Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is about to begin its 35th year in Springfield, says Denny Baker, one of the TEC board members. As a kickoff of this celebration, the TEC community will host a Christmas party at Little Flower Parish in Springfield on Saturday, Dec. 20.

This celebration has been a long time coming, Baker said. "With the help of the Franciscan sisters and the leaders of the Quincy TEC, Springfield TEC No. 1 was held in April 1974 at the old TB sanitarium, which was later renamed the Franciscan Apostolic Center. The directors were Don Sederwall (who later became a diocesan priest) and Father Clarence Chambers of Quincy Great River TEC. Several priests and lay adults from Springfield attended TEC No. 1 as team and observers.

"Springfield TEC No. 1 was also known as Great River TEC No. 19 because, at the time, Quincy was not ready to let us go, and we were not sure we could make it on our own," Baker said. "God definitely saw the need and provided the people and support to make TEC a success in Springfield. ... Now 218 TEC weekends later, Springfield TEC embarks on its 35th year."

Over the years, follow-up and branch-out programs have started from Springfield TEC, Baker said. "In 1976, some of the adults in the TEC community formed Koinonia, which is the same program as TEC, with a few adjustments to make it more geared for those over 21. ... Koinonia has spread at a rapid rate across the United States and interest is growing outside the country."

The TEC party will be a special celebration of all that has happened over three and a half decades, Baker said. All are invited to attend the Saturday afternoon Mass for the fourth Sunday of Advent at 4:30 p.m. at Little Flower Church and the TEC party will begin at 6 p.m. in the parish center.

All TECites, Koinonians and their families are invited, Baker said. Interested individuals should RSVP to (217) 546-4234 or . TEC will provide the meat, bread and table service for the party. Check the Web site (www.tecofspringfield.homestead.com ) for information on what food or drink to bring to share. A free will offering will be taken.

TEC weekends in 2009 are scheduled for Jan. 17-19, March 21-23, Aug. 1-3, and Oct. 10-12. More information and applications can be obtained from the above phone number and e-mail or from the TEC Web site, Baker said.