• Sunday Traditional Worship 9:00 a.m. (Worship and Wonder is on break until September)
  • One and All Worship 10:15 a.m.
  • Sunday School for Adults 10:00 a.m.
August 7, 2019
August :
 August 11 Congregational Meeting
August 18 Blessing of the Backpacks

September:
September 8   Worship in the Park at Fairview Park. Mark your calendar and watch for details!
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Office Hours are listed at the bottom of each Messenger issue.
Interim Minister:   As our board president, Joe Bandy, stated in his July 18 letter, we will be joined by Rev. Patti Case August 8 through September 4. During this time, Rev. Jim Warren will be transitioning back into his role as our Senior Minister. After Labor Day, we plan for Jim to resume his full pastoral duties at First Christian Church. Joe also says, “We are in very good hands during the upcoming weeks. Thank you very much for your continued support of Jim and his family and of First Christian Church Bloomington.”
                                                                   
Rev. Patti Case’s Bio:   A life-long Disciple, Patricia Case was ordained to Christian ministry in 1994, the same year she graduated from Christian Theological Seminary. Having studied journalism in undergraduate work, she had served as associate editor of The Disciple magazine beginning in 1990. She was promoted to editor in 1998, where she served until 2001, when the magazine ceased publication. She has worked in communication ministries since that time, supporting Disciples ministries. She most recently served an extended interim ministry position for Lebanon Indiana, First Christian Church, near her home. Patti is married to Lori Adams. They have three children, two of which are grown and the third of which is finishing her college education. Patti and Lori are the happy grandparents of Roberta (Bobbi).
 
Let us make Patti feel as welcome as she is! She is looking forward to being with us this month.
Reminder Wednesday Supper Club is now Thursday Food & Fellowship, TFF , meeting on the 3 rd Thursday, September – May.                    
This logo will accompany all info about TFF. TFF begins September 19. The list of restaurants & times will be on the Info Desk counter by mid-August. Specific details for each month will continue to be in The Messenger and bulletins.
Spiritual Growth
Brown Bag Bible Bunch Patti Case leads this weekly study group, in Jim Warren's absence, 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!

Small Groups meet throughout the week. Check the Calendar of Events (under the Events tab) on the website for days and times. If interested, contact Bill Robitske or Stephanie Kiesewetter.
Children and Youth
Sunday School and Youth Groups are on break for the summer. Watch bulletins and Friday Emails for starting dates as they are determined.
                                             
Blessing of the Backpacks will take place at both services on August 18. This is a great opportunity for children to invite friends to have their backpacks blessed, as well!
 
Children’s Worship and Wonder Brunch  On Sunday, August 18, at 10:15 a.m. in Major Hall, there will be a brunch to kick-off our new season of Children's Worship & Wonder. All children that attend, or would like to start attending, are invited along with their adults. Susan Sanders, Storyteller, would like to offer an invitation to the congregation, as well. It would be a great opportunity to see what we do during our worship service and become better acquainted!  RSVP to Susan by August 11 via text or call (leaving a message is okay) at (217) 931-2430. And if you see Susan at church, let her know you’d like to attend.
 
Activity Bags are available throughout the summer for children who attend the 9:00 a.m. service. Find them in the Narthex in a basket. After your child enjoys the activities, please return the bag and unused contents to the basket in the Narthex. Contents are updated each week with material pertinent to the week’s topics.  
Reach Out
Gifts for Another Table In August we will collect food for Home Sweet Home Ministries. This important organization does so much for the community. Let’s help them with the following items:  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!
 
The Abundant Life Church Meals are back on! FCC will be serving on August 18. For information, contact Julie Robinson at jerobinson21409@yahoo.com .
 
School Kits  Reach Out has been collecting supplies for Sheridan and Bent Schools. School kits will be assembled Saturday, August 10, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in Major Hall. Also, gently used tennis shoes, coats, clothes for kids to change into in case of accidents, and new boys’ and girls’ underwear are needed, and can be placed in a tote near the Info Desk.
 
Mission Trip to Appalachia August 25-30. Cost is $325 per person for awesome lodging and all food for the week. Travel food is extra. Call Mike Robinson at (309) 275-5908 for details.

Visitor Welcome Gifts  The Reach Out ministry has put together visitor gift packages. If you see a visitor, after greeting them, make sure they pick up a gift at the Info Desk.
 
Red Grocery Bags Do you have a story to share about how you used the red grocery bag distributed during the Pentecost services to make someone feel welcome to attend FCC? Were you able to bring a guest or do you have plans to? Stories that can be shared in the next Messenger can be sent to info@blmfcc.org. Thank you!
 
Sack Lunch Ministry has served many sack lunches to the community but is currently on hold awaiting a City of Bloomington permit. If you are interested or would like information, talk to Julie Robinson or email her at jerobinson21409@yahoo.com .
 
Undies Sundays  In August, Reach Out continues to focus on the collection of underwear, socks, and undershirts each Sunday as we support the Start Fresh Ministries of Second Pres, which helps men just leaving Lincoln Correctional Center. Please donate new items at the Info Desk.
New Vision and Mission Statements Developed
Seeking Congregational Approval on August 11 at 10:00 a.m.

The Vision and Mission Statements were officially presented on July 14 during the worship service. We held a comment period directly after church services and we have accepted comments since that time. Several of you asked us to make slight changes to the statements, so what you are viewing today is a result of your comments.  

Please remember these statements are for our time now and will need to be refreshed at some interval as change continues to occur. We will ask for your approval at a Congregational Meeting at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, August 11.

  • Vision Statement:  To be a growing church who welcomes all, grows spiritually and serves others.
  • Mission Statement: To invite and welcome all to the Lord’s Table, to strengthen our spirituality with God and one another through prayer, worship, study and fellowship and to serve our community with compassion.
Disciples Women's Ministries

Saving those Box Tops for Education?  Please do! There is a Disciples Women’s Ministries mailbox just outside the office door where you can leave them. Donate your Box Tops and we can make a big impact on a local school. Thank you!
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Than k You Please find thank you notes on the Centrum bulletin board from IL Voices – Echoes (building use), Gail Corbett (card shower), and Brenda Phillis (health). 
 Summer Blood Drive in July was a big success! Twenty whole blood units and four double-red units were obtained on Friday, July 12. Thanks to all who donated. and a special thanks to Pete Whitmer for all his phone calls to previous donors. 100% of the donors who signed up came to donate. This is a record! We will have another blood drive on October 22. -- Wholistic Health Council
Member Directories Updated printed directories will be available at the Info Desk on August 11 for those desiring an update. The update includes those edits members made at the Info Desk a few weeks ago.
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Recycling/Trash Guidelines can be found on the pre-worship and Centrum slides on Sunday mornings. Also, the guidelines are attached to or posted near the prominent recycling bins throughout the building. Please be sure you are using the appropriate bins when disposing of items. Thank you!
FCC Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are needed to help in several ways around FCC. Find signup sheets at the Info Desk.  
Want to help the Warrens by providing a meal?    
If you would like to help provide meals for the Warren family, please follow the steps below. Thank you!
  • Go to the web site: www.takethemameal.com
  • Type in "Warren" for the family name
  • The Password: Godisgood
  • Sign up for the time(s) when you would like to supply a meal, and just follow the simple steps for delivery 
Questions or problems with the meal website? Contact Kathy Smalley at 309-824-2839 or smallekj@fairpoint.net .
Info Desk Update
The drawers and cabinets at the Info Desk have been cleaned and reorganized. A ‘map’ of what is in each is posted on the Info Desk bulletin board. As space is tight, please do not just add items to drawers and cabinets. If you have something you would like stored in a cabinet or drawer send a request to Maggie in the FCC Office. Maggie will forward to Jan Dyer & Mary Helen Haskell, who will discuss & determine if space can be made available or not. They will reply as soon as possible. 
Scholarship Available
Former First Christian Church members Dr. Richard and Lois Manahan have generously donated $1,000 to be awarded as a scholarship to a church member who attends Illinois State University. Full-time and part-time students attending ISU for the 2019 Fall semester are eligible to apply. Consideration will be given to active participation in the ministries and programs of the church. Please submit a letter of interest and your class schedule to the First Christian Church office by Monday, August 19. All applicants will be interviewed by a committee of the Trustees. 
News! The Messenger is a Monthly Newsletter! On a trial basis, and as a cost-saving endeavor, The Messenger has been mailed on the first Wednesday of each month for the last few months.  We will continue to mail the Messenger ONCE monthly, but will mail it on the LAST Wednesday of the month, with a focus on the next month’s activities.  Please be sure to submit your items by email to info@blmfcc.org by the Friday before that Wednesday. The next Messenger will be sent on Wednesday, August 28, with a deadline of August 23. If you haven’t, please sign up to receive The Messenger via email by emailing info@blmfcc.org . 
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!

Sunday, August 11

Acolyte:   
Building Lock-up:  Joe Bandy
Child Care:  Trish Logan, Jenny Henneberg
Deacons:
·        9:00 Juan & Emily Mejia
·        10:15 Drew & Jenny Henneberg
Jr. Deacons:  Sadie Newton, Averie Kiesewetter
Drivers:  Rich Crusius, Gary Thompson
Elders:  Art & Camille Taylor
Visiting Elders:  Tamara Shields, Nancy Trefzger
Coffee Fellowship:  Brenda Phillis
Fill Candles:  Connie Rapp
Greeters:  Ron & Nancy Gramley
Info Desk:  Mary Helen Haskell
Landscaping:  Nancy Pool, Luke Pool
Scripture:  Patty Thompson
Sound Tech:  Brian Metz
Time for Children:  Camille Taylor
Video Tech:  Austin Metz
Pulpit:  Patti Case, Interim Minister, Luke 10:1-11


Sunday, August 25

Acolyte:  Ellie Chapman
Building Lock-up:  Doug Reed
Child Care:  Trish Logan, Corin Chapman
Deacons:
·        9:00 Holly Rocke, Jim Underhill
·        10:15 Juan & Emily Mejia
Jr. Deacons:  Tyler Chapman, Austin Metz
Drivers:  Rich Crusius, Ryan Newton
Elders:  Scott & Valerie Fisher
Visiting Elders:  Karen & Rich Crusius
Coffee Fellowship:  Beverly Leight
Fill Candles:  Connie Rapp
Greeters:  Matt & Naomi Kosier, Marla McElroy
Info Desk:  Ron & Nancy Gramley
Landscaping:  Nancy Pool, Luke Pool
Scripture:  Kathy Smalley
Sound Tech:  Dave Phillis
Time for Children:  Holly Irvin
Video Tech:  Todd Chapman
Pulpit:  Patti Case, Interim Minister

Sunday, August 18

Acolyte: Alexis Nichols, Evan Nichols
Building Lock-up:  John Dailey
Child Care:  Trish Logan, Janet Frizzell
Deacons:
·        9:00 Robyn Loftin, Holly Rocke
·        10:15 Kathy Dailey, Susan Cleaver
Jr. Deacons:  Sabrina Campos, Charlie Campos
Drivers:  Ralph Lehmann, Ryan Newton
Elders:  Karen & Rich Crusius
Visiting Elders:  Art & Camille Taylor
Coffee Fellowship:  Ralph & Linda Lehmann
Fill Candles:  Connie Rapp
Greeters:  Jim & Carolyn Hepperly
Info Desk:  Leslie Frizzell
Landscaping:  Nancy Pool, Luke Pool
Scripture:  Ryan Newton
Sound Techs:  Brian Metz, Austin Metz
Time for Children:  Abby Logan
Video Tech:  Chip Jamerson
Pulpit:  Patti Case, Interim Minister                       

Sunday, September 1

Acolytes:  George Davis
Building Lock-up:  Chip Jamerson
Child Care:  Trish Logan, Kathie Chapman
Deacons:
·        9:00 Scott & Valerie Fisher
·        10:15 James & Libby Nussbaum
Jr. Deacons:  --
Driver:  Frank Lipscomb
Elders:  Ryan Newton, Jill West
Visiting Elders:  Scott & Valerie Fisher
Coffee Fellowship:  Bill Robitske
Fill Candles:  Connie Rapp
Greeters:  Renae Hammitt, Sam Gustafson, Josie Gustafson
Info Desk:  Nancy Guither
Scripture:  Susan Cleaver
Sound Tech:  James Nussbaum
Time for Children:  Patty Thompson
Video Tech:  James Nussbaum
Pulpit: Patti Case, Interim Minister

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Contact Us
Senior Pastor:   James Warren

Interim Minister: Patti Case
  • 309 829-9327
  • interim@blmfcc.org

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
        tllogan4@hotmail.com

Worship and Wonder Storyteller:
Susan Sanders
  • (217) 931-2430
  • suznwally@hotmail.com
Witness of the Faithful
Attendance:
  • 7/7/19: 117, 25
  • 7/14/19: 141, 40
  • 7/21/19: 109, 25
  • 7/28/19: 132, 26
  • 8/4/19: 141, 32

Offering:  $47,163.13  
 
Prayer Concerns
Aftercare:
  • Drew Bohlmann
  • Jane Brummet
  • Carol Kline
  • Eddie Robinson
  • Neil Sallee
  • Mary Smart
Treatment: 
  • Forrest Kaufman
  • Paula Robb
Hospice:
  • Harold Goyen
  • Marilyn Kopp
Assisted Living:  
  • Mickey Armstrong (Luther Oaks)
  • Niola Daily (Westminster)
  • Mary Lou Mercier (Home)
  • Glenn & Betty Metz (Villas of Holly Brook)
  • Neil & Dorothy Sallee (Westminster)
  • Alma Samuels (Taylors’ home) 
  • Suzanne Summers (Evergreen Village)
Nursing Homes:    
  • Alden Valley Ridge, Bloomingdale – Hazel Kuhn
  • Heritage, Blm. – Merle Murray
  • Heritage, El Paso – Sonna West 
  • Heritage, Normal – Harold Goyen
  • Liberty, Clinton – Corena Meyer
  • Martin Health – Myrna Cable, Niola Daily, Carol Kline, Marlyn Mahannah, Neil Sallee, Barbara Thatcher
  • McLean County -- Marilyn Kopp
Military:
  • Adam Jacobs (Army)
  • Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)

Sympathy to:  
  • Gail Corbett and family on the July 27 death of her husband, Bob
  • Rick (Sherry) Erickson and family on the July 27 death of his father, Billy Erickson
  • Deb Bomeli (Bob Braun) on the July 29 death of her mother, Doreen Bomeli, of Ohio
Front of Church
Office Phone 309 829-9327 Fax 309 829-2865
Address 401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Website www.blmfcc.com
Hours Of fice hours have changed. 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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