August 13, 2021
We now worship in person with masks at all times, 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 deals with higher and lower rates of infection.
The Friday Email
This Weekend at First Christian Church
My friends,

I am up to four work zones each way on my trips between Peoria and Bloomington and this coming Monday it is supposed to increase to five. I have been fortunate that --so far-- there haven't been any long delays. But still those zones are not the highlight of my trip.

Obstacles, slowdowns, and delays are all part of life. They may come in the form of a construction zone on the highway, going back to wearing masks, problems with technology, disagreements with family or friends, or anything else.

Sometimes we can find our way around those obstacles and sometimes we just have to wait them out and, on occasion, they simply can't be solved. Regardless, we have to deal with them on a regular basis.

Psalm 27:14 says: Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! What is interesting to me about that passage is that it begins and ends with Wait for the Lord. Waiting is not my strong suit. So, I need to be reminded of that twice. But I have learned that God is working even when I don't realize it, even when I get impatient. And if I am willing to wait, rather than forcing my way through the obstacle, then things tend to work out better.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!

God bless,
Hank
This Sunday

Hank Anderson will be wrapping up the Followers sermon series as he preaches on Luke 9:12-17. The sermon title is, "A Deep Sense of Compassion," and the music will be traditional.

See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m. for inspired teaching, a meaningful Time for Children, beautiful music (this week we have Holly Irvin on flute), and communion.


Serving Schedule
  • Registration: Sandy Sizemore
  • Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Kristi Deedrick
  • Info Desk Attendant: Mary Helen Haskell
  • Coffee Host: Betty Steinlicht, Susan Hinrichsen
  • Time for Children: Linda Lehmann, next week Abby Logan presenting Zipper Charms during Blessing of the Backpacks
  • Building Lock-up: Chip Jamerson
  • Candle Filler: Connie Rapp
  • Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
  • Recycling (volunteers are needed right away! Please contact the office for info or to sign up)


Looking Ahead and Ongoing

Get Acquainted Groups
After this Sunday, we only have one more Get Acquainted group scheduled: August 22 after worship. Hank is using these groups to meet and connect with folks, and he would enjoy meeting more! The groups are very informal and allow everyone to get to know one another better. There will be a sign-up sheet for the final session at the Info Desk. If you are not currently attending in-person and would like to participate, please call the church at 309-829-9327 or email Maggie Burton at office@blmfcc.org.

Update: Collection for Boys & Girls Club 
The Boys & Girls Club is 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.

Calendar Update:
  • August 22 Blessing of the Backpacks
  • September 12 Worship in the Park
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Deadline to Apply is TODAY!
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
Staying Connected
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.

Supporting Each Other During This Time of Uncertainty
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

Pray for our church family! Prayer Concerns August 13, 2021

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).
  • Hazel Kuhn will be 94 on August 19
  • Helen Joyce Barclay will be 100 on August 30
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Current First Christian Church COVID-19-Related Guidelines Recently Updated
Important! Please be aware of and follow these continued and modified guidelines, which could change as numbers of infected increase.

Continuing or beginning now:
  • ALL persons entering the building must wear and remain wearing a mask while on premises, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
  • Hymnals and bibles can be found in the pew pockets, but friendship (attendance) pads will not return at this time.
  • Time for Children will continue as-is, with children remaining in their pew seats. This will be re-examined in September.
  • Any door may be used to exit the sanctuary. Please continue to bring your trash with you as you leave. Baskets for offerings and prayer cards will be located at both main exits of the sanctuary.
  • A formal time for greeting those around you will continue to not take place. This will be re-visited as we monitor COVID-19 numbers.
  • Communion practices will remain unaltered but will be re-visited as we monitor COVID-19 numbers.
 
On the horizon:
  • Worship & Wonder is scheduled to begin September 19. All adults and children in the room will be required to wear masks. There will be six feet between all participating. No communion will be served in Worship & Wonder for the time being.
  • Youth Group is planning to begin meeting September 19 with a cookout, with food served to participants safely. Masks will not be needed outside, but participants will need to wear them if going inside.
  • Choir rehearsals are planned to start in September, with a hoped-for return of the choir to worship in early October. There will be three feet between singers, and all will wear masks. Singers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Rehearsals will be held in the sanctuary on Wednesdays and on Sunday mornings.
 
We continue to monitor the situation. Please read future publications in order to know proper and updated protocol. Learn more about COVID-19 numbers anytime at https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/708/CORONAVIRUS-COVID-19
Questions and Answers
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. 
Office Receptionist: Maggie Burton office@blmfcc.org       
Financial Secretary: Deborah Stumm dstumm@blmfcc.org
Communications Coordinator: Jen Petri info@blmfcc.org
Director of Music and Youth Ministries: Holly Irvin hirvin@blmfcc.org

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.