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 July 1, 2015 NUMBER 25 ********************************************************************************************************************* July 3, 2015 OFFICE IS CLOSED July 5, 2015 8:00 a.m. Worship Service – Chapel 6th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Hour 9:15 a.m. NewSong Worship Service – Chapel 10:15 a.m. Chapel Class – Chapel 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – Sanctuary
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.
DECATUR CELEBRATION
PARKING The Youth will once again rent parking spaces for the Decatur Celebration held on August 7, 8 & 9. One-time visit passes are $5, or for $20 you may rent a space for the entire weekend. The weekend pass allows you to come and go as often as you wish with the guarantee of a parking space during the times when the parking lot is monitored. You may also transfer the parking pass to a family or friends when you are not using it. The lot will be monitored on Friday, August 7, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Saturday, August 8, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Sunday, August 9, from 12 noon until 8 p.m. In addition, the Youth need volunteers to help monitor the parking lot. Two-hour shifts are available. Please call Christl in the church office or Pam Neeley at 413-8087 to volunteer. Thank you for your support in this fundraising effort.
CANNED AND BOXED GOODS ACCEPTED SUNDAY
First Sunday happens July 5! 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.
Greetings from Frugal Froggie! He's "hopping"
that you are making the best of the summer
season.
Recent Frugal Froggie and Finance Committee
activities include the following:
May, Cocagne & King has begun an
accounting services project to “baptize our
balance sheet” and provide the church with
a fresh starting point. There will be
additional support for using Power Church
to create the 2016 budget.
We met with Soy Capital Bank about the
church’s investments there. Another
meeting is scheduled in late September to
obtain an update.
We are investigating possible pension and
benefits changes for the church Staff
beginning in 2016.
We determined that the church has no
financial responsibility for the Elmwood
Apartment Building. Individuals who are
interested in helping with the Elmwood
Apartment Building are encouraged to
contact DOVE directly at 428-6616.
We plan to start developing the 2016
operating budget for the church in July.
We are also working to change the
stewardship process.
We welcome your feedback. Please contact a
member of the Finance Committee with any
questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Chug-a-rum! Frugal Froggie, Dan Austin, Dianne
DeVore, Bob Dunn, John Kay, Jan Mandernach, Frits
Pronk, Phil Smith, Trish Spinner, and Elmer Turner.
Tower Notes
Notes
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
PRAYER CONCERNS: Thank God for our freedoms!
NEW ADDRESS René and Helen Corcoran 3319 Tallywood Court Sarasota, FL 34237-3224 Cell: 1-217-358-4283
THANK YOU Dear Friends (Mission Committee), Thank you for your donation to the Northeast Community Fund for feeding and reaching out to families in need. In May we assisted 1582 families with a Food Basket and of those families, 78 were new families. You are a faithful and generous community partner. Thank you!! Jerry Pelz, director
Thanks to the Adult Ministry team for organizing the 2nd Annual Church Picnic last Sunday, including Rob & Katie Eytchison, Pam Neeley, Paul & Verlyn Rosenberger, & Donna Washburn. Despite the erratic weather, 50 people met in the dining room, ate a wonderful variety of food, played games and enjoyed time together. There will be another summer opportunity to get together on Sunday, July 19 from 4-6 pm, to hear about India and enjoy a light meal. Be sure to mark your calendar now.
Mission Committee, Thank you for your support of the Oasis Day Center. During 2014, 2429 individuals walked through the doors at Oasis Day Center. We are committed to utilizing the Oasis Day Center as a safe haven for individuals who are homeless or have nowhere else to go, regardless of the reason. Again, your support is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Diana Knaebe, President/CEO
PRAYER SHAWL GROUP’S RECENT VISIT TO AN ALPACA FARM
SUMMER FUN AT FIRST PRES
You are invited to attend two special events this
summer for food, fun, and fellowship:
SUNDAY, JULY 19, 4:00 – 6:00,
EXPERIENCING INDIA, A COUNTRY OF
CONTRASTS! Cathy and Chuck Force will share
pictures of their brief trip to the “Golden Triangle”
of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur (the Pink City) after
their Hindu wedding
A light supper will follow at 5pm.
Sign up in the church office or Gathering Room by
Sunday, July 12th
, so the meal can be planned.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 4:00 – 6:00,
GOING TO DUBAI with John Kay
VERY GOOD
July 5 SUNDAY GREETERS
Before Service #1 Yvonne Lewis #4 Cheryl Thompson #2 Sue Grieve #5 Wally Minnis #3 Marsha DeVore Computer Tech Andrew Taylor Web Team Media Tech Theresa Boes Jackie Evans Andy Rauff
July 5 COMMUNION SERVERS 8:00 a.m. – Marty Cushman 9:15 a.m. – Pam Neeley 10:30 a.m. – Current Elders & Deacons Other Elders Sue Grieve Verlyn Rosenberger Susan Moore Connie May Jody Hantel Kathy Beube Kathy Thornton Norm Jensen Cheryl Thompson Sue Weinstein July Newsletter Volunteers Money Counters Yvonne Lewis Jean Gift Susie Marshall Mildred Weaver Shirley Moore
ALPACA FARM
E-mail concerns to: [email protected]
WORSHIP SERVICES
July 5, 2015 6TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Rev. John S. Kay, preaching Mac Moore, 8:00 a.m. lay leader
Jackie Lawton, 9:15 a.m. service leader Verlyn Rosenberger, 10:30 a.m. lay leader
Scripture
II Cor. 12:2-10
Sermon “The Discipline of Freedom”
Flowers
The flowers this Sunday are given by Brenda Aymer in loving memory of her
brother, Ron Boyer.
July Ushers Myung Kim, captain
Joli Cirks Debbie and Ralph Czerwinski
Eric Nevitt-sub Nancy and Tom Force
Charlie Platt-sub Trish Spinner
David Williams
Worship Aids Children’s bulletins, large-print Bibles, and
hearing amplifiers are available for use during worship. Ask any usher.
AVAILABLE FLOWER DATES: July 12
Purchase Sunday flowers in memory
of your loved ones- 429-4195 or [email protected].
Caregiver's
Support Group will not meet in July. If you
need to contact someone,
you may call Phyllis
McPherron at 412-8838 or
Connie Requarth at 972-
6304.
1ST PRES STRING
BAND PRACTICE Every Wednesday at
5:00PM in the Choir Room until the AC is fixed – All levels welcome. Call Doug at 521-1314.
DINNER AT THE GOOD SAMARITAN INN ON JULY 5
On Sunday, July 5, 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 casseroles,
prepare fruit, get desserts ready, etc. No experience is needed.
We will meet at the Inn at 9:00 a.m. You can also come to the Inn
immediately following the 8:00 service. The casseroles 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 for donating sweets, cooking the meat, and
volunteering your time. We could not serve these hungry people
without your help.
Volunteers Needed Beth Bachtold is the registration coordinator for the Rodney T. Miller Lakeside Triathlon. This year's event is Sunday, July 12, with the kids’ race on Saturday, July 11. She is looking for
volunteers to work at packet pick-up on Friday evening, July 10 from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday evening July 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. or Sunday morning, July 12 from 5 to 7 a.m. The pre-race packet pick-up is at the lakefront at Nelson Park, very close to the Beach House restaurant.
Volunteers, who would not need to miss Sunday morning church activities, will check athlete IDs and distribute race materials like bike and helmet stickers, swim caps, and shirts. Volunteers can work an entire three-hour shift or just an hour or two.
If you are interested and available, sign up with your information and preferences at www.decaturtriathlon.com/volunteer.aspx. Thank you!
CHURCH SCHOOL HOUR
July 5, 2015 9:00 Everyday Issues: Downstairs Youth area – Math, Science and Faith – On Sunday mornings July 5 and July 12, mathematician Dr. Jim Rauff, biologist Dr. Norm Jensen and Dr. Bill Keagle will lead a discussion on Math, Science, and Faith in the Youth area. The focus will be on how the questions raised by science and theoretical mathematics relate to our faith and belief systems. Is there a conflict between science and faith? Does a scientific understanding of the universe tell us something about the nature of God? Bring all your questions and doubts to the discussion!
10:15 a.m. Chapel Class – Choir Room
GOOD SAMARITAN INN JULY 2, 2015 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.
2 VOLUNTEERS wanted FOR AUGUST NEWSLETTER – 429-4195 OR email [email protected].
July Birthdays
Katya Sublett—2 Kelsey Dunn—3 Dennis Paul—3 Thomas Hostetler—7 Jan Kelsheimer—8 Mary Shepherd Walker—9 Mary Winick—9 Charlie Blackburn—11 Molly Paul—12 Lucy Lundt—14 Rachael Paul—15 Naomi Davis—16 Alan Tish—16 Will Yepsen—16 David Falk—18 Maddie Locke—18 Pixie Fennessey—19 Dick Ward—22 Michael Delaney—23 Cheryl Schmidt—23 Maddox Anderson—24 Peg Luy—24 Vern Holmlund—25 Jennifer Wittig Bagnas—27 Rich Harned—27 Barbara Keagle—27 Courtney Kingery—27 Brooke Nelson—27 Carl Schloz—28 Rob Cook—30 Don Luy—30 Tyler Melvin—31 Joan Tinch—31
Did we forget someone? Please let us know!
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
July 2015
BR – Bell Room C – Chapel CR - Choir Room DR – Dining Room GR – Gathering Room L – Library PO – Pastor’s Office S – Sanctuary YA – Youth Area - Basement
(7am-AA) 1 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 9:30am Parish Visitors – GR 1:30pm Worship Planning – L 5:00pm String Band Practice– CR
(7am-AA) 2 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR 9:00am Volunteers @ Good Sam
(7am-AA) 3
Office Closed
(7am-AA) 4
5 Sacrament of the Lord’s
Supper 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Serving at Good Sam 9:00am Christian Education 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 4:00pm Serendipity – PO
(7am-AA) 6 8:30am Money Counters
(7am-AA) 7 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA
(7am-AA) 8 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 1:30pm Worship Planning – L 5:00pm String Band Practice– CR
(7am-AA) 9 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR
(7am-AA) 10
(7am-AA) 11
12 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Christian Education 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 4:00pm Serendipity – PO
(7am-AA) 13 8:30am Money Counters
1:00pm Pink Smoke – C 5:00pm Nominating Comm. -GR
(7am-AA) 14 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA 4:00pm Health Ministry - L
(7am-AA) 15 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 1:30pm Worship Planning – L
5:00pm String Band Practice– DR
(7am-AA) 16 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR
(7am-AA) 17
(7am-AA) 18 Youth leave for Montreat!
19 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Christian Education 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 4:00pm Evangelism Fellowship
Series – India – GR 4:00pm Serendipity – PO
(7am-AA) 20 8:30am Money Counters
1:30pm Women’s Bible Study-GR
(7am-AA) 21 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA
(7am-AA) 22 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L
1:30pm Worship Planning – L 5:00pm String Band Practice– CR 5:30pm Evang. & Memb. Mtg-L
(7am-AA) 23 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR 5:30pm Women’s Night Out
@ St. Nicholas Grille 101 S. Main St.
(7am-AA) 24
(7am-AA) 25 Youth return from Montreat!
26 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Christian Education 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 4:00pm Serendipity – PO
(7am-AA) 27 8:30am Money Counters 1:00pm Pink Smoke – C
(7am-AA) 28 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA
(7am-AA) 29 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 1:30pm Worship Planning – L 5:00pm String Band Practice– CR
(7am-AA) 30 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR
(7am-AA) 31