We now worship in person without most restrictions, 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.
We hope you found FCC Connected and the resources and news within helpful over the past year. 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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My friends,
While I haven't made a big deal about it, the name of the series of messages that I have been preaching is "Followers." I chose that name because I believe that is what we are called to be: followers. Specifically, we are called to be followers of Jesus Christ.
There are several reasons that I like the term "followers" for those who are committed to Jesus. Chief among those reasons is the fact that it suggests something that is a process, something that is active. Typically, one does not follow another person--or anything, for that matter--by standing still.
I think that says something important to us. We don't follow Jesus by standing still, either. Following Jesus suggests a continual process of learning, growing, and changing. It suggests that by following Jesus, we may end up some place that we don't expect. Following Jesus may lead us to literally move to some location we hadn't expected. But it could also lead us to some conclusion, some perspective, that we hadn't considered before.
I have experienced both of those surprises. I never expected that I would end up serving a church in Bloomington, IL until a few months ago. In the same way, I never expected that following Jesus would lead me to see the world through the eyes of people who are quite different than me, often through the eyes of people that I didn't even know existed. But I am thankful that I ended up in both of those unexpected places.
The point is that when we commit to following Jesus, we end up on a journey. There will most definitely be surprises along the way. We don't know where Jesus will lead us, only that we won't be left where we were. For me, that journey is exciting! How about you?
God bless,
Hank
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This Sunday
Hank Anderson will be preaching on Matthew 14:22-33. The sermon title is, "Stepping Out of the Boat," and the music will be traditional. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m. for inspired teaching, a meaningful Time for Children, beatiful music, and weekly communion. Please read the "COVID-19-Related Guidelines Recently Updated" article below to know about masking for this Sunday. Any new developments will be posted on Facebook, and the Friday Email will always have an up-to-date status as of publishing time.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Camille Taylor
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Patti Jamerson
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Info Desk Attendant: Pat Bozarth
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Coffee Host: Susan Cleaver
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Time for Children: Heather Damery, next week Linda Lehmann
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Building Lock-up: Chip Jamerson
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Candle Filler: Connie Rapp
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Get Acquainted Groups
After this Sunday, we only have one more Get Acquainted group scheduled: August 22 after worship. Hank is using these groups to meet and connect with folks, and he would enjoy meeting more! The groups are very informal and allow everyone to get to know one another better. There will be a sign-up sheet for the final session at the Info Desk. If you are not currently attending in-person and would like to participate, please call the church at 309-829-9327 or email Maggie Burton at office@blmfcc.org.
The Disciples Virtual Gathering tomorrow, August 7, will be an opportunity for Disciples from the U.S. and Canada to connect, learn, worship, and imagine new ways of gathering as church. The day focuses on the covenant we share as Disciples and the promise of Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God. The program will consist of bible lectures, educational workshops, and worship service, with invited speakers and presenters focusing on our theme. Learn more/register now at Disciples Virtual Gathering.
Update: Collection for Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club can no longer accept homemade cookies as they are abundantly cautious of needing to be a "nut free" environment, but they are in need of 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.
Thank you from the Petris
Jen and Darrel Petri appreciate your warm greetings and well wishes last Sunday at the reception in Fellowship Hall planned by Vicki Hall and put on by Vicki and several talented cooks and gracious hosts. Jen will be working for FCC (still remotely but from a little farther away) through October. New contact information for the Petris can be found in the recent Messenger issue. (I will miss you all! -- Jen)
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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 work space 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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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). Myrna Cable will be 95 on August 8.
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Current First Christian Church COVID-19-Related Guidelines Recently Updated
Important! Please be aware of and follow these continued and modified guidelines, which could change as numbers of infected increase.
Continuing or beginning now:
- ALL persons entering the building must wear and remain wearing a mask while on premises, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- 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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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, 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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