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Welcome... to the latest issue of
Beyond the Bricks!
Dear Christian Friends,
With everything happening in our country right now, it is more important than ever that we connect with the communities in which we live. What are you doing to show your support for your sisters and brothers in Christ?
This issue of Beyond the Bricks lists several opportunities for you to be involved in the lives of those around us. I'm sure you can think of others. What's important is that you be a part of our community and contribute to its ongoing success.
Find a way to make a difference in our community.
In Christian love,
Jim Warren
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Attend Black Lives Matter in B/N Book Club
ONLINE!
Thursday, July 9, 2020
7:00 p.m. via Zoom
Next up is the late, great Toni Morrison's
Tar Baby (1981). Time magazine recently recommended Morrison as an author to immerse yourself in during the pandemic: "all of her novels, written over 45 years, deserve to be read and re-read as testaments to American pain, perseverance and joy."
We'll meet virtually (sigh) Thursday, July 9, at 7:00 p.m. Zoom details to follow on Facebook. This may not be the political read you are yearning for in this incredibly tragic time in our country's history. Rest assured there is more to come. Dive into that if it is what you need right now. After our July meeting, we'll be reading
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What Rage: The Unspoken Truth of our Racial Divide (2017) by Carol Anderson
- Men We Reaped
(2013) by Jesmyn Ward, and
- we'll be listening to the 1619 podcast by New York Times journalist.
New and occasional members are more than welcome. Invite a friend!
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Support Mid Central Community Action's Fundraiser
On October 21, 1965, people of our community banded together to form the Mclean County Economic Opportunity Corporation (MCEOC) known today as Mid Central Community Action (MCCA). These individuals were made up of a cross section of the community - government, education, business, and civil rights activists. Our founders believed in the power, promise, and potential of our youth, justice, and resource equality for all. They also believed in helping everyone who was vulnerable, whether that was due to domestic violence or poverty.
Even 55 years later, our organization remains steadfast to these principles. That is why during these challenging times when the future has never felt so unpredictable, we are doing everything possible to sustain daily operations and provide services to our community. While there is a lot of uncertainty, we know that we need to adapt fast to our changing reality. Now, more than ever, our community needs us. And we need you.
Please consider making a donation of $55 to celebrate our 55 years of impact to The 55 For 55 Campaign. If you're unable to donate. There are also many other ways you can support us! For one, you can advocate for us by sharing our mission with a family member or friend. Even a quick mention on your social media would mean the world to us.
In times like these, we are reminded of how interconnected we all are. Thank you for being part of our community.
With you, more is possible!
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Become a Faith in Action Volunteer
Small Group Orientation June 18, 2020
10:30 a.m.
Faith in Action Office
600 E. Willow Street, Suite 201
Normal, IL 61761
Faith in Action is seeking new volunteers.
Spread the news to friends who might be interested in volunteering.
Register to attend with Mary at 309-827-7780
Alternate orientations will take place via Zoom or by individual orientation at FIA.
Needed at this time:
Transportation Desk Volunteers
Assessment Volunteers
Drivers
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Support Tee It Up! for GFPD 2020
A note from the organizers (Alan, Kathie, Todd, & Corin Chapman):
Regrettably, we are announcing that Tee It Up! For The GFPD 2020 will not be held May 14-15 as scheduled. Illinois State University is requiring that all events and activities scheduled to be held on campus through July 31, 2020 be postponed or cancelled and the State of Illinois has extended the Stay-at-Home order through May. Although we are disappointed, we completely support these moves in the interest of everyone's health and safety. We explored several possible options
to reschedule later in the year, but with the evolving guidance from health officials and the uncertainty ahead, we have reluctantly reached the conclusion that our most safe and prudent course of action is to cancel our Reception and Golf Outing for this year.
We are still planning to hold an online auction of our donated items later this summer to help promote those sponsors who have helped out so far. More details will be coming soon. Click below
to see how you can support the efforts.
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Stay Up to Date on COVID-19 Community Resources
Assembled by PATH
McLean County, IL
With the "STAY-AT-HOME Order" in full effect, people are in need of help, emotional support, and resources now more than ever. We know how important it is to stay informed and band together in this time of crisis, so thank you to all the community members who have helped us stay up to date with resources!
We have been making daily updates to our Google Document to keep up with changes. Please visit the link in the button below to see the last COVID-19 community resources.
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Show Us Your Skills! Help the Boys & Girls Club!
Online!
Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal
Bloomington and Normal, IL
Share your talents with our kids! Since we are all staying in our homes, we'd like you to share a video. This could be you doing something like cooking dinner or making your favorite snack, sewing a button on your favorite shirt, or playing music. It could be you talking about how much you miss the kids in the building or about your favorite app. We are open to all ideas and suggestions.
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Volunteer at or Donate to the WBRP
(West Bloomington Revitalization Project)
WBRP
724 W. Washington Street
A recent message from the WBRP: Starting June 1 we will slowly reopen the
Bike Co-op
,
the Tool Library
, and the
Veggie Oasis
. They will look a little different than they have in the past. We want to provide you the services you need while also protecting the safety and health of our community. We will carefully monitor our progress and expand our services as soon as we are able. Doing it right is better than doing it fast.
If you come to the WBRP for bikes, tools, or food,
you must wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines
. Community health and safety are our priorities. Thank you for your cooperation!
Thank you for your patience while we were closed and for your support as we reopen. For ANY questions or concerns, call us at 309-829-1200 or email info@westbloomington.org and we will return your message within 24 hours.
We look forward to seeing you all again very soon! Take care and be safe!
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Around the Community
Click on any organization to access its website and learn about support/volunteer opportunities
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First Christian Church |
info@blmfcc.org| 309 829-9327 |
www.blmfcc.com
401 West Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Bloomington's Oldest Continuing Congregation
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