October:
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October 3 A “Drive-By Donation” event at FCC, benefiting Operation Santa. See article in this issue.
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October 4 at 4:00 p.m. A “Gathering at Rollingbrook Park”
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October 10 A Farewell event for Beverly Leight. See article in this issue.
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October 18 at 9:00 a.m. In-person services are scheduled to resume.
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October 20 Blood Drive
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October 25 Heritage Sunday
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Office Hours (suspended during this time of social distancing) are listed at the bottom of each Messenger issue.
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In-Person Worship Returning to FCC
At the September 23 Reopening Team Meeting, we unanimously agreed to re-establish in-person worship on Sunday, October 18, 2020. FCC will begin with one service at 9:00 a.m. The safety of our staff and the congregation has been at the forefront of the decision to reopen. I must say that we have taken painstaking measures to make this worship service safe. Even though we have attempted to address everything, attendees need to be aware there will be certain risks you will accept if you decide to attend the reopening worship service. It is impossible to totally rule out that COVID-19 is present, and you could become infected.
Our church will look different when you arrive. You will find all doors locked except for the north parking lot entrance. You will be greeted when you arrive at the entrance, first with an individual taking your temperature and another registering your attendance. You will need to wear a face covering from the moment you enter the church until you leave the church after the service. We are sorry that you will not be permitted to wear a face shield or have a medical note instead of wearing a face mask. You must wear a face mask that covers the mouth and nose. If you do not have a face mask, we will have one you can use and discard after you leave the church. We are also asking you to use common sense. If you are not feeling well or have any symptoms, please stay home, and join us on our livestream either through our Facebook page or the FCC website. We want you and others to be as safe as possible.
You will notice signage as you enter marking the path on your way to the sanctuary. Please read the information. We are trying to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. There will be numerous hand sanitizer stations for your use. You will find communion supplies on a table in the narthex. Please take one (an all-in-one unit containing a wafer and juice) and make your way to your seat, distancing from the persons already seated. Every other pew row will be roped off, indicating you should not sit in that row.
The service has been arranged so that we will not have live singing, or if we do have a live performance, the singer will be behind a shield to avoid a projection of droplets into the air. The message will be presented from behind a shield at the pulpit. Communion will be shared safely using the all-in-one unit. At the end of the service, please take your refuse as you leave and drop it in the waste container provided.
Your release from the sanctuary will be altered from what you normally would experience. You will exit using the door next to the pulpit. You may drop your offering in the basket provided. We ask for your patience as we will release rows in order to keep the proper distancing. We ask you to leave the church in a timely manner, not holding up those behind you wanting to leave.
These are unprecedented times for sure. We are following the rules provided by the local health department and the CDC. Attending church services may not provide that “warm and fuzzy” feeling we once had before last March. No hugging or handshaking or fist-bumping and elbow touching, please, as they do not meet the distancing guidelines. Our church service will continue to be live streamed and is accessible on our Facebook page and on our FCC website.
I would like to thank the reopening team for the meetings and extra consideration given to provide an in-person worship service. The Reopening Team consisted of the following dedicated persons:
Camille Taylor Jill West James Nussbaum John Dailey
Alan Chapman Maggie Burton Holly Irvin Debbie Stumm
Lou Ann Fillingham Jen Petri Jim Warren Joe Bandy
Blessings,
Joe Bandy
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FCC Ministry Priorities and News
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Property Use – Help our property become a resource to the community and an entry point
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The Boys & Girls Club is on a break from using our building and will resume this fall. |
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 This weekly study group meets on Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. at Underwood Park, using the entrance off Linden Street by the Constitution Trail bridge (not the entrance off Jersey Avenue). Bring your mask, chair, and Bible. The topic is the scripture for the upcoming Sunday. Contact Debbie Stumm at dstumm@blmfcc.org to join!
Small Groups Small groups continue to offer us another way to connect with one another. If you are interested in joining a group, contact Bill Robitske at bill.robitske.jr@gmail.com.
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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
If you have questions about Reach Out efforts, contact Julie Robinson at 309 838-4335 or jerobinson21409@yahoo.com.
Mission Projects:
Bent School Donations Call or email Julie Robinson with needed items:
- Sanitizer wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- 8.5 by 11 manila envelopes to send homework in
- Masks
- Boys and girls underwear all sizes
- Sweatpants
- T-shirts
Greenhouse Project and Mission Trip to Appalachia are both canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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Welcome All – Begin discernment on building an inclusive faith community
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The Welcome All committee began meeting about a year ago by beginning a thoughtful, deliberate journey to discern the relationship we are being called to have with the LGBTQ+ community. This included consideration of which activities we are called to be inclusive: worship, communion, participation in church activities, and/or leadership (types and levels of leadership).
We respect the strong and differing beliefs people hold on this issue. Therefore, we are committed to Graceful Engagement, which is a commitment to living together in relationship and compassion; fully valuing other people and their beliefs even when they may differ from our own; listening more than speaking; meeting people where they are, not where we want them to be; and doing this work in community. Because we have not been able to meet in person with the congregation to fully engage in this manner, we have paused some of our planned activities on this issue.
With the recent turmoil in our nation around racism and social justice, we have turned our focus to these issues. One of the 4 priorities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has been and continues to be “Becoming a Pro-reconciling/ Anti-Racist Church”. You can find more about the church’s ministry here, including suggestions for reading, news, and information about the Reconciliation Offering taking place now: Reconciliation Ministry
We continue to meet to talk about ways our church can be engaged in reconciliation in our own community. We’d like to offer the following suggestions, linked below. You can use these in your own personal reflections, for small group discussions, or to take action and get involved in the community.
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Reconciliation Ministry Resources – this includes lists of books, articles, videos, podcasts, and more
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Local groups – Not In Our Town, YWCA McLean County, WGLT/Racism
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Fun “COVID” Farewell for Beverly Leight
No food, No gathering, No hugs -- just a chance to express warm wishes to Beverly Leight as she leaves FCC & begins anew closer to her daughter.
Beverly has been a valued member of FCC since transferring her membership July, 1994. She has been a member of choir, a Deacon, Elder, “Wednesdays With Jim” visitor, plus extra visiting as needed. She was also a member and chair of PPR as well as Board/Congregation President.
Finally, we will always remember celebrating our Church’s 175 years & the role she played as Mrs. William (Maggie) T. Major with the wonderful period dresses she had made -– one for “every day” and one fancy. On occasion throughout that year “Maggie” & Wm T (Jim W.) would make an appearance. What fun.
Our FCC Fun COVID Farewell Drive-by is October 10, 10:00 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Please remember MASKS. Beverly will be by the parking lot East door to hear your farewells.
A basket will be available for cards. If a dollar bill happens to slip in, it will be added to Al’s memorial fund for planned future use by the Church.
Because BFD Station is on west side of Lee St. and we want to be good neighbors allowing for any emergency they may have, follow the route below into and out of parking lot. This will avoid any Farewell traffic in west lane of Lee.
~ come west on Jefferson St. to Lee St.
~ turn right on Lee St.
~ turn right into parking lot, pull forward
~ exit parking lot by turning left on Roosevelt
Questions? Contact Jackie Hux, Libby Nussbaum,
Mary Helen Haskell, Camille Taylor, Jan Dyer, or Susan Cleaver.
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Disciples Women’s Ministries News
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FCC Disciples Women’s Ministries has decided to again help with Operation Santa. This Saturday, October 3, rain or shine, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., there will be a "drive by" event in the FCC parking lot to benefit Operation Santa. The DWM will collect monetary donations, men's black crew socks, and shorter, individually-wrapped (by the manufacturer) beef jerky.
Your help, as always, is greatly appreciated by DWM, Operation Santa, and our Military.
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The Search for a Transitional Interim Minister
Rev. Jim Warren will be retiring in June of 2021. We need to begin taking the necessary steps to have a minister in place when Jim retires. Rev. Teresa Dulyea-Parker, our Regional Minister, recommends seeking a Transitional Interim Minister. The thought here is that Rev. Jim Warren will have been at FCC 21.5 years on his retirement, and there will be a period of congregational grief after he leaves that will require healing. There are trained Transitional Interim Ministers available to work us through the grief, reset our direction, and help us find the ideal future Senior Minister.
A steering committee has been formed to select the Transitional Interim Minister and is comprised of the following individuals: Marla McElroy, Ryan Newton, Naomi Kosier, Doug Reed, Becky White, and Matt Chapman. This committee was approved by the FCC Board on September 21. The committee will begin meeting soon for orientation. They will be charged with developing a job description and compensation package, interviewing, presenting a candidate to the FCC Board for approval, and supporting the interim minister through their ministry.
As a congregation, we need to pray for the steering committee and our future. We also need to keep Rev. Jim Warren in our prayers for his continued spiritual guidance and eventual transition into retirement.
Blessings,
Joe Bandy
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Thank You Notes Received
- Thank you for your love and support during Tom's illness and passing. The cards, food, and special service by Pastor Jim will always be remembered. We will miss Tom so. He just couldn't fight any longer. He is with the Heavenly Father now and free from pain. Love, Cindy Rousey and family
- FCC Staff, Elders, DWM, and Members, Thank you so much for all the prayers on my brother's behalf during these past 8 years. I'm sure God heard them, and we were blessed with more time together. I miss my FCC family and look forward to COVID being a thing of the past. God's blessings on each of you. In His love, Marcia Christensen
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Nominating Committee News
The Nominating Committee continues to work on filling open positions for the upcoming church terms. If you have an interest in lending your talents or know of someone that would, please contact Nominating Committee chairperson Chip Jamerson at cjamerson@gmail.com or at 309 531-9206. Roles we need to fill (see descriptions in last month’s Messenger):
Be Faithful Stewards (2 year term)
Grow Spiritually Every Day (Adult Education) (2 year term)
Ministering to and with Children and Youth (2 year term)
Reach Out (2 year term)
Historian (1 year term)
Deacons (2 year term)
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Red Cross Blood Drive
A blood drive is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, from noon to 5:00 p.m. The drive will be hosted by FCC in the YMCA gym, 602 S. Main Street, Bloomington. If you usually give at FCC, please sign up soon for this drive by calling Maggie at 847-226-0951. Pete Whitmer will also be making calls.
Donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. The Red Cross continues to be in dire need of blood so please consider donating !
-- Wholistic Health Council
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Regional Assembly
This year we have an excellent opportunity to attend Regional Assembly. All can tune in from home. Find out more, and register at www.cciwdisciples.org.
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A long obedience in the same direction…
Return to In-Person Worship
I wonder how different worship will feel when we get back together in October. We won’t be able to offer a hug or a handshake. We can’t sing. We’ll have to sit appropriately distant from one another. We’ll all be wearing masks. It will definitely be different.
Elsewhere in this newsletter you’ll find an article by Joe Bandy outlining some of the protocols you’ll be asked to follow when we return to worship. Make sure you read that if you’re planning on attending worship beginning October 18.
It seems like it’s time to return to in-person worship. The numbers of COVID cases are decreasing in McLean County, the schools are phasing in a return to in-person learning, and it just feels like people are ready to come back.
Having said that, I want to encourage you to assess whether you should return to church. If you’re in a category that puts you at increased risk (older, having pre-existing conditions, or caring for someone who is vulnerable to COVID), then please consider waiting a while before coming back to church.
For those who will return to worship, I ask for your patience and understanding. The Re-opening Group has worked diligently to provide for everyone’s safety. There will no doubt be obstacles along the way that they didn’t anticipate. Please bear with us as we try to work out the best way to have in-person worship. I know we can make this work!
I look forward to seeing some of you the 18th of October, and the rest of you I hope to see very soon!
Jim Warren
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Worship at FCC Will Resume October 18
We will continue to live stream Sunday Worship at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook and on our website, broadcasting the service as it takes place in the sanctuary. On our website, scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and see that the current or most recent broadcast is toward the top of the selections there. You can also watch older broadcasts. If you use Facebook, just go to our Facebook Page and see the broadcast start a few minutes before 9:00 a.m.
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FCC Swag!
T-Shirts Are a Great Christmas Gift for Spouses, Kiddos, or Grandchildren!
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 $5 for your use and for ministry projects. Contact Jen Petri at info@blmfcc.org to purchase a bag. |
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A nice time was had each time a group gathered over the past several weeks at Rollingbrook Park. Plans are coming together to do this again on October 4 at 4:00 p.m. The area is wheelchair-accessible! Please wear your masks!
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Serving Schedule
We will publish serving schedules in the Friday Email/FCC Connected prior to October 18.
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Tech Team Volunteers Needed
When we get back to in-person worship, we could use volunteers! We typically have a three-person crew: a person who runs the computer PowerPoint presentation, another who works the sound board, and a third (and sometimes fourth) working the cameras. Interested? Contact Brian Metz at medzy65@gmail.com or James Nussbaum at masterbimmertech@gmail.com.
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Contact Us
Senior Pastor: James Warren
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
August 30: $19,131.70
September 6: $12,402.54
September 13: $7,684.70
September 20: $8,428.70
September 27: $2,963.70
Prayer Concerns
Treatment:
- Justin Cox
- Donnie Engel
- Jim Frizzell
Awaiting Tests/Surgery: Hunter Trefzger
Aftercare:
- Gunner Cox
- Dave Eyman
- Susan Hinrichsen (Heritage, Blm. Rehab)
- Richard Malone
- Phyllis L. Miller (Heritage, Blm. Rehab)
- Dorthy Neal
- Connie Rapp
- Dorothy Sallee
- Susan Sanders
- Mary Smart
- William Etchison
Hospice:
- Marilyn Kopp
- Marlyn Mahannah (currently at Carle BroMenn)
Military:
- Sean Montoya (Air Force, Belgium)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
Sympathy to:
- Family and friends of Gene Fowler on her August 27 death
- David Bradbury and family on the September 18 death of his great-niece, Mikaela Lakin, of Colorado
- Mary Lou Mercier, Karen (Rich) Crusius, and family on the September 20 death of their son/brother, David Mercier
- Patti (Wally) Calvert on the September 23 death of Patti’s mother, Jeannie Cembrowicz, of Pellston, MI
- Family and friends of Corena Meyer on her September 24 death
- Sherry Boitnott and family on the September 25 death of her husband, Roger
Please be in prayer for essential and emergency workers, of which our congregation has many.
Reminder: Please let the church office know if there’s someone who needs a call or is in the hospital. Email office@blmfcc.org.
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Office Phone 309 829-9327 Fax 309 829-2865
Address 401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Hours The office is currently closed every day out of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff members are working from home as needed. Normally, the office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. The best times to contact the church office are while Maggie is there, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
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