We now worship in person with masks at all times, 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.
As we did throughout 2020 and much of 2021 in the Friday Connected, we will continue to communicate updates to COVID-19-related policies as Illinois deals with higher and lower rates of infection.
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The Friday Email
This Weekend at First Christian Church
(At Fairview Park!)
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Dear church family,
As I have been thinking about this Sunday's Worship in the Park, I also have been reflecting on the different places that I have worshipped. I have worship in small churches, medium-sized churches, and mega-churches. I have worshipped in campgrounds in the wilderness west of Ft. Lauderdale, in church camps in Florida and Kentucky, and on an island off the coast of Scotland. I have worshipped in new buildings just completed, in the Cane Ridge Church built in the early 1800s and in cathedrals built in the 1600s. I have worshipped inside and outside, in tents and under the stars. And now, I can even say that I have worshipped online as well as in-person.
The point of all this is that the place where worship takes place is not nearly as important as the attitude that we bring to worship. There may be places where we have had particularly meaningful experiences in worship, but that doesn't make one place more valid than another. Indeed, a place where we have had a deeply meaningful worship experience may not have had the same influence upon someone else.
This Sunday, September 12, we will gather to worship in a park. The next week many of us will return to the building on Jefferson St. while others may join us online. We can be certain, however, that wherever we come together, God will be there. The question is really whether our hearts and minds will be ready to meet God in those locations--or any other?
God bless, Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom
On a recent Wednesday, we started having some folks join the Brown Bag Bible Study by way of Zoom. You are still invited to join us in-person. But now you have the choice of joining us by Zoom or in-person. If you would be interested in participating remotely, please send me an email at handerson@blmfcc.org, and I will add you to the list. As a reminder, the Brown Bag Bible Study meets each Wednesday from 12 Noon until 1:00 PM.
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This Sunday
Our sermon series, "The One Anothers," continues this Sunday with "Pray for One Another," taking a look at James 5:13-16. Hank Anderson will preach. See you at Fairview Park for Worship in the Park at 10:30 a.m. If it rains we will gather in Fellowship Hall instead. Please note no other worship is planned AT First Christian Church Sunday morning.
Serving Schedule
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Libby Nussbaum
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Time for Children: Holly Irvin, next week Patty Thompson
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
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Recycling (volunteers are needed right away! Please contact the office for info or to sign up)
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
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This Sunday, September 12 Worship in the Park at Fairview Park in Normal at 10:30 a.m. (gondolas, chips, cookie, and bottled water will be provided free of charge but you may bring food for yourself/your family if you wish). No other worship service that day. Bring lawn chairs or blanket, sun protection, and mask. Also that day the Youth Group will have a pool party at Susan Cleaver's. Find details in the Facebook group "FCC Youth Group," or in The Messenger.
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September 19 Children and Youth Kick-Off for Sunday School and Worship & Wonder. Also that day 3rd graders will receive Bibles. Please contact Holly at hirvin@blmfcc.org whether your 3rd grader can be there or not so we have enough Bibles. If your child has not received a Bible and is in a higher grade, let Holly know.
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Date change! October 20 (not October 19) Blood Drive at Eastland Mall hosted by FCC (but give whenever and where ever you can due to a dire shortage of blood)
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(Most weeks) 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.
Note this week we will not live stream the service.
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Supporting Each Other During This Time of Uncertainty |
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). William LaBounty will be 91 on September 15.
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Current First Christian Church COVID-19-Related Guidelines
Important! Please be aware of and follow continuing guidelines, which could change as numbers of infected increase.
Note choir rehearsals are planned to start this month, 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 Wednesdays and on Sunday mornings.
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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, Transitional 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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