eLink and bulletin for Jan.25- Feb. 1
Upcoming at FBC:
SUNDAY, January 25
9:45 am Coffee & Conversation
10:00 am Worship Service
11:00 am Coffee & Conversation
11:15 am Small Groups for Adults: Pathfinders & Koinonia
5:00 pm Online Bible Study
5:00 pm Safe Harbor
MONDAY, January 26
6:00 pm Fiber Arts Group
WEDNESDAY, January 28
4:30-5:00 pm LOGOS arrival
5:00 pm Adult Small Groups
6:00 pm Vespers Service
6:15 pm Shared Meal
SUNDAY, February 1
9:15 am Choir Rehearsal
9:45 am Coffee & Conversation
10:00 am Worship Service
11:00 am Coffee & Conversation
11:15 am Small Groups for Adults: Pathfinders & Koinonia
5:00 pm Online Bible Study
Ministry & Events
Quarterly Meeting February 1 after Worship
Our first Quarterly Meeting of 2026 will be held on Feb 1 following worship. As well as hearing ministry and financial updates, we will be voting on some proposed language changes in the Constitution. Copies of the proposal are available in the narthex and website. Al Strauch and Mary Jo Douglass are available to discuss any questions or feedback ahead of the meeting.
2026 Proposed Constitution Revisions December 2025 Meeting Minutes
The Souper Bowl & Dessert Auction Sunday Feb 8 @ 12:00 pm
The Cook-Off is Sunday, February 8 at Noon—don’t fumble this one! This fundraiser raises money for Youth Trips in 2026. Bring your MVP soup to compete and/or a dessert to put on the auction block. No entry fee—this game’s wide open! Sign up at the LOGOS board or email michelle@fbcblm.org.
Not a cook? No problem—come eat for free! (That’s a guaranteed win.) We’ll warm up with board games & card games in Barker Hall before kickoff time at noon.
No refs here—votes decide the winner, and each vote is $1 (yes, you can buy the win 😉). After the soup showdown, stay for the dessert auction.
Great food. Great fellowship. Invite your friends and join the fun—this one’s a touchdown! 🏈🎉
LOVE GIFT SUNDAY February 16
In 1932, American Baptist Churches faced a $500,000
deficit, and it was feared the financial crisis would limit God’s work in the denomination. American Baptist Churches asked individuals to give financial contributions in excess of their tithes and pledges. Women, specifically, were challenged to raise $150,000 to help meet the crisis.
Receiving the challenge, women began the over-and-above contribution called Love Gift. Love Gift is a gift to United Mission and supports American Baptist
Mission and Ministry. American Baptist Women’s Ministries receives United
Mission dollars equivalent to 15 percent of Love Gift.
The Love Gift initiative outlived the Great Depression and continues today to bless the breadth of American Baptist ministry and mission happening in regions, the U.S. and around the world. This year we are collecting our love gift on Sunday February 16. You can give by adding to the collection plate or giving online and indicating that it is for the Love Gift. Go to our website to learn how to donate
Through the Bible in 2026 –The Bible Project
Come share in a journey to better understand the books of scripture and how they fit together into one story using fantastic resources from BibleProject. We will be featuring two short videos per week that will bring us through the whole of scripture and key concepts in a year.
ABC-GRR: Newsletter Read the Mainstream for information on the region and upcoming events
Have you subscribed to The Mainstream?
The Mainstream is a monthly newsletter published by the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region and delivered via email on the 15th of every month.
Regular features include Growth Points, Church Revitalization Initiative, classified ads, ordinations and installations of new pastors, photos of events from GRR churches, information and registration for future events, and an uplifting message from GRR Executive Minister Patty King Bilyeu. Don’t miss another issue —subscribe today!
Supporting the Ministry Together:
FBC
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
Director of Children and Youth Ministries: Michelle@fbcblm.org/618-303-3630
Vespers Coordinator & Praise Team Leader: Allison@fbcblm.org/309-846-0403
