The Practice of Sabbath {Formation Class}
Feb
23
to Mar 16

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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Kids Night Out {Kids Ministry}
Feb
28
5:30 PM17:30

Kids Night Out {Kids Ministry}

Hey, K-5th graders! Get ready for a night packed with fun and excitement! Join us for Kids Night Out at the FIRST Family Life Center, where you'll enjoy:

  • Laser Tag

  • Free time in the Oasis

  • GLOW Dodgeball

  • Gaga Ball

  • Games & Crafts

  • Pizza & Popcorn

  • A Movie to wrap up the night!

Bring your friends and don’t miss this unforgettable evening of laughter, adventure, and awesome memories!

Cost: $25. Sign up now by clicking here!

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

Candlelit Dinner {Women's Ministry}

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

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.

Please register by March 23!

DATE: Friday, March 28
TIME: 6:30-8:30P (doors open at 5:45P)
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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Parents' Promise Service {Kids Ministry}
Apr
6
9:00 AM09:00

Parents' Promise Service {Kids Ministry}

parents_promise-02.jpg

Sunday, April 6
During both services (9:00A & 10:30A)


This special time will include a message from a FIRST pastor, a challenge to pray consistently for your child and your commitment to raising your child in a Christ centered home, as well as a slide show with pictures of our precious babies and kids. Parents, family, friends, and the church family will share in a time of commitment. Participants will also receive a special gift from the FIRST Kids Ministry. Registration is open to those who are actively engaged with our church. 

Please register by March 24:

 
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Dwell Retreat {Women's Ministry}
May
2
to May 3

Dwell Retreat {Women's Ministry}

  • Little Galilee Christian Camp and Retreat Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hey First Ladies,

You are invited to a transformative weekend at our 2025 DWELL Retreat, where we will dwell in God's presence and grow deeper in our faith, surrounded by a supportive community of women. Women from FIRST will be sharing their journey of dwelling with God. Together we will experience renewal, fellowship, and the joy of being in His presence. 

Come for a good ol' fashion camp retreat experience where we will bunk up in cabins, enjoy a campfire, spend time in prayer and reflection while experiencing connection with one another. Let's get away and strengthen our hearts and spirits as we seek God's guidance and embrace the beauty of being in community. 

Event Details:
Overnight Friday, May 2 through Saturday, May 3.
Arrival - Friday, May 2 at 6P
Departure - Saturday, May 3 at 4P

Location:       
Little Galilee Christian Camp and Retreat Center
7539 Little Galilee Road, Clinton, IL 

Cost: $80
Includes overnight accommodations in climate-controlled, dorm-style cabins with communal bathrooms, event content, grazing table (Friday night), breakfast and lunch (Saturday), snacks/beverages, swag bag, and more!

Please bring your bed linens, pillow, bath towels, toiletries, bibles, journals, and additionally, anything to help you be more comfortable out in nature, like weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. 

**This retreat is designed for women who are 18+.

**Please note there is limited space available, so it is a first come first serve event. 

Last day to register is APRIL 13.

We can't wait to DWELL with you!

FIRST's Women's Ministry Team

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Summer Care
May
27
to Aug 8

Summer Care

  • FIRST Champaign Location (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Summer Care is a safe, engaging, and affordable camp during the summer months when school is out of session for elementary school-aged children who have completed K-5th grades. Summer Care 2025 will run from May 27 - August 8 from 7:30A - 5:30P. Field Trips/Special Guests, Bible lessons, Art, STEM, Games, Cooking, Free Play, and more make up this fun filled week. Kids will engage in physical activity and use both sides of their brain during the indoor and outdoor activities. No 2 weeks are the same! For more information, please click here to view the Info PDF.


Parent Testimonials

  • I was very impressed by the staff and the activities. Thank you!

  • A fun way to incorporate God's word while having structure all day!!

  • My daughter was older and apprehensive about attending again this year, but she shed more tears than anyone on the last day. She will forever remember the great staff FIRST provides.

  • This was our first year using summer care. The kids came home excited to share their day! They were excited to go back the next day. We will continue to use Summer Care and I'll be telling other parents about this awesome opportunity for their kids over the summer!

  • Summer Care is amazing. The love and friendships with the other campers and the counselors that are kids have made is awesome to see. They love the activities and the time they get to learn more and grow closer to God. I recommend Summer Care to all our friends with kids.

  • Thank you for recruiting caring, fun camp counselors who enjoyed being with the kids.

  • Summer Care has been such a blessing! This well led and organized camp was a safe place for my children to spend their summer. I appreciated the flexibility in choosing days and weeks. The staff were actively engaged with the kids and had fun activities and field trips to fill their days. I also loved the morning worship time. I just wish I would have started sending my kids here sooner!

  • I know my daughter will have a safe fun time at summer care every day! I can drop her off with no concerns and know she'll have an incredible time.

  • The counselors are all so amazing. They love the kids and I know our kids feel that love and care from them. The last day is always so sad.

  • We wish we would have started camp sooner! Our 1st grader loved everything about each day he attended- the crafts, the themes, the activities. The counselors were all great! They welcomed my son each day and made him feel like he belonged. Thank you for a wonderful, affordable, safe, and enriching camp experience!

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Chapel Venue Grand Opening
Feb
16
9:00 AM09:00

Chapel Venue Grand Opening

Sunday at 9:00A starting February 16

We’re launching a new Sunday morning venue—The Chapel—on February 16 at 9:00A! This intimate, acoustic-style worship experience will feature the same powerful message streamed live from the auditorium.

The Chapel creates more space and offers a cozy, smaller setting for those who prefer that atmosphere. Plus, join us on launch day for bagels in The Chapel! Let’s make room for even more of God’s work here at FIRST.

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Relentless Vision & Praise Night
Jan
31
7:00 PM19:00

Relentless Vision & Praise Night

As we launch into this exciting new season, we invite you to the Relentless Vision & Praise Night to celebrate the kickoff of our new vision, worship passionately, and embrace the call to relentless discipleship, generosity, and impact.

Don’t miss this special night of celebration and anticipation—plus some fun take-home surprises! Let’s step into God’s overflowing blessing as a church family, ready to reap an abundant Kingdom harvest.

We invite families to worship with us as this evening has no childcare.

Everyone in attendance will receive a FREE new shirt to commemorate this special night!




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SuperStart {Kids Ministry}
Jan
24
to Jan 25

SuperStart {Kids Ministry}

  • Travel from FIRST to Eastview Bloomington, IL (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This 2-day high energy kids conference hosted by Christ In Youth (CIY) features incredible worship, top notch speakers, and tons of fun where every aspect of the weekend is age intentional!

We will meet at FIRST at 5:00P. Pack a sack dinner to eat on the drive to Eastview Christian Church in Normal, IL. We will return to FIRST and head home to sleep - please pick kids up by 10:15P. Before coming to FIRST on Saturday, eat breakfast and meet at the church by 7:00A to head back to Eastview. This year all conference sessions will be done by noon. We will go to the Children's Museum where we will have a box lunch from Avanti's. We will return to FIRST around 3:30P.

The cost includes transportation, conference registration ($64 until Jan 1, $74 after), lunch Saturday, and the museum. The conference fee is non-refundable. SuperStart! has a store if your child is interested in purchasing a shirt, sweatshirt, or other items. This would be additional money you would need to send. Pre-orders can be placed for pick up, so you can have a say in what they choose!

Registration closes on January 12

 
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Piggy Bank University {Kids Ministry}
Jan
20
to Feb 10

Piggy Bank University {Kids Ministry}

  • First Christian Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Mondays, January 20 - February 10
6:00-7:30P
Parents Welcome!

What does God say about money, and how does it relate to kids? Join us for this four-week series designed just for Kids, where we will learn about earning, giving, saving, and spending money wisely in ways that honor God.

Week 1: EARNING MONEY
Work is how we earn money. It's not always easy, and it's not always fun, but work is a blessing from God that allows us to provide for others and ourselves. Work also gives us a chance to share our faith. When we develop an extra mile attitude, we can show people the love of Jesus through our work - an that's something far more valuable than money!

Week 2: GIVING MONEY
Giving is a great way to show God we love him. God can take even the smallest gifts and multiply them to do great things. God doesn't want us to wait for someone else to do it. He wants all of us to give what we can!

Week 3: SAVING MONEY
Saving money is good stewardship. It prepares us for the challenges and expenses we don't expect, and it helps us save up for the things we want. The sooner we start saving, the more we will have to spend on those things later on, and the easier saving will be when we are grown.

Week 4: SPENDING MONEY
We all make choices when we spend money, and the choices we make determine whether we are wise shoppers. We need to consider our wants vs. our needs, prices, and safety so that we can be wise managers of the money God gives us!

Sign up and join us for Piggy Bank University!

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Christmas Eve Services
Dec
24
4:30 PM16:30

Christmas Eve Services

Tuesday, December 24, 2024
4:30P & 6:00P

3601 S Staley Rd, Champaign, Il 61822

With this time of the year being busy for us all, a little tradition and normalcy can help remind us what Christmas is all about. So, whether it’s your first or 72nd Christmas at FIRST, we want you to know what you can expect with us… good ol’ fashioned family Christmas.

We’re excited to celebrate the birth of our Savior, together with your family, during a cozy Christmas Eve service.

*Nursery care for kids under two during 4:30P service only. No kids or student ministry programming.

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Foster Care Christmas Party
Dec
7
9:30 AM09:30

Foster Care Christmas Party

Every year, we come together to celebrate families who are caring for children in foster care. At the December 7 Foster Care Christmas Party, we build relationships with them by providing baked goods, playing games, and serving them in a variety of other ways. This year, we are also partnering with Lutheran Social Services to provide gifts to foster children. We look forward to serving with you.

Ways to get involved:

  1. Sign up to serve in various ways, from baking cookies to helping with games for the Foster Care Christmas Party, by clicking here.

  1. Grab a tag at church on Sunday to purchase a designated gift for a foster child and return it in a gift bag by December 1.

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

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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Night of Worship
Nov
8
7:00 PM19:00

Night of Worship

This is a night we step deeper into our faith and praise God together through new and old songs, ancient prayers, and spirit-led stories,building on what God is already doing in our hearts. So come. Now is the time to worship.

Doors open at 6:30P. Worship begins at 7:00P.

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Family Ministry Tailgate
Oct
26
1:30 PM13:30

Family Ministry Tailgate

  • First Christian Church - Oasis Venue (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for an exciting family-friendly tailgate at FIRST for the Illinois vs. Oregon game! We’ll be serving up burgers and hot dogs, so bring your favorite side dish to share. We'll stream the game in the Oasis and have plenty of fun tailgate games for everyone to enjoy. All are welcome—don’t miss out on the fun! Parents, please accompany children in 5th grade and younger.

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

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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Intentional Parenting: Technology
Oct
8
6:30 PM18:30

Intentional Parenting: Technology

Dive deeper into the world of parenting and tech with us!

Join IT expert and dad, Jeremy Fenelon, as he spills the secrets on how to keep your kids safe online and lock down their devices like a pro. After that, Stephen Albi will break down the impact of screen time and how we can flip the script to make tech work for us, not the other way around.

Every participant will get a copy of "My Tech-Wise Life" by Amy & Andy Crouch! Plus, mark your calendars for October 29, when we’ll gather again for an exclusive Book Chat!

Let’s master the tech game together—see you there!

Register for IP: Technology!

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Parents' Promise Service {Kids Ministry}
Oct
6
9:00 AM09:00

Parents' Promise Service {Kids Ministry}

parents_promise-02.jpg

Sunday, OCTOBER 6
During both services (9:00A & 10:30A)

This special time will include a message for a FIRST pastor, a challenge to pray consistently for your child and your commitment to raising your child in a Christ-centered home, as well as a slide show with pictures of our previous babies and kids. Parents, family, friends, and the church family will share in a time of commitment followed by the presentation of dedication certificates. Participants will also receive a special gift from the FIRST Kids Ministry.

Please register by September 30:

 
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FIRST Family Fair {Moved Inside!}
Sep
22
4:00 PM16:00

FIRST Family Fair {Moved Inside!}


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 | 4:00–6:00P

AT FIRST Christian CHurch CHampaign

Still on and held inside instead of outside!

Bring your whole family for an evening of carnival games, pony rides, free petting zoo, BINGO, and more! This event is FREE to attend and open to the public with food truck items available for purchase. It all takes place on Sunday, September 22, from 4-6P at First Christian Church Champaign in the Curtis Road parking lot. We can't wait to meet you.

First Christian Church
Champaign Location
3601 S Staley Rd
Champaign, IL 61822


SERVE

Sign up to serve at FIRST Family Fair!

 
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Young Adult Group
Sep
16
7:30 PM19:30

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

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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Intentional Parenting: Student Success
Sep
9
6:30 PM18:30

Intentional Parenting: Student Success

We all strive to give our children the best possible start in their educational journey, but what truly makes a difference? How can your child confidently live out and share their faith at school?

Join us as a panel of experienced Christian educators share practical insights that not only support your child's academic success but also empower them to make a lasting kingdom impact at school. This event is designed to equip you with the tools and encouragement needed to thrive in today's educational landscape.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to set your child up for success, both academically and spiritually!

Register for School Success!

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Back to School Prayer Breakfast {Women's Ministry}
Aug
31
8:30 AM08:30

Back to School Prayer Breakfast {Women's Ministry}

Change in routines, earlier bedtimes, homework, new teachers, new students, new schools or settings can all bring excitement and anxiety for parents students, teachers and staff facing the upcoming school year. The Women's Ministry is offering a time to all the women of our church to pause and pray for all those who are going to school this fall.

Please join us for a Back to School Potluck Prayer Breakfast! This event is for ANY woman who wants to pray for the students, administrators, teachers and staff in their lives!

You will be invited to participate in a time of collective prayer together, a time to pray in small groups and a time to pray on your own. We know that not everyone feels comfortable praying aloud in front of others so while you are welcome to do so no one is required.

Cost is free but registration is required so we can plan accordingly!

 
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Men's Back to School Prayer Potluck
Aug
26
6:00 PM18:00

Men's Back to School Prayer Potluck

  • First Christian Church | Common Grounds (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

FIRST Brothers of all ages, please help us pray God's Word for God's Will to be done in our schools as students return this year. We will eat, praise, and pray for teachers, home-schooling parents, administrators, school board members, and students of all ages. Please RSVP to join us with your favorite potluck dish on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 6 to 7:30P. Childcare will not be provided, but kids will be prayed over.

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Church Game Night
Aug
23
6:00 PM18:00

Church Game Night

  • First Christian Church Playground (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, connection, and fun! Bring your favorite board game and a delicious appetizer to share as we come together for a night of friendly competition and tasty treats. This event is designed for the entire family to enjoy, creating memories that will last a lifetime. *Remember, an adult must accompany children. Don’t miss out on this chance to bond, play, and make new friends in our vibrant FIRST community! See you there! 🥳🧩🍴

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