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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Dear church family,
Christmas is full of symbols, even some that people may not recognize. For example, one of the most prominent features of the decorations in our sanctuary is the tree that reaches towards the ceiling. It may seem like a normal Christmas tree. But, if you look closely, you will see that it is decorated with "Chrismons" rather than the typical ornaments.
The word "Chrismon" is a combination of the words "Christ" and "monograms." The first Chrismons began appearing in 1957 and quickly spread to churches around the country. Chrismons are typically made in the colors of white and gold and consist of symbols representing Christianity.
According to a document printed a few years back, our Chrismons were made by several folks from our church, including Marilyn Thompson (late '70s), Nancy Trefzger ('90s), Tamara Shields (2010) and Stephanie Kieswetter (2018). We are thankful for the efforts of all who have created these symbols of our faith.
Among the Chrismons you will find on our tree:
- The Chi and the Rho are the first two letters of the Greek word for "Christ."
- The Fish symbol was used by persecuted followers of Jesus as a sign to identify themselves secretly. The initials (IXOYC), the Greek word for fish, represented Jesus Christ, God's Son, and the Savior.
- The Butterfly symbolizes the resurrection and life everlasting.
- The Lamp stands for wisdom and knowledge: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
- The Lamb is the symbol of Jesus Christ, "the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world." (John 1:29)
I invite you to look not only for these symbols on our Chrismon tree but for others as well. What do you think they represent?
God bless,
Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)
The group is participating in the weekly study for Advent, "The Journey," and meets at noon on Wednesdays. You may 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.
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This Sunday
Advent continues this Sunday. Hank Anderson will preach on "From Nazareth to Bethlehem" (Luke 2:1-7) 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.
The Christmas Offering benefiting the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin is being accepted this Sunday. Please make your check out to First Christian Church, designating amount that will go to the Christmas Offering if the check also includes other offerings. We will also be taking a Christmas Eve Week of Compassion Offering, which is described below.
See you Sunday at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Camille Taylor
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Kristi Deedrick
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Elders: Ryan Newton, Deanne Bryant; Visiting Elders Karen Crusius, Rich Crusius
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Info Desk Attendant: Julie Robinson
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Coffee Host: Vicki Hall
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Time for Children: Deann Anderson; next week Scott Fisher
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: Deann Anderson
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Building Lock-up: Bill Robitske
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Candle Filler: Ryan Newton, Kathie Chapman
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz, James Nussbaum, Ryan Newton
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Recycling: Gary and Patty Thompson, Marty Sallee
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Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
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Week of Compassion Offering on Christmas Eve: We have all heard of the destruction that several communities in Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, and other states experienced as a result of tornadoes that struck the weekend of December 17-18. More than 100 people were killed and many more were injured as well as houses and businesses destroyed. Among the buildings destroyed were several churches including First Christian Church of Mayfield, KY. On Christmas Eve, we will collect a special offering to help with tornado relief. The offering will be sent to the Week of Compassion of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and earmarked for Tornado Relief. In addition to this most pressing need, we decided to do this in response to the call of Adam Hamilton in his book and video The Journey to collect a special offering on Christmas Eve for others as a way of continuing to spread the ministry of Jesus Christ. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you might contribute to this special offering. If you would like to contribute but cannot be present on Christmas Eve, please make your check payable to First Christian Church and with the notation "Tornado Relief."
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Church Office: Please note that the church office will be closed on Christmas Eve. The office will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 27.
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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!
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Poinsettias: If you would like to provide a poinsettia for the sanctuary during Advent and Christmas, please see the form at the bottom of this email.
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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 the windows between the Narthex and sanctuary.
Outreach Efforts:
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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 designated table in the Centrum.
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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.
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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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"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 this season. On the back of the ornament is a schedule that includes 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.
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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.
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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).
Gene Murray turns 95 and Charlene Maupin turns 90, both on December 25. Happy birthday!
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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 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.
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.
What do I do if the winter weather is bad? Will the church be open?
On Sundays, we will try to make a decision early if the roads appear to be unsafe, and will post closure information on Facebook. During the week, if District 87 is closed then the church office is closed.
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
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