November
November 7 All Saints Sunday and Daylight Saving Time Begins
November 14 Deadline for Signing Up for Small Group Study “The Journey”
November 21 Decorating the Sanctuary for Advent All are welcome! There are jobs for all ages/abilities.
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Office Hours are listed at the bottom of each Messenger issue.
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Daylight Saving Time begins November 7 Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed so you are right on time for worship!
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A Message from Hank Anderson, Transitional Interim Minister at FCC
My fellow believers,
As we mentioned during worship this past Sunday, this year's Advent focus will be “The Journey.” This focus will be based on a book and video series developed by Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist pastor from the Kansas City area. One of the more interesting aspects of the videos is that they feature scenes from one of Hamilton's visits to the Holy Land in which he visited areas that are featured in the story of Jesus' birth. These videos will give you a glimpse into the places that we talk about every year at Advent and Christmas.
My messages during Advent will pick up on themes brought out in The Journey book, but a key component of our focus will take place in the small group studies that are being planned. All of our church's existing small groups will utilize The Journey book and videos. We are also starting some additional groups that people can join. There are forms on the Info Desk in the Centrum that will allow you to express your interest in a small group as well as the days that will work best for you. In addition, an online form on Facebook or at www.blmfcc.org (go to the Ministry Small Groups page -- find a direct link in the "The Journey" article farther along in the newsletter) is available for people to use to express their interest. Signups will continue through November 14. We are asking for a $10 donation to help cover the cost of the book. We don't want this to be a barrier for anyone, however. So, if that is a challenge, please let your small group leader or me know. Scholarships are available.
I think you will experience at least a couple of benefits from participating in a small group. First, you will have a much deeper experience of “The Journey” in a small group setting than is possible by participating only in our Sunday morning worship services. Second, you will get a taste of the blessing that comes from the fellowship and community that you will experience in a small group. These groups are a great way to develop closer relationships with others in the church.
So, I hope that you will plan to participate in “The Journey” this Advent -- both by being present in worship and by joining one of our small groups.
God bless,
Hank
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Red Cross Blood Drive
A big thank you to all who gave at the fall blood drive on October 20. It gets more and more difficult to find donors each drive but we managed to have 23 people come to donate.
After several years of calling donors via phone, Pete Whitmer has decided to retire. We so appreciate Pete’s diligence in calling and donating his time for a very worthy cause. Thanks, Pete. -- Wholistic Health
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Staff Updates
- Thank you: Thanks for all the kind words and blessings upon my departure of FCC. It was a pleasure to serve all of you. --Maggie Burton
- Sexton: Our Sexton position is now being filled by Wally Sanders, Susan Sanders’ husband.
- Communications Coordinator: Jen Petri has been asked to continue as she has been for another three months, working from her new home out-of-state as the church seeks a local person for this position. She will do so through January.
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A Message from James Nussbaum, Our Congregational President
Fellow disciples,
The Transition Team continues to meet biweekly to discuss the FCC Interim Priorities. After much prayer and discussion, the Transition Team has completed a list of 5 priorities. These priorities are the things that we feel are the most important that we need to work on during this interim period. On Monday, October 18, we presented this list to the board. After taking questions, and some clarifications and suggestions, the board voted unanimously to accept and adopt the FCC Interim Priorities.
Now that we have somewhat of a guide as to what we need to accomplish, the Transition Team will continue to meet to work out some details. We will be sharing these priorities with the congregation in the coming weeks as well as some plans on how to implement them. This will happen in a variety of ways including articles, a presentation during worship, a graphic that we can hang in the centrum to show what the priorities are as well as our progress in this process, and more.
I continue to invite anyone interested to stop myself or any member of the Transition Team after church, or send us a message if you have questions, or ideas on something. We'd love to hear from you! My email address and phone number are below if you want to reach out.
Blessings,
James Nussbaum
FCC Board President
(309) 310-5121
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A Message from the Reopening Team
Please continue to mask at all times at FCC. Keep apprised of ongoing, updated, and on-the-horizon policies related to COVID-19 safety by reading the Friday Email and Messenger regularly. We are continuing the safety measures outlined in the previous Messenger and recent Friday Emails and we continue to monitor the situation. Learn more about COVID-19 numbers anytime at https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/708/CORONAVIRUS-COVID-19
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Heritage Sunday
October 17 was Heritage Sunday. We honored those who have been members of First Christian Church, Second Christian Church, Third Christian Church, Stanford Christian Church, or University Christian Church 50+ years. Members honored were (name and number of years):
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Jean Snyder 78
Sonna West 75
John Lindenbaum 74
Merle Murray 74
Lois Lipscomb 73
Gene Ressler 72
Pete Whitmer 72
Ty Whitmer 72
May Jackson 71
Nancy Gramley 69
Martha Hunter 69
Shirley Wey 69
Janet Violano 68
Susan Hinrichsen 67
Joanne Ressler 67
Suzan Kiesewetter 66
Eugene Murray 66
Erma Satorius 66
Richard Wey 66
Pat Manahan 65
Mary Lou Mercier 65
Kathleen Chapman 64
Charles Ridenour 63
John Trefzger 63
Richard Brandt 62
Vicki Hall 62
Marilyn Kopp 62
Norma Maney 62
Wendell Maney 62
Cindy Rousey 62
Sandy Singletary-Sizemore 62
Larry Fowler 61
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Linda Gates 61
Patricia Sipes 61
Rebecca White 61
Edward Dill 60
William LaBounty 59
Barbara Thatcher 59
Rozanne Anderson 58
Gary Broughton 58
Karen Crusius 58
Robin Wilt 58
David Bradbury 57
Ron Gramley 57
Karen Huber 57
Stanley Robb 56
Peggy Gregg 55
Cindy Huddleston 55
Dorthy Neal 55
David Phillis 55
Connie Rapp 55
Sue Ross 55
Robert Trefzger 55
Carol Cable 54
Michael Murray 54
Shirley Wotherspoon 54
Alan Chapman 52
Rita Bell 51
Marilyn Cope 51
Debra Gore 51
Aubrey Johnson 51
Gayle Norbury 51
Darcy Drexler 50
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All Saints Sunday
November 7 will be All Saints Sunday. We will honor the memory of those members who have died in the past year since our last All Saints Sunday. They are (name and date of death):
Douglas Whitwood 10/11/2020
Lois Mills 12/01/2020
Gilbert Kopp 12/05/2020
Elizabeth Schultz 12/08/2020
Paul Patterson 12/19/2020
Niola Daily 01/08/2021
David Eyman 01/25/2021
Betty Brandt 04/30/2021
Mary Lou Goveia 04/30/2021
Judith Brady 05/16/2021
Myrna Cable 09/29/2021
Myrtle Armstrong 10/04/2021
Richard Brandt 10/22/2021
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Youth News
The October 9 Bed Blitz was a success! Here are some of our Youth and adult leaders participating in the community event sponsored by the West Bloomington Revitalization Project, where beds were built for McLean County children.
Upcoming Events:
- November 21: Game Night for Grades 3-12. Sardines, board games, dodgeball.
- December 12: Youth Christmas Party
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Sunday Mornings at FCC
For Youth/Children
Worship & Wonder
Room 128
New Sunday School Rooms
Youth 109
Children 129
Please mask
at all times!
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“The Journey” -- Our Advent theme for worship and a small group study
Sign up now through November 14.
A $10 donation is being requested for the book. Let Hank Anderson know if a book scholarship is needed.
The study runs throughout Advent. If you’re currently not part of a small group, groups are being formed for the study.
Fill out a signup sheet to indicate your preferences for meeting times. Forms are at the Info Desk or on Facebook, or at www.blmfcc.org on the Small Groups page. You may have to refresh/reload the page if you receive an error or blank page. Thank you for your patience.
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Get Involved!
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Tech Team Volunteers Are 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. Now that we have returned to in-person worship, we would like to add volunteers! There are opportunities to run the 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 Bottled Water Replenishment Volunteer is Needed In order to have water on-hand for purchase, FCC needs a person to purchase the bottled water and stock the Fellowship Hall refrigerator regularly. Please contact the office for more information about the task and how to be reimbursed for the purchase.
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FCC Ministry Priorities and News
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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 The group is currently studying the book of Genesis and will begin “The Journey,” an Advent Study that many small groups are doing this year. The group meets at Noon, and you can join in-person in the church’s Conference Room or online by way of Zoom. If you would like to join by Zoom, please email Hank for the link. If you want to join in-person, you are welcome to simply come to the church. Either way, the group is open to everyone. Contact Hank for further information.
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Property Use – Help our property become a resource to the community and an entry point
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Groups using the building include The Boys & Girls Club, Fibers of Love, Bridge, Narcotics Anonymous, Seedling Theatre, and at least one small group
Note the Lower Level Conference Room (Room 101) is now available for use as a meeting room. Décor and technological updates have been made to this room, which some will recognize as our previous Preschool Sunday School Room, to the right of the nursery on the lower level of the church. It can be reached by the stairs or elevator in the elevator lobby off the church parking lot. Adult-sized furniture set up in a conference-room style has been placed in the room. When you contact the office to reserve a place to meet, you may be assigned room 101. This additional space for meetings is a blessing as our church serves as a meeting place for many FCC and community groups.
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Reach Out/
Meet the Neighbors
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Reach Out/Meet the Neighbors — take a deeper dive into who God has given us to love in this area – and how our lives might intersect
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Collection for Parkside Elementary Every weekend hundreds of Bloomington-Normal children go home on Friday afternoons to empty cupboards at home. The office staff and social worker at each school try to help meet the needs of these families but operate with limited resources. Various area churches help support these efforts with food drives. FCC has begun partnering with Parkside Elementary in Normal in collecting specific items that will be given to the families in need. The list for November items includes disposable child size masks, fruit cups, peanut butter and jelly, single serve mac & cheese, nutrition bars, single serve peanut butter or Nutella, Pop Tarts, single serve cereal or oatmeal, Chef Boyardee single serve meals, Cuties, single serve snacks like chips, cookies, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks, etc. Please donate as you are able. A table for donations is near the piano in the sanctuary.
Collection for Bent School For those times "accidents happen," needed are new underwear for both girls and boys in youth sizes from 5 to 14, as well as sweatpants, jeans, regular long pants, and shorts (in warmer weather) for both girls and boys. Tops that match are also helpful. Please see more details in the Friday Email. Find a bin in the Centrum near the Info Desk for donations.
Compassion Closet, run by Carle BroMenn, makes sure individuals can leave the hospital with dignity when their own clothes have been discarded. FCC, led by Vicki Hall, is collecting new clothing for those patients. A tub is available near the Info Desk for donations. Note this will be an ongoing ministry. Items need to be new. The greatest need is for larger sizes (see chart below).
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Brrrr....
The Polycarps small group has organized a “scarf/mitten/glove/hat tree” drive for the month of November, beginning November 7. Please donate new items for children grades K-12. There will be an artificial Christmas tree in the Centrum (look for this sign!) where you can learn more and where donations can be left. The donations will go to children in need at our local schools. The drive will continue through December 5.
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Drexler Singers’ Biographies
Each year part of our Chancel Choir is comprised of Drexler Singers, individuals who are college students and who share their musical talents with us. Learn more about the Drexler Singers and be sure to thank them when you see them on a Sunday (you can even write them a note in the Facebook comments if you are watching from home).
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James Owen, sophomore Nursing major at Illinois Wesleyan University, from Wilmette, Illinois: A performer in voice, dance, and acting, with notable roles such as Gomez in “The Addams Family Musical” and as Don Armado in “Love’s Labours Lost,” James is also an avid baker and can typically be found in the kitchen with a new loaf of bread. James has trained classically in voice for ten years, and piano and guitar for five years.
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Keoni Plaza, fifth year Music Therapy major at Illinois State University, from Schaumburg, Illinois: Keoni loves to pick up instruments and currently is studying guitar. He also plays piano and many other instruments.
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Halee Hendel, junior Psychology major at Illinois Wesleyan University, from Avon, Illinois: Currently playing Mr. Wilson in IWU’s production of “Ballymore,” Halee loves opera and all things music, theatre, and animal-related. She hopes to eventually be a musical therapist and work in children’s hospitals around the country. She has two dogs, two cats, and a herd of cows she raises.
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Cameron Kidd, undergraduate soprano Vocal Performance major at Illinois Wesleyan University: In November 2019, Cameron competed at the NATS Regional Singing Competition, placing first in her division. Her performance in the 2020 National NATS Auditions placed her in the top fifteen singers in her division. She also performed in the Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music’s fall 2019 production of Massenet’s “Cendrillon” in the role of Cendrillon, and the role of Fiordiligi from the school’s production of “Cosi fan tutte” this past spring. As a soprano in the Illinois Wesleyan Collegiate Choir, Cameron has had the privilege of performing in Canada, Poland, and, most recently, South Africa. She plans on pursuing a career as a professional singer after she graduates in 2022.
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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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Serving Schedule
We publish weekly serving schedules in the Friday Email.
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Contact Us
Transitional Interim Minister:
Hank Anderson
- 309-863-5126
- handerson@blmfcc.org
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
Financial Secretary:
Deborah Stumm
Child Care Coordinator: Trish Logan
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Witness of the Faithful
October 3: $9,647.68
October 10: $9,487
October 17: $3,229.01
October 24: $4,554
Prayer Concerns
Awaiting Tests: Deb Underhill
Aftercare:
- Bill Chaney
- Janet Frizzell
- Chuck Smalley
- Mary Smart
Hospice:
- Marilyn Kopp
- Dorothy Sallee
Military:
- Sean Montoya (Marilyn Cope's grandson/Air Force, Belgium)
- Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
Sympathy to:
- Tony (Carol) Cable and Lou Ann Fillingham (Dan Cavanaugh) and family on the September 29 death of Myrna Cable
- Family and friends of Mickey Armstrong on her October 4 death
- Family and friends of Richard Brandt on his October 22 death
Please be in prayer for essential and emergency workers, of which our congregation has many.
Reminder: Please let the church office know (email dstumm@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.
Note a prayer concerns list is found as a linked document in each Friday Email so you can always have a fresh list.
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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:
- November 19 deadline for November 24 mailing
- December 24 deadline for December 29 mailing
Beyond the Bricks (mailed two weeks after the Messenger, on Wednesday)
Deadline Sunday the week of mailing
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 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. Please call ahead if you plan to visit the office.
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