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.
As we did throughout 2020 and much of 2021 in the Friday Connected, 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
|
|
|
|
Merry Christmas
from your church staff!
We hope you are having a blessed Christmas Eve and will join us this evening for 5:00 p.m. worship at FCC or online.
|
|
Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)
The group meets at noon on Wednesdays and is on break until January 5 when the Genesis study resumes. You may join in-person in the church’s upstairs 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.
|
|
This Sunday
This Sunday, as we reflect on the birth of Jesus, Hank and Deann Anderson will share with us a message about "Simeon and Anna" (Luke 2:22-38).
See you Sunday at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m.
Serving Schedule
-
Registration: West Family
-
Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): James Nussbaum, Libby Nussbaum
-
Elders: Scott Fisher, Valerie Fisher; Visiting Elders Karen Crusius, Rich Crusius
-
Info Desk Attendant: Mary Helen Haskell
-
Coffee Host: Bill Robitske
-
Time for Children: Scott Fisher, next week Maddie Chapman
-
Worship & Wonder Greeter: (no Worship & Wonder this Sunday)
-
Building Lock-up: James Nussbaum
-
Candle Filler: Ryan Newton, Kathie Chapman
-
Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz, James Nussbaum, Ryan Newton
-
Recycling: Gary and Patty Thompson, Marty Sallee
|
|
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
-
Stewardship 2022: Emails and letters were sent out about financial commitments to FCC and we ask that you respond ASAP. Here is a link to the pledge form on the website. Pledge. Thank you for your involvement in the future of the church!
-
Poinsettias: Thank you for your purchase of poinsettias for the sanctuary. A list of those who purchased and of whom they are in honor will be in The Messenger next week.
-
Undecorating the Sanctuary: Many hands will make this a fun event that will go quickly. Come help "undecorate" the sanctuary and bring it back to its usual year-round beauty on Sunday, January 9, after worship.
Outreach Efforts:
-
Food Drive for Parkside Elementary families: To help hundreds of local families, FCC is partnering with Parkside Elementary in Normal by collecting specific items that will be given to the families in need: Disposable child size masks, Fruit cups, Peanut butter and Jelly, Single serve mac & cheese, Nutrition bars, Single serve peanut butter or Nutella, Pop tarts, Single serve cereal or oatmeal, Chef Boyardee single serve meals, Cuties, Single serve snacks like chips, cookies, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks... Thank you for donating as you are able. Please place items on the designated table in the Centrum.
-
Clothing Drive for Compassion Closet (BroMenn): We are collecting new COMFORTABLE -- STRETCHY (see the list of items needed in The Messenger) clothing for patients who are leaving Carle BroMenn Hospital. Some of the patients who come in on an emergency basis do not have clothing to leave in. A tub is available near the Info Desk for donations. Note this will be an ongoing ministry. Sweatshirts, sweatpants, knit t-shirts, knit elastic waist pants, or shorts for men and women are needed. Items need to be new. The greatest need is for larger sizes.
-
Clothing/Funds for Bent School: For those times "accidents happen," needed are new underwear for both girls and boys in youth sizes from 5 to 14, as well as sweatpants, jeans, regular long pants, and shorts (in warmer weather) for both girls and boys. Tops that match are also helpful. Please see more details in this document.
|
|
Who is on the prayer list? Who are the folks prayed for on Sunday mornings? Since services are live streamed and can be seen by anyone, for privacy's sake last names are not mentioned. If you would like to see who is on the comprehensive prayer list, go to the light blue "Supporting Each Other" section below, where each week you can find a link to the Prayer Concerns for the current week.
Incidentally, there is a link to a church directory in that section, as well.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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 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).
|
|
Current First Christian Church COVID-19-Related Guidelines
Important! Please be aware of and follow continuing guidelines, which could change as numbers of infected increase.
All in the building are required to mask at all times. Note about choir: There are three feet between singers, and all wear masks. Singers are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Rehearsals are held in the sanctuary on Wednesdays and on Sunday mornings.
|
|
|
|
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 Deborah Stumm at dstumm@blmfcc.org to find out how. We appreciate your continued giving!
|
|
|
|
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, Transitional Interim Minister, at 309.863.5126. His email address is handerson@blmfcc.org.
How do I learn more about what the Church Board is doing or about the church's finances?
Board Minutes and Financial Reports are available on request. Please contact Deborah Stumm dstumm@blmfcc.org or call the church office.
What do I do if the winter weather is bad? Will the church be open?
On Sundays, we will try to make a decision early if the roads appear to be unsafe, and will post closure information on Facebook. During the week, if District 87 is closed then the church office is closed.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
