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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Friends,
Many years ago, I worked at a JCPenney store in Spartanburg, SC. When I got the job, I had never worked retail before. In fact, this job was my first "official" employment. I had no idea what I was doing. I was given a short course on how to operate the cash register and that was about it. Fortunately, there was another guy working the same department as I was who had been there for quite a while. With his approval, I literally began following him around, watching what he did and gaining insight from him on how to do my job.
As Christians, we are called to be followers of Jesus. Being followers of Jesus means that we are building our lives based on Jesus' example and teachings. By doing that, we learn to live as God created us to live. Learning to live based on Jesus' example is a process that continues throughout our life. There is no doubt that we will fall short quite often. But as followers of Jesus, we continue our efforts to be faithful even after we fall short.
This Sunday, I will begin a series of messages entitled "Followers" in which I will explore the question "what does it mean to follow Jesus in today's world?" I hope you will join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM either in-person or online.
God bless,
Hank
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This Sunday
Hank Anderson will be preaching on Matthew 16:13-16. The sermon title is, "The More I Know," and the music will be traditional. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m. for outstanding teaching, a meaningful Time for Children, inspiring music, and weekly communion.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: West Family, Abby Logan
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Libby Nussbaum
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*Info Desk Attendant: Susan Chaney
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Coffee Host: Bill and Tom Chaney
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Time for Children: Holly Irvin, next week Patty Thompson
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Building Lock-up: John Dailey
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
* Info Desk volunteers are needed. See the upcoming Messenger newsletter for details.
Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Get Acquainted Groups
Hank is anxious to get to know people and hear their stories about church and experiences. Over the next several weeks, we will be offering a series of Get Acquainted groups at different times and on different days. Beginning this Sunday, sign up sheets will be available at the Info Desk. Please look them over and sign up for the day and time that works best for you. The groups are very informal and allow everyone to get to know one another better. If you are not currently attending in-person you can call the church at 309-829-9327 or email Maggie Burton at office@blmfcc.org. We also need hosts for each group. Groups may be hosted in your home, at church, or at some other location that will work for 10 to 12 people. We would ask that hosts provide very simple refreshments as well. The current dates of groups are:
- July 26 at 5:30 PM
- July 30 at 12:00 PM
- August 8 at 10:15 AM (after church)
- August 11 at 2:00 PM
- August 18 at 6:00 PM
- August 22 at 10:15 AM (after church)
If other groups are needed, we will schedule them later. We hope you will participate!
Farewell to the Petris on August 1
Jen and Darrel Petri will be moving to Texas on August 4, though she will continue to work remotely for FCC through October. If you would like to say "Goodbye" to them, they will be present in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 1, after worship. No gifts, please.
The Disciples Virtual Gathering on 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.
FCC Office Is Now Partially Staffed and Will Be Fully Staffed Starting July 26
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. Beginning July 26, the office will be staffed during the same hours Monday through Friday. 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 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 these current guidelines:
- 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 are signs posted indicating that if you have not received the COVID-19 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 set. Please pick up the communion set prior to entering the sanctuary.
- Singing is allowed; however, please use a mask while doing so.
- Childcare: we have resumed childcare in the nursery.
- Fellowship after worship is permitted and encouraged if you feel comfortable participating. Coffee and donuts are served most Sundays.
- The church building is 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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