As we now worship in person without most restrictions 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 found FCC Connected and the resources and news within helpful. We will continue to feature here 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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Dear church family,
The land where our townhouse is built in Peoria is as flat as a tabletop. A half-mile east of us, however, the land begins its descent to the Illinois River. This has resulted in many ravines in which the Illinois River Bluffs Trail has been developed. This trail has become a favorite place for me to get some exercise and to simply relax.
Unfortunately, my recent back issues have prevented me from enjoying this trail. For several weeks, I couldn't imagine walking out to the street and back much less several miles on this trail. Now that my back issues have subsided, I have been working on resume my hiking. So far, I can walk the half mile to the trailhead and about another half mile into the trail--or about two miles round trip--before my back is fussing at me.
It is frustrating when you used to be able to do something and suddenly you can't do it anymore. It happens to all of us at one time or another but that doesn't make it any less disappointing. This is true for churches as well. It is easy to look around and remember all the things that we used to be able to do as a congregation and feel disappointed that we can't do those things anymore.
With time and effort, I am working my way back into those ravines. And with time and effort I believe that FCC can work our way to new energy and new vitality as well. May we join together to make that a reality.
God bless,
Hank
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This Sunday
Hank Anderson will be preaching on Joshua 1:6-9. The sermon title is, "Be Strong and Courageous," and the music will be One and All Band-style. See you at FCC or online, at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome! Invite a friend or two!
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Nussbaum Family, Bethany Warren
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Patti Jamerson
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Info Desk Attendant: Julie Robinson
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Coffee Host: Pam Yerkes
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Time for Children: Matt Chapman, next week Holly Irvin
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Building Lock-up: Chip Jamerson
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, James Nussbaum, Jen Petri
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
The CCIW Virtual Gathering on August 7 will be an opportunity for Disciples 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.
Reach Out Collection for Boys & Girls Club
Thank you for your support of the Boys & Girls Club. They very much appreciate homemade cookies, and 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. You may leave cookies in the main level kitchen (marked clearly for the Boys & Girls Club) and bring the other items to the Info Desk area on Sunday mornings.
FCC Summer Blood Drive today, July 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Eastland Mall. The Wholistic Health Council encourages and thanks you! Ways to secure an appointment:
FCC Office Is Now Partially Staffed
The church office is staffed 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.
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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.
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).
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Current COVID-19-Related Guidelines
Important! Please be aware of and follow these guidelines, in place for the past three weeks:
- Entry: We will continue to have one entry point for church worshipers at the north parking lot entrance (elevator foyer). This will allow us to perform registration of worshipers so that we can contact trace, if necessary. Hand sanitizer will continue to be available throughout the church.
- Masks: We are going to go with a mask optional approach going forward. Those that are not vaccinated should wear a mask. There will be signs posted indicating that if you have not received the COVID vaccination, you should wear your mask. See note below about singing to determine if you want to bring a mask.
- Sanctuary: The ropes on the pews have been removed.
- Communion: We will continue communion in the current fashion using the all-in-one wafer and juice unit. Please pick up the communion unit prior to entering the sanctuary.
- Singing is allowed; however, please use a mask while doing so.
- Childcare: We have resumed childcare in the nursery.
- Fellowship: Fellowship after church is permitted and encouraged if you feel comfortable participating. Coffee and donuts are served most Sundays.
- The church building will be open for events, meetings, and activities. If you are wanting to have something at church, please get in touch with Maggie to reserve your day and time. We ask that everyone clean the area used with the provided materials so it will be ready for the next use.
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Thank you to the planning team for the June 27 "Jim's Journey" event at FCC. It was a lovely sendoff for Jim Warren, and a wonderful time of fellowship for all. We appreciate all your thoughtful planning and the time spent preparing and making every detail special!
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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 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, 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.
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