Staying involved in the Bloomington/Normal area, and beyond.
Where do you fit... Beyond the Bricks?
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Welcome... to the latest issue of
Beyond the Bricks!
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Fellow Disciples,
I recently met with a few other ministers from downtown Bloomington churches. We discussed a variety of things, but one of the major topics was how the various churches are reaching into the community. The responses ranged from collecting food for food banks to serving meals to the hungry to outdoor worship services that also offer various services to those in need. We also discussed how the various churches might partner together in hopes of reaching the community more effectively.
FCC has a long history of providing ministry to those in need. We have begun to renew our efforts in this area and will continue to look for ways to touch the lives of those around us. I also continue to find out about how individuals in our church are volunteering their time and talents in various ways around the community. I celebrate those efforts as well.
As we move toward Christmas and the New Year, my prayer is that we will continue our efforts to be witnesses for Jesus Christ in Bloomington-Normal and beyond.
God bless,
Hank
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Attend the Longest Night Interfaith Service
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Noon: Moses Montefiore Temple
102 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington
6:30 p.m.: Normal First United Methodist Church
211 N. School St., Normal
The Longest Night Interfaith Service is a time for all who find the holidays difficult, all who search for healing, and all who pray for wholeness. Join leaders from local faith communities for a time of acknowledging our hurting places before God.
Please share this information with friends and family.
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Round Up at Green Top Grocery to Help the Child Protection Network
Month of December
Green Top Grocery
921 E. Washington Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
This month’s Round up at the Register charity is The Child Protection Network! The mission of this group is to educate, equip, and empower people to achieve healthy relationships, finances, homes, and neighborhoods. You can visit their website here! You can nominate the local charity of your choice for our Round up Program by visiting our Charity Nomination tab on the Green Top website.
The Round up at the Register Program allows our shoppers to round up their change to the next dollar for a new local charity each month.
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Attend a Free Christmas Concert at the BCPA
December 16, 2021
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
600 N. East Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) will play host to the free annual Bloomington Normal Community Concert Band Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m.
“The BCPA is the perfect performance space for this free holiday concert,”
said Thom Rakestraw, City of Bloomington’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Marketing Manager, adding “masks will be required for all guests attending the Christmas Concert.”
No ticket is required for this free event, but seating is on a first come first seated basis and is limited to house capacity.
The Community Concert Band has around 70 volunteer members from Central Illinois area and performs throughout the year at area parades, events and the popular Thursday night series held during the summer at Franklin Park in Bloomington, Illinois.
For more information on this concert, or other events happening at the BCPA, contact the Ticket Office at (309) 434-2777 or visit online at www.ArtsBlooming.org.
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Fulfill an Item or Two on the Mayors Manor Dream Wish List
Online
A Mayors Manor Holiday Giving Tree started with a simple wish. We wanted to let everyone know that not every child lives in the same reality and not every adult has a support system at their fingertips. It created the thought of how can we make this more than writing a check or sending in a few canned goods? How can we create awareness in the minds of our community? It is the hope that all of the participants of the Mayors Manor Holiday Giving Tree will never walk by a homeless individual without noticing them, a senior without smiling at them, or a child in need without reaching out to make their world a better place.
Find the residents of Mayors Manor's wish list here: DreamList
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Become a Front Desk Volunteer at INtegRIty Counseling
INtegRIty Counseling
502 South Morris Ave.
Bloomington, IL 61701
Looking to become a volunteer? INtegRIty Counseling is in need of Front Desk Volunteers, including Spanish-speaking volunteers, to help coordinate scheduling and answering phones. If you are interested or would like more information, please email info@integrityhelps.org.
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Be an Animal Care Volunteer at the Miller Park Zoo
Miller Park Zoo
1020 South Morris Ave.
Bloomington, IL 61701
A message from the zoo: We have an immediate need for Animal Care Volunteers. If you have free time and would like to contribute to the care and well-being of our animals, this opportunity is for you! Must be 18 or older, able to work one four-hour shift per week, and able to obtain a negative TB test. Our volunteers play a key role in our success! We hope to work with you soon.
For more information on animal care or special events volunteering, contact Morgan Hinchen at 309-434-2250 or mhinchen@cityblm.org.
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Learn More about Being an Anti-Racist
Subscribe to a daily blog that gives guidance on how to be an anti-racist:
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Donate VHS Tapes, DVDs, CDs and Audio Books to Nursing Homes with the Help of Merry Maids
Merry Maids of Bloomington/Normal
1702 W. College Ave. Ste. A-3
Normal, IL 61761
309-661-1726
Clean, usable, manufacturer-produced items are repurposed for nursing home residents and kept out of the waste stream. Drop your items by Merry Maids and know that you are not only helping de-clutter your home, but also entertaining worthy recipients. Be sure to include your name, address, and email address with your donation.
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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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401 West Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Bloomington's Oldest Continuing Congregation
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