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)
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
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