Tower Notes (USPS 634720) is published Tower Notes · 3/26/2014  · McKinley Court Gift Shop Meals on Wheels delivery Project Read adult tutors e a call at 428-6616 (Dove) to inquire

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 46 March 26, 2014 NUMBER 13 *******************************************************************************************************************************************

March 30, 2014 8:00 a.m. Worship Service – Chapel FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Hour 9:15 a.m. NewSong Worship Service – Chapel 10:15 a.m. Chapel Class

10:30 a.m. Worship Service – Sanctuary 10:30 a.m. Children’s Church Class

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.

Wed., April 2 Taizé Chapel

6:15 p.m. Once a month, spend a quiet 45 minutes

in the First Pres Chapel. Songs, scripture, readings, Prayer and contemplation

1st Wednesday at 6:15 (before choir)

You are invited to listen to the musicians repeating the songs as you settle into a sense of comfort in singing them yourself. Let the words and music slowly and gently fill you to encounter the living God this Lenten season!

TWO LENTEN STUDIES through APRIL 9

Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00pm – Miley Palmer The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal. Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm – Jim Montgomery Forgiveness: A Lenten Study by Marjorie Thompson.

WEDNESDAY SOUP SUPPERS 5:30-6:30pm - $5/$15 family March 26 is our next Soup Supper. Sign up 1 week before every Wednesday through April 16 in the office or call 429-4195

to be sure you have a meal reserved. Special thanks to our Mission & Worship teams: Judy Batson, SuEllen Brauer, Lori Jensen, Harriett Sadowski, Betty Q.Smith, Jean Gift, Mim McKinney, Susan Moore and Brenda Aymer for providing food and helping us last Wednesday, March 19!

CANDLES HOLOCAUST MUSEUM TRIP SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014

A Saturday, April 12th trip to Terra Haute's CANDLES Holocaust Museum has been suggested as a culmination of our Lenten class theme of

'Forgiveness'. The museum was established in 1995 by Eva Mozes Kor, a surviving Holocaust twin who has been judged for 'forgiving' the Nazis. Read more at www.candlesholocaustmuseum.org. Leaving Decatur at 9 a.m. in the church van, eating lunch in Terra Haute, visiting the museum 1-4 p.m., eating supper and returning by 9 p.m. is our possible agenda. Contact Cathy by April 1, if interested. ([email protected] OR 521-7131) LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH FEED THE HUNGRY – March 29 First United Methodist, 201 W. North St., needs donations of desserts to feed the hungry for lunch at noon this Saturday. You can deliver pies (no cream, please), cakes or cookies from 9:30-11:30 to 201 W. North St. They would also like to have serving assistance for Dinner Downtown if you are free from 11:30 to 1:00. GOOD SAMARITAN INN – April 3, 2014 Mark your calendar. The first Thursday of each month is when First Presbyterian Church prepares and serves at Good Sam. Hours are 9-1 p.m. The Inn operates solely on the good hearts of volunteers. It is located at 920 N. Union Street.

Easter Lilies Lilies are available for purchase, in honor or in

memory of your loved ones during the Lenten season. They will be offered for $12.75 each. Call 429-4195, sign up on the church office clipboard or e-mail us at [email protected].

Tower Notes

OUR CHURCH FAMILY PRAYER CONCERNS: Debbie Eckert’s father, Harry Dyer Judy Steele and her family Marsha DeVore’s father, Jim Thompson Families of the Malaysian plane crash victims Families of the victims in the Washington state mudslide Lifetouch church directory correction: David and Susie Marshall [email protected]

SHAWL MINISTRY

2ND AND 4TH WED. 10am Next gathering is March 26.

Sunday’s Nursery Schedule – March 30

8:45-10:15am– Angela Schultz & volunteer 10:15-11:45am– Angela Schultz & volunteer

2 People are required in the nursery.

VERY GOOD March 30 SUNDAY GREETERS Before Service #1 Cindy Wene #4 Adam and Melissa Schulz #2 Mary Ann Grohne #5 Terry Hogg #3 David and Susie Marshall Media Tech Coffee & Fellowship Fred Spannaus Debbie Eckart Jeanette Swartz

FORGOT SOMEONE’S NAME?

CAN’T PLACE THE FACE? QUICK-CONNECT PICTURE GUIDES

ARE NOW IN PEW RACKS

Copies are placed in various pews of our Chapel and Sanctuary so members and visitors can quickly look up those in our congregation who had photos taken. Remember, Quick Connects stay in the pews.

We still have a few extra Church Directories in the church office. Thanks, Evangelism/Membership Team

April 1 is marked by practical jokes on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors. Traditionally, in some countries, such as the UK, Australia and South Africa, the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick

after noon is called an "April Fool". Elsewhere, such as in Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Russia, The Netherlands, and the U.S., the jokes last all day. On this day, we do have something in common with other countries – a sense of humor.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

OF TIME A Matter of Balance BABES puppet program CICIM (Central Illinois Christians in Mission) Dove’s Children’s Clothing Room McKinley Court Gift Shop Meals on Wheels delivery Project Read adult tutors

Give Sandy or Charlie a call at 428-6616 (Dove) to inquire about opportunities that fit you.

AND OF DONATIONS

Expired coupons Shipping costs to send coupons

RSVP collects expired coupons for struggling military families overseas. They will accept only manufacturers’ coupons (no store specific or restaurant). Then they ship them to bases all over the world for use by our military families. Families are able to use expired coupons up to six months after expiration date. Shipping costs to ship the coupons has risen to $15.45 for one large flat-rate box. You may consider donating funds for a box which can contain up to 17,000 coupons to help a family on a tight budget. If you decide to help in this way, please send your check to Dove, Inc., RSVP Coupons, 788 E. Clay, Decatur, IL 62521, or stop by the office at 302 S. Union Street.

CHURCH SCHOOL HOUR March 30, 2014

9:00 Present Word – Unit II, WHAT THE PROPHETS FORETOLD, focuses on discussion of “Jesus Cleanses the Temple”. Scripture reading is Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-11. Ray Landon leads the class in the pastor’s office. 9:00 Everyday Issues – An 8-week video series on the Gospel of Matthew will be shown - This Sunday we cover Chapter 15:1-18:35 9:00 Youth Class – Junior- and Senior-high class is led by Chris Lawton. 9:00 and 10:30 Children’s Classes – Praying in the Garden

WOMEN’S NIGHT OUT

Thurs., March 27, 2014 Fuji’s Restaurant 4292 N. Prospect

5:30 p.m. - R.S.VP. 429-4195

SANCTUARY CONCERT SERIES CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH Friday, April 4, 2014, 7:30 p.m. Mark Gifford, Organ Rev. Gifford will perform an organ concert to the King of Kings 1927 silent movie, with a cast of thousands. The score is entirely original with Mark. He is the Associate Pastor of Parkway Christian Church in Springfield and has been performing on the Barton Theatre Pipe Organ in Springfield High School since 1993.

E-mail articles to: [email protected]

WORSHIP SERVICES

March 30, 2014 FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT Jim Montgomery, preaching Mac Moore, 8:00 lay leader

Susan Moore, 10:30 lay leader

Flowers The flowers this Sunday are given by

Sue Weinstein in loving memory of my dear friend, Cathy Thornburg.

March Ushers Jon Scharfenberg and Bob Dunn,

Co-captains Pierce Bruckner

Joli Cirks Diane and Bob Dunn

Bruce Mason Carol and Jon Scharfenberg Peter and Patti Smith-Phillips

Worship Aids Children’s bulletins, large-print Bibles

and hymnals, as well as hearing amplifiers, are available for use during worship. Ask any usher.

Men’s Bible Study

The 7 a.m. every Thursday morning

Bible study welcome all men to join them as they continue to read on in Acts in the New Testament. Paul, René, Charles, Dick, Ray & George

1ST PRES STRING BAND PRACTICE Every Wednesday at

5:00PM – All levels welcome. Call Doug at 521-1314.

AVAILABLE FLOWER DATE: July 6 & 13

Purchase Sunday flowers in memory of your loved ones-

429-4195 or [email protected].

LOST AND FOUND – Have in church office a Large hoop earring – cream colored & gold

OUR CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP! We are in need of volunteers to teach Sunday school at 9:00 or 10:30. You only need to commit for one month and will enjoy the good curriculum and delightful children. We also need people who are willing to substitute in Sunday school in case of last-minute absences. Please contact me for more information or to volunteer. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the children of our church! Margi Nicholson Phone 433-0891 or email [email protected]

We also will be hiring a second person to be in the nursery with Angela on Sunday mornings from 8:45 am to 11:45 am. If you are interested, or know someone who might be interested in this job, please let the church office know, and we will have them fill out an application. Marsha DeVore will not be able to help Angela this Sunday, March 30, so we are asking for a volunteer step forward. Every Sunday we will TRY to have TWO nursery workers in place. If we do not have a volunteer, the Nursery will be closed on that Sunday. We hope that won’t happen. Thanks for being patient during the process.

MONTH OF MARCH

Dine at Bob Evans MAX will receive 15%

Bring your flyer from church Or download online at Dove.

WHAT’S NEW TO HELP YOU? Save the date – Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11AM - First Presbyterian Church Sometimes do you (or someone you

know) need help in doing ordinary activities? The Health Ministry Team is sponsoring a spring program with the opportunity for all of us to find out about many types of medical devices and CPAP machines. Dave Smith from Heckman’s is coming with many new, common, or not-so-common medical devices for you to learn about, check out, and discover ways to make your life or someone else’s life easier and safer. This is good information for everyone, as we never know when it might be needed and helpful. Let me know if there is any specific medical device you would like to have included. This is a good chance to understand your options and the pros and cons of various models. Join us on Saturday, April 26. Phyllis, Parish Nurse

April Birthdays Francis Ford – 1 Faye Logan – 1 John Logan – 1 Jean Aberle – 3 Marty Cushman – 3 Taylor Scharfenberg – 3 Kathy Beube – 5 Chuck Force – 5 Chelsea Tish – 5 Annicah Hale – 6 Frank Sublett – 6 Chloe Cook – 7 Richard Franklin – 7 Christian Washburn – 7 Maia Cook – 8 Molly Poe – 8 Claire Tanner – 8 Lily Schloz – 10 Julia Warfield-Wittig – 10 Richard Phillips – 11 Ruth Warfield – 12 Carol Fuller – 13 Ethan Davis – 15 Becky Rauff – 15 Evan Cook – 16 Susan Moore – 16 Ralph Czerwinski – 18 Jessica Gavlin – 19 Lori Williams – 19 Tom Evans – 20 Myung Kim – 20 Louise Bear – 23 Cheryl Thompson – 23 Zachary Bagnus – 24 Cindy Black – 24 Amy Blackburn – 24 Marsha DeVore – 24 Julie Force – 25 Jim Lycan – 27 Mary Ward – 27 Carol Wood – 28 Chip Platt – 29 Stephanie Fritz – 30 Lillian Landon – 30 Rob Roberts – 30

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

APRIL 2014

(7am-AA) 1 10:00am Special Presbytery Mtg. - Effingham 10:30am Staff Meeting - L 5:15pm Tower Ringers 7:00pm The Sunflower

Book Study-GR

(7am-AA) 2 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 9:30am Parish Visitors-GR 10:45am Backpack Assembly-L 4:00pm Forgiveness Book Stdy-GR 5:00 1st Pres String Band – DR 5:15pm Church St. Bells 5:30pm Lenten Soup Supper - DR 6:15pm Taizé Service – C 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice

(7am-AA) 3 7:00am Men’s Bible Study – GR 9:00 Volunteers at Good Sam

4:00pm Music Lesson – CR

(7am-AA) 4

(7am-AA) 5 "April hath put

a spirit of youth in

everything."

- William Shakespeare

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 6

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 Children’s Church 4:00pm Serendipity

(7am-AA) 7 8:30am Money Counters 4:30pm Facilities Mtg. – L 6:00pm Peacemaking-GR 7:00pm Mission Mtg. – DR 7:00pm Worship Mtg. – L 7:00pm Adult Ministry–GR

(7am-AA) 8

10:30am Staff Meeting – L

4:00pm Planning for Worship-L 5:15pm Tower Ringers 7:00pm The Sunflower

Book Study-GR

(7am-AA) 9 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 10:00am Prayer Shawl – C 10:30am DARTA Luncheon-DR 10:45am Backpack Assembly-L 2:30pm Caregiver’s Support-C 4:00pm Forgiveness Book Stdy-GR 5:00 1st Pres String Band - DR 5:15pm Church St. Bells 5:30pm Lenten Soup Supper - DR 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice

(7am-AA) 10 7:00am Men’s Bible Study - GR 4:00pm Music Lesson – CR

(7am-AA) 11 12:00pm Session

Reports Due 6:00pm Habitat for Humanity

-Gathering Room

(7am-AA) 12

"An optimist is the human

personification of spring."

- Susan J. Bissonette

Palm Sunday 13

8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Church School 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Children’s Church 11:45am Deacons Meeting-DR 4:00pm Serendipity 6:00pm Just Flicks at CCC

Invisible War

(7am-AA) 14 8:30am Money Counters 1:00pm Pink Smoke – C "Spring is God's way of saying, 'One more time!'"

- Robert Orben

(7am-AA) 15 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 5:15pm Tower Ringers

(7am-AA) 16 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 9:30am Catholic Charities Resale

Council Meeting - YR 10:45am Backpack Assembly-L 5:00pm Administration Mtg - L 5:00 1st Pres String Band – DR 5:15pm Church St. Bells 5:30pm Lenten Soup Supper – DR 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice

(7am-AA) 17

7:00am Men’s Bible Study – GR 10:30am Lunch Bunch – GR 4:00pm Music Lesson – CR 7:00pm Maundy Thursday

Service – Sanctuary

(7am-AA) 18 Good Friday

Office Closes at Noon

(7am-AA) 19

Easter Sunday 20 One Great Hour of Sharing

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

(7am-AA) 21

OFFICE CLOSED 8:30am Money Counters 1:30pm Women’s Bible Study

-Gathering Room 4:00pm Health Ministry Mtg-L 7:00pm Session – GR

(7am-AA) 22 10:30am Staff Meeting – L

4;00pm Planning for Worship-L 5:15pm Tower Ringers

(7am-AA) 23 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 10:00am Prayer Shawl – C 10:45am Backpack Assembly-L 2:30pm Caregiver’s Support-C 5:00 1st Pres String Band - DR 5:15pm Church St. Bells 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice

(7am-AA) 24 7:00am Men’s Bible Study - GR 4:00pm Music Lesson – CR 5:30pm Women’s Night Out

Main Hanger

(7am-AA) 25

(7am-AA) 26 9:00am Health Ministry

“What’s New to Help You” - Dining Room

27 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Church School 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Children’s Church 12:00pm Sack Lunch Serenade-DR 4:00pm Serendipity

(7am-AA) 28 8:30am Money Counters 1:00pm Pink Smoke – C 5:00pm DOVE Meeting – DR

(7am-AA) 29 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 5:15pm Tower Ringers

(7am-AA) 30 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 10:45am Backpack Assembly-L 5:00 1st Pres String Band - DR 5:15pm Church St. Bells 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice

"That God once loved a garden we learn in Holy writ.

And seeing gardens in the Spring I well can credit it."

- Winifred Mary Letts

C – Chapel CR - Choir Room DR – Dining Room GR – Gathering Room L – Library MR– Music Room S – Sanctuary YR – Youth Room