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: fpdec@ comcast.net ****************************************************************************************************************** VOLUME 46 February 26, 2014 NUMBER 9 ******************************************************************************************************************************************* March 2, 2014 8:00 a.m. Worship Service – Chapel TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Hour COMMUNION SUNDAY 9:15 a.m. NewSong Worship Service – Chapel 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. March 5 Ash Wednesday Taizé Chapel Service 6:15 p.m. Session Meeting Highlights At the February 24, 2014, Stated Session Meeting, the Session approved Jim Montgomery’s request for a called congregational meeting to dissolve his pastoral relationship with First Presbyterian Church as of June 30, 2014. This congregational meeting will be held March 23, 2014. The Session also approved the resignation of facilities manager Barry McCammon, effective March 2, 2014. In addition, it was voted to adopt the following recommendations: That First Presbyterian Church participates in Presbytery’s church assessment tool, which is commonly known as “Holy Cow,” the name of the consulting company that developed the tool. That the same Mission Committee amount as was given in 2013 be given for the first quarter of 2014 to each of these organizations: Dove, Inc.; Good Samaritan Inn; MAX; Northeast Community Fund; Oasis; and the Senior Center. That the following persons serve the designated responsibilities for 2014: Administration Committee Chair, Jerry Redford; Children and Youth Ministry Committee Co-Chairs, Brenda Aymer and Margi Nicholson; Evangelism and Membership Committee Chair, Cindy Wene; Facilities Committee Chair, Richard Sublett; Health Ministry Team Chair, Phyllis McPherron; Mission Committee Chair, Lori Jensen; Nominating Committee Chair, Linda Bullock; Peacemaking Committee Chair, Jim Rauff; Sexual Misconduct Committee Chair, Dan Austin; Stewardship Committee Chair, Dan Austin; Worship and Music Committee Co-Chairs, Jean Gift and Susan Moore; Clerk of Session, Beth Bachtold; Assistant Clerk of Session, Mac Moore; Treasurer, René Corcoran; Assistant Treasurer, Ralph Czerwinski. DINNER AT THE INN This Sunday, March 2, we will be preparing and serving Sunday dinner to the diners at the Good Samaritan Inn. How can you help? You can help assemble the casserole, prepare fruit, get desserts ready, etc. No experience is needed. We will meet at the Inn at 9:00 am. You can also come to the Inn immediately following the 8:00 service. The Good Shepherd pies will go into the ovens in time for you to attend the 10:30 service. A big thank you to the 9:15 service attendees for volunteering to serve the meal. Thanks to everyone who donated cookies, cooked the turkeys, and volunteered your time. We could not serve these hungry people without your help. TWO LENTEN STUDIES MARCH 11- APRIL 9 Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00pm – Miley Palmer The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal. ($12.50) Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm – Jim Montgomery Forgiveness: A Lenten Study by Marjorie J. Thompson ($7.00) You may order online or buy one of our 10 books in the office. Sign up today – limited number. WEDNESDAY SOUP SUPPERS 5:30-6:30pm - $5/$15 family March 12 is our first Soup Supper. Sign up by March 5 in the office or call 429-4195 to be sure you have a meal reserved. First Presbyterian Pictorial Directories are here! Tower Notes
Transcript
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 February 26, 2014 NUMBER 9 *******************************************************************************************************************************************
March 2, 2014 8:00 a.m. Worship Service – Chapel TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Hour COMMUNION SUNDAY 9:15 a.m. NewSong Worship Service – Chapel
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.
March 5 Ash Wednesday
Taizé Chapel Service 6:15 p.m.
Session Meeting Highlights At the February 24, 2014, Stated Session Meeting, the Session approved Jim Montgomery’s request for a called congregational meeting to dissolve his pastoral relationship with First Presbyterian Church as of June 30, 2014. This congregational meeting will be held March 23, 2014.
The Session also approved the resignation of facilities manager Barry McCammon, effective March 2, 2014.
In addition, it was voted to adopt the following recommendations: That First Presbyterian Church participates in Presbytery’s church assessment tool, which is commonly known as “Holy Cow,” the name of the consulting company that developed the tool.
That the same Mission Committee amount as was given in 2013 be given for the first quarter of 2014 to each of these organizations: Dove, Inc.; Good Samaritan Inn; MAX; Northeast Community Fund; Oasis; and the Senior Center.
That the following persons serve the designated responsibilities for 2014: Administration Committee Chair, Jerry Redford; Children and Youth Ministry Committee Co-Chairs, Brenda Aymer and Margi Nicholson; Evangelism and Membership Committee Chair, Cindy Wene; Facilities Committee Chair, Richard Sublett; Health Ministry Team Chair, Phyllis McPherron; Mission Committee Chair, Lori Jensen; Nominating Committee Chair, Linda Bullock; Peacemaking Committee Chair, Jim Rauff; Sexual Misconduct Committee Chair, Dan Austin; Stewardship Committee Chair, Dan Austin; Worship and Music Committee Co-Chairs, Jean Gift and Susan Moore; Clerk of Session, Beth Bachtold; Assistant Clerk of Session, Mac Moore; Treasurer, René Corcoran; Assistant Treasurer, Ralph Czerwinski.
DINNER AT THE INN
This Sunday, March 2, we will be preparing and serving Sunday dinner to the diners at the Good Samaritan Inn. How can you help? You can help assemble the casserole, prepare fruit, get desserts ready, etc. No experience is needed. We will meet at the Inn at 9:00 am. You can also come to the Inn immediately following the 8:00 service. The Good Shepherd pies will go into the ovens in time for you to attend the 10:30 service. A big thank you to the 9:15 service attendees for volunteering to serve the meal. Thanks to everyone who donated cookies, cooked the turkeys, and volunteered your time. We could not serve these hungry people without your help.
TWO LENTEN STUDIES
MARCH 11- APRIL 9
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00pm – Miley Palmer The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of
Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal. ($12.50) Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm – Jim Montgomery Forgiveness: A Lenten Study by Marjorie J. Thompson ($7.00)
You may order online or buy one of our 10 books in the office. Sign up today – limited number. WEDNESDAY SOUP SUPPERS 5:30-6:30pm - $5/$15 family March 12 is our first Soup Supper. Sign up by March 5 in the office or call 429-4195 to be sure you have a meal reserved.
First Presbyterian Pictorial Directories are here!
Tower Notes
OUR CHURCH FAMILY PRAYER CONCERNS: All those with broken bones SuEllen Brauer had her left shoulder replaced, and is doing quite well. Mike Lowe is home from the hospital. THANK YOU Thank you for allowing me to hang out with your children these past four and a half years! Marsha DeVore
Thank you, Pam Neeley, for stepping in to fill Ruth Pace’s big shoes. We appreciate your help.
VERY GOOD March 2 SUNDAY GREETERS Before Service #1 Ray Landon #4 Gayle Bruckner #2 Carol Wood and Carol Dixon #5 Wally Minnis #3 John and Jane Oaster Media Tech Coffee & Fellowship Theresa Boes Volunteers Walt Lohmann
March 2 COMMUNION SERVERS 8:00 a.m. – Mac Moore 9:15 a.m. – Carol Wood 10:30 a.m. – Current Elders & Deacons Other Elders Beth Bachtold Denise Lohmann Elysa Montgomery Linda Castleman Mike Zia Craig Mandernach Elmer Turner Jody Hantel Sue Weinstein Dan Foster Lori Jensen Phil Smith
March Newsletter Volunteers Money Counters Merrill Dees Lori Jensen Naomi Davis Verlyn Rosenberger Elysa Montgomery
CANNED AND BOXED GOODS ACCEPTED SUNDAY
First Sunday happens March 2! Accepting food or monetary donations through Monday morning.
Also, the Peacemaking committee will sell Geo health bars, olive oil and Equal Exchange coffee, tea and cocoa in the Gathering Room. Thank you for your
support PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 10:00-11:30 A.M. Drop in anytime on March 12.
“Cotton Patch Gospel” is a joyous, musical adaptation of the Gospels of Matthew and John set in 20th century Georgia. The story takes the audience on a fun, foot-stomping and inspiring journey with Jesus from his birth to resurrection. It was written by Tom Key and Russell Treyz with music and lyrics by Harry Chapin.
Cotton Patch Gospel is a reverent adaptation of “The Greatest Story Ever Re-told.” The musical features a bluegrass combo, an uplifting story and tunes, I dare say, that will have you humming all the way home. [NOTE: I’ve been humming them for a long time now . . . and am hopeful I will be able to do more than hum when the curtain opens on Friday, March 7 at 7:30 pm at Schilling Auditorium at Richland Community College.
Performances are at 7:30 pm, Friday and Saturday, March 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th, and Sunday at 2:00 pm on March 9th and 16th. Tickets are $15 dollars and can be bought at Theater 7’s website, www.theatre7.net, at the Decatur Area Arts Council at 125 N Water Street, 423-3189, or at the door before the performance. If we can round up a group of 20, the price goes down to $10 bucks. I love this musical so much that I allowed Kathleen Bell, the Musical Director, to talk me onto the stage once again. But I won’t be the only familiar face to our congregation. Jerry Johnson directs our cast which includes Lesa Andrick, Doug Bishop, Justin Beals, Sarah Boline, Rob Eytcheson, Sally and Steve Shepper, Alinda Stringer, Josh Waddell, Penny Williams, Joel Winick and Kathy Zientara. Rob is a member of our congregation and faithfully worships every Sunday at our NewSong service. Joel grew up in First Pres and is the son of John and Joan Winick, and Sue Weinstein’s brother. I hope you can make this entertaining show one of your Lenten activities. Trust me: You will thoroughly enjoy the show and be glad that you went.
Your faithful News and Entertainment Correspondent,
Jim
VIRUSES AND GERMS Last week I went to a conference on viruses and germs. I learned about common and not so common infections. It ended with, how we boost our immune function. Here are some of the nutritional factors. Adequate hydration to normalize mucous
membranes (first line of defense) Vitamins C,E,A,D (63% of Americans are deficit in
vitamin D) Yogurt can reduce risk for colds by 25% Adequate protein intake Trace minerals, especially zinc B vitamins
Just remember, consuming an excess of any vitamin can be harmful. Eating a balanced diet is the best way to obtain what you need. Next week - Lifestyle Factors In the meantime, keep washing your hands. Phyllis, Parish Nurse
TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD Jim Montgomery, preaching Mac Moore, 8:00 lay leader
Mary Turner, 10:30 lay leader
Flowers The flowers this Sunday
are in memory of beloved family members, given by Sally Krigbaum.
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
Can you hear the Worship Service? We have 4 hearing amplifiers. Ask any
usher for one.
Men’s Bible Study The 7 a.m. every Thursday morning
Bible study will resume their study on the first Thursday morning in March. All men are welcome 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: May 18 & 25
Purchase Sunday flowers in memory of your loved ones-
CHURCH STREET KIDS is taking a break, at least until summer.
Pastor’s Perspective on . . . Looking Toward Lent
Lent, the six-week season leading to Easter, begins March 5, Ash Wednesday. Our theme this year is two-fold. My sermon series during Lent will be on “What Not to Give Up for Lent.”
Two study groups will be focusing on “Forgiveness.” Rev. Miley Palmer is looking forward to leading a Tuesday evening discussion at 7:00 pm of The Sunflower, a book by Simon Wiesenthal. While imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp, Simon Wiesenthal was taken one day from his work detail to the bedside of a dying member of the SS. Haunted by the crimes in which he had participated, the soldier wanted to confess to--and obtain absolution from--a Jew. Faced with the choice between compassion and justice, silence and truth, Wiesenthal said nothing. But even years after the war had ended, he wondered: Had he done the right thing? What would you have done in his place?
I will take us through Marjorie J. Thompson’s book entitled Forgiveness. Forgiving others and asking for forgiveness are central disciplines for all followers of Jesus. Lent is a time to reflect on our Christian journey and an appropriate time to deepen our understanding and practice of forgiveness. In our study, we will take a close look at our understanding of forgiveness. Some of the questions we will cover are:
Is forgiveness a Christian duty under all circumstances? Or are there situations when Christians do not need to forgive?
Is forgiveness a matter between individuals, or is it meaningful only in the context of communities?
Is forgiving the best route to healing for the injured? How do we get past emotional barriers to real forgiveness?
We will meet on Wednesday afternoons at 4, and finish in time for our traditional “Soup and Sandwiches” Supper. The Dining Room will be “open for business” until 6:30pm on Wednesday evenings. Come for great food and fellowship.
Our study classes will meet once a week for 5 weeks. We will begin following the first Sunday in Lent. Miley’s Tuesday evening class starts March 11, and my Wednesday afternoon class will begin the following day, on March 12. These study groups are rewarding, fun and a great way to get to know others in our church. They are our opportunity to grow and discuss and reflect on the hard subject of “Forgiveness,” while also giving us time to discuss and reflect on our lives.
This upcoming season of Lent is a chance to experience the real power of church. I encourage everyone to join a small group for this six-week experience. It will certainly be a great chance to learn, but more importantly, it will allow us to share community and life together.
We all need community. God made us to be in relationships. If we aren't careful the realities of life can detach us—busyness, grief, crisis, etc. If we have had the experience of meaningful connection in the church, then when those experiences start to isolate us, we'll know what we are missing.
I can't encourage you enough to sign up to be in a group this Lent. Let's not "give up the habit of meeting together."
I look forward to a Lenten journey with you,
Jim
CHURCH SCHOOL HOUR March 2, 2014
9:00 Present Word – Unit I, JESUS AND THE DAVIDIC COVENANT, focuses on discussion of “An Eternal Kingdom”. Scripture reading is 2 Samuel 7:4-16. 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 1:1-4:24. 9:00 Youth Class – Junior- and Senior-high class is led by Chris Lawton. 9:00 and 10:30 Children’s Classes – Jesus and the Children
GOOD SAMARITAN INN – March 6, 2014 Volunteers from First Presbyterian Church prepare and serve at Good Sam.
Hours are 9-1 p.m. If you are free, come to 920 N. Union Street.
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 Nancy Jeisy – 8 Shirley Moore – 9 Sally Wachter – 9 Chrissy Ellis – 11 Nancy Law – 12 David Marshall – 12 Sandra White – 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 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
C – Chapel DR – Dining Room FPC – First Presbyterian Church GR – Gathering Room
L – Library MR– Music Room S – Sanctuary YR – Youth Room
“Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.”
~ Lewis Grizzard and Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You
(7am-AA) 1 9:00am 1st Lutheran
Church Mtg.-GR Sacrament of the 2
Lord’s Supper 8:00am Worship—Chapel 9:00am Serving at Good Sam 9:00am Church School 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Children’s Church 4:00pm Serendipity
(7am-AA) 3 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) 4 10:30am Staff Meeting - L 5:15pm Tower Ringers 6:15pm IF PEO - GR/C
5 5:00 1st Pres String Band - DR 5:15pm Church St. Bells 6:15pm Ash Wednesday
Taizé Service - Chapel 6:30pm Children’s Min. Mtg.-L 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice
(7am-AA) 6 7:00am Men’s Bible
Study - GR 9:00 Volunteers at
Good Sam
(7am-AA) 7 12:00pm Session
Reports Due
(7am-AA) 8
First Sunday in Lent 9 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 2:00 pm Piano Recital – S/GR 4:00pm Serendipity 6:00pm Just Flicks “Once” - DR
12 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) 13 7:00am Men’s Bible
Study - GR
(7am-AA) 14 1:30pm Health Min. info board - L
(7am-AA) 15
Second Sunday in Lent 16
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) 17 St. Patrick’s Day
4:00pm Health Ministry - L 7:00pm Session – GR
(7am-AA) 18 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 10:30am Catholic Char.
United Way - C 5:15pm Tower Ringers 7:00pm The Sunflower
26 5:00 1st Pres String Band - DR 5:15pm Church St. Bells 5:30pm Lenten Soup Supper
– DR 5:30pm Evangelism and
Membership Mtg. -L 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice
(7am-AA) 27 7:00am Men’s Bible
Study - GR 5:30pm Women’s Night
Out at Fuji’s
(7am-AA) 28
(7am-AA) 29
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
