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,
The sermon this Sunday will focus on a little-known biblical character: Matthias. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas as one of the apostles after Judas’s betrayal of Jesus and subsequent death. The only place in the Bible where Matthias is mentioned is in a few verses in the book of Acts. Otherwise, scripture is silent on Matthias’s background before becoming an apostle and on what he accomplished as an apostle. There are some non-biblical traditions about Matthias going to the modern-day nation of Georgia to spread the gospel, but nothing more in scripture.
Matthias is an example of someone who served Christ faithfully and humbly. He used his gifts and talents to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. There was a need for a twelfth apostle, and Matthias stepped into that role because God called him.
Where does God need you to share the love of Christ with those around you? In the church? In your family? In your workplace or school? Where is God asking you to step up and serve, as God asked Matthias to step up and be an apostle?
Let’s follow Matthias’s example and serve where we are called to serve.
Your friend in Christ,
Jim Warren
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Please Wear a Mask and Review Opening Procedures!
Reminder: All church-related events, inside or outside, require that face masks be worn. This includes small group meetings. Please take this important measure to protect yourself and your church family, further allowing all participants to be comfortable in attending these fellowship and/or learning opportunities.
The policies and procedures established by the Re-Opening Group have been mailed to each church family member, and are available for review here.
Note: As CDC rules change, the re-opening team will review them and issue procedures for FCC.
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This Sunday
The sermon for this Sunday "The Story of Matthias," and the scripture is Acts 1:15-17, 21-26. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas as one of the twelve disciples, but nothing more is known about him than this brief reference. Many of us are called to serve in our own ways without much fanfare.
Serving Schedule
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Temperature Takers/Registration: West Family and Bethany Warren
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Peg Larson
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Info Desk Attendant: Nancy Guither
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Time for Children: Matt Chapman; next week Holly Irvin
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Building Lock-up: Doug Reed
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
Looking Ahead
Next Sunday, May 26, is Pentecost. If you would like, join in the tradition of wearing red on Pentecost Sunday!
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. 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. Also, please be collecting photos you have of Jim from over the years with us. You may email them to info@blmfcc.org or send an email to arrange to get physical photos scanned if you are not able to send them digitally.
FCC Office to Be Partially Staffed Beginning June 1
The church office will be staffed starting June 1 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.
Photos Needed for Future Recognition Services
In the coming months we will celebrate or honor many folks for holidays or special occasions. Please submit photos for the following special days to info@blmfcc.org. If you are not able to send photos digitally, please email info@blmfcc.org to arrange for scanning your photo. As always, if we already have your photo, we will be happy to use it and will do so unless asked to do otherwise. Graduates and new Silver & Gold honorees will not have prior photos to use. Time to get those graduate photos in now, along with the information about your grad (graduating with what degree or designation from what institution?). Thank you!
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Graduates (High School & College): May 23 (Pentecost) (deadline for submission May 17)
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Silver & Gold Sunday: June 13 (deadline for submission June 7)
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Father's Day: June 20 (deadline for submission June 14)
Camp Walter Scott
Find Camp Walter Scott Camp and Service/Work Days schedule here. It is time to sign up for camp. June 1 is the registration deadline.
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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. 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. 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.
We list here those turning 90 or more each week. If you wish to send cards to those having birthdays, find addresses in the FCC Directory (link above).
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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 this pandemic, especially those at the greatest risk and the health care workers who get exposed to this virus every day. Also pray for our healthcare system to sustain patient numbers should they rise.
Follow the CDC Guidelines for Prevention: These include knowing how it spreads, knowing how to protect yourself, and knowing how to protect others. Especially as we resume in-person worship, it is important to read the guidelines often for updates that are made as we continue to learn more about the virus. CDC Guidelines for Prevention
Share News about Local Resources: Many agencies, groups, and organizations are finding ways to help in a tangible way, and you can inform friends and family of these resources. You can help, too! A few are listed below.
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Purchase a produce bundle from the Sunnyside Community Garden, and support local youth. Every week a young person and our farm manager will choose some items that are fresh from the garden and create a weekly $10 “produce bundle.” The youth will put their share of the money in a new savings account and the garden will use its share for a new infrastructure project. Contact the Sunnyside Community Garden by messaging them: Sunnyside Email
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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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Attend the Really, Really Free Market on May 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Miller Park. How it works: People drop things off they don't want. People take things they want. It's really that simple. Some people drop and go, some stick around to "shop," and some stick around to chat. You do not have to bring something to take something. Take all you want, give all you want. You don't need to trade, barter, ask permission, feel weird, or anything. Just come and have fun! We don't want useful stuff to end up in the landfill. There is an abundance of stuff around us and we think people should share stuff more and buy stuff less. (More Info on the RRFM)
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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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Support Tee It Up! For The GFPD 2021. There will be a golf scramble on Friday, May 21, at Weibring Golf Club in Normal, IL, as well as an online auction May 16-22. Learn how you can donate, register, or volunteer here: (GFPD)
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Attend a Southern Gospel concert at Lane Christian Church in Lane, Illinois, on May 22. More Information here: (Gold City Concert)
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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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Find a plethora of free online classes, from financial fitness to yoga and beyond (Evenbrite Free Events)
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Senior living articles and resources (Senior Advice website)
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The Bloomington Public Library has free online tutoring, including help for K-12 students, college students, those prepping for the SAT & ACT, and those needing assistance completing the FAFSA. Assistance is provided by expert tutors in both English and Spanish, and is offered seven days a week from 2:00 to 11:00 p.m. Find out more at (Bloomington Library).
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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? |
Until June 1, the church office is closed during this time of social distancing (see the "Looking Ahead" section above). To talk to a staff person, call the church office at 309.829.9327, and follow instructions on the answering machine.
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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