Filtering by: Groups
Men's Golf Outing
Jul
12
1:00 PM13:00
Featured, Groups

Men's Golf Outing

Guys, it’s time to hit the links! Join us for a day of fun, connection, and a little friendly competition at Willow Pond Golf Club in Rantoul.

This is a great chance for the men of FIRST to hang out, meet some new faces, and enjoy a day of golf—whether you're aiming for the fairway or just along for the fun.

Don’t have clubs? No problem—we’ll make sure you’re covered.
Let’s tee it up together!

Please register by July 6 or first come first serve as spots are limited! 

DATE: Saturday, July 12 
TIME: 1:00P
WHERE:  Willow Pond Golf Club, 808 Golf Course Road, Rantoul, IL
COST: $55 (includes green fees, cart rental and lunch)

** If you would like to contribute towards another guy's registration you can do so at checkout by selecting the scholarship box. 

***Please don’t let money be a barrier.  Contact Jordan Dunahee if you need any assistance or have any questions at JordanD@fcc-online.org or (217) 356-1649. Scholarships are first come first serve. 

 
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Candlelit Dinner {Women's Ministry}
Mar
28
6:30 PM18:30
Women's, Groups

Candlelit Dinner {Women's Ministry}

  • First Christian Church | Rooms 110 & 112 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Registration is Full

We can no longer take anymore reservations but we look forward to hosting you at the next Connection event!

Join us for an evening of connection, conversation and community. This candlelit dinner is a space to slow down, share, and grow together in faith. Invite your friends and come ready for a night of meaningful connection, delicious food and uplifting fellowship.

DATE: Friday, March 28
TIME: 6:30-8:30P (doors open at 6:15P)
WHERE: 3601 S. Staley Road- Champaign, IL in Rooms 110 & 112
COST: $5 (includes a pasta bar, salad, bread and dessert)

We can't wait to connect with you!
The Women's Ministry Team

*Please note that childcare is not provided for this event.

** If you would like to bless another woman by purchasing her ticket you can do so at checkout by selecting the scholarship box.

***Please don't let money be a barrier. Contact Michelle Jacob if you need any assistance or have any questions at michelle@fcc-online.org or (217) 356-1649. Scholarships are first come first serve.

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Disciple Making Community Sign-ups
Mar
23
to Apr 6
Featured, Groups

Disciple Making Community Sign-ups

  • First Christian Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Spring Session starts April 7 (10 Weeks)
Sign-ups are March 23-April 6

Here at FIRST, we believe that the best way to learn to follow Jesus is in community with others. While gathering together on Sundays is essential, we are made by God for deep relationships that can only be forged in smaller group settings. These groups are meant to be catalysts for connection, discipleship, and mission both at our church and where we live, work, and play! Here at FIRST, we call these groups Disciple-Making Communities.

To help bring better clarity and consistency to those of you desiring to experience community here at FIRST, we have decided to set aside three 10-week Sessions throughout the year: one in the Winter, one in the Spring, and one in the Fall. Now, here's the important part: We want to invite you to prayerfully consider joining one of these communities for the upcoming 10-week Spring Session, starting the week of April 7 through June 15. Sign-ups will open March 23, so if you want to learn more, please visit our groups page online at fcc-online.org/groups. Thanks, and may each of you find peace knowing that you are not alone in this adventure of following Jesus.

 
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The Practice of Sabbath {Formation Class}
Feb
23
to Mar 16
Groups, Featured, Women's

The Practice of Sabbath {Formation Class}

  • First Christian Church | Rooms 110-112 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest." -- Jesus

Are you tired? Worn out? Exhausted? Is the pace of modern life too much for your weary soul? What if hurry and exhaustion and busyness aren't the way things are supposed to be? And what if there were an invitation from the Way of Jesus to directly combat these things? Well... there is. It's called Sabbath. It's a 24-hour time period set aside to stop work, rest well, and delight and worship God. Jesus and the majority of the heroes of the faith kept Sabbath, but we have forgotten this essential practice to the detriment of our souls. In fact, keeping the Sabbath is the only one of the 10 Commandments that people will brag about breaking.

If you desire to experience more peace, rest, and joy in your life, and for your life to be dictated by Jesus' rhythms of grace rather than the overwhelming speed of our culture, you are invited to spend 4 weeks learning to practice Sabbath in your life. Join us to rediscover the forgotten riches of rest found in the ancient and biblical practice of Sabbath-keeping.

"The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." -- Jesus

 
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Friendsgiving {Women's Ministry}
Nov
22
6:00 PM18:00
Women's, Featured, Groups

Friendsgiving {Women's Ministry}

✨ You're Invited to Friendsgiving! ✨

Ladies, the season of gratitude is upon us, and we're excited to invite YOU to join us for a special Friendsgiving celebration in our Women's Ministry here at FIRST! 🧡🍂

This is a time to gather, give thanks, and enjoy a night of laughter, fellowship, and delicious food! Whether you've been part of our community for years or you're new, this is the perfect opportunity to come together, connect, and celebrate the friendships God has blessed us with.

Here's what you can expect:
🍁 A beautiful dinner where everyone is welcome to bring their favorite dish to share (or just come to enjoy the feast!)
🎉 A fun activity to get to know one another and create lasting memories
🙏 A message of gratitude where we'll reflect on the blessings of friendship and faith
🤗 A warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and recharge

Bring your friends or come to meet new ones and join us for a night of connection and community—this is a gathering you won't want to miss!

Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, November 22nd
⏰ Time: 6-8P
📍 Location: Atrium at FIRST

Register today!

We can't wait to celebrate the gift of friendship and the joy of Thanksgiving together! 💛

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Charcuterie Making Night {Women's Ministry}
Oct
25
6:30 PM18:30
Women's, Groups, Featured

Charcuterie Making Night {Women's Ministry}

IF:Table is a simple tool to help us cut through the small talk and start building the relationships that God wants us to have. One easy way to approach it: 2 hours. 4 questions. 6 women.

Our Women's Ministry Team is creating a space for you to invite your girlfriends to join you for a night out where we will learn how to make a beautiful charcuterie board followed by time to connect on a deeper level together.

WHERE: Join us in the Fellowship Hall, 3601 S. Staley Road- Champaign, IL 61822

WHEN: Friday, October 25 from 6:30-8:30P

Doors open at 6:15P

Ticket price is $15 per person which includes a charcuterie board to take home, food to make a beautiful board, and beverages.

Registration ends on Sunday, October 20th.

If you would like to bless another woman by purchasing her ticket you can do so at checkout by selecting the scholarship box.

Please don't let money be a barrier. Contact Michelle Jacob if you need any assistance or have any questions at michelle@fcc-online.org or (217) 356-1649. Scholarships are first come/first serve as long as they are available.

Looking forward to hosting you at IF:Table!

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Young Adult Group
Sep
16
7:30 PM19:30
Groups, Featured

Young Adult Group

Join us and be a part of a dynamic and supportive community of young adults where your faith journey can flourish! Let’s connect and live out our faith with purpose and confidence. Anyone who is post-high school through late 20 is welcome!

Where: Fellowship Hall at FIRST
When: Mondays, September 16–October 14
Time: 7:30–9P

Questions? Reach out to our Student Pastor, Jordan, at jordand@fcc-online.org.

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FIRST Fit
Sep
15
10:30 AM10:30
Groups, Featured

FIRST Fit

Have you ever wondered what your gifts are? Are you curious how God wants you to partner with Him in the Kingdom and here at FIRST? If you've ever asked those questions or are simply curious about what your place might be in the family of FIRST, then we invite you to come out to FIRST Fit on Sunday, September 15, during the 10:30A service. We will spend an hour together laying a foundation for serving, giftedness, and calling, and aim to lay out what your next steps will be here at FIRST as well as in your discipleship to Jesus. You won't want to miss it! Let us know you’re coming via the RSVP link below:

 
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IF: Table - Cookie Decorating {Women's Ministry}
Jun
26
6:00 PM18:00
Women's, Groups, Featured

IF: Table - Cookie Decorating {Women's Ministry}

IF:Table is a simple tool to help us cut through the small talk and start building the relationships that God wants us to have. One easy way to approach it: 2 hours. 4 questions. 6 women.

Our Women's Ministry Team is creating a space for you to invite your girlfriends to join you for a night out where we will learn the art of sugar cookie decorating followed by a time to connect on a deeper level.

Mary with Honey Bunny Bakes makes cookie decorating, un-intimidating, and a whole lot of fun. This event is suited for any woman from beginner to intermediate decorators.

The ticket price includes the cookies, supplies and the tutorial!

WHERE: Join us in the Fellowship Hall at church which is through the main doors.

3601 S. Staley Road- Champaign, IL 61822.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 26 from 6-8P.

Doors open at 5:45P

Ticket price is $25 per person which includes light snacks, beverages and supplies for cookie decorating.

Registration ends on Sunday, June 23.

If you would like to bless another woman by purchasing her ticket you can do so at checkout by selecting the scholarship box.

Contact Michelle Jacob if you need any assistance or have any questions at michelle@fcc-online.org or (217) 356-1649.

Looking forward to hosting you at IF:Table!

Women's Ministry Team

*Please note that childcare is not provided.

 
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The Practice of Fasting {Formation Class}
Jun
9
to Jun 30
Groups, Featured

The Practice of Fasting {Formation Class}

  • First Christian Church - Fellowship Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Sundays, June 9–30
10:30A
Fellowship Hall

Have you been walking with Jesus for a while and wondering if there are ways to more deeply connect and participate in God's work in your life or the world? Are you new to faith and hungry for more of God? If you are, we are excited to invite you to our next Formation Class on the practice of FASTING. Fasting is one of the most essential and powerful of all the practices of Jesus and, arguably, the single most neglected in the American church. Our time together will train you in this ancient discipline that Jesus taught and modeled, giving you the vision and means to orient your literal and spiritual hunger toward the presence and power of God at work both in your life and in the world.

 
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Baptism Sunday {Easter}
Mar
31
9:00 AM09:00
Featured, Groups, Women's

Baptism Sunday {Easter}

Are you ready to experience the ultimate new beginning? Join us as we celebrate the life-changing power of God's love and grace through the resurrection of His Son. We are thrilled to invite you to our Good Friday and Easter/Baptism Sunday services this Easter season!

And guess what? Easter Sunday isn't just any ordinary Sunday. It's a special day we've designated as Baptism Sunday. Now is the perfect time to commit if you've considered publicly declaring your faith through baptism. Our pastors can chat with you about this faith decision, answer any questions, and help guide you.

Let us know if you want to be baptized or learn more. We can't wait to celebrate with you!


GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

Friday, March 29 at 7:00P
Full Kids Ministry available
*Traditional Good Friday Service / not identical to March 31, Easter services


EASTER & BAPTISM SUNDAY

Sunday, March 31 at 9:00A & 10:30A
Full Kids Ministry available
**No Student Ministry on Easter Sunday, March 31

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FIRST Fit
Mar
17
10:30 AM10:30
Groups, Featured

FIRST Fit

Have you ever wondered what your gifts are? Are you curious how God wants you to partner with Him in the Kingdom and here at FIRST? If you've ever asked those questions or are simply curious about what your place might be in the family of FIRST, then we invite you to come out to FIRST Fit on Sunday, March 17, during the 10:30A service. We will spend an hour together laying a foundation for serving, giftedness, and calling, and aim to lay out what your next steps will be here at FIRST as well as in your discipleship to Jesus. You won't want to miss it! Let us know you’re coming via the RSVP link below:

 
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Urbana Weekly Prayer {Mondays via Virtual Zoom}
Mar
4
7:00 AM07:00
Groups, Featured

Urbana Weekly Prayer {Mondays via Virtual Zoom}

Weekly for Champaign and Urbana, our Elders & Prayer Team leads our church in prayer over the church, community, and each other. All are welcome! For questions, contact Mike Larson at mjlarso1@yahoo.com. The prayer gatherings are held:




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Formation Class: Finding Purpose in the Second Half of Life
Feb
25
to Mar 24
Featured, Groups

Formation Class: Finding Purpose in the Second Half of Life

  • First Christian Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Are you entering the second half of life asking, "What now?" or "What do I have to offer with the rest of my life?" Maybe you're a brand new empty-nester wondering what to do with your time and looking for purpose after kids, or maybe you're someone who is nearing retirement or already there wondering what the best way to invest the rest of your life might be. If you are asking these questions or are in one of these seasons, join us starting on February 25 for a five-week journey of learning what it would look like to honor God and thrive in the second half of your life. Led by Mike Picklesimer, we will learn how God works in the different chapters of our lives, what it looks like to discern God's will in these chapters, and how to share your story and your life with others on the journey.

Sundays, February 25–March 24
10:30A in the Fellowship Hall

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MenComm {Men's Ministry}
Jan
29
to Feb 26
Groups

MenComm {Men's Ministry}

  • First Christian Church - Fellowship Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Mondays, January 29–February 26
6:00-7:30P
Fellowship Hall

Everything in a man's life comes to a point of decision - will I do what's easy or what's necessary? None of us naturally become godly men. It is something we must cultivate in ourselves and in community with others. Our guess is that you are interested, but are you up for the challenge?

Join the Men’s Ministry for a 5-week Primer on Pursuing the Path of Manhood—6:00-7:30P on Mondays, January 29 through February 26. All men and young men, high school and up are invited and food will be provided. Please let us know if you’re coming via the signup form, so we know how much food to prepare.

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FIRST Fit
Nov
12
9:15 AM09:15
Groups, Featured

FIRST Fit

Have you ever wondered what your gifts are? Are you curious how God wants you to partner with Him in the Kingdom and here at FIRST? If you've ever asked those questions or are simply curious about what your place might be in the family of FIRST, then we invite you to come out to FIRST Fit on Sunday, November 12, in the Fellowship Hall during the 9:15A and 10:45A services. We will spend an hour together laying a foundation for serving, giftedness, and calling, and aim to lay out what your next steps will be here at FIRST and in your discipleship to Jesus. You won't want to miss it! Let us know you’re coming via the RSVP link below:

 
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Weekly Prayer {Champaign—Back to School}
Aug
17
6:00 PM18:00
Groups, Featured

Weekly Prayer {Champaign—Back to School}

At the August 15 and 17 prayer gatherings, we will pray for the students, teachers, administrators, and staff for the school year ahead. All teachers, administrators, and staff—please join us!

  • Tuesday, August 15, at 7:00A in the Urbana location auditorium

  • Thursday. August 17, at 6:00P in the Champaign Location Community Room

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Aug
12
8:30 AM08:30
Groups

Discipleship Leader Training

Join us for a time of training and vision-casting for facilitators, leaders, and anyone who is simply interested in partnering with us to deepen our communities and groups here at FIRST. Over the course of our time together, we will grow in our understanding of what it means to faithfully function as the church within groups and cohorts, be given a new tool for growth and intentionality, and share a vision for what we believe God is calling us towards in discipleship through groups, cohorts and our leaders here at FIRST.

A continental breakfast, Jimmy John's lunch, snacks and childcare will be provided.

**Please fill out one form for each person attending this training.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

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Forgiveness {Formation Class}
May
2
to May 9
Groups, Featured

Forgiveness {Formation Class}

  • First Christian Church | Fellowship Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Forgiveness is one of the core gifts of the Gospel of Jesus and is one of the most transformative things for humans to experience, but in our day and age forgiveness is becoming less common and more foreign to practice. Coming off of our series on the Life of David, we've been seeing many people turning toward healing from hurt as well as turning away from their sin. People are genuinely seeking to give and receive forgiveness, but HOW do we go about the process of forgiving? How do we forgive others? How do we forgive ourselves? How do we ask for forgiveness? Join us for a four-week journey of learning what it means to practice forgiveness like Jesus. Over the course of our time together, we will learn what forgiveness is (and isn't), why is is foundational to the Gospel and to our daily lives, and how to actually practice forgiveness throughout the journey of life and faith. Whether you are wanting to forgive someone else, needing to forgive yourself, or needing to learn how to ask for forgiveness, this transformative class aims to equip and inspire us to be people of forgiveness just like Jesus.

Tuesdays, April 18–May 9 from 6:30–8:00P

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Men's Connect
Mar
24
6:00 PM18:00
Groups, Featured

Men's Connect

Men’s Connect is more than just a connection point; it's the ultimate foundation for men, 18+, to build long-lasting relationships that are sure to grow into an amazing community. Whether you're looking to make new friends or connect with like-minded individuals, Men’s Connect is the ideal platform to ignite that spark and foster a strong sense of brotherhood. Register here.

 
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Weekly Prayer {Tuesdays in Urbana}
Mar
14
7:00 AM07:00
Groups

Weekly Prayer {Tuesdays in Urbana}

Weekly at both FIRST locations, our Elders lead our prayer team to pray for the church and for each other. All are welcome! For questions, contact Mike Larson at mjlarso1@yahoo.com. The prayer gatherings are held:

  • Every Tuesday at 7:00A in the Urbana location auditorium

  • Every Thursday at 6:00P in the Champaign Location Community Room

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Discipleship Cohort Info Meeting
Feb
28
6:30 PM18:30
Groups, Featured

Discipleship Cohort Info Meeting

  • First Christian Church - Fellowship Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

If you want to commit to a deeper way of being with God in community, we encourage you to consider being a part of a Discipleship Cohort! These Cohorts aim to learn to 'hear and obey God together' through intentional rhythms in Kingdom Communities of 3-4 people. These Cohorts are not for the faint of heart—they are intense and high-commitment—but if you commit and lean in, you will experience growth and depth with God and others in ways you never have. If you're interested in learning more about being in a Discipleship Cohort, please come to the informational meeting on February 28 from 6:30-8P in the Fellowship Hall of the Champaign location.

Let us know you’re coming here.

 
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Serves-giving {Volunteer Appreciation}
Nov
20
9:15 AM09:15
Featured, Kids, Groups, Students, Women's

Serves-giving {Volunteer Appreciation}

November 20th’s Sunday morning services will be dedicated to those who regularly devote their time and talents to make Sundays, events, and all things church possible—FIRST’s Serve Team Volunteers! You’re invited to be celebrated with special treats and a service highlighting all you do to help each other follow Jesus.

Please Note:

For this special Sunday, to give as many volunteers as possible the opportunity to attend, there will be no Junior High Ministry and childcare for kindergarten and under only. All others are encouraged to join us for this fun and exciting service!

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Prayer Team Meeting {Champaign Location}
Nov
15
5:30 PM17:30
Featured, Groups

Prayer Team Meeting {Champaign Location}

On the 3rd Tuesday of every month, our Elders lead our prayer team to pray for the church and for each other. All are welcome! For questions, contact Mike Larson at mjlarso1@yahoo.com. The prayer meetings are held on a rotating schedule between the Champaign and Urbana locations unless otherwise noted.

5:30-6:30P

  • November 15 - Champaign

  • December 20 - Urbana

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How to Share Your Faith {Formation Class}
Nov
14
to Dec 5
Groups, Featured

How to Share Your Faith {Formation Class}

  • First Christian Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Most of us have probably felt the tension or anxiety over the questions, "Should I tell this person about Jesus?" or "How do I tell this person about Jesus?" If any of this resonates with your experience, you're not alone. Our recent Spiritual Growth Survey revealed that only about 25% of respondents said they know their neighbors and coworkers and feel comfortable having spiritual conversations with them and that only a little over half of the respondents maintain and pray for relationships with non-believers. Here at FIRST one of our values is to have a growing faith so if you desire to grow in your ability to share your faith confidently we'd love to invite you to join us for this four-week formation class. Throughout our time together, we will learn to pay attention to what God is already doing around us and the people He's already put in our path. We will grow in deeply understanding our stories and how Jesus invites us to share them with others. We will also be given a framework for what it would look like to BLESS others as we live on mission with Jesus. Please register at the link below.

Class Mondays, November 14, 21, 28, and December 5
6:30-8:00P
Next Steps Lounge - Champaign Location

 
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Jul
11
6:00 PM18:00
Groups, Featured

Groups Discipleship Rally

Join us to catch the vision for group discipleship here at FIRST as we pursue our core value of Growing Faith, together.

The Group Discipleship Rally is for anyone who is currently partnering with us as a group leader or is interested in learning more about launching future groups as well as our forthcoming cohort ministry.

This is an important event to help us prepare for what's coming in the Fall and we'd love for you to prioritize this event!

Food and childcare will be provided.

Please sign up via the link below!

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Mid-Sized Group | Discipleship
May
18
6:30 PM18:30
Groups, Featured

Mid-Sized Group | Discipleship

Come to this two-week Mid-Sized Group to learn an overview of what discipleship is and why it is important. We want to cast a vision of what living a life with Jesus as His disciple looked like then and could look like now.

We will meet each Wednesday evening, May 18 and 25, from 6:30-8:00P in the Champaign location Next Steps Lounge.

Sign up at the link below!

 
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