April
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April 1: Maundy Thursday Service with Centennial Christian Church 6:30 p.m. on our website, www.blmfcc.org or on Facebook
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April 4: Easter Sunday
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April 18: FCC In-Person Worship Resumes
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Good Friday Service
This Friday is Good Friday, and you may an ecumenical community service on Wesley United Methodist's YouTube page at noon. Click here for the link.
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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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Sunday, June 27, we will have a Celebration of Jim!
Jim Warren retires the end of June, so mark your calendar now for his retirement reception, which will happen after worship on June 27. COVID mitigation guidelines will be in place. Watch for details in future communications.
Do you have photos of Jim from over the years? Please email them to info@blmfcc.org or send an email to arrange to get physical photos scanned if you are not able to send them digitally.
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FCC Ministry Priorities and News
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Reach Out /Meet the Neighbors
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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
- Reach Out collected food items for Abundant Life Church to serve lunches to the homeless in March. Thank you to all who contributed.
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Mission Trip: Spend May 31 through June 5, a Monday through Saturday, in southern Kentucky. The cost will be $325 and financial assistance may be available. All participants must pass a background check (done by the church) and have a recent clean COVID report. All expenses at the site are included; however, you will need travel money for food and gas. Anyone interested contact Mike Robinson at 309-275-5908 or Julie Robinson (see below).
Call Julie Robinson at 309-838-4335, or email her at jerobinson21409@yahoo.com, with any questions.
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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 is taking a break while COVID-19 numbers are high in the area. When it resumes, the group meets Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. The topic is the scripture for the upcoming Sunday.
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. If you are in a small group, this is a great time to invite others to join you in your group's study or activities. If you have ideas for a new study, contact Bill.
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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 continues to use our building for their after school program when COVID restrictions allow.
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FCC Grounds Cleanup Project
It's that time of year again when we would like to get our church grounds cleaned up from the harsh winter and make it look good for the spring season. Rather than have a single clean up day where everyone would get together to work, our plan is to have times available for individuals to come to the church property and clean up a small area. With many small clean ups, we can accomplish much toward making our property beautiful for the summer. You will find a map here of the church property with numbered areas indicated. Each of these areas have weeds, leaves, debris, sticks, etc. that need to be pulled, raked, bagged, and thrown away. Please pick one of these areas and indicate the area number as well as when you plan to come to work and send that info via email to johndailey@frontier.com. If the weather changes, feel free to reschedule to a time that is better. If you get there and the area you chose is already cleaned up, just go to another area.
The time frame we have selected for this work to be accomplished is from March 29 to April 12.
Since we are still in a cautious mode with COVID-19, if you are working around other people, be sure to wear your mask and keep social distance while working.
If you have garden tools, brooms, etc. that you want to bring from home, feel free to do that. Some tools from the church as well as garbage cans and bags will be placed for your use in the outside stairwell that leads from the parking lot down to Major Hall kitchen area. The church building will still be closed, so you will not have access to the inside facilities. Please bring your own drinking water, etc. Any trash or yard waste should be bagged up and placed in the dumpster.
If you have any questions, please call John Dailey at 309-846-0694. He will be able to answer any questions you may have about the nature of the work to be done.
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Youth News
Youth grades 3 through 12 will have a Zoom Check-In on April 18 at 4:00 p.m. Check the Facebook FCC Youth Group for a Zoom link that day.
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Outcome of Vote for Interim Minister
The outcome of the congregational vote to call Rev. Hank Anderson as our Interim Minister is 128 yes votes, 0 no votes, and 1 vote for abstention. The FCC board approved the vote outcome at the March 15 board meeting.
Rev. Hank Anderson will begin his full duties at FCC on July 1, 2021. He is excited to begin his work at FCC and to meet the congregation.
A special thank you to all of you for embracing these difficult times during COVID-19. The support shown for Rev. Jim Warren and the staff to bring you virtual church services and inspirational messages on Tuesday and Thursday each week demonstrates a committed and loving congregation. Your flexibility to vote on our annual budget and your approval of a new Interim Minister by methods other than in-person have allowed us to move forward with the business of our church. Your continued pledged and unpledged giving during these virtual times has put us in a good place financially for our future. Thank you again for staying FCC Strong!
Blessings,
Joe Bandy
Congregation President
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Photos Needed for Future Recognition Services
In the coming months we will celebrate or honor many folks for holidays or special occasions. Please submit photos for the following special days to info@blmfcc.org. If you are not able to send photos digitally, please email info@blmfcc.org to arrange for scanning your photo. As always, if we already have your photo, we will be happy to use it and will do so unless asked to do otherwise. Graduates and new Silver & Gold honorees will not have prior photos to use. Thank you!
Mother's Day: May 9 (deadline for submission May 3)
Graduates (High School & College): May 23 (Pentecost) (deadline for submission May 17)
Father's Day: June 20 (deadline for submission June 14)
Silver & Gold Sunday: June 13 (deadline for submission June 7)
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Tree Planting and Donations for EAC
Would you like to have a tree planted in honor or memory of someone you love? First Christian Church has a goal of raising money to plant 100 trees on April 10-11 with the Ecology Action Center. We are 60% of the way there. If interested, send your donation to the church, tagged for Ecology Action Center trees. If you would like them to be in honor or memory of someone, please designate whom, whether it is in honor or memory of, and to whom you would like the acknowledgement sent (with address). It is a great way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary!
If you would like to participate in tree planting on April 11, contact Holly Irvin. We hope to take a group to do planting. For more general information, see the ECA website (ecologyactioncenter.org). You may also contact Holly Irvin (hirvin@blmfcc.org).
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CCIW and CCMR Announce Partnership Discussions
Bloomington IL and Lansing MI - The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Michigan Region (CCMR) announce they have begun discussions on a new model for partnering in Regional Ministry.
Rev. Dr. Teresa Dulyea-Parker and Rev. Eugene James Jr. have led a Search Team Task Force to consider a partnership, not merger, of both Regions. These conversations commenced after spiritual discernment given the upcoming retirement of Rev. Eugene James Jr. At the culmination of this process, it is projected the regions will remain separate, while under the leadership and guidance of the Regional Minister for CCIW. Commonalities in their Visions for Ministry have been immediately recognized:
- Connected Disciples congregations/ministries exemplifying God’s love
- Radically welcoming and supportive communities
- Committed to overcoming racism
- Continuing Christ’s mission with the leading of the Holy Spirit
This is foreseen as an opportunity for the mutual benefit of both regions. “God is blessed by our working together. We hope people will see Jesus in this effort” noted Rev. Dr. Teresa Dulyea-Parker. “I imagine this partnership leading the way for innovative and transformative ministry” said Rev. Eugene W. James Jr.
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Thank You
We received thank you notes from PATH (winter assistance to persons who are homeless) and from the following:
Dear Friends,
You have made my 103rd birthday the very best of all my celebrations! Remember, on my 85th birthday the choir sang to me! As I opened each card, there was no way to measure the love and inspiration just from reading your names. Happily, you have strengthened my belief more than ever, and there is nothing more meaningful or priceless than my 75 years with you!
Gratefully, Mickey Armstrong
I want to thank everyone for the cards and prayers in the recent death of my son, Terry Beard. It is a tough time to get through, but with God's help it will get better.
Wannie Beard
Thank you to my FCC friends for all the cards for David Mercier's death and all the cards for my birthday. I can't believe I'm 93 years old!! Love to all the congregation!!
Mary Lou Mercier
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FCC Swag
T-Shirts for Adults, Children, and Youth
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 Note of Farewell from the Schultz Family
Dear Church Family,
It is time for us to say goodbye to our church family. We are moving to Columbia, Mo to be closer to our daughter Emily and her husband Max.
When Gail Bell asked us to be CYF youth leaders in 1986, we thought it was time to become members of FCC. Since then we have been involved with many ministries and groups. John and I have loved sharing our musical talents and will certainly miss singing and playing with the Chancel and Bell Choirs.
As we go we know that even though we are leaving this physical building we are not leaving our friendships. Each of you hold a special place in our hearts because you are more than friends, you are our family.
Our new address will be left with the church office or you can email us.
With much love,
John, Debbie and Elizabeth Schultz
309-531-6151 John
309-838-1023 Debbie
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Worship at FCC is Live Streamed
We live stream Sunday Worship at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook and on our website, whether we are meeting in person or not. On our website, www.blmfcc.org, click "Watch Now" and find the service at the top of listed services, or scroll down the homepage and find the broadcast there.
You can also watch older broadcasts on the "Watch Now" page. If you use Facebook, go to our page and see the broadcast start a few minutes before 9:00 a.m.
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Tech Team Volunteers Needed
It is more than just advancing slides! The tech team is blessed to be used by God to bring the worship experience to a broad audience.
As we once-again return to in-person worship, we would like to add volunteers! There are opportunities to run the PowerPoint or MediaShout presentation, work the sound board, or work the cameras. Interested? Contact Brian Metz at medzy65@gmail.com or James Nussbaum at masterbimmertech@gmail.com.
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A New Website
We now have a new, more usable, modern, and welcoming website for our church. The website has a button on the top right corner (access on the menu icon on your phone), "Watch Now," that provides quick access to the Sunday worship services or Tuesday/ Thursday Greetings from Rev. Jim Warren. The website is www.blmfcc.org.
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Scholarships Available
Former First Christian Church members Dr. Richard and Lois Manahan have again generously donated $1,000 to be awarded as a scholarship to a church member who attends Illinois State University. No applications were submitted for the 2020-21 academic year, so up to two $1,000 scholarships are available this year. Full-time and part-time students attending Illinois State University for the 2021 Fall semester are eligible to apply. Consideration will be given to active participation in the ministries and programs of the church.
Please submit a letter of interest and your class schedule or other proof of enrollment to Alan Chapman, Chair of Trustees, 410 N. Grove St., Normal, IL 61761 by Tuesday, June 1. All applicants will be interviewed by a committee of the Trustees, in a manner consistent with current guidance and protocols regarding COVID-19.
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Serving Schedule
We publish serving schedules in the Friday Email/FCC Connected when we are worshipping in person.
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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
February 28: $2,148
March 7: $14,894.67
March 14: $8,070
March 21: $5,863
March 28: $12,441
Prayer Concerns
Treatment:
- Jim Frizzell
- Mary Helen Haskell
COVID-19:
- Dorothy Sallee
- Chuck Smalley (home health care)
- Suzanne Summers
Aftercare:
- Helen Joyce Barclay (Martin Health)
- Kathy Dailey
- William Etchison
- Susan Hinrichsen
- Ted Logan
- Richard Malone
- Phyllis L. Miller (Heritage, Blm. Rehab)
- Kenneth Morgan
- Kim Rott
- Mary Smart
- James Wills
Hospice: Marilyn Kopp
Military:
- Sean Montoya (Marilyn Cope's Grandson/Air Force, Belgium)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
Births:
- Brooklyn Sue Phillips was born December 29, 2020, and is a great-granddaughter of Marilyn Cope
- Tevin Ezabriel Jacobs was born February 18, 2021, to Adam & Dianna Jacobs. Grandparents are Jim & Deb Underhill.
Sympathy to
- Marilyn Kopp and family on the December 5 death of her husband, Duke Kopp
- Anita (Ken) Schertz and family on the March 5 death of her sister, Carolyn Waller, of Towanda
- Wannie Beard and family on the February 26 death of her son, Terry Beard, of LaSalle
- Phyllis M. Miller and family on the March 19 death of her son, Jim Miller, of Normal
Please be in prayer for essential and emergency workers, of which our congregation has many.
Reminder: Please let the church office know (email office@blmfcc.org) if there’s someone who needs a call or is in the hospital. We are not always able to find out who is in the hospital directly from the hospital.
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Current Hospital Patient Visitation Restrictions
Specific visitor restrictions took effect recently at Carle BroMenn and Carle Eureka. Other area hospitals have similar restrictions. Regular inpatients now are allowed one designated support person throughout their entire stay. If the patient has no designated person, or wants their designated person to be their faith leader, then a faith leader can visit. Otherwise, faith leaders are not allowed to visit that person. Please inquire about end-of-life situations.
People who come into the BroMenn and Eureka Emergency Department are allowed one visitor. It is considered in the patient’s best interest – especially in the case of elderly patients – to have an advocate with them in these emergency situations. If the person is admitted, then all additional COVID visitor protocols apply.
In all of these situations all visitors must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Deadlines for Publications
Please follow these deadlines for publications to ensure that your item is included!
The Messenger (mailed the last Wednesday of the month with some exceptions)
Deadline Friday at noon before mailing date as a general rule (verify with church calendar on FCC website or in previous issue of The Messenger)
Upcoming Messengers:
- April 23 deadline for April 28 mailing
- May 21 deadline for May 26 mailing
Beyond the Bricks (mailed two weeks after the Messenger, on Wednesday)
Deadline Sunday the week of mailing
FCC Connected/Friday Email
Deadline Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
Announcements/Prayer Concerns
Deadline Thursday noon, unless it is an emergent prayer concern
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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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