As we now worship in person without most restrictions for those who choose to attend, we resume the Friday Email and its efforts to inform you about what you need to know before coming to church on Sunday.
We hope you found FCC Connected and the resources and news within helpful. We will continue to feature here updates to COVID-19-related policies as Illinois returns to a pre-pandemic "normal."
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The Friday Email
This Weekend at First Christian Church
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Dear Church family,
As we approach this special weekend, the thing that I am most looking forward to is being able to worship with you for the first time! My message will focus on Isaiah 43:19 and is entitled "Can You See It?" This has always been a powerful passage for me. It offers hope and assurance in the good times, the bad times and every time in between. I believe that God is always working to do something new and part of the joy of our faith is seeking to discover what new thing God is doing.
So, please join us for worship either in-person or online this Sunday at 9:00 AM as we begin working together to discover what new thing God is doing at First Christian Church.
On another note, I am planning to be in Bloomington on the days the church office is open: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. I plan to work from home on Monday unless there are meetings scheduled or other events dictate. My day off will be on Thursday and I will not be available unless there is an emergency. I am happy to meet with folks, just give me a call and we will make arrangements.
God bless,
Hank
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This Sunday
Read above about Hank Anderson's plans to preach on Isaiah 43:19. If you are able, come worship and take an opportunity to greet Hank, our Interim Minister, this Sunday morning. Or, as he says, tune in online for the virtual experience.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Reed Family, Abby Logan
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Kathy Dailey
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Info Desk Attendant: Rita Fisher
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Time for Children: Scott Fisher, next week Matt Chapman
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Building Lock-up: Doug Reed
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, James Nussbaum, Jen Petri
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Reach Out Collection for Boys & Girls Club
Thank you for your support of the Boys & Girls Club. They very much appreciate homemade cookies, and 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. You may leave cookies in the main level kitchen (marked clearly for the Boys & Girls Club) and bring the other items to the Info Desk area on Sunday mornings.
FCC Summer Blood Drive Friday, July 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Eastland Mall. The Wholistic Health Council encourages and thanks you! Ways to secure an appointment:
- Sign up at the Info Desk this Sunday
- Call Maggie Burton at church
- Call Red Cross 800-733-2767, or
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Sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org
FCC Office Is Now Partially Staffed
The church office is staffed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 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, please.
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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 As We Return to a Pre-Pandemic "Norm" |
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 an updated church directory below and reach out by phone, text, email, or US mail to a church friend.
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 COVID-19-Related Guidelines
Important! Please be aware of and follow these guidelines, in place for the past three weeks:
- Entry: We will continue to have one entry point for church worshipers at the north parking lot entrance (elevator foyer). This will allow us to perform registration of worshipers so that we can contact trace, if necessary. Hand sanitizer will continue to be available throughout the church.
- Masks: We are going to go with a mask optional approach going forward. Those that are not vaccinated should wear a mask. There will be signs posted indicating that if you have not received the COVID vaccination, you should wear your mask. See note below about singing to determine if you want to bring a mask.
- Sanctuary: The ropes on the pews have been removed.
- Communion: We will continue communion in the current fashion using the all-in-one wafer and juice unit. Please pick up the communion unit prior to entering the sanctuary.
- Singing, Praying, and Responsive Reading: All will be allowed; however, please use a mask while doing these activities.
- Childcare: We have resumed childcare in the nursery.
- Fellowship: Fellowship after church is permitted and encouraged if you feel comfortable participating. Coffee and donuts are served most Sundays.
- The church building will be open for events, meetings, and activities. If you are wanting to have something at church, please get in touch with Maggie to reserve your day and time. We ask that everyone clean the area used with the provided materials so it will be ready for the next use.
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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 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 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.
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