March 23-30

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

SUNDAY, March 23
Small Groups for Children & Adults @ 8:45 am
Coffee & Conversation in Barker Hall @ 9:45 am
Worship @ 10 am
Coffee & Conversation in Barker Hall @ 11 am
Small Groups for Adults: Pathfinders & Koinonia @ 11:15 am
Childcare available during classes – please contact Nathan Jennings if needed.
Sunday Lunch Bunch @ 12:15 pm
Safe Harbor @ 5:00 pm
Zoom Bible Study @ 6:00 pm Matthew 5:33-37 (Zoom)

MONDAY, March 24
Fiber Arts Group @ 6:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, March 26
Vesper Service @ 5:15 pm
Adult Small Group @ 5:40 pm
*** NO LOGOS ***

SUNDAY, March 30
Small Groups for Children & Adults @ 8:45 am
Coffee & Conversation in Barker Hall @ 9:45 am
Worship @ 10 am
Coffee & Conversation in Barker Hall @ 11 am
Small Groups for Adults: Pathfinders & Koinonia @ 11:15 am
Childcare available during classes – please contact Nathan Jennings if needed.
Zoom Bible Study @ 6:00 pm Matthew 6:1-8 (16-28) (Zoom)

- Click to access Church calendar

- Click here to access the March 23 Bulletin

Ministry & Events:

Sunday Lunch Bunch March 23 @ 12:15 pm
Come share a meal together after Sunday classes – meet up with Jan and Pastor Brian at 12:15. Group will decide where to go; may have 1-2 groups depending on the number of people

America for Christ 2024 Grace upon Grace
Thanks to a history of generous donations to the America for Christ (AFC) Offering, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has provided financial support to American Baptist churches and affiliated organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico year over year. Please help us continue to bring healing and hope to communities, families, children and Jesus’ disciples in 2024 by supporting this year’s America for Christ Offering. Go to our website to learn more

Pollinator Habitat update
The Facilities committee has been hard at work making additions to the pollinator habitat. Some of our money from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation grant has been used to purchase 4 bluebird nest boxes. These were installed at the edges of the habitat to give the birds a good flight path and to be easily accessible for clean out.
We were also gifted a purple martin house which you will see at the top of a tall pole off the parking lot. This was donated to us by the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance who will be maintaining it. Eventually we hope that the church will take on this responsibility. This has been strategically placed so these birds have an open flight path from the pond at Northpoint to the box. It may take a year before we see these birds but we do hope that they will come! The habitat is definitely a work in progress that will continue to evolve. Click here to learn more !

FBC Trivia Night April 26th 6:30-8:30
Trivia night is coming soon! the sign up will be available soon so be ready to sign up as an individual or a team. More details to come

Time for Camp at Lake Springfield Baptist Camp!
There are many camps listed, and it gives you a chance to meet new people and grow together in faith! FBC would like to pay for half of your child’s camp fees for the summer. Please make sure to let us know if your child is attending! You can find fees, supplies list, and more camping experiences here

- College Camp May 14-17 -for High School Grads up to 25 yrs.
- Sleepover Camp June 8-9 -for Grades 1-3rd.
- Jr High Camp July 6-12
- Elementary Day Camp June 6.
- Beginner Camp –June 10-13 for Grades 1st –4th.
- Intermediate Camp June 14-18 for Grades 4th-6th
- Family Camp July 25-27.
- Water Walkers—July 13-19- Sr. High Camp
- 24 Hr. Camp June 29-30 for Grades 4th-6th
- Young at Heart Day Camp –July 5

Through The Bible – Spending Time with Jesus in 2025
The reading schedule is adapted for 2025 from one created by Bob Rognlien*, and is meant to be part of a slow, prayerful devotional every Monday through Saturday. With a daily reading of around 10-15 verses at a time, it is paced to give space to reflect on Jesus’ words and actions and how they connect to our lives today. Click here to learn more

Volunteer opportunity-
Midwest foodbank Annual Bike Fundraiser

The Midwest Food Bank is looking for volunteers and bikers for its annual bike ride fundraiser to be held Saturday June 21, 2025. Bikers who wish to ride are encouraged to register (in April).
Volunteers are needed to staff rest stops, put up signage the day ahead, assist with registration and other roles. Donations of homemade cookies and bars are also needed. Volunteers who serve the day of the event are provided a delicious lunch of pulled pork from Woody and Bubba’s.
If you are available for any of these volunteer roles, please see Carolyn Wetzel for details or call her at (309) 830-9548.

ABC-GRR: Newsletter

Read the Mainstream for information on the region and upcoming events.

Supporting the Ministry Together:

FBC

- - Online Giving

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