Dec. 22-29

Scripture this week: Luke 1:39 – 45

Upcoming at FBC:

Remember — To make sure your event is added to the eLink calendar, please make sure dates and times are sent to the office no later than Wednesday of each week

SATURDAY, December 21
Longest Night Service at Wesley UMC @ 6::00 pm

SUNDAY, December 22
Choir Rehearsal @ 9:15 am
Coffee & Conversation @ 9:30 & 11 am
Worship Service @ 10:00 am
FBC Small Groups @ 11:15 am
Safe Harbor @ 5:00 pm
Bible Study @ 6:00 pm Luke 1:39- 45 (Zoom)

MONDAY, December 23
Ukulele Jam @ 5:15 pm

TUESDAY, December 24 Christmas Eve OFFICE CLOSED
Christmas Eve Candlelight service @ 5:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, December 25 Christmas Day
OFFICE CLOSED

SUNDAY, December 29
Coffee & Conversation @ 9:30 & 11 am
Worship Service @ 10:00 am
FBC Small Groups @ 11:15 am
Bible Study @ 6:00 pm Luke 2:41-52 (Zoom)

- Click to access Church calendar
- Click here to access the December 22 Bulletin

Ministry & Events:

Correction: Longest Night Service at 6pm at Wesley UMC
The Longest Night service at Wesley UMC is Saturday at 6 pm, not 7pm at Wesley UMC. The incorrect time was shared due to the previous year’s event showing up in search results.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec 24th @ 5:30 pm
We will have a candlelight evening service at 5:30 pm which will be followed by a cookie reception. Please stay and join us!

Journey in Faith 187 years
On Dec. 30th, 1837, First Baptist Church of Bloomington was formed. In honor of those devoted individuals, a new display is now ready for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to see the Bibles of founders, the song book used during the dedication of our 4th house of worship and a “tour” of all 5 locations where FBC has worshipped.

Retired Missionaries & Ministers Offering
FBC is collecting this offering through January 12th.
“Remember the wonderous works that God has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:12
Together we remember. RMMO is about celebrating, thanking, and lifting up our servant leaders. The offering originated in the mid-1930s as the Communion Fellowship Offering and since 1977 has been known as RMMO. The RMMO funds FBC collects are distributed as thank you checks to retired ordained ministers and commissioned missionaries who have devoted 15 years or more to ABCUSA, as well as surviving spouses. A certain portion of funds is also allocated for direct emergency assistance. This year we will collect this offering December 15th to January 12th. For More information, Please click here

New Year’s Eve Game Night Friday Dec 31 – 6-9pm
You are invited to come from 6:00–9:00 PM on 12/31 to (almost!) see the new year in with church friends. Euchre will start at 8pm! Bring an appetizer, dessert, or other snacks to share if you’d like but not required. This year we thought it might be fun to also have a “white elephant” gift exchange (an opportunity to unload something you’d rather not keep but someone else might treasure!). If you’re interested in participating, bring an inexpensive wrapped gift—a child should bring a gift for a child and an adult bring a gift for an adult. Friends/family are very welcome to join for a fun evening!

New Sunday Morning Small Groups Beginning Jan 5, 2025
Our Sunday morning schedule will include new opportunities for all ages starting January 5, with the launch of two new classes before worship in addition to the ongoing adult classes following worship. We will provide childcare as needed, please confirm with Nathan Jennings, so that we can make appropriate arrangements. (read more for Sunday morning schedule)

Special Wednesday Night Vespers Services
Weds.@ 5:15 – 6:00 pm, followed by a meal. Bring a friend!

- - January 1st New Years Eve; No Service
  - January 8th Prayer Service: Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield (Meal: Culvers)
  - January 15th Art Night: Reflecting on our relationship with God, ourselves and our world through creating art. (Meal: Baked Potato Bar – bring a topping to share)

Budget 2025 Update
A statement from the Board and Stewardship Committee on the adoption of our 2025 Budget is available in print in the Narthex and online here along with copies of the Narrative Budget

Read Through the Bible
On the last Sunday of each month, we will have a 6 pm (Zoom) check-in to discuss the readings, your observations and questions. Don’t forget to send in your questions to brian@fbcblm.org

Supporting the Ministry Together:

FBC

- Online Giving

IN THE COMMUNITY

- Faith in Action is seeking volunteer drivers to transport seniors to needed medical appointments. Get behind your community by getting behind the wheel for Faith in Action (FIA.)
  FIA provides access to medical care/grocery shopping for our aging neighbors without transportation. Volunteering with FIA is flexible and fulfilling. To get started, email stacey@ bnfia.org or call (309) 827-7780. Gretchen Clemmons and Carolyn Wetzel can also answer your questions about volunteering with Faith in Action.

Contact Us:

Office Hours —
Mon. -Thurs.– 9 am -1:30 pm.; Fri: 9 am – 11 am

Office Phone – (309)-662-4253
Church Office: Secretary@fbcblm.org/ 309-662-4253
Pastor Brian: Brian@fbcblm.org/920-924-6857
LOGOS Director: Michelle@fbcblm.org/618-303-3630
Vespers Coordinator & Praise Team Leader: Allison@fbcblm.org/309-846-0403

Come Celebrate With us!

Saturday, August 24 @ 10am

Our dedication begins with a special presentation by Brett Irwin from Pheasants Forever on the plants and pollinators we anticipate seeing in the field and why they matter.

We will then move outside for a brief dedication and planting activity where everyone is welcome to contribute to the field by creating ‘seed balls’ and tossing them in the field.

Additional activities for all ages include live music, lawn games, crafts and a photo booth. Refreshments will be provided as well.

About the Pollinator Habitat:

We are excited to share that First Baptist Church is converting the large field on the east of our property to 5.4 acres of native prairie / wildflower pollinator habitat, with a grass border surrounding the field.

Why we’re creating a Pollinator Habitat:

To provide an ecological benefit for wildlife and pollinators.
To discourage larger groupings of geese.
When fully established, it will enhance the beauty of the field through wildflowers and native grasses.
By reducing maintenance expenses on an empty lot, we increase our ability to respond to needs in the church and community.

Timeline / What to expect:

To re-establish native grasses and flowers, the ground was prepared in 2023 and spring 2004 by removing the existing grasses and weeds.

The field was seeded with a special mix of native seeds beneficial to pollinators, and when needed, the field will initially be mowed with a high mower to eliminate remaining weeds while the desirable plants are being established.

During the first year, the field will look rough, as native wildflowers can take a year to germinate and become established.

After the grasses and flowers are fully established, every three years, a controlled burn or mowing will be needed to prevent the encroachment of non-native

grasses and plants, as the city does with prairie restoration areas at Tipton Park. FBC will be in communication with the city and our neighbors about the timing and process.

A large thanks to our community partners:

Pheasants Forever: for significant time, instruction, material and financial support.

Illinois Prairie Community Foundation: for grant support and encouragement

McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District: for essential information and support with the planning and process of establishing this project.

Martin Tractor Inc: for providing the tractor and support for the seeding of the field.

Category: Blog Articles