Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
April, 2002
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
Mission Study:
Mountains, Rivers, Death, People
By Frank Anderson
The Mission Study, coming April 14 and running for six weeks, will expose
us to the unbelievable misery and the recovery that still is going on in
the region called Indochina. We speak of Vietnam, Cambodia (Kampuchea), and
Laos.
People of this region have a reason to ask, “Is the Lord among us or
not?” (Ex. 17:7c).
“Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are bound by the Mekong River, a beautiful
wide river that empties into the Gulf of Siam, creating the fertile soil
of the Mekong Delta. In this study, we come to the river—the
Mekong—and learn the history and experiences that bind these countries
to each other and to the people of the United States.”
“We live in the world as global citizens."
Participating in mission studies provides us with opportunities to renew
our commitment to understanding and improving the world we call home. Mission
study calls us to clarity, to repentance, and, most importantly, to
caring.”
We will meet either in the second floor lounge or lower level dining room.
Sessions will major in class participation running from 11:15 a.m. until
12:15 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend one or all of our study
meetings.
(Quotations taken from the Introduction to the Study Guide of New Life on
the Mekong—Vietnam, Cambodia, & Laos).
An Emmaus Walk is coming to a community near you
Karen Holoweiko
A Lansing Area Emmaus Walk for men was completed March 14-17 at Charlotte
UMC. The upcoming Emmaus Walk for women will be April 4-7 at Mason
UMC.
The goal of Emmaus is to make Christian communities possible where people
live. It's purpose is to enliven and strengthen your faith journey during
an intensive 72 hour experience (which, in all honesty, doesn't involve
walking).
The Emmaus Walk is supported by the Upper Room and lodged in the Board of
Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Many Central members are available
to answer your questions and sponsor your attendance. Contact Bob Pena, 482-7358
or Karen Holoweiko, 626-6798 for more information.
Remember! Time changes Sunday, April 7, – Set your clocks ahead one
hour.
Pastor’s Pen
For obvious reasons, I have been thinking a lot recently about change, and
transitions. Change is indeed just about the only certainty. And how we make
the transition determines whether it will be a good change or a bad
one.
Of course the big change for our family will be moving to Mt. Pleasant and
taking on a new Pastoral assignment. The big change for this congregation
will be receiving Russell McReynolds as new Pastor. Other changes on my mind
recently include the approval of the parking plan, and the construction of
the elevator a couple of years ago. In all of these changes, we must make
sacrifices and look forward with hope and anticipation to good things to
come.
In a book called “Transitions – Making Sense of Life’s
Changes,” William Bridges describes three stages of transition: 1) Endings,
where we must recognize endings as opportunities as well as losses, and even
celebrate them with rituals designed to open new doors; 2) the Neutral Zone,
where we seemingly live in an unproductive “time-out” period, feeling
disconnected from the past and emotionally unconnected to the present. The
most frightening stage of transition, the Neutral Zone is really an important
time for reorientation; and, 3) the New Beginning, where a successful transition
requires more than persevering, it means launching new priorities.
As we go through another time of transition in our lives and in the life
of this congregation, let’s be open about our joys and our concerns,
and not shy away from recognizing endings, the neutral zone, and the new
beginnings. And through it all, we know that the Holy Spirit is present and
active, bringing life and making all things
new.
John
40th Annual Christian Art Show for the whole family
Sally Swiss, participating artist
March 23 - April 7, 12:00 noon - 9:00 p.m.
Lutheran Ascension Church, 2780 Haslett Road, East Lansing
For two weeks every year, Lutheran Ascension Church graciously invites the
public to view Christian artwork submitted by artists from all over Michigan:
painters, sculptors, potters, weavers – every media. Depending on what
the juror selects, you can expect to see some representational work, some
abstract and imaginative work – often challenging and always interesting
pieces.
The church itself is beautiful (check out the chapel and sanctuary). This
is a pleasant place to take the family.
Education Notes
Pamala Phillips, Director of Education and Youth
Ichthus -April 24-28
Ichthus, a mega-concert in Wilmore, KY, is a CUMC tradition. Music and speakers
nearly round the clock.
I can’t wait to go this year. Never thought I’d hear myself saying
that. Four days and three nights: camping (and I do mean camping); no
electricity, traveling by foot to bring water to the campsite, 65-70 degrees
during the day and low 40’s at night, in a tent, no heat. Over a hundred
acres of field and 20,000 teens and youth workers. Seeing our youth, being
with our youth (24 hrs a day for four days using port-a-potty’s along
with 20,000 other people).
No, seriously, being with our kids, watching and experiencing them in this
setting is the most significant thing we do to build community and spiritual
development with our youth.
This will be a significant expense for our church families, especially if
they have more that one teen. If you feel led to help offset some of the
expenses for our youth group families, please call me at the church office,
485-9477, or contact Bob Pena or Dennis Kelley.
Ichthus 2002 is on the internet at Ichthus.org, and the 2002 festival is
available online. Have a peek!!!
It’s time to start thinking about church camp too!!!
Please see the display and brochure in fellowship hall. Our kids are already
talking about it. And we are so very blessed in the West Michigan Conference
with beautiful facilities and people.
Some of you have mentioned in the past that you would like to contribute
to the expense of church camp. Typically, we have given “camperships”
to every camper from CUMC to the tune of $100 a piece. That leaves a balance
of a little over $100 for parents to pay per camper. Due to financial
constraints/budget cuts we have had to eliminate part of the funding for
campers, as well as for VBS. If either of these programs appeal to your heart,
please see me or call me so we can discuss the
possibilities.
Elementary church school classes are preparing something very special for
May 5.
Please mark your calendar now so that you will make certain to be here for
these children. They are working very hard and taking great pride in their
project.
Centralniters play
Centralniters will be attending the Lansing Civic Players production of
"Company", a Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim, on Saturday, April 13
at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $9.00. Reservations and money are due by April 8
to Peg and Bob Stebbins at 372-5690.
Opera here at Central!
Lansing Lyric Opera will present Mozart's Opera Don Giovanni
(in English) on Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. in Central's
auditorium.
The dress rehearsal, Friday, April 5, at 7:00 p.m., is open to church members,
or anybody related to the church, free of charge/free will donation. For
information call 332-6636.
GLADE Covenant Assembly will identify issues
Kayla Tipton, Co-Chair Church and Society
GLADE Covenant Assembly will meet Monday, April 8 at Westminster Presbyterian
Church, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
GLADE can do a lot to help people. You can have a hand in meeting some of
their most basic needs. If we establish the foundation to do good things,
we will be able to help many people. All are invited to attend the Covenant
Assembly on April 8, especially persons wanting to build power for the "ministry
of Justice".
Each GLADE congregation team will present reports by prioritizing their top
three problems (identified from one-on-one visits with congregation members
and other persons living within the Lansing community). Three top issues
will then be selected from all problems presented. Persons willing to work
on these issues will be determined at the Covenant Assembly. The process
will then involve research and public action (political or economic
sources).
Central's GLADE team members can provide further information: Pastor John
Boley, JoAnne Harvey, Joyce and Frank Joranko,Bob Stebbins and Kayla
Tipton.
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director
Sunday, April 14
Our fantastic children and youth have exciting plans for this semester. Their
talent, spirit, and dedication will show through as the Youth Musical Group
prepares What a Day for a Daydream, arranged by Dan Goeller, for the morning
worship service.
"Daydream" is a 70's-style comedy which examines the many choices of life,
as well as making a personal choice of faith in God. Bring your whole family
and as many friends as possible to this delightful worship
experience.
Sunday, April 28
Our Chancel Choir will present John Rutter's Te Deum during worship. You'll
find this sparkling work to be uplifting and memorable.
Please join us then - and bring twenty of your closest friends along with
the family. We'll eagerly anticipate putting our best foot forward on that
special occasion.
The Spirit Singers will present Benjamin Harlan's Risen This Day. Pastor
John Boley will introduce the meaningful cantata through a brief perspective
on the events of Easter week, beginning with Palm
Sunday.
Intergenerational participants will then demonstrate through brief vignettes
the music that depicts events of that week. Our celebration of Sacrament
of Holy Communion will take on a special look.
If you'd like to be part of this special venture, please leave your name
and telephone number on extension 35 at the church.
Sunday May 12
On Mothers' Day, the Children's Choir and Wesley Choristers will present
a wonderfully varied tribute to mothers. A medley of rich, diverse, appropriate
music will touch the heart of everyone who's in worship that day. This is
a day you'll certainly want to attend our Sunday morning service, with an
eye to supporting and encouraging these young people and their marvelous
enthusiasm. We can all learn from observing their joyful music-making and
hearing the sincerity in their messages.
Sunday, May 19
You may remember Pentecost for all it represents. If you're a child, you
may think of it as the day we all wear red. In order to bring together the
meaning of Pentecost and its symbols, the two younger choral groups will
bring a special creative movement endeavor to the sanctuary for Pentecost.
May its representation deeply enrich the day for you and the other
worshippers.
Featuring our section leaders...
Section leaders enhance Chancel Choir quality by bringing to our "forum"
the skills they've acquired through vocal training in a university setting.
Their abilities and knowledge serve to model for other singers what is the
optimal and healthy use of tone, as well as demonstrating the many facets
of musical refinement. They model for us "how it should sound".
Meghan Ann McKown, a native of Allegan, Michigan, is an MSU junior whose
focus is jazz studies. A nine-year student of classical voice, Meghan also
boasts ten years each of piano and choir study. She has participated for
three years in Wicked Kiwi, a women's acapella group. As a member of Octet
I, an eight-member jazz combo, Ms. McKown travels around Michigan and recruits
for Michigan State University's jazz program. She aspires to be a professional
jazz singer.
Bryce Berry has loved music and singing since he was a small child. He has
studied piano since age nine and the cello since age 10. Throughout middle
and high school, he performed in a variety of plays and musicals. A sophomore
at MSU, Bryce is a vocal performance major who is presently in "Orpheus in
the Underworld," as "Mercury".
Portia Cole, nee Lorianne Cole, is a former music major who is in her third
year at MSU and is now majoring in economics. A member of the State Singers
and the University Chorale, she uses the Sundays when she's free from Central's
responsibilities to provide special music at her home church, University
Baptist.
Portia is active in Sigma Alpha Iota, an international group that promotes
women in the field. A native of Haslett, she sang as soon as she began to
speak. As a teenager, she juggled concert band, marching band, every available
choral opportunity, plays, and musicals.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
Now the glorious time of spring...where it is time to open up and widen our
vistas of thought and action."
-- Robert Redford
April – the month of growth and renewal, is here. The flowers will be
out in all their glory before we know it. Birds are singing everywhere. The
seasons keep on changing, whether we’re ready for it or not.
Not that I’ll miss shoveling snow. And I can’t say I’m not
looking forward to putting new plants in the ground and watching new gardens
take shape. Its just that time seems to go by so fast. If you’ll excuse
the expression, I don’t have time for time to fly by!
There are so many experiences out there – and so little time. Guess
the moral to this tale is what we spend our time on is what’s important.
And what’s important will be different for everyone. Think God planned
it that way so someone is working on something everywhere all the time? We
don’t know what’s on the top of God’s “to do”
list.
We might not agree with what’s on the top of the list this week. But
someone else may be working on that item with a passion somewhere else. Or,
maybe we get asked to do one more thing – we all know how that goes
– and we don’t see how we can fit it in – but something tells
us to do it anyway. And in doing this task, helping with that dinner, serving
on that committee or joining the new study, we find a new resolve to do the
work of God in the world around us.
Spring – a time of renewal and opening up to the possibilities. May
yours be blessed with the presence of God.
Check the UMW Board...
Cookie Dough forms have not arrived yet (it’s mid-March as I write this).
Please watch for bulletin announcements and order forms on the UMW BOARD.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. Think of this as
“bonus time” to clear out space in your freezer for a tub or
two!
Legislative Day sign up sheets are on the UMW Board so, please, PLEASE, please
consider helping on April 10, (or with preparation on April 9). Many hands
make light work – which we will all be appreciative of.
Fliers for Spring Renewal are also available on the UMW BOARD. It’s
at Wesley Woods Camp on April 19 and 20. The theme this year is “Yours,
Mine, Ours: Spirited Sisters of the Bible”, featuring celebrated
storytellers Barbara McBride-Smith and Corinne Stavish.
Lansing District “Heartline” Newsletter is available on the UMW
BOARD. Check out what’s going on in the District.
Want to know more? Want to get involved in new and wondrous ways? Check the
UMW BOARD in Fellowship Hall! There’s even a place for suggestions.
. .please make use of it!
Fund Raising Calendars proceeds are due! Count up your contribution and give
your check to either your Circle treasurer or any of the Mission Team Members.
You can also mail it to either Mary Bowers or Pat Mort. Thanks!
UMW Pledges are “due” at any time of the year. Some members like
to break them up and pay spring and fall. Some members pay at the beginning
of the year while others pay at the end of the year and some pay monthly.
Expenses go on throughout the year and we greatly appreciate pledge payments
at any time. We like to close our books in the beginning of November so we
can get monies to the District treasurer so she, in turn, can close out her
books by the end of the year.
UMW members to travel to Philadelphia
Lois Jenkins, Linda Towsley, Denise Kelley, Anne and Pat Mort are attending
the 16th UMW Assembly, “Sing a New Song”, April 25 – 28, 2002,
in Philadelphia, PA.
This gathering of between 10,000 and 12,000 United Methodist Women from around
the world is an awesome experience to meet, greet and grow. We look forward
to telling you all about it when we return. Lois, Linda, Anne and Pat have
gone to Assemblies in the past – this is the first time for Denise Kelley.
This also makes a three-generation experience for the Jenkins/Towsley/Kelley
family!
"You have not lived a perfect day, even though you earned your money, unless
you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
-- Ruth Smeltzer
Estela Hudy-Velasco would love to hear from her friends here at Central.
If you haven’t had a chance to drop a note off to her, or Peter, Benjamin
or Jonatan, what a nice surprise it would be for them all to get a whole
packet of mail from Centralites!
Address the Hudys:
Peter and Estela Hudy
Colegio Rio Colorado
Casilla 8347
La Paz, Bolivia
South America
(For security reasons, please do not send money or
packages.)
"Second Harvest":
2002 Central United Methodist Church Ministry Funding
Plan
Bob Wangen, Chair, Finance Committee
We began 2001 with a projected deficit of approximately $50,000. Over the
course of the year we were able to balance the budget and end the year with
a surplus of approximately $20,000. This was due to a combination of
circumstances: There were some major reductions in staff salaries such as
hiring an Administrative Assistant instead of a Church Administrator, a reduction
in custodial staff, and periods when we had staff vacancies.
Chairs of committees and commissions assisted as well. Virtually no new music
was purchased from budgeted funds, curriculum purchases were reduced and
several major purchases were delayed or cancelled completely.
For 2002, the Administrative Council approved a Ministry Funding Plan (no
more budgets) that will use a portion of the surplus, and is close to a balanced
plan of income and expense. Having a balanced plan is not without cost as
2002 has brought it’s own set of challenges. Health insurance has
drastically increased, the poor performance of the stock market has reduced
money received from endowment funds and cost savings from staff turnover
is unlikely
The 2002 Ministry Funding Plan includes:
A reduction in the Bell Choir Program to 23 weeks.
A reduction in the youth music program to 34 weeks.
A reduction in funding for Children’s Ministries, UMYF supplies and
Adult and Family Ministries.
Payment of only 62% of our Apportionments.
To meet our financial obligations and to fully fund our ministry, we are
asking the congregation to contribute a “Second Harvest” of any
loose change or spare dollars from their billfold and using the “Pew
Offering” envelopes to make a “budget boosting” offering a
couple of Sundays each
month.
Elderberrys
Francis Anderson
Elderberrys anticipates a most interesting meeting on Tuesday, April 9th,
at 10:30 a.m. All "not so young" adults are invited to come and join us in
the Dining Room. A low cost luncheon will follow.
Former Associate Pastor of Central, Rev. Peg Ainslie, will present the story
of Protective Services for Children--of Ingham County Family Independence
Agency. Please sign-up in advance on the sheet in Fellowship Hall so that
we can have the proper number of Meals on Wheels delivered for us. Thanks
for your cooperation.
Periodicals to Peruse!
Win Anderson, Library Task Force
These periodicals are on the magazine display shelves:
Biblical Archaeology Review
Children’s Ministry
Christian Social Action – General Board Church &
Society
Devo’zine – youth magazine
Forecast 2002 – Cokesbury catalog
Habitat World
Interpreter – UMC magazine
Methodist History Pamphlets
Michigan Christian Advocate
National Geographic
New World Outlook – UMW magazine
Partners in Mission – catalog 2002
Response – UMW magazine
The Christian Century
World Ark – Heifer Project
Our library has several fiction and non-fiction books from the Best
Seller’s list, thanks to gifts and memorials. This helps to keep our
book collection current. If you would like to donate or purchase a book for
the library, please ask to see our "Wish To Have" list at the library desk
any Sunday morning.
The Library Task Force is continuing to inventory the library collections
of adult and children’s books and videotapes. Please help us in this
process by returning materials that you have finished using or
viewing.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Welcome new members
Beth Murley, Mary Boudrow, Evangelism Commission
Allen Ingram describes himself as an “army brat”. Since his dad
was a member of the Air Force, Allen did lots of traveling as a youth. He
graduated from high school in Germany.
Presently, Allen works as a framer in the building trades and is working
to get a license in trim work. If he has any spare time, he enjoys participating
in martial arts and winter sports. Allen and Alicia Cousineau plan a December
28 wedding. Alicia joined Central in December of 2000
Brad Peterson is from East Lansing. He is a graduate of Michigan State
University, and is now employed as a landscape architect. He and his wife,
Kimber (Wilson), were married at Central on New Year’s Eve. Kimber has
been a member here for several years. In his spare time, Brad enjoys sports.
He appreciates the warmth and friendliness of the
congregation.
Robbe (Roberta) Pohl joined Central as an affiliate member. Her primary
membership is with University Methodist Church. She and her husband, Keith,
have two daughters; one in Marquette and one here in Lansing, and a son who
lives in London, England. Having family some distance away gives her an excuse
to travel, which she enjoys.
Robbe taught school in Adrian and also worked in a physician’s office.
Now, she says she is a “hands-on volunteer”. She may be found in
our kitchen Thursday mornings helping to prepare the fellowship lunch. Then,
she’s off to Eastern High School to tutor refugee students. Potter Park
also benefits from her willing “hands-on
spirit”.
Angela Smeltzer grew up in Maple Rapids, and has attended college at Ferris
State and Western Michigan Universities. She will receive her degree in June
from Western, with a major in Applied Liberal Studies and minors in Communication
and Psychology. Her hobby is reading, and she particularly enjoys romance
and mystery.
Keith Easterday is an Assistant Manager for Standard Federal Bank in Charlotte.
Keith grew up in Frontier, MI and attended a tiny Methodist church there.
He also went to Western Michigan University where he received a degree in
Management, with minors in International Business and German. He spent a
semester studying abroad in Austria. Keith’s hobby is
basketball.
Keith and Angela have a son, Stephan, who is a happy, active one year old.
They enjoy our church community and look forward to continuing their involvement
here.
There will be a New Member Class beginning Sunday, April 7. The class will
meet in the Shalom Center in the back of Fellowship Hall at 11:15 a.m. during
the Church School hour. If you are interested in attending, please see Rev.
John Boley.
Lansing District Volunteers in Mission to build log cabin at Wesley
Woods
Carolyn Schuurmans, Co-Chair, Mission Commission
VIM (Volunteers in Mission) has taken on the project of building a log cabin
at Wesley Woods in late April and early May. People are needed to sort and
carry logs, drill, stain, caulk, roof, put in windows and doors and do electrical
work. Call Bill Bauer, 393 5299 or Nancy Ham 655-2754 for information and
to volunteer.
There is a Festival of Opportunities for VIM on April 6 at Midland First
UMC. For information call Duane Townley (989-835-6797) or talk to Bob
Pena.
Zimbabwe missionaries here Friday, April 12
Please bring a dish to pass and table service for potluck at 6:15 p.m. in
the Dining Room. Our guest speakers will be Marvin and Sylvia Reimer. Marvin
is a pediatrician and Sylvia is an obstetrician-gynecologist. After raising
two children, they decided to sign up to be missionaries. They studied the
Shona language at MSU before leaving for Zimbabwe in 1999. They will show
slides and tell about their work in a regional hospital in Zimbabwe. Everyone
is welcome!
Church Women United at Fenner
Monday, April 8, at 1:00 p.m. is a special meeting on environmental issues
with Ada Kidd speaking on Responsibility for the Earth. The meeting is at
Fenner Arboretum so you will want to dress casually and take a spring walk
in the woods after fellowship time.
Friday, May 3, is May Friendship Day with a board meeting at 9 a.m. The Bible
Study begins at 10:30, with potluck salad lunch at noon and the program at
1 p.m. The theme is Sharing our Stories, Healing our Hearts, Celebrating
God's Love.
Please plan to give to the offering this day because this is the only one
we keep in the local unit to support our local projects such as mobile
meals.
Help Wanted!
C. Jon Homes is looking for someone with good computer skills to work in
his office two mornings a week. If you are interested, please call him at
347-4335.
Among Friends
Thank You…
When I preached on February 3 I had no idea my "health issues" would begin
the next day and be as severe as they were. I also had no idea of the strength
of the love that could flow from my church family at Central. While I have
very few memories of those first 5 or 6 days in the hospital I remember the
comfort as cards and calls came in, but more than anything else I truly felt
myself lifted up and carried along by all of your prayers. It added new meaning
to King David's words "I will fear no evil; for You are with
me."
Special thanks to Pamala Philips who supported my family while I did "the
easy part", and to Pastor's John and Frank for their many visits. Thanks
again for all of your cards, calls and prayers. With God's help these were
the things that got me through.
Dale Kirkby
Thank you church family for all your prayers and support during my recent
bypass surgery.
Dorothy Forgrave
Remember…
At publication time:
Margaret Holmes – at Sparrow Hospital
Ruth Norton – recovering at her
daughter's
Transitions…
A graveside service was held March 21 for Charlotte Lamphere who passed away
March 16.
Note: Building security system active.
David Schuurmans, Board of Trustees
The electronic security system in the church building is now in operation.
It will be turned on when the building is closed. If you wish to enter the
building at special times, other than during the day, contact the church
office (485-9477) ahead of time.
Earl Nelson Singers Habitat concert a success
Mary Boudreau
A miracle is alive and well in our midst! Slowly, things are pulling together
for the Downtown Ecumenical Build. The benefit concert at Central by the
Earl Nelson singers was a tremendous success (despite horrible weather),
and over $1300 was raised that day! In addition, church members have pledged
over $3000 toward the project, as well as some very helpful building supplies.
The eight churches that are participating in the build need to raise about
$70,000, so we are well on our way to doing our share.
There are a number of things you can do to enhance the success of this
program:
· Continue to pray for a successful, safe build.
· If you have pledged money, please put checks in the collection plate
marked “Habitat”. If you haven’t pledged yet, feel free to
join us in doing this great project. We need to collect all of the funds
to begin the build by August.
· You may want to attend a volunteer orientation (attending is required
before you start to build). Call the Habitat office for more information
at 374-1313.
· Contact your employer about matching your gift. Many businesses make
this an important part of their contribution plan, but need to be asked.
· If you have any contacts in the community, encourage their
involvement.
Pray again (it’s one of those few things we can’t get enough
of.)
If you missed the Earl Nelson Singers at Central, the Singers will perform
at First Presbyterian Church on Monday, April 22, at 7:30
p.m.
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