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 December 3, 2014 NUMBER 49 ********************************************************************************************************************* December 7, 2014 8:00 a.m. Worship Service – Chapel SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Hour Communion Sunday 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 December 3 6:15 p.m. Taizé Contemplative 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.

CANNED AND BOXED GOODS ACCEPTED SUNDAY

First Sunday happens December 7! 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 in the Gathering Room. Thank you for your

Support.

he Session has authorized a called meeting of the congregation to be held on December 7, at the close of the 10:30 service, for the purpose of

acting on the report of the Nominating Committee in order to elect a Pastoral Nominating Committee. The meeting will take place immediately following the last hymn, before the Charge and Benediction, and should fit comfortably with the worship hour. Information on the slate will be shared in advance of the meeting in order for the congregation to feel fully informed. Please make every effort to attend this brief but very important meeting.

The Parish Visitors Of First Pres

Wish you and yours A season filled with

God’s Holy presence.

FEARLESS GENEROSITY PLEDGES as of December 2, 2014

Last Week This Week Pledges 116 119 Total $385,853 $389,843 Increased Pledges 60 62 New Pledges 11 12 This compares to last year's 136 pledges, totaling $417,946. If you have not yet returned your estimate of giving card, please do so as soon as you can. If you need another card, please contact the church office.

RED POINSETTIAS Gold-foiled red poinsettias are available to order for $11.50 each, in honor or in memory of your loved ones. Call 429-4195 or e-mail fpdec@comcast.net for remembrances.

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Tower Notes

OUR CHURCH FAMILY PRAYER CONCERNS: Cindy Wene’s mother, Judy Grieve John Meyer is home in hospice care. Charlie Davidson Connie Landon continues receiving chemotherapy. THANK YOU Dear Friends at First Pres, Thank you so much for the support during my recent knee replacement. Visits, cards, and a wonderful prayer shawl help ease the way to recovery. You are a real blessing. Sally and Don Wachter

Thanks to all the Heritage Holly Tour hosts. We appreciate your hospitality. Evangelism Committee

Thank you for all the card and calendar donations. They have been distributed and the collection is over. All your donations were appreciated.

BOX NUMBER CHANGE Brett Eisenhauer’s mailbox number changed from 5636 to 5644. Everything else is still the same.

Stand Up For Grace donations of toothbrushes, new pencils, new pens, band aids, antibiotic lotion and toothpaste can be dropped in the box until December 7.

HATS, SCARVES AND MITTENS This year our Prayer Shawl Ministry group is encouraging anyone who wishes to knit hats, scarves or mittens for our Christmas Mitten Tree to

check with Cathy or the church office if they want to use yarn from our donated supply. These finished projects will be given to children at DOVE and Muffley School—our One Church/ One School partner.

Last week somebody called the office and wanted a poinsettia "In loving memory of my parents and spouse." It wasn’t written down as

to whom it was from. Can you call the office again so we can duly give you credit? Thank you. Alternative Christmas Gift Ideas

Are you looking for the right gift for that special someone? Would you like that gift to help someone in need? How about an alternative gift? Give to a charitable organization in honor of that special someone.

On December 7, 14, and 21 look for the Alternative Gift Giving table in the Gathering Room. The table will display a variety of catalogs with an abundance of alternative gift ideas. Browse the catalogs and take one that appeals to you.

Merry Christmas from your Peacemaking Committee!

All are welcome to join this Christmas Celebration!

The Monday Afternoon Bible Study Group will meet Monday, December 15 at 1:30 pm at the home of Gayle Bruckner, 5241 MacArthur Road. We will finish our study of

2 Corinthians. Please bring your favorite batch to share in a "cookie exchange".

VERY GOOD December 7 SUNDAY GREETERS Before Service #1 Volunteer #4 Pam Neeley & Noah Gillespie #2 Trish Spinner #5 Wally Minnis #3 Volunteer Computer Tech Coffee & Fellowship Andrew Taylor Volunteer Webwatcher Media Tech Theresa Boes Jackie Evans December Church School Teacher Kathy Beube December 7 COMMUNION SERVERS 8:00 a.m. – Mac Moore 9:15 a.m. – Cindy Wene 10:30 a.m. – Current Elders & Deacons Other Elders Dan Austin Jane Spires Beth Bachtold Dick Ward Connie May Mary Ward Tom Griffith Gayle Bruckner Mike Zia Linda Castleman-Zia

December Newsletter Volunteers Money Counters Betty Zeaman Lori Jensen Hostetler Family Verlyn Rosenberger

CHURCH SCHOOL HOUR December 7, 2014

9:00 Everyday Issues during Advent – Each Sunday through December 21, a portion of the film A Christmas Carol will be viewed. This week is Part 2- “How Did I Get Here?” 9:00 Present Word Bible Study: Main floor Pastor’s study – Ray Landon leads the weekly Bible study. Unit I, IN AWE OF GOD, will focus on “Worship Christ’s Majesty” – Hebrews 1:1-9. 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: Lower Level

Pecans still available For Gifts, Snacks, Baking

$10 – 16 oz regular $8.50 – 12 oz chocolate

WORSHIP SERVICES

December 7, 2014 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT Rev. John Kay, preaching

Sandy Peterson 8:00 a.m. lay leader Mary Turner, 10:30 a.m. lay leader

Sermon

Broken Places

Scripture Mark 1:1-8

Flowers

The poinsettias in December are given by members of First Pres in loving memory

and in honor of loved ones.

December 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 Pattie Smith-Phillips

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

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

AVAILABLE FLOWER

DATE:

Jan. 4 Purchase

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

fpdec@comcast.net.

Men’s Bible Study The 7 a.m. every Thursday morning Bible study is taking a winter

break until March. Paul, René, Dick, Ray & George

1ST PRES STRING BAND PRACTICE has ended until March. Thanks, Doug

Blue Christmas Service

For those who mourn or are alone this holiday season Sharon United Methodist Sun., Dec. 14, 6:00 p.m.

4363 W. Center St. Decatur

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME

There are several reasons people can feel a little depressed this time of year. The declining daylight hours, combined with the emotional and financial stresses that often accompany the holidays, can make some people feel depressed. But depression is not a part of normal aging, as many believe. There are things one can do to feel better this time of year.

1. Don’t fall victim to the common holiday excesses of food and alcohol, as these will only increase the symptoms.

2. Increase your bright light exposure with light therapy. 3. Daily exercise can increase energy levels, such as daily walks or

even chair exercises. 4. Keep your healthy routine, including getting enough sleep. 5. Prioritize your activities to what gives you the most satisfaction. 6. Feeling guilty depletes your energy; avoid it.

If you continue to feel depressed, seek medical help. Depression is highly treatable and by seeking assistance, you may find the means to enjoy the holiday season once again. Wishing You Joy, Phyllis, Parish Nurse

Christmas Church Tour

Visit the Churches on Church Street

Sunday, December 14 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm (Hosts are needed – 521-7131.)

Six churches that line Church Street downtown will

host an Open House. They are: Central United Methodist Church

House of Miracles First United Methodist Church

First Presbyterian Church St. Peter’s AME Church First Lutheran Church

Follow the map provided for you by walking, driving or riding the trolley for free from church to church. Each church will have music, speakers, refreshments and guides to walk you through their beautiful sanctuaries that are decorated for the Advent & Christmas season. You can visit the churches in any order. (All churches are handicap accessible.) For more information, contact Rev. Kathy King-Nobles at 423-9711 or pastorkathy@decaturfirstumc.org.

1st Pres Bake Sale

On Sunday, December 14, our youth are hosting a bake sale and silent auction to bid on a quilt before and after the Christmas Choir Program. Donations of baked goods will gladly be accepted, If you have any questions, please contact Brenda Aymer (791-0493) or bkaymer@gmail.com.

First Presbyterian Church Nominating Committee announces names of Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) candidates: Jim Lycan - Elder/Deacon, attends all services, Facilities Manager, Facilities Committee, baptized at First Presbyterian in 1937, joined in 1950. Harriet Sadowski - Elder/Deacon, attends 8:00 service, Health Ministry and Mission Committees, joined in 1966. Jackie Sharp Evans - Elder/Deacon, attends 10:30 service, Media/Computer Technician, Peacemaking Committee, participated in several Mission Trips, joined in 1984 Susan Moore - Elder/Deacon, attends 10:30 service, Worship Committee Co-Chair, Deacon Clerk, Member of Presbytery Committee On Ministry, joined in 1985 Brenda Aymer - Elder/Deacon, attends 10:30 service, Sound Technician, Co-Chair of Children and Youth Committee, joined in 1994 Carol Wood – Elder, attends 9:15 service, member of Presbytery Committee On Ministry, joined in 2001 Ryan Holler – Deacon, attends 9:15 service, Song Leader at 9:15 service, has a young daughter, joined in 2006 Margie Nicholson – Deacon, attends 9:15 or 10:30 services, Co-Chair of Children and Youth Committee, Prayer Shawl Committee, joined in 2007 Peter Smith-Phillips - attends 10:30 service, Usher Team, served on PNC at his previous church, has two young daughters, joined in 2010 Spring Mission Trip to Nicaragua Deposit Deadline is December 15 The Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois is coordinating a mission trip to La Flor, Nicaragua, March 7 to 14, 2015. This trip is primarily "to develop relationships with our global neighbors ... and engage with them in working to realize some of their dreams, including some construction work to help improve the desperately inadequate health situations in which many of them live." Trip participants should be in good health, able to walk at least a quarter mile, and must be pre-approved by Cindy Shepherd.

The cost of the trip is $770 plus airfare. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due by December 15, 2014, and the balance is due January 9, 2015. The First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville has funding available to provide reimbursement for air travel on foreign mission trips. If you are interested in this mission opportunity, contact the church office for more information and registration materials.

EVANGELISM or E is for Everyone’s Efforts

As we go through this transition with our Interim Pastor, it’s obvious that we sincerely care about each other and our visitors. Our Evangelism team has taken note of regular attendance, recent visitors and missing members. As usual, the staff and this team reach out to our congregation with emails, calls and conversations. Ongoing efforts to be even more inviting during these holiday times includes personal letters describing all the special services and activities going on at First Pres. and encouraging others to participate. We hope our members also participate and invite friends and family to attend with them. The team appreciates those who are concerned about people we miss at First Pres, and encourages anyone who would like to assist in these communication efforts to contact Cindy Wene (Evangelism Chair) CLeeNee3@aol.com or Cathy Force (Lay Ministry ) cathyforce@comcast.net. Dennis Angel Tree Dennis School Parent Teacher Organization has the ambitious goal this year of finding gift donors for 80 students. In addition to gifts, cash donations and wrapping paper donations are also needed. Ornaments with the child’s name and info can be selected at the school office. They will need to be returned unwrapped with the child’s ornament tag by December 12th. For more information, call Dennis Lab School (422-3236) or email Brittany Childress (bchildress@dps61.org). You may also pick up a flyer with the info in the church office or talk to Connie Requarth- 972-6304. Please consider making a child’s Christmas special!

APCE Annual Event

February 4-7, 2015 Baltimore, MD

Pastors, elders, teachers, and educators are encouraged to attend the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE) Annual Event in Baltimore on February 4 – 7, 2015. The theme this year, “Fear Not”, will address the paralyzing fear of church leadership to address the changes that are all around us. Workshop leaders will offer gifts of ideas and practical methodologies for churches of every size and shape. Learn how you can teach and preach an ancient story for a new generation of believers. For further event information, check out www.apcenet.org/2015-annual-event.ttml You may apply for the Pastoral Support and Enrichment grant available through the Presbytery. We have an application in the church office, but questions would be directed to the Presbytery, 423.1396.