Items to Purchase

1 sandwich loaf of white bread

1 sandwich loaf of wheat bread

(Note: there will be small loaves of bread in the freezer for use on the communion table.  If this are running low, please notify the Deacons so someone can make more)

Preparation Day Prior to Communion

1)    Cut the sandwich loaves into cubes (approx ½” squares).  (Tip: it helps to freeze the bread for a few hours before cutting).  Using the bread trays in the closet, place white doilies on 11 trays (10 if no choir) and place cubes of both the white and wheat bread on the trays.  Stack 1 set of 3 trays, cover with cling wrap and top with tray cover.  Then stack 3 sets of 2 trays and cover with the cling wrap and tray cover.  The final 2 trays are individual trays that need covered with cling wrap and a tray cover.

2)    NEVER USE OLD JUICE IN THE REFRIGERATOR.  Use unopened juice stored in the closet in the communion preparation room.  Fill 11 trays (10 if no choir) placing approx 15  cups within the tray (use 20 for choir tray).  Do not overfill the cups (about ¾ full only).  There is a white dispenser for filling the cups.  Stack 1 set of 3 trays and cover with tray cover.  Stack 3 sets of 2 trays and cover each stack with tray cover.  Cover each of the 2 remaining trays with tray cover (only 1 if no choir).

3)    Cut small loaf of bread about half way (so Pastor can split easily) and place  in plastic bag or wrapped in plastic wrap

4)    If there are no activities in the Sanctuary on Saturday, you can proceed to set-up.  If the Sanctuary is being used for a wedding or other activity, leave the prepared trays in the communion preparation room and finish the set-up on Sunday.

5)    Set-up instructions: Using the diagrams in the communion preparation room, set bread and juice trays on the communion table in the Sanctuary.  Place the small loaf of bread on the communion table.  If there is choir, set the bread and juice tray on the small table at the side entrance to the choir area.  Take one tray of bread and juice to the balcony area.

6)    Take remaining juice to the refrigerator by the Nursery (need it to fill pitcher on communion table on Sunday)

7)    Please notify the church office is any communion supplies are running low – doilies, communion cups, juice, etc.

Note: If you run out of the tray coverings, use the plastic covers at the bottom of the closet.  Place those trays in either the choir area or the balcony – NOT on the Communion Table.
Preparation – Day of Communion Service

1)    Remove cling wrap from bread trays (including choir and balcony trays)

2)    Fill pitcher on Communion Table with juice (less than half full)

3)    Remove wrap from loaf of bread on the Communion Table

4)    Place serving cart in the entrance to the sanctuary next to one of the benches

5)    Review diagram and make sure trays are set up properly on Communion Table and pitcher and chalice are both there as well

COMMUNION CLEAN-UP

1)    Bring cart with bread and juice trays back to room.

2)    Empty bread trays

3)    Empty wine trays

4)    Wipe clean all trays and put them into their respective protective coverings.  Put back in the closet.  Don’t forget about the pitcher and chalice.  

5)    Put the chalice back on the Communion Table along with the bread plate and the dried bread loaf.

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March 2012 Chimes

December 2011 Chimes

November 2011 Chimes

October 2011 Chimes

2011 September Chimes

2011 August Chimes

2011 July Chimes

June 2011 Chimes

May 2011 Chimes

April 2011 Chimes

March 2011 Chimes

February 2011 Chimes

January 2011 Chimes

December 2010 Chimes

November Chimes

October Chimes

September Chimes

August Chimes

July Chimes

June Chimes

May Chimes

April Newsletter

March Chimes Newsletter

February Chimes Newsletter

January Chimes Newsletter

Pastor ~ Dr. Rev. Timothy Kovalcik

Director of Christian Education ~ Teresa Goller

Administrative Secretary ~ Pat Starbird

Bookkeeper ~ Pat Starbird

Director of Music ~ Chris Holman

Organist ~ Chris Holman

Sexton ~ Skip Mower

Housekeeper ~ Sharon Moore

Nursery ~ Abby Martin

Millikin University was founded as a Presbyterian school, and we have a long-standing formal covenant with the University. We have several Millikin music classes held at Westminster and several students sing in our choir on Sunday morning.

To learn more about Millikin University, click here:

http://www.millikin.edu/Pages/default.aspx

The Westminster Presbyterian Church was organized from the Mission Sunday School maintained by the First Presbyterian Church in their building on the southwest corner of West Macon Street and Haworth Avenue in 1908.  In 1917, the church building was erected at West Main Street and Park Place. The original building is now our Blue chapel and Library Lounge, with the Lottie Cook Lounge and kitchen on the lower level.  Some rooms on the second floor are used at present as the office for the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois. This is the southwest corner of our present building.

Following overtures by the sessions of the two churches, the merger of the Second Presbyterian Church and the Westminster Presbyterian Church was effected on November 23, 1920, under the name of Westminster Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. Mrs. James Millikin bought the lot east of the Westminster building and presented it to the church for a new building.    Ministers of the two churches, the Reverend J. W. McDonald and the Reverend W. S. Dando, served as co-pastors and the first service of the newly organized church was held in the auditorium of Millikin University on January 2, 1921. Plans were drawn up for a new building to the East of the original structure and it was dedicated on February 3, 1929.  This contains our present sanctuary and gymnasium.

As our church school membership grew, more room was needed and plans were made for the addition of a new Education Unit. This was added to the North of the building and was dedicated on March 18, 1956. This addition also includes a new commercial kitchen, much larger fellowship hall, and even a stage for special events.

In the fall of 1994 the “Affirm the Foundation” Campaign was begun and provided accessibility for all ages and those with disabilities in our Christian Education wing with a second elevator, new staff offices, choir facilities, and needed repairs.

Amy Besser 2012

Cathy Briggs 2012

Esperance Kalala 2012

Rae Nell Spencer 2012

Jack Ballion  2013

Kathy Thompson 2013

Don Leckrone  2013

Mark Huss 2014

Ryan Rinchiuso 2014

Phil Cruikshank 2014

Joyce Heath 2014

 Class of 2012

Steve Huss – Trustee

Dennis Honnold

Renee Heath

John Phillips – Trustee

Class of 2013

Susan Gant-Reynolds

Pat Laegeler – Trustee

Diana Rinchiuso

Jane Ballion

Class of 2014

Shannon Allen

Matt Briggs

Donna Dunnuck

Joel Winick

Introducing….  B. I. G. Time!

B.I.G. Time is a special worship service geared specifically for children! Each Sunday we will meet in the Pratt Chapel following the Children’s Message. During this Worship Service the children will learn to Live their Belief In God through fun songs, interactive messages, prayer, and a few surprises along the way.

Be sure you check us out!!

Children in K-6th grade meet from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Transportation is available if needed. 

The Four Parts of our

Weekly LOGOS Program

Bible Study nurtures youth and children

into biblically-informed discipleship. In grade

level groups, each class uses a curriculum that is designed to meet their unique needs and learning capabilities.

Worship Skills: Worship is essential and central to the Christian community. In Worship Skills young people learn about worship and prepare to participate in Sunday morningworship.

Recreation allows young people to experience great fun at the expense of no one else. They participate in games and activities in a non-competitive environment.

Family Time provides an intergenerational celebration over a shared meal. The children are assigned to tables along with two adults who act as “table parents”. The group around the table becomes a family as they share meals together throughout the year. Food is served family style.

Each week we have different theme at dinner time. 

2011/2012 Themes

Sept.   21  Orange You Glad It’s Time for LOGOS!

28  School Colors Night – Show N Tell

Oct.     5  Green Glow Night  – Bring a friend

12        Red & Blue Night (Baseball teams)

19       Rainbow Night – Mystery Dinner

26        Orange & Black Night

Nov.    2     Blue Moon Night (wear pajamas)

09        Red, White, & Blue Night – Veteran’s Night

16        Thanksgiving

30       Checkered Flag Night

Dec.    7          Red Nose Night

14          Happy Birthay Jesus – Christmas Caroling

Jan.     4         LOGOS Staff (No LOGOS)

11        Winter White Out

18        Pink Pig(out) Night

25        Blue Ribbon Night – Talent Night                                       

Feb.    1          Super Bowl Night – color TBA                                

8        Red Heart Night

15        Purple, Green, & Gold Night                              

22       Ash Wednesday

29       Leap Day – Green Frog Night                                  

Mar.    7        Hello Yellow – Welcome Spring                                

14       Green Giant Night – St. Patrick’s

21        Golden Globe Night – Kids Choice Awards

28        True Colors – Closing Banquet – wear favorite color

It is estimated that in over 1500 churches in any given week, children and youth can be found taking part in this program that is giving them a sense of purpose and direction, unconditional acceptance and fellowship,  and puts their faith and relationships in the very center of their lives.

The program also reaches the adults who volunteer their time and talents and thereby develop a deeper relationship with the youth, with each other, and ultimately with God!

The program consists of four parts – Bible study, Worship Skills, Recreation, and Family Time – and is based on Acts 2:42-47

They spent their time in learning from the

apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and

sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers.

We look forward to your family being a part of this exciting program.

Why we have a LOGOS Program…

Growing up in today’s world is tough! Young people experience unique pressures and stress that no previous generation has ever known. In the face of this reality, children seek to be known….to be in meaningful relationships with adults. They want to believe that someone cares and so they search to find those relationships wherever they can.

We can be an agent of hope by nurturing our young people into that most important relationship, one with Jesus Christ. A congregation that is living out the practice of mirroring Christ to one another is making it possible for children to “catch” the faith and learn what it means to be Christ-like

Parents and the church must work together to establish and sustain an environment of faith formation that produces a whole life biblical world view. This perspective influences all other activities, experiences and relationships in order to support a child’s journey toward discipleship

 Parent Participation

A very important, if not the most important way you can become involved is to show your child your commitment to LOGOS. In our society, we give time to those activities we value; show your child that LOGOS is a top priority to you by giving your time, seeing that your child comes each week, and discussing the activities. Being there is not only helpful to the LOGOS staff, but ultimately for your child.

If you do not have a weekly commitment to LOGOS we ask that you sign up to help four times throughout the LOGOS year.

Fees

The cost for the 11/12 year of LOGSO is:

*1st child        $90

*2nd child       $80

*3rd child        $70

*4th and subsequent children are free

One half of the tuition is due at registration. The second half will be due on January 14, 2012. No one will be turned away because of finances. Payment schedules and scholarships are available. Contact Teresa if you need assistance.

Visitors

We love when the children and youth invite their friends! We ask that $3 be paid to cover the cost of the meal for each visitor. Advance notice is always appreiciated. If a guest wants to come back, we will contact their parents about joining our LOGOS program. Please provide us with contact information of your guest.

Safety

The safety of your children is very important to us. We ask that you come in the building when you bring your children to LOGOS. At the end of the evening you will need to come into the Fellowship Hall to pick up your child. We will not allow any children to leave without an adult.

Transportation

If you need help getting your child to LOGOS we can provide transportation. Please Let us know if you need transportation when you sign up for LOGOS and we will make arrangements.

Contact Information

Teresa Goller, Director of Christian Education

*Church: 428-6603

*Cell: 972-7093

*Email: wpcteresa@sbcglobal.net

Nursery provided for children under 3 years old

Children 3 years old through 6th grade attend the Worship Service through the Children’s Message time.

Children in Kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to B.I.G. Time following the Children’s Message.

11 a.m. Sunday School:

Nursery provided for children under 3 years old.

Sunday School classes are offered for all ages.

 11:45

Children 3 years old through 6th grade are invited to join Chris Holman for music time!

1360 W. Main Street

Decatur, Illinois 62522

Phone: 217-428-6603

FAX: 217-428-2580

E-Mail: wpcdecatur@sbcglobal.net

CHURCH STAFF

Pastor ~ Dr. Rev. Timothy Kovalcik

Director of Christian Education ~ Teresa Goller – wpcteresa@sbcglobal.net

Administrative Secretary ~ Pat Starbird – wpcdecatur@sbcglobal.net

Director of Music ~ Chris Holman

Sexton ~ Skip Mower

Housekeeper ~ Sharon Moore

Nursery ~ Abby Martin

PW Officers for 2011-2012

Moderator: Bernice Doty

Vice Moderator & Programs: Diana Rinchiuso

Secretary: Jane Ballion

Treasurer: Barbara Phillips

Mission: June Roby

Publicity:

Calling: Lynne Winick

Nominating Committee: TBA

Representative to Kemmerer Auxiliary: Helen Baulos

Representative to Church Women United: Anne Gray

Least Coin: Circle Leaders

Circle Leaders:

Dinah: Barb Entrot (425-9024)

Hannah: Rae Nel Spencer (468-3118)

Jennie Rugh: June Roby/Fran Livasy

Mary/Martha: Bernice Doty (864-2066)

These are overseen by Chris Holman, our Music Director.

Chris is a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has played and performed on some of the most historically important organs  in North America. The winner of various honors and awards, Chris has won first prizes in both performance and hymn-playing at the Albert Schweitzer National Organ Competition in Connecticut, won the Young Baroque Artists Competition, and the Craig D. Jessop Scholarship in competition from The Chorale, all in 2010.

The Westminster Chancel Choir Rehearsals are on Wednesday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

For fees, please contact the Church Office at 428-6603.

Wedding Information Form

Wedding Policies and Guidelines

“Sky” will begin Sunday, July 15 and will go through Thursday, July 19. VBS times are 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 3 through 6th grade are welcome.

Call Teresa at 428-6603 to register!

If you are interested in becoming a member at Westminster we offer a class following “The Presbyterian Handbook”.

The book is divided by “Stuff”:  Church Stuff, Every Day Stuff, Bible Stuff and Presbyterian Stuff.

This is a fun book filled with theology and earthy knowledge.

We will discuss the value of knowing John Calvin in the 21^st century.

We will also discuss how you should respond when someone says “you are sitting in my pew”, page 20.

The Presbyterian Church has two sacraments:  Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  We only have two sacraments because a sacrament is a holy sign of God’s grace.  The class will talk about why there are only two and what that means for us.

You will enjoy the class as you build relationships with others and grow in your knowledge and faith in God.

Visitors are always welcome at Westminster!

Our Worship Services begin at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary.

Sunday School begins at 11:00 am.

The third Sunday of the month is our Jazz Service.

Holy Communion is given the first Sunday of January, March, June, and October as well as Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and Easter Sunday.

Nursery Care is provided during worship for infants and toddlers under 3 years old.  Please join us!

Please click on the link to the Session & Committee Structure for more information on the organizational structure and how those groups function and help lead the Church.

Program Opportunities Include:

Committees

Christian Education

Deacons

Fellowship

Endowment

Finance

Personnel

Memorial

Mission

Worship & Music

Music Ministries

The Westminster Chancel Choir

Youth Music Program

Handbell Choir

Educational Ministries

Pre-school

Elementary

Pre-teens

Adult Classes

Bible Study Groups

Men’s & Women’s Ministries

Men’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Presbyterian Women

Cheer Guild

Helping Hands

Youth Ministries

LOGOS Program

Jr. & Sr. High Fellowship

For this reason, we offer several adult education opportunities such as classes, fellowship activities and Men’s Bible study.

We also have a van that is handicapped accessible with a lift for wheelchairs. We offer pick up and drop off for church services and special events.

Prayer Chain

Westminster has a prayer chain that is used by members and friends to offer up to God our joys and concerns each week, via email.  If you would like to request prayer, please email Teresa Goller at wpcteresa@sbcglobal.net

We believe God works using our prayers and we serve one another in “spirit” through this ministry.

Lynn’s Helping Hands

What Is It?

This ministry is dedicated to the memory of Lynn Olendorf who faithfully started and chaired this caring service to members and their families.

We provide a loving food service to the family of deceased church members, being whatever they desire – a meal in the church fellowship hall or their home, following a memorial service or funeral, or we can provide for a dessert reception in the library lounge or parlor. We also deliver casserole dishes to members released from the hospital after surgery or after the arrival of a new baby, and also to shut-ins. This is an excellent opportunity to serve the members of the church, and their families, when they are in need. We are also looking to increase our mission by hosting receptions following baptisms.

What You Can Do…

A committee of four people serve during one month in a given year. Please give prayerful consideration to joining our mission to provide help when needed. Call the church NOW to join a monthly team. We have openings in several months. If you cannot make a commitment for a full month, we need substitutes that we can call on to help supply food.

What It Can Do For You…

Calling all people with a servants heart.

This is a truly fulfilling ministry as we seek to be servants of the Lord. This is an opportunity to get to know others in the church, as you work together on a committee. From helping others comes true joy.

…as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to men.  Ephesians 6:6-7

DEACONS 2012-2013

Amy Besser 2012

Cathy Briggs 2012

Esperance Kalala 2012

Rae Nell Spencer 2012

Jack Ballion  2013

Kathy Thompson 2013

Don Leckrone  2013

Joel Winick  2013

Mark Huss 2014

Ryan Rinchiuso 2014

Phil Cruikshank 2014

Joyce Heath 2014

Sermons are preached directly from the Scriptural Text. Pastor Tim uses real world stories, lively humor and appropriate analogies in order to make the message come alive. There is always a challenge to grow and a lesson to apply!

Many activities are held in our church facilities that serve our congregation and also the community throughout the year. Here is a list of some of the church activities at Westminster: Worship, Sunday School, Weddings, Presbyterian Women, Cheer Guild, Chair Exercise Classes, Committee meetings, (Christian Ed, Fellowship, Endowment, Deacons, Finance, Personnel, Mission, Worship & Music, Trustees), Session, Shawl Ministry, Logos, Choir, Handbells, VBS, Soup Suppers, Chili Cook-off, Movie Night, Funerals, and Memorial Services

Community groups that have used our facilities for their events are: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Rules of the Road Class, West End Neighborhood Association, Barbershoppers, La Leche League, Presbyterian Staff Retreat, Flu Shots, Macon County Reading Council, IHSA Contest, Millikin Master Classes, Sororities, Show Choir, Parish Nurse Classes, Choir Festival, Organ Concert, Quilt Guild, AARP Driving Class, Red Cross Disaster Training, Music Recitals, and Narcotics Anonymous.

Rooms available for use for group activities are the Sanctuary (capacity 400 plus), Blue Chapel (100), Main Kitchen, Fellowship Hall (150), Church Parlor (30), Class Rooms, and Large Gym.

Fees are based on the number of rooms used, length of time, and set-up. Any set-up or special custodial assistance needed will be paid by the group depending on set-up and custodial time required.

All fees recommended are at the discretion of the Administrative Secretary who is in charge of  scheduling the groups. Contact the church office at 217-428-6603 for more information.

There are times when we can all relate to these words from Matthew West’s new song “Strong Enough”. God did not intend for us to go through life on our own. Join us to find the strength you need to face all the challenges along life’s journey.  No matter if the challenges are small bumps in the road or giant hills to climb, God is there helping you every step of the way.  The faith community at Westminster will be there too to support you no matter where you are at on your journey. Everyone is welcome!