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 47 April 29, 2015 NUMBER 18 ********************************************************************************************************************* May 3, 2015 8:00 a.m. Worship Service – Chapel 5th SUNDAY OF EASTER 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; Children’s Church School – LL May 6, 2015 6:15 p.m. Taizé Worship Service – Chapel

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.

AFRICAN ITEMS…

May 3, 2015 The Peacemaking committee will be sponsoring a handmade African craft sale on May 3 in the Gathering room, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Most items are made in Kenya and a lot of the jewelry is made by children at By Grace Orphanage. All proceeds will be used to help provide the basic needs of the children at By Grace. There will be some unusual items that would make interesting and novel Mother’s Day gifts (May 10).

Wed., May 6

WALK ‘N WORSHIP Pathfinder Walk 4:00 p.m. Taizé Worship 6:15 p.m.

2015 National Day of Prayer “Lord, Hear Our Cry”

The 2015 National Day of Prayer will be held at

Grace United Methodist Church (901 N. Main St.)

on Thursday, May 7 from noon to 1:00 p.m.

Guest speaker for this year’s gathering is Pastor

Brenda Nevitt from gtChurch.

We hope you set aside this hour to join in prayer

and music to lift our churches, community, nation

and world. Our world is in turmoil. It is filled with

seemingly insurmountable problems, but our God is

greater than all of our challenges.

OUT OF CHAOS, HOPE

As many as 14 tornadoes were reported in the

Midwest on April 10, 2015. Rochelle and Fairdale,

Illinois, and locales in Ogle and DeKalb Counties

were among the hardest-hit locations. The tornado

cut a 22-mile path through Ogle County and leveled

most of Fairdale. Your financial blessings to

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance will offer hope for

the victims impacted by the storms. Please indicate

your gifts as DR000015 USA Disasters. If you would

like your money be designated to Gift of the Heart

kits, such as a baby kit ($39), cleanup bucket kit

($56), hygiene kit ($10), or school kit ($15), please

specify Gift of the Heart-DR000151 on your check.

Contributions are tax deductible.

Following the tornadoes, a massive disaster

happened in Nepal killing 4000 and injuring more

than 6000 when a 7.8 quake struck west of the

capital of Kathmandu on April 25. If you would like to

offer relief efforts abroad, please designate your

check to DR999999-Nepal.

All checks may be made out to First Pres. Thank You.

Tower Notes

Notes

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

PRAYER CONCERNS: Dick Malmberg, former member and Southeastern Illinois Presbytery Presbyter, has been moved by his family to a care facility because Virginia is no longer able to continue Dick's care at home. Please pray for both Dick and Virginia. Sandy Peterson’s sister Lisa Peterson begins four weeks of chemotherapy.

RIVER CLEANUP

Even though it rained, we had fun, a free lunch, and an enjoyable spring day. Oh yes, we also picked up trash!

WELCOME BACK, Snowbirds We felt “empty” without you.

MISSING IN CHURCH At the second Musicale, Mike Lowe left his navy blue light jacket with snaps hanging in the Gathering Room. Let the church office know if you have it.

CONGRATULATIONS Last Saturday, at the Old State Capital, Betty Kay was honored by the Illinois State Historical Society for her efforts in interpreting Illinois History. The author of several books on IL History for the younger audience, Betty has also been active in bringing history to life through the reenactment of historical figures. ISHS commended her for her presentation, "Three Illinois Women in the Civil War," in which she tells the stories of Albert Cashier, born Jenny Hodgers, a young woman from Ireland who assumed the identity of a man and retained that identity for the rest of her life; (Mother) Mary Ann Bickerdyke, who established 300 hospitals during the Civil War; and Julia Grant, wife of General, then President, Ulysses S. Grant. In acknowledging Betty's historical research in general and this presentation in particular, she received an Award of Merit, in the category of Special Projects. Congratulations, Betty.

A new path will start here at First Pres. beginning Wednesday May 6th at 4:00 p.m. We will take a 45-minute round-trip stroll through the heart of downtown. The first walk will have an optional dinner stop at the Lincoln Restaurant where a shuttle can return you to the church for the last of the season’s Taizé Service at 6:15 p.m. This walk will be a time to prayerfully connect with the business, neighborhoods, and people we pass along the way. Grab your shoes, call a friend and join us!! The dates are May 6, 13, 20, 27, and June 3, 10, 17, and 24. It will be cancelled on rainy days. For more information, contact Connie May at 433-2781 or Kathy Beube at 620-7563.

CANNED AND BOXED GOODS ACCEPTED SUNDAY

First Sunday happens May 3! 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.

VERY GOOD

May 3 SUNDAY GREETERS

Before Service #1 Volunteer #4 Yvonne Lewis #2 Carol Wood #5 Wally Minnis #3 Carol Dixon Computer Tech Andrew Taylor Web Team Media Tech Theresa Boes Jackie Evans Andy Rauff May Church School Teacher Marty Cushman

May 3 COMMUNION SERVERS 8:00 a.m. – Marty Cushman 9:15 a.m. – Carol Dixon 10:30 a.m. – Current Elders & Deacons Other Elders Pattie Smith Phillips Dick Ward Donna Washburn Mary Ward Tom Griffith Jim Olson Kathy Thornton Jerry Atkins Margi Nicholson Lori Jensen Debbie VanZant Cheryl Thompson May Newsletter Volunteers Money Counters Joan Winick Yvonne Lewis Earline Wisher Susie Marshall

opus 24 SPRING CONCERT

My Song in the Night Tuesday, May 12, 7:30 p.m.

Central Christian Church 650 W. William Street

$10 adults; $5 students Call First Pres to see if tickets are here.

GOOD SAMARITAN INN – May 7, 2015

Volunteers from First Pres prepare and serve at Good Samaritan Inn. Hours are 9-1 p.m. If you are free, come to 920 N. Union Street.

E-mail concerns to: amcelder@comcast.net

WORSHIP SERVICES

May 3, 2015 5th SUNDAY OF EASTER Rev. John Kay, preaching

Mac Moore, 8:00 a.m. lay leader Lindsey Morthland,

9:15 a.m. service leader Marsha DeVore, 10:30 a.m. lay leader

Sermon

“The Greatest Commandment”

Scripture I John 4:7-21

May Ushers

Myung Kim, captain Dan Austin Bob Bullock

Joli Cirks Jim May

Eric Nevitt-sub Charlie Platt-sub Pat Smallwood David Williams

Mike Zia-sub

Worship Aids Children’s bulletins, large-print Bibles, and

hearing amplifiers are available for use during worship. Ask any usher.

AVAILABLE FLOWER DATES:

May 3 & May 31

Purchase Sunday flowers in memory of your loved ones- 429-4195 or

fpdec@comcast.net.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY All men are invited to gather every Thursday morning

from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. in the Gathering Room to study the Book of Revelation. 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.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY The “Labor of Love” Prayer Shawl ministry will meet Wednesday, May 8, from 10:00-11:30 A.M.

WONDER by R. J. Palacio a Book Study

Craig Mandernach will lead a 2-week book study during the 9 a.m. class on Sundays, May 10 and May 17. Craig was introduced to Wonder at Montreat , a young adult novel about a severely disfigured boy who enters fifth grade wanting nothing more than to be treated as

ordinary. The story explores issues such as acceptance, friendship, bullying, family and justice. All ages are invited to the discussion group. Books are available in the church office for $7.50 (5 copies); our books cost less than on the Amazon site. ★ “A great discussion starter about love, support, and judging

people on their appearance. A well-written, thought-provoking book.”—School Library Journal

CHURCH SCHOOL HOUR

May 3, 2014 9:00 Everyday Issues: Dining Room – Pixie Fennessey will give

us an update on her latest trip to Nairobi, Kenya, working at By Grace Orphanage. Pixie spends her winter and summer vacations at the orphanage continuing her life's mission to promote better health and education for the children there.

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: Sanctuary then Lower Level

SESSION REPORTS The Session met for its stated meeting on Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. The usual business was conducted, including the approval of the revised Manual for Session Committees. Elders were pleased to hear positive news of activity in the life of First Presbyterian Church including the Sunday afternoon musicales, the multi-church neighborhood spring clean-up, and the popularity of Bill Keagle’s Wednesday evening and Sunday morning classes on world religions. The Session also learned of plans for coordinated service activities and fellowship with the local Muslim community at the end of May. The Session also heard financial updates and received updated information on the status of the Elmwood Apartments. (Anyone interested in serving on the Elmwood board of directors should contact Dan Austin.) Through the Facilities committee report, elders learned about the ongoing building and utilities assessments. The Session amended and then approved the first reading of revised church bylaws, which have been modified to follow the denomination’s new Form of Government. The next meeting will be held Monday, May 18, at 7 p.m. in the Gathering Room.

ORPHANAGE NEEDS Donation box in Library through May 10

new pencils, new pens, band aids, antibiotic lotion, sterile bandages, new or slightly worn bras for young girls and new or slightly used tee shirts for boys.

May

Birthdays

Harriet Sadowski – 2 Jane Spires – 2 Leslie Tish – 2 Clara Ash – 3 Sarah Montgomery – 4 Stephen Moore – 4 Michael Netterville – 4 Janet Palmer – 5 Sarah Wakeland – 5 Sally Diller – 6 Eric Hansen – 6 Judy Locke – 7 Nick Schloz – 8 Christine Foster – 9 Jean Smallwood – 10 Sally Krigbaum – 11 Sam Roberts – 13 Debbie Eckart – 14 Nina Page – 15 Betty Ann Davidson – 16 Kaedyn Nance – 16 Connie May – 19 Ruth Sublett – 21 David Sadowski – 22 Stacey Babcock – 24 Annie Locke – 24 Mike Poe – 24 Sandy Smith – 25 Jerry Tobias – 25 SuEllen Brauer – 27 Terry Hogg – 28 Shannon Delaney – 30 Skip Mathieson – 31 Kevin Moore – 31

Did we forget someone? Please let us know!

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

MAY 2015

"The world's favorite season is the spring.

All things seem possible in May." ~ Edwin Way Teale

(7am-AA) 1

(7am-AA) 2 10:00am Recital Practice – S 12:00pm SUFG Mtg. – GR 4:00pm Craft Sale Set-up-GR

3 Sacrament of the Lord’s

Supper 8:00am Worship – Chapel 8:30am African Craft Sale - GR 9:00am Church School 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:15am Chapel Class 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Church School 3:00pm Piano Recital–S/GR 4:00pm Serendipity – PO

(7am-AA) 4 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) 5 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA 5:15pm Tower Ringers

(7am-AA) 6 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 9:30am Parish Visitors – GR 10:45am Backpack Assembly – L 11:30am DARTA Luncheon – DR 1:30pm Worship Planning – L 4:00pm Pathfinders-Parking Lot 5:00pm String Band Practice– DR 6:15pm Taizé Worship-C

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

10:00am Stated Presbytery

Meeting in Mattoon

(7am-AA) 8

12:00 pm Reports for Session are due.

(7am-AA) 9 "When April steps

aside for May, Like diamonds all the rain-

drops glisten; Fresh violets open

every day: To some new bird

each hour we listen." ~ Lucy Larcom

10 Mother’s Day

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

Nicki’s Family

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

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

(7am-AA) 12 10:00am DARTA Board Mtg-DR 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA

5:15pm Tower Ringers

(7am-AA) 13 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 10:00am Prayer Shawl – L 10:00am String Band at McKinley 10:45am Backpack Assembly – L 1:30pm Worship Planning – L 2:30pm Caregiver’s Support – C 5:30pm Administration Mtg – L 6:30pm Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Choir Practice

(7am-AA) 14 Ascension of the Lord

7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR

(7am-AA) 15

(7am-AA) 16

17 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) 18 8:30am Money Counters 1:00pm Pink Smoke – DR 1:30pm Women’s Bible Study-GR

7:00pm Session – GR

(7am-AA) 19

10:30am Staff Meeting – YA

5:15pm Tower Ringers

(7am-AA) 20 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 10:45am Backpack Assembly – L 1:30pm Worship Planning – L 5:00pm String Band Practice– DR 6:30pm Last Tenor & Bass 7:00pm Last Choir Practice

(7am-AA) 21 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR

(7am-AA) 22

(7am-AA) 23

24 Day of Pentecost

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) 25

Memorial Day Office Closed

(7am-AA) 26 8:30am Money Counters 10:30am Staff Meeting – YA 5:15pm Tower Ringers

(7am-AA) 27 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 10:00am Prayer Shawl – L 10:45am Backpack Assembly – L 1:30pm Worship Planning – L 2:30pm Caregivers Support – C 5:00pm String Band Practice– DR

(7am-AA) 28 7:00am Men’s Bible Study-GR

5:30pm Women’s Night Out

at the Beach House

(7am-AA) 29

(7am-AA) 30

31 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

C – Chapel CCR – Children’s Class Rm. DR – Dining Room GR – Gathering Room L – Library PO – Pastor’s Office S – Sanctuary YR – Youth Room

"Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life.

Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone.

Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring. " ~ William Alexander