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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Dear church family,
Thanks to all who have participated in the Get Acquainted groups! There have been around 10 groups who have met. And, although I have lost count of the precise number, I believe somewhere around 80 to 90 people have participated in one of the groups. It has been great to meet people and to hear their stories and their dreams for the church. There is one more in-person group planned: it will be this Sunday immediately following worship. Even if you haven't signed up, you are welcome to come and join us in the Conference Room.
In addition to that group, I have decided to offer another Get Acquainted group that will take place online. Anyone who has not been able to join us for one of the in-person groups is invited to join me online by way of Zoom. This group will be held on Tuesday, August 31 at 6:30 PM. If you would like to participate, send me an email at handerson@blmfcc.org indicating your interest. I will then send you a link that will allow you to join the Zoom session. It will be a different setting, but we can still visit and share our stories.
These groups are fun for me, but they are also important to the interim process. If you haven't already, please join me in-person this Sunday or online on August 31.
God bless,
Hank
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This Sunday
A new sermon series, "The One Anothers," begins this Sunday with "Love One Another," an examination of Jesus' command in the passage John 13:31-34. There will be wonderful cello and violin music by Abby Logan and Deanne Bryant, and we will have our annual Blessing of the Backpacks. Students present should find Holly Irvin at the Info Desk after the service to receive a backpack zipper charm. All involved in education of our young will receive a blessing this Sunday, as well.
See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m. for inspired teaching, a meaningful Time for Children, beautiful music, and communion.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Chaney Family
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Chip Jamerson
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Info Desk Attendant: Karen Crusius
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Coffee Host: Vicki Hall
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Time for Children: Abby Logan presenting zipper charms during Blessing of the Backpacks, next week Scott Fisher
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Building Lock-up: Bill Robistske (Bill, if you have something different, please advise. We aren't able to access the August schedule presently.)
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Candle Filler: Connie Rapp
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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
Get Acquainted Groups
This Sunday we have at FCC our final Get Acquainted group scheduled for after worship. As Hank mentions in his greeting article above, he is adding a Zoom group on August 31, a Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m. Read his article for instructions on signing up. As a reminder, 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.
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.
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October 19 Blood Drive at Eastland Mall (but give whenever and where ever you can due to a dire shortage of blood)
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Backpack zimmer charm (above) and new sermon series information (right) |
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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).
Helen Joyce Barclay will be 100 on August 30
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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 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, 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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