Tower Notes (USPS 634720) is published · 2015-02-25 · Tower Notes (USPS 634720) is published Weekly, except week of Christmas, by First Presbyterian Church, 204 W. Prairie Ave.,

Tower Notes (USPS 634720) is published

Weekly, except week of Christmas, by First Presbyterian Church, 204 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur, IL 62523. Periodical postage paid at Decatur, IL. Postmaster: Send address changes to Tower Notes, 204 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur IL 62523 (217)429-4195; (217)429-4712 FAX www.firstpresdecatur.org or email: [email protected]

********************************************************************************************************************* VOLUME 47 February 25, 2015 NUMBER 9 ********************************************************************************************************************* March 1, 2015 8:00 a.m. Worship Service – Chapel 2nd SUNDAY OF LENT 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Hour COMMUNION SUNDAY 9:15 a.m. NewSong Worship Service – Chapel 10:15 a.m. Chapel Class 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – Sanctuary; Children’s Church School – LL

First Presbyterian Vision and Mission Statements VISION: As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we seek to be an open, caring, compassionate congregation,

and to bring about positive changes in our community and world. MISSION: We celebrate, explore, and demonstrate our Christian faith in loving service. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: 1) Continue to be an active community-oriented congregation; 2) Develop a passion for discipleship and advocacy; 3) Celebrate unity of purpose with diversity in action.

LENTEN

CLASSES & SOUP

SUPPERS

Great Start for the Lenten Season THANKS to Deacons, Susan Moore, Jody Hantel, Margi Nicholson, and Donna Washburn; and Judy Batson, Carolyn Allin, Kelly Tohill and Jim Lycan for all their help with our first Lenten Soup Supper . Thirty people enjoyed the sandwiches, variety of soups and desserts before the Taizé Ash Wednesday service. Bill Keagle led an interesting class on Islam with 25 participants from 7-8 p.m. YOU may join the class any week, but please make reservations for the meal so enough food is ordered. Don’t forget the Tuesdays with Miley class begins 7:00 p.m., February 24th using the book “What Christians Can Learn from Other Religions”. Hopefully, everyone will find some way to make this Lenten season more thought provoking and meaningful. The book is available from our church office for $7.50. Weekly Wednesday night Soup Suppers are from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the dining room, prior to the class or choir. Several committees provide a variety of soups to go with sandwiches and desserts. Please sign up for the March 4 supper in the Gathering Room or call the church office (429-4195) by this Friday, Feb.27th so food can be ordered. ($5 person/$15 family). Classes and meals are open to the public with meal reservations made a week in advance. Be a part of this Lenten group which combines Christian Education with thoughtful discussion, delicious food and great fellowship. Lent is for everyone.

WELCOME HOME Rev. John Kay has safely returned from Dubai.

CANNED AND BOXED GOODS ACCEPTED SUNDAY

First Sunday happens March 1! Share your blessings with the needy as you bring your food donations to all services for Northeast Community

Fund. You may also bring food or monetary donations on Monday morning.

Also, on the first Sunday of the month, the Peacemaking committee will sell olive oil and Equal Exchange coffee,

tea and cocoa in the Gathering Room. Thank you for your support.

Wednesday, March 4

Taizé Worship 6:15 p.m.

Once a month, spend a quiet 45 minutes In the First Pres Chapel.

Songs, scripture, readings, Prayer, contemplation

1st Wednesday at 6:15 (before choir)

Phyllis McPherron, Connie Requarth and Fred Spannaus leave for Haiti this Friday night at midnight. Thank you for the multivitamins, children’s Tylenol (tablets), Tums, and your financial support.

WOMEN’S NIGHT OUT

Fuji At North Walmart Center

RSVP – Thursday, February 26, 2015, 5:30pm

Tower Notes

Notes

OUR CHURCH FAMILY PRAYER CONCERNS: Charlie Davidson was released from St. Mary's and is back at Eastview Terrace. James Nevitt is home from the hospital. Carol Wood had knee surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital. Phyllis, Connie and Fred, for a safe and productive trip to Haiti.

WINTER RECESS ENDS MARCH 5

This group of five hardy souls will resume their

weekly bible study on Thursday, March 5 from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. in the Gathering Room. This would be an opportune time to welcome new members because we’ll be starting our study at the beginning of the Book of Revelation. We take turns reading any version of the Bible you might bring and then discuss what we’ve just heard. The hot coffee is always ready at 7:00 and we take turns bringing some tasty donuts or coffeecake. Come join George, Dick, Paul, Ray & René.

CHURCH SCHOOL HOUR

March 1, 2014 9:00 Everyday Issues during Advent –Dr. Bill Keagle will lead the second Lenten class with a discussion on ‘Understanding World Religions’. Bill taught this topic in his religion classes at Millikin. 9:00 Present Word Bible Study: Main floor Pastor’s study – Ray Landon leads the weekly Bible study. Unit I: THE PLEDGE OF GOD’S PRESENCE will focus on “The Lamb of God” – John 1:29-34. 9:00 Youth Class: LL Youth Room – Junior- and Senior-high class is led by Chris Lawton. 10:15 a.m. Chapel Conversation Class – This is a discussion group about the day’s scriptures and sermon in the chapel. Cindy Wene is discussion leader. 10:30 a.m. Children’s Church School: Lower Level

VERY GOOD

March 1 SUNDAY GREETERS

Before Service #1 Volunteer #4 Volunteer #2 Volunteer #5 Wally Minnis #3 Volunteer Computer Tech Coffee & Fellowship Andrew Taylor Jody Hantel Web Team Media Tech Theresa Boes Jackie Evans Andy Rauff March Church School Teacher Cindy Wene

March 1 COMMUNION SERVERS 8:00 a.m. – Marty Cushman 9:15 a.m. – Richard Sublett 10:30 a.m. – Current Elders & Deacons Other Elders Elmer Turner Mary Turner Sue Weinstein Dick Fiala Mike Zia Linda Castleman Nancy Force Tom Force Sue Grieve Yvonne Lewis Marsha DeVore Carol Sudduth

March Newsletter Volunteers Money Counters Merrill Dees Lori Jensen Naomi Davis Verlyn Rosenberger Shirley Moore

Easter Lilies

Lilies are available for purchase in honor or in memory of your loved ones during the Lenten season. Lilies are $12.75 each. Call 429-4195, sign up on the church office clipboard or e-mail [email protected] with your remembrance information.

SECOND CHANCE FOR PRESBYTERIANS

TODAY MAGAZINE SPECIAL OFFER! We have received an extension on the special offer of a FREE 1-year subscription to Presbyterians Today magazine for NEW subscribers. If you have not already taken advantage of this great deal, please submit your name, mailing address and e-mail (if applicable) to the church office by noon on Friday, February 27. “Presbyterians Today” , published 10 times a year, explores practical issues of faith and life, tells stories of Presbyterians who are living their faith and covers a wide range of church news and activities. (from presbyterianmission.org) For more info on the magazine, check out http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/ today/.

Ecumenical Women’s Service

In Honor of World Day of Prayer Friday, March 6. 12:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

GOOD SAMARITAN INN MARCH 5, 2015

Mark your calendar. The first Thursday of each month is when First Presbyterian Church prepares and serves at Good Sam. Hours are: 9-11 a.m. – food preparation 11-1 p.m. – serve The Inn operates solely on the good hearts of volunteers. It is located at 920 N. Union Street.

E-mail concerns to: [email protected]

WORSHIP SERVICES

February 29, 2015 2nd SUNDAY OF LENT COMMUNION SUNDAY

Rev. Miley Palmer, preaching Mac Moore, 8:00 a.m. lay leader

Terry Hogg and Pam Neeley, 9:15 a.m. service leaders

Ralph Czerwinski, 10:30 a.m. lay leader

Sermon “A Tough Row to Hoe”

Scripture

Mark 8:27-38

March Ushers Jon Scharfenberg and Bob Dunn,

Co-captains Pierce Bruckner

Joli Cirks-sub Diane and Bob Dunn

Eric Nevitt-sub Bruce Mason

Carol and Jon Scharfenberg Peter and Pattie Smith-Phillips

Worship Aids

Children’s bulletins, large-print Bibles, and hearing amplifiers are available for use

during worship. Ask any usher.

AVAILABLE FLOWER

DATE:

March 1 Purchase Sunday flowers in memory of your loved ones-

429-4195 or [email protected].

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

“Labor of Love” Prayer Shawl ministry will meet

on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 10:00-11:30 A.M. (or whenever you need to leave). We begin with a devotion, updates on members/concerns and chit-chat as we knit or crochet. Drop in anytime. The next meeting is February 25.

of the PNC

The PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) has been meeting every week for the last 6 weeks in order to complete the MIF (Ministry Information Form). We have been diligently working to complete the MIF. It has been a challenge to capture the mission, vision and spirit of First Pres. We are so happy that we have the information from the Holy Cow to help guide us. We believe the MIF will be ready to go to the COM (Committee on Ministry) and the session very soon for approval. Once approval is granted, the MIF goes to the CLC (Church Leadership Connection), making it available for matching with the PIFs (Personal Information Forms). The PIFs contain the information submitted by Pastors seeking new positions. The committee will then review all the PIFs and narrow the search down to the best-suited candidates. The PNC will keep the congregation updated as we move through the process. We ask for your prayers to guide us and grant us wisdom as we move forward.

Two films this Saturday, February 28

“To Light a Candle”, the story of the persecution of Iran’s Baha’is, at Millikin University Pilling Chapel, 2:00 P.M.

“How I Became an Elephant”, the story of a young girl’s

quest to save the world's largest land mammal, at Unitarian

Universalist Fellowship of Decatur (3773 N. MacArthur Road)

at 7:00 PM.

Rediscovering Lent The season of Lent leads up to the most

holy of Christian days, Easter Sunday. The

forty days of Lent begin Ash Wednesday

and end at dusk the Saturday before Easter,

not counting the Sundays in between. The

Sundays during Lent, like every Sunday, are

considered weekly celebrations of the resurrection. Many

denominations encourage disciples to renew and strengthen their

faith during Lent. Plans are made for community-wide Lenten

preparation through the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible

study, fasting, and service.

This preparation is a historical model from the early church. New

believers were mentored in the Christian faith weeks before Easter,

preparing for their baptisms at the Great Easter Vigil. The idea of

giving something up for Lent came out of this tradition, when

fasting—abstaining from food as an act of discipline in solidarity

with others in the community—was used to raise one’s spiritual

consciousness and empty oneself before God. Fasting or giving up

something for Lent can be a good way to explore a deeper

expression of faith. Through fasting and focus, Lent helps us to

enter into close communion with Jesus as we ponder our sinfulness

and the grace coming at Christ’s resurrection.

Presbyterians may find it meaningful to give something up for

Lent, but it is not required. Some may find a more valuable

spiritual exercise in taking something on during Lent—a Lenten

class, a more Christ-like attitude toward others, mission work, or

a feeling of gratitude in the midst of scarcity. Whatever spiritual

disciplines and preparations are embraced during Lent, they can

help us prepare for or renew our baptisms as part of the

resurrection celebration at Easter. Lent is more about our own

connection to our faith. (www.presbyterian mission.org)

March Birthdays Ryan Crowe – 1 Anna Mae Carlson – 2 Drew Dunn – 2 Molly Dunn – 2 Jeff Miller – 2 Jack T. Brown – 3 Glynda Hagymasy – 4 John Weakly – 4 Patti Weakly – 5 Karen Yepsen – 5 Tyler Lycan – 6 Bruce Mason – 6 Tanya Miller – 7 Mac Moore – 7 Shirley Moore – 9 Sally Wachter – 9 Chrissy Ellis – 11 Nancy Law – 12 David Marshall – 12 Tom Griffith – 16 Micah Hale – 16 Anne Hostetler – 16 Ellen Noblitt – 17 Richard Sublett – 17 Sally Ford – 18 Sue Weinstein – 18 Sherri Arnold – 19 Christopher Ford - 19 Jaylyn Hale -- 19 Kim Derigo – 20 Corey Moniot – 20 Miley Palmer – 20 Carlos Porter – 20 Bev Ritter – 20 Kirk Schmidt – 20 Gayle Bruckner – 21 Linda Castleman -- 21 Brett Eisenhauer - 21 Phyllis McPherron – 21 Bill Towns -- 21 Doug Nicholson – 23 Adam Law – 24 Lexie Bales – 25 Andy Hinch – 25 Donna Washburn – 25 Tom Irwin – 26 Larry Wiesner – 26 Carol Fritz – 28 Betsy Tanner -- 30 Pierce Bruckner – 31 Stu Ellis – 31 Gib Maines – 31

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 2nd Sunday of Lent

8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Church School 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship – Sanctuary 10:30am Church School 4:00pm Serendipity – PO

(7am-AA) 2 8:30am Money Counters 4:45pm Facilities Mtg. – L 5:30pm Children’s Min.- CCR 6:00pm Peacemaking Mtg.-GR 6:30pm Mission Mtg. – DR 7:00pm Worship Mtg. – L

(7am-AA) 3 10:00am DARTA Board Mtg-DR 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA 3:15pm Worship Planning 5:15pm Tower Ringers 6:30pm Finance Mtg - DR 7:00pm Tuesdays with Miley–GR

(7am-AA) 4 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 9:30am Parish Visitors-GR 10:45am Backpack Assembly-L 5:15pm Church St. Bells 5:30pm Lent Soup Supper-DR 6:15pm Taizé Service – C 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice 7:00pm Understanding World

Religions w/B. Keagle – DR

(7am-AA) 5 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR 9:00am Serving at Good Sam 1:00pm Regional Presbytery

Meeting at Westminster 6:30pm PNC Meeting - GR

(7am-AA) 6

World Day of Prayer 12:00pm Session Reports Due 12:00pm Ecumenical Women’s

Service at FUM

(7am-AA) 7

8 3rd Sunday of Lent

Daylight Savings Time Begins 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Church School 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Church School 11:45am Deacon’s Meeting - DR 4:00pm Serendipity – PO

6:00pm Just Flicks-Erin Brockovich–DR

(7am-AA) 9 8:30am Money Counters 11:30am Catholic Charities

Board Meeting - DR 1:00pm Pink Smoke – C 5:30pm Adult Ministry - L

(7am-AA) 10 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA 5:15pm Tower Ringers 7:00pm Tuesdays with Miley–GR

(7am-AA) 11 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 10:00am Prayer Shawl – C 10:45am Backpack Assembly-L 1:30pm Worship Planning - L 2:30pm Caregiver’s Support-C 5:00pm String Band Practice-DR 5:15pm Church St. Bells 5:30pm Administration Mtg – L 5:30pm Lent Soup Supper-DR 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice 7:00pm Understanding World Religions – DR

(7am-AA) 12 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR 6:30pm PNC Meeting - GR

(7am-AA) 13

Frigga- triskaideka-

phobia

The fear of Friday the 13th

(7am-AA) 14

"March is a

tomboy with tousled hair, a

mischievous smile, mud on her shoes and a laugh

in her voice." - Hal Borland

15 4th Sunday of Lent

8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Church School 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Church School 4:00pm Serendipity – PO

(7am-AA) 16 8:30am Money Counters 7:00pm Session – GR

(7am-AA) 17 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA 5:15pm Tower Ringers 7:00pm Tuesdays with Miley–GR

(7am-AA) 18 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 10:45am Backpack Assembly-L 1:30pm Worship Planning – L 5:00pm String Band Practice-DR 5:15pm Church St. Bells 5:30pm Lent Soup Supper-DR 7:00pm Choir Practice 7:00pm Understanding World Religions – DR

(7am-AA) 19 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR 6:30pm PNC Meeting - GR

(7am-AA) 20

(7am-AA) 21

22 5th Sunday of Lent

8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Church School 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Church School 4:00pm Serendipity – PO

(7am-AA) 23 8:30am Money Counters 1:00pm Pink Smoke – C

(7am-AA) 24 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA 5:15pm Tower Ringers 7:00pm Tuesdays with Miley–GR

(7am-AA) 25 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 10:00am Prayer Shawl – C 10:45am Backpack Assembly-L 1:30pm Worship Planning - L 2:30pm Caregiver’s Support-C 4:00pm Health Ministry 5:15pm Church St. Bells 5:30pm Lent Soup Supper-DR 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice 7:00pm Understanding World Religions – DR

(7am-AA) 26 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR 5:30pm Women’s Night Out

at Doherty’s Pub

6:30pm PNC Meeting - GR

(7am-AA) 27

(7am-AA) 28

29 Passion/Palm Sunday

8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Church School 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Church School 4:00pm Serendipity – PO 6:00pm Just Flicks Birdcage–CCC

(7am-AA) 30 8:30am Money Counters 5:30pm Evang/Memb Mtg – L

(7am-AA) 31 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA 5:15pm Tower Ringers 7:00pm Tuesdays with Miley–GR

March 2015

"March is a month of considerable frustration - it is so near spring

and yet across a great deal of the country the weather is still so violent and changeable that

outdoor activity in our yards seems light years away."

- Thalassa Cruso