March 16-23

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 16
Small Groups for Children & Adults @ 8:45 am
Choir Rehearsal @ 9:30 am
Coffee & Conversation in Barker Hall @ 9:45 am
Worship @ 10 am
Coffee & Conversation in Barker Hall @ 11 am
Pathfinders & Koinonia- Guest Speaker
**This week we are meeting in the basement for a guest speaker
Private Event @ 1:00 pm
Zoom Bible Study @ 7:00 pm Matthew 5:27-32 (Zoom)

TUESDAY, March 18
Connecting the Community Mtg. @ 6:00 pm
Worship Committee Mtg. @ 7:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, March 19
Homework & Quiet Time @ 3:30 pm
LOGOS @ 4:15 pm–Story Book Night- Feel free to dress up as a storybook character!
Vesper Service @ 5:15 pm
Adult Small Group @ 5:40 pm

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)

Ministry & Events:

Special Speaker Sunday, March 16 after Worship All are welcome
During regular small group time after worship, Selah Magruder will speak to both Koinonia and Pathfinders small groups jointly.
Selah is the granddaughter of Fred and Barb Moore. As a new college graduate, Selah has joined the staff of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVF), a college ministry. However, her specific mission is to work with new college graduates to keep them connected with and engaged with their Christian faith as they transition to their post-college life.
As many as 2/3 of those who are active with their faith during college, drift away in their post college years. Selah will tell us what IVF is doing to change that. This gathering will take place in the large room in the basement to ensure there is plenty of space.

Sunday Lunch Bunch March 23 @ 12:15 pm\
Everyone is welcome! At 12:15 pm Join a small group to have lunch at the local restaurant of the group’s choice. Meet after worship in the narthex

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

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

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

ABC-GRR: Newsletter
Read the Mainstream for information on the region and upcoming events.

Supporting the Ministry Together:

FBC

- - Online Giving

IN THE COMMUNITY

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