Tower Notes (USPS 634720) is published Semimonthly, 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

January 4, 2017 Volume 49 Number 1 Ann Elder, Compilation; Rick Koetje, Editor

JANUARY 8 OPENS WITH

NEW EVERYDAY ISSUES CLASS

What do you do when everything falls apart? In 586 BC, the Babylonians invaded Judea,

destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and attempted to destroy the culture and the faith of the

Jews. Ten to fifteen percent of them were forcibly resettled in Babylon. They were in despair. But

a young prophet named Isaiah presented a message of hope: God has not abandoned you or

failed you; God is at work among you creating a new world out of the wreckage of the old.

Bill Keagle will be leading a study of Isaiah, chapters 40-66, on Sunday mornings at 9:00, January

8, 15, 22, and 29. Does this message of hope still resonate with us?

Hiding of the Greens – January 8

We will be taking down the greens on Sunday, January 8, at 4:00 pm.

All are invited to share in this activity. We’ll enjoy some soup and

fellowship in the dining room when we’re finished. Please sign up in the

Gathering Room or call the church office by January 4 (429-4195). You

may also email Susan Moore at susanmoor@gmail.com.

FIRST FRIENDS welcome the Wollenbergs

First Friends will meet at First United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 26. Their speaker will be Rev. Jean Wollenberg, who with her husband Bob are pastors at First Presbyterian Church.

The Wollenbergs started their joint ministry at First Presbyterian on Dec. 1. Prior to that, they lived in Iowa, where Bob was a Presbyterian pastor and Jean was Executive Director of a Hospice program.

First Friends is a joint program of First United Methodist and First Presbyterian, and is open to the public. Bring a friend and enjoy the fellowship!

Tower Notes

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Deadline for the next issue is Monday, January 23 at noon

Calendar … … Wednesday, January 4, 2017

6:15pm-Taizé Worship Thursday, January 5

7:00am-NO Men’s Bible Study

The group will resume on

March 2.

9:00-Volunteers at Good Sam

(First Presbyterian Church

prepares and serves at Good

Sam from 9:00-1:00 p.m. If you

are free to volunteer, come to

920 N. Union Street.

Saturday, January 7 9:00-1:00pm-Officer Retreat & Luncheon, Dining Room

Sunday, January 8 8:00, 9:15 & 10:30am Worship Services with Installation of Officers & Deacons @ the 9:15 & 10:30 services 9:00-Everyday Issues, Dining Room-Study of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 9:00-Teen Church School Youth Area 10:30- Children’s Church School, Sanctuary 4:00pm-Hiding of the Greens & Soup Supper 6:00-Just Flicks, Central Christian, Brassed Off

Wednesday, January 11 10:00am-Prayer Shawl Group

Saturday, January 14 12:00 Noon-MLK Event-Decatur Conference Center

Nationally syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr. will speak at the

Martin Luther King Luncheon. Additional tickets will be available at the Civic Center in the City of Decatur's

Human Resources office. It's on the second floor at the far east end. Ask for Sherry Beasley.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” --the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Monday, January 16, 2017

“The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, or it may meet a need of the spirit.” This holiday is “the only federal holiday observed as a day of service.” The Mission Committee encourages you to make Monday, January 16, “a day on, not a day off” and look for opportunities to help others.

(info from https://www.nationalservice.gov/mlkday)

LOCATION CHANGED FOR LEONARD PITTS

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon featuring Leonard Pitts, Jr. has been moved to the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel to accommodate more people. The time is the same: Saturday, January 14 at 12 noon.

Also, please note Mr. Pitts will have a book signing on Friday, January 13 at Walmart North, 4224 N. Prospect Drive. It will run from 5 to 7 p.m.

PRAYER CONCERNS

Christl Smalley’s brother Gary Pat Nevitt Jack Brown is undergoing tests. Naomi Davis is at Hickory Point Christian Village for rehab, room 207. Mike Lowe moved to Hickory Point Christian Village for rehab for 2-3 weeks. Marty Grohne is in rehab at Hickory Point Christian Village. Phyllis McPherron’s grandson Robbie McPherron had a throat abscess removed successfully. Virginia "Gini" Maines broke her leg and is at Hickory Point Christian Village for rehab.

Our sympathy is extended to the family of Ronn and Carolyn Allin. Carolyn’s daughter, Kelly Tohill, died December 25, 2016. Her memorial service was held on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Condolences may be sent to the Allins at 377 S. Delmar, Decatur, IL 62522. Our sympathy is also extended to Rick Koetje and his family. His father Carl died Sunday morning, December 18, and Rick was able to be with him. Rick called and dedicated Sunday’s Music Program to his father. Our sympathy is also extended to Rose Marie Thompson whose sister-in-law died of a massive stroke.

Kelly A. Tohill

February 13, 1964 – December 25, 2016

Uphold us now, O Lord, as we entrust her

to your boundless love and eternal care.

Calendar con’t … Sunday, January 15

8:00, 9:15 & 10:30am Worship Services 9:00-Everyday Issues, Dining Room-Study of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 9:00-Teen Church School Youth Area 10:30- Children’s Church School, Sanctuary

Monday, January 16

MLK Day, OFFICE IS CLOSED Sunday, January 22

8:00, 9:15 & 10:30am Worship Services 9:00-Everyday Issues, Dining Room-Study of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 9:00-Teen Church School Youth Area 10:30- Children’s Church School, Sanctuary 6:00pm-Just Flicks, at First Pres will show Dear White People

Monday, January 23

7:00pm-Session Meeting Wednesday, January 25

10:00am-Prayer Shawl Group,

AC

Thursday, January 26

10:30am-First Friends, FUM First United Methodist welcomes the Wollenbergs to Decatur. 5:30pm-Women’s Night Out Ladies meet at Fuji’s Japanese Steakhouse for a great meal and awesome entertainment at your table.

Saturday, January 28

9:30-11:30am- Feed the Hungry - First United Methodist needs donations of desserts to feed the hungry for lunch on this Saturday. You can deliver pies (no cream), cakes or cookies to 201 W. North St., or help serve from 11:30-1:00 p.m.

CALENDAR NOTE for 2017: The Annual Congregational Meeting of First Pres will follow at the close of worship in the Sanctuary on Sunday, January 29.

THANK YOU ♥ We want to thank you for the most beautiful prayer shawl for our mother, Marty Grohne. She treasures it and tells everyone who comes to visit all about it. It is such a comfort to her and she feels safe and loved. Missy Grohne and Beth Robins ♥ Thanks to the generosity of the

congregation for donations to our Mission Committee Christmas Sock Project. DOVE children’s clothing room and Oasis had 220 more pairs of socks (138 pairs of children’s socks, 37 pairs of women’s and

45 pairs of men’s) to give out. Blessings on all of you. Mission Committee ♥A heartfelt thank you for the prayers and support shown to me in the last months as my dad transitioned from Hospice care into the joys of eternity. I will hold close to me the wonderful opportunities of visiting with him and for the prayer shawl which I now keep as a reminder of his love and of your love shown to me during these tough months. Rick Koetje

♥ Thank you for the 22 mittens, hats and

scarves that were given to children at DOVE and Muffley School—our One Church/One School partner.

Pecan Sale continues until

gone…freeze for later

Pecans are available so stop by to pick some

up, or order more. Call 429-4195 or email

fpdec@comcast.net.

January Birthdays

Lonnie Blankenship – 3 Chuck Boes – 4 Cheryl Falk – 4 Dalton Guadagno – 4 Beth Hagan – 5 Lily Brown – 7 Jurg Padrutt – 7 Brian Blackburn – 8 Ethan Law – 8 Virginia Maines – 9 Tim Montgomery – 9 Robert Bullock – 11 Carlton Washburn – 11 Jody Hantel – 12 Jayne Marquis – 14 John Washburn – 14 Andy Rauff – 16 Katherine Arnold – 17 Alex Bales – 17 Denise Lohmann – 17 Kathy Thornton – 17 Lindsey Castleman-Zia – 18 Kyle Nicholson – 19 Simon Nicholson – 19 Barbara Redford – 19 Katie Lohmann White – 19 Patrick Smallwood – 20 Margie Bennett – 21 Grace Smith-Phillips – 21 Dick Fiala – 22 Peggy Madden – 24 Diane Rushing – 24 Joseph McBeath – 25 Margo White - 25 Greg Crowe – 26 Addysyn Hale – 26

Did we forget someone? Please let us know!

Contributions: During the transition from 2016 to 2017 (the next few weeks), please be extra diligent in

marking your contributions with the appropriate giving year. Some people may still be paying on 2016 while others are beginning on 2017. We wish to post your contributions appropriately!

TREATS FOR GOOD SAM

Our FIRST Sunday for 2017 to

prepare and serve the meal at

Good Samaritan Inn is SUNDAY,

February 12. Treats will be

needed for that meal. Please

donate pre-wrapped treats such

as Little Debbie Nutty Bars,

Oatmeal Pies, Rice Krispie Treats,

etc. Please put any donations in

the kitchen by NO LATER THAN

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10. Your help

is always appreciated.

Thanks! (New Song mission group

and Deacons)

Baker Needed

Like to bake? We are in

need of someone to share the

duties of baking 3 loaves of bread

every other month for

Communion. We can even

provide you with three bread

pans! If you’re willing, contact

Susan Moore at 620-0504 or

susanmoor@gmail.com.

BRASSED OFF HAS A STORY TO TELL

January is our double-feature month for Just Flicks, with two great movies on tap. Brassed Off kicks off the month on Sunday, January 8, with Dear White People on January 22.

Brassed Off is an absolutely fetching film from 1996. You’ve probably not heard of it but you do want to see it. Here’s the story line from rottentomatoes.com:

Set in Yorkshire, this socially conscious British comedy-drama centers on a small coal town and the famed brass band that is its pride and joy. When the conservative government threatens to close the town's coal pit, the citizens debate on whether or not the town's band should continue playing.

It’s a great comedy, but it’s much more. Spirituality and Practice says it’s a “stirring film about losing your job and reclaiming your soul.” Margaret McGurk wrote in the Cincinnati Enquirer: “Brassed Off drives toward an ending that combines bitterness and high spirits, plus a heavy measure of romanticism. Like the movie itself, it's an odd mix with a lusty, lingering appeal.”

Don Martin, Minister of Music for Central Christian Church, will skillfully guide discussion. Central Christian is also the host for this film, which starts at 6 p.m. As always, refreshments will be available.

CHANGES CAN LEAD TO A IN 2017

New Year’s resolutions often fail. This can be because we set unrealistic

goals for ourselves. Here are some tips that may be more doable and lead

to success.

1. Eat healthy foods you like. Don’t try to force feed yourself something you hate (like kale) in place of something you love (like cake). A big bowl of fresh berries might be a better replacement for the cake and keep you satisfied.

2. Replace one sugary drink per day with water. 3. Eat your veggies first. When veggies are eaten alone before the rest

of the meal, one consumes more and eats less of other foods. 4. Go meatless one day a week. 5. Make a small snack more satisfying. You don’t need to give up your

favorite sweet, but eat a quarter of your usual amount (2 Hershey kisses instead of 8).

6. Be Grateful. When people were asked before a meal to think of one thing they were grateful for that day, they were found to eat fewer calories and a healthier mix of food than those who didn’t. Being grateful is not only good for our brain; it is also good for our waistline!

It helps to remember the saying – “Instead of thinking about what is

missing, be thankful for what you have.”

Phyllis, Parish Nurse

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1

Sacrament of the Lord’s

Supper New Year’s Day

10:30am Worship—Sanctuary

(7am-AA) 2

Office Closed 5:00pm Adult Ministry – L 7:00pm Worship & Music - L

(7am-AA) 3 8:30am Money Counters 10:30am Staff Meeting-L 12:00pm – TN Articles due!!

1:00pm Worship Planning - L 4:45pm Finance Budget Mtg-AC

(7am-AA) 4 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 9:30am Parish Visitors – AC 10:30am Backpack Assembly-ME 12:00pm Children’s Ministry – TR 4:00pm Health Ministry - Library 6:00pm AA Managers Mtg.-JH 6:15pm Taizé Service – Chapel 6:30pm Tenor & Bass – CR 7:00pm Choir Practice – CR

(7am-AA) 5 9:00am Volunteers -Good Sam

(7am-AA) 6 Epiphany of the Lord

12:00pm Annual Committee

Reports are due!

(7am-AA) 7 9:30am Officer Retreat - DR

8 Baptism of the Lord Officer Ordination &

Installation 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Adult Education 9:00am Teen Church School - YA 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Children’s Church – S 11:45am Deacons’ Meeting – DR 4:00pm Hiding of the Greens

6:00pm Just Flicks-Brassed Off-CCC

(7am-AA) 9 8:30am Money Counters 11:30am Catholic Charities

Board Meeting - YA 1:00pm Pink Smoke - Chapel 5:30pm Finance Meeting – AC

6:00pm Peacemaking - YA

(7am-AA) 10 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 4:00pm Beta Pi DKG Mtg. - DR 4:30pm Strategic Advisory – AC

5:15pm Tower Ringers - BR

(7am-AA) 11 10:00am Prayer Shawl Group-AC 10:30am Backpack Assembly-ME

5:00pm Evan & Member - YA 6:30pm Tenor & Bass – CR 7:00pm Choir Practice – CR

(7am-AA) 12

(7am-AA) 13 12:00pm Reports for Session

are due.

(7am-AA) 14 12:00pm ML King Jr.

Luncheon at Decatur Conference Center &

Hotel

15 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Adult Education 9:00am Teen Church School - YA

9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Children’s Church – S

(7am-AA) 16 M.L. King Jr. Birthday

Office Closed

(7am-AA) 17 8:30am Money Counters 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 10:30am – BC PEO - DR 2:30pm Worship Planning – L 5:15pm Tower Ringers – BR

(7am-AA) 18 10:30am Backpack Assembly-ME 5:30pm Administration Mtg. – L 6:30pm Tenor & Bass – CR 7:00pm Choir Practice – CR

(7am-AA) 19

(7am-AA) 20

(7am-AA) 21

22 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Adult Education 9:00am Teen Church School - YA 9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:30am Worship—Sanctuary 10:30am Children’s Church – S 6:00pm Just Flicks – DR

(7am-AA) 23 8:30am Money Counters 12:00pm – TN Articles due!! 1:00pm Pink Smoke - Chapel 7:00pm Session Meeting – GR

(7am-AA) 24 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 5:15pm Tower Ringers – BR

(7am-AA) 25 8:30am Tower Notes Folders – L 10:00am Prayer Shawl Group-AC 10:30am Backpack Assembly-ME

6:30pm Tenor & Bass – CR 7:00pm Choir Practice – CR

(7am-AA) 26 10:30am First Friends at FUM 5:30pm Women’s Night Out Fuji Japanese Steak House

(7am-AA) 27

(7am-AA) 28

29 8:00am Worship – Chapel 9:00am Adult Education 9:00am Teen Church School - YA

9:15am NewSong – Chapel 10:30am Worship with Annual

Congregational Meeting at the close – Sanctuary

10:30am Children’s Church – S

(7am-AA) 30 8:30am Money Counters

(7am-AA) 31 10:30am Staff Meeting – L 2:30pm Worship Planning – L

5:15pm Tower Ringers – BR

January 2017

AC – Adult Classroom BR – Bell Room C – Chapel CC – Children’s Classroom CR – Choir Room DR – Dining Room FUM – First United Methodist GR – Gathering Room

JH – Junior High Classroom L – Library ME – Medical Equip Rm. PO – Pastor’s Office S – Sanctuary SH – Senior High Classroom TR – Toddler’s Room YA – Youth Area