- Sunday Traditional Worship and Worship and Wonder 9:00 a.m.
- One and All Worship 10:15 a.m.
- Sunday School for Adults 10:15 a.m.
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December
:
- December 1: Hanging of the Green Service
- December 8: Music Sunday, Tasting Party, and Caroling
- December 24: Christmas Eve Services
5:00 p.m. (family emphasis)
7:30 p.m. (candle lighting)
- December 29: Single service at 10:00 a.m.
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Office Hours
are listed at the bottom of each
Messenger
issue. Note Special Office Hours for the Holidays:
The church office will be closed, in order for staff to enjoy the holidays, from December 24-25 and on January 1, 2020.
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Advent/Christmas News
Christmas Greetings
Rather than sending Christmas cards to all our church friends, our tradition is to send one card to the church to be placed in a basket in the Centrum for all to read. Enclose the amount saved on cards and postage, and this donation will be given to Camp Walter Scott. To date we have received greetings from the following individuals or families: Pat Manahan
Poinsettias for the Sanctuary
can still be ordered! Find an order slip in an attendance pad. Please return the form to the church office, or place it in the offering basket, with $9.
Advent Worship Details:
December 1 Hanging of the Green Service
As we adorn our sanctuary, we welcome guests, including many who use our facility regularly, and learn about various Advent and Christmas symbols including the crèche and Chrismons.
December 8 Music Sunday, with Tasting Party
At 9:00 a.m. we will experience the musical joys of the season at our traditional service, and then we’ll gather at 10:00 a.m. in the Centrum for our annual Tasting Party (bring your favorite holiday treat that morning). Church-wide caroling in the neighborhood begins at 5:00 p.m. and we will go out for dinner afterward. All are welcome!
December 24: Christmas Eve Services
- 5:00 p.m. This service has an emphasis on the Christmas story with extended Time for Children.
- 7:30 p.m. This service is saturated with musical sounds of the season and we light candles as we conclude in song.
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Advent Ornaments
Don’t forget to get an ornament for your Christmas tree, and one or two more for friends and family members you’d like to invite to the season’s services and events at FCC. The ornaments are available outside the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, as well as in the church office. We hope you enjoy these beautiful keepsakes and will display them on your trees over the coming years.
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Property Use
– Help our property become a resource to the community and an entry point
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Discipleship
— Equip participants for missional engagement in the world
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Small Groups
— Build on what we’ve learned and do more of these
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Analyze Staffing Needs
— Build budgets to address mission, including how we faithfully staff the ministry for it
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Welcome All
–
Begin discernment on building an inclusive faith community
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Meet the Neighbors
— Beginning with existing relationships, take a deeper dive into who God has given us to love in this area – and how our lives might intersect
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Reach Out/Meet the Neighbors
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Thanks to everyone
who has helped with Reach Out projects for 2019.
We are looking forward to 2020.
Red FCC Insulated Cups
are for sale and make good and shiny Christmas presents for your friends, mailman, dog groomer, etc. Only $10 each and can be purchased by contacting Julie Robinson at jerobinson21409@yahoo.com.
Adopt a Family
Thank you for your involvement this year! Items are due on Sunday, December 1.
Gifts for Another Table
In December we will collect items for the Salvation Army. Let’s help them with the following items: peanut butter, 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!
Abundant Life Church Meals
FCC will be serving on December 15. It is time to sign up at the Info Desk to help or provide food for the December meal. For information, contact Julie Robinson at jerobinson21409@yahoo.com.
Sharing the Warmth Winter Outer Wear Collection
Please contribute to the annual collection of winter outer wear for the men. We need gently used or new winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves of all sizes. We especially need large sizes. Thanks in advance for "Sharing the Warmth!" with men leaving Lincoln Correctional Center.
Teacher Wish Lists
Reach Out is collecting supplies for Sheridan and Bent Schools’ teachers. Please find a display at the Info Desk with specific needs on pick-and-take tabs.
Property Use
The Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal
wants to thank the amazing people at First Christian Church
for opening their doors as well as their hearts and welcoming Teen CLUB into their building. The need for additional space came about when a waitlist began for our K–5 members, prior to the start of the school year. We reached out to our neighbors for a place our junior high and high school members could go after school and the church responded. On October 7, 2019, Teen CLUB, the official third site for the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal, moved from 1615 Illinois St. to First Christian Church at 401 W. Jefferson St. in Bloomington. This blessing allows us to provide a designated space for our pre-teen and teen members from both District 87 and Unit 5, and the capacity to serve the almost 80 members from our waitlist.
The symbiotic relationship between FCC and BGCBN has existed for many years. A drive to provide necessary supplies to the Club is held each year, the Club and its members volunteered at the Block Party, Club youth have helped serve at special events, and most recently our Junior Leaders program ran an eight-week program at FCC this past summer.
BGCBN signed a lease with the opportunity to rent the upper floor of the building for up to three years. Members of the church provided a warm welcome and treats on our first day in the building. Already, many in the congregation have participated or supported the Club in one way or another. We are truly grateful for this collaboration which allows us to provide a safe, positive environment for our young people. If you are looking to volunteer or otherwise help support this new addition at the church please reach out to Jenny Hall at 309-829-3034 x109 or jhall@bgcbn.org.
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Upcoming Events
- December 8 – Church-wide Caroling with dinner out afterward. You have spread SO much joy through this ministry! Bring friends and wear your Christmas hats. We will meet at church at 5:00 p.m.
- December 15 Youth Christmas Party for grades K-12. Invite friends. Food. Fun. Festivity.
- January 12 Youth Group for K-11: Dinner and Mission Project
- January 17-18 Lock-in
- January 25-26 Mid-Winter Retreat in Danville, IL for 6-12th grade. Register at cciwdisciples.org/youth. Give check for $20 (half) addressed to FCC, to Holly or the office.
Youth and adults who went to Summit November 22-24 include Tyler Chapman, Jaci Cox, Corryne Bohlmann, Rebekah Warren, Gabe Warren, Bethany Warren, Carter Kiesewetter, Averie Kiesewetter, Abby Logan, Holly Irvin, and Katherine Warren
CCIW youth went to the Illinois Valley Cluster Youth Retreat in Eureka November 2-3. Representing FCC were Bethany Warren, Corryne Bohlmann, Jaci Cox, Abby Logan, and Holly Irvin
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Spiritual Growth/
Small Groups
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Brown Bag Bible Bunch
This weekly study group meets 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!
Thank you to everyone
who joined our November 17 small group celebration (over 85 attended)! Now, we turn our focus towards Advent, with many groups using our four-week Advent devotional, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” for their course of study for the season. Additional copies are available if your group needs more.
Come January, our groups will return to their normally-scheduled studies. If your group is looking for new study ideas, Holly Irvin has assembled a library to pick from and descriptions of the studies can be found on the Ministries/Adult Education page of the FCC website. If you are looking to join a group, reach out to Holly, Becky White, Bill Robitske, or Stephanie Kiesewetter.
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THIRD
THURSDAY
FOOD & FELLOWSHIP
December 19 12:30 p.m.
Shannon’s 5 Star Diner
Note number coming on Sunday attendance pad in far right column, OR
Phone FCC office BEFORE 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 17
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Disciples Women's Ministries
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Cap Collection
Disciples Women’s Ministries is collecting plastic caps and lids of (almost) all types in coordination with St. Luke Union Church. The caps can be donated at the FCC office counter (look for a container) and will be upcycled into a bench with the help of Green Tree Plastics. Please bring rinsed and clean caps and lids to put in the container. Types of caps accepted include caps from medicine bottles, milk jugs, detergent, hair spray, toothpaste, deodorant, apple sauce pouches, drink bottles, spray paint, ointment tubes, baby food, and shampoo/ conditioner. Also, lids from cottage cheese containers, mayonnaise jars, yogurt, peanut butter jars, ice cream buckets, cool whip containers, coffee cans, cream cheese containers, margarine containers, and Pringles are acceptable. Caps and lids must be Recycle #2, 4, or 5.
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Thank You!
Please find thank you notes on the Centrum bulletin board from from Abundant Life in Christ Church (meals and donation) and Seedling Theatre (building use).
Drivers Needed
Two small groups are served weekly by our volunteer drivers. We need a couple more drivers to transport these folks to and from FCC for the 9:00 a.m. service. The goal is that each driver serves once every six weeks. If you are able to be a part of this ministry, please contact Debbie Stumm in the office at 309 829-9327.
Building Security
Groups and committees using the building should leave the main doors in the elevator lobby locked and have someone there to let people in, and then leave a note on the door with a number to call if someone arrives late. There is also a doorbell to ring if someone arrives late.
Pledge Cards
Please remember to turn in your pledge card if you haven’t yet.
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Deadlines for Publications
Please follow these deadlines for publications to ensure that your item is included!
The Messenger
(mailed last Wednesday of the month with some exceptions)
Deadline Friday at noon before mailing date as a general rule (verify with church calendar on FCC website or in previous issue of
The Messenger
)
Upcoming
Messengers
:
- No Messenger in December
- January 3 deadline for January 8 mailing
The Bulletin, Moments for Mission/Ministry
Deadline Tuesday, 4:30 p.m.
The Friday Email
Deadline Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
Announcements/Prayer Concerns
Deadline Thursday noon, unless it is an emergent prayer concern
Worship, Pre-Worship, Centrum, and Foyer Screen Items
Deadline Thursday, 4:30 p.m. (note these include Time for Children and Moment for Mission/Ministry screens)
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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, December 1
Acolyte:
Khloe Nussbaum
Building Lock-up:
Mike Robinson
Child Care:
Trish Logan, Corin Chapman
Deacons:
·
9:00 Chip & Patti Jamerson
·
10:15 Chip & Patti Jamerson
Jr. Deacons:
Austin Metz, Reed Naughton
Drivers:
Rich Crusius, Ryan Newton
Elders:
Marla McElroy, Mike Robinson
Visiting Elders:
Gregg Kiesewetter, Madonna Courtright
Coffee Fellowship:
Doug Reed
Fill Candles:
Becky White, Kathie Chapman
Greeters:
Renae Hammitt, Sam Gustafson,
Josie Gustafson, Pete Whitmer
Info Desk:
Pete Whitmer
Livestreaming Tech:
Dave Phillis
Scripture:
Marla McElroy
Sound Tech:
Brian Metz
Time for Children:
Linda Lehmann
Video Tech:
Nate Damery
Worship & Wonder Greeter:
Chip Jamerson
Pulpit:
Hanging of the Green
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Christmas Eve, December 24
Building Lock-up:
Joe Bandy
Deacons:
5:00 Julie Robinson, Doug & Stephanie Reed, Carrie Chapman
7:30 --
Jr.
Deacons:
5:00 Sadie Newton, Carson Damery
7
:
30 Bethany Warren, Gabe Warren
Elders:
5:00 Ryan Newton, Deanne Bryant
7:30 –
Greeters:
5:00 –
7:30 –
Livestreaming Tech:
Dave Phillis
Sound Tech:
--
Video Tech:
--
Pulpit:
Jim Warren
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Sunday, December 8
Acolytes:
Alexis Nichols, Evan Nichols
Building Lock-up:
Bill Robitske
Child Care:
Trish Logan, Kathie Chapman
Deacons:
·
9:00 Michelle Kiesewetter, Carrie Chapman
·
10:15 Peg Larson, Drew Henneberg
Jr. Deacons:
Bryce Reed, Brennon Reed
Driver:
Gary Thompson, Ralph Lehmann
Elders:
Tamara Shields, Nancy Trefzger
Visiting Elders:
Marla McElroy, Mike Robinson
Coffee Fellowship:
Tasting Party
Fill Candles:
Becky White, Kathie Chapman
Greeters:
Nate & Heather Damery, Martha Hunter
Info Desk:
Mary Helen Haskell
Livestreaming Tech:
Dave Phillis
Scripture:
Patty Thompson
Sound Techs:
Austin Metz,
Brian Metz
Time for Children:
Heather Damery
Video Tech:
Chip Jamerson
Worship & Wonder Greeter:
Jenny Hall
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Sunday, December 29
10:00 a.m.
Acolyte:
Acolyte:
Khloe Nussbaum
Building Lock-up:
Chip Jamerson
Child Care:
Trish Logan, Kim Cox
Deacons:
Drew & Jenny Henneberg,
James & Libby Nussbaum
Jr. Deacons:
Averie Kiesewetter, Carter Kiesewetter
Driver:
Ralph Lehmann
Elders:
Scott & Valerie Fisher
Visiting Elders:
Karen & Rich Crusius
Coffee Fellowship:
Bill Robitske
Fill Candles:
Becky White, Kathie Chapman
Greeters:
Mark & Michelle Gramley, Rita Fisher
Info Desk:
Ron & Nancy Gramley
Livestreaming Tech:
Dave Phillis
Scripture:
Bob Trefzger
Sound Tech:
Brian Metz
Time for Children:
Matt Chapman
Video Tech:
Todd Chapman
Pulpit:
Jim Warren
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Sunday, December 15
Acolytes:
Kosiers
Building Lock-up:
John Dailey
Child Care:
Trish Logan, Karen Crusius
Deacons:
·
9:00 Susan Cleaver, Jim Underhill
·
10:15 Peg Larson, Libby Nussbaum
Jr. Deacons:
Mason Janvrin, Logan Janvrin
Drivers:
Rich Crusius, Ralph Lehmann
Elders:
Art & Camille Taylor
Visiting Elders:
Tamara Shields, Nancy Trefzger
Coffee Fellowship:
Betty Steinlicht, Susan Hinrichsen
Fill Candles:
Becky White, Kathie Chapman
Greeters:
Alan & Kathie Chapman
Info Desk:
Jan Dyer
Livestreaming Tech:
Dave Phillis
Scripture:
Ryan Newton
Sound Tech:
Dave Phillis
Time for Children:
Camille Taylor
Video Tech:
Austin Metz
Worship & Wonder Greeter:
Heather Damery
Pulpit:
Jim Warren
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Sunday, January 5
Acolyte:
--
Building Lock-up:
Doug Reed
Child Care:
Trish Logan, --
Deacons:
·
9:00 Doug & Stephanie Reed
·
10:15 --
Jr. Deacons:
Jaci Cox, Lydia Warren
Drivers:
--
Elders:
Jill West, John Dailey
Visiting Elders:
Scott & Valerie Fisher
Coffee Fellowship:
Julie Robinson
Fill Candles:
Connie Rapp
Greeters: --
Info Desk:
Nancy Guither
Livestreaming Tech:
Dave Phillis
Scripture: --
Sound Tech:
--
Time for Children:
Tamara Shields
Video Tech:
--
Pulpit:
Jim Warren
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Sunday, December 22
Acolytes:
--
Building Lock-up:
Doug Reed
Child Care:
Trish Logan, Abby Logan
Deacons:
·
9:00 Scott & Valerie Fisher
·
10:15 Reena Rhoda, James Nussbaum
Jr. Deacons:
Maddie Chapman, Tyler Chapman
Drivers:
Ryan Newton, Gary Thompson
Elders:
Karen & Rich Crusius
Visiting Elders:
Art & Camille Taylor
Coffee Fellowship:
Susan Cleaver
Fill Candles:
Becky White, Kathie Chapman
Greeters:
Vicki Hall, Wannie Beard
Info Desk:
Leslie Frizzell
Livestreaming Tech:
Dave Phillis
Scripture:
Art Taylor
Sound Tech:
James Nussbaum
Time for Children:
Abby Logan
Video Tech:
James Nussbaum
Worship & Wonder Greeter:
Bethany Warren
Pulpit:
Jim Warren
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Sunday, January 12
Acolyte:
--
Building Lock-up:
Chip Jamerson
Child Care:
Trish Logan, --
Deacons:
·
9:00 Michelle Kiesewetter, Carrie Chapman
·
10:15 Kathy Dailey, Libby Nussbaum
Jr. Deacons:
Abby Logan, Drew Logan
Drivers:
--
Elders:
Bill Robitske, Leslie Frizzell
Visiting Elders:
Jill West, John Dailey
Coffee Fellowship:
Rita Fisher
Fill Candles:
Connie Rapp
Greeters: --
Info Desk:
Vicki Hall
Livestreaming Tech:
Dave Phillis
Scripture: --
Sound Tech:
--
Time for Children:
Camille Taylor
Video Tech:
--
Worship & Wonder Greeter:
Josie Gustafson
Pulpit:
Jim Warren
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Livestreaming
We are livestreaming, or broadcasting, our 9:00 a.m. Sunday service on Facebook. You can watch from our website homepage, as well as on Facebook. On our website, scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and see that the current or most recent broadcast is toward the top of the selections there. You can also watch older broadcasts. If you use Facebook, just go to our Facebook Page and see the broadcast start a few minutes before 9:00 a.m. If you would like to help Dave Phillis on Sunday mornings with the cameras, please visit with him in the sanctuary balcony on a Sunday morning.
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Christmas Nativity Festival
The Chiara Center is hosting the 13th annual Franciscan Nativity Festival - a display of more than 100 Nativity Sets, a majority of which are new to the annual event. The event is free and open to the public on Friday, December 6, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, Springfield - on the grounds of St. Francis Convent.
Historians claim that the tradition of a Nativity display began with St. Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Italy in 1223. Throughout the centuries, Christians worldwide have continued this tradition with cultural depictions of Christ’s birth.
Founded in 2007, Chiara Center is an ecumenical faith community dedicated to the discovery and healing presence of God within one’s self, everyday life, relationships, and all creation. All programs, services, and hospitality are grounded in the spirit and heritage of Francis and Clare of Assisi. Chiara Center is a ministry of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. For more information, visit chiaracenter.org or call 217-523-0901.
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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
Worship and Wonder Storyteller:
Susan Sanders
- (217) 931-2430
- suznwally@hotmail.com
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Witness of the Faithful
Attendance:
- 11/3/19: 177, 30
- 11/10/19: 114, 32
- 11/17/19: 169, 27
- 11/24/19: 140, 21
Offering:
$
54,936.49
Prayer Concerns
Awaiting Tests/Surgery:
- Justin Cox
- Richard Malone
Aftercare:
- Wannie Beard
- Madonna Courtright
- Myra Komnick
- Gilbert (Duke) Kopp
- Leonard Maupin
- Barb Mote
- Payten Presley
- Connie Rapp
- Bettie Schultz
- Betty Steinlicht
- Mary Smart
Treatment:
Paula Robb
Hospice:
- Harold Goyen
- Marilyn Kopp
Military:
- Adam Jacobs (Army)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
Sympathy to:
- Sandy Anderson and family on the October 26 death of her son, Doug
- Jean Snyder, Susan (Bill) Chaney, and the family and friends of Jack Snyder, who died October 31
- Camille and Art Taylor family on the November 10 death of her sister’s (Carmelita Brown’s) husband, Charles Brown, of Clearwater, FL
Reaffirmation of Faith:
Carolyn Headley on November 10, 2019
Reminder
:
Please let the church office know if there’s someone who needs a call or is in the hospital
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Office Phone
309 829-9327
Fax
309 829-2865
Address
401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Hours
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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