All In-Person Worship and Church Activities Suspended Until Further Notice
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Live streaming
We are live streaming, or broadcasting, at 9:00 a.m., a form of Sunday service each week, featuring a sermon by Rev. Jim Warren, music, and a Time for Children. You can watch from our website homepage, as well as on Facebook. On our website, scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and see that the current or most recent broadcast is toward the top of the selections there. You can also watch older broadcasts. If you use Facebook, just go to our Facebook Page and see the broadcast start a few minutes before 9:00 a.m.
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Office Hours
(suspended during the quarantine)
are listed at the bottom of each
Messenger
issue.
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August
:
- In-person services are replaced by live streamed worship each Sunday
- August 16: Blessing of the Backpacks
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FCC Swag!
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 $5 for your use and for ministry projects. Contact Jen Petri at info@blmfcc.org to purchase a bag.
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Face Masks
Are you in need of a cloth face mask? Michelle Kiesewetter is making them and offers them for FCC members/friends who have a need. You may email her at
mlkiese@yahoo.com
.
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A long obedience in the same direction…
Attractional or Missional?
Another store is leaving Eastland Mall. Justice, a clothing store for tween girls, has gone into bankruptcy and is set to close soon. It’s joining the ranks of Sears, Bergner’s, and Macy’s that have already left the mall. The retailing world is changing rapidly as malls give way to online retailers like Amazon.
Some church observers have compared the contemporary North American church to mall retail stores. Like mall stores, the church hasn’t kept up to date with changes in American society. The product of the stores, like tween girls’ clothing in the case of Justice, is still wanted, but the stores’ methods have lagged behind. Similarly, the “product” of our churches, the love of God in Jesus Christ, is still very much needed, but our methods haven’t kept pace with the changes in the American religious landscape.
One area where this is seen is in the shift from being an attractional church to being a missional church. Let me explain what those strange terms mean.
An attractional church is one that seeks to attract people to it. These churches project a welcoming, hospitable feeling to those who attend. They focus on their building because, after all, they need to have something to which people will be attracted. They advertise to bring more people into the church. Picture a church with big arrows pointing toward it. That’s an attractional church.
Being an attractional church has worked well for a long time, and many aspects of such a church need to be maintained. For instance, a church has to continue to practice gracious hospitality to all who come to it. But there is a fundamental shift in which direction the church focuses. Picture a church with big arrows pointing out from it.
That’s a missional church. Missional churches are churches that engage in mission into their neighborhoods and world. They are externally focused, seeking to make a difference in the lives of those outside the church. They want to bring the love of Christ into the world. They spend less time on their members and more time on those outside the church who need to experience God’s love in tangible ways.
Missional churches sponsor food pantries, engage in outreach in their neighborhoods, and encourage their members to be actively involved in the community, among many other things. They create opportunities for those who are part of the church and those who are not to work alongside each other in addressing the needs of the community. That’s what a missional church does.
The shift taking place in North American churches is from being an attractional church, a church with the arrows pointing inward, to a missional church, a church with the arrows pointing outward.
How well do you think First Christian Church is poised to make that shift? I see our strong historical commitment to outreach as an indication that we can become a more missional, more outwardly focused church. I’d love to hear what you think.
As our churches come back from COVID-19 and go on with their lives, how will the church be different? What will stay the same? Will we be part of the shift from attractional to missional?
Jim Warren
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News from the FCC Board
The FCC Board met via Zoom, July 20th, to conduct the business of the church. The FCC financial report was largely positive with less operational expenses due to being closed for in-person worship and other functions. Although our pledged giving is down about 6%, that position had improved from down approximately 10% last month. I echo the words of our Treasurer, “A big thank you to the congregation for fulfilling your financial commitment to FCC.”
FCC continues to be very active during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our livestreamed worship service on Sunday has great attendance and this worship service has been expanded to include music and a time for children, in addition to announcements and Jim’s message. Jim offers inspiring messages on Tuesday and Thursday each week from a variety of locations. Several small groups continue to meet at different times and intervals. In most cases, they are studying a book or the Bible. These small groups also provide social outlets, in addition to spiritual study.
The Board heard an update from our Nomination Committee that is attempting to fill a few positions for our 2020 – 2021 church year. We continue to struggle some with a few Ministry Steward positions and Deacons. Interest level is low because of the current pandemic, where our church has a different feel while we worship differently. However, we would like to emerge from the pandemic in a position of strength in service to God, our church, and our community. If you have interest in serving, please read a specific article about our open positions in this month’s Messenger. Please consider and listen to what God is telling you about serving.
Our Re-Opening Team has been meeting since mid-June to discuss everything related to bringing people back into our church building for worship. We have been talking about re-opening this Fall, possibly sometime in September. These thoughts are not set in stone and our thinking could be adjusted later if current pandemic conditions deteriorate or our Governor issues new guidance. The safety of our congregation and our church staff is paramount to any decision. We plan to continue livestreaming worship for those that prefer it.
We closed our meeting talking about outreach. Have you reached out to another member during this period of not physically seeing others of our congregation? If not, please join the FCC Board in selecting a minimum of two members each and just giving them a call to reach out and check their health and spiritual well-being.
Peace,
Joe Bandy
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FCC
Ministry Priorities and News
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VBS 2020
will not take place. We look forward to what is hoped to be a full week of learning and fun in 2021!
Blessing of the Backpacks
Holly Irvin will send backpack zipper pulls to FCC school age children/youth. If you are not on our mailing list or you have a friend who attends FCC worship or events with you, please send the address(es) so Holly can include everyone. On August 16 the zipper pulls will be blessed during Time for Children during worship. Email addresses to Holly at hirvin@blmfcc.org.
CCIW Church Camp
was cancelled for summer 2020, but many campers ordered a Walter's Camp Treasure Box - a collection of Camp Walter Scott branded and camp inspired items and activities curated by CWS directors and staff! Did you know that Averie Kiesewetter designed the winning entry for the t-shirt included in that box? Here is her design
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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
This weekly study group meets on Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. using Zoom. The topic is the scripture for the upcoming Sunday. Contact Debbie Stumm at
ds
tumm@blmfcc.org
to join!
Small Groups
Small groups continue to offer us another way to connect with one another. As the state gradually reopens we gain some new options. For example, the Fishers’ Wednesday evening group has been meeting at Fairview Park (still socially distanced, of course). Many other groups are still meeting via Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts, but it is by no means “virtual.” No matter how we gather, it remains “real” fellowship.
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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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Senior Essential Bags
On June 25 a group gathered in Fellowship Hall to assemble Senior Essential Bags, which were delivered to local church friends who we felt may need an extra reminder that we are thinking about them. The gifts were well-received and you can read some of our friends’ responses farther down in this newsletter.
Mission Projects:
Greenhouse Project
In late August we may be building a greenhouse for Sunnyside Gardens. Funding is still being worked on and they will let us know a definite date. This will be a pre-designed greenhouse that will just need some willing helpers to assemble it.
Mission Trip
to Appalachia is on for October 11-16. The trip will be to Southeastern Kentucky. Anyone interested will need to fill out some forms and have a background check done. Forms can be completed at
https://capgroupscv.campbrainregistration.com/
. Please contact Mike Robinson if you are interested, at 309-275-5908.
Also, be thinking about another Reach Out project for Christmas similar to the Red Bags for our Seniors. Our situation with COVID will be our determining factor.
Julie Robinson, serving as
Extended Ministry Steward - Reach Out
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Gifts for Another Table
Please hold onto items you've gathered for the Boys & Girls Club, and bring them when we return to church.
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Property Use
– Help our property become a resource to the community and an entry point
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Boys & Girls Club continues to use designated areas of the building this summer. Fibers of Love plans to begin using other areas of the lower level of the church after the end of 2020.
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Red Cross Blood Drive
A bl
ood drive is scheduled for October 20 (Tuesday).
The Red Cross is in dire need of blood so please consider donating during this difficult time. -- Wholistic Health Council
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Nominating Committee News
The nominating committee is working on filling open positions for the upcoming church terms. If you have an interest in lending your talents or know of someone that would, please contact Nominating Committee chairperson Chip Jamerson at
cjamerson@gmail.com
or at (309) 531-9206.
Be Faithful Stewards (2 year term)
- In this position, the candidate will work with current ministry steward Nancy Pool on planning, organizing, and carrying out an annual financial campaign to support the general fund and to encourage deeper levels of stewardship.
Grow Spiritually Every Day (Adult Education) (2 year term)
- In this position, the candidate will work with current ministry steward Stephanie Kiesewetter to promote and facilitate the spiritual growth of individuals and groups at FCC.
Ministering to and with Children and Youth (2 year term)
- In this position, the candidate will work with current ministry steward Gregg Kiesewetter and Director of Music and Youth Rev. Holly Irvin to provide opportunities for children and youth such as Sunday School, youth group, VBS, and Worship and Wonder.
Reach Out (2 year term)
- Reach Out has a twofold purpose: One is to encourage our congregation to reach out to those in need “from our doorsteps to the end of the world.” The other is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and invite people outside of the church to experience God’s love. Preferably, two individuals are needed for this ministry.
Historian (1 year term)
- The candidate will work to organize and maintain the Historical Room. Examples would be clipping/printing and filing newspaper articles involving First Christian Church and filing any historical materials from the church office.
Deacons (2 year term)
- We would still like to have 8-10 more deacons for the upcoming church terms. Deacons are primarily responsible for the preparation and distribution of the elements of Holy Communion and the collection of the congregation’s weekly offering. Deacons normally serve in 7-8 services over the entire year. This is a combination of the Traditional Service and the One and All Service. For example, one may serve at 4 Traditional Services and 4 One and All Services. Those could be served on the same Sunday or spread out over 8 Sundays. Deacons sign up for the Sundays and services that fit into their schedules.
Note: The congregational meeting that would have happened in April will be postponed until further notice. Officers will be voted on at that meeting. In the meantime, the current officers will continue to serve, as voted on in the May Board meeting.
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Tech Team News
We have some exciting new equipment in the balcony that we’ve been using for the live streamed services and we’d love to teach you how to use it. When we get back to services held in the church, we typically have a three-person crew. We have a person who runs the computer power point presentation, another who works the sound board, and a third (and sometimes fourth) working the cameras.
If you are interested in learning a new skill and helping out, please email James Nussbaum (
masterbimmertech@gmail.com
) or Brian Metz (
medzy65@gmail.com
). With our new equipment, things are pretty simple and working any one of the three aspects is easy, and no preparation is needed before Sunday’s service.
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Food & Fellowship
Fall, 2020
In consultation with four of our regular ‘lunchers’ we concluded that suspending Food and Fellowship at least through end of 2020 is the safest course of action.
We will continue to evaluate as the year progresses with hope to be able to again meet for lunch on the 3
rd
Thursday beginning in January.
Watch The
Messenger
for updates and ~~ Be Safe!
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A Note from Our Trustees
Scholarship Available
Former First Christian Church members Dr. Richard and Lois Manahan have 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 ISU for the 2020 Fall semester are eligible to apply. Consideration will be given to active participation in the ministries and programs of the church. Please submit a letter of interest and your class schedule to Alan Chapman, Chair of Trustees, 410 N. Grove St., Normal, IL 61761 by Monday, August 17. All applicants will be interviewed by a committee of the Trustees, in a manner consistent with current guidance and protocols regarding COVID-19.
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Thank You Notes
To Our Church Family, Leonard and I thank you for helping us celebrate our 70th wedding anniversary. Your cards, notes, calls, and prayers were such thoughtful gifts. Know we are grateful to be a part of First Christian and do pray for the accepting, loving, caring, and giving congregation. In Christian Love, Leonard & Charlene Maupin
Thank you so much for adopting me into your church family First Christian Church. While my time there was short, it was an extremely memorable experience. You have helped me find myself and go farther in my spiritual voyage. Thank you for all you have given me. Sam Gustafson
Dear FCC Friends, I have been richly blessed by your many cards of sympathy and notes of caring and love, and especially your kind messages about Neil that spoke of his service and his humble devotion to God and the church. Lovingly, Dorothy Sallee
Dear Friends, Thank you for thinking of me, the many birthday cards, the Easter cards, as well as get well thoughts. You reminded me I was never alone while being quarantined. You have continually blessed me all the 75 years of my membership. Gratefully, Mickey Armstrong
Dear Friends, Thank you for your prayers for our congregation. We are appreciative of this regional ministry to pray for one another. God bless your congregation! In Christ, Rev. Deborah Owen, Disciples of Christ Community Church, Champaign, IL
A large thanks to all who gave at the blood drive Friday, July 10. It was a challenging drive and special thanks go to Pete Whitmer for calling previous donors, and John Dailey for setting up for the drive. Fellowship Hall was very warm and not very conducive for our donors. John came to the rescue with many fans to cool off the area. Thanks so much. Wholistic Health Council: Vicki Hall, Tammy Koszyk, and Lois Lipscomb
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Senior Essential Bags Responses
My dear friends: It is with joy running over that I thank you straight from my heart for the assortment of useful goodies! Unexpected moments like these are cherished beyond words. Over the many years (over 75) First Christian has been the foundation of my spiritual life. With His love, Mickey Armstrong
Thanks a bunch for the “bunch of goodies” that were delivered. I was amazed at how many items had been included. I am very grateful. I know a lot of thought and hard work went into this project. In Christ's love, Gail Corbett
Dear Church Family: Thanks for the Goody Bag that I got last week. It has so many useful things in it. I quit driving so it is hard to get out to shop. My family is good to help me get the supplies I need. I am enjoying getting the church services on the church website. COVID 19 is so upsetting. I am well and so far my family, too. I pray that no one gets it, and that everyone at church will stay well, too. Sincerely, Zoe Iutzi
WOW - What a great bag you sent to me – a great survivor's bag!! It had everything I ever needed and some I'll use later. Thanks for thinking of me. I surely dislike not being able to come to FCC anymore. But I think of all the good “ole” times we had there!! THANK YOU over and over again! I wish you could see all of my birds!! Lotsa love, Mary Lou Mercier
THANK YOU. The bag is wonderful. I miss going to church. I needed the stamps. Dorthy Neal
I want to say thank you to everyone who prepared the gift bag. The assortment of items was wonderful. I'm not sure if I will still be able to color between the lines but will give it a try. Of course the munchies disappeared quickly and were enjoyed greatly. Thanks to Camille and Art for delivering the bag. It was great seeing a familiar face, other than my medical group, and to feel connected to the church family again. God bless you all. Bettie Schultz
Dear Friends of the First Christian Church, Thank you so much for the Red Bag filled with “goodies.” I enjoyed the things that were inside. It was such a joy to look at all the items. It was very uplifting after being in quarantine for so long. Thanks Again, Doris Thompson
Thanks for remembering – it was so kind of you! Thanks so much for the care package. We really appreciated you thinking of us. It meant so much. We are doing well and keeping safe. The church service online is keeping us connected. Stay safe and our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one. Dick & Shirley Wey
“How great is your name, O Lord, through all the earth.” Psalm 8:1. Let us be grateful to a church who makes us happy. “They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” (by Marcel Proust) Thank You! Pete Whitmer
Thank you for the goodie bag. Very nice thought! Ty Whitmer
Dear Church Friends, I have missed seeing all of you during this long time of separation due to the Corona Virus. It was such a wonderful surprise to walk into my apartment to see a big red shopping bag from First Christian Church on my counter filled with all kinds of thoughtful gifts from my church family. I found stamps, envelopes, cards, writing utensils, games, goodies, note cards, health items, and more! WOW! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful church family. I miss seeing friends at worship, hearing our great organist, and listening to my favorite pastor, Jim Warren. I can't wait till we get the “all clear” and can meet again. Christ's love, Shirley Wotherspoon
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Serving Schedule
We will publish serving schedules when it is determined we will resume in-person worship.
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Contact Us
Senior Pastor:
James Warren
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
Worship and Wonder Storyteller/Sexton:
Susan Sanders
- 217 931-2430
- suznwally@hotmail.com
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Witness of the Faithful
June 28 $21,173.05
July 5 $8,947.04
July 12 $8,299.70
July 19 $4,432.70
July 26 $25,368.70
Prayer Concerns
Treatment:
Awaiting Tests/Surgery:
Richard Malone
Aftercare:
- Wannie Beard
- Sabrina Campos
- Max Chapman
- Niola Daily
- William Etchison
- Laurie Heermance
- Logan Janvrin
- Phyllis L. Miller (Heritage, Blm. Rehab #166)
- Connie Rapp
- Brennon Reed
- Ethan Rocke
- Marty Sallee
- Charles Smalley
- Mary Smart
- Betty Steinlicht
- Hunter Trefzger
Hospice:
Military:
- Sean Montoya (Air Force, Belgium)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
New Baby:
Jose Luise Jr. Lopez III was born July 9 in Phoenix, AZ, to Natasha Tavares and Jose Luise Jr. Lopez II. Great-great uncle is David Bradbury.
Sympathy
to
:
- Beverly Leight and family on the July 26 death of her husband, Al Leight
- Leonard (Charlene) Maupin and family on the July 23 death of his brother, Robert Maupin, of Arrowsmith
Please be in prayer for essential and emergency workers, of which our congregation has many.
Reminder
:
Please let the church office know if there’s someone who needs a call or is in the hospital. Email
office@blmfcc.org
.
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Deadlines for Publications
Please follow these deadlines for publications to ensure that your item is included!
The Messenger
(mailed 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
:
- August 21 deadline for August 26 mailing
- September 25 deadline for September 30 mailing
FCC Connected
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 office is currently closed every day out of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff members are working from home as needed.
Normally, t
he office is open
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
The office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. The best times to contact the church office are while Maggie is there, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
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