Staying involved in the Bloomington/Normal area, and beyond.
Where do you fit... Beyond the Bricks?
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Welcome... to the latest issue of
Beyond the Bricks!
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My friends,
The followers of Jesus have always been concerned about reaching out to the community and world beyond themselves. Jesus himself sent his followers ahead of him to minister: After these things, the Lord commissioned seventy-two others and sent them on ahead in pairs to every city and place he was about to go. (Luke 10:1 CEB). Later in that same account Jesus tells those he is sending out Heal the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘God’s kingdom has come upon you.’ (Luke 10:9 CEB).
We are called to continue that ministry to the world around us. And it begins right here in Bloomington, Normal and McLean County. Below are some options. You may know of other options. Whatever option works for you, let us find ways to continue to minister in the name of Jesus.
God bless,
Hank
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Support Seedling Theatre and See a Great Show, "All Together Now!"
November 11, 12, 13, 14
See Times Below
First Christian Church
401 W. Jefferson Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
Tickets (purchase at the door): Adults $10 College age and under $5
Illinois Voices Theatre Seedling presents... MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL
ALL TOGETHER NOW!
...a global event celebrating local theatre featuring songs from Broadway including:
Pure Imagination, Let It Go, We're All in this Together, Tomorrow, You Can't Stop the Beat, Consider Yourself, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and many more!
November 11 (pay what you can), 12, and 13 at 7:00 p.m. and November 14 at 3:00 p.m.
MASKS REQUIRED
Also required: proof of COVID-19 vaccine or negative test within 48 hours of the show
Reservations Strongly Recommended
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Be Involved in the Baby Fold's Festival of Trees in One or More Ways
November 18 through 20
Mobile Bidding Begins November 17
Interstate Center
Bloomington, IL 61704
The Festival of Trees Returns to the Interstate Center November 18-20; Christmas Cheer is Almost Here! Great News! Over 500 auction items have already been donated to The Baby Fold’s Festival of Trees. The fundraiser will showcase 200 wreaths and swags, 113 trees, 77 centerpieces, 54 fall décor items, 58 other décor pieces, 5 gift baskets, and a partridge in a pear tree! Each auction item is handcrafted with love from community members like you to benefit local children.
Local businesses are supporting local kids by sponsoring the event, donating their time and services, gift cards, gift certificates, and gift baskets for the auction. We are overjoyed by the outpouring of community support!
November 17, 8:00 p.m. – Mobile bidding begins
November 18-20, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily– Festival of Trees opens at the Interstate Center in Bloomington
November 20, 9:00 p.m. – Mobile bidding ends
November 21, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Curbside pick up at the Interstate Center
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Tell Friends about Local Full-Service Affordable Medical Care
Third Monday Each Month (Coming up November 15)
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Woodhill Towers
The Mobile Health Clinic will be available 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Woodhill Towers, on the corner of Wood and Main Streets in Bloomington. The clinic provides:
- Chronic condition management and education
- Treatment of acute illness
- Physicals, wellness care, and assessments
- School and sports physicals and immunizations
- Lab testing
- Referrals and applications for social services
Food boxes will be available for distribution by the Tinerven Foundation.
United Way, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, McLean County Health Department, and Chestnut Health Systems will also be available to provide nutrition and health information, diabetes prevention, FQHC information, and assistance signing up for Medicaid. Visit Carle.org/mobilehealth for more information.
Please share this information with others who need affordable medical care.
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Participate in the Sunnyside Community Garden and Food Forest’s 2nd Annual Art Exhibit and Auction
Through December 4
Online and in-person at Coffee House & Deli
114 East Beaufort St.
Normal, IL 61761
Welcome to Sunnyside Community Garden and Food Forest’s 2nd Annual Art Exhibit and Auction. We are exhibiting some of our best local artists.
Last year we raised close to $4,000 and were able to provide seeds, plants, and compost to grow healthy organic vegetables. This year we hope to provide jobs for eight youth apprentices in Sunnyside Community Garden’s neighborhood. This would not be possible without generous support from people like you. We thank you for your support of our garden.
Enjoy the art exhibit both online and at Coffee House & Deli in Uptown Normal. Have a cup of coffee, a scone, or lunch, and bid on your favorite local art!
If you just want to make a donation to the garden, go to our page at the link:
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Participate in the Black Lives Matter in Bloomington Book Club
Monday, December 13
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Zoom
Join our intersectional and intergenerational come-when-you-can book club to discuss the 2019 winner of the National Book Award for non-fiction about growing up in New Orleans: "The Yellow House"
Discover more about this book club and event at the BLM in Bloomington Book Club Facebook page.
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Be an Animal Care Volunteer at the Miller Park Zoo
Miller Park Zoo
1020 South Morris Ave.
Bloomington, IL 61701
A message from the zoo: We have an immediate need for Animal Care Volunteers. If you have free time and would like to contribute to the care and well-being of our animals, this opportunity is for you! Must be 18 or older, able to work one four-hour shift per week, and able to obtain a negative TB test. Our volunteers play a key role in our success! We hope to work with you soon.
For more information on animal care or special events volunteering, contact Morgan Hinchen at 309-434-2250 or mhinchen@cityblm.org.
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Learn More about Being an Anti-Racist
Subscribe to a daily blog that gives guidance on how to be an anti-racist:
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Support Recycling Furniture for Families
RF4F
515 North Center St.
Bloomington, IL 61701
309-829-6500
A note from RF4F: Treacherous weather conditions and damage to our homes affect us all. No one is immune. But only some of us have the means to bounce back.
After record-high rainfall and flooding this summer, Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) held an event at Bloomington Middle School to connect flood victims with local resources. Our team at Recycling Furniture for Families was at the event to meet the people most in need and explain how we could help.
We ask that you join in our mission to put more furniture and household items into the hands of local families in dire need. More info at our website.
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Donate VHS Tapes, DVDs, CDs and Audio Books to Nursing Homes with the Help of Merry Maids
Merry Maids of Bloomington/Normal
1702 W. College Ave. Ste. A-3
Normal, IL 61761
309-661-1726
Clean, usable, manufacturer-produced items are repurposed for nursing home residents and kept out of the waste stream. Drop your items by Merry Maids and know that you are not only helping de-clutter your home, but also entertaining worthy recipients. Be sure to include your name, address, and email address with your donation.
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Recycle with the Sugar Grove Nature Center
First Tuesday and First Saturday through December
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Various Locations
We are excited to announce our recycling initiative! There are so many ways that you can decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. If your community offers recycling, we sure hope that you take advantage of curbside pickup or drop-off bin locations. Here are some great ways to recycle even more!
2021 collection drives will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday and 1st Saturday of every month through December 2021. We will also have collection drives during each of our special events throughout the year.
Items can ONLY be accepted during our scheduled collection dates and times and should be pre-sorted for a smooth experience. For a full packet of information regarding which recyclables we will accept, please email angela@sugargrovenaturecenter.org.
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Learn CPR
The Illinois Red Cross is offering free virtual classes to learn about Hands-Only CPR so that you and the members of your organization are prepared to increase the chances of someone surviving a cardiac emergency. David Lee, an Illinois Disaster AmeriCorps member, would like to offer this free program to the members and friends of First Christian Church.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital each year. Learn how to deliver lifesaving CPR care without rescue breaths and be prepared. When you immediately provide Hands-Only CPR, you can increase the chance of survival.
Contact: David Lee
AmeriCorps | Illinois Disaster Corps Member
American Red Cross of Illinois
Cell: (309) 202-5725
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Around the Community
Click on any organization to access its website and learn about support/volunteer opportunities
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401 West Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Bloomington's Oldest Continuing Congregation
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