As we now worship in person for those who choose to attend, we resume the Friday Email and its efforts to inform you about what you need to know before coming to church on Sunday.
We hope you are finding FCC Connected and the resources and news within helpful. Please remember to read to the end for FCC plans for the future! Updated, important, and new information is highlighted in aqua.
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Being Church Together
(at FCC or at Home)
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This combination Friday Email/Connected newsletter is a resource for accomplishing "Being Church Together" whether you are at home or on the church premises, or anywhere you might find yourself now and in the future.
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Dear Christian Friends,
This Sunday is Pentecost, one of the most important days in the Christian year. It’s the day we celebrate the birth of the church and God’s gift of the Holy Spirit. The color for Pentecost is red, and I invite you to wear read Sunday, whether you’re worshipping from home on Facebook or our church’s website, or you’re worshipping in person. We have a few changes in our Sunday morning protocols for in-person worshippers beginning this week, and you can read about those elsewhere in this Friday email.
One of the messages of Pentecost is that God can take what appears to be dry and lifeless and breathe new life into it. Are there places in your life where you need to find new life? Be part of worship this week, either at home or in person, and let’s reflect on that question.
Have a great Friday!
Your Christian friend,
Jim Warren
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A Message from the Re-Opening Team
Important! Read and follow these guidelines, please:
- We will continue to require masks while in the church. We anticipate that sometime soon we may be able to make mask wearing optional, but feel we are not there yet.
- Entering the church from the north parking lot will remain our only entrance for the immediate future. We will stop taking temperature upon entrance. We will open both doors for entry and leave the doors unlocked during the worship services.
- We will continue with registration to provide an avenue for contact tracing in the unlikely event we should need to do so. The registration desk will be moved to the office level. When worship begins the registration will be handled by the person at the Info Desk so we may have an accurate record of who is attending.
- Music -- we would like to continue to work toward live music in our worship service. We will use recorded music for Sunday, May 23, and then live music May 30 and beyond.
- Most signage you have seen as you walked into the church and up the stairs will be removed. We will continue to have signage about wearing a mask. We will adopt a less stringent policy about gathering in the centrum and the narthex. If you are not comfortable with gathering, you may simply leave the church as has been the policy since re-opening.
- Youth activities, Sunday School, etc. -- we are not prepared to begin these activities at this time, but everyone involved in these activities and programs should proceed with planning and get ready to begin as we see these activities being offered soon.
- Small Groups -- the church board voted to allow small group participants to remove their masks, if they wish, when arriving in their meeting room and while participating. Masks should be worn while coming and going and if other areas of the building are visited.
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This Sunday
The sermon for this Sunday "Can These Bones Live?" and the scripture is Ezekiel 37:1-14. This is the Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones coming to life. God can take the driest of bones and restore them to vibrant life.
It is Pentecost Sunday, so remember to wear red if you enjoy that tradition. Also, we are recognizing this year's high school and college (as well as trade school, etc.) graduates this Sunday.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Reed Family and Abby Logan
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Marla McElroy
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Info Desk Attendant: Karen Crusius
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Time for Children: Holly Irvin; next week Patty Thompson
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Building Lock-up: Doug Reed
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
Looking Ahead
GOT THE DATE SAVED? JUNE 27, 2021 is THE DATE
Rev. Jim Warren is retiring. Help send Jim on his way to a well-deserved retirement. The day will begin with worship at 10:30 a.m. that will include a “SHORT reflection” (his words) from Jim. There will be great music and some surprises. A reception will follow the service in Fellowship Hall where you will have a chance to have a brief greeting with Jim.
The plan for Jim’s reception is for masks and social distancing to be in place. We will be monitoring the number of people in Fellowship Hall at any one time. We encourage you to thank Jim and congratulate him in a timely manner so others can do the same.
The special message cards you should have received by now are also available at the Info Desk. Also, please be collecting photos you have of Jim from over the years with us. You may email them to info@blmfcc.org or send an email to arrange to get physical photos scanned if you are not able to send them digitally.
FCC Office to Be Partially Staffed Beginning June 1
The church office will be staffed starting June 1 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 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, please.
Photos Needed for Future Recognition Services
In the coming weeks we will celebrate or honor many folks for holidays or special occasions. Please submit photos for these special days to info@blmfcc.org. If you are not able to send photos digitally, please email info@blmfcc.org to arrange for scanning your photo. As always, if we already have your photo, we will be happy to use it and will do so unless asked to do otherwise. New Silver & Gold honorees will not have prior photos to use.
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Silver & Gold Sunday: June 13 (deadline for submission June 7)
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Father's Day: June 20 (deadline for submission June 14)
Camp Walter Scott
Find Camp Walter Scott Camp and Service/Work Days schedule here. It is time to sign up for camp. June 1 is the registration deadline.
Blood Drive July 9 at Eastland Mall. Watch for more information.
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Small Groups: Many FCC small groups continue to meet this summer over Zoom , Skype, and Discord. Is your small group meeting? Perhaps you'd like to join a group or start a new group.
The Brown Bag Bible Bunch has resumed meeting on Wednesdays at noon in the Conference Room at FCC and is led by Rev. Jim Warren. The topic of study each week is the upcoming Sunday's scripture, and all are welcome.
As always, contact Bill Robitske for help, and go to our website to learn more about Small Groups and study material available for groups to use. You may want to join a group or get a new one started, online or in-person, this spring.
Video Updates from Jim Warren: Check Tuesdays and Thursdays on Facebook and our website homepage for a short video from Jim Warren. If you haven't seen these yet, they are always available for viewing on our website, on the Watch FCC page.
Worship Online: Watch the live streamed 9:00 a.m. service each Sunday morning. Not only will Rev. Jim Warren keep us apprised of what's happening in the life of the church, he will share wisdom and faith-filled teaching. Each week, expect wonderful music and a Time for Children, as well as communion. Tune in on our Facebook page or on our website homepage.
Stay Connected through Swag: What connects people more than beautiful items that remind them, and their friends, of their great church community?
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An FCC T-Shirt is available for ordering! What a great Christmas gift idea! Adult, youth, and FCC kid styles are available for just $10 each. Order HERE.
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FCC grocery bags are also available for purchase, and for just $2 (or 3 for $5). If you need bags, contact Jen Petri at info@blmfcc.org.
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People at higher risk for illness are described on the Centers for Disease Control website. 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.
Don't forget you can access an updated church directory below and reach out by phone, text, email, or US mail to a church friend.
Please fill out the sign-in sheets at the doors to the church if you must come on premises during hours other than Sunday morning. It is important to know what areas were used and for what purpose to ensure proper cleaning.
We list here those turning 90 or more each week. If you wish to send cards to those having birthdays, find addresses in the FCC Directory (link above).
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Being a Part of the Community |
Pray: In addition to praying for your church, pray for your community, and all affected by this pandemic, especially those at the greatest risk and the health care workers who get exposed to this virus every day. Also pray for our healthcare system to sustain patient numbers should they rise.
Follow the CDC Guidelines for Prevention: These include knowing how it spreads, knowing how to protect yourself, and knowing how to protect others. Especially as we resume in-person worship, it is important to read the guidelines often for updates that are made as we continue to learn more about the virus. CDC Guidelines for Prevention
Share News about Local Resources: Many agencies, groups, and organizations are finding ways to help in a tangible way, and you can inform friends and family of these resources. You can help, too! A few are listed below.
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On May 22 at 4:00 p.m., begin to learn American Sign Language. New Church Ministry and My SupaNatural Life, invite you to register for their powerfully interactive webinar series where you can discover new ways of communicating the Word of God! The first webinar focuses on expanding communal care for those who are hard of hearing or deaf. Sign up as an individual, family, or community to learn American Sign Language together. Learn more: (ASL Series)
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Purchase a produce bundle from the Sunnyside Community Garden, and support local youth. Every week a young person and our farm manager will choose some items that are fresh from the garden and create a weekly $10 “produce bundle.” The youth will put their share of the money in a new savings account and the garden will use its share for a new infrastructure project. Contact the Sunnyside Community Garden by messaging them: Sunnyside Email
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The McLean County Museum of History and the Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center have reopened to the public. The Museum has prioritized protecting the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and visitors. Visit https://www.mchistory.org/visit for information on how to visit in a safe and enjoyable manner.
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Support the Wesley Distribution Ministry. Donations can be dropped off in the collection box located at the entrance door of Wesley West (413 E. Washington St) at any time.The distribution is held the third Saturday of every month from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Collected paper products are available free at Wesley UMC’s smaller annex, Wesley West. Find out more at (3rd Saturday Distribution).
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Attend a Southern Gospel concert at Lane Christian Church in Lane, Illinois, on May 22. More Information here: (Gold City Concert)
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The Pregnancy Resource Center is having an open house on June 1 to celebrate one year in their new location. The will be giving tours of the facility and sharing volunteer opportunities available at the PRC. (Open House at PRC)
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Breaking Bread in McLean County - Kickapoo Food and Remedies on June 8 at 6:00 p.m. The McLean County Museum of History, in partnership with BN Welcoming (a coalition of the Immigration Project, Not In Our Town/Not In Our Schools, West Bloomington Revitalization Project, Mennonite Church of Normal, and First United Methodist Church together creating a supportive environment for immigrants to McLean County), Design Streak at Illinois State University, and Heartland Community College will present part 5 of a 10-part program series exploring stories of migration, immigration, adaptation, assimilation, appropriation, preservation, contribution, and sustentation in McLean County. Breaking Bread in McLean County highlights the shared and disparate experiences of local migrant communities from the Kickapoo to the Congolese, emphasizing shared elements including food, family, tradition, trauma, and exchange; seeking to disrupt the historical chronology in order to promote a deeper understanding of the ways McLean County has traditionally treated its migrant communities. Programs will last approximately one hour, with time reserved for Q&A. Join Lester Randall, Tribal Chairman of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, as he explores the Kickapoo experience in McLean County. To register for this Zoom webinar, go to (Breaking Bread Kickapoo).
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Share Online Resources for Learning and Entertainment: Museums, theater arts, national parks, home schoolers, libraries, self-care coaches, and other entities have graciously shared a free peek into their offerings. Take advantage, and tell your friends!
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Attend Honoring Holocaust Survivors: A Concert of Resilience and Hope 2021 on May 23 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Presenting stories of survival and loss through the eyes of survivors living in the Hudson Valley who were children during the Holocaust. The Sage Arts songwriters present seven unflinchingly honest songs about eight survivors whose experiences show us the unimaginable pain and loss and the undeniable power of hope. (Concert)
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Find a plethora of free online classes, from financial fitness to yoga and beyond (Evenbrite Free Events)
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Senior living articles and resources (Senior Advice website)
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The Bloomington Public Library has free online tutoring, including help for K-12 students, college students, those prepping for the SAT & ACT, and those needing assistance completing the FAFSA. Assistance is provided by expert tutors in both English and Spanish, and is offered seven days a week from 2:00 to 11:00 p.m. Find out more at (Bloomington Library).
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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 Debbie 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? |
Until June 1, the church office is closed during this time of social distancing (see the "Looking Ahead" section above). To talk to a staff person, call the church office at 309.829.9327, and follow instructions on the answering machine.
Or send an email to the staff person you want to contact.
In case of an emergency, you may text or call Jim Warren at 309.212.6873.
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What if I, or someone I know, need pastoral care? |
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