• Sunday Traditional Worship 9:00 a.m. with Worship and Wonder for Children
  • One and All Worship 10:15 a.m.
  • Sunday School for All Ages 10:00 a.m.
March 27, 2019
March: March 31 Guest Speaker Angee Byrd

April:
  • April 14 Palm Sunday Services at 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
  • April 18  Maundy Thursday: Meal at 6:00 p.m.; Worship at 6:30 p.m. all in Fellowship Hall. For this evening’s activities, we welcome Centennial Christian Church to participate with us.
  • April 19 Good Friday service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church at 12:10 p.m.
  • April 21 Easter Services at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:15 a.m. at FCC
  • April 28 Volunteer Recognition Sunday and 10:00 a.m. Congregational Meeting
wheelbarrow-girl.jpg
All-Church Cleanup of the FCC Grounds
April 6 starting at 9:00 a.m.!
 
Planned activities:
  • Rake leaves and pick up sticks along east and south side of building
  • Trim and clean up flower bed along east side of parking lot
  • Sweep up dirt and debris in both parking lots 
  • Haul mulch from a pile and spread out in flower beds as needed 
  • Clean out debris from window wells in the courtyard area of the front side of building
  • Wash windows and glass doors in parking lot entrance and anywhere else that needs it
 
Please bring yard tools, gloves, and a wheelbarrow if you have one.
If you have questions, please contact John Dailey or Doug Reed.
Spiritual Growth
Small Groups Update

Fibers of Love Leslie Frizzell is a substitute leader for Trisha Horner during January, February, and March. The group meets Mondays 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at FCC in Fellowship Hall during January, February, and March. The rest of the year meetings are Mondays 8:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m. at 101 Robinson St., Bloomington.

This is a gathering of people interested in using fiber to meet the needs of our community, county, country, and world. We cut, iron, and stitch items needed by day care centers, nursing homes, mission groups, social services groups, hospitals, veteran groups, and schools, just to name a few. For example, we very recently sent over 200 dresses and shorts with missionaries journeying to Nicaragua. Also, we have completed 25 Brothers Keepers quilts. They are sent to disaster relief areas in this country and around the world where needed. A third focus this winter is fidget lap quilts used in nursing homes, local hospitals, and Danville’s Veterans Hospital. We have kits ready to sew for anyone interested in helping out with the sewing at your own home. Members of this group come from FCC, Calvary United Methodist Church, and many other churches. Some members have no church affiliation. Everyone is welcome. Come and see what the Lord can do through donated fiber and willing hands. It is a JOY!
These Nicaraguan children are holding up hygiene packs and the gift dresses and shorts made by Fibers of Love.
Get Involved! The Nominating Committee will continue meeting regularly. Please consider your spiritual gifts and contact Chip Jamerson if you are interested in serving in a leadership capacity at FCC. Chip can be reached at [email protected].
Reach Out
food_drive_girl.jpg
Gifts for Another Table In April we will collect food for the Salvation Army. Items needed: rice and rice dinners, potato dinners, pasta of any kind, pasta sauce, Hamburger Helper, dinner meals, cereal, mashed/boxed potatoes, and canned fruits and vegetables. Thank you!
The Abundant Life Church Meal will be served on April 21 (Easter Sunday).   This month we’ll need more folks to be involved!   Would you be willing to make your favorite recipe to share with the recipients of this special meal? Please sign up at the Info Desk or contact Julie Robinson at
Mission Trip Update June 17-22, 2019, the group will do work at Real Faith Christian Church, The City of Truth, in  Clarksdale, MS.  Projects include:        
Baptistery -- wiring for lights, building ceiling, drywall, painting, two doors
Computer room -- Install grid lights, wiring, remove a door, drywall, painting
Kitchen -- Remove old counters, install new counters, install 3-stall sink and commercial faucet
Mike and Julie Robinson will be in Clarksdale June 12-26.
Sleeping will be on cots/blow up mattresses you will need to bring, and will be in the church gymnasium. Showers on site. 
Estimated cost will be based on food, gas, materials.  FCC van will be used for transportation. Tools will be provided unless you have favorite ones you want to bring. Estimated cost is about $225 at the most and will depend on donations or sponsorships.
Food will be prepared by Julie. The group usually goes to a local blues club one night.
No Block Party this year, but Reach Out will be collecting school supplies for Unit 5 and District 87. Watch for more information soon.
Children and Youth
Youth Group 
 
Sunday School and Youth Group will not meet on March 31 because of Spring Break.
 
Year-end Youth Group Event April 28

A Youth Group Schedule can be seen here .

Camp Registration is open for all 2019 camps.   Visit cciwdisciples.org/camp-program/ to access and complete the online registration form. Instructions and other important information are also available on the website.
Disciples Women’s Ministries 

April 4 Meeting  Ladies, exciting news: this is the very last session of Rediscovering Our Gifts. This session is for ALL of us – even if you have attended only once or twice (or not at all) for this study, we strongly encourage you to come in April. This will be a fun session. We will finally discover what our gifts are.

We are planning a lighter-hearted, easy hour. NO BOOKS! You need bring only YOU and a pen or pencil. Oh, and of course, if you are the driver, your driver’s license. See you then.
Saving those Box Tops for Education?  Please do! There is a Disciples Women’s Ministries mailbox just outside the office door where you can leave them. Donate your Box Tops and we can make a big impact on a local school. Thank you!
FCC Volunteer Opportunities
  • All gifts of time and resources to help with these volunteer opportunities are greatly appreciated. 
  • Helps the church by eliminating the need/cost of hiring someone to do the job.
  • Helps ensure our building/grounds are in the best shape possible for members and visitors. 
  • Please contact church office (Maggie) to add your name to the volunteer list for each opportunity.
Want to help the Warrens by providing a meal?    
If you would like to help provide meals for the Warren family, please follow the steps below. Thank you!
  • Go to the web site: www.takethemameal.com
  • Type in "Warren" for the family name
  • The Password: Godisgood
  • Sign up for the time(s) when you would like to supply a meal, and just follow the simple steps for delivery 
Blood Drive Tuesday, April 16, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sign up at the Info Desk March 31, April 7, or April 14. You can also call Maggie at the church office. The American Red Cross desperately needs your donation.  Please consider donating.            -- Wholistic Health Council
Eat at Portillo's Hot Dogs on April 1 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. to help INtegRIty Counseling Celebrate their 5 year anniversary! Pick up a flier at the FCC Info Desk (or print the one you see here) and show it when you order,
and Portillo's will donate 20% back to INtegRIty! 

Thanks as always for your support!
thankyou_paper_hdr.jpg
Please find a Thank You note on the Centrum bulletin board from Mickey Armstrong (birthday cards).
Legacy Circle  Visit the church website (in the Member Portal) to learn about this group whose members have decided to keep the church in their long-term plans.
Meet Your Worship Ministry Stewards
 
Marla McElroy  Marla McElroy has been a member of FCC for 12 years, and is currently serving as a Worship Ministry Steward. She participates in the choir, and has previously served as a Deacon and Elder. A fourth generation Disciple, Marla is also currently serving as Moderator (Board Chair) for the Regional Church Council. 
 
Marla knew FCC was "home" on her first visit, as everyone was so welcoming. She appreciates having a church family that is very supportive, and shows God's love. The messages and our worship on Sundays, along with various opportunities to grow in faith and serve others, make FCC a special place.
 
Marla's favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6. As we progress through Lent and approach Easter, she looks forward to all God has in store for us!
 
Libby Nussbaum  My name is Libby Nussbaum, I'm married to James, and I'm Khloe's Mama. I'm pretty sure people know us.   As a family, we're really involved at FCC, and we wouldn't have it any other way. James and I are deacons and Khloe is an acolyte. James does video, sound, and scripture reading, and I try to keep Fellowship Hall looking inviting for One and All. Recently I've taken a small step back from putting together all of the prayer stations in that service, as I'm studying for my Pharmacy Technician Certification for work.
 
Being a part of Worship Committee has been super fun. I'd like to think I'm fairly creative, so helping to put together the worship services has given me a chance to put some of that energy to good use. I like making sure the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted.

My whole family loves being so active with our church family, and if I could I'd do much more. James and I never thought we'd be "church people," but here we are. And we wouldn't change a thing! I tell myself church work isn't really work, it's fun work. It allows me to connect with God more than just on Sunday mornings.
I love our church so much. I love our accepting nature and how our communion table is readily available every week, to everyone. That's the ultimate display of love. And I'm so down with that.
Serving Schedule
Serving Schedules are included in each Messenger and in the Friday Email (sent via email to all who have subscribed) two days before worship services. These are to help you as a final reminder of your duties. Ministry areas send initial serving calendars or schedules for each area of duty, and we hope you have already marked your calendar.  When you find it necessary to find a substitute, please try to trade with someone else and don’t forget to tell the church office at 309-829-9327 or [email protected] as soon as you can.  Knowing who is actually serving is important to the staff and leadership for various reasons. Thank you for your help!

Sunday, March 31

Acolyte:  Khloe Nussbaum
Child Care: 
·          Trish Logan
·          Kim Cox
Deacons:
·          9:00 Justin & Kim Cox
·          10:15 James & Libby Nussbaum
Jr. Deacons: 
·          Brennon Reed
·          Austin Metz
Drivers:  
·          Ryan Newton
·          Gary Thompson
Elders: 
·          Tamara Shields
·          David Bradbury
Homebound Elders:  
·          John Hensley
·          Nancy Trefzger
Coffee Fellowship:  Doug Reed
Fill Candles:  Ryan Newton
Greeters: 
·          Mark & Michelle Gramley
·          Rita Fisher
Info Desk:  Nancy Guither
Scripture: Marla McElroy
Sound Tech:  James Nussbaum
Time for Children:  Heather Damery   
Video Tech:  Todd Chapman
Worship Leader:
·          9:00 Susan Cleaver
·          10:15 Marla McElroy
Worship & Wonder Greeter:  Chip Jamerson
Pulpit:  Matthew 5:14-16
Angee Byrd, Associate Regional Minister of Communications for The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in IL and WI, will share her story during both worship services.


Sunday, April 7

Acolyte:  Jeremiah Hall
Child Care: 
·          Trish Logan
·          Heather Damery
Deacons:
·          9:00 Chip & Patti Jamerson
·          10:15 Chip & Patti Jamerson
Jr. Deacons: 
·          Tyler Chapman
·          Clark Kosier
Drivers:  
·          Gary Thompson
·          Ralph Lehmann
Elders: 
·          John Dailey
·          Naomi Kosier
Homebound Elders:  
·          Tamara Shields
·          David Bradbury
Coffee Fellowship:  Ron & Nancy Gramley
Fill Candles:  Marla McElroy
Greeters: 
·          Rick Erickson
·          Shirley Wotherspoon
Info Desk:  Vicki Hall
Scripture:  Marla McElroy
Sound Tech:  Dave Phillis
Time for Children:  Camille Taylor   
Video Tech:  Nate Damery
Worship & Wonder Greeter:  Naomi Kosier
Pulpit:  Jim Warren – Luke 19:1-10 “Giving Up Selfishness and Taking on Generosity.” After encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus promises to give away half of his possessions and pay back four times as much as he has defrauded anyone. He is transformed from a greedy tax collector to a generous and giving person. Can we be transformed like Zacchaeus was?   
Worship on March 31:  We will be joined by Angelique (Angee) Byrd, Associate Regional Minister of Communications, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in IL & WI, who will speak during the regular sermon time at both services.
 
Angelique Byrd describes herself as someone who aspires to do the work of the Lord by using her gifts to further advance the Kingdom of God.

Angelique is a versatile marketing professional with over 25 years of marketing experience. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and a Master of Science Degree in Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University. Although she has been in Corporate America for the majority of her career, having been called to carryout God’s will with The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin has become the most fulfilling.

Angelique was granted a Commission as the Associate Regional Minister of Communications on June 6, 2018. As the Associate Regional Minister of Communications, Angelique is responsible for promoting, gathering, and making our “Good News” stories available to CCIW and the world. It has been said that The Disciples of Christ is the world’s best kept secret. Well, it’s our goal to let the world know of the good work that God is doing through CCIW!

Angelique resides in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and has three amazing children: Alexis, Darius, and Donovan. Her kids keep her busy attending their sports events. You will find her in the stands at many football and basketball games or on the phone discussing the latest fashion trends with her daughter. 
mobile_tablet_comp.jpg
Contact Us
Senior Pastor:   James Warren

Minister Emeritus:   John Trefzger

Dir. Music, 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
        [email protected]
Witness of the Faithful
Attendance:
  • 3/17/19: 164, 30
  • 3/24/19: 159, 33
Offering:  $21,778.87
 
Prayer Concerns
Aftercare:
  • Steve Bozarth
  • Jim Guither
  • Marilyn Kopp
  • Kaleigh Menken
  • Mary Lou Mercier
  • Peggy O’Neal
  • Susan Sanders
  • Mary Smart
Treatment: 
  • Don Gottselig
  • Forrest Kaufman
  • Sharon Warren
Hospice: Harold Goyen
Assisted Living:  
  • Mickey Armstrong (Luther Oaks)
  • Niola Daily (Westminster)
  • Mary Lou Mercier (Home)
  • Glenn & Betty Metz (Villas of Holly Brook)
  • Neil & Dorothy Sallee (Westminster)
  • Alma Samuels (Taylors’ home) 
  • Suzanne Summers (Evergreen Village)
Nursing Homes:    
  • Alden Valley Ridge, Bloomingdale – Hazel Kuhn
  • Eastview Terrace, Sullivan – Joe Violano
  • Heritage, Blm. – Merle Murray
  • Heritage, El Paso – Sonna West 
  • Heritage, Normal – Harold Goyen
  • Liberty, Clinton – Corena Meyer
  • Martin Health – Myrna Cable, Marlyn Mahannah, Neil Sallee, Barbara Thatcher
Military:
  • Adam Jacobs (Army)
  • Chris Kavanaugh (Marines, CA);
  • Harley Scott (Phillis niece/Navy, VA)
Sympathy to:
  • the family of Regional Minister Teresa Dulyea-Parker and her husband Al Keeney on the March 20 death of Al’s brother, George Keeney
  • the family of Kathie (Alan) Chapman on the March 26 death of her step-mother,  Eloise Fitzsimmons Campbell, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Step-grandchildren: Matt (Carrie) Chapman family, Heather (Nate) Damery family, Todd (Corin) Chapman family
Front of Church
Office Phone 309 829-9327 Fax 309 829-2865
Address 401 W. Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Website www.blmfcc.com
Hours Of fice hours have changed. The office is open Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. , and Tuesday through Friday 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.  The office closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. every day. The best times to contact the church office are while Maggie is here, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Keeping You in the Loop: The Messenger , Friday Email , Beyond the Bricks
FOLLOW US