December 3, 2021
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.
The Friday Email
This Weekend at First Christian Church
My friends,

Especially for Disciples, the most important and most meaningful time of worship is communion. I remember reading some old board minutes from a previous church. These notes dated back to the very early 1900s, long before air conditioning. They reported that one August it was so hot that it was dangerous for people to be out and about. They didn't want to cancel worship, but they wanted to shorten it a great deal. So, they gathered for a couple of hymns and to have communion. That was the one part of the service that they were unwilling to eliminate.

There is much more to say about communion than there is room for in this article. But communion reminds us of the love and the grace of Jesus Christ. The full extent of Jesus' love was seen in his willingness to go to the cross. We partake of the bread and the cup because Jesus asked us to do so in remembrance of him. Communion also reminds us that Jesus' love is for all people, regardless of who they are. And that is the reason that Disciples have not put a limit on who can participate in the Lord's Supper. The table is open to all. And in communion, we are reminded of our connection to one another as the body of Christ.

Communion is powerful because through the bread and the cup we experience Jesus in a way that is unlike any other. As a result, for Disciples, communion is both the heart and the high point of worship.
God bless,
Hank
Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)

The group has begun the new weekly study for Advent, "The Journey." The group meets at noon on Wednesdays 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.
This Sunday

Advent continues this Sunday. Hank Anderson will preach on "Joseph of Bethlehem" (Matthew 1:18-24) as we continue "The Journey," following the footsteps of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and others, in order to gain insight into our own journey with Jesus Christ.

It is Music Sunday! The choir, with Drexler Singers, will sing. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m. Attend if you can, as after worship we have our "usually-annual" Tasting Party in the Centrum. Bring a holiday treat to share, if you wish, but please come enjoy tastes of the season. Thank you to Vicki Hall for organizing the event.


Serving Schedule
  • Registration: Nussbaum Family
  • Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Doug Reed
  • Elders: Kenny Bland, Penny Bland ; Visiting Elders Kenny Bland, Penny Bland
  • Info Desk Attendant: Marcia Christensen
  • Coffee Host: Vicki Hall, Nancy Pool (Tasting Party)
  • Time for Children: Heather Damery, next week Linda Lehmann
  • Worship & Wonder Greeter: Heather Damery
  • Building Lock-up: Chip Jamerson
  • Candle Filler: Ryan Newton, Kathie Chapman
  • Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz, James Nussbaum
  • Recycling: Gary and Patty Thompson, Marty Sallee
Looking Ahead and Ongoing

Calendar Update:
  • Music Sunday and Tasting Party this Sunday, December 5: Invite your friends and prepare some treats to share on this musical, delicious Sunday at FCC!
  • Youth Scavenger Hunt Christmas Party December 12: See details in The Messenger, sent December 1.
  • Stewardship 2022: Emails and letters were sent out about financial commitments to FCC and we ask that you respond ASAP. Here is a link to the pledge form on the website. Pledge. Thank you for your involvement in the future of the church!
  • Poinsettias:  If you would like to provide a poinsettia for the sanctuary during Advent, please see the form at the bottom of this email.
  • Christmas Cards: As we've done in the past, we encourage you to send one card to the church as a way of greeting all your FCC friends (instead of sending individual cards), including a check for the saved postage. If you choose to do this, please make a notation on the check "Camp Walter Scott," where the money will be sent after the holidays for all the good ministries of the camp. Cards will be placed on display in a basket or in the windows between the Narthex and sanctuary.

Outreach Efforts:
  • 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 this Sunday, December 5.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
"The Journey" Ornaments: These ornaments were mailed to members and friends, 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 this Sunday's Music Sunday and Tasting Party, 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.
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.
Staying Connected
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.

Supporting Each Other
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
Pray for our church family! Prayer Concerns December 3, 2021

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).
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.
 
We continue to monitor the situation. Please read future publications in order to know proper and updated protocol. Learn more about COVID-19 numbers anytime at https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/708/CORONAVIRUS-COVID-19
Questions and Answers
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. 
Financial Secretary: Deborah Stumm dstumm@blmfcc.org
Communications Coordinator: Jen Petri info@blmfcc.org
Director of Music and Youth Ministries: Holly Irvin hirvin@blmfcc.org

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