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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Disciples,
We gather for worship every Sunday, but don't always think about how the parts of worship fit together. Last week, I began a series of articles in the Friday Email on this very subject. In that column, I wrote about the role that music plays in our worship. Music, of course, is one of the more prominent aspects of worship. One that we all recognize.
Another element that most people don't give much thought to is the Call to Worship. The name is self-explanatory. The call to worship provides the opening words for the service. The purpose is to bring focus to the start of the service, specifically to focus our attention upon God. It typically takes place between the prelude and the opening hymn. Over the past several weeks we have offered the call to worship in a variety of ways. Some weeks, I have spoken it alone. Other weeks, it has been offered responsively. One week, we used a video as a call to worship. When the call to worship is spoken either by me or responsively, it often takes the form of a psalm or other passage from the Bible. Often, we use a paraphrase of the passage to make the words flow better.
This week's call to worship begins, My soul thirsts for you, O God. I invite you to spend some time meditating on that brief statement as you prepare for worship this Sunday.
God bless,
Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)
Note the Brown Bag Bible Bunch is on break this coming Wednesday.
There are always a lot of questions around the book of Genesis and the Brown Bag Bible Study group is tackling at least some of them with a study that you can join any time. 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 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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Who is on the prayer list? Who is Hank praying for on Sunday mornings? Since services are live streamed and can be seen by anyone, for privacy's sake Hank does not mention last names. 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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This Sunday
Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend. Don't forget to move your clocks BACK one hour before you go to bed Saturday night. This Sunday is All Saints Sunday, when we honor those who have died in the past year.
Deann Anderson will preach on Daniel 3:8-18 (NLT) ("Even If") and the choir, with Drexler Singers, will sing. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Sandy Singletary-Sizemore
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Patti Jamerson
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Info Desk Attendant: Martha Hunter
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Coffee Host: Rita Fisher
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Time for Children: Camille Taylor, next week Abby Logan
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: Vicki Hall (Note Naomi Kosier will lead Worship & Wonder this Sunday, as Susan Sanders is on vacation)
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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
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
Advent brings "The Journey," our theme for the season's worship, as well as a study for small groups. Signups for the study continue through November 14. Visit the Info Desk to sign up or go to https://www.blmfcc.org/ministries/small-groups/ (this our Small Groups page on our website -- reload or refresh the screen if necessary). There is a $10 donation associated with the study book, but please contact Hank Anderson at handerson@blmfcc.org if you need financial assistance.
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 for the month of November. 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 table in the sanctuary near the piano.
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Clothing Drive for Compassion Closet (BroMenn): We are collecting new 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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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 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.
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.
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