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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Dear Church family,
This Sunday, of course, begins a special time in the life of the church--the season of Advent. At the heart of Advent is worship, and over the past several weeks I have been writing about the different parts of our typical worship service. This week, I focus on the sermon.
As most everyone recognizes, the sermon takes up more time in the service than any other portion. The sermon has several purposes. They include: to teach, to encourage, to invite people to faith, to challenge people to think in new ways, and to offer a "prophetic" word. Naturally, not every sermon tries to take on every one of these purposes every time.
Some preachers use what is called the "lectionary" to guide their preaching. The lectionary is a system devised so that over a period of three years, most of the Bible is covered in worship and in preaching. Other preachers work out their own system that may include sermons on various topics and/or series of sermons. I tend towards the latter, though from time to time I will look to the lectionary.
Most preachers, including me, spend a considerable amount of time preparing a message for a given Sunday. I can't really say how many hours I spend each week, but most weeks I spend more time on sermon research and preparation than any other one thing.
There is much more that could be said on this subject, but the above is a bit of an introduction. Those who listen to sermons each week may appreciate one preaching style more than another, but every preacher I have ever known takes preaching seriously and seeks to follow God's leading in the messages they bring. And it is important that listeners and preacher alike understand both of those realities.
God bless,
Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)
The group is on break presently, but will gather to begin a new weekly study on Wednesday, December 1. For Advent, the group will be doing the "The Journey" study. The group meets at 12 Noon, and you can join in-person in the church’s upstairs 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
Advent begins this Sunday. Hank Anderson will preach on "Mary of Nazareth" (Luke 1:26-38) as we begin "The Journey," following the footsteps of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and others, in order to gain insight into our own journey with Jesus Christ.
The choir, with Drexler Singers, will sing. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m. There will be no Worship & Wonder this Sunday.
Next Sunday, December 5, is a special Music Sunday followed by Tasting Party. See more information below.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Chapman Family
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Chip Jamerson
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Elders: Art Taylor, Camille Taylor ; Visiting Elders Jeff Courtright, Madonna Courtright
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Info Desk Attendant: Mary Helen Haskell
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Coffee Host: Doug Reed
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Time for Children: Matt Chapman, next week Heather Damery
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: No Worship & Wonder this week
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Building Lock-up: Chip Jamerson
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Candle Filler: Becky White
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
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Recycling: Gary and Patty Thompson, Marty Sallee
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Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
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Music Sunday and Tasting Party December 5: Invite your friends and prepare some treats to share on this musical, delicious Sunday at FCC!
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Stewardship 2022: Emails and letters were sent out about financial commitments to FCC and we ask that you respond by November 30. Here is a link to the pledge form on the website. Pledge. Thank you for your involvement in the future of the church!
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Poinsettias: If you would like to provide a poinsettia for the sanctuary during Advent, please see the form at the bottom of this email.
Outreach Efforts:
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Mitten Tree for Local School Children: The Polycarps small group has organized a “scarf/mitten/ glove/hat tree” drive. Please donate new items for children grades K-12. There is an artificial Christmas tree in the Centrum (look for the "Baby It's Cold Outside" sign) where you can learn more and where donations can be left. The donations will go to children in need at our local schools. The drive will continue through December 5.
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Food Drive for Parkside Elementary families: To help hundreds of local families, FCC is partnering with Parkside Elementary in Normal by collecting specific items that will be given to the families in need: Disposable child size masks, Fruit cups, Peanut butter and Jelly, Single serve mac & cheese,Nutrition bars, Single serve peanut butter or Nutella, Pop tarts, Single serve cereal or oatmeal, Chef Boyardee single serve meals, Cuties, Single serve snacks like chips, cookies, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks... Thank you for donating as you are able. Please place items on the designated table in the Centrum.
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Clothing Drive for Compassion Closet (BroMenn): We are collecting new COMFORTABLE -- STRETCHY (see the list of items needed in The Messenger) clothing for patients who are leaving Carle BroMenn Hospital. Some of the patients who come in on an emergency basis do not have clothing to leave in. A tub is available near the Info Desk for donations. Note this will be an ongoing ministry. Sweatshirts, sweatpants, knit t-shirts, knit elastic waist pants, or shorts for men and women are needed. Items need to be new. The greatest need is for larger sizes.
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Clothing/Funds 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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"The Journey" Ornaments: These ornaments were mailed to members and friends last week, and we hope you'll keep one for yourself and give one away as a friendly and beautiful way to invite a friend to FCC for our various Advent and Christmas events. On the back of the ornament is a schedule mentioning Music Sunday and the Tasting Party on December 5, and the Christmas Eve service.
Please share your extra ornament, and come to worship at FCC this Sunday and throughout Advent, where more will be available. They can also be picked up in the office during the week.
May you and yours have a blessed Advent.
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Who is on the prayer list? Who are the folks prayed for on Sunday mornings? Since services are live streamed and can be seen by anyone, for privacy's sake last names are not mentioned. If you would like to see who is on the comprehensive prayer list, go to the light blue "Supporting Each Other" section below, where each week you can find a link to the Prayer Concerns for the current week.
Incidentally, there is a link to a church directory in that section, as well.
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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 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 Deborah 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.
How do I learn more about what the Church Board is doing or about the church's finances?
Board Minutes and Financial Reports are available on request. Please contact Deborah Stumm dstumm@blmfcc.org or call the church office.
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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Poinsettias If you would like to provide a poinsettia for the sanctuary during Advent, please provide the following information to the church office, or place this form in the offering basket, with $14.
Name: ________________________________________
Given in memory of or in honor of (circle choice):
______________________________________________
___ In lieu of a poinsettia, I would like my donation to be given to the Christmas offering
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