October
October 3 World Communion Sunday
October 9 WBRP Bed Blitz (Youth Will Participate; Open to All)
October 17 Heritage Sunday
October 20 Red Cross Blood Drive at Eastland Mall
October 24 Bonfire for Youth at Kim Cox’s Parents’ House
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Office Hours are listed at the bottom of each Messenger issue.
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A Message from Hank Anderson, Transitional Interim Minister at FCC
Dear Church Family,
The last two years have left my head swimming. In January 2020, no one knew what would happen just a few weeks later in March. Most churches were moving forward much like they had for many years. Then the pandemic hit and everything changed. Suddenly, worship was moved online, ministries-- in many cases-- came to a stop. Groups that had been meeting regularly had to figure out new ways to meet if they decided to continue to meet at all.
The old ways have not come back, and it is likely that they won't. At least not completely. Much like everything else in the world around us, the church is trying to figure out how to operate in this developing new reality. The question for us is how to adjust to a world that is changing so quickly?
During the month of October, I will offer a series of messages entitled “It's Not 2019.” Through these messages, I will explore how the world is different now from a period of time as recent as two years ago. More specifically, I will offer some thoughts on how the life and ministry of the church is different. Hopefully, in so doing we will find a few ideas of how we as a church can move forward in this time.
I hope that you will make every attempt to join us-- either in-person or online-- as we begin to think about what the future may hold for the church.
God bless,
Hank
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October 3 World Communion Sunday World Communion Sunday offers congregations a distinctive opportunity to experience Holy Communion in the context of the global community of faith. The first Sunday of October has become a time when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember and affirm Christ as the Head of the Church. On that day, they remember that they are part of the whole body of believers. Whether shared in a grand cathedral, a mud hut, outside on a hilltop, in a meetinghouse, or in a storefront, Christians celebrate the communion liturgy in as many ways as there are congregations.
October 17 Heritage Sunday Sunday We will honor those who have been members of First Christian Church, Second Christian Church, Third Christian Church, Stanford Christian Church, or University Christian Church 50+ years. If you are a new honoree, please send a photo to info@blmfcc.org to include in our slideshow to be shown that Sunday.
November 7 All Saints Day We will honor those from our congregation who have died in the past year.
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Thank You
- “First Christian Church, Many thanks for the thoughts, prayers, food, and everything else. Special thank you to Hank, Don, and Lou Ann for their participation in Tim’s service (son Tim Hall). It was a wonderful service – at a time like this, one realizes how important having a wonderful church family is. I wouldn’t have coped as well without you all. Love, Vicki Hall”
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Our Recycling Volunteers are Gary and Patty Thompson, as well as Marty Sallee, with assistance from Debbie Stumm. Thank you all for helping with this important effort.
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Red Cross Blood Drive
The Red Cross Blood Drive on October 20 is at the Eastland Mall. See details below. Sign up now! You can sign up by calling or on Sunday October 3, 10, and 17 at the Info Desk. -- Wholistic Health
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A Message from the Reopening Team
We have no changes to report except that choir has begun and members are masking and staying safely distanced. Please continue to mask at all times at FCC. Keep apprised of ongoing, updated, and on-the-horizon policies related to COVID-19 safety by reading the Friday Email and Messenger regularly. We are continuing the safety measures outlined in the previous Messenger and recent Friday Emails and we continue to monitor the situation. Learn more about COVID-19 numbers anytime at https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/708/CORONAVIRUS-COVID-19
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A Message from James Nussbaum, Our Congregational President
Greetings friends! I'd like to share with you several updates happening at FCC. Firstly, our Transition Team. The Transition Team is a key component in the interim period. The Transition Team is made up of: Becky White, Joe Bandy, Marla McElroy, Naomi Kosier, Doug Reed, Matt Chapman, Hank Anderson, and myself. We have been meeting every two weeks and working to establish priorities of things to focus on during this time. The priorities are based on feedback from the congregation. We also provide support and guidance to our interim minister, Hank. Once the priorities have been largely completed, and we feel the church is ready, based on congregational feedback, we will make a recommendation to the board that a formal settled pastor search team be assembled and begin the search. That committee may be different from the Transition Team.
If you have any questions or feedback you'd like to provide about any church topic, please feel free to contact any one of the members. We are all ready to listen.
In other news, the September FCC board meeting went very well. We had a very lengthy and productive discussion about our building and grounds. We recognize that during our discernment process, it was decided that we would take on building projects as they come. In small ways, we have begun this process. Several people have made mention that they were concerned that after much deliberation, nothing happened. But things have been on hold during the pandemic, and we're trying to get back in the swing of things. Know that we are working diligently to find solutions. I will keep updating everyone as progress continues at FCC!
Blessings,
James Nussbaum
FCC Board Prez
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Will Food & Fellowship Start Again?
Several have approached me, Mary Helen Haskell, asking if we should start Food & Fellowship again. So, this article is to determine current interest. We need to keep in mind COVID-19 mitigation factors still being required. Currently, wherever we go, masks would be required except only when eating.
One person suggested starting in December at Shannon’s, a place we usually had the December gathering. They are doing a good job of spacing people.
If you have other suggestions, such as which day of month to gather (i.e., third Monday), etc., send email by October 22 to maryhh3444@gmail.com.
I am willing to get it started again but, after so many years, it would be great if someone else would take over the scheduling; I will most certainly pass along to whomever any info I have.
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Youth News
On September 12 the following 3rd and 4th graders’ names were announced and those in attendance received a Bible after worship from Holly Irvin:
4th Graders
• Caden L.
• Hunter T.
• Keirnan C.
3rd Graders
• Charleigh H.
• Given K.
• Lucy J.
• Jeremiah H.
Upcoming Children & Youth Events:
- October 9 Bed Blitz at YouthBuild for WBRP
- October 24 Bonfire with cookout, s’mores, sardines game. For grades 3-12 at 25676 N. 1475 East Road, Hudson, IL 61748 (Kim Cox’s parents’ home). 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., leaving from First Christian at 3:30 p.m., returning at 6:30 p.m. Sign up on Facebook page by October 20. Drivers (parents) are needed. Permission slips on Facebook Youth page or on FCC website.
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Sunday Mornings at FCC
For Youth/Children
Worship & Wonder
Room 128
New Sunday School Rooms
Youth 109
Children 129
Please mask at all times!
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FCC Ministry Priorities and News
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Spiritual Growth/
Small Groups
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Small Groups — Build on what we’ve learned and do more of these
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Brown Bag Bible Bunch There are always a lot of questions around the book of Genesis and the Brown Bag Bible Study group will tackle at least some of them with a new study beginning Wednesday, September 29. The group meets at Noon, and you can join in-person in the church’s Conference Room or online by way of Zoom. If you would like to join by Zoom, please email Hank for the link. If you want to join in-person, you are welcome to simply come to the church. Either way, the group is open to everyone. Contact Hank for further information.
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Property Use – Help our property become a resource to the community and an entry point
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Groups using the building include The Boys & Girls Club, Fibers of Love, Bridge, Narcotics Anonymous, Seedling Theatre, and at least one small group |
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Reach Out/
Meet the Neighbors
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Reach Out/Meet the Neighbors — 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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Collection for Parkside Elementary Every weekend hundreds of Bloomington-Normal children go home on Friday afternoons to empty cupboards at home. The office staff and social worker at each school try to help meet the needs of these families but operate with limited resources. Various area churches help support these efforts with food drives. FCC has an opportunity to partner with Parkside Elementary in Normal to participate each month in collecting specific items that will be given to the families in need. The list for October items will be coming out soon. Please donate as you are able.
Compassion Closet, run by Carle BroMenn, makes sure individuals can leave the hospital with dignity when their own clothes have been discarded. They are currently very low on (or out of) a number of items, listed below. Vicki Hall will be collecting items through October. Find a bin in the Info Desk area for donations. Items needed:
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Maggie Burton
We were saddened to receive word this week that Maggie Burton has accepted a full-time position with the Mennonite Church of Normal. Her last day in the church office will be October 8.
Maggie has served First Christian Church well for over three years, and she will be greatly missed. For many, she was the first person they would see upon entering the church during the week. While our congregation will miss her greatly, we know that she will be a blessing to the Mennonite congregation. We pray all of God’s blessings upon her future endeavors.
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Room 101 is now, or will soon be, available for use as a meeting room. Changes are being made to this room, which some will recognize as our former Preschool Sunday School Room, to the right of the nursery on the lowest level of the church. It can be reached by the stairs or elevator in the elevator lobby off the church parking lot. Adult-sized furniture set up in a conference-room style will be placed in the room. When you call the office to reserve a place to meet, you may be assigned room 101.
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The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) announces new Associate Regional Minister for Transformation, Rev. Dr. Alex Ruth
Rev. Dr. Alex Ruth grew up in various Christian traditions, which helps him celebrate the diversity of our faith. Alex first felt the call to ministry while working as staff at a summer camp but was hesitant to relinquish himself to that calling until later in life. Alex and his wife first encountered the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) when they began seeking a church home as they anticipated starting a family. Becoming ever more involved in his faith and the local church reignited Alex’s call to ministry.
Alex earned a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary in 2006 and a Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Leadership from Bethel Seminary in 2016. Alex also holds certifications in leadership coaching and uses the coaching model to help clergy and congregations to discern their calling and strive to follow God’s leading. Alex also serves as the Associate Director of Disciples Men and teaches with the Center for Ministry and Lay Training at Phillips Theological Seminary.
Alex will begin serving on November 1, 2021. As the Associate Regional Minister for Transformation, he will be focused on leader development: spiritual maturation, healthy congregation systems, and community engagement. He will create networks and communities of experiential learning where failure is a learning tool. Alex will also support specific ministries: Healthy Congregation Facilitators, Coaches, and AIM. He will provide pastoral care and oversight for search and call to congregations in South Central, Illinois as well.
Read more about Alex on the www.cciwdisciples.org website.
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Get Involved!
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Tech Team Volunteers Are Needed It is more than just advancing slides! The tech team is blessed to be used by God to bring the worship experience to a broad audience. Now that we have returned to in-person worship, we would like to add volunteers! There are opportunities to run the MediaShout presentation, work the sound board, or work the cameras. Interested? Contact Brian Metz at medzy65@gmail.com or James Nussbaum at masterbimmertech@gmail.com.
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A Bottled Water Replenishment Volunteer is Needed In order to have water on-hand for purchase, FCC needs a person to purchase the bottled water and stock the Fellowship Hall refrigerator regularly. Please contact the office for more information about the task and how to be reimbursed for the purchase.
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Worship at FCC is Live Streamed
We live stream Sunday Worship at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook and on our website, whether we are meeting in person or not. On our website, www.blmfcc.org, click "Watch Now" and find the service at the top of listed services, or scroll down the homepage and find the broadcast there.
You can also watch older broadcasts on the "Watch Now" page. If you use Facebook, go to our page and see the broadcast start a few minutes before 9:00 a.m.
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Serving Schedule
We publish weekly serving schedules in the Friday Email.
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Contact Us
Transitional Interim Minister:
Hank Anderson
- 309-863-5126
- handerson@blmfcc.org
Minister Emeritus: John Trefzger
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
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Witness of the Faithful
September 5: $12,104.67
September 12: $12,239
September 19: $21,050
September 26: $8,748
Prayer Concerns
Awaiting Tests: Deb Underhill
Awaiting Surgery: Mary Helen Haskell
Treatment: Bill Chaney
COVID-19:
- Nancy Gramley
- Ron Gramley
Aftercare:
- Janet Frizzell
- John Hensley
- Herb Knudsen
- Susan Sanders
- Chuck Smalley
- Mary Smart
- Suzanne Summers
Hospice:
- Marilyn Kopp
- Dorothy Sallee
Military:
- Sean Montoya (Marilyn Cope's grandson/Air Force, Belgium)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
New Member: Sandy Singletary Sizemore joined by transfer on September 19.
Birth: Evelyn Mae Doty was born to Brian and Jessica Doty on August 24. Maternal grandparents are Don and Luella Mahannah.
Sympathy to:
- Vicki, Jenny, Aaron, and Jeremiah Hall, and Cindy Rousey, and family on the September 5 death of their son/brother/father/uncle/ nephew, Tim Hall
- Doug (Stephanie) Reed and family on the September 8 death of his aunt, Shirlene Sparrow
- Pat (Dale) Meridith and family on the September 24 death of her father, James Deal
Please be in prayer for essential and emergency workers, of which our congregation has many.
Reminder: Please let the church office know (email office@blmfcc.org) if there’s someone who needs a call or is in the hospital. We are not always able to find out who is in the hospital directly from the hospital.
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Deadlines for Publications
Please follow these deadlines for publications to ensure that your item is included!
The Messenger (mailed the 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:
- October 22 deadline for October 27 mailing
- November 29 deadline for November 24 mailing
Beyond the Bricks (mailed two weeks after the Messenger, on Wednesday)
Deadline Sunday the week of mailing
Friday Email
Deadline Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
Announcements/Prayer Concerns
Deadline Thursday noon, unless it is an emergent prayer concern
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Office Phone 309-829-9327 Fax 309 829-2865
Address 401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Hours 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. Please call ahead if you plan to visit the office.
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