The Wider Faith Community:
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is part of a wider faith community known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Some of FCC’s ministries are supported and guided by our wider faith community, including our trip to Cuba that was orchestrated through a partnership with Global Ministries. We are also partnering with the National Benevolent Association (NBA) as a host site for XPLOR, a residency program that provides professional development opportunities for young adults interested in lives of care and service
Among the ongoing ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Week of Compassion equips and empowers Disciples to alleviate the suffering of others through disaster response, humanitarian aid, sustainable development and the promotion of mission opportunities. The Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racism Initiative was founded upon the need to make visible God’s beloved community. It invites the church to listen to the once silenced voices of its racial and ethnic communities, learn from their wisdom and gain insight from their leadership. It calls the church to discern, pray, study, reflect, dialogue and fellowship. The true goal is to transform, strengthen and deepen the church’s spirituality, resulting in a community that understands its mission to be about bringing justice and salvation to the world. More information on all of the General Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) can be found online at General Ministries of the Church.
Local Community Partners (listed alphabetically)
First Christian Church provides support for many community organizations. Below are some of the organizations that FCC has partnered with that provide vital services for people in our community. You will find general information for each organization and contact information.
These twelve-step programs are a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from addiction. FCC is among several local organizations that host meetings for AA and NA.
For a complete list of AA meetings in the Bloomington area, Call 812-360-0040 or go online to http://dist10.area23aa.org/index.html?page_id=638
For a complete list of NA meetings in the Bloomington area, call 812-331-9767 or go online to http://www.naindiana.org/meetings.php
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to eliminate poverty housing by building decent, affordable homes in partnership with qualifying families. As one of the founders of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, our partnership runs deep. Habitat’s administrative offices were originally housed in our building. When they outgrew the space inside the church building, FCC offered them our historic Campbell House (located next door), which continues to serve as its administrative headquarters. Over the years, FCC has sponsored many builds. Because Habitat homes are funded through financial support from individuals and organizations and principally built with volunteer labor, mortgage payments are affordable for low-income partners. Contact Habitat for Humanity at 812-331-4069 for more information on becoming a Habitat homeowner.
The Interfaith Winter Shelter is a low-barrier winter shelter for homeless individuals in Monroe County. FCC was one of the founding churches of the Interfaith Winter Shelter, which was formed in 2009 as a way to respond to concerns for the health, safety, and well-being of men and women who are homeless. The shelter operates from November 1 through March 31 and is housed at the Wheeler Mission located at 215 S Westplex Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47404. Each Friday night through Saturday morning throughout the shelter season, FCC members and friends oversee the shelter’s overnight operation.
In 1939, FCC was among the churches that founded MCUM to help address the issue of poverty and its impact on children. FCC members continue to support MCUM through food and supply drives, board membership, and volunteering. MCUM creates lasting solutions to economic, educational and social injustice in our community through quality services, collaboration and innovation. MCUM’s Compass Early Learning Center provides full-time, year-round affordable childcare for children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Parents must be Monroe County residents and be working full-time or working part-time while attending school. MCUM’s Self-Sufficiency Center provides coaching and resource assistance to families and individuals of the Monroe County community who are experiencing hardship. Our program serves to make sure that these crises don’t have to leave families hungry, cold, or faced with utility shut-off or eviction. Whether this crisis is short or long term, we are here to help you form a tailored plan of action. Contact MCUM at 812-339-3429 for more information about programs and services.
A wide array of services including clothing and food vouchers, rent and utility assistance, and free legal aid are provided by the Salvation Army. Contact the Salvation Army in Bloomington at 812-336-4310 for more information on programs and services.
Shalom Community Center is an all-inclusive resource center in Monroe County for people who are living in poverty and experiencing hunger, homelessness, and a lack of access to basic life necessities. Services offered at Shalom include crisis casework, an overnight shelter, rapid re-housing, and assistance with life essentials and food. FCC’s Sunday morning breakfast program is now served at the Shalom Center. This ministry began in 2006 when a member of the congregation realized that no social services were being offered on Sunday morning to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. For 11 years, over 100 hot breakfasts were served each Sunday morning in our Great Hall. In the fall of 2017, the breakfast moved to the Shalom Community Center which had expanded hours to keep its doors open on weekends. Today, our volunteers continue to serve FCC’s “signature” hot breakfast the second Sunday of each month at Shalom. Contact Shalom at 812-334-5728 for more information about their wide offering of programs and services.
Thriving Connections is a South Central Community Action Program that builds on the power of relationships to bring people together for change. A Thriving Connections Team is a supportive friendship across class lines, made up of one Leader who is living on a low-income and three or four Allies who are living on a middle-class income. A Team typically meets once or twice a month to work toward achieving the Leader’s plans for moving out of poverty. A local Guiding Coalition provides the framework to increase the emotional and financial stability of participating families and reduce their use of welfare benefits. A meal and children’s programming are provided during the meetings. FCC volunteers support Thriving Connections through providing meals and by serving as Allies.