September 24, 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,

I appreciated the presentation by the Transition Team this past Sunday. This is a great group to work with and they are serving this congregation well.

It is always difficult at this stage because it is difficult for most people to be able to see what is happening. The work that the Transition Team is doing is currently background work. But this group is working. As James mentioned on Sunday morning, they have been meeting just about every two weeks. We are currently working on the priorities for this interim period. You will be hearing much more about this in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, a lot of other things are happening in the church. One interesting thing that has developed is that between outside groups, our administrative type groups (committees, board, elders, etc.) and our church's small groups, we have had to hustle to find enough places for the various groups to meet--especially at night! Obviously, in a facility this size, we don't have a space problem. What we do have, however, is a space utilization issue.

As a result, we are currently converting the old associate minister's office--which is currently unused--into a meeting area for smaller groups within the congregation. We are also repurposing a room that is readily accessible downstairs (below the Conference Room) into another meeting room for larger groups. These changes will allow us to more comfortably host a variety of groups and organizations.

There is certainly a lot that yet needs to happen, but there is also a lot that is beginning to happen. And this will become more evident in the coming weeks as well.

Please continue to pray for your church and leadership--both lay leadership and clergy--as we continue to move forward.

God bless,
Hank
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 will tackle at least some of them with a new study beginning Wednesday, September 29. 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.
This Sunday

Our sermon series, "The One Anothers," concludes this Sunday with "Honor One Another," taking a look at Colossians 3:12-14. Hank Anderson will preach and the Drexler Singers will sing. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m.

Serving Schedule
  • Registration: Rita Fisher
  • Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Kathy Dailey
  • Info Desk Attendant: Mary Helen Haskell
  • Coffee Host: Bill Robitske
  • Time for Children: Camille Taylor, next week Linda Lehmann
  • Worship & Wonder Greeter: Vicki Hall
  • Building Lock-up: Doug Reed
  • Candle Filler: Marla McElroy
  • Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
  • Recycling: Gary and Patty Thompson (thank you for signing up!)


Looking Ahead and Ongoing

Calendar Update:
  • October 20 Blood Drive at Eastland Mall hosted by FCC (but give whenever and where ever you can due to a dire shortage of blood). Details and signups start soon!
  • 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 by September 26. For more information, contact Holly (Hirvin@blmfcc.org) or go to www.westbloomington.org/bed-blitz. Adults may particpate -- please sign up at the WBRP website indicated.
  • Interested in beginning Food & Fellowship again? See article in September 29 Messenger.
  • Outreach Effort for Parkside Elementary families: Every weekend, hundreds of BloNo 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.
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 current 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 September 24, 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.

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 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. 
Office Receptionist: Maggie Burton office@blmfcc.org       
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.

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.