We now worship in person without most restrictions, 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.
We hope you found FCC Connected and the resources and news within helpful over the past year. We will continue to communicate updates to COVID-19-related policies as Illinois returns to a pre-pandemic "normal."
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The Friday Email
This Weekend at First Christian Church
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My friends,
Monday night, I noticed a dark puddle on the garage floor beneath where I park. Needless to say, this was disturbing. Even more so since my car is only about 6 months old. I checked and, sure enough, it was oil. There was not a lot, but there should not have been any. The next morning, I was first in line when the dealer's service center opened.
The customer service guy was not encouraging. The first available appointment was August 30th! After reminding him that a car with less than 8500 miles should not be leaking oil, he asked that we leave it, and they would try to work it in. Meanwhile, I took Deann home and drove her car to Bloomington.
I didn't expect that I would hear anything until at least the end of the day, but while I was still on my way to Bloomington, I received a call telling me that they had checked the car and that a seal had gone bad where the oil plug goes in (I am sure there is a more technical description, but I am doing good to put gas in a car.) After that repair, an oil change and tire rotation the car was ready to go, and we didn't owe anything.
Problems and frustrations are a part of life. Sometimes there are easy solutions and sometimes there is no solution. The Christian faith does not promise we will be able to avoid problems. It does promise that we won't face those problems alone. Jeremiah 16:19a tells us O LORD, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble . . .
May you look to God for strength in whatever you do this week.
God bless,
Hank
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This Sunday
Hank Anderson will be preaching on John 4:7-19. The sermon title is, "Loving Is a Challenge," and the music will again be traditional. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m. for outstanding teaching, a meaningful Time for Children, inspiring music, and weekly communion. Please read the "COVID-19-Related Guidelines Recently Updated" article below to know about masking for this Sunday. Any new developments will be posted on Facebook and the Friday Email will always have an up-to-date status as of publishing time.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Nussbaum Family, Abby Logan
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Doug Reed
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Info Desk Attendant: Nancy Guither
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Coffee Host: (Petri Reception in Fellowship Hall hosted by Vicki Hall)
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Time for Children: Camille Taylor, next week Heather Damery
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Building Lock-up: Doug Reed
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Candle Filler: Connie Rapp
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Jen Petri
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Get Acquainted Groups
Hank is anxious to get to know people and hear their stories about church and experiences. Over the next several weeks, we will be offering a series of Get Acquainted groups at different times and on different days. Beginning this Sunday, sign up sheets will be available at the Info Desk. Please look them over and sign up for the day and time that works best for you. The groups are very informal and allow everyone to get to know one another better. If you are not currently attending in-person you can call the church at 309-829-9327 or email Maggie Burton at office@blmfcc.org. We also need hosts for each group. Groups may be hosted in your home, at church, or at some other location that will work for 10 to 12 people. We would ask that hosts provide very simple refreshments as well. The current dates of groups are:
- July 30 at 12:00 PM
- August 8 at 10:15 AM (after church)
- August 11 at 2:00 PM
- August 18 at 6:00 PM
- August 22 at 10:15 AM (after church)
If other groups are needed, we will schedule them later. We hope you will participate!
Farewell to the Petris this Sunday, August 1
Jen and Darrel Petri will be moving to Texas on August 4, though she will continue to work remotely for FCC through October. If you would like to say "Goodbye" to them, they will be present in Fellowship Hall this Sunday after worship. No gifts, please. New contact information for the Petris can be found in the recent Messenger issue.
The Disciples Virtual Gathering on August 7 will be an opportunity for Disciples from the U.S. and Canada to connect, learn, worship, and imagine new ways of gathering as church. The day focuses on the covenant we share as Disciples and the promise of Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God. The program will consist of bible lectures, educational workshops, and worship service, with invited speakers and presenters focusing on our theme. Learn more/register now at Disciples Virtual Gathering.
FCC Office Is Now Open Five Days a Week
The church office is now staffed 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, please. Please note Tuesday mornings are set aside for Staff Meetings (see Q&A section at the bottom of this email for details).
Update: Collection for Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club can no longer accept homemade cookies as they are abundantly cautious of needing to be a "nut free" environment, but they are in need of paper products (paper towels, large garbage bags, sturdy paper plates, napkins), as well as glue sticks, markers, colored pencils, and crayons. Please bring items to the Info Desk area on Sunday mornings.
Next Week's Friday Email may be delayed because of logistical limitations. Thank you for your patience.
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Job Opportunity
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR for FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
First Christian Church of Bloomington, IL is seeking a person for internal and external communication using written, electronic, and verbal methods. This position has a wide variety of responsibilities. The selected candidate will work with a diverse group of people including the congregation, staff, and the public. Position provides the opportunity to interact with people of all ages. A command of the written word (English, grammar) is a must.
Position is approximately 25 hours per week. Salary is commensurate with experience and technical ability. The position offers a fully equipped work space as well as some flexibility to work remotely. This individual is expected to be available for the first service for technical support, and to run the slides for the second service when open. We are searching for a self-starter with the ability to meet deadlines.
Job Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to:
- Handling internal and external communication needs for the church using written and electronic channels (including email newsletters)
- Maintaining and updating church website
- Posting on church social media pages and monitoring/responding appropriately
- Create weekly PowerPoint slides for 2 worship services
- Other communication and marketing responsibilities as needed
The selected individual will undergo a background check prior to hiring. Attendance at some FCC meetings is expected as well as coverage of/participation in community events. A mutually acceptable schedule will be arranged with the senior minister.
To apply: Send cover letter and resume that includes three references to: dstumm@blmfcc.org or by US mail to First Christian Church, ATTN: Debbie Stumm, 401 West Jefferson St, Bloomington, IL 61701. Including three samples of your writing is a plus. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS AUGUST 13th, 2021
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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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Supporting Each Other As We Return to a Pre-Pandemic "Norm" |
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 current 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). Erma Satorius will be 101 on August 6.
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Current First Christian Church COVID-19-Related Guidelines Recently Updated
Important! Please be aware of and follow these continued and modified guidelines, which could change as numbers of infected increase.
Continuing or beginning now:
- ALL persons entering the building must wear and remain wearing a mask while on premises, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Hymnals and bibles can be found in the pew pockets, but friendship (attendance) pads will not return at this time.
- Time for Children will continue as-is, with children remaining in their pew seats. This will be re-examined in September.
- Any door may be used to exit the sanctuary. Please continue to bring your trash with you as you leave. Baskets for offerings and prayer cards will be located at both main exits of the sanctuary.
- A formal time for greeting those around you will continue to not take place. This will be re-visited as we monitor COVID-19 numbers.
- Communion practices will remain unaltered but will be re-visited as we monitor COVID-19 numbers.
On the horizon:
- Worship & Wonder is scheduled to begin September 19. All adults and children in the room will be required to wear masks. There will be six feet between all participating. No communion will be served in Worship & Wonder for the time being.
- Youth Group is planning to begin meeting September 19 with a cookout, with food served to participants safely. Masks will not be needed outside, but participants will need to wear them if going inside.
- Choir rehearsals are planned to start in September, with a hoped-for return of the choir to worship in early October. There will be three feet between singers, and all will wear masks. Singers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Rehearsals will be held in the sanctuary on Wednesday and on Sunday morning.
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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? |
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, Interim Minister, at 309.863.5126. His email address is handerson@blmfcc.org.
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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