July
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July 1 Hank Anderson begins as Interim Minister
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July 4 Independence Day
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July 9 Blood Drive at Eastland Mall
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Office Hours are listed at the bottom of each Messenger issue.
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A Greeting from Hank Anderson, Interim Minister at FCC
More than 30 years ago—back in 1989—the regional minister in Indiana asked Deann and me if we would serve as interim co-ministers for a small congregation across town. We had been serving as the co-pastors of Mt. Gilead Christian Church in--of all places--Bloomington, Indiana. We agreed, both congregations agreed and for a year Deann would preach one Sunday at Mt. Gilead and I would preach at Woodhaven. The next week we would switch. We had no idea what we were doing but both churches survived!
Little did I know that almost 30 years later I would begin interim ministry as my full-time vocation. I have discovered interim ministry to be both exciting and fulfilling. The interim period between pastors allows a congregation to take a deep look at its life and ministry as they prepare for the future. I view my role as helping a congregation prepare so that its time with the next "settled" pastor is as effective as possible.
We will be talking more about what that means and how it happens in the coming weeks. But I want to make a couple of quick points.
First, a word of congratulations to Jim Warren on his ministry here at FCC. Serving any congregation for 22+ years is a tremendous accomplishment and I know that Jim has blessed you in many ways.
Second, we will soon be planning opportunities for you to get to know me and me to get to know you. We had hoped to have those plans in place already, but some health issues on my part delayed those plans. I am very much looking forward to getting to know all of you!
So, our journey together begins. As we take our first steps, I know that God will be with us throughout. I am looking forward to seeing where God leads us.
Grace and peace,
Hank
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Thank You, Rev. Jim Warren, for your kind and faithful service to FCC these past 22+ years! We are blessed and you have left a blessed legacy. We wish you all the best on the next leg of your journey.
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A Greeting from Your New Congregational President,
James Nussbaum
The old saying is that 'change is the only constant.' We at FCC are no strangers to change, especially at the present time. There is so much that is changing right before our eyes. While it can be overwhelming at times, I hope that you all can see the positives in these changes, and the opportunity before us.
As incoming board president, I'll do everything I can to help guide us through the challenges we have ahead. But thankfully, I'm not alone. The people at FCC are resilient and amazing. I'm blessed to worship with each of you.
So please do me a favor, and if you see me in the hall in the near future, make sure you give me a fist bump just for good luck!
Blessings,
James Nussbaum
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A Message from the Reopening Team
Important! With the re-opening of Illinois, the First Christian Church COVID-19-related guidelines have changed. 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, Praying, and Responsive Reading: All will be allowed; however, please use a mask while doing these activities.
- Childcare: We have resumed childcare.
- 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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Youth News
Please pray for our children and youth attending various camps at Camp Walter Scott throughout the summer. Campers are Lucy, Given, Abby, Tyler, Evelyn, Clark, Calen, Jaci, Campbell, Chloe, and Bethany.
(Lucy and Given at Beginners Camp pictured)
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FCC Ministry Priorities and News
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Reach Out /Meet the Neighbors
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Meet the Neighbors — Beginning with existing relationships, take a deeper dive into who God has given us to love in this area – and how our lives might intersect
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Mission Trip: Thank you for your support of the May 31 through June 5 mission trip to Kentucky.
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Collection for Boys & Girls Club The Boys & Girls Club can use homemade cookies, and is in need of paper products (paper towels, large garbage bags, sturdy paper plates, napkins), as well as glue sticks, markers, colored pencils, and crayons. 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. Thank you!
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Western Avenue Community Center asked FCC to partner with them to distribute food boxes. Some boxes were delivered to those in need on Fridays every other week. Julie Robinson recently contacted The Downtowner, a Bloomington Housing Authority building, to see if they could use some boxes. They have agreed to take 36 -- enough for each apartment.
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Spiritual Growth/
Small Groups
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Small Groups — Build on what we’ve learned and do more of these
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Brown Bag Bible Bunch The group meets Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. The topic is the scripture for the upcoming Sunday, and all are welcome to gather in the Conference Room.
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Property Use – Help our property become a resource to the community and an entry point
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The Boys & Girls Club continues to use our building for their after-school program and likely for their summer programming when COVID restrictions allow.
- Fibers of Love, Bridge, Narcotics Anonymous, and at least one small group are using areas of the church.
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Care for Each Other is seeking helpers for the coffee fellowship. There are many openings for July, August, and September. If you are able to help on a rotating schedule, please contact Vicki Hall at 309-454-3081 or text her at 309-531-5396.
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Red Cross Blood Drives
Donate Friday, July 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Eastland Mall. Sign up: Sunday at the Info Desk, call the church office, go to www.RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-733-2767.
By giving, you will receive a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card, and you automatically will be entered into a drawing for free gas for a year. PLEASE GIVE! Thanks to all donors. -- Wholistic Health
Mark your calendar, also, for the October 19 blood drive.
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Scholarship News
Former First Christian Church members Dr. Richard and Lois Manahan again generously donated $1,000 to be awarded as a scholarship to a church member who attends Illinois State University. Full-time and part-time students attending Illinois State University for the 2021 Fall semester were eligible to apply, with consideration given to active participation in the ministries and programs of the church. With no one having applied for last year’s scholarship, Abby Logan was awarded two scholarships for her bright academic future at ISU. Congratulations, Abby!
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First Christian Church Picnic (Worship in the Park) will be on September 12 at Fairview Park, 801 North Main Street in Normal. Watch for more details.
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Thank You
Hello!
We so appreciate being able to worship with FCC via the online services. Thank you, Jim, Dave, Brian, Austin, Kevin, Jen, and to all those who share their gifts. What a blessing it has been to have Jim as Senior Pastor of FCC for 22 years. How time flies! Thank you for all your help.
Blessings, Teri and Darrell Arvik
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"Thank You" from FCC Board President, Joe Bandy
Thank you, church family, for allowing me to be your president the past two years. It has truly been an honor to serve alongside all the other board members and staff of First Christian Church. There are so many talented individuals doing God’s work and making a difference in your life and lives of everyone in our community.
We had some challenges during my term. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a challenge as we are transitioning back to normal. We found another way to worship through livestreaming for the majority of our congregation during this time. But, on the other hand, there continue to be folks we cannot reach due to their lack of equipment, internet, and/or knowledge of technology. We have a high desire to get back to normal when it is safe, so we can offer worship to each and everyone.
Rev. Jim Warren announced his retirement just before the pandemic affected church attendance and operations. Jim has been a trooper through this period, delivering live sermons to an audience watching via livestream. Jim has been very active with reopening activities, monitoring state and CDC guidelines and advising the best method to reopen in a safe manner. Thank you, Jim, for your tenure at FCC and may God bless you and your family.
Please extend a warm welcome to Rev. Hank Anderson, who will be our Interim Minister. Hank has special training in the area of Interim Ministry and will assist our congregation in transitioning to a new
senior minister. Hank will be preaching on Sunday, July 4. Wear your red, white, and blue; come to worship and meet Hank.
Last, thank you to James Nussbaum, FCC Vice President. James will assume the President position on July 1. James has a huge heart and great love for First Christian Church. There remain some unfilled positions on the board and as Deacons. Please contact James if you have interest, or don’t be surprised when he asks you to serve.
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FCC Swag
T-Shirts for Adults, Children, and Youth
FCC t-shirts have been designed and you can order yours now! There are three styles: adult, youth, and FCC kids. Click Here to see details and order on our website.
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Red FCC grocery bags are available for purchase for $2 (or 3 bags for $5) for your use and for ministry projects. Contact Jen Petri at info@blmfcc.org to purchase bags.
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Worship at FCC is Live Streamed
We live stream Sunday Worship at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook and on our website, whether we are meeting in person or not. On our website, www.blmfcc.org, click "Watch Now" and find the service at the top of listed services, or scroll down the homepage and find the broadcast there.
You can also watch older broadcasts on the "Watch Now" page. If you use Facebook, go to our page and see the broadcast start a few minutes before 9:00 a.m.
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Tech Team Volunteers Needed
It is more than just advancing slides! The tech team is blessed to be used by God to bring the worship experience to a broad audience. Now that we have returned to in-person worship, we would like to add volunteers! There are opportunities to run the PowerPoint or MediaShout presentation, work the sound board, or work the cameras.
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2021-2022 Ministry Stewards/Officers of Board Plus Elders & Deacons
First Christian Church (DOC)
Bloomington, Illinois
Note: If you were not in attendance at the June 13, 2021, Congregational Meeting, please submit a “Yea” or “Nay” vote via email (dstumm@blmfcc.org) or telephone (309-829-9327).
OFFICERS – President: James Nussbaum
ONE (1) YR TERM Vice President: _________
Secretary: Bill Robitske
Treasurer: Brian Metz
TRUSTEES: Alan Chapman, Linda Lehmann, Becky White, Don Mahannah, Susan Cleaver
MINISTRY STEWARDS to help us use our gifts:
Administration Bldg. & Grnds Chair: John Dailey (23)
Be Faithful Stewards: -----------------
Care for Each Other: Nancy Pool (23) Vicki Hall (23)
Spiritual Growth & Education for Adults: -----------------
Minister to & with Children & Youth: -----------------
Reach Out: --------------
Worship: Linda Metz (22), Libby Nussbaum (22)
OTHER OFFICERS Nominating Committee Chairperson: Chip Jamerson
ONE 1-YR TERM BroMenn Delegates: Vicki Hall, Wannie Beard
Memorial Committee: Pete Whitmer, Pat Bozarth, John Dailey, Marcia Christensen
Historian: _________
Librarian: David Bradbury
DEACONS:
2023
Doug Reed Kathy Dailey* Patti Jamerson Chip Jamerson
Libby Nussbaum James Nussbaum Kristi Deedrick Jonathan Deedrick#
*Deacon Chair
# pending transfer of membership
ELDERS: Elders nominate their own people
2022 Deanne Bryant Madonna Courtright Karen Crusius* Rich Crusius
John Dailey Scott Fisher Valerie Fisher Marla McElroy
Robyn Loftin Ryan Newton Bill Robitske Holly Rocke
Art Taylor Camille Taylor Jill West
2023 Jeff Courtright Kenny Bland Penny Bland*
*Elder Co-Chair
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Serving Schedule
We publish serving schedules in the Friday Email.
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Contact Us
Interim Minister: Hank Anderson
- 309-863-5126
- handerson@blmfcc.org
Minister Emeritus: John Trefzger
Dir. Music & Youth Ministries:
Holly Irvin
Organ/Piano: Lou Ann Fillingham
One and All Music Coordinator:
Bill West
Communications Coordinator:
Jenifer Petri
Office Receptionist: Maggie Burton
Financial Secretary:
Deborah Stumm
Child Care Coordinator: Trish Logan
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Witness of the Faithful
May 30: $7,620.11
June 6: $12,379.67
June 13: $13,074.29
June 20: $7,325
June 27: $8,292
Prayer Concerns
Awaiting Tests: Rob Blessing
Treatment: Jim Frizzell
COVID-19:
- Chuck Smalley (home health care)
- Suzanne Summers
Aftercare:
- Helen Joyce Barclay
- Penny Bland
- Richard Brandt
- Jaci Cox
- Justin Cox
- Richard Malone
- Phyllis L. Miller (Heritage, Blm. Rehab)
- Kenneth Morgan
- Mary Smart
- Hunter Trefzger
- James Wills
Hospice:
- Marilyn Kopp
- Dorothy Sallee
Military:
- Sean Montoya (Marilyn Cope's grandson/Air Force, Belgium)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
Birth: Kennedi June Warren was born June 6 to Nici Terhune and Johnathon Warren. Grandfather is Jim Warren.
Sympathy to the family of former member and Youth Director, Sandra Mattingly, who died June 4. Her daughter's address: Robbin Mattingly, 1139 Northeast Conser Place, Corvallis, OR 97330
Please be in prayer for essential and emergency workers, of which our congregation has many.
Reminder: Please let the church office know (email office@blmfcc.org) if there’s someone who needs a call or is in the hospital. We are not always able to find out who is in the hospital directly from the hospital.
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Deadlines for Publications
Please follow these deadlines for publications to ensure that your item is included!
The Messenger (mailed the last Wednesday of the month with some exceptions)
Deadline Friday at noon before mailing date as a general rule (verify with church calendar on FCC website or in previous issue of The Messenger)
Upcoming Messengers:
- July 23 deadline for July 28 mailing
- August 20 deadline for August 25 mailing
Beyond the Bricks (mailed two weeks after the Messenger, on Wednesday)
Deadline Sunday the week of mailing
FCC Connected/Friday Email
Deadline Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
Announcements/Prayer Concerns
Deadline Thursday noon, unless it is an emergent prayer concern
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Office Phone 309-829-9327 Fax 309 829-2865
Address 401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Hours The church office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please call ahead if you plan to visit the office.
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