Expecting the Friday Email?
With in-person worship suspended, this week's Friday newsletter is a little different. We are in the unfortunate circumstance of "social distancing," but this doesn't mean we aren't a church family. There are many ways of ...
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As of today,
and through March 30, First Christian Church has not only suspended in-person worship, but has also cancelled on-site meetings of any sort. We are following recommendations and requirements put into effect for businesses like ours, in the interest of lowering risk of exposure to the virus COVID-19. The office is staffed but closed, out of caution, with specific instructions posted on the door for visitors on how to secure help or make deliveries.
But this time
is not about cancellations, suspensions, and inconveniences. This is a time of opportunity. We are a church with a beautiful building and wonderful church services full of meaningful teaching, music, communion, and even handshakes and hugs. We as a church are not defined by those things. The church is the people, no matter where we are.
Let's stay Connected
. Let's seek and find ways to do so. Let's share what we discover. Let's learn new things about each other in new ways, and support each other in new ways. Let's also stay Connected to our community. Opportunities abound in and around Bloomington/Normal and around the world.
This newsletter
is a resource for accomplishing "Being Church Together" whether you are at home or on the church premises, or anywhere you might find yourself now and in the future.
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Small Groups
:
First Christian Church is working on ways that small groups can continue to meet
electronically
. Bill Robitske, Grow Spiritually Steward, has lead his ministry area in researching and exploring options.
He says, "
Zoom
and
Skype
both allow you to set up an online meeting with voice much like a conference call. Online chatting systems like
Discord
,
WhatsApp
,
Viber
, and
Google Hangouts
can also be used to set up a group voice call. In these rapidly changing times, we're still working out details, but ultimately the decision comes down to what works best for you and your group.
"If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Also, I have set up an
FCC Small Groups Discord server
where anyone interested in small groups can join and discuss what's on their mind, ask questions, and share their experiences."
Find out more about Small Groups and study material available for groups to use on our Small Groups page. You may want to join a group or get a new one started during this suspension of in-person meeting. You may contact Bill Robitske for help at
bill.robitske.jr@gmail.com
Video Updates from Jim Warren:
Check Tuesdays and Thursdays on Facebook for a short video from Jim Warren.
Worship Online:
Watch the live streamed sermon by Rev. Jim Warren each Sunday morning. Not only will Jim keep us apprised of what's happening in the life of the church, he will share wisdom and faith-filled teaching. Tune in on our Facebook page or on our website homepage.
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People at higher risk for illness are described on the Centers for Disease Control website. Think of someone you know and reach out by phone, or by email or mail, to check on their well-being or give an encouraging word. FCC members' addresses and phone numbers are in the Church Directory.
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Being a Part of the Community
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Who isn't impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another? So many in the community are suffering financially due to fewer work hours, or are coping with children being at home because school is suspended, or are in need of encouragement as a result of isolation. We can help those who are affected even if we can't be in their physical presence. How can we do this?
Pray:
In addition to praying for your church, pray for your community, and all affected by this pandemic, especially those at the greatest risk and the health care workers who get exposed to this virus every day. Also pray for our healthcare system to sustain the influx of patients in the coming days.
Follow the CDC Guidelines for Prevention:
These include knowing how it spreads, knowing how to protect yourself, and knowing how to protect others.
Share News about Local Resources:
Many agencies and organizations are finding ways to help in a tangible way, and you can inform friends and family of these resources. A few are listed below.
Share Online Resources for Learning and Entertainment:
Museums, theater arts, national parks, home schoolers, libraries, self-care coaches, and other entities have graciously shared a free peek into their offerings. Take advantage, and tell your friends!
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Gregg Kiesewetter
captured the sentiment of the community in this March, 2020 picture of the temporarily-closed Normal Theater, which reminds us to
Stay Calm and Wash Your Hands
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How do I make my offering?
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To ensure your offering is received by FCC in a timely manner, feel free to mail it, or sign up for automatic withdrawal by talking to our Financial Secretary, Debbie Stumm. The process is easy and will save you much time in the long run! Debbie can be reached at FCC at 309.829.9327.
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How long will in-person worship be suspended?
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We’re scheduled to stay closed through Monday, March 30, but we’ll evaluate that next week to decide whether we need to postpone worship and meetings longer.
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How do I get in touch with a staff member?
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Call the church office, and if no one answers the phone leave a message.
Or send an email to the staff person you want to contact.
In case of an emergency, you may text or call Jim Warren at 309.212.6873.
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What if I, or someone I know, need pastoral care?
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What FCC activities are cancelled or postponed?
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Youth Lock-in March 20-21 -- postponed
to clean up FCC grounds April 4 -- postponed
Music Sunday April 19 -- postponed
Pastors' Class Sundays in Lent -- postponed
Any of these may be canceled but we hope they are rescheduled. We also are looking forward to a possible group outing to see the Normal Cornbelters along with other outreach efforts.
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