Blog

There will be two Christmas Eve Services (one at 6 PM and the other at 7 PM) this year in order to help with social distancing. There are sign-up sheets in the foyer for you to let us know which service you prefer. When the list gets to around 50 people we will close that service and encourage you to attend the other service. Thank you for understanding and may you have a Merry Christmas celebrating the greatest gift that was ever given.

You are welcome to sign up in person or you may call the office at 217.463.8024 to share your family name and the number that will be in attendance.

~ Kurt

Mark your calendars.  The 2020 Community Prayer Service will be held at First Christian Church on Saturday, November 7 at 8:00 a.m.  Come join other believers in prayer for our Community and Nation.

We will participate in Samaritan’s Purse again this year. Excitement is in the air for these children who know that they will be receiving a box from the United States-Paris, IL, Bell Ridge Christian Church. You too, can get excited by purchasing items for these boxes.
BRCC plans to send 125 this year. Below are the dates we have set for the collecting, packing and delivering boxes to the local distribution center in Marshall.

COLLECTING ITEMS begins Sunday, Nov 1 – Sat. Nov 13.
There will be table/s set up in the foyer for your contributions. We are asking that you bring things that will fit in a shoe box that are unbreakable, hygiene and school supplies – just think of items that you would give your children. Clothes, shoes & underwear are acceptable. Look for a WOW item for each box.
*Adult Sunday School classes will be donating: crayons, pencils & sharpers, notebooks, erasers, paint boxes, toothbrushes, soap, wash clothes, comb, brushes, and sunglasses.
NO candy or gum, No liquids, NO war related toys, NO medications, toothpaste, lotions, or damaged or used items.

PACKING 125 BOXES will be during the Sunday School hour on Nov. 15th. This year we will NOT be having any food or drinks during the boxing party. Masks may be worn, but not required, and there will be more room tables to accommodate the gifts.

You can also donate $9.00 for each box that we send for shipping and other project costs.

The most special thing you can do is pray for these children, items that are picked out with love, and all the work that goes into these boxes to better serve our Lord and His kingdom.

If you would like additional information, please contact Becky Bayes at 217.822.2658.

WOW! Gifts for All ages BOYS & GIRLS + other ideas

2-4 year olds
Stuffed animal-beanie baby
Dolls (consider including clothes with it)
Toy trucks, cars, tractors
Soccer balls – small, not inflated (include a manual pump)
Outfit of clothing to wear, underwear & socks
Adhesive band aids (colorful)
Chap stick – no medicated ones
Reusable plastic containers-cups, water bottles, blunt edge utensils
(consider filling the empty containers with hair ribbons, nail clippers, etc.)
Foam balls
Coloring books
Flip flops / Crocs / shoes
Play dough
Slinky

5-9 year olds consider all the above items
Back pack/totes/purse
Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Ruler/protractor
Markers, adhesive tape
Glue sticks –not liquid glue
Age appropriate jewelry
Hair ties, scrunchies, ribbons
Hats
Chalk board & chalk
Jump ropes
Small musical instruments
Binoculars
Frisbee

10-14 year olds consider all the above items
Brightly colored rope or twine-fishing kit
Garden tools
Kaleidoscope
Baseball & mitt
Tennis balls, hacky sacks, football
Playing cards
Sewing kits
Watch with solar battery operated

We need to replace our projector in the auditorium.  The Board voted this past week to replace the projector and the computer that runs the projection equipment when we have funds available.  Estimates that we have received to accomplish this are around $10,000.  We have on hand $3,500.  If you wish to help with this expense, please designate your gift for the Projection Fund.  Thank you.

~ Kurt