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,
I love to travel, and I’ve had the privilege of journeying to the Holy Land twice, to China and twice to Ethiopia to adopt children, and to some wonderful destinations in the US, such as Glacier National Park, California, and New England. Travelling has enriched my life and given me many unforgettable experiences.
You and I have been on a long journey that dates to December 1998. You have made my life better, and we have had many wonderful experiences together. It’s hard for me to believe that this journey will end in less than two weeks.
Of course, it won’t really end. I’ll continue to carry all of you in my heart and will pray for you and our church. We’ll always be connected.
This Sunday, June 20th, is my last sermon with you. I’ll reflect on our time together and affirm that nothing has ever been able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. I’ll offer a brief reflection the next Sunday, June 27th, which will be my last Sunday with you.
I look forward to worshipping with you in person or through Facebook or our church’s website the next two Sundays. God is indeed good…all the time!
Your friend in Christ,
Jim Warren
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NEW as of last week: 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 "Nothing," and the scripture is Romans 8:31-39. Jim Warren says, This sermon will reflect on our journey together since I came in 1998. No matter what has happened, NOTHING has been able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
We will celebrate fathers with a slideshow of photos, new and old. Watch during the prelude and postlude. Happy Father's Day to one and all.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Nussbaum Family and Logan Family
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Peg Larson
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Info Desk Attendant: Mary Helen Haskell
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Time for Children: Linda Lehmann, next week Matt Chapman
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Building Lock-up: Bill Robitske
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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 (NEXT SUNDAY!) 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.
Please follow the outlined policies above (see Changes Issued by Reopening Team article above) for any masking or distancing guidelines for the entire event. The special message cards you should have received by now are also available at the Info Desk.
NOTE: for members who are able, please park in the FCC lot kitty-corner from the main church lot, on the northwest corner of Monroe & Lee Streets, or at the 'Pantagraph' lot to the east across Roosevelt Street.
Open Mic Night via Zoom organized by AllianceQ Ministry. Listen to stories of Pride on June 24 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Register on the CCIW website.
FCC Summer Blood Drive July 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Eastland Mall. Call Maggie Burton at church, call Red Cross 800 733 2767, or sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org.
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:
- Dorothy Sallee turns 90 on June 20
- Jean Snyder turns 91 on June 26
- Merle Murray turns 93 on June 30
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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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Get Your "Fix" on Route 66 in Downtown Bloomington at July First Friday. July 2 at 5:00 p.m. through the evening. Downtown Bloomington is positioned along the Mother Road and we look forward to celebrating another unique First Friday with all of you! Come down and Get Your "Fix" on Route 66! Also, enjoy a pop-up art fair on Monroe Street between Main and Center Streets! (Route 66)
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Coalescence Theatre Project and Prairie Pride Coalition are excited to be co-sponsoring a production of the acclaimed play BOY by award winning playwright Anna Ziegler. BOY will be virtual and streamed on ShowTix4U on June 25, 26, and 27 at 7:30p.m. each night. Tickets are on a pay what you can basis and can be reserved now at https://www.showtix4u.com/events/CoalescenceTheatre.
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INtegRIty Counseling is hosting a garage sale on July 24th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, and we need volunteers! We are looking for people to collect money and to be available for "security" purposes the day of the garage sale, as well as people to help sort items from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday/Thursday/Friday before the sale. If you are interested in helping at the garage sale, email sophiam@integrityhelps.org for more information, OR stop by an evening before the sale and drop off some items to be sold!
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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 24 - 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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