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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My friends,
Deann and I took a quick trip to Starved Rock State Park this week. Originally, we had been scheduled to attend an interim minister's retreat there, but the retreat ended up being cancelled. Since we had already made reservations, however, we decided to keep them and go on our own. Starved Rock is one of our favorite places to visit. As many of you know, it is a beautiful setting with opportunities to do a lot of hiking.
I love hiking. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do much due to leftover concerns from my back problems earlier this year. And due to the rainy weather as well as the short amount of time we were at Starved Rock, we didn't get to do much hiking there either. But still, it was nice to enjoy some of God's creation even for a few hours.
When we are busily running from one thing to another in cities and on highways, it is easy to forget the beauty of God's creation. But whether I am in the ravines running down to the Illinois River near our house in Peoria, the beaches of the east coast, the Appalachians or the Rockies, the plains of the Midwest, or an island off of the coast of Scotland, I am always amazed at this world that God has entrusted to us. Sadly, we are often too busy to appreciate it. Even more, we haven’t done a very good at taking care of it.
Wherever you are over the next few days, take a moment to consider the world around you. And then take a moment to give thanks to God for the tremendous gift we have the opportunity to experience.
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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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 "Diversity with a Capital D," taking a look at Revelation 7:9-10. 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: Mary Helen Haskell
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Jon Deedrick
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Info Desk Attendant: Nancy Guither
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Coffee Host: Pam Yerkes
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Time for Children: Heather Damery, next week Deann Anderson
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: Corin Chapman
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Building Lock-up: John Dailey
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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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Bed Blitz is tomorrow, October 9, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Please pray for all participating, including our youth.
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Next Sunday is Heritage Sunday, when we honor those who have been members of First Christian Church, Second Christian Church, Third Christian Church, Stanford Christian Church, or University Christian Church for 50 or more years.
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October 20 Blood Drive at Eastland Mall, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., hosted by FCC (but give whenever and where ever you can due to a dire shortage of blood). Sign up today or next week at the Info Desk!
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Food & Fellowship Restart? Reminder: If you are interested in restarting Food & Fellowship once a month on maybe the second Tuesday or Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m., please email maryhh3444@gmail.com. For December, plan on Thursday the 9th, 1:00 p.m., at Shannon’s. We can decide future places then. If interested, please reply no later than October 22.
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Outreach Effort 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: child-sized disposable masks (they go through a THOUSAND a week!); peanut butter and jelly; microwave macaroni & cheese cups; fruit cups; nutrition bars; canned veggies; traditional non-perishable food items. Thank you for donating as you are able.
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Outreach Effort for Compassion Closet takes place through October. Please see The Messenger from September 29 for items needed. A bin will be at the Info Desk for donations.
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Outreach effort 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.
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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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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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