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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Church Family,
There is a lot happening at FCC! I have referred to this before, but I think it is important to keep in mind. A partial list of some of the things going on would include:
- Our new downstairs conference room is set up and running and already being used. The set up not only includes tables and chairs, but a second video system so that we can use it for "hybrid" meetings.
- Our youth ministries are underway, including a bonfire and cookout this Sunday.
- Several small groups have resumed meeting on a regular basis.
- Our current outreach programs include the food drive for Parkside Elementary School as well as clothing drives for Bent School and BroMenn Hospital.
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This Sunday we will begin signups for our Advent theme called The Journey. We will be talking more about this during worship.
- Our study of the book of Genesis in our Wednesday Brown Bag Bible Study continues.
- We are all being blessed by the return of the church choir and the music they provide during worship on Sunday mornings.
- Our Transition Team is hard at work as is the board and several other committees, groups, and teams.
- And the church building is busy throughout the week with outside groups that meet in the church including the Boys and Girls Club, N.A., Bridge Club, Fibers of Love, and Seedling Theater.
It is exciting for me to see all these ministries and activities gearing up. Through these ministries and activities, people’s lives are being touched and we are having an impact not only on our own congregation but on the community around us as well.
I encourage you to look through this Friday Email and the upcoming issue of The Messenger to learn more about what is happening here at FCC and to see how you can participate.
God bless,
Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)
There are always a lot of questions around the book of Genesis and the Brown Bag Bible Study group is tackling at least some of them with a study that you can join any time. The group meets at 12 Noon, and you can join in-person in the church’s 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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October is Pastor Appreciation Month! We are blessed to have both Rev. Hank Anderson and Rev. Holly Irvin as staff at FCC, and we value them so much! Take a moment to drop each of them a note or find another way to show your appreciation to them this month. Thank you, Hank and Holly! |
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This Sunday
Our sermon series, "It's Not 2019," (churches are living and ministering in a new age and a new reality) continues this Sunday with "Helping a (dis)Connected World Connect with Hope," taking a look at Isaiah 40:28-31. Hank Anderson will preach and the choir, with Drexler Singers, will sing. See you 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): Doug Reed
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Info Desk Attendant: Pat Bozarth
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Coffee Host: Vicki Hall
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Time for Children: Scott Fisher, next week Maddie Chapman
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: Naomi Kosier
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Building Lock-up: Bill Robitske
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Candle Filler: Deb Bomeli
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
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Recycling: Gary and Patty Thompson, Marty Sallee
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
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Bonfire Cookout for Youth grades 3-12 this Sunday, October 24. Find details on Facebook on the Youth Group page. RSVP and be sure to have a signed permission slip. Parent drivers are needed to drive from and back to FCC. Contact Holly Irvin at hirvin@blmfcc.org.
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Advent brings "The Journey," our theme for the season's worship, as well as a study for small groups. Signups for the study start this Sunday, October 24, and continue through November 14. Visit the Info Desk to sign up. There is a $10 donation associated with the study book, but please contact Hank Anderson at handerson@blmfcc.org if you need financial assistance.
Outreach Efforts:
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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, Canned goods, 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 table in the sanctuary near the piano.
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for Compassion Closet (BroMenn): We are collecting new 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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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.
Thank you to all who attended the Tuesday Blood Drive. Twenty-three donors participated!
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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 current 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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Quick Tip: Starting this Sunday, those making calls in the 309 area code (and the 708 and 618 area codes) will need to dial the entire 10-digit phone number. |
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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 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 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.
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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