Tower Notes Tower Notes (USPS 634-720) is published monthly, 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

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December 2019 Volume 51 Number 12 Christl Smalley, Compilation; Rick Koetje, Editor

Advent is a season of anticipation. In the midst of this time when we look towards the birth of T Christ, we are also inundated with other expectations. The changing of the seasons, the arrival, perhaps, of family and friends and the beginning of a new year. In our year of reading through the Bible, we are now anticipating the end of the book. O What are you anticipating? What do you see ahead of you in your life?

One thing that this year of Bible reading has taught us is that W God is always drawing us into something new. The Prophet Isaiah says, “Behold I am about to do a new thing!” The Gospels proclaim a God who arrives among us like a new baby, E full of possibilities.

God’s people never stand still. We’re always on the move R towards some new thing that God is creating amongst us.

What new thing is God doing here now? What do we see ahead of us?

This year, as we make our way through and celebrate treasured traditions from the N past, don’t forget to look ahead and see what God has planned for us. Our expectation isn’t merely the repetition of an old story from long ago, but of some new hope appearing amongst us now. How are we assisting its birth today? O May the Peace of Christ dwell deeply with us all,

T Bob

E

S Peace Joy Love Hope .

The next Tower Notes article due date: Articles for the December 18 issue are due by Noon on Friday, December 14.

2019 Lighters and Readers Needed! Bell Concert: Bells in Motion of Central Illinois presents It’s time already to schedule our annual “A Ringing ” on Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. candle lighters / readers for our worship services. The at the First United Methodist Church, and again Sunday, following Sundays are available: BOTH services on December 8 at 4 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 22800 December 8, December 15 & December 22. Readers are W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL. also needed for our 7 PM Service on Tuesday, December 24. Note that the Choir Music Pecans: Baking pecans and chocolate covered pecans are program is December 8 during the 11 AM service. still available for Christmas baking and gift giving!

Candles are usually lit by individuals, families or a group Poinsettias: Poinsettias are available for purchase in of friends. Volunteers will be sent their script the week honor or memory of a loved one for $12. Poinsettias may prior to the worship service. Our lay readers provide a be taken home after services on Sunday, December 22. meaningful part of our Advent worship preparation for Christmas. Please check your calendars and sign up in the Lane Gathering Room or contact Cathy (521-7131 or Competition: The [email protected]) Evangelism Committee with the help of some Family Advent Calendars: Family Advent Calendars are in artists in our the Gathering Room. Pick one up so you and your family congregation have can take time each day to remember Christ’s coming created this 4’x6’ among us. plywood "Christmas Card" for the Christmas Choir Christmas Program: The Sanctuary Choir presents Card Lane competition. ‘Christmas Dreams’ by Joseph M Martin and Heather Sorenson The cards will be on Sunday, December 8 at the 11:00 service. The choir will displayed from perform familiar carols with a fresh twist in a classical style November 28 through accompanied by woodwinds, strings and percussion December 28 in the 300 block of N. Water St., Extra voices are still welcome. The last two practices are across from the ADM Center. The community is invited to Saturday, November 30 from 1-3 p.m. and Saturday, vote for their favorite card design for a cash prize to the December 7 from 9:30-noon. Come practice a time or top three designs. Vote at www.decaturarts.org/vote. two and join them on December 8. Only one vote per person! Voting ends on December 24.

Taizé Worship - Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. Many thanks to Kathy Beube, Rob Eytchison, Jeanne Need some respite in the middle of your busy life? Come Helm, Cathy Meadows, Amy & Chelsea Schneringer, to Taizé for quiet time, reflection, contemplation, Cindy Wene, and Jean Wollenberg for working on peaceful music, prayer and more. Join us in the Chapel Evangelism’s submission for the Decatur Arts Council on the first Wednesday from now through May. Christmas Card Lane. NOTE: The January Taizé service has been moved to January 8 due to the New Year Holiday. Christmas Joy Offering: The Tapas Night at Batson’s: FRIDAY, December 6 at 6:00 Christmas Joy p.m. at 221 Delmar Ave. – George & Judy will provide the Special Offering drinks, guests bring the appetizers (hot, cold, spicy, sweet, will be taken on simple, extravagant – whatever you wish!) EVERYONE Sunday, December 22. This offering celebrates enjoys the food and conversation! Sign up in the leadership of the past, present, and future. Church Gathering Room! leaders greatly impact our lives of faith, walking with us down the path to be more like . 50% of your gifts Holiday Bazaar: Glynda Hagymasy, and Joli & Andy Cirks make it possible for students to learn and grow in faith at cordially invite you to their Annual Holiday Bazaar on Presbyterian-related schools and colleges. 50% of your Saturday, December 7 from 10-4 p.m. at 14 North Court gifts provide assistance for current and retired church Dr. Come enjoy the beginning of the holidays, get a head workers and their families with critical financial needs. start on your shopping with a wide selection of crafts and Thank you in advance for your generosity. USANA products. Enjoy good food and fellowship!

Mission Possible! Oasis Day Center Congratulations: Frank and Maggie This Advent season, the Mission Committee is (Konich) Fiock welcomed Susanna collaborating with Deacon Richard Sublett on a large- Beatrice on October 19, 2019 at 10:26 scale collection of items for the Oasis Day Center. Since p.m. She's a little nugget at 6lbs 12ozs 1999, Oasis has been helping people with housing and 19.5 inches. Everyone is healthy insecurity, giving them an alternative to a day on the and adjusting to life as a family of streets and providing them with much-needed services. three! Maggie is a former member. Simple gifts such as a pair of warm socks, some hearty The Fiock’s moved to 7120 Cornell mac n’ cheese or a snuggly blanket can comfort someone Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130 over the summer. who is struggling. In this season of giving, please consider donating some items to help Oasis continue its generous Congratulations: Kyle and Nancy work in our community. (Aymer) Jeisy welcomed Joel Robert Aymer Jeisy on Wednesday, October 23, Items needed are listed below. Lists are also available on 2019. He was 8 lbs. 5 oz., and 20 inches. the Gathering Room bulletin board display. A collection Proud siblings are Hannah and Gabe. box will be in the Gathering Room through Sunday, Brenda Aymer is the proud December 22. grandmother.

…’just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Condolences: Member Julia L. Bright, 92, passed away --Matthew 25:40 peacefully on Friday, November 1, 2019, at River Birch Senior Living in Springfield, IL. Cards of condolence may Clothing (men & women) Personal be sent to her daughter Sarah Ross at 7918 Farmington sweaters hand warmers Cemetery Rd., Pleasant Plains, IL 62677. gloves blankets hats razors Condolences: To Dave and Pat Watts on the passing of long johns deodorants Pat’s cousin Doug Karr. sweat pants hand lotion socks feminine hygiene Condolences: To Steve Taylor and family on the death of products Steve’s mother Charlotte Taylor (88) on Saturday, November 23 at Fair Havens Senior Living. Food Ramen noodles hot cocoa mix Note from previous members: microwave mac & cheese chips Lou & Phyllis Jacobs were members back in the 80's. Lou coffee (regular, no decaf) oatmeal sent the following information out early in November.

Many of you may know that Phyllis was diagnosed with 1st Pres String Band 2019: The 1st Presbyterian String ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in February 2019. She is now Band completed its 9th season the third week of using a bi-pap device to assist with breathing nearly all November 2019 with two one-hour concerts at Imboden the time except for eating. A few days ago we went on Gardens and Hickory Point Christian Village. The eight Hospice as symptoms have increased. players are under the direction of Doug Nicholson and play mostly at nursing homes, assisted living residences, We have gotten great support from our friends here and and retirement homes. In addition, this year the group our daughter Julie and son-in-law Doug who live about 3 played at the Civil War Memorial Service, the First miles away. We will try to keep you updated. Presbyterian Musical Luncheon, the Primrose Hoe-down, the Decatur Public Library’s program about Mary Todd We still have fond memories of our time at 1st Pres. Lincoln’s dressmaker, and at the Lincoln Homestead State We thank you for your cards and notes. Park. Twenty-five performances were presented in 2019, making it a total of 165 gigs in nine years. Love, Lou and Phyllis Jacobs We thank you for your encouragement and support and 605 Hickory St. look forward to a new season beginning in March 2020. Sugar Grove, IL 60554 [email protected] Welcome to our newest members! Sunday, November 3, 2019 “Lost and Found” (who have really been with us for quite some time) The children preparing for their big moment “on stage”! Welcome back, Jim Lycan! Jim has a long history in this church with his grandmother and parents (Lewis and Nina) being members, before he was baptized, became a member, served as a deacon, an elder, scoutmaster of our previous Boy Scout troop as well as being the First Pres. Facilities Manager from 2001- 2016, when he relocated to Florida.

He has 6 adult children as well as 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren spread across the US, though his Beth Bachtold reads the Parables while the children help youngest daughter, Laura, lives in Decatur. Jim was a with the puppet show. former Command Sergeant with the Decatur Police Dept. and is currently an armed security professional at the State of Illinois Department of Human Services in Champaign.

Jim says it’s a joy to return to the church, which he has called his second home! We are glad you are home too!

Jim Lycan 309 E. Christine Drive #3 Decatur, Il 62526 [email protected] 217-454-5632

Welcome Marilyn Smith who has attended First Pres over the years with her husband, Phil. She was a nurse for 25 years with Dr. Paul

Stanley until he retired. Two of her sons live here but another son is in North Carolina. One daughter is on the east coast while another daughter lives on the West Coast. She feels blessed that she has a large family and close friends from her book club of 20 years.

Marilyn appreciated First Pres members staying in touch with her during Phil’s illness and also during her hip surgery and subsequently decided to continue her relationship with First Pres. by ‘officially’ joining. We’re so glad you’re part of our church family.

Marilyn Smith 10087 Bentonville Road Oakley, Il 62501 [email protected]

217-864-5831

3rd Annual Sunday School Christmas/Bible Trivia 2019 Year End Donations: Please be sure to: Extravaganza! Come and join us up in the dining room at 1) Make all donations for 2019 tax purposes by January 5 th rd 9:45 AM on December 29 for the 3 Annual Sunday (payments received after January 5 will School Christmas/Bible Trivia Extravaganza! Fabulous NOT count towards the 2019 tax year) prizes for the winning table and lots of fun and laughter 2) Mark all donations for what TAX year for all others. If your so inclined, bring a coffee cake, 3) Mark all donations for what PLEDGE year muffins or fruit to share. All ages welcome and 4) Mark all donations for which PLEDGE (GF / Per Capita) encouraged. 5) If the check covers more than one pledge, indicate the $ amount designated for each pledge

Stand Up For Grace News DOVE Christmas Baskets Dear Everyone, Dove works closely with Northeast Community Thank you so much for your recent outpouring of support Fund each year to provide for Stand Up For Grace (SUFG). Thanks to your generosity local families with a full the children will not only get their basic needs met in Christmas meal, and gifts December they will also get special food during the for their children (and for Christmas holidays due to your donations to "Sponsor A seniors in the household, Stocking". Due to my retirement and future marriage I too). This year they're also will not be going to Nairobi to By Grace this Christmas. working with Toys for Tots. However, I will be going in February so if you want to write letters to some of the children, I will take them in Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are needed from February. I will also be collecting supplies for the children December 6th to the 20th at Northeast Community Fund in December and January. There will be a donation box in to help count, sort, mark through UPC labels with the library. Items that are needed are pencils, pens, markers, monitor tables, and assist families with the sharpeners, antibiotic lotion, band aids and any size tee distribution of baskets. To volunteer, contact Angie shirts. Letters can also be put in the donation box. For Williams (217-428-6616 or [email protected]) to those of you who send checks or letters to Stand Up For schedule a time or just drop by Northeast and see how Grace there is a new mailing address; Stand Up For you can help. Grace, 2434 N. Maple Ave., Decatur, Illinois 62526. Donations Needed: We're also in need of the following SUFG has asked for a few new members to be a part of items: hats and gloves (new/homemade only), all sizes our board and one person from church has been willing • wrapping paper • tape • large black garbage bags • to make that commitment. I will not be around as much stockings. Items may be dropped off at Dove (302 S. as usual, but I have been assured that First Pres. will be Union Street), or Northeast Community Fund (839 N. happy to continue to support SUFG and the children at By Martin Luther King Jr. Drive). Grace Orphanage. I hope you all have a blessed holiday season. Toys for Tots will be accepting new toys and gifts for

Seniors 65 and over on December 6 at WAND from 7-7 Thank you, p.m. and Walmart North from 8-4 p.m. This is a joint effort

between DOVE, WAND, and the NECF. Pixie Fennessey, President SUFG

The Gift that Keeps Giving: Does NOTE: For anyone who wishes to be added to the Stand your Christmas shopping list include Up For Grace (SUFG) Newsletter distribution, please send something for that one person who your e-mail address to Kristi Palmer at has everything they need? Don’t [email protected]. despair. Check out the Presbyterian

Giving Catalogs in the gathering When Information Changes: Have you moved? Are you room and library. For as little as $10 going South for the winter? Did you drop your land line you can purchase much needed and only use a cell phone now? Has your e-mail items for families in developing changed? Don’t forget to let the office know about your parts of the world in honor of your address or contact information changes. We always like loved one. to know how to reach our church family! November 9, 2019: First Pres Volunteers helping with the Judy Mason Basket Project

2019/2020 Sanctuary Choir

Row 1: (l-r) Becky Rauff, Jan Devore, Jean Gift, Carol Sudduth, Beth Heisz (intern), Kay Mason, Marsha DeVore, and Claire Taylor (music director) Row 2: Stephanie Pyles, Carol Houston, Lori Jensen, Susan Moore, Verlyn Rosenberger, Betty Q. Smith, Ruth Warfield, and Jane Spires. Row 3: Paul Rosenberger, Susan Grieve, Joe Houston, Rick Koetje, Ray Landon, George Wells, Richard Virgin, Terry Hogg, and David Holmlund.

2019/2020 Handbell Choir

Front: (l-r) Susan Moore, Jane Spires, Lori Jensen, Barbara Keagle (director of handbells), Judy Steele, Dianne DeVore, Jean Gift, and Pastor Jean Wollenberg

Back: Susan Grieve, Stephanie Pyles, Norm Jensen, Paul Foster, Trish Spinner, Joli Cirks, and Bill Keagle.

December Calendar Blood Donation Dates Sunday, December 15 Sunday, December 1 To schedule call 1-800-733-2767, or Third Sunday of Advent Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper online at www.redcross.org First Sunday of Advent 8:45 NewSong Worship Service 9:45 Christian Education Hour 9:45 Christian Education Red Cross Blood Donation Center 11:00 One Table Worship Service 11:00 Sanctuary Worship Service 2674 N. Main St. ➢ Every Tuesday; 12-6 pm Monday, December 2 Monday, December 16 ➢ Saturday, Dec. 28; 10-2 pm 10:00 Parish Visitors Meeting 10:00 Prayer Shawl Group

7:00 Worship & Music Meeting 12:30 Women’s Bible Study Argenta Bridge Church Fellowship Christmas Lunch 520 W. Elm St., Argenta Tuesday, December 3 7:00 Session Meeting 5:00 Handbell Practice ➢ Tuesday, December 3; 2-6 pm Tuesday, December 17 Wednesday, December 4 3:30 Health Ministry Meeting St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 10:30 Backpack Assembly 5:00 Handbell Practice 1 Bachrach Ct. 1:00 Year thru the Bible Class ➢ Friday, December 13; Wednesday, December 18 4:00 String Band Practice 2-6 pm 8:30 Tower Notes Folders 5:15 Choir Practice 10:30 Backpack Assembly 6:30 Taizé Worship Service New & Corrected Addresses: 1:00 Year thru the Bible Class

Thursday, December 5 5:15 Choir Practice Office Closed Pixie Fennessey-Groumoutis 9:00 Volunteers at Good Sam Thursday, December 19 (after December 17, 2019) 5:00 Soul Friendship Office Closed 603 S. Stone Creston, Iowa 50801 Friday, December 6 6:00 Tapas at Batson’s James Kettelkamp Sunday, December 22 Saturday, December 7 Fourth Sunday of Advent (former member) 9:30 Choir Practice Christmas Joy Offering Mill Creek Alzheimer’s 8:45 NewSong Worship Service Special Care Center 9:45 Christian Education 3319 Ginger Creek Dr. Room #626 Sunday, December 8 11:00 Sanctuary Worship Service Springfield, IL 62711

Second Sunday of Advent Tuesday, December 24 Faye Logan (Winter Address) 8:45 NewSong Worship Service Christmas Eve 3703 39th Street West 9:45 Christian Education 12:00 Office Closes Bradenton, FL 34205 11:00 Choir Christmas Program 7:00 Christmas Eve Service Ph. 941-753-3211

Monday, December 9 Wednesday, December 25 3:30 Administration Meeting Christmas Day Eric Mason 5:00 Adult Ministry Meeting Office Closed 1071 Lake Carolyn Parkway #2024 5:00 Finance Meeting Irving, TX 75093 6:30 Facilities Meeting Thursday, December 26 Office Closed Kyle Mason Tuesday, December 10 641 Oak St. 5:00 Handbell Practice Latham, IL 62543 Wednesday, December 11 Sunday, December 29 10:30 Backpack Assembly Stump the Organist Sunday Jim Olson 1:00 Year thru the Bible Class 8:45 NewSong Worship Service 17710 Old Excelsior Blvd. 5:15 Evangelism & Membership 9:45 Christian Education Apt. 120 5:15 Choir Practice 11:00 Sanctuary Worship Service Minnetonka, MN 55345

Tuesday, December 31 Thursday, December 12 Office Closed New Year’s Eve 12:00 Tower Notes articles due

December Birthdays Prayer Concerns December Volunteers

Paul Rosenberger – 1 Please Pray For: Money Counters: Carole Tobias – 1 • Nikolas Allen (Jim Lycan’s grandson) Lori Jensen Jim Kelly – 2 • Larry Boyer (Brenda Aymer’s father) Verlyn Rosenberger

Linda May – 3 • Earl Carpunky Tower Notes Folders: Sandy Peterson – 3 • Naomi Davis Kathi Bondurant Emily Locke – 4 • Don Diller (former member) Brandon Mandernach – 4 Anne Hostetler • Nancy Force Jackson Ellis – 5 Barbara Hostetler • Carol Fuller Jean Gift – 5 • John Hermann (Andy Cirks’ uncle) Jaye Bales – 4 • Judy Kuypers Karen Ragee – 6 • Jan Mandernach – 7 Yvonne Lewis Joan Winick – 8 • Zack Long (friend of John & Jane Oaster) Frits Pronk – 9 • Brian MacKay (Lori Shimizu’s cousin) Carol Sudduth – 9 • Gib Maines Jan Devore – 10 • Regina Mitchell (Marsha DeVore’s friend) For All The Saints: Copies Mike Zia – 11 • Lisa Peterson (Sandy Peterson’s sister) of the Annual Report on Joli Cirks – 13 • Mary Ann Platt Special Gifts for October 1, Theresa Boes – 16 • Carlos Porter 2018 thru September 30, Barbara Paine - 16 • Lisa Robinson (Chuck & Cathy Force’s Niece) 2019 are available in the Judy Batson – 17 • Donita Rotz (Hagymasy/Cirks family friend) Gathering Room. Lori Jensen – 18 • Cheryl Thompson Helping Others Katie Crowe – 19 • Alex Voerman (Ruth Warfield’s grandson) Sophie Crowe – 19 • Austin Wells (George Wells’ nephew) First Sunday: Dianne DeVore – 19 • Bill Winters (Mary Turner’s brother) Non-perishable food items Ashley Page – 21 • Cindy Winters (Turner’s sister-in-law) are given to the North -east Jim Rauff – 21 • Ron Zigler (Chris & Dan Foster’s friend) Community Fund. Trish Spinner – 21 Carolyn Butler – 23 Care Facilities: Good Neighbor Box: Kathryn Franklin -- 23 ▪ Larry Boyer (Brenda Aymer’s father) Donate used adult and Cora Wilkerson-Donnelly – 26 ▪ Marguerite Curtis (former member) children books, snacks, Carol Williams – 25 ▪ Elvon Fulton (Verlyn Rosenberger’s brother) weather appropriate Elmer Turner – 27 ▪ Bill Grieve clothing, any useful items. Dwain VanZant – 27 ▪ Mary Ann Grohne Katie Eytchison – 28 ▪ James Kettelkamp (former member) St. Mary’s Hospital needs volunteers to ferry visitors Stephen Davis – 30 ▪ Judy Kuypers from parking to the door in Bracken Wimmer – 30 ▪ Gini Maines a covered golf cart. Shifts ▪ Jean Peak (Judy Steele’s mother) are 8 a.m. to noon, or noon ▪ Ron & Earline Wisher Volunteers Needed to 4 p.m. Background ▪ Betty Zeaman checks are required. Call

Sign-up in the Charlie at 217-428-6616 Dear God, Tonight I pray for my friends. Gathering Room! You know their needs like no one else knows. Sunday Greeters: DOVE, Inc. has PAID You know the ones that have secret pain, Sundays 10:45 – 11ish employment training worries & fears. You are even aware of the opportunities available for Childcare Volunteers: loneliness some are feeling right now. individuals who are Sundays 10:45 – noon I pray you comfort them. Bless them & heal them homeless or at risk of Food & Fellowship Host: everywhere they hurt. Refill them with your becoming homeless. Call Sundays 9:15-11:00 strength and restore their hope as they sleep. 217-362-7700 for more information. In Jesus Name. Amen! Facebook.com/naeemcallaway