fellowship Hall. They also make great gifts!
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VBS
June 2 through 6
Worship and Wonder's
last session is May 12
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.
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Disciples Women's Ministries
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!
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Wednesday Supper Club
*May 8, 2019
5:00 p.m.
*NOTE DATE CHANGES
Vicki Hall’s Home
301½ W. Raab Rd. Normal
Car Pool Recommended
Parking Directions below
To Attend:
Note Number Attending on Sunday Attendance Pad or Phone FCC Office (829-9327) before
NOON, Friday, May 3
.
*
1. Park in turn-around.
2. In driveway: first car in, park all way to garage, others pull as close as
you can
3. House next door to the east on corner is empty, may use driveway that is next to Vicki’s; a second driveway is around the corner, off School Street.
QUESTIONS: Vicki at 454-3081
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FCC Volunteer Opportunities
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- All gifts of time and resources to help with these volunteer opportunities are greatly appreciated.
- Helps the church by eliminating the need/cost of hiring someone to do the job.
- Helps ensure our building/grounds are in the best shape possible for members and visitors.
- Please contact church office (Maggie) to add your name to the volunteer list for each opportunity, or sign up at the Info Desk.
Thank you to those who have volunteered already!
We have a couple of areas covered!
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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
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Blood Drive
Thank you to all who donated and helped at the spring blood drive. 21 units were donated. Currently the American Red Cross is in dire need of blood so they really appreciated our donations. A special thanks to Pete Whitmer who is our telephone volunteer. Our fall blood drive will be in October. -- Wholistic Health Council
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General Assembly
will take place July 20-24 in Des Moines, IA. Disciples of Christ of all ages will gather from all over for the assembly with an “Abide in Me” theme, based on John 15:1-5. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, describes the gathering in this way, “We will hear about exciting mission from MissionFest stories and general ministries working on our behalf. We will be gifted with the opportunity to learn with workshops ranging from elder training to administrative ministry and training for both lay and clergy leaders. We will come together at tables – the Lord’s Table in worship, luncheons with friends and dinners to learn about ministries of the Church. Most of all, we will be in the presence of other Disciples, sharing life, love, and passion for mission together.”
Des Moines is a very family-oriented town, with many fun activities and attractions. Why not make General Assembly a part of your summer travel? Learn more at
www.ga.disciples.org
.
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Analysis of 2019 Pledged Giving Support
Thank you to all our faithful members who have made a financial pledge of support for 2019. The following Analysis of 2019 Pledged Giving Support is presented to inform and improve our collective understanding of the details underlying our pledged total of $458,750.
We received 129 pledges totaling $458,750. This amount is 97.07% of our 2018 pledged total. For comparison, we received 142 pledges in 2018.
- 7 pledging units totaling $18,704 in 2018 have not yet pledged for 2019.
- 13 pledging units reduced their 2019 pledges by a total of $6,608.
- 10 pledging units totaling $17,883 in 2018 declined to pledge, died, moved away or left FCC.
- 51 pledging units increased their 2018 pledges a total of $22,135 for 2019.
- 1 new pledge for 2019 is $1,500.
- 4 previous pledging units who did not pledge in 2018 pledged a total of $6,204 for 2019.
- 62 pledging units totaling $171,400 in 2018 held their pledges constant for 2019.
Please direct questions to Alan Chapman, Trustee
2019 Pledges Categorized by Amount:
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Legacy Gifts
The trustees of First Christian Church gratefully acknowledge monetary gifts received from the estates of Ellen Carpenter, Mary Moran, and Betty Beer. We are thankful that they chose to continue to support their church with a legacy gift.
Options for including the church in planned giving are outlined in the Permanent Fund brochure available at the Info Desk. Please contact a trustee if you have questions on how you may include the church in your estate planning.
Trustees: Alan Chapman,
Linda Lehmann,
Don Mahannah,
Marty Sallee,
Becky White
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Vision and Mission Statement Process
Since the fall of 2017, members of FCC have worked together in many ways to prepare for the future. The current Vision & Mission Statement of First Christian Church was developed in 2014 and we realize it is in need of an update. To accomplish this, representatives from the Official Board and the Trustees have been working to prayerfully develop an updated Vision & Mission Statement for FCC reflecting ways we feel God is leading our congregation today.
Since the fall of 2017, FCC has been involved in a Discernment Process led by the Trustees. The process began by an evaluation of the church building and a study of membership trends. All interested FCC members were encouraged to participate. Following this work, Prayer Groups were formed during the fall of 2018. Prayer groups provided valuable information on worship preferences and helped prioritize important ministries of FCC. Early in 2019, the Elders and Official Board Members completed a six session study over 12 weeks on Healthy Congregations.
The completion of these components has led to the transition of work from the Trustees to the Official Board to continue work. FCC now has the necessary information to look to the future of our church. The development of a new and updated Vision & Mission Statement will be the first major step in this process.
As we move forward, we want to be transparent with this valuable work. The progress toward a new Vision & Mission Statement will be shared with everyone during Moments for Ministry in the coming weeks. The goal is to provide the congregation a newly developed Vision & Mission Statement by June of 2019. This will help guide our work together as we move toward the future.
Joe Bandy, VP
First Christian Church
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Thank You
Please find
thank you notes on the Centrum bulletin board from Penny Bland (mother’s health) and from Debbie, Maggie, and Jen (Administrative Professionals’ Day).
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Thrive: Becoming a People of Creative Action - Transforming Communities!
Saturday, May 4
Are you a leader or member of a church who is concerned with the disconnect between your congregation and your community? Are you interested in solutions to help your congregation get connected? If you have answered, “yes,” then this Thrive workshop is for you. We are working to revitalize the life of our congregations by reaching out into our communities where God is already at work. Come hear stories of congregations like yours that have become faithful and effective in their communities. Gain the spiritual foundation for this journey that will transform your congregation and the world we live in.
Our leader, Ruth Fletcher, shares her pastoral experience, Regional church work, consulting ministry, and personal research to help us understand some spiritual practices that characterize congregations that are thriving. You’ll hear her talk about how the world is changing and how the church is changing. You’ll hear powerful stories of churches that have made the shift.
A key part of our faithful future is engaging in the community around us. God is calling us to get outside the building!
Join us Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Christian Church in Bloomington to get a glimpse of what transformation can look like for your congregation and your community. Learn the practical lessons you’ll need for the journey ahead. Come claim God’s promise – “to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11.
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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!
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Sunday, May 5
Acolyte: --
Child Care:
Trish Logan, Marcia Christensen
Deacons:
·
9:00 Justin & Kim Cox
·
10:15 Matt Davis, Valerie Fisher
Jr. Deacons:
Carson Damery, Sabrina Campos
Drivers:
Rich Crusius, Frank Lipscomb
Elders:
Art & Camille Taylor
Homebound Elders:
Peg Larson, Susan Cleaver
Coffee Fellowship:
Julie Robinson
Fill Candles:
Mark Gramley
Greeters:
John & Kathy Dailey
Info Desk:
Betty Steinlicht
Scripture:
Susan Cleaver
Sound Tech:
Dave Phillis
Time for Children:
Abby Logan
Video Tech:
Todd Chapman
Worship & Wonder Greeter:
Vicki Hall
Pulpit:
Jim Warren –
Luke 24:28-35
“In the Breaking of the Bread”
The walk to Emmaus story is about Jesus’ appearance to two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus. They don’t recognize Jesus until they break bread together. When we break bread together, Jesus is made known to us.
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Sunday, May 19
Acolyte: --
Child Care:
Trish Logan, Jenny Henneberg
Deacons:
·
9:00 Chip & Patti Jamerson
·
10:15 Chip & Patti Jamerson
Jr. Deacons:
Jaden Eft, Lydia Warren
Drivers:
Ryan Newton, Ralph Lehmann
Elders:
Beverly & Al Leight
Homebound Elders:
Art & Camille Taylor
Coffee Fellowship:
Nancy Guither
Fill Candles:
Mark Gramley
Greeters:
Jim & Carolyn Hepperly
Info Desk:
Pete Whitmer
Scripture:
Patty Thompson
Sound Tech:
James Nussbaum
Time for Children:
Tamara Shields
Video Tech:
Chip Jamerson
Worship & Wonder Greeter:
Kim Cox
Pulpit:
Jim Warren –
John 20:24-29
“It’s OK to Doubt”
This is the story of Thomas wanting more proof before he’ll believe Jesus is alive. Like Thomas, we have our doubts and questions about our faith, and that’s okay.
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Sunday, May 12
Acolyte: --
Child Care:
Trish Logan, Amy Nichols
Deacons:
·
9:00 Stephanie Reed, Michelle Kiesewetter
·
10:15 Pat & Jenny Lawler
Jr. Deacons:
Mason Janvrin, Logan Janvrin
Drivers:
Ryan Newton, Ralph Lehmann
Elders:
Sue & Joe Bandy
Homebound Elders:
Sue & Joe Bandy
Coffee Fellowship:
Rita Fisher
Fill Candles:
Mark Gramley
Greeters:
Ron & Nancy Gramley, Rita Fisher
Info Desk:
Nancy Trefzger
Scripture:
Art Taylor
Sound Tech:
Brian Metz
Time for Children:
Scott Fisher
Video Tech:
Nate Damery
Worship & Wonder Greeter:
Averie Kiesewetter
Pulpit:
Jim Warren –
Mark 16:1-8
“Lessons from the Women”
When the women came to Jesus’ tomb Easter morning and discovered that it’s empty, they were filled with terror, amazement, and fear. What can we learn from their reaction to Jesus’ resurrection?
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Sunday, May 26
Acolyte: --
Child Care:
Trish Logan, Corin Chapman
Deacons:
·
9:00 Nate Damery, Ryan Newton
·
10:15 Pat & Jenny Lawler
Jr. Deacons:
Charlie Campos, Carter Kiesewetter
Drivers:
Gary Thompson, Frank Lipscomb
Elders:
Nancy Trefzger, John Hensley
Homebound Elders:
Beverly & Al Leight
Coffee Fellowship:
Pam Yerkes
Fill Candles:
Mark Gramley
Greeters:
Matt & Naomi Kosier, Shirley Wotherspoon
Info Desk:
Sharron Wright
Scripture:
Holly Rocke
Sound Tech:
Brian Metz
Time for Children:
Jim Warren or Holly Irvin
Video Tech:
Austin Metz
Worship & Wonder Greeter:
--
Pulpit:
Jim Warren –
Matthew 28:16-20
“Go”
Jesus tells the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, but how well do we follow Jesus’ commandment?
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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
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Witness of the Faithful
Attendance:
- 4/14/19: 123, 29
- 4/21/19: 33, 289, 43
- 4/28/19: 144, 30
Offering:
$20,036.72
Prayer Concerns
OSF St. Joseph:
Aftercare:
- Wannie Beard
- Steve Bozarth
- Madonna Courtright
- Jim Fry
- Marilyn Kopp
- Pat Lee
- Kaleigh Menken
- Mary Lou Mercier
- Peggy O’Neal
- Mary Smart
Treatment:
- Don Gottselig
- Forrest Kaufman
- Paula Robb
- 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
- 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)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
New Baby:
Congratulations to Art and Camille Taylor on the birth of their grandson, Daniel Cooper Stewart, born April 19. Parents are Kim and Rich Stewart.
Congratulations
to Katie Lane and John Ziomek on their April 25 wedding
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Dear First Christian Church Family,
We are overwhelmed when we think of the many roles played by you, our members and friends, who care so much about serving Christ and each other. As members of Christ’s body, we each take part in accomplishing very significant work inside and outside the brick walls of FCC.
You make a big difference! We couldn’t do our jobs without each one of you, and we thank you for your help and for your prayers!
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Sincerely,
Your Church Staff
Jim, Lou Ann, Holly, Maggie,
Bill, Debbie, Trish, Jen, Susan
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Office Phone
309 829-9327
Fax
309 829-2865
Address
401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
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.
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