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,
I want to thank everyone who contributed to the Christmas Eve special offering. The response has been wonderful. To date we have received $4857.00! I am amazed at the response to something that came together in just a few days. All the funds will be sent to the Week of Compassion and designated for tornado relief. As you likely know, this idea came out of our church-wide Advent study of The Journey. In the third session, Adam Hamilton talked about how his church takes a Christmas Eve offering each year. It is always designated for groups outside the congregation. Almost immediately after that session, I began getting calls and emails from a variety of people asking, "Why can't we do that?" I think that is an example of the powerful impact that this church-wide study had.
On another note, please take a moment to read the updates outlining changes that we are making because of the recent surge in Covid cases. We have decided, thus far, to continue in-person worship but to make some changes in hopes of creating as safe an environment for people to gather as possible. I know that we are all aware that the number of cases across the country, as well as McLean County, continue to soar. In addition to looking out for one another, a very positive response would be to pray for those afflicted, for those mourning the loss of loved ones, and for the healthcare workers who are working hard in very difficult conditions.
And so, we continue into 2022. We don't know what the future holds but we know that God will be there.
God bless,
Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)
The group meets at noon on Wednesdays and has resumed the Genesis study. 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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Communications Coordinator
Heather Erhart has been hired as the church's new Communications Coordinator. In this role, Heather will oversee our efforts to share information within the church and to publicize the church's ministries in the community. Her responsibilities will include the Messenger, the Friday Email, Beyond the Bricks, overseeing our church's use of Facebook and other social media, the church website, the media presentation on Sunday mornings and more.
Jen Petri, of course, has served in this role for many years. We thank Jen for her dedication and efforts in spearheading the development of this position. Some of the work she has done has been seen publicly in a variety of ways, but there is also much work that she has done behind the scenes that few people realize.
Heather will begin her work on January 10 and we will endeavor to introduce her during worship as soon as possible. Jen will continue to work through the end of January. During the overlap, Jen and Heather will work together.
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This Sunday
This Sunday we will hear from the FCC Transition Team. You've seen the invitation and it's time to come to worship Sunday (or attend online) to hear more about the group's plans. The sermon time will be used for this vision-sharing occasion. The service will include the usual elements of communion, music, prayer, and worship, as well. The scripture passage for Sunday is Genesis 12:1-2 (NRSV).
See you Sunday at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m.
Coffee Fellowship Time is on hold due to high COVID-19 infection numbers. We will resume as soon as we can! See additional COVID-19-related information below.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Nussbaum Family
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): James Nussbaum
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Elders: Jill West and Marla McElroy; Visiting Elders Jill West, John Dailey
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Info Desk Attendant: Mary Helen Haskell
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Coffee Host: (on hold)
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Time for Children: Patty Thompson, next week Holly Irvin
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: Chip Jamerson
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Building Lock-up: Bill Robitske
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Candle Filler: Marla McElroy
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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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Undecorating the Sanctuary: Many hands will make this a fun event that will go quickly. Come help "undecorate" the sanctuary and bring it back to its usual year-round beauty this Sunday after worship.
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Transition Team presentation this Sunday.
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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Baby Blanket Drive for Crisis Nursery: The Thursday night small study group would like to encourage members of our congregation to donate a variety of new blankets for children at Crisis Nursery from Sunday, January 16, through January 31. There will be a box at the Info Desk starting January 16 with a sign designating it for blankets for children at Crisis Nursery. Cash donations are also welcome (designate “Crisis Nursery” on the memo line if you are writing a check). See The Messenger for more information.
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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 guidelines.
Summary of new measures/policies as of January 2022:
- choir will not start back during January. We will reevaluate the situation at the beginning of February
- as previously decided, coffee and refreshments are on hold
- greeting, hugging, handshakes, and having detailed conversations inside the church building, are discouraged
- some pews will be roped off for social distancing
- we will continue with congregational singing but use fewer verses (two at the most)
All in the building are required to continue to mask at all times.
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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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