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,
During our weekly staff meetings, I typically start by sharing a passage of scripture. During our most recent meeting this past Tuesday, I shared Lamentations 3:22-23, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
As I mentioned Tuesday, this passage stands out to me for several reasons. First, it reminds me that God's love for us never ends. God's love is not conditional. God's love isn't temporary. Instead, God's love is steadfast and never ceases. Second, the passage states that God's mercies are new every morning. No matter what is happening, every morning I try to give thanks for something, and my thankfulness begins with the fact that I get to experience a new morning. And third, the last phrase consists of words of worship: "great is your faithfulness." That phrase reminds me how important it is to offer words of praise to God--not simply on Sunday morning but every day.
There is nothing particularly complex about any of this. This passage, however, reminds me of some things that I find are all too easy to forget.
God bless, Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom
This past Wednesday, we started having some folks join the Brown Bag Bible Study by way of Zoom. You are still invited to join us in-person. But now you have the choice of joining us by Zoom or in-person. If you would be interested in participating remotely, please send me an email at handerson@blmfcc.org, and I will add you to the list. As a reminder, the Brown Bag Bible Study meets each Wednesday from 12 Noon until 1:00 PM.
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This Sunday
Our sermon series, "The One Anothers," continues this Sunday with "Be Hospitable to One Another," taking a look at 1 Peter 4:9-11. Hank Anderson will preach. Don't miss worship at FCC, in person or online at 9:00 a.m.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Kathie Chapman
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer):
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Info Desk Attendant: Mary Helen Haskell
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Coffee Host: Sandy Sizemore
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Time for Children: Maddie Chapman, next week Holly Irvin
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Building Lock-up: Chip Jamerson
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Candle Filler: Marla McElroy
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
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Recycling (volunteers are needed right away! Please contact the office for info or to sign up)
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
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September 12 Worship in the Park at Fairview Park in Normal at 10:30 a.m. (gondolas, chips, cookie, and bottled water will be provided free of charge but you may bring food for yourself/your family if you wish). No other worship service that day. Bring lawn chairs or blanket, sun protection, and mask. Also that day the Youth Group will have a pool party at Susan Cleaver's. Find details in the Facebook group "FCC Youth Group," or in The Messenger.
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September 19 Children and Youth Kick-Off for Sunday School and Worship & Wonder. Also that day 3rd graders will receive Bibles. Please contact Holly at hirvin@blmfcc.org whether your 3rd grader can be there or not so we have enough Bibles. If your child has not received a Bible and is in a higher grade, let Holly know.
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Date change! October 20 (not October 19) Blood Drive at Eastland Mall hosted by FCC (but give whenever and where ever you can due to a dire shortage of blood)
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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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Supporting Each Other During This Time of Uncertainty |
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). William LaBounty will be 91 on September 15.
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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.
Note 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 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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