We now worship in person without most restrictions, and online for those who aren't able to attend. The Friday Email is intended to inform you about this Sunday's activities and other important and timely items.
We hope you found FCC Connected and the resources and news within helpful over the past year. We will continue to communicate updates to COVID-19-related policies as Illinois returns to a pre-pandemic "normal."
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The Friday Email
This Weekend at First Christian Church
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My dear friends,
I love studying the Bible—and the more I study it, the more I love it! I have always made Bible study an important part of my ministry and want to do that here as well. I anticipate that over the coming months we will establish more opportunities for both long-term and short-term Bible study.
We already have one great option, however: the Brown Bag Bible Study. It meets on Wednesdays at 12 Noon in the church's conference room. I have found it to be a very enjoyable group with some good discussion. We are currently focusing on taking a deeper look at the passage that I am going to preach on the coming Sunday. I try to provide some background to the passage and highlight some of the issues that are easy for us to miss when reading something almost 2000 years old. In the not-too-distant future, however, we will discuss whether we want to continue that pattern or try something different.
So, I want to offer you an opportunity to join us for this Bible study. There is plenty of room for others to join us. All you need to do is bring a Bible (and if you don't have one readily at hand or forget it, I assure you that we can provide that too). We try to keep the session right at an hour so that it is not burdensome on anyone. I look forward to seeing you.
God bless,
Hank
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This Sunday
Hank Anderson will be preaching on Matthew 22:15-22. The sermon title is, "The Choices We Make," and the music will be traditional. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m. for outstanding teaching, a meaningful Time for Children, inspiring music, and weekly communion.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Reed Family, Bethany Warren
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): James Nussbaum
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*Info Desk Attendant: Nancy Guither
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Coffee Host: Cindy Rousey
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Time for Children: Patty Thompson, next week Camille Taylor
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Building Lock-up: Bill Robitske
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Candle Filler: Ryan Newton
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
* Info Desk volunteers are needed. See the upcoming Messenger newsletter for details.
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Get Acquainted Groups
Hank is anxious to get to know people and hear their stories about church and experiences. Over the next several weeks, we will be offering a series of Get Acquainted groups at different times and on different days. Beginning this Sunday, sign up sheets will be available at the Info Desk. Please look them over and sign up for the day and time that works best for you. The groups are very informal and allow everyone to get to know one another better. If you are not currently attending in-person you can call the church at 309-829-9327 or email Maggie Burton at office@blmfcc.org. We also need hosts for each group. Groups may be hosted in your home, at church, or at some other location that will work for 10 to 12 people. We would ask that hosts provide very simple refreshments as well. The current dates of groups are:
- July 26 at 5:30 PM
- July 30 at 12:00 PM
- August 8 at 10:15 AM (after church)
- August 11 at 2:00 PM
- August 18 at 6:00 PM
- August 22 at 10:15 AM (after church)
If other groups are needed, we will schedule them later. We hope you will participate!
Farewell to the Petris on August 1
Jen and Darrel Petri will be moving to Texas on August 4, though she will continue to work remotely for FCC through October. If you would like to say "Goodbye" to them, they will be present in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 1, after worship. No gifts, please. New contact information will follow in a future Messenger issue.
The Disciples Virtual Gathering on August 7 will be an opportunity for Disciples from the U.S. and Canada to connect, learn, worship, and imagine new ways of gathering as church. The day focuses on the covenant we share as Disciples and the promise of Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God. The program will consist of bible lectures, educational workshops, and worship service, with invited speakers and presenters focusing on our theme. Learn more/register now at Disciples Virtual Gathering.
FCC Office Will Be Open Five Days a Week Starting July 26
The church office will now be staffed Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call ahead if you plan to visit the office, please. Please note Tuesday mornings are set aside for Staff Meetings (see Q&A section at the bottom of this email for details).
Update: Collection for Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club can no longer accept homemade cookies as they are abundantly cautious of needing to be a "nut free" environment, but they are in need of paper products (paper towels, large garbage bags, sturdy paper plates, napkins), as well as glue sticks, markers, colored pencils, and crayons. Please bring items to the Info Desk area on Sunday mornings.
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Job Opportunity
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR for FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
First Christian Church of Bloomington, IL is seeking a person for internal and external communication using written, electronic, and verbal methods. This position has a wide variety of responsibilities. The selected candidate will work with a diverse group of people including the congregation, staff, and the public. Position provides the opportunity to interact with people of all ages. A command of the written word (English, grammar) is a must.
Position is approximately 25 hours per week. Salary is commensurate with experience and technical ability. The position offers a fully equipped work space as well as some flexibility to work remotely. This individual is expected to be available for the first service for technical support, and to run the slides for the second service when open. We are searching for a self-starter with the ability to meet deadlines.
Job Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to:
- Handling internal and external communication needs for the church using written and electronic channels (including email newsletters)
- Maintaining and updating church website
- Posting on church social media pages and monitoring/responding appropriately
- Create weekly PowerPoint slides for 2 worship services
- Other communication and marketing responsibilities as needed
The selected individual will undergo a background check prior to hiring. Attendance at some FCC meetings is expected as well as coverage of/participation in community events. A mutually acceptable schedule will be arranged with the senior minister.
To apply: Send cover letter and resume that includes three references to: dstumm@blmfcc.org or by US mail to First Christian Church, ATTN: Debbie Stumm, 401 West Jefferson St, Bloomington, IL 61701. Including three samples of your writing is a plus. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS AUGUST 13th, 2021
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Worship at FCC or Online: Watch the live streamed 9:00 a.m. service each Sunday morning if you are not in attendance at FCC. Each week, expect wonderful music and a Time for Children, as well as an insightful sermon and communion. Tune in on our Facebook page or on our website homepage.
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Supporting Each Other As We Return to a Pre-Pandemic "Norm" |
People at higher risk for illness are described on the Centers for Disease Control website. Some of our members who are at higher risk may not be ready to spend time outside the home. 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.
You can access a current church directory below and reach out by phone, text, email, or US mail to a church friend. Link to Church Directory
If you wish to send cards to those having birthdays (the 90+ ones are listed here weekly), find addresses in the FCC Directory (link above).
- Phyllis L. Miller will be 94 on July 26
- Helen Fry will be 98 on July 30
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Current First Christian Church COVID-19-Related Guidelines
Important! Please be aware of and follow these current guidelines:
- Entry: We will continue to have one entry point for church worshipers at the north parking lot entrance (elevator foyer). This will allow us to perform registration of worshipers so that we can contact trace, if necessary. Hand sanitizer will continue to be available throughout the church.
- Masks: We are going to go with a mask-optional approach going forward. Those that are not vaccinated should wear a mask. There are signs posted indicating that if you have not received the COVID-19 vaccination, you should wear your mask. See note below about singing to determine if you want to bring a mask.
- Sanctuary: The ropes on the pews have been removed.
- Communion: We will continue communion in the current fashion using the all-in-one wafer and juice set. Please pick up the communion set prior to entering the sanctuary.
- Singing is allowed; however, please use a mask while doing so.
- Childcare: we have resumed childcare in the nursery.
- Fellowship after worship is permitted and encouraged if you feel comfortable participating. Coffee and donuts are served most Sundays.
- The church building is open for events, meetings, and activities. If you are wanting to have something at church, please get in touch with Maggie to reserve your day and time. We ask that everyone clean the area used with the provided materials so it will be ready for the next use.
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How do I make my offering? |
If you are not attending Sunday worship at FCC and thus not bringing your offering to church, to ensure your offering is received by FCC in a timely manner, feel free to mail it to 401 West Jefferson St., Bloomington, IL 61701. Interested in automatic withdrawal? Email Debbie Stumm at dstumm@blmfcc.org to find out how. We appreciate your continued giving!
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How do I get in touch with a staff member? |
The church office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call ahead if you plan to visit the office, at 309.829.9327.
Or send an email to the staff person you want to contact.
In case of an emergency or if there is a necessity for pastoral care for yourself or someone you know, you may text or call Hank Anderson, Interim Minister, at 309.863.5126. His email address is handerson@blmfcc.org.
Staff Meetings
It has long been the practice of the staff to have regular meetings on Tuesday morning. As the church office opens more consistently, that practice will also continue. So that the church staff has an opportunity to focus on their discussion and business, the church office will be closed each Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until around 11:00 a.m. for staff meeting. If you need to contact the church office during that time, you may leave a voicemail or send an email. We promise that we will follow up as soon as we can.
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