The Blandinsville First Christian Church located in Blandinsville, a rural community of 700 in West Central Illinois. Blandinsville is 16 miles from a state university - Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois and approximately 30 miles from the Iowa border. The church has a membership/attendance of between 40-50 individuals. The age of members range from 20 to 90. The church has few youth members. The church provides two after-school programs. The Youth Group consists of kids 5th grade through high school and meets on Wednesdays and consists of approximately 10-15 kids that are learning life skills such as opening a bank account, learning electrical wiring, learning about cars (detailing, mechanical, safety), etc. This group also enjoys snacks and a Bible lesson. The Thursday After-School Program has an enrollment of 20-30 kids (kindergarten through high school). The Thursday group enjoys games, crafts, Bible lessons, and snacks.
Activities of the Church Include:
1. Sponsoring the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the park
2. Providing a Thanksgiving meal for the after-school kids and their families usually on a Thursday before Thanksgiving
3. Sending three to five kids to the LaMoine Christian Summer Camp each year
4. Providing funeral meals for church as well as community members
5. Donating to Project Santa each year
6. Providing a Blessing Box stocked with nonperishable food items and personal care and cleaning items
7. Singing carols to local individuals in December
8. Having a Christmas Eve Candle Light Service for the Community
9. Maintaining a Benevolent Fund to help where there is a need
10. Supporting missions of the LaMoine Christian Camp, Church's Benevolent Fund, and One Family/One Purpose (building houses for individuals who have lost a home due to a natural disaster)
11. Helping with building houses for the One Family/One Purpose organization by church
members providing labor, meals, etc.
12. Maintaining committees for worship/fellowship, property, finance, outreach, etc.
13. Participating in Community Activities such as "An Old Fashioned Christmas"
14. Sending monthly church newsletter to church members, community members, and individuals who have relocated - 211newsletters monthly- includes church and local events, death notices, prayer requests, past memories, etc.
15. Providing visits by elders and church members giving communion and prayers
16. Providing church for funerals, weddings, bridal and baby showers, family gatherings, etc.
17. Providing baptism services
