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.
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The Friday Email
This Weekend at First Christian Church
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My friends,
I am always struck by how different--even empty--things look in church after the decorations of Advent and Christmas are taken down and put away. This has been true in every church that I have served. That came to mind early this week when I walked into the sanctuary and saw how different things were from Sunday morning. The change is to be expected, but it remains a little jarring.
In a similar way, after all the activities of Advent and Easter, the church schedule also seems a little different--even empty. And this is made more evident as a result of another surge in the number of COVID-19 cases. One of the oddities of American church life is the sense that the church always must be busy. If the church calendar isn't filled with activities, many assume that something must be wrong.
But the Bible suggests that it is important to take a break and allow time to renew. Examples include the sabbath, jubilee, and Jesus' habit of going off alone to pray. So, maybe this is a slower time in the life of the church. But that is okay. It's good to take advantage of these slow times to renew and refresh. And that is especially important in this time when we are being stressed from so many different directions.
I hope you will take advantage of whatever opportunities you have to be renewed and refreshed. Such opportunities are a God thing.
God bless,
Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)
Note the group (known as the Brown Bag Bible Bunch) is on hold through January. The group meets at noon on Wednesdays studying Genesis. 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 when it resumes meeting. Contact Hank for further information.
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Communications Coordinator
Heather Ehrhart has been hired as the church's new Communications Coordinator. In this role, Heather will oversee our efforts to share information within the church and to publicize the church's ministries in the community. Her responsibilities will include the Messenger, the Friday Email, Beyond the Bricks, overseeing our church's use of Facebook and other social media, the church website, the media presentation on Sunday mornings and more.
Jen Petri, of course, has served in this role for many years. We thank Jen for her dedication and efforts in spearheading the development of this position. Some of the work she has done has been seen publicly in a variety of ways, but there is also much work that she has done behind the scenes that few people realize.
Heather began working with us on January 10 and we will endeavor to introduce her during worship as soon as possible. Jen will continue to work through the end of January. During the overlap, Jen and Heather will work together. Note Heather's email address in the bottom section of this email. After January, emails sent to the info@blmfcc.org address will go to Heather.
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This Sunday
This Sunday brings a new sermon series. Hank will be preaching from the book of James, with the overall theme, "Living Faith." This Sunday we will learn about "The Source," -- God is the source of all of our blessings, thus deserving of our commitment. Read the scripture: James 1:16-18 (NRSV). See you Sunday at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m.
Coffee Fellowship Time is on hold due to high COVID-19 infection numbers. We will resume as soon as we can! See additional COVID-19-related information below.
Serving Schedule
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Registration (Check-in): West Family
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): James Nussbaum
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Elders: Madonna Courtright and Jeff Courtright; Visiting Elders Bill Robitske and Marla McElroy
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Info Desk Attendant: Pat Bozarth
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Coffee Host: (on hold)
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Time for Children: Holly Irvin; next week Camille Taylor
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: Naomi Kosier
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Building Lock-up: Doug Reed
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Candle Filler: Marla McElroy
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz, James Nussbaum, Ryan Newton
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Recycling: Gary and Patty Thompson, Marty Sallee
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Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who spent time decorating our sanctuary and church for Advent and the Christmas season. It might have been the most beautiful ever! Then, thank you to all of those who helped undecorate the sanctuary last Sunday.
Many hands made light work in both situations. Thank you to all who were able to help in any way! You are appreciated!
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Outreach Efforts:
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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.
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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.
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Baby Blanket Drive for Crisis Nursery: The Thursday night small study group would like to encourage members of our congregation to donate a variety of new blankets for children at Crisis Nursery from Sunday, January 16, through January 31. There will be a box at the Info Desk starting January 16 with a sign designating it for blankets for children at Crisis Nursery. Cash donations are also welcome (designate “Crisis Nursery” on the memo line if you are writing a check). See The Messenger for more information.
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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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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).
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Current First Christian Church COVID-19-Related Guidelines
Important! Please be aware of and follow guidelines.
Summary of new measures/policies as of January 2022:
- choir will not start back during January. We will reevaluate the situation at the beginning of February
- as previously decided, coffee and refreshments are on hold
- greeting, hugging, handshakes, and having detailed conversations inside the church building, are discouraged
- some pews will be roped off for social distancing
- we will continue with congregational singing but use fewer verses (two at the most)
All in the building are required to continue to mask at all times.
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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 Deborah 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, 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.
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