Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         April, 2003

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Holy Week April 13-20

April 13 Palm Sunday Worship

At 9:30 a.m. we join together for a children’s procession with palms and wonderful music to lead into Holy Week.


April 14 - 17

Mid-day Holy Week Services
12 noon in Mary Sabina Chapel - Pastors’ Alliance

Monday - Rev. Leon Hebrink, First Baptist Church

Tuesday - Rev. Peter Robertson, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ

Wednesday 16 - Rev. Casey Wells, Westminister Presbyterian Church

Thursday - Rev. Anthony Patrick, First Presbyterian Church


April 17

Maundy Thursday Seder Worship and Service of Holy Communion, 7 p.m., Fellowship Hall.

In this service of worship around tables, we will travel with the people of faith through the Exodus out of Egypt and on to another meal of liberation, the Lord’s Supper. Through a sampling of the Seder foods and a sharing of Old and New Testament lessons and special music, we will worship and learn together.

Please eat dinner before you come to the church as this is only a sampling of the foods in the worship. Please call the church office with a reservation.


April 18

Good Friday: The Seven Last Words Of Christ
12 noon at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 125 S. Penn.

First Word - Rev. Russell McReynolds, Central UMC

Second Word - Rev. Gordon Weller, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Third Word - Rev. Stephanie Spangler, North Presbyterian Church

Fourth Word - Rev. Michael Murphy, St. Stephens Community Church

Fifth Word - Rev. Melvin Jones,Union Missionary Baptist Church

Sixth Word - Rev. Mariam Bunge, ELCA Synod Church

Seventh Word - Rev. Robert Nicholson, Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church


April 20

Easter Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Don’t be afraid of Easter is Rev. Russell McReynold’s message. On this tremendous, Holy Day of Resurrection, we will celebrate new life through great anthems, Easter hymns, and the Word proclaimed!
more good news…
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds

EASTER IS COMING


How can I get ready for Easter, with all the demands and expectations of serving as pastor of such a busy church? Even with a talented staff and volunteers, it seems impossible. I hardly have time to fully know what is going on and who’s in charge. I feel sluggish and sometimes run down. I was even beginning to feel sorry for myself, until I started writing this article. People have said and I agree, “Writing can be therapeutic”. Looking back and reflecting can be helpful, too.

The demands of doing Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent, is a good starting place. Some of the 15 pastors from the participating churches met three or four times to plan the service, which was held at University UMC, East Lansing. Incidentally, I love doing things with other churches. Everything went well. It was a good idea for us as clergy families to meet for a fellowship dinner at 5:30pm. It was a time of connecting and enhancing relationships. At the service itself, Bishop Linda Lee, the preacher, was inspirational and the combined choir outstanding. There was great attendance, in spite of a severe snowfall earlier. Central was well represented in both the choir and congregation. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ash Wednesday Service and now, in retrospect, feel like it was a good way to get ready for Easter.

Immediately following the Ash Wednesday Service, I started feeling the pressure of getting ready to receive the Rev. Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches of Christ Uniting, on Saturday, March 8. He was the Prayer Breakfast speaker and the Sunday 9:30am preacher. Both opportunities were gifts. After preaching at Union Missionary Baptist Church, he was the speaker at the Music Festival held at the First Presbyterian Church. Central members again were present throughout the singing and worshipping congregation. With Bob Edgar’s presence and participation and the response of Central members, you felt moments of renewal and resurrection.

I was walking toward my car after leaving First Presbyterian Church at 5:30 p.m. and knew I was due at Dewitt Retreat Center at 6 p.m. to be there the whole week with the Board of Ministry. We would be examining 24 candidates for the Ordained Ministry. After settling in, I was glad to be a part of this sacred activity. It was sacrificial work. There was pain and suffering, but you felt Easter was coming.

Our Church and Society Committee, with the Wednesday Luncheon Lenten Series, is another way to prepare for the Easter experience. I am only hearing good news and gratitude for the speakers selected and the food served, all accomplished in one hour.

So I might show signs of exhaustion but Resurrection Day continues to feed my spirit. I am so glad to be a child of God and, with that realization, embrace the pressure of doing the work of a pastor.

Happy Easter, Pastor Russell
EDUCATION
Bob Roth, Minister of Christian Formation

War time is a time for Christian learning


Watching the nightly news during the first war in U.S. history where our country launched a preemptive major attack, Christian people are being offered a tremendous opportunity to clarify our worldview, refine our Christian ethics, and deepen our Biblical understanding of peace. Like John Wesley in the midst of the Revolutionary War (who made clear that the war was completely immoral to both sides), we have this great chance to sharpen our perspectives, speak out, and help move the world to new possibilities.

Historians and former diplomats marvel at how virtually the whole world has been debating, discussing, and praying about this new preemptive war even before it started!—a consciousness-raising dialogue about war and peace like none before in history?

And then there is that glorious collection of great books called the Bible. The Bible is always dealing with conflict, relationships, retribution, and issues of forgiveness, violence, and the sacredness of life, to name but a few directly tied to both the scriptures and the week’s events. Has there ever been a more important time for each of us to hold the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other?


Youth News

Within a few days of receiving this newsletter in your households, youth will receive the spring edition of the youth newsletter. Please read it carefully for all details of upcoming activities in the church (and beyond) for all 6th through 12th graders.

The Youth Confirmation Class has begun and, now that we know who is in the class, we can ask you to pray specifically for these young people over the next three months:

Abbey Cooper

Antonio Grettenberger

Paul Grettenberger

Sam Holoweiko

Simon Holoweiko

John McLellan


ICHTHUS CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL IN WILMORE, KENTUCKY is coming up APRIL 24–27
MUSIC NOTES
Caryn Welter, Music Director


Holy Week brings special opportunities


Passion Sunday, April 13, affords our children a chance to join with the Chancel Choir in the procession of palms. The Wesley Choristers will also sing on that day.

Holy Thursday, April 17, brings a new presentation of worship to be held in Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. Choir members will participate as well.

Easter Sunday, April 20, will be enhanced by the inclusion of a brass ensemble. Two members of our church family, Meg and Liz Ebersole, will be part of that group. As has been our recent history, congregational members will be invited to sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” at the end of the service.

Thanks, folks, for your attendance at our recent Festival of the Liturgical Year held at First Presbyterian Church on March 9. Thanks, as well, to Chancel Choir members who gave generously of their time and talent in order to participate with the massed choir. The outcome was moving.

Celebration of the Christian Family on May 11 finds all the choral groups combining to sing Luttrell/Schram’s God’s Family of Love. What a fine sound this will make.

A Celebration of Music is scheduled for Sunday, May 18. The musical groups plan to participate in various aspects of morning worship, with each group lifting up a different aspect of the service. Enjoy!

A Chancel Choir Cantata will enhance Confirmation Sunday on June 1. The Hailstork work is a sparkling piece, accompanied by piano and tympani, and is on loan from our good friends at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.


Music Activities for Children and Youth

April 6 - No activities

April 13 - Palm Sunday - no activities

April 20 - Easter - no music activities or classes

April 27 - Children sing during worship; Orchestra rehearsal 8:45 a.m. - Fellowship Hall

May 4 - Orchestra rehearsal at 8:45 a.m. - Fellowship Hall

May 11 - Youth and Children sing during worship; Orchestra Rehearsal - 8:45 a.m.

May 18 - Youth and Children rehearse with Chancel Choir at 9:00 a.m. in sanctuary, then sing during worship; last day for music classes; Youth Orchestra rehearses at 8:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, plays during worship.
SPONSOR A RADIO BROADCAST

in honor of a loved one and support this ministry outreach. Please contact Pat Basgall at the church office, 485-9477.

If you would like an audio or video tape of a broadcast, please contact Pat prior to the date requested if possible. There is no charge for tapes but donations are accepted.
55+ Singles, Widowed, Divorced to meet the fourth Friday
Dottie Stark


Our interdenominational group had their third gathering March 28 in Fellowship Hall. We will meet the fourth Friday of each month at 7 p.m., for fellowship, games, cards, and snacks. Mark your calendar, join us, bring a friend.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President


Cookie Dough is coming
Cookie Dough is coming

Cookie Dough will be delivered the week of April 13! If you missed placing an order, there will be extra tubs for you to purchase during Fellowship Hour for several weeks - $7 a tub.

This is GREAT dough—made the day it's delivered so we know it's fresh. Many of us do the dough up in “balls” and freeze it that way—then take out however many we want to bake when company drops by or we want a warm, yummy treat. They also make great pan cookies—just pat the dough into a 9 X 13 inch pan and bake. AND the dough is great to have on hand for those weeks you sign up to bring cookies for Fellowship Time!

Remember - the cookie dough is coming! The cookie dough is coming


UPCOMING EVENTS

April 12, 11:30 a.m., Central's Lenten Lunch, in Fellowship Hall. You won't want to miss it!


May 2 and 3 - Lansing District Spring Spiritual Retreat at the Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center, Dowling, MI. This event is for women of all ages. The theme this year is Praying with Our Eyes Open, led by Rev. Dr. Cathie Kelsey of the Center for Theology, Ministry and the Arts, Colorado. The cost for three meals, lodging and workshop materials is $45.

The flier states: “Revitalizing our Prayer Life. Join the Rev. Dr. Cathie Kelsey in exploring different Christian prayer practices that use our visual imagination. The Spirit uses many different facets of our inner life to help us receive the variety of features of divine love and grace.

“In safe community with other United Methodist Women and friends, you will have a chance to learn some new practices of prayer that might work especially well in your own relationship with God.”

Registration forms will be coming in the March District Newsletter and will be posted on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
Literacy in Lansing
Carolyn Schuurmans


Church Woman United will meet Monday, April 14, at 1 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church.

The program is about Literacy in Lansing and the speaker is Margaret Livensparger. Everyone is welcome!
GO - SEE - DO
Carolyn Schuurmans


Mission Trip - October 13–18

Church World Service, UMCOR and Heifer International are part of a trip hosted by the UMC West Michigan Conference Hunger Committee. Stops include a Church World Service facility in Elkhart, IN, Midwest Heifer International Regional Center in Goshen, IN, the Heifer Ranch in Perrysville, AR and a tour and workday at the UMCOR Midwest Mission Distribution Center.

The cost of $475 includes tour coach, five nights lodging, and all meals and activities. Please call Carolyn Schuurmans (321-0569) if you are interested. in this project.
Sign-in
Bob Wangen


Part of the Ritual of Friendship Sunday mornings is signing the registration pads in the pews. The Evangelism Committee uses this information to determine who may not be attending and then can follow-up with those who are absent, so please Sign-in.
WHY PRAYERS ARE FOR OTHERS
Frank Anderson

There is a Sunday Morning Bulletin feature entitled, “Please pray intentionally this week for (those) who are not with us in the sanctuary.” This item appears every Sunday, usually. We often wonder, why are these names listed? Surely these people must be sick or disabled or in a hospital. Indeed, what do these names of people have in common?

We keep lists of members and friends for whom we feel responsible, or who ask to be included. Prayer is an effective tool for keeping everyone and ourselves in touch with God our Savior. It also enhances healing and growth in knowing God personally. Who does not need prayer? Maybe Satan—but then even he needs a bit of grace.

Surely we have come to accept the Christian concept of intercessory Prayer for others. Why, we ask, pray for folks unless they are in dire need? Well, we believe that when one member suffers, all suffer together; and when one rejoices, all rejoice together. We are a faith-community, known as the Body of the living Christ. We pray for one another because we care for one another. And not just members, but anyone, and especially friends, family, and individuals of our congregation.

Central UMC has two long lists of home-bound and of retired persons living in retirement communities. Some of these folks cannot make it to Sunday Worship very easily, or at all, and will listen to us on their radios (WJIM-AM, 1240, at 9:30 a.m.). That's one reason why we have a radio broadcast ministry weekly. Central has many Friends!

Join with us in prayer weekly with this list, but also for peace, for justice, for health, the hungry, missions; on and on the list grows. You may put a concern of yours on the list simply by phoning the office early in the week (485-9477). Or, we allow “write-ins” every Sunday morning before worship begins, on the stand where you enter the sanctuary. “Not my brother, not my sister but its me, Oh Lord, Standing in the need of prayer...” (Afro-American Spiritual). Anyone for prayer?
Lenten Series
Sponsored by The Commission on Church and Society


Open to the public during the lunch hour Wednesdays.

You may reserve a box lunch at the church (485-9477) for about $5.00, or brown bag it.

April 2-Hugh Barrington Clarke, Jr., Attorney
Judging Others - Can we Pass Our Own Test

April 9-Ron Uken, Ingham Human Services Advisory Council
The Well being of the Capital Area Community - The Power of WE
Letter from the Hudys:
April: Our second quarterly offering
Nancy O’Shea


We’ve just heard from Peter saying he and Estela have received a letter from the General Board of Global Missions regarding our covenant of support for their work in Bolivia. Peter says, “The prayers and support that you offer mean a lot to us, knowing there are people back home in Michigan, cheering us on in this mission that we are conducting. Without that support, we would feel much more alone in this task that the Lord has called us to do.

“The package of school materials sent November 15 arrived February 1. The kids were like boys in a toy store! It is a sight to see how their eyes get big and they look at everything, turning it this way and that! Benjamin and Jonatan each claimed one of the little boxes of pencils so that they could have pretty pencils for school, the rest will be fully used and shared with the rest of the kids at their school.

“I am going to make a pitch here for one of my favorite programs in the UMC-Volunteers in Mission (VIM). Bob Pena came down last year with this group. I know Central is involved in other programs, but I strongly urge the people who are able, to come down here to Rio Colorado and work on a short-term mission project.”

Address for the Hudys: (no zip code)

Peter and Estela Hudy, Colegio Rio Colorado, Casilla 8347, La Paz, Bolivia, South America
The Shalom Center for Justice and Peace
Bob Roth, Director


A new Igniting Ministries national television ad affirms that “Along with the world, the people of the United Methodist Church are praying for understanding, for healing and for peace.” Indeed, we are.

Let me suggest one group that all churches throughout the conference need to pray for: soldiers and their families. In our church family here at Central, please hold these five children of God in your hearts as you pray:

Jeff Roth, Michigan National Guard - whose unit has been activated to remain in Michigan to offer military security here.

Chuck Sargent, Jr., U.S. Army Artillery - who is somewhere in the Middle East David Wangen, U.S. Air Force, at Wright - Patterson base in Dayton, Ohio - who might be deployed.

Sandra Wangen, U.S. Army Medical Support - who is in Kuwait.

Scott Wangen, Army Central Command for the Persian Gulf, at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida - who might be deployed.


Allow me to lift up one more group for prayer, remembering that justice and peace work always has a spiritual core: the children of Iraq. There is something terribly obscene about whiz-bang computer graphics-laden television coverage that makes war look more like a video game than the terror to human beings that it really is.

Whatever our perspectives on the meaning and necessity of war, we are called to pray for these precious human beings: soldiers, and children. I do not have specific names for this second group, but we can still picture them in our minds, and hold them in our hearts.

Do you have a painting and finishing talent awaiting use?
Mary Jessup, Chair, Memorial Committee


If you have a talent for painting and finishing, the Memorial Committee could use your expertise in April to stain and varnish, inside and out, four under counter cabinets for the reception desk-work area in the church office. This office improvement is in memory of Bernice Cairns and Alma Taylor. Please call Laveda Poyet to volunteer, 337-7148. Thank you.
Elderberrys travel to the Middle East
Frank Anderson


Our ministries for Older Adults in April include the Monthly morning meeting on Tuesday, April 8th, 2003 in our Church's Dining Room with Luncheon for only a $2.00 donation. The program will be presented by Mrs. Leah Hinman of Lansing. Her topic is to be, “In Search of God In a Land called Holy”. Her program comes to us with the recommendation of our UMW and the CWU as well. Please reserve the date and plan to be with us on that date. Sign-up on the table in Fellowship Hall Sunday mornings.
Among Friends


Remember…

At press time:

Bob Jenkins - surgery in April

Carolyn Kirkby - at home

William Gamble, father of Anita Gamble - Tender Care West

Mary Yard - at home

Pam Chamberlain - youth, at home

Don McLaughlin - Grand Haven Manor

Margatret Woolcocks - at Sparrow

Rev. Lynn Grimes, Holt UMC pastor - at home


Transitions...

Morris Graham - A time of remembrance was held on March 8 at Central. Morris is survived by his wife, Ruth, now at Burcham Hills, and his five children and their families.

Marie Manson - A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m. at Central. Her children, Joyce and Fred, welcome you to a tea following the service.

Mary Janice Younger, mother of Jan Keen - died March 16.

Bill Nemetz, father of Angela Easterday - died March 17, from an auto accident.


Congratulations…

Doug Lounsbury performed with his auto harp at MSU Music Auditorium on Friday, March 21.
Book Review by J. E. Pinch

Murder at Ford’s Theatre by Margaret Truman


The murder in this book does not refer to Lincoln’s assassination, although several elucidating passages about it occur during the story. This book’s murder concerns the mysterious death of a Senator Lerner’s ex-intern, Nadia Zarinski. A graduate of American University, her body is found in an alley back of Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. - familiar territory to the ex-president’s daughter-author.

The restored theatre under National parks jurisdiction is not only a tourist site but offers plays and entertainment under the expert management of Clarise Lerner, the ex-wife of Senator Lerner. She had ambitions of heading the NEA, National Endowment of the Arts. Senator Lerner’s hope is to become President of the United States. A threat to the ambitions to both of them is their ne’er’ do-well, youthful, rebellious son, and aging British Shakespearean actor, Sidney Bancroft. He has delusions of reviving his former glory and admires the acting prowess of John Wilkes Boothe.

Two detective friends are assigned to solve Nadia’s demise. Another character is a lawyer who teaches law and is a buff of Lincoln’s legal abilities and a friend to Clarise. Nadia’s acquaintances at American University are a black judge, the vice-president’s wife, and various court personalities.

This detective story has four surprises before the conclusion. For an exciting and thrilling read, this volume fills the bill and is an easy read with its LARGE PRINT.
Central's Website Observes Sixth Anniversary
Bryan Halter


March 31 marks the sixth anniversary of Central Church's pioneering website.

It was on that date in 1997 that Central became the first Lansing United Methodist church to have a presence on the Internet. The following year, it became the first United Methodist church in Mid-Michigan to operate from the computer server of the UMC General Board of Global Ministries in New York.

During the past six years, there have been over 4100 visits to the site, making it one of the most often visited church destinations on the Internet. The opening page begins with a pen and ink drawing of the church by Sally Swiss, and includes a slogan adapted from Central's Values Statement, “Proclaiming the Saving Love of Jesus Christ for 152 Years.” The full Vision, Mission and Values Statements are included on the first link which invites visitors to “discover what Central Church is all about.” Approximately six years of monthly Central Journals are now instantly accessible.

Central is, indeed, “going through all the world preaching the Gospel,” electronically as well as through traditional means. Among the features on the site is a link where complete texts of the entire Bible can be displayed in eight versions and ten languages. The newest service allows visitors anywhere on the planet to actually hear whatever passages they desire in a choice of languages. Longer range plans include, among other things, the possibility of providing live television and radio coverage of Sunday services, without charges for air time, and building up an audio archive of past sermons. The entire website has been made available at no cost to the church, with all expenses to date covered privately.

The site may be found at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc where a direct email link to the church office is also available.
Lenten Lunch


Saturday, April 12, 11:30 a.m.
Central UMC Dining Room

Marie Papciak presents a one-woman show!
She brings women alive who, through their own struggles, helped to change America.

Laura Smith Haviland
Underground railroad, Adrian

Ruth Handler
Creator of the Barbie Doll

Purchase Tickets for $6.00 in Fellowship Hall Sundays after church, or reserve them at the church office by April 9.

Come and bring a friend!
50 YEAR MEMBERS


Morris recalls attending Central about 1920 and tying his horse to a post in front of the church.

Imagine this: living at home the first year after high school and working as a hired hand for a builder to earn enough money to pay your way through college? Well, Morris Graham did just that. He attended Michigan Agriculture College (now MSU) where he earned his degree as an electrical engineer.

His mother, Mae Donnelly Graham, was a member of Central Methodist Episcopal Church (now Central UMC). and her husband, James Graham, was a barber in Lansing. Later they moved southwest of Millett to farm. Ruth's family lived in Holland and Morris and Ruth met through a neighbor while both were attending MAC. After college, they married and raised five children: Barbara, Ted, Bob, Doug, and Linda.

Morris recalls attending Central about 1920 and tying his horse to a post in front of the church. He joined the church in 1921. Things had changed a great deal at the church after he was married in 1940 when Ruth started attending with him. There is recollection of the construction of the Temple House and the Scott family.

When the Temple House was completed, there were movies held in what is now Fellowship Hall, complete with theater seats like those still in the balcony. Central was a BUSY place! The two-lane bowling alley was a favorite as was the gymnasium for basketball and roller skating. The community attended events here and the Methodists attended the worship services.

Ruth worked in the kitchen and helped serve meals—there were big dinners in the dining room. (A man by the name of Slauter was in charge of the kitchen). Ruth was also in the sewing group, a Circle, United Methodist Women, and the Missionary Society - both home and foreign. She made things and sent them to the missionaries.

Rev. Frank Kingdon is a favorite pastor in Morris' memory. He came from England where he was at one time a circuit rider. Kingdon was at Central about three or four years. He was a great preacher and a great orator. At that time there was no public address system so being a great orator was important. There was one or two morning services and the church was full—often standing room only. Morris did some ushering and recalls that it was sometimes hard to find seats for the members.

Morris remembers his work at General Motors after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in the early 40's. Employees were required to work long hours including Saturday and Sunday. Morris was working at the Oldsmobile main plant where they were making armory piercing shells. The Drop Forge plant was forging shell casings and airplane landing gear parts. The machine shop was assembling high explosive shells. Morris said, “It was a little scary, but we didn’t have much choice about the war. It was a world war–all or nothing—we had to win.“

Spring update from the Trustees
Susan Grettenberger, Chair, Board of Trustees


Storage Building

Regardless of the committee or group one belongs to in the church, treating others with care and working toward good relationships must be a guiding principle of our work. There are times when, through our own humanness, we within the church have disagreements and relationships may be strained. The discussion of the storage building was one of those times. As Chair, I have responsibility for managing the process, and will work to improve the communication from and about the trustees.

During the fall, there was some exploration of replacing the storage area. Early estimates for a plan proposed by an architect were much too expensive. At that time. the matter was tabled for several reasons; we have a temporary storage arrangement with St. Paul’s, the value of the equipment and material to be stored is very small compared to the cost of building a storage building and there was no funding available.

At an early February meeting, Charlie Jennett reviewed his plans for a possible ‘self-build’ project, which he graciously agreed to coordinate. Initially, he was given the go-ahead. An announcement was made at worship that Sunday, and some of you agreed to be involved.

However, upon further review of the entire situation at a later February meeting, the trustees decided to hold off on building the storage space. The trustees are very appreciative of the work and dedication of Charlie and other volunteers of the church. Without your contributions, the work of the church would not be done. As always, I am happy to answer questions, hear input, and address concerns regarding this or other trustee related matters. I am also open to hearing parenting tips.


Heating System

The winter months have brought the usual projects for the trustees’ consideration. Of interest to many of you is probably the seemingly random heating pattern in the church: no heat in the fellowship hall for a couple weeks, then no heat in the sanctuary on a terrifically cold Sunday. Jokes about saving money by not heating the church aside, the steam and heating system has needed major attention. The church’s very competent staff, including Tom Towsley, have worked with Dard Company to repair a number of pipes and to replace, for the first time since the 1940’s, four radiators in the sanctuary. Given the nature of the project and its cost (current estimates are about $17,000), this has been funded from Partners for Preservation. We are very grateful for the vision and generosity of those donors.


Spring Church Work Bee

In order to keep the church looking its best, periodic all-church workdays are being planned. (Thanks again to the Young Adults for coordinating the last one.) A workday is being planned for Saturday, May 10. Look and listen for the work plan soon and sign up to clean up. Call Claudia McClelland, 339-8490, to help out - Thanks!

Visit Russia with the Centralniters
Carolyn Schuurmans


Everyone is welcome to come on Friday, April 4, at 6 p.m. to the church dining room for a Borsch and Bread supper. You can enjoy a visit to Russia with guides Rev. Lynn and Kay DeMoss. They took a group to Russia last June, visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg and taking a Volga River cruise. They visited a Methodist seminary in Moscow and a small Methodist Church in St. Petersburg. Call Carolyn or Dave Schuurmans at 321-0569 if you plan to come.
It is again time to think about the Annual Floral Display of Lilies for Easter. If you are interested in purchasing a Lily for display on the Chancel for Easter Sunday, please fill cut out the form below and send it along with your check to the church office. You may honor or memorialize someone in this manner. The cost is $8.00 per plant. The final day to order is Monday, April 14. Please feel free to remove your plants following the Worship Service.

We are offering you another option this year. If you would prefer not to have an actual plant, you may designate that your contribution per plant be donated to the Pastor’s Choice Fund in memory or honor of your loved ones.

You may highlight, copy and paste the form below to your word processor.

Your Name: ________________________________________

Please reserve _______ plant(s) ($8.00 per plant) or

_______ donate my offering to the Pastor’s Choice Fund

The designation should read: ______ “in memory of” ______ “in honor of”

Name: ______________________________________

From: _______________________________________

Order deadline: April 14 - Please mark your check “Lily” and make it payable to:

Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933

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