 |
Welcome... to the latest issue of
Beyond the Bricks!
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Next Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, when we'll honor one of America's greatest heroes. This year will mark the 50th anniversary of his assassination.
King once said, "
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." In a world that is often filled with darkness and hatred, we need to listen to King. God calls on us to shine light where it's the darkest and practice love where only hate reigns.
We can do that by giving of ourselves and reaching out to others with compassion. May we learn to serve others as God asks us to do.
Take a look at this issue of Beyond the Bricks, and be ready for a nudge from God showing you where you can make a difference.
Your servant in Christ,
Jim Warren
|
Get Your Slice of Lifelong Learning
Sample Free Classes
Saturday, January 20, 2018 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Don't you love the chance to sample something before you buy it? That's exactly what you'll get to do at Slice of Lifelong Learning. Bring a friend and sample free Continuing Education classes in technology, the arts, wellness, cooking, and more. Register for one or more Continuing Education courses during the event and receive a 25% discount.
|
Healing America's Political Divide:
A Workshop on Reconciliation in Families & Communities
Sunday, January 21, 2018 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Has the polarization of political views undermined your relationships with family members and friends? Are you looking for a way to reconnect and find a glimpse of reconciliation? Attend a workshop led by Elaine K Olson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Ordained Pastor, and Spiritual Guide about ways to open conversation, explore mutual values and bridge the divide in our families, workplaces, and communities. She will provide ways we can engage others despite our political difference.
The workshop is free, but RSVP is requested. To RSVP, visit
|
Volunteer for or Donate to the
West Bloomington Revitalization Project
2300 Tools Loaned
255 New Members
90 Beds Built and Donated
377 Co-oped Bikes
Community Garden: 5200 lbs of Food
57 Garden Plots
6 Trees Planted
5000 Books Donated from Book Bike
These are just some of the projects the WBRP offers. Help us to continue providing these services to our community. Please consider donating any amount.
|
Black Lives Matter in Bloomington-Normal Book Club
Monday, January 29, 2018 7:00 p.m.
Bloomington, Public Library
205 E. Olive St.
Bloomington, IL 61701
Join us to discuss the recent young adult novel The Hate U Give (2017) by Angie Thomas, soon to be a film directed by George Tillman Jr.
Teenagers (and adults), new and occasional members, warmly welcomed!
|
Check Out Illinois People's Action's Events
Various
Bloomington and All Over Illinois
Illinois People's Action (IPA) is downstate Illinois' largest faith-based community organization. Our membership is across the state and includes chapters in Bloomington-Normal, Decatur, Peoria, and significant membership in Springfield, Champaign-Urbana and rural counties of central Illinois including far southern Illinois. The mission of IPA is to organize for justice in local communities and throughout Illinois' urban and rural communities.
Read more and check out the calendar on their website.
|
Attend the Faith in Action 2018 Auction and Dinner
February 10, 2018 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Please join Faith in Action for a fun filled evening all in the name of helping keep seniors independent and in their own homes. There will be games galore, raffles, a Live Auction & cash bar.
Volunteers are also needed for this event. See the link below for more info about Faith in Action and opportunities to be involved.
|
|
Around the Community
Click on any organization to access its website and learn about support/volunteer opportunities
|
|
First Christian Church |
[email protected]| 309 829-9327 |
www.blmfcc.com
401 West Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Bloomington's Oldest Continuing Congregation
|
|
|
|
|
|
