August
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August 1 Farewell Reception for Communications Coordinator, Jen Petri, and her husband, Darrel
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August 4 Elders Meet at 5:30 in the Founders' Room
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August 7 Disciples Virtual Gathering
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August 22 Blessing of the Backpacks
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Office Hours are listed at the bottom of each Messenger issue.
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Staff Meetings It has long been the practice of the staff to have regular meetings on Tuesday morning, and that practice continues. So that the on-site 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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A Message from Hank Anderson, Interim Minister at FCC
Friends,
One of the questions that I have been asked over the past three weeks is about how this whole interim process works. It's a good question and I am going to use this article to outline my approach.
- First, I spend time listening. That is what the Get Acquainted groups are about — me listening to people's stories. I am also attending meetings of the board, elders, and committees as well as talking to people individually. In addition to listening, I am also observing how things work around the church.
- Second, develop the Interim Agenda. A little ways down the line, I will offer the Transition Team a list of things which I think it would profit the church to work on. While I am currently formulating theories, there is no way I can say right now what those things might be. Once I present them to the Transition Team, they will have an opportunity to discuss and offer suggestions related to those items. The Transition Team will then take this to the board for them to consider. Once consensus is established, the board will vote. What they approve will become the "agenda" for the interim period. By the way, the Transition Team is made up of the following individuals: Joe Bandy, Matt Chapman, Naomi Kosier, Marla McElroy, Ryan Newton, James Nussbaum, Doug Reed, and Becky White.
- Third, we will begin working on the agenda. Some items from the agenda will be worked on by an existing group. Others will be worked on by specially established groups. Some things may involve the entire congregation. The Transition Team will provide oversight for this process.
- Fourth, the Transition Team will recommend when the church is ready to establish a pastor search team. When the Transition Team feels the church has successfully accomplished the agenda, or is at least far enough along to be ready to move on, they will make a recommendation to the board that a formal search begin. This team will be appointed by the board.
- Fifth, the search team will begin its work. Their work will begin with the gathering of a wide variety of information about the congregation. They will also provide opportunities for the congregation to offer input as to what qualities are needed in the new pastor. Once the search team determines a candidate they are ready to recommend, they will follow the process outlined by the church's constitution as to how to move forward.
I have also been asked how long this will take. And, how long I will be here as interim. The answer to both is, "I don't know." My prayer is that the congregation will take the time to work through whatever issues we determine we need to focus on and yet not unnecessarily delay the process. Beyond that, I can't give a good answer. I do believe that this interim period is going to be critical in determining how this church should move forward.
One more comment before I close. I have enjoyed very much getting to know folks and look forward to getting to know even more of you. If you have not signed up for a Get Acquainted group, I encourage you to do so.
God bless,
Hank
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A Message from the Congregational President
“Questions”
One thing I believe we have an abundance of right now is questions. What happens next? Who do I ask of this? Why isn't this happening? When will it happen? What is God calling us to do?
There are too many to list, and we're all searching for answers. But I'm curious what your questions are. Help me to find out what questions you have, and what needs to be answered. Please feel free to email me ANY questions you have, and I'll do my best to answer them, or bring them up for discussion. My email is masterbimmertech@gmail.com.
Blessings to all,
James Nussbaum
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Thank you to the “Jim’s Journey” Planning Group for the June 27 event at FCC. It was a lovely sendoff for Jim Warren, and a wonderful time of fellowship for all. We appreciate all your thoughtful planning and the time spent preparing and making every detail special!
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Get to Know the New FCC Wedding Coordinator Linda Metz is originally from Litchfield, Illinois. She was raised on the family farm and enjoys getting back there often. She now works full time at State Farm Insurance where she has worked for 28 years.
Linda married Brian Metz in 2018. She has two daughters, Sara (son-in-law Will) and Staci, and a granddaughter, Audrey. She also has stepchildren, Paige and Austin.
She enjoys gardening, nature, and spending time with family, friends, and her rescue dog, Riley.
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A Message from the Reopening Team
Keep apprised of ongoing, updated, and on-the-horizon policies related to COVID-19 safety.
Continuing or beginning now:
- Hymnals and bibles can be found in the pew pockets, but friendship (attendance) pads will not return at this time.
- Time for Children will continue as-is, with children remaining in their pew seats. This will be re-examined in September.
- Any door may be used to exit the sanctuary. Please continue to bring your trash with you as you leave. Baskets for offerings and prayer cards will be located at both main exits of the sanctuary.
- A formal time for greeting those around you will continue to not take place. This will be re-visited as we monitor COVID-19 numbers.
- Communion practices will remain unaltered but will be re-visited as we monitor COVID-19 numbers.
On the horizon:
- Worship & Wonder is scheduled to begin September 19. All adults and children in the room will be required to wear masks. There will be six feet between all participating. No communion will be served in Worship & Wonder for the time being.
- Youth Group is planning to begin meeting September 19 with a cookout, with food served to participants safely. Masks will not be needed outside, but participants will need to wear them if going inside.
- Choir rehearsals are planned to start in September, with a hoped-for return of the choir to worship in early October. There will be three feet between singers, and all will wear masks. Singers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Rehearsals will be held in the sanctuary on Wednesday and on Sunday morning.
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Farewell to the Petris on August 1
Jen Petri has been Communications Coordinator for over eight years now. Jen and her husband, Darrel, will be moving to Texas on August 4, though she will continue to work remotely for FCC through October. If you would like to say "Goodbye" to them, they will be present in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 1, after worship. No gifts, please. Their new mailing address is 8700 Bellechase Road, Granbury, TX 76049. Jen will miss the FCC family!
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Youth News
Please pray for our children and youth attending various camps at Camp Walter Scott throughout the summer. Campers are Lucy, Given, Abby, Tyler, Evelyn, Clark, Jaci, Campbell, Khloe, and Bethany.
Upcoming Children & Youth Events:
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Blessing of the Backpacks will be on Sunday, August 22. Children and youth are invited to bring their school backpacks. Key tags (to hang from the backpack) will be given to all children and youth that morning. If you are unable to come to in-person worship, contact Holly Irvin to receive your key tag.
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Third graders will be given a Bible on September 19 in worship. If any fourth graders (who did not pick theirs up last year) would like to participate this year, please contact Holly Irvin.
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Youth Group will re-start on Sunday, September 19, with a Gathering in the Park. Details to follow.
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Worship & Wonder will re-start on September 19, during worship. We are in need of a few more Greeters! See details below.
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Children and Youth Sunday School will also re-start on September 19 after worship, meeting from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. More details to follow.
Mandated Reporter Training
If you work with our Children and Youth at FCC, you will need to do a Mandated Reporter training at mr.dcfstraining.org. Those who work with children/youth in Illinois are now required to do the free self-led online training. It doesn’t take long and will prepare you to help keep our children/youth safe. Once you complete the training, take a screen shot of your certificate or send a link to Holly Irvin at hirvin@blmfcc.org.
Worship & Wonder Greeters
Do you want to help children worship? Worship & Wonder is our children’s worship which meets weekly during worship in the school year. As a greeter, you lead them from the sanctuary to the Worship & Wonder room and assist the storyteller, Susan Sanders, in helping the children worship in a method that is especially meant for them. You are not responsible for teaching, just assisting. There is a rotation of greeters. We hope to have enough greeters so that you would serve ONLY 2 times during the entire school year! If this is your first time serving, we will need to do a background check. We need more youth and adults who believe that worship for children is important and worth our time and effort. If that is you, please contact Holly Irvin (hirvin@blmfcc.org).
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FCC Ministry Priorities and News
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Reach Out /Meet the Neighbors |
Meet the Neighbors — Beginning with existing relationships, take a deeper dive into who God has given us to love in this area – and how our lives might intersect
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Collection for Boys & Girls Club The Boys & Girls Club can use paper products (paper towels, large garbage bags, sturdy paper plates, napkins), as well as glue sticks, markers, colored pencils, and crayons. Please bring items to the Info Desk area on Sunday mornings. Because of nut allergies, the club can no longer accept homemade cookies. Thank you!
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Western Avenue Community Center asked FCC to partner with them to distribute food boxes.
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Spiritual Growth/
Small Groups
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Small Groups — Build on what we’ve learned and do more of these
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Brown Bag Bible Bunch The group meets Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. and is led by Hank Anderson. The topic is the scripture for the upcoming Sunday, and all are welcome to gather in the Conference Room.
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Property Use – Help our property become a resource to the community and an entry point
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Groups using the building include The Boys & Girls Club, Fibers of Love, Bridge, Narcotics Anonymous, Seedling Theatre, and at least one small group. |
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Red Cross Blood Drives
Thanks to all who donated blood on Friday, July 9. We were able to obtain 18 units.
A special thanks to Pete Whitmer who faithfully called donors. Due to the pandemic, and other unusual factors, it was difficult to contact previous donors. A VERY special thanks to Jen Petri who continued to publicize our drive. She has been such a tremendous help with all our drives.
Mark your calendar now for the Tuesday, October 19, blood drive. PLEASE GIVE!
-- Wholistic Health
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The Chancel Choir will have a get-together on Wednesday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. We will share stories with some light refreshments, vocalize, and sing some hymns to get our voices back in shape! All singers youth-aged and older are welcome to come. If you have questions, see Holly Irvin.
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Worship at FCC is Live Streamed
We live stream Sunday Worship at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook and on our website, whether we are meeting in person or not. On our website, www.blmfcc.org, click "Watch Now" and find the service at the top of listed services, or scroll down the homepage and find the broadcast there.
You can also watch older broadcasts on the "Watch Now" page. If you use Facebook, go to our page and see the broadcast start a few minutes before 9:00 a.m.
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Disciples Virtual Gathering
There will be a Disciples of Christ Virtual Gathering on August 7. It will be an opportunity for Disciples to connect, learn, worship, and imagine new ways of gathering as church. This event replaces General Assembly which would normally be held this year but won’t be due to the pandemic. Find out more and register at Disciples.org.
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First Christian Church Picnic (Worship in the Park) will be on September 12 at Fairview Park, 801 North Main Street in Normal. Watch for more details.
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Upcoming:
August 22 Blessing of the Backpacks
September 12 Worship in the Park
September 19 Kick-Off Sunday for Fall
Programming
October 3 World Communion Sunday
October 17 Heritage Sunday
November 7 All Saints Day
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Get Involved!
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Info Desk Volunteers Are Needed Join a great group of members to greet people as they come for Sunday worship. Right now, a volunteer at the INFO DESK serves only once about every 10 weeks. To volunteer or find out more about what you would be doing, please email Mary Helen Haskell at maryhh3444@gmail.com.
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Tech Team Volunteers Are Needed It is more than just advancing slides! The tech team is blessed to be used by God to bring the worship experience to a broad audience. Now that we have returned to in-person worship, we would like to add volunteers! There are opportunities to run the MediaShout presentation, work the sound board, or work the cameras. Interested? Contact Brian Metz at medzy65@gmail.com or James Nussbaum at masterbimmertech@gmail.com.
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Coffee Fellowship Volunteers Are Needed Care for Each Other is seeking helpers for the Sunday coffee fellowship. There are many openings for August and September. If you are able to help on a rotating schedule, please contact Vicki Hall at 309-454-3081 or text her at 309-531-5396.
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A Bottled Water Replenishment Volunteer is Needed In order to have water on-hand for purchase, FCC needs a person to purchase the bottled water and stock the Fellowship Hall refrigerator regularly. Please contact the office for more information about the task and how to be reimbursed for the purchase.
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Faith In Action Can Help, and Needs Volunteers Faith in Action organizes 500 volunteers to serve community seniors. Do you or does someone you know need medical transportation? Would you like to volunteer to provide medical transportation, grocery shopping, and friendly visits for local seniors? Contact Doretta Herr, Faith in Action Director, at www.bnfia.org or 309 827-7780, and watch for specific opportunities to support FIA in the Beyond the Bricks newsletter.
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Job Opportunity
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR for FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
First Christian Church of Bloomington, IL is seeking a person for internal and external communication using written, electronic, and verbal methods. This position has a wide variety of responsibilities. The selected candidate will work with a diverse group of people including the congregation, staff, and the public. Position provides the opportunity to interact with people of all ages. A command of the written word (English, grammar) is a must.
Position is approximately 25 hours per week. Salary is commensurate with experience and technical ability. The position offers a fully equipped workspace as well as some flexibility to work remotely. This individual is expected to be available for the first service for technical support, and to run the slides for the second service when open. We are searching for a self-starter with the ability to meet deadlines.
Job Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to:
- Handling internal and external communication needs for the church using written and electronic channels (including email newsletters)
- Maintaining and updating church website
- Posting on church social media pages and monitoring/responding appropriately
- Create weekly PowerPoint slides for 2 worship services
- Other communication and marketing responsibilities as needed
The selected individual will undergo a background check prior to hiring. Attendance at some FCC meetings is expected as well as coverage of/participation in community events. A mutually acceptable schedule will be arranged with the senior minister.
To apply: Send cover letter and resume that includes three references to: dstumm@blmfcc.org or by US mail to First Christian Church, ATTN: Debbie Stumm, 401 West Jefferson St, Bloomington, IL 61701. Including three samples of your writing is a plus. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS AUGUST 13th, 2021.
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FCC Swag
T-Shirts for Adults, Children, and Youth
FCC t-shirts have been designed and you can order yours now! There are three styles: adult, youth, and FCC kids. Click Here to see details and order on our website.
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Red FCC grocery bags are available for purchase for $2 (or 3 bags for $5) for your use and for ministry projects. Contact Jen Petri at info@blmfcc.org to purchase bags.
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Serving Schedule
We publish weekly serving schedules in the Friday Email.
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Contact Us
Interim Minister: Hank Anderson
- 309-863-5126
- handerson@blmfcc.org
Minister Emeritus: John Trefzger
Dir. Music & Youth Ministries:
Holly Irvin
Organ/Piano: Lou Ann Fillingham
One and All Music Coordinator:
Bill West
Communications Coordinator:
Jenifer Petri
Office Receptionist: Maggie Burton
Financial Secretary:
Deborah Stumm
Child Care Coordinator: Trish Logan
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Witness of the Faithful
July 4: $10,342.67
July 11: $9,085
July 18: $4,443
July 25: $4,288
Prayer Concerns
Awaiting Tests: Richard Malone
Treatment: Jim Frizzell
COVID-19:
- Chuck Smalley (home health care)
- Suzanne Summers
Aftercare:
- Jaci Cox
- Justin Cox
- Mary Lou Mercier
- Mary Smart
- Hunter Trefzger
Hospice:
- Marilyn Kopp
- Dorothy Sallee
Military:
- Sean Montoya (Marilyn Cope's grandson/Air Force, Belgium)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
New Members: Hank and Deann Anderson joined on July 4. Welcome!
Birth: Miyah Luisa Marie Lopez was born July 19 in Phoenix, AZ, to Jose Luise Lopez II and Natasha Marie Tavares. Great-Great-Uncle is David Bradbury.
Sympathy: Sue Whitlock and family on the July 15 death of her son, Rich Whitlock
Please be in prayer for essential and emergency workers, of which our congregation has many.
Reminder: Please let the church office know (email office@blmfcc.org) if there’s someone who needs a call or is in the hospital. We are not always able to find out who is in the hospital directly from the hospital.
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Deadlines for Publications
Please follow these deadlines for publications to ensure that your item is included!
The Messenger (mailed the last Wednesday of the month with some exceptions)
Deadline Friday at noon before mailing date as a general rule (verify with church calendar on FCC website or in previous issue of The Messenger)
Upcoming Messengers:
- August 20 deadline for August 25 mailing
- September 24 deadline for September 29 mailing
Beyond the Bricks (mailed two weeks after the Messenger, on Wednesday)
Deadline Sunday the week of mailing
Friday Email
Deadline Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
Announcements/Prayer Concerns
Deadline Thursday noon, unless it is an emergent prayer concern
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Office Phone 309-829-9327 Fax 309 829-2865
Address 401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Hours The church office is now open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please call ahead if you plan to visit the office.
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