• 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.
March 13, 2019
March:
  • Youth Sunday March 17
  • Blanket Sunday March 24
Easter is April 21!

Services at 9:00 and 10:15 a.m. at FCC

Important Dates in the Season of Lent:
  • April 18  Maundy Thursday: Meal at 6:00 p.m.; Worship at 6:30 p.m. all in Fellowship Hall. For the evening’s activities, we welcome Centennial Christian Church to participate with us, as is an annual tradition.
  • April 19  Good Friday service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church at 12:10 p.m. 
Reach Out
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Gifts for Another Table Please keep bringing donations for Center for Hope Ministries' food pantry. Items needed : 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 the meal on March 17 and April 21 (Easter Sunday). We need servers and those who can help with desserts or meal preparation. Contact Julie Robinson at
Blanket Sunday is March 24 . An offering will be taken. “The blankets represent our compassion for our brothers and sisters. With the blankets, we send our love and our witness to the presence of God’s divine nature in our world.” -- Church World Service 
Children and Youth
Youth Group 

Youth Sunday is March 17 (in the 9:00 a.m. service), and Youth Group (for grades K-12) is a celebration after Youth Sunday. K-2 graders should bring a parent. We will go to Altitude Trampoline Park at 5:00 p.m. (meet there). A parent will need to sign a waiver, either in advance or online at Altitude: altitudebloomington.pfestore.com/waiver/. Cost is $10 per person (FCC will pay $5 of the $15 charge for one hour).
 
A Youth Group Schedule can be seen here .

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.
Get Involved! The Nominating Committee will continue meeting regularly. Please consider your spiritual gifts and contact Chip Jamerson if you are interested in serving in a leadership capacity at FCC. Chip can be reached at cjamerson@gmail.com.
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Spiritual Growth
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Small Groups Update

Are you involved in a small group at First Christian Church? Did you know a wide variety of groups meet at various times and days of the week? There are groups that have been meeting for years, and fairly new groups that are beginning new studies. There are many opportunities for you to get involved in a group, or you may be inspired to grab a friend or two and begin your own small group. 
 
Enjoy this update on FCC small groups. If there is a group you think you might want to visit, some are open for folks to stop by anytime; for others or to talk about starting a new group, contact Patty Thompson or Bill Robitske and they will be happy to help you get involved.

S unshine Class has no official leader (those involved share responsibilities) and meets Sundays after the 9:00 a.m. service, getting started about 10:15, in the FCC Conference Room. It is an Adult Sunday School Class, studying a Scripture passage and its applications in the participants’ lives and the real world, using a quarterly booklet. Those in the group would be overjoyed to have new/many more members. This class is said to be the oldest continuing adult Sunday School class at Bloomington FCC -- certainly NOT limited to senior adults.
New Adult Sunday S chool Class meets in FCC room #129 after the 9:00 a.m. service. All are welcome for topical studies and studies about books of the Bible. A new study, “People Who Met Jesus," began March 10.  Learn about eight people who met Jesus. Three of them became His disciples, and five of them rejected Him, but all of them were impacted by His life and message. They are very different personalities and each one has something to teach us. Understand the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Christ through the eyes of the people involved. The study is a DVD series and has a study guide to assist in lessons.
Ladies' Monday Prayer Group is led by Kathie Chapman and meets bi-weekly from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. in the FCC Founders’ Room. The group is studying, “Mirror for the Soul: A Christian Guide to the Enneagram.” The group members highly recommend this book to everyone.
Tuesday Evening Group Led by Art Taylor and Bill Robitske, the group meets in the FCC Conference Room every other Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The group discusses the weekly Bible verses for the current sermon series, and shares their autobiographies with each other. Meeting and sharing their own stories with one another has brought them closer together, helping them know those they see each Sunday that much better.
Brown Bag Bible Bunch (BBBB) meets each Wednesday from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the FCC Conference Room. Their focus is the scripture reading for the upcoming Sunday, and Jim Warren leads this group. They begin by sharing prayer concerns, both personal and church wide, and then launch into an exploration of the passage and its relevance for today. Everyone is welcome to the group, and snacks are often provided.
Wednesday Evening Group  The group began meeting March 13 (and will meet every Wednesday thereafter) from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. in the FCC Conference Room. It is led by Valerie Fisher. Currently, there are nine confirmed members, but more are welcome. For Lent, the group is focusing on an Easter study, which began the evening of March 13 and will run for four to five sessions.
Small Group Book Study  A contemporary book study will be facilitated by Patty Thompson. The initial meeting will be Thursday, March 21, from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. at the Thompson home. Synopses of several books will be discussed and a decision made as to study materials. The group plans to meet once or twice a month (a group decision). Both the day of the week and the time of day will be discussed at the initial meeting. ALL who are interested are welcome to join the group! The Thompsons hope the house is overflowing and SEVERAL study groups result. This will be a discussion format, but no one is required to share if they choose not to. No pressure, just good company and dialogue.
Thursday Evening Small Grou p will begin meeting the evening of Thursday, March 14, at 7:00 p.m. The group has no name, but may choose one then. John Hensley and Susan Cleaver will co-lead the group, and will host it every other Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in one of their homes, usually. To begin, the group will be reviewing and discussing a book written by author, speaker, and former pastor, Rob Bell. After that, they will likely search out some other book or study material. In addition to meetings and study, they plan on being proactive as a group in seeking out projects in the community that they can reach out to and participate in.
Currently, 10 members are part of the group, which is fairly large based on the original concept when the group idea was introduced last fall. Group size is limited by the space in the leaders’ homes, but they could probably welcome one more person.
Disciples Women’s Ministries 

April 4 Meeting  Ladies, exciting news: this is very last session of Rediscovering Our Gifts. This session is for ALL of us – even if you have attended only once or twice (or not at all) for this study, we strongly encourage you to come in April. This will be a fun session. We will finally discover what our gifts are.

We are planning a lighter-hearted, easy hour. NO BOOKS! You need bring only YOU and a pen or pencil. Oh, and of course, if you are the driver, your driver’s license. See you then.
 
Save the Date:  May 2 program “PROTECTING YOURSELF.” Details in the next Messenger .
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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All-Church Cleanup of the FCC Grounds
April 6 starting at 9:00 a.m.!
 
Planned activities:
  • Rake leaves and pick up sticks along east and south side of building
  • Trim and clean up flower bed along east side of parking lot
  • Sweep up dirt and debris in both parking lots 
  • Haul mulch from a pile and spread out in flower beds as needed  
  • Clean out debris from window wells in the courtyard area of the front side of building
  • Wash windows and glass doors in parking lot entrance and anywhere else that needs it
 
Please bring yard tools, gloves, and a wheelbarrow if you have one.
If you have questions, please contact John Dailey or Doug Reed.
Sunday Morning Lock-Up Volunteers  FCC is in need of volunteers who can help with church lock-up on Sundays after services. Since we no longer have a full-time custodian securing the building, we are in need of volunteers.  We’re hoping to get enough volunteers that they may need to lock up once every couple of months.  Once we have enough volunteers, a schedule will be shared and publicized.
 
The procedure for lock-up after the last service of the morning involves walking through the building to physically check (close and lock) doors and lights.
 
Please contact John Dailey or Doug Reed if you have questions. To be considered for the opportunity, call Maggie at the church office (309-829-9327) and she will add you to the list. Training and well-documented procedures will be provided, and no prior experience is needed.  
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Wednesday Supper Club
  March 20 at 5:00 p.m
Tony’s Diner on South Main Bloomington
RSVP by indicating how many will attend on a Sunday attendance pad
or by calling the church office
(309-829-9327)
by 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 18
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 

Blood Drive April 16  Mark your calendar now and sign up soon!

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Please find Thank You notes on the Centrum bulletin board from Doris Thompson and Gene Fowler (and her son Larry Fowler) for cards from the youth group, and from Mary Lou Mercier for birthday cards and get-well cards.
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.
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, March 17

Acolyte:  George Davis
Child Care: 
·          Trish Logan
·          Rich & Karen Crusius
Deacons:
·          9:00 Youth
·          10:15 Carrie Chapman, Matt Davis
Jr. Deacons:  Youth
Drivers:  
·          Gary Thompson
·          Frank Lipscomb
Elders:  Youth
Homebound Elders:  
·          Camille Taylor
·          Art Taylor
Coffee Fellowship:  Nancy Pool
Fill Candles:  Ryan Newton
Greeters:  Youth
Info Desk:  Leslie Frizzell
Scripture:  Youth
Sound Tech:  Brian Metz
Time for Children:  Youth           
Video Tech:  Austin Metz
Pulpit:  “Youth Sunday”; in One and All, Jim Warren - Luke 4:42-44 "Giving Up Busyness and Taking on Sabbath"

Sunday, March 24

Acolyte:  Khloe Nussbaum
Child Care: 
·          Trish Logan
·          Kathie Chapman
Deacons:
·          9:00 Brian Metz, Juan Mejia
·          10:15 James & Libby Nussbaum
Jr. Deacons: 
·          Jaci Cox
·          Teagan Gramley
Drivers:  
·          Rich Crusius
·          Ralph Lehmann
Elders: 
·          John Hensley
·          Nancy Trefzger
Homebound Elders:  
·          Al Leight
·          Beverly Leight
Coffee Fellowship:  
·          Betty Steinlicht
·          Susan Hinrichsen
Fill Candles:  Ryan Newton
Greeters:  Alan & Kathie Chapman
Info Desk:  Ron & Nancy Gramley
Scripture:  Todd Chapman
Sound Techs: 
·          Austin Metz
·          Brian Metz
Time for Children:  Julie Robinson     
Video Tech:  James Nussbaum
Worship & Wonder Greeter:  Jessica Davis
Pulpit:  Jim Warren – John 5:1-9  “Giving Up Apathy and Taking on Compassion” – This story from John tells of a man who had been waiting for many years to be lowered into the pool of Bethzatha, but no one would help him. Jesus appears, shows compassion, and heals the man. How often do we turn a blind eye to the needs of those around us and not get involved. We need to turn from apathy to compassion and show mercy to those in need.
Worship on March 31:  We will be joined by Angelique (Angee) Byrd, Associate Regional Minister of Communications, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in IL & WI, who will speak during the regular sermon time at both services.
 
Angelique Byrd describes herself as someone who aspires to do the work of the Lord by using her gifts to further advance the Kingdom of God.

Angelique is a versatile marketing professional with over 25 years of marketing experience. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and a Master of Science Degree in Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University. Although she has been in Corporate America for the majority of her career, having been called to carryout God’s will with The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin has become the most fulfilling.

Angelique was granted a Commission as the Associate Regional Minister of Communications on June 6, 2018. As the Associate Regional Minister of Communications, Angelique is responsible for promoting, gathering, and making our “Good News” stories available to CCIW and the world. It has been said that The Disciples of Christ is the world’s best kept secret. Well, it’s our goal to let the world know of the good work that God is doing through CCIW!

Angelique resides in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and has three amazing children: Alexis, Darius, and Donovan. Her kids keep her busy attending their sports events. You will find her in the stands at many football and basketball games or on the phone discussing the latest fashion trends with her daughter. 
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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
        tllogan4@hotmail.com
Witness of the Faithful
Attendance:
  • 3/3/19: 146, 50
  • 3/6/19 Ash Wednesday: 69
  • 3/10/19: 115, 32

Offering:  $13,433.32
 
Prayer Concerns

OSF St. JOSEPH:   Marilyn Kopp
Aftercare:
  • Steve Bozarth
  • Jim Guither
  • Kaleigh Menken
  • Mary Lou Mercier
  • Peggy O’Neal
  • Susan Sanders
  • Mary Smart
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:
  • to Steve (Lori) Craig family on the death of his father Earl Craig, Jr., who died February 27
  • to Rose (Rob) Blessing family on the March 4 death of her brother, Frank Marmolejo, of Bloomington
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.
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