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
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My friends,
It is October 1st. There is nothing particularly special about that date except that I have long had the sense that once October arrives, time kicks into “warp” speed and the remainder of the year passes in a flash. A large part of this is because of the number of holidays over the next few months and the effort that goes into getting ready for them.
We measure time in definitive ways, but experience time in different ways. Growing up, I always heard that the older one gets the faster time goes by. And that has very much been my experience. As a child, the years seemed to pass by at a crawl. But as an adult, the years go by so quickly that it seems a blur.
I have been thinking about all of this recently because I have been reflecting on the events of my life. I find myself content with where I am and thankful for all that I have experienced. There have been many joys along the way. And there have been many challenges as well. The constant through it all has been my faith that God has been present throughout the journey.
Where are you in life? How have you experienced the time you have been given? What have been the constants that you have counted on? Has God been part of your journey?
God bless,
Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)
There are always a lot of questions around the book of Genesis and the Brown Bag Bible Study group is tackling at least some of them with a study that you can join any time. The group meets at 12 Noon, and you can join in-person in the church’s Conference Room or online by way of Zoom. If you would like to join by Zoom, please email Hank for the link. If you want to join in-person, you are welcome to simply come to the church. Either way, the group is open to everyone. Contact Hank for further information.
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This Sunday
Our sermon series, "It's Not 2019," (churches are living and ministering in a new age and a new reality) begins this Sunday with "This Is Not the World We Remember," taking a look at Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Hank Anderson will preach and the Drexler Singers will sing. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: West family
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Patti Jamerson
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Info Desk Attendant: Pam Yerkes
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Coffee Host: Julie Robinson
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Time for Children: Linda Lehmann, next week Heather Damery
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: Deann Anderson
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Building Lock-up: Doug Reed
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Candle Filler: Deb Bomeli
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
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Recycling: Gary and Patty Thompson
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
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October 20 Blood Drive at Eastland Mall, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., hosted by FCC (but give whenever and where ever you can due to a dire shortage of blood). Sign up today or next week at the Info Desk!
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Bed Blitz is October 9, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Come and help build beds for children in the McLean County area. This is a ministry of the West Bloomington Revitalization Project. No building expertise is required. Youth, please sign up by contacting Holly Irvin. For more information, go to www.westbloomington.org/bed-blitz. Adults may particpate -- please sign up at the WBRP website indicated.
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Interested in beginning Food & Fellowship again? See article in September 29 Messenger.
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Outreach Effort for Parkside Elementary families: Every weekend, hundreds of Bloomington-Normal children go home on Friday afternoons to empty cupboards at home. The office staff and social worker at each school try to help meet the needs of these families but operate with limited resources. Various area churches help support these efforts with food drives. FCC has an opportunity to partner with Parkside Elementary in Normal to participate each month in collecting specific items that will be given to the families in need. The list for October items will be coming out soon. Please donate as you are able.
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Outreach Effort for Compassion Closet takes place through October. Please see The Messenger from September 29 for items needed. A bin will be at the Info Desk for donations.
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Outreach effort for Bent School for those times "accidents happen." Needed are new underwear for both girls and boys in youth sizes from 5 to 14, as well as sweatpants, jeans, regular long pants, and shorts (in warmer weather) for both girls and boys. Tops that match are also helpful. Please see more details in this document.
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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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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).
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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.
All in the building are required to mask at all times. Note about choir: There are three feet between singers, and all wear masks. Singers are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Rehearsals are 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.
Note about Maggie Burton: We were saddened to receive word this week that Maggie Burton has accepted a full-time position with the Mennonite Church of Normal. Her last day in the church office will be October 8.
Maggie has served First Christian Church well for over three years, and she will be greatly missed. For many, she was the first person they would see upon entering the church during the week. While our congregation will miss her greatly, we know that she will be a blessing to the Mennonite congregation. We pray all of God’s blessings upon her future endeavors.
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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