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: fpdec@comcast.net ****************************************************************************************************************** VOLUME 46 June 25, 2014 NUMBER 26 *******************************************************************************************************************************************

June 29, 2014 8:00 a.m. Worship Service – Chapel 3rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 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

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.

SUMMER SHOWCASE GOOD SAMARITAN INN

Where will you find members of First Pres the first Thursday of the month? How about on three Sundays during the year? The answer is Good Samaritan Inn. This mission project, supported by the Deacons, attendees of the NewSong @Nine(15) service, and other members of our congregation, has been active for many years. First Pres helps prepare and serve the meal to over 300 people the first Thursday of every month. In addition, we provide the main dish, fruit, and cookies on three separate Sundays throughout the year. You can help by cooking the meat, donating cookies, preparing and/or serving the meal. Won’t you join us on June 29th between services to bag cookies that will be served on July 6? Thank you for supporting this important mission for those in our Decatur community.

STOCK THE FREEZER WITH COOKIES Deacons are seeking cookie donations for our upcoming Good Samaritan Inn dinner (the second of three times a year). July 6th is

our next turn to prepare and serve a SUNDAY Good Samaritan Inn dinner. Summertime may not be the favorite time for heating up the kitchen with baking, but this is for our annual mission project … helping feed the community, especially over the Fourth of July weekend. We need 75 dozen cookies since Good Sam is now serving over 300 people daily. Please put any donations in the kitchen freezer by Friday, June 27th, so the cookies can be bagged after church this Sunday, June 29th. Your help is always appreciated. Thanks! (NewSong mission group and Deacons)

JULY LUNCH BUNCH CANCELLED

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

POTLUCK PICNIC Our summer church potluck picnic happens this Sunday evening, June 29 in Kiwanis Park (on Redwood Avenue between West

Main and W. Forest- one mile west of Millikin). We’ll gather at 5 PM and eat at 6 PM. Pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, iced tea, lemonade and paper products will be provided. Bring lawn chairs and insect repellent. PLEASE call the church office indicating if you will bring a salad, veggie or dessert and to give us a number for drinks and set up. THANKS. Adult Ministry Team

SEE YOU SUNDAY 6/29

Kiwanis Park

July 2 (Wed.) – 1:00 PM: Primrose Assisted Living, 1145 W. Arbor July 16 (Wed.) – 10:00 AM: McKinley Care Center, 500 W. McKinley Ave. July 20 (Sun.) – 10:30 AM: Sanctuary Service at First Pres; also will play a few tunes after the service at 11:30 if people stay to listen July 23 (Wed.) – 5:30 PM: The Reserve at Lakeview, 1035 South Main

Tower Notes

OUR CHURCH FAMILY PRAYER CONCERNS: Cindy Wene’s mother, Judy Grieve, is receiving chemotherapy. Janet Palmer is scheduled to have knee surgery on July 1, 2014. Nina Page is home from the hospital. Ray and Lillian Landon’s daughter-in-law Connie Landon will have cancer surgery in the next two weeks. Mike Lowe will have a heart defibrillator put in on June 27, 2014.

CHURCH HISTORY A FINE EDITION OF Illinois Historic Churches – including First Presbyterian Church of Decatur – is being published by Acclaim Press of Sikeston, MO.

Each copy of the heirloom, coffee-table book costs $49.95. Advance orders will be taken until the end of July. Please call the church office at 429-4195, if you are interested. There’s a poster on display in the gathering Room.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD DOCTOR (NURSE PRACTITIONER)? I was recently reading an article from the magazine “Health – New York” in which they listed the best doctors in the NYC area as chosen by 50,000 local medical professionals. The criteria used were: professional qualifications, reputation, and skills in dealing with patients. I wondered if patients would choose the same doctors. On Web MD, a study was quoted on what patients say when asked: What Makes a Good Doctor? (7 traits in no particular order) Confident – gives me confidence Empathetic – understands what I am

experiencing Humane – compassionate Personal – interested in me as an

individual Forthright – tells me what I need to know

in plain language Respectful – takes my input seriously Thorough – conscientious and persistent

Do these ring true for you? How would you rate your doctor on these traits? Most of these are hard to find on a doctor’s resumé, but can make all the difference in your health care experience. My wish for you is not only for good health, but also for good health care experiences. Phyllis, Parish Nurse

Interested in Retirement Living? Check out a Garden Home in Hickory Point Christian Village June 29th, after 2 p.m. and before the Church Picnic at 5:00 p.m. Jody Hantel 720 W. Marion Ave., Forsyth - 767-2266

VACATION BIBLE

SCHOOL

Vacation Bible School at First United Methodist Church is scheduled for July 21-24 for children preschool age through 8th grade. The week before was cancelled. Volunteers are appreciated and so are the following donated supplies: White glue, glue sticks Marshmallows Yellow stamp pads Butter sticks Mustard seeds Frosting, sprinkles 8 oz. bottles diet cola Wooden skewers Mint-flavored Mentos Instant chocolate pudding Disposable baking pans Choco. sandwich cookies Radish & carrot seeds Fish crackers Paint stir sticks, unused Oyster crackers Cardboard egg cartons Honey graham cereal Empty thread spools Dried cranberries Alka-seltzer Gummy worms Sealable sandwich bags Safety goggles Plastic dish tubs Small, clear plastic cups Paper towel & TP tubes Empty 12 oz or 1 L plastic Crispy rice cereal bottles with caps Please contact Margi, or Jennifer Horton-Motter at Jennifer@decaturfirstumc.org for more information. Or if you would like to register online, (it’s easy), hit on this link now:

www.cokesburyvbs.com/decaturfirstumc

Margi Nicholson Co-chair, Children’s and Youth Ministry

Cell phone: 433-0891 marginic1@gmail.com

VERY GOOD June 29 SUNDAY GREETERS Before Service #1 Jim and Becky Rauff #4 Cheryl Thompson #2 Gib and Gini Maines #5 Terry Hogg #3 Joan Winick Media Tech Coffee & Fellowship Fred Spannaus Donna Washburn Special Summer Music Doug Nicholson, solo with Barbara Keagle

CHURCH SCHOOL HOUR June 29, 2014

9:00 Everyday Issues – We will discuss the books of Don Miguel Ruiz….. the third of which is “The Mastery of Love”. This book is a practical guide to the art of relationships. 9:00 Youth Class – Junior- and Senior-high class is led by Chris Lawton. 9:00 and 10:30 Children’s Classes – summer break 10:15 Chapel Class

KEMMERER VILLAGE QUILT DRAWING

$1 EA. OR 6 FOR $5 OCTOBER 5, 2014

Call Jessica, 226-2130 or email alice.christenberry@christian.k12.il.us

E-mail articles to: amcelder@comcast.net

WORSHIP SERVICES

June 29, 2014 3rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Rev. Bill Keagle, preaching George Batson, 8:00 a.m. lay leader

Phyllis McPherron, 10:30 a.m. lay leader

Sermon “Have You Lost Something?”

Flowers

The flowers this Sunday are in loving memory of Ruth Pace, given by her Serendipity Sisters.

June Ushers

Jon Scharfenberg and Bob Dunn, Co-captains

Pierce Bruckner Joli Cirks-sub

Diane and Bob Dunn Bruce Mason

Carol and Jon Scharfenberg Peter and Patti Smith-Phillips

Worship Aids

Children’s bulletins, large-print Bibles, and 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 are continuing to study 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 DATES: August 24 & October 12

Purchase Sunday flowers in memory of your loved ones- 429-4195 or fpdec@comcast.net.

TRANSITIONAL THOUGHTS

In preparing for my staff meeting devotion this week, I found a wonderful reflection. The author said in her denomination that they often refer to Gracie Allen’s quote, “Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” They then say, “God is still speaking.” While we at First Pres work through this time of transition, it’s my hope

that we don’t place a period in our plans or work. This time can be a comma where we pause, reflect, discuss, and strive for the vision others set before us. Let’s take this time to follow the light towards the path God has chosen for us and not get stuck standing in the dark. God IS still speaking through us. How far will the light on the corner of Church & Prairie shine? Who will we reach? And where will YOU be found working? PEACE Cathy (Lay Ministry Team leader)

THE LORD CALLS US TO SERVE Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

The Nominating committee is prayerfully filling the positions of Elders and Deacons this summer. If you have any questions regarding the positions, email ejaspires@aol.com. We welcome your input and interest during our transition. Would you be interested in serving? Name_______________________________ Position______________________________ Would you like to suggest the name of someone else? Name_______________________________ Position______________________________ LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH FEED THE HUNGRY – June 28 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.

WOMEN’S NIGHT OUT

Thurs., June 26, 2014 1423 E. Mound Road

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

July Birthdays

Katya Sublett—2 Kelsey Dunn—3 Dennis Paul—3 Thomas Hostetler—7 Jan Kelsheimer—8 Raymond Pollitt—9 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 Cyndy Ash—22 Tyler Ash—22 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 Joan Tinch—31 Tyler Melvin—31

Did we forget someone? Please let us know!

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

JULY 2014

"What a beautiful, sunny morning. It makes you happy to be alive, doesn't it? We can't let the sun outshine us! We have to beam, too!"

- Takayuki Ikkaku

(7am-AA) 1

3:00pm Bell Practice

(7am-AA) 2 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 9:30am Parish Visitors-GR 4:00pm Music Lesson – CR 5:00 1st Pres String Band - DR

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

(7am-AA) 4 Independence

Day

OFFICE CLOSED

(7am-AA) 5

6 Sacrament of the Lord’s

Supper Bill Keagle Preaching

8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Good Sam Meal 9:00am Education Hour 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship – Sanctuary 4:00pm Serendipity – PO

(7am-AA) 7 8:30am Money Counters 4:45pm Facilities Mtg. – L

(7am-AA) 8 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 1-3pm Matter of Balance - DR 3:00pm Bell Practice

(7am-AA) 9 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L

2:30pm Caregiver’s Support-C 4:00pm Music Lesson – CR 5:00 1st Pres String Band - DR 5:30pm Evang/Membr Mtg. – L

(7am-AA) 10 7:00am Men’s Bible Study - GR 1-3pm Matter of Balance - DR

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

Reports Due

(7am-AA) 12 1-4pm Baby Shower for

Kellie Force Terrell - DR

13 Miley Palmer Preaching

8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Education Hour 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 11:45am Deacons’ Meeting-DR 4:00pm Serendipity – PO 4:00pm Greater Decatur Summer

String Recital – S & GR

(7am-AA) 14 8:30am Money Counters 1:00pm Pink Smoke – C

(7am-AA) 15 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 1-3pm Matter of Balance - DR 7:00pm Adult Ministry - GR

(7am-AA) 16 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L

4:00pm Music Lesson – CR 5:00pm Administration Mtg - L 5:00 1st Pres String Band – S

(7am-AA) 17 7:00am Men’s Bible Study – L 1-3pm Matter of Balance - DR

(7am-AA) 18

(7am-AA) 19 Montreat Group Leaves

20 Miley Palmer Preaching

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

(7am-AA) 21 8:30am Money Counters 9-12:30pm VBS at FUM 1:30pm Women’s Bible Study

- Gathering Room 7:00pm Session – GR

(7am-AA) 22 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 9-12:30pm VBS at FUM 1-3pm Matter of Balance - DR 3:00pm Bell Practice

(7am-AA) 23 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L 9-12:30pm VBS at FUM

2:30pm Caregiver’s Support-C 4:00pm Music Lesson – CR 5:00 1st Pres String Band – DR

(7am-AA) 24 7:00am Men’s Bible Study - GR 9-12:30pm VBS at FUM 1-3pm Matter of Balance - DR 5:30pm Women’s Night Out

at The Wharf

(7am-AA) 25

(7am-AA) 26 Montreat Group Returns

27

Bill Keagle Preaching 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Education Hour 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 4:00pm Serendipity – PO

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

(7am-AA) 29 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 1-3pm Matter of Balance - DR

(7am-AA) 30 8:30am Tower Notes Folders-L

4:00pm Music Lesson – CR 5:00 1st Pres String Band - DR

(7am-AA) 31 7:00am Men’s Bible Study - GR 1-3pm Matter of Balance - DR

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."

- John Lubbock