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,
Over the past several weeks, I have been using this space to reflect on our Sunday morning worship services and the various elements that make up those services. This is important because it is easy for us to participate in worship without really thinking about the significance behind those elements.
One of the challenges of planning a worship service is how to offer worship that speaks to and involves the wide span of ages that is often present in worship. While adults of various ages may prefer to worship in different ways, the greatest concern is how to involve children--especially young children--in an adult oriented service. At FCC, we do this in a couple of different ways.
First, we offer "A Time for Children." This, of course, takes place in the main worship service but seeks to explain the scripture of the day at a level that children are more able to understand. A number of folks in the congregation volunteer to offer these messages and they do so in a variety of ways.
Second, we offer Children's Worship and Wonder. This ministry is offered for young people following the Time for Children in one of the basement Sunday School rooms. Worship and Wonder is not simply Sunday School in "another form." Rather, it takes a more interactive approach that allows children to worship at their own level.
These are two ways that we as a church are seeking to reach children in an age-appropriate fashion. It is a recognition that children are not simply small adults, but that they think and experience things differently than adults do. How to continue to do this in effective ways and how to reach more children are issues we need to continue to explore.
God bless,
Hank
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Bible Study on Zoom (or In-Person)
The group is on break presently, but will gather to begin a new weekly study on Wednesday, December 1. For Advent, the group will be doing the "The Journey" study. The group meets at 12 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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Who is on the prayer list? Who are the folks prayed for on Sunday mornings? Since services are live streamed and can be seen by anyone, for privacy's sake last names are not mentioned. If you would like to see who is on the comprehensive prayer list, go to the light blue "Supporting Each Other" section below, where each week you can find a link to the Prayer Concerns for the current week.
Incidentally, there is a link to a church directory in that section, as well.
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This Sunday
Hank Anderson will preach this Sunday on Matthew 6:25-33 (NRSV) ("Who? Me? Worry?") and the choir, with Drexler Singers, will sing. See you at FCC or online at 9:00 a.m. The Thanksgiving Offering will be accepted this Sunday. Please make a check payable to First Christian Church and make a notation in the memo line, "2021 Thanksgiving Offering."
Next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. Please watch for details of Advent in the upcoming Messenger and on Facebook.
Serving Schedule
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Registration: Linda Metz
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Deacon (Communion Set Preparer): Kristi Deedrick
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Elders: Jeff Courtright, Madonna Courtright; Visiting Elders Marla McElroy, Bill Robitske
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Info Desk Attendant: Betty Steinlicht
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Coffee Hosts: Susan Hinrichsen and Betty Steinlicht
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Time for Children: Patty Thompson, next week Matt Chapman
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Worship & Wonder Greeter: Evelyn Kosier
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Building Lock-up: Bill Robitske
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Candle Filler: Becky White
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Tech Crew: Dave Phillis, Kevin Kiesewetter, Brian Metz, Austin Metz
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Recycling: Gary and Patty Thompson, Marty Sallee
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Looking Ahead and Ongoing
Calendar Update:
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Advent brings "The Journey," our theme for the season's worship, as well as a study for small groups. Signups for the study are over, but if you would like to join the Sunday morning group or the Wednesday noon group, please let Hank or Holly know. There is a $10 donation associated with the study book, but please contact Hank Anderson at handerson@blmfcc.org if you need financial assistance.
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Youth Game Night this Sunday, November 21: See Facebook Youth Group page for details
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Sanctuary Decorating this Sunday, November 21: With Sunday, November 28 being the first Sunday of Advent, and so that our sanctuary is ready, we will be decorating this Sunday, November 21, after worship. We haven’t been able to decorate since 2019, and we are anxious to prepare for a more normal Advent season. We will need 20-25 volunteers to put up and decorate our large Christmas tree, and we’ll be adding greenery, poinsettias, lights, and the manger. Our Advent wreath will be placed in the front of the sanctuary. Continuing with our guidelines, all volunteers will be fully masked to maintain safety. Please join us to transform our sanctuary after worship THIS Sunday!
- Music Sunday and Tasting Party December 5 (see above)
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Stewardship 2022: Emails and letters were sent last week about financial commitments to FCC and we ask that you respond by November 30. Here is a link to the pledge form on the website. Pledge. Thank you for your involvement in the future of the church!
Outreach Efforts:
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Mitten Tree for Local School Children: The Polycarps small group has organized a “scarf/mitten/ glove/hat tree” drive for the month of November. Please donate new items for children grades K-12. There is an artificial Christmas tree in the Centrum (look for the "Baby It's Cold Outside" 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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Food Drive for Parkside Elementary families: To help hundreds of local families, FCC is partnering with Parkside Elementary in Normal by collecting specific items that will be given to the families in need: 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... Thank you for donating as you are able. Please place items on the table in the sanctuary near the piano.
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Clothing Drive for Compassion Closet (BroMenn): We are collecting new COMFORTABLE -- STRETCHY (see the list of items needed in The Messenger) clothing for patients who are leaving Carle BroMenn Hospital. Some of the patients who come in on an emergency basis do not have clothing to leave in. A tub is available near the Info Desk for donations. Note this will be an ongoing ministry. Sweatshirts, sweatpants, knit t-shirts, knit elastic waist pants, or shorts for men and women are needed. Items need to be new. The greatest need is for larger sizes.
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Clothing/Funds 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 this document.
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"The Journey" Ornaments: These ornaments were mailed to members and friends this week, and we hope you'll keep one for yourself and give one away as a friendly and beautiful way to invite a friend to FCC for our various Advent and Christmas events. On the back of the ornament is a schedule mentioning Music Sunday and the Tasting Party on December 5, and the Christmas Eve service.
Please share your extra ornament, and come to worship at FCC this Sunday where more will be available. They can also be picked up in the office during the week.
May you and yours have a blessed Advent.
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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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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 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 continuing guidelines, which could change as numbers of infected increase.
All in the building are required to mask at all times. Note about choir: There are three feet between singers, and all wear masks. Singers are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Rehearsals are 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 Deborah 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, Transitional 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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