First Christian Church

Strengthening Our Christian Community

fccbloom — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:06:55 +0000

“I haven’t laughed so hard in years,” someone said last Saturday morning. Indeed, laughter and camaraderie — and lots of it — filled Great Hall as fathers and sons ate a delicious, huge, and “manly” brunch lovingly prepared and served by our attentive FCC women wearing “diner waitress” uniforms, complete with white caps and aprons! While the food, the service, and the creative centerpieces were stellar (each table had representations of activities that men tend to enjoy, such as golfing, boating, racing, and camping), it was the storytelling that made the morning so memorable. As a “warm-up,” each gentleman was asked to tell “two truths and a lie” about himself, and those sitting at his table were supposed to guess what was true and what wasn’t. As I eavesdropped among the tables, I heard some mighty unbelievable tales that turned out to be absolutely true.

During the “main event,” each man had the opportunity to tell a story of a boyhood adventure to their tablemates. The tablemates then collectively chose one of the stories to retell, and the other tables were asked to “vote” for the person that the story was about. Let me put it this way: 1) some of the stories of boyhood antics were so outrageous that I’m just thankful that someone actually lived to tell them; 2) very few people voted correctly; 3) we have some great story tellers; 4) and I’ve never heard such laughter coming out of Great Hall!

Intergenerational gatherings like this are extremely important to building and strengthening Christian community. As shared stories, meals, and laughter continue to spill over into Sunday morning worship — and vice versa — the ties that renew and bind us together also bring us closer to experiencing the divine and joy-filled fellowship that is promised whenever “two or more are gathered in Jesus’ name” (Matthew 18:20). See you Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Helen

Congo Pharmacy Update

fccbloom — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:10:07 +0000

Thanks to your generous gifts of approximately $6,000, FCC was able to restock the pharmacy in Mbandaka, Congo, for a year! To see pictures that were sent to us, you can view the pictures via our Facebook page or in our photo gallery. You can read the very kind message from Rosette, our partner in Congo, expressing her gratitude for our contributions and outlining how we were able to help, below:

Dear Mama Sandra,

We first of all want to thank the Bloomington congregation for their precious and generous gift that will be able to aid the Christian population of Mbandaka in their healthcare.

Below is a report of the use of $6,000 for the pharmacy:

Banking fees: $200
Purchase in Mbandaka of 300 simple products: $2,500
Purchase in Kinshasa of 400 specialty products: $3,000
Freight charges for products from Kinshasa: $85
Taxes and administrative document fees: $225

TOTAL $6,000

If our internet connection is good we will attach several photos of stocking various medicines on the pharmacy shelves. May the Good Lord abundantly bless and reward the pastors and members of the Bloomington congregation for their gesture of charity for our District of Mbandaka.

Rosette Matezolo

President of the Partnership Committee of Mbandaka

Poised For Growth

fccbloom — Thu, 30 May 2013 14:25:59 +0000

“Three down, one to go,” someone said after Sunday’s board meeting. The “three” are our newly hired staff members: Bruce Ervin, Jan Harrington, and Marie Fleming. The “one to go” will be our new Administrator, who will be hired this summer. I must commend our board, our moderator, and our search committees for their fine work. Trust me, there was no “settling” for second best. God sent us exactly who we need for this time in the life of the congregation. All three are exceptional leaders in their own right: experienced, passionate, faithful, talented. We are truly blessed.

Now that staffing is almost in place, we are poised for growth. I’m going to keep my eyes, ears, and heart open for signs of growth this summer. Perhaps a sign of growth will be that people will linger a bit longer during coffee fellowship. Or that children will engage fully in the worship hour this summer. Or that the elders will meet monthly to engage in healthy discussion about this congregation’s spiritual life. Or that some of our breakfast guests will be empowered to break the cycle of homelessness. Or that we will have record attendance at our Sunday morning forums on Disciples History and Identity. Or that the building will be spruced up by committed volunteers. Or that our permanent funds committee will help us build a legacy for future generations. Or that our youth will participate in a mission trip. Or that . . . (please complete this sentence).

Yet, even as we are poised for growth, we are painfully aware that several of our members will be moving away this summer. Their family names are Trippel (Evansville), Sullenberger (Nashville, TN), West (Grand Rapids, MI), Wise (New York, NY), Calvert-Rosenberger (Springfield, TN), and Endris (Hamilton, NY). My heart grieves over this significant loss. At the same time, my heart time rejoices for the congregations they will eventually join.

So while we are poised for growth, our initial experience will be a sense of loss. Let’s not simply wring our hands over this — worry will not help. Instead, let’s be more intentional about our “life together” for the sake of God’s world. While we “ride out” the time of loss, let’s stay open to the course of growth. Together, let’s make it top priority this summer to be present in worship and other church-related ministries and activities. Let’s start thinking now about our 2014 giving and begin to consider how it might best reflect our faith, our priorities, and our trust in a generous God. Let’s each of us see ourselves as a vital part of the fabric of First Christian Church, finding ways to “build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4) through the sharing of our wide and varied gifts for ministry. And let’s continue to trust that God is active and good and has plans for this congregation. The same God who was active in bringing us “three down and one to go” will continue to lead us, hoping that we will follow!

Blessings,

Pastor Helen

A Changing Congregation

fccbloom — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:47:19 +0000

As I looked out into the congregation last Sunday, I recalled a friendly clergy-to-clergy chat that I had several years ago at a General Assembly while standing in line waiting for the doors to open. After dealing with the perfunctory two questions that always come up as Disciples clergy establish a connection (i.e. Where did you go to seminary? Where do/have you served in ministry?), my conversation with “Rev. Jones” was off and running. He told me that he had preached from the same pulpit in the same building for 40 years. “Wow,” I responded, “You may be the only Disciples minister who has served the same congregation over the course of your ministry!”

My new acquaintance was quick to correct me. “Actually, I haven’t served the same congregation. The congregation that called me 40 years ago was not the same congregation that was there when I retired. Due to life’s natural “turnovers” (death, birth, moving on and moving in), plus due to what God did in that place over the years, I served at least three different congregations, each with their unique joys and challenges.”

Congregations — especially healthy ones — do indeed “morph” into new creations over the years, and FCC Bloomington is no exception. As a matter of fact, because Bloomington is a highly transient community, FCC has a higher “turnover” rate than most other Disciples congregations. As I looked out at you last Sunday, I celebrated the many faces that have become part of this community over the past 17 years that I have served here. I could remember the day that most of you joined, or were baptized, or (eek, I’m getting old!) were born. I also grieved the loss of the many who are no longer part of FCC — those who have died, or moved away, or have become inactive. My guesstimate is that this congregation has experienced at least a 60% turnover in participating members over the past 17 years.

Quite simply, we are not the same congregation that we used to be, and we will not be the same congregation 15 years from now. However, for some reason that I can’t quite put my finger on, I find comfort in that fact. Maybe it’s because I believe that God is doing something new — always. What are your thoughts? (I really do want you to respond, either via email, snail mail, or make an appointment with me.) I look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings,

Pastor Helen

After the Storm

fccbloom — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:02:21 +0000

The storm last night woke me up. I had a hard time getting back to sleep because I was wrestling with two contradictory thoughts/feelings. Both had to do with the closing of the Interfaith Winter Shelter, which coincided with this first major storm of the spring. First, I worried about our homeless sisters and brothers who were out in the storm, vulnerable, and unable to find adequate protection from the elements. Second, I worried about the church building, that it would become an “underground” shelter because our informal policy of “last one out should lock the door” doesn’t work very well and leaves the facility vulnerable. So, even as I worried about the “least of these,” I also worried about our facility. As I said, I didn’t get much sleep.

Thankfully, it’s morning now. I have a bit of clarity that the nighttime didn’t afford me. The good news is that FCC is being proactive to address both of my worries. Regarding our vulnerable neighbors, we are doing several things: 1) on Tuesday, Bruce Ervin and Jo Weddle delivered two large boxes filled with blankets to the Shalom Center, to be passed out to those who will be sleeping/camping outside this summer; 2) if you have a sleeping bag that you no longer want, please bring it to the church and we’ll make sure they get delivered to the Shalom Center; 3) Bruce is representing the church in part of a community-wide process called a “charette” that has the potential to actually end homelessness. Please ask him how you might be part of this process. FCC’s voice of reason and faith is critical!

We are also being proactive in addressing our “lock up” policy, thanks to the leadership of Thomas Thompson, Marc Wagner, Ryan Endris, the Board and the Trustees. As I write this, Koorsen Security is installing a keyless lock system that will help ensure that the building is automatically locked each and every night. It will also give us the option to “buzz people in” on those days when it is determined that the building needs to be locked but remain accessible. First Presbyterian Church has been using a similar system and is very happy with it. My hope is that our new system will allow us to continue to be generous and hospitable with our wonderful facility and at the same time be sensitive to real concerns for the wellbeing of all who do ministry from this space. I anticipate that there will be a somewhat of a learning curve for most of the members and groups as we try to adjust to this new system, but we’ll figure it out eventually!

During this transitional time, we are delighted that our own John Adams has volunteered to do onsite overnight oversight of our facility. For the next two weeks, he will be “headquartered” in room 4 overnight with a mat and sleeping bag. He will make sure that the building is locked each night. If he discovers that someone has found their way into the building after hours, he will offer them a blanket and ask them to leave. He will do the same thing each morning as he walks around outside the church.

This morning, the darkness is gone. The birds are singing, people are at the Shalom Center warming themselves over a cup of hot coffee and the fellowship that comes from sharing stories, and the church building is just fine. Because I am human and the world is broken, I may still worry, but maybe not as much. Tonight I will sleep. I hope you will, too.

Blessings,

Pastor Helen

FCC Shines in 2013 “Be More Bloomington” Awards

fccbloom — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:27:19 +0000

I felt like I was at the Academy Awards on Tuesday night, and First Christian Church came away as one of the “big” winners. Let me explain. Each April, the City of Bloomington hosts the “Be More Awards,” a ceremony designed to lift up and honor the hundreds of volunteers who pool their time, talent and treasures to strengthen this community. This year, over 80 groups/individuals were nominated to receive one of 10 awards. Several FCC individuals/groups were among the nominees, including: John and Gerry Miller (IU Health Bloomington Hospital), the Interfaith Winter Shelter volunteers, and Monroe County Master Gardeners (Allen and Nancy White). As a matter of fact, I would venture to say that FCC members actively volunteer with at least 60% of the organizations that were lifted up over the course of the evening. I was inspired by you! I, along with about the 20 other FCC members present, also beamed with excitement as three of the 10 awards were given to people directly connected to First Christian Church! Diamond Mather radiated beauty and elegance as she stepped up to the stage to receive the “Be More Authentic (Judges Choice) Award” for her many years of volunteering with the Wylie House Museum Quilters.

The “Be More Healthy Award” was given to the volunteers for Meals on Wheels, including our own Doris Brineman, John and Carole Ambler, Kate Kroll, Gary Hill, Bob and Diane Thrasher, Mike and Cheryl Engber, and Allen and Nancy White. These faithful servants take quite literally Jesus’ command to “feed my sheep.” Not only do they provide food, but they also provide a true “ministry of presence” to folks who are confined to their homes.

The FCC folks “raised the roof” with loud applause when Jo Weddle’s name was announced as the winner of the “Be More Bloomington (Overall Excellence) Award.” Nominated by Bess and Joe Lee for this honor, the judges deemed that Jo was the “perfect fit” for this award. The presenter of the award (Meri Reinhold of MCUM) described Jo as “irreplaceable, matchless, always positive, incredible, tireless, and amazing.” I agree. Jo not only gives her “all” to FCC and the outreach ministries we support (including MCUM, the Winter Shelter, Circles), but she also gives her “all” to many other non-profit organizations that strengthen and add beauty to our community.

While the evening was great fun, it really wasn’t about the individuals, groups, and organizations that were honored. It really wasn’t about “winning.” It was about telling the larger story of what makes this community so special. Moreover (at least from this pastor’s perspective!), it was about telling the story of what makes for joyful living, the glorious story of how God’s Spirit uniquely gifts and calls us—as individuals and as the church—to care for each other and the world. Indeed, from a theological point of view, the Be More Awards are about being “more” of who God has already created and called us to “be.” And for that I give thanks!

Blessings,

Pastor Helen

What have you given up for Lent?

fccbloom — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:19:37 +0000

“What have you given up for Lent?” I never heard that question as I was growing up. The only reason I was vaguely aware of the season of Lent was because the school cafeteria served fish on the Fridays before Easter. However, thanks to the Protestant Liturgical Renewal movement over the past half century, this question—and other “seasonal” questions—has become more common as we mainline Christians have increasingly embraced the symbols and rhythms of the church year.

One year in mid-March, when my daughter Allison was about six years old, she noticed a large, beautiful, and colorful billboard on the side of a building at the corner of 4th and Walnut. The words on the sign proclaimed, “Alleluia, Christ is Risen.” Allison, fully aware that we were still in the middle of Lent—mostly due to the fact that she had chosen (with no parental prompting, mind you) to give up fast food for Lent—looked at the billboard and asked/exclaimed, “What does that sign mean? Jesus hasn’t even died yet!”

So, back to the question “What have you given up for Lent?” If your answer is “nothing,” let me make a few of suggestions. It’s really not too late!

Give up despair. It takes as much energy to practice despair it does to practice hope. We all know that the more you practice something, the better you get at it. What might happen if you chose—with intention—not to despair the state of the world, the condition of your life, or a situation in your family or community? Try it.

Give up fear. We know that unhealthy fear can paralyze. We know that unhealthy fear often reflects a lack of trust in anything that is beyond our own control. What might happen if you chose —with intention—to let go of those feelings of fear within you and replace them with the practice of trust?

Give up a grudge. Whether it’s a grudge against an individual—or even a grudge against the church—recognize the toll it is taking on you. Remember that it takes as much intention to harbor a grudge as it does to chip away at giving it up. What might happen if you chose instead to forgive and seek reconciliation and healing?

I offer these few suggestions simply to say that we all know—at least at some level—what it is that we need to give up in order to experience the fullness of life that God promises. Let us allow this season of Lent to move us closer to Jesus, who, in giving up his very life, chose hope over despair, trust over fear, and reconciliation over revenge. Blessings in your practice of “giving up.”

Pastor Helen

fccbloom — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:40:05 +0000

Duruflé Requiem – Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2013

Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra

Update on Planned Metered Parking

fccbloom — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:09:12 +0000

I have been following, with concern, the process by which metered parking will become part of Bloomington’s downtown. I have attended meetings at City Hall, and I initiated a meeting with Susan Johnson (City of Bloomington) and my downtown clergy colleagues, where we expressed our belief that metered parking will have a negative impact on the downtown churches and those we serve. While rumors abound that this is a “done deal,” our city council still has to vote. I have written to all of our city council members expressing my concern over metered parking, especially during the evening hours when most meetings occur. I ask you to do the same. (So far, I have heard back from Susan Sandberg, who claims to be sympathetic to our concerns.) You can write, email, or call them. Here is their contact information:

Darryl Neher
President and District V Representative
1201 S. Dunn
Bloomington, IN 47401
(h:) 812.269.2727
(o:) 812.349.3409
neherd@bloomington.in.gov

Dorothy Granger
Vice President and District II Representative

3211 N. Valleyview Drive
Bloomington, IN 47404
(h:) 812.345.4264
(o:) 812.349.3409
grangerd@bloomington.in.gov

Timothy Mayer
Parliamentarian and At-Large Representative
1001 S. Jordan
Bloomington, IN 47401
(h:)812.332.5269
(o:) 812.349.3409
mayert@bloomington.in.gov

Andy Ruff
At-Large Representative
1414 E. University
Bloomington, IN 47401
(h:) 812.334.2160
(o:) 812.349.3409
ruffa@bloomington.in.gov

Susan Sandberg
At-Large Representative
2201 N. Fritz Drive
Bloomington, IN 47404
(h:) 812.320.8552
(o:) 812.349.3409
sandbers@bloomington.in.gov

Chris Sturbaum
District I Representative
334 South Jackson
Bloomington, IN 47404
(h:) 812.336.9171
(o:) 812.349.3409
sturbauc@bloomington.in.gov

Martin “Marty” Spechler
District III Representative
4418 Sheffield Drive
Bloomington, IN 47408
(h:) 812.345.1777
(o:) 812.349-3409
spechlem@bloomington.in.gov

Dave Rollo
District IV Representative
1200 S. Nancy
Bloomington, IN 47401
(h:) 812.339.7916
(o:) 812.349.3409
rollod@bloomington.in.gov

Stephen Volan

District VI Representative
105-A East Sixth Street
Bloomington, IN 47408
(o1:) 812.333.0900
(o2:) 812.349.3409
volans@bloomington.in.gov

fccbloom — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:23:29 +0000

All-Church Spring Break “Beach Party”
Wednesday, March 1, at 6:00pm in Great Hall

Dig out your craziest beach hat and sunglasses and come to the FCC Beach on Wednesday, March 13 at 6:00 pm in Great Hall. Dinner for the evening will be a baked potato bar, with the baked potatoes provided by FCC. Sign up in the church office to let us know what you can contribute—a potato topping, favorite salad or cookies. Fun, games, music, and a movie will make for an enjoyable evening. A $2.00 per person donation will be collected at the door. We hope you will join us for this All-Church Celebration! Let us know you’re coming by joining our event and/or “liking” us on Facebook.

The FCC Bracket Challenge Is Back!

Nothing brings Hoosiers together more than college basketball (except for church, of course!). We are proud to announce the second annual FCC Bracket Challenge. Participation is free and the only thing at stake is bragging rights. To sign up, go to our website: http://fccbloomington.mayhem.cbssports.com/e. The group/pool password is JesusLives. If you don’t have an account with CBSSports, you’ll need to register, but it only takes a few seconds to do so. You can start filling out your brackets after “Selection Sunday” (March 17), and the deadline to complete your bracket is Thursday, March 21 at 12 noon EST. If you don’t have internet access but still wish to participate, you can fill out a bracket on paper and we’ll get you signed up. The FCC Bracket Challenge is sponsored by the FCC Music Ministry, and questions can be sent to Ryan Endris, Director of Music. GO HOOSIERS!

First Christian Church

Strengthening Our Christian Community

Congo Pharmacy Update

Poised For Growth

A Changing Congregation

After the Storm

FCC Shines in 2013 “Be More Bloomington” Awards

What have you given up for Lent?

Duruflé Requiem – Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2013

Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra

Update on Planned Metered Parking

All-Church Spring Break “Beach Party” Wednesday, March 1, at 6:00pm in Great Hall

The FCC Bracket Challenge Is Back!

All-Church Spring Break “Beach Party”
Wednesday, March 1, at 6:00pm in Great Hall