As we now worship in person for those who choose to attend, we resume the Friday Email and its efforts to inform you about what you need to know before coming to church on Sunday.
We hope you are finding FCC Connected and the resources and news within helpful. Please remember to read to the end for FCC plans for the future! Updated, important, and new information is highlighted in aqua.
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Being Church Together
(at FCC or at Home)
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This combination Friday Email/Connected newsletter is a resource for accomplishing "Being Church Together" whether you are at home or on the church premises, or anywhere you might find yourself now and in the future.
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Dear Christian Friends,
My boys began their summer baseball season last night. It felt good to be back at the baseball diamond watching a game under the lights. Summer must really be here!
We have some new guidelines for worship beginning this Sunday, and you can read about them in more detail elsewhere in this Friday email. There are changes in wearing masks and in congregational singing. Make sure you read up on them if you’re coming to worship Sunday.
What do you have planned for the summer? Are you travelling? Staying close to home? Whatever you are planning, make sure worship is part of your summer. You can attend either in person or through Facebook or our church’s website. I’ll look forward to seeing you there!
Stay cool today!
Your friend in Christ,
Jim Warren
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NEW! Changes Issued by the Re-Opening Team Important! Please be aware of and follow these new guidelines:
- Entry: We will continue to have one entry point for church worshipers at the north parking lot entrance (elevator foyer). This will allow us to perform registration of worshipers so that we can contact trace, if necessary. Hand sanitizer will continue to be available throughout the church.
- Masks: We are going to go with a mask optional approach going forward. Those that are not vaccinated should wear a mask. There will be signs posted indicating that if you have not received the COVID vaccination, you should wear your masks. See note below about singing to determine if you want to bring a mask.
- Sanctuary: The ropes on the pews in the sanctuary will remain at this time. Should attendance exceed current seating capacity, the ropes can be removed to accommodate.
- Communion: We will continue communion in the current fashion using the all-in-one wafer and juice unit. Please pick up the communion unit prior to entering the sanctuary.
- Singing, Praying, and Responsive Reading: All will be allowed; however, please use a mask while doing these activities.
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Childcare: We will resume childcare on June 13th , if possible. We will offer child care on June 27th for Jim’s retirement service and reception.
- Fellowship: Fellowship after church will be permitted and encouraged if you feel comfortable participating. Coffee and donuts will again be offered as soon as possible.
- The church building will be open for events, meetings, and activities. If you are wanting to have something at church, please get in touch with Maggie to reserve your day and time. We ask that everyone clean the area used with the provided materials so it will be ready for the next use.
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This Sunday
The sermon for this Sunday is "Everything is New," and the scripture is II Corinthians 5:17. Jim Warren says, "Much has changed in our world and in our church since I came in 1998. This sermon will survey some of the changes and affirm that God is the constant in our changes."
After the 9:00 a.m. service there will be a Congregational Meeting to vote on the proposed candidates for church Elders and other leadership positions. Every member vote is needed. Please come worship, and stay for the meeting.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Reed Family, Bethany Warren
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Marla McElroy
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Info Desk Attendant: Martha Hunter
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Time for Children: Patty Thompson, next week Linda Lehmann
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Building Lock-up: John Dailey
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
Reach Out Collection for Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club can use homemade cookies, and is in need of paper products (paper towels, large garbage bags, sturdy paper plates, napkins), as well as glue sticks, markers, colored pencils, and crayons. Leave cookies in the main level kitchen (marked clearly for the Boys & Girls Club) and bring the other items to the Info Desk area on Sunday mornings. Thank you!
Looking Ahead
GOT THE DATE SAVED? JUNE 27, 2021 is THE DATE
Rev. Jim Warren is retiring. Help send Jim on his way to a well-deserved retirement. The day will begin with worship at 10:30 a.m. that will include a “SHORT reflection” (his words) from Jim. There will be great music and some surprises. A reception will follow the service in Fellowship Hall where you will have a chance to have a brief greeting with Jim.
The plan for Jim’s reception is for masks and social distancing to be in place. We will be monitoring the number of people in Fellowship Hall at any one time, as needed. We encourage you to thank Jim and congratulate him in a timely manner so others can do the same. The special message cards you should have received by now are also available at the Info Desk.
Open Mic Night via Zoom organized by AllianceQ Ministry. Listen to stories of Pride on June 24 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Link and more details to follow.
Photos Needed for Father's Day On June 20 we will celebrate fathers. Please submit photos (we already have many of them from prior Father's Days), if you wish, to info@blmfcc.org (deadline for submission is June 14).
FCC Summer Blood Drive July 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Eastland Mall. Pete Whitmer will be contacting previous donors by phone. You may also sign up by calling Maggie Burton in our church office. Watch for more information.
FCC Office Is Now Partially Staffed
The church office is staffed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 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, please.
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Did You Know?
When you attend worship at First Christian Church the screen at the front of the sanctuary may have some blank space on it. That space is used to provide a "collage" view of what is happening in worship for those watching the live stream. For example, when you see hymn lyrics on the side of the screen, those who worship at home see the hymn lyrics as well as an inset of the singer leading the hymn. There will be exceptions to this general design, but this explains why words are as small as they are on hymn and scripture slides most Sundays.
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Small Groups: Many FCC small groups continue to meet this summer over Zoom , Skype, and Discord. Is your small group meeting? Perhaps you'd like to join a group or start a new group.
The Brown Bag Bible Bunch has resumed meeting on Wednesdays at noon in the Conference Room at FCC and is led by Rev. Jim Warren. The topic of study each week is the upcoming Sunday's scripture, and all are welcome.
As always, contact Bill Robitske for help, and go to our website to learn more about Small Groups and study material available for groups to use. You may want to join a group or get a new one started, online or in-person, this spring.
Video Updates from Jim Warren: Check Tuesdays and Thursdays on Facebook and our website homepage for a short video from Jim Warren. If you haven't seen these yet, they are always available for viewing on our website, on the Watch FCC page.
Worship Online: Watch the live streamed 9:00 a.m. service each Sunday morning if you are not in attendance at FCC. Not only will Rev. Jim Warren keep us apprised of what's happening in the life of the church, he will share wisdom and faith-filled teaching. Each week, expect wonderful music and a Time for Children, as well as communion. Tune in on our Facebook page or on our website homepage.
Stay Connected through Swag: What connects people more than beautiful items that remind them, and their friends, of their great church community?
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An FCC T-Shirt is available for ordering! What a great Christmas gift idea! Adult, youth, and FCC kid styles are available for just $10 each. Order HERE.
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FCC grocery bags are also available for purchase, and for just $2 (or 3 for $5). If you need bags, contact Jen Petri at info@blmfcc.org.
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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.
Don't forget you can access an updated church directory below and reach out by phone, text, email, or US mail to a church friend.
Please fill out the sign-in sheets at the doors to the church if you must come on premises during hours other than Sunday morning. It is important to know what areas were used and for what purpose to ensure proper cleaning.
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). Happy 90+ birthday to:
- Marilyn Cope (90 on June 3)
- Glenn Metz (90 on June 18)
- Dorothy Sallee (90 on June 20)
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Being a Part of the Community |
Pray: In addition to praying for your church, pray for your community, and all affected by the pandemic, especially those at the greatest risk and the health care workers who get exposed to this virus every day.
Follow the CDC Guidelines for Prevention: These include knowing how it spreads, knowing how to protect yourself, and knowing how to protect others. It is important to read the guidelines often for updates that are made. CDC Guidelines for Prevention
Share News about Local Resources and Events: Many agencies, groups, and organizations are finding ways to help in a tangible way, and you can inform friends and family of these resources and opportunities. You can help, too! A few are listed below.
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Attend the Miller Park Zoo Birthday Event Saturday, June 12, from noon to 3:00 p.m. There will be activities throughout the zoo to celebrate the zoo’s 130th Birthday! Enjoy crafts, vendors, and food to purchase. Free with paid admission. (Zoo Birthday)
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Lunchtime concerts feature quality musical entertainment during the noon hour at Wither’s Park in downtown Bloomington (corner of East and Washington Streets). Attend Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Concerts are free. (Concert Series)
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Enjoy the Community Concert Band as they perform a wide variety of music including marches, overtures, show tunes, dance music, novelty, and traditional selections. Come out to Franklin Park and bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Thursdays, June 17 - July 22 (not July 1), at 7:00 p.m. Concerts are free. (Community Concert Band)
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District 87 is having a Summer Food Service Program. Weekdays now through August 17 there will be free meals for those 18 and under. See the flyer for more information. (Food Service)
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The McLean County Museum of History and the Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center have reopened to the public. The Museum has prioritized protecting the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and visitors. Visit https://www.mchistory.org/visit for information on how to visit in a safe and enjoyable manner.
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Support the Wesley Distribution Ministry. Donations can be dropped off in the collection box located at the entrance door of Wesley West (413 E. Washington St) at any time.The distribution is held the third Saturday of every month from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Collected paper products are available free at Wesley UMC’s smaller annex, Wesley West. Find out more at (3rd Saturday Distribution).
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Share Online Resources for Learning and Entertainment: Museums, theater arts, national parks, home schoolers, libraries, self-care coaches, and other entities have graciously shared a free peek into their offerings. Take advantage, and tell your friends!
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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 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 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, you may text or call Jim Warren at 309.212.6873.
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What if I, or someone I know, need pastoral care? |
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