Spring Training is when professional baseball players report for their jobs in the sunny and warm states such as Florida and Arizona.

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1 the LINK First Presbyterian Church Lincoln, Illinois March 2015 Volume 3 Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent, as we learned last month, means "spring." Thus, spring is here. Well, in some capacity. Today is the first official day of Spring Training. Spring Training is when professional baseball players report for their jobs in the sunny and warm states such as Florida and Arizona. Thus, spring is here. Well, not quite. But baseball is on its way! Despite the frigid temperatures and the absence of color in creation, spring is in fact on its way. March might be one of my favorite months. Not only because it is the month of my birth, but it is the last month before the world undergoes rebirth. Soon the color of green will appear again. First on the bulletin boards in classrooms celebrating St. Patty's Day and then on the grass and trees. Life will emerge again. This yearly transition is a great reminder of the slow work of God. It bears witness to the journey we are on. As flowers begin to emerge from the dormant dirt and baby birds begin to chirp in their nests, we will have made it through another winter. In comparison to others in the country, our winter, minus the last couple weeks, was fairly mild. But it was winter nonetheless and we endured it. We sat through the coldest and darkest season of the year. And like St. Patty's Day and my birthday, this is reason to celebrate. This does not negate the very real truth that winter was or can be hard. What I've learned this winter is that the hard parts of life can transform us. However, it can only transform us if we refuse to run from it or to numb it. And that is the tricky part. The temptation is to run to the kitchen and eat eight bowls of cereal because it'll help. But it won't help will it? It'll get us through to bed, but in the morning, the struggle will still be there. More importantly, it won't do that magical thing whatever it is that God does with those uncomfortable feelings when we sit through them. It is really all we have to do: sitting through those cold, dark, lonely seasons, and let God work. It is often said, and too often probably, that in order to appreciate the beauty of spring we must endure the harshness of winter. Albeit cliche, there is truth to the statement. If we can just sit still, let life be hard, and not deflect our pain onto somebody else, we can be transformed.

2 Recovery (rebirth) of faith is a daily journey. Becoming our true selves is not a momentary incident. It is a journey, something we don't need just Jesus. Rather, we need lots of things, like each other. Every time we try to shut someone out of our lives or refuse to see God in somebody or to see the good in ourselves, we need to be reborn. In order for this to occur we need to be willing to talk about the hard parts of life. We need to be able to say to one another, "Life is hard." When we do this, when we share our whole selves with one another, then we will begin to experience the great thaw of psuedo-community and see the beauty, the color of church. Spring is on the way. Soon rebirth will unfold before us in the parks, in our yards, and in our hearts as Lent leads its way to Easter. All of which reminds of how God so loved the world and the importance of being born again. But, to be born again is not to become somebody else, but to become ourselves. Like each petal on those tulips that will soon appear. Friends, hang on a little longer, for spring is almost here. YOUTH CHOIR: The youth will be singing during the 10 a.m. worship service on Palm Sunday, March 29, and on Mother s Day, May 10. Rehearsals are immediately following worship in the chapel with Julie Kasa. CHOIR: The choir will be helping to lead worship on Easter morning, April 5, by singing Keith Christopher s cantata, An Easter Celebration. Rehearsals for this will be on Sunday mornings from 9-9:30. If you are interested in joining the choir for this joyful celebration, contact Julie Kasa! BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Pat Baker Chairman Committee Garret Apel, Jill Apel, Roger Boss, Kathy Moore, Carrie Osborn, Allen Pickering, Adam Quine On Feb. 8, the Building and Grounds Committee met and approved three projects: 1. Updating the bathroom in the Heritage Room. This project included removing the old floor and installing tile, removing ceiling tile and lights and replacing with new tiles and canned lighting, adding a new cabinet under the countertop, adding a new light above the sink, adding a baby changing station in the handicap stall, and repainting walls. This project is scheduled to be completed by Feb Renovating the bathroom upstairs in the Nursery area. Due to the condition and age of the existing fixtures, flooring and lighting, everything will be removed and replaced. New tile on both the floor and walls will be added, as well as a new sink with vanity, a medicine cabinet, new lights, and a new toilet. This project is scheduled to be completed by Feb 27. Both bathrooms were remodeled by Rick Whiteman Construction. 3. Repainting the Ottawa Street entry area, the banister and stairs, the landing area at the top of the stairs. A date for this project has not been set. We appreciate your patience while this work is being completed, and hope you will be pleased with the results.

3 LIBRARY LYRICS Pat Baker The Helen Musa Rankin Library and Reading Room has added a third book by Henri M.J. Nouwen. He was a Dutch-born Catholic priest, professor and writer. His interests were rooted primarily in psychology, pastoral ministry, spirituality, social justice and community. A remarkable and timely read, Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen: Daily Scripture and Prayers, has been added to his other books, Life of the Beloved, Spiritual Living in a Secular World and Bread for the Journey, A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith. An outstanding children s book has also been added, Thank You, God by J. Bradley Wigger. This inspiring book, with its elegant yet accessible text and vibrant illustrations, is sure to have a powerful impact on readers as it encourages them to view the world around them with fresh eyes. (Amazon) Please make yourself familiar with these and the many other treasures our library holds. STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE COMMITTEE The Stewardship and Finance Committee held its regular monthly meeting Jan. 26. The Stewardship of Hearts launch scheduled for Feb. 15 was discussed. All in the congregation are urged to participate. Those who missed the Feb. 15 service may obtain a slip and envelope at the office. The pledge slip lists methods and frequency for personal spiritual development. Simply complete the card, write your name and mailing address on the envelope, seal it, and turn it back in. In November the card will be returned in the sealed envelope. The Committee is examining the possibility of receiving offerings via electronic payments directly from the giver s bank account. This would supplement, not replace, the offerings by checks and cash. Payments of salary by direct deposit are also being considered. A final decision has not been considered for either of these initiatives. However, electronic banking and direct deposits of salary are widely used now and have proven to be reliable and safe methods. Committee members: Mel Anderson, Roger Boss, Keith Leesman, Adam Quine, and Bill Opper. SPIRITUAL LIFE/SPIRITUAL FORMATION COMMITTEE The Spiritual Life/Spiritual Formation Committee is excited about kicking off a new year of activities at First Presbyterian Church. Our focus for the year is on: Building relationships with each other deepening relationships with God. We had a lengthy brainstorming session January 22 during which we created an annual calendar and discussed ongoing and potential new activities. Stay tuned! The committee is thrilled that Sunday School is continuing without a hitch thanks to the dedication of our teachers, and attendance has been excellent for both the children and youth groups. Confirmation began on February 22, and we look forward to a great class of confirmands and mentors. Also the Christian education/spiritual formation agenda in February were retreats for Ruling Elders (February 21) and Deacons (February 28). In February, the committee hosted a reception for newly ordained and installed deacons and elders and provided a delicious meal for Kirk Night kick-off on February 11. This event which featured musical performances by Brian Davis and Dianne Harvey was well attended, with more than 30 church members and guests on hand to celebrate the early arrival of Valentine s Day. Thanks to Adam s decorating genius, the CE Building was turned into a friendly and cozy club lit softly by lamps and candles. There were also the usual Adam-inspired door prizes congratulations to all you winners! Also scheduled in February was the Fat Tuesday pancake supper on February 17 and a trip

4 to Braden Auditorium in Bloomington to hear Laverne Cox s presentation on trans-gender issues. Book Nook has started again, with the group reading Howard Thurman s Jesus and the Disinherited. A lively group met February 8 for an interesting and provocative discussion. Even if you haven t read the book, you can easily join the conversation, so come on out and give the group a try. In March we will be reading World Enough and Time by Christian McEwen as part of our Lenten study. This will be a great opportunity to slow down and reflect on our lives during this important season of repentance and preparation. We hope you ll join us! Tea at 2 every Tuesday at By the Bean! PAUL AND SUE BEAVER Paul and Sue Beaver have been members of this church for 45 years. Paul, a professor emeritus from Lincoln College, has been immersed with history his entire life, and has taken church members on a walking tour of Lincoln s historical sites. In addition Paul has spoken to members about the Roman World in Christ s time, even bringing a Centurion helmet with him. He also took a religious class at the college with former Pastor John T. Burns. Paul is a graduate of Lincoln College, and received his bachelor s and master s degrees from Illinois State University. He also studied in the Doctorate of Arts program at ISU. Sue, a retired kindergarten and primary grades teacher, is the granddaughter of Dr. Hugh Lowrey Moore, minister of this church from 1920 until A third generation member of this church, Sue is the daughter of Paul and Loretta Moore, and was born and raised in Mt. Pulaski. She has four siblings, Paula, Marcia, Myra and Roger. Sue also attended Lincoln College and Illinois State University. Paul grew up on the family farm west of Lincoln, which was settled by his great grandfather in Sue was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Mt. Pulaski, while Paul was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran in Lincoln. Paul and Sue really became involved in this church after they were married in 1960 and began raising their family. Daughters Ann Witting of Munster, Ind. and Amy O Donnell of Bloomington were both confirmed and married in this church. Amy was also baptized here. Paul and Sue have four grandchildren Ethan, Hannah, Lauren and Kevin.

5 Sue has served as an Elder at First Presbyterian and has also served twice as a Deacon. In addition she has been a tutor for the after school program, assisted with Food for Thought, prepared food for funeral meals, and helped, along with Paul, at the annual church BBQ. She has established her roots in this church not only because of her religious heritage, but because she believes in this church. Sue relates, First Presbyterian reaches out to those in need in our community and has developed programs to help in times of disaster. Our church has instituted the food pantry and garden projects while maintaining traditional programs. She voices appreciation for the music and choir presentations made possible by the talents and support of members of the congregation. Sue also believes congregational concern and caring for fellow members in times of joy and sorrow are admirable. Paul appreciates the friendliness of the congregation and the structure of the Presbyterian faith which allows members to have greater participation in church decisions than members of other denominations. One recollection Paul has is of the Lincoln College baccalaureates held at our church. He said the last one was in Due to his keen interest in history, Paul also is intrigued with our church history. He wonders how former Pastor R. M. Tinnon, a southern Civil War general, was hired by our church, a northern church, and was able to lead the drive to acquire funds for a new church building. In addition to Paul s Lincoln College teaching career, he has served as curator of the Lincoln College museum, written several local historical books, and has been involved with appraisal work. Both Paul and Sue have been active in the community and have been publicly recognized for their civic contributions. DEACON NEWS Please sashay through the parlor to notice the changes on the bulletin board. This board used to have the heading Deacon News, but we want this to be a community board, used by all for the benefit of all the church. It s a great way to catch up on what s happening with our brothers and sisters and a comfortable place to strike up conversations with those you may like to know better. Annie Hieronymus has volunteered to design and update the board through June Please feel free to place on the board any items you wish to share. Annie will arrange and update them. We would love to share members news clippings, event pictures, articles of interest to the church and community The Deacons are planning a retreat for Saturday, February 28 th. Please pray that the day be a time of clarity and refreshment. Don t Forget March 8, 2015