Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         April, 2004

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

HOLY WEEK

Sunday, April 4 – Palm Sunday – all choral groups process with palms
Monday, April 5 – Thursday, April 8, 12:15–12:45 – devotions led by Central ministers in the Mary Sabina Chapel

Thursday, April 8 – Maundy Thursday – our congregation worships with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, following a Seder meal

Friday, April 9 – Good Friday – services at First Presbyterian Church

Sunday, April 11 – Easter Sunday – brass players and the organ herald Easter morning service

Holy Week is fast approaching. It seems like yesterday that we were observing Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. It was a powerful and an inspirational moment, with over 20 of our sister churches participating in downtown Lansing. It was over a month ago. Our Church and Society Commission is credited for helping us in preparation for Easter with the design and implementation of an excellent Lenten Luncheon series each Wednesday, 12 noon. Our own Chris Bobier, Executive Director of the Open Doors Ministry, and our political leaders-past and present–presented themselves as concerned neighbors for the bigger community. The attendance has been good. Easter is coming!

Maundy Thursday, April 8

On Holy Thursday we will celebrate a Seder meal, the traditional Jewish Passover meal that Jesus celebrated with his disciples in the Upper Room. Parishioners of St. Paul’s will provide the symbolic foods of the traditional Seder, such as parsley, horseradish, boiled egg, matzah, and wine or grape juice.

Included in the celebration will be a meal provided by members of CUMC. Following this will be a celebration of the Eucharist in the same room where we eat. After that, the worshipping community will move to St. Paul’s Memorial Garden where the story of the Garden of Gethsemane will be recounted. From there, all of us will go into the church to meditate as the altar is stripped – a symbolic representation of Jesus’ crucifixion and the falling away of the disciples.

The evening will unfold as an entity, with each portion flowing into the next, as it happened on the night of Jesus’ betrayal. You are encouraged to be at St. Paul’s as near to 5:30 p.m. as possible, although others will be seated at their arrival. Please sign up in our Fellowship Hall to bring the item(s) of your preference.
Scripture for Life
In this space we will feature a Bible verse that has had a particular impact on the life of one of our members.–Ed

Maxine Jones

God speaks to me through words in scripture and in songs, in visits with His people, and in books. My earliest memory of biblical words is “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.”
A favorite teacher of mine wrote in my autograph book when I was leaving for junior high school, “We grow like what we think of so let us think of the good, the true, and the beautiful.” Very scriptural, don't you think?

When in high school, my mother gave me a plaque on which were the words of Proverbs 3:5–6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.”

At a church camp the devotions centered around Galations 5:22–23, “When the Holy spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self–control.” Each fruit is a fitting goal and provides a full, whole, and abundant life.

In later years, when problems were magnified by family illnesses and death, at the bottom of a thinking–of–you card were the words, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; I will guide you with mine eyes.” Psalm 32:8. I took that to heart and found answers to all of my needs.

In July of 1970 on a bus trip through the Alps with many other Centralites, Howard Lyman on that Sunday spoke on “I will lift up mine eyes onto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1,2. What an inspiring, helpful and beautiful memory!

So, how can I pick a favorite verse when a lifetime of church and Sunday School has acquainted me with so many verses that have been a blessing to me at the right time? I can only say, “Thank you Lord.”
We can’t do it alone

There are many things which a person can do alone, but being a Christian is not one of them. The Christian life is, above all things, a state of union with Christ, and of union of his followers with one another. Love of the brethren is inseparable from love of God. Resentment toward any human being cannot exist in the same heart with love to God. The personal relationship to Christ can only be realized when one has “come to himself” as a member of His Body, the Christian fellowship.
Easter baskets for ECD families
Cris Bobier, Director of the Open Door Ministry

“Who exactly are those kids?” is a question I have encountered frequently since coming to Central UMC. So let me tell you. The children you see Monday through Thursday in the Early Childhood Development program are four years old (2 sessions each day) who are participating in the Michigan School Readiness Program and have been determined to be at risk for educational failure. These risk factors may include domestic violence, abuse, foster care, low income, single–parent family, grandparents raising children of incarcerated parents, or chronic health problems of either the child or the parent-to name a few. The ECD program also does outreach to the whole family, making sure they have access to needed community resources.

The Open Door Ministry is interested in partnering with the families involved in the ECD program. We have committed ourselves to providing four Easter food baskets to those identified by the program and who give their permission. We will then be provided with the family size and other details. If you are interested in sponsoring one of these families or helping fill a basket, contact Cris Bobier (485-9477).
Central church family and guests will Celebrate with Central Saturday evening, April 24, 5:00 to 7:30, and Sunday morning, April 25, at 9:30, as we reminisce over our distinguished heritage--and contemplate ongoing opportunities for future service.

It was this same week 114 years ago, in 1890, that our distinctive brownstone Romanesque Sanctuary at the corner of Capitol and Ottawa was formally dedicated. In the intervening years, as the ministry of the church expanded, the Temple House was added (in 1923), followed by the Mary-Sabina Chapel (in 1942). These two additions were gifts of Lansing Industrialist Richard and Mrs. Gertrude Scott. The church also pioneered in communication, with the first radio broadcast of a Sunday service in 1924, now appearing weekly on cable television as well as radio.

Central is home for a number of ministries, some of which are the Food Bank and Thursday Fellowship Lunch, the Shalom Center for Peace and Justice and the newest endeavor, the Open Door Ministry, offering compassionate services to people with few places to turn in times of crisis.

Speaking Saturday on The Joy of Living will be Dr. Peter T. Mitchell, President of Albion College. Special music will be offered by the contemporary folk artist Pat Madden–Roth, assisted by Bill Tennant. A catered meal and fellowship will follow. Dr. Mitchell will also speak Sunday at 9:30 a.m. during the regular Sunday Morning Worship Service.

-Adapted from a news release by Bryan Halter
Caring Table for Central's Family
Faye McCracken

Beginning Palm Sunday, April 4, the Judy Grove Circle will set up a table in Fellowship Hall each week with a variety of stationary cards (get well, happy birthday, sympathy, etc.). Addresses for the hospitalized, shut–ins and other persons that need to be remembered by us will be available.

Please stop by during fellowship time and use a card to let someone in our Church Family know that you are thinking of them. If you are not able to put a stamp on a card, we will look after that for you.

1 Cor 12:26:If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
Scholarships Available
Dale Kirkby

Scholarship applications for high school seniors, current college students and ministry candidates may be picked up at the church office - be sure you pick up the correct application and return it by May 1.

Because of the generosity and foresight of others, endowment funds are in place that have allowed us, in the last ten years alone, to provide over $56,000 to graduating seniors and ongoing students, plus over $37,000 to ministry candidates. This is a powerful witness to the commitment of Central and the United Methodist Church to higher education.
MusicNotes

WELCOME, ROB PARKS . . . the new Chancel Choir bass section leader! Thanks to the kind generosity of a couple from our congregation, and thanks to their commitment to Central’s music program, the costs have been underwritten until June of this year. We’re so glad to have Rob with us, and appreciate the talent he brings to Central UMC. A graduate of Haslett High School, he was one of two students chosen to speak for his graduation class. A Grand Rapids native, Rob is a sophomore at MSU, majoring in music education. He sings in the MSU Chorale, a spin-off of his earlier choral activities in musical theatre. He is a saxophonist and percussionist, and was the drum major for his high school band. Rob was a Rotary student–of–the–month in high school, and was a finalist in the 2000-2001 David F. Machtel vocal competition. We’re blessed to have this wonderful voice back in our midst, after his Central UMC debut in December.

THANKS, ONE AND ALL . . . who helped to make this year’s Ash Wednesday service an especially meaningful experience. The pastors, the choirs, those who provided and presented refreshments, the parking crew and those who extended gracious hospitality at the doors all showed the warmth that Central exudes to its own and to the public.

The Saturday, March 13, workshop . . . presented a great learning, worship, and fellowship experience for those in attendance. Thanks to Rev. Russell McReynold’s participation, to Pat Basgall, Carolyn Kirkby, David McReynolds, Tom Roiser, Justin Sleight and his competent crew, Tom Towsley, and Gene Welter, the West Michigan Conference event was professionally and ably presented. Many thanks go to all who assisted.

The Sunday, March 21, ecumenical choral experience at Plymouth Congregational Church . . . provided a terrific learning opportunity for over a hundred choristers from more than ten local churches. Literature that was performed represented a variety from many composers, editors and arrangers. One aim of the activity was to generate money for organ scholarships, to be used by promising young organists. The event’s sponsor, The Greater Lansing Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, believes that this type of assistance may encourage students who might otherwise not look to the field as a professional option-a field that’s critically short on personnel. Another function of the event was to provide for the choristers a topnotch course of study as they were guided through the music, under the baton of Dr. David Rayl who is Director of MSU Choral Activities.

The in–worship schedule for Wesley Choristers and the Youth:
March 28 – Youth drama, “Awesome God”
April 4 – Wesley Choristers – “Hosanna, Hosanna”
April 18 – Wesley Choristers’ drama, “Fly, Pretty Angels, Fly”
April 25 – Youth skit – “What Would Jesus Do?”
May 9 – Wesley Choristers
May 23 – Wesley Choristers, Youth, Youth Orchestra – Celebration of Music In Worship
Renew your subscription to The Michigan Christian Advocate

Reminder! Please give your $12 check, made out to Central United Methodist Church, to Leora Stutes to renew your subscription to The Michigan Christian Advocate for the coming year. Call me, 323–1847, for subscription information. Thank you for your prompt action. - Leora
The crocuses are up!

This is the ideal time, before the tulips and daffodils grow large, to clean out the dead growth and old leaves from the beds, grounds and sidewalks around the church buildings. Can you take just an hour and fill a yard waste bag (and take it home)? There is not a lot to do, but it sure would make our outdoors look better for all our neighbors. We are also looking for a coordinator of the outside work. Call me, David DeVinney, 372–6761,with any questions. Thanks a lot.
Sewing Room Update
Dottie Stark

We are settled in the former Tea Room and busy making clothing for children ages 2 to 10. Lap robes, walker caddies, and crib size quilts are also being made.

We have an over supply of: sewing or cutting tools, scissors, pins, needles, rick–rack, zippers, bias tape, tape measures and fabrics.

We can use: elastic for waistbands, knit ribbing for T-shirts, thread, 7” or 9” zippers, and 1 1/2” to 1 3/8” buttons.

Our sources of income, which is used for machine repair and other needs, are monetary donations or the sale of unneeded supplies. Thank you for your consideration of our needs.
UnitedMethodist Women
Pat Mort, President

Thank you to everyone who attended the Lenten Lunch! We had a wonderful time together. A special thanks to Portia Cole and Caryn Welter for their gift of music, youth and counselors for serving and cleaning up and to members of Judy Grove Circle for all they do.

If you were unable to attend, you can turn in your Call to Prayer and Self-Denial monies to your Circle Treasurer or any member of the Mission Team. We will be turning in these moneys at the end of April.

Interest has been expressed in having a group gathering to learn to knit or crochet prayer shawls. If you are interested in working on prayer shawls OR learning to knit or crochet, please sign up on the Interest Sheet on the UMW Board with your name, phone number, what you want to learn/teach, and a good time for you to meet. We plan to get started after Easter. If you would like to teach knitting or crocheting to others, please indicate that, also.

Interested in helping out with the Prayer Shawl project but not with actually making any? You can donate yarn or money to buy yarn. The preferred yarn for this project is Homespun. Please buy 4 skeins of one color and contact Pat Mort when you intend to bring it in. By working together at Central, we can surround others with prayer and comfort in the months to come.

Breaking news – there will be no cookie dough sale this spring. Due to this development please look for more bake/bakeless sales in our future. Members will also be asked to increase their individual pledges, if possible, by $25 per year. This will help us make up the $1400 deficit brought on by not having a cookie dough sale. Your help with this is greatly appreciated.

This is the 135th year UMW has been involved in Missions! Think of it, 135 years of helping women, youth, children, families and institutions world-wide. That is 135 years of standing firm with those less fortunate and 135 years of showing the love of Christ to others.

A special celebration will take place at the District Annual Meeting in September, but we here at Central will mark the occasion in our own way. In October (date to be announced later) we will have a tea and program to celebrate our own rich history in Missions, along with that of our sisters around the world.

A special offering is being asked of each UMW member, $1.35 – a penny for each year we have been in Mission work. If each member donates, we will have an extra $1,350,000 earmarked for Missions! Think of it – more after-school programs for latchkey kids, pre–natal care, childcare, seniors with a place to go to be with others. Bible Women will be trained in areas where they will help spread the Word of God...teens will find safe havens...families will have the support they need...women will have help starting small cooperatives...the possibilities are endless – if the funds come in. We will have our offering in October.

Have any suggestions for UMW? Please leave them in the UMW box, in the Commissions Cabinet located in the First Floor Lounge.
April 2–3, 2004 – Spring Spiritual Renewal – Battle Creek
Outdoor Environmental Center July 2004 –School of Christian Mission
September 2004 – Lansing District UMW Annual Meeting
October 16, 2004 – Conference Annual Meeting – Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church
October 18 – 19, 2004 – Mission School of the North – Gaylord Church
Lead me from Death to Life,
From Falsehood to Truth.

Lead me from Despair to Hope,
from Fear to Trust.

Lead me from Hate to Love,
from War to Peace.

Let Peace fill our Heart,
our World, our Universe.

-Mother Teresa
Church Women United

Monday, April 12, 1 p.m.

A Visit to Ele’s Place – a place for Grieving Children

1145 Oakland Avenue, next to St. Lawrence Hospital

Talk, Tour and Refreshments

Everyone Welcome
Tales From the Madhouse
Joi Tennant, Facilitator and Leader

Join us in the Chapel every Sunday morning until Easter to meet, via video, seven people whose lives were touched by Jesus. Then they went their way, lived their lives, tried to cope, but couldn’t put away that experience, nor the thought of the opportunity they may have missed.

This is a wonderful, unique dramatic series from the British Broadcasting Company, strangely set in an old Victorian mansion/madhouse. We invite you to come any Sunday you are able. You can join in the discussion without previous preparation. Although this is certainly not your usual Lenten experience, I’m sure you will be intrigued and challenged.
New Sunday morning class on missions
Rev. Frank Anderson

Rev. Bill Admundsen and myself are collaborating on a Sunday morning class on missions of four or five sessions starting about April 25. The title of the course will be from the mission text by R. Marston Speight, Creating Interfaith Community. Perhaps you will have an opportunity to get familiar with it in advance.

Here is a statement regarding the topic: “The purpose of this (study) is to suggest ways in which we can create interfaith community and be perfectly loyal to the Christian mission as understood in its broad and many-faceted nature. For us Christians, interfaith community is mission, and that is reason enough to create it.”
Three-day tour to General Conference, anyone?
Pastor Bill Amundsen

A three–day tour, May 3-5, to General Conference in Pittsburgh will support Pastor Russell and Open Door Director, Chris Bobier, as well as the rest of our West Michigan delegation. We will also get the inside scoop on United Methodism's only “official” legislative body. The first ten persons to sign up with a $20 deposit will be registered.

We will leave Monday, May 3, at 10 a.m. and arrive between 7 and 8 p.m. Up to five persons may stay at Janet Geissler's parents’ home. Others will stay in a motel about 20 miles from Pittsburgh.

On Tuesday, May 4, we will plan to be at the Conference from Opening Worship to about 8 p.m. (or less if the group agrees).

On Wednesday, May 5, we will leave Pittsburgh for the site at which UA Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania (slightly east of Pittsburgh) on September 11, 2001, if the group desires. Then, we will return home. We expect to arrive in Lansing about 8 p.m. Costs will run about $50 to $100 for those staying at Geissler's home; $150 to $200 for those staying in a motel. Cost includes food, transportation, and lodging.

Contact Pastor Bill Amundsen, 517.323.2445, wjamundsen@juno.com
Three ways to help
Three ways to help
Three ways to help

Mary Boudreau, Evangelism Commission

Thank you for all you are doing to help our commission share God’s love through our church! There are several ways you can help with this sharing this month, as we enter the Easter season!

1) Please consider helping sponsor the radio ministry of our church. We are committed to providing this service to both shut-ins from the church and community members, but we need your help. The cost is $230 per week, and a group of people can go together to sponsor a broadcast. At this point, a number of dates are available during the next few months, including April 4 (Palm Sunday), April 11 (Easter), April 18, May 2, May 30, and June 6.

Please call the church office to reserve your dates, or call Mary Boudreau at 372-4146 for more information. Without sufficient funding, we will be unable to continue this vital ministry!

2) Easter invitations to our church services will again be available. Please pick up the cards during Fellowship Hour, and share them with friends, colleagues, neighbors, classmates and family members. Easter is a great time to invite people to learn more about the Christian faith, and to join in our fellowship.

3) Central is known for its friendly atmosphere! Help create this atmosphere for first time visitors by joining the VIP ministry! You can help meet new people who come to the church or even assist with telephoning people to let them know we care! Please see Rev. Bill Amundson (323-2445)to become part of a training session.
Mary Sabina Chapel Open Daily
Cris Bobier, Director, Open Door Ministry

Jesus often removed himself from the crowd and found a quiet place to pray and listen for God's still small voice to speak to his heart. He invites his disciples to do the same. With this in mind, Central UMC and the Open Door Ministry will open the doors to the Mary Sabina Chapel from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday - Friday, to provide a quiet space for prayer and reflection.

Rev. Russell McReynolds and Bill McCracken have already sent a letter to the Governor and to state legislators inviting them to use the chapel as “...a quiet place amid the hustle and bustle of the city, which is available for prayer, meditation and reflection.” There will be an invitational sign posted identifying the hours the chapel will be available, and the Capitol Avenue entrance will be open during those hours.

We will provide a ministry of presence, both lay and clergy, to assure a quality experience for those seeking sanctuary and to provide a safe barrier to the Early Childhood Development area. Staff is encouraged to use this time and space for their own prayerful reflection and devotion. There is an intention to have a weekly communion service with rotating clergy.

During Holy Week there will be a daily chapel service from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Our goal is to offer this chapel time on an ongoing basis following Easter. We will re–evaluate this after two full months to see how the experience has altered our own daily walk, how it has attracted (or not) others into a closer walk with God and how it has caused us to interact with one another.
Celebrate with Central!

Featuring Dr. Peter Mitchell, President of Albion College
SATURDAY, APRIL 24 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Special Music Featuring Pat Madden–Roth and Bill Tennant

Free will offering

Catered Meal and Warm Fellowship following the celebration service
Call 485–9477 to make reservations for the meal

SUNDAY, APRIL 25
9:30 Morning Worship
a Renewal Initiative event
F.O.C.U.S (Focusing On Christ, Unity and Service)

Believer's Ball a success!
Dennis Kelley

The 1st Annual Believer's Ball was a huge success. Everyone in attendance had a wonderful time dancing, enjoyed great food and fellowship. We had many guests from area churches join us for the fun. We were able to raise $300 for Habitat for Humanity and $200 for our own church. Thank you to everyone who attended. The 2nd Annual Believer's Ball is set for Saturday, February 12, 2005. Mark your calendars!

F.O.C.U.S upcoming events:

Friday, April 16, is gym/fun night at at the church. The evening will start at 7 p.m. Please bring a snack to share.

Sunday, April 18, is our monthly Third Sunday Brunch at 12:30 p.m. at the Flap Jack Shack in Frandor. Hope to see you at both events. If you have questions/concerns, please contact Denise/Dennis Kelley at 484-9109.
Need help with Spring Cleaning? Or would you like longer term help around the home? Experienced, careful student offers House Keeping Services on Saturdays. Two-hour minimum. Reasonable rates. References available at request. Please call Lucy Akpabio at 487–0323, or akpabiolucy123@yahoo.com. I will care for your home as if it was my own.
Among Friends

Remember...

At press time

David Bednar
Margaret Woolcocks
Donald Mclaughlin – Grandhaven Manor
Judy Patrick
Lulu Smith
Open Door Ministry

Congratulations…

Christina Sanders was married to Benny Rentschler III, February 27. Christina is the daughter of Leon and Cheryl (Cheer) Martin.

Transitions…

Homer Taylor died February 26. His memorial service will be 2 p m., April 30 at Central UMC.

Thank you…

....to my many friends who found time to visit at the occasion of my 90 th birthday. It was, indeed, a time for memories; some past, some present and some to anticipate. I am appreciating them again as I look over my many greeting cards. Warm thanks.
Lois Myers

….Central family for your prayers and concern during my recent hospitalization. It has meant a lot to me. Special thanks to Pastor Russell, Frank Anderson, Keith Pohl and Bill Amundsen who penetrated the security of the Intensive Care Unit by flashing their Clergy ID. I was prayed over more than I can ever remember, and it was wonderful. God bless you all.
Dave Schuurmans
Bread for the World – Offering of Letters -May 9
Carolyn Schuurmans

Bread for the World is celebrating because Congress has approved a two billion dollar increase in poverty focused development assistance for 2004. That’s a 33% increase over 2003. This is the largest funding increase for hungry and poor people in decades, and Bread for the World members helped make it happen.

The 2004 offering of letters is “Keep the Promise on Hunger and Health”. Look for the opportunity to send letters on Mother’s Day.
Older Adult Ministry
Frank Anderson

COME YE THAT LOVE, Isaac Watts' hymn (UMH No.733), has been rewritten to read, “Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known”. In part, that's all we do! Yes, Elderberrys is a loving fellowship for older adults. We top the list!

For March, we had Rev. David Draggoo share with us a “ministry to the needy and deprived”, administered by himself in the Counties of Shiawassee, Clinton, and Ingham. David worships with us at Central and is an ordained UMC minister.

Please come to our next meeting on April 13 to hear 1st Sargent Stacy C. Lehfeldt of the Lansing Marine Corps Reserve Center. He will speak of his duties and the Marine Corps project, “Toys for Tots”.

Place your reservation in advance. Call the Church Office 485–9477 or sign up in Fellowship Hall.
How to recognize a stroke
This might be a lifesaver if we can remember the three questions!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. The lack of awareness can spell disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say any bystander can recognize a stroke by asking the individual three simple questions: ask the individual to smile (Is it a crooked smile?). Ask him or her to raise both arms for 10 seconds. (Can they without drouping?). Ask the person to speak a simple sentence, like “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.” (Do they slur their words?). If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non–medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February.

Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. PASS IT ON...
Trustee Progress...
David DeVinney, trustee

I arrived at the church for the Monday night Lenten class, “An ordinary day with Jesus”. Scouts and their families were solemnly engaged in the Bishop Lee Scout Event in Fellowship Hall. I could hear the thump, thump of basketballs above the auditorium ceiling and saw players and fans stream to and from the gym. The Library was occupied with a Cokesbury display. As I made my way to the second floor, I heard the beautiful sounds of the Orephus Choir wafting from the open doors of the Sanctuary while members of the Shalom Center were meeting in the Conference Room. An ordinary day at Central; church and community crossing paths; reflecting the purpose for which the Temple House was built. The Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining and repairing these facilities so we can offer space for such activities into the future.

During the past weeks, members of the Board have repaired and painted the walls, ceilings, floors and shelving of both food pantries in the basement, to meet state Health Department requirements.

The Temple House flat roofs (there are eight), have been replaced with applied bitumen over new insulation. Old layers of roofing and patches were removed down to the concrete and wood decking. With regular inspection and maintenance, this roof will last many years.

Repairs to the Sanctuary slate roof and installation of the new cross is expected to be completed by May. The cross will rise above the bell tower peak approximately 5 ½ feet and is intended to blend with the architectural elements of the Sanctuary roof. It will be constructed of laminated cedar boards for stability and light weight, then clad in copper sheeting. We expect the cross to have an “old penny” color initially, which will weather into a green patina over several years to match the existing copper trim.

Heat tape will be re-installed to many roof surfaces to guard against winter ice damage to the roofs and gutters, and interior walls and ceilings.

April will bring the start of the Capitol Loop Project which will begin right in front of our sanctuary building on Ottawa Street with a hole as deep as 30 feet. This project includes a new streetscape with decorative lighting, and landscaping with new walks and benches. The City of Lansing will separate sewers and do other work as the state project advances.

Ottawa Street will be closed to traffic much of 2004. During the month of April, and perhaps longer, we will not have access to our Ottawa Street parking lot. During this time, we can make additional use of the North lot between Central and First Baptist churches. Do not use the spaces furthest West which are assigned to St. Paul’s church. Pat Basgall will monitor the parking - see her for help.

Additionally, the new State parking ramp is open evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. and weekends, for our use. Avoid parking in the “reserved” spots and be sure to leave by 10 p.m. It is well lighted and monitored. Use the new state walkway to access our Capitol Avenue or Ottawa Street entrances.

We are working with the city of Lansing in hopes they will provide some temporary replacement spaces for us. As the construction moves to the West on Ottawa Street, a gravel access road will provide entry to the Ottawa Street lot until the street is re-paved later in the year.

This will be a long process for all of us. Please exercise patience with the staff as we all learn new ways of getting around our old building. And, please call Pat Basgall with any questions about parking - we want to know and respond to your needs.
Let’s take a trip to Ghana, The Land of Gold
Edinam Alifo

“Akwaaba – Welcome to Ghana”. This is the warm greeting a visitor will receive upon arriving at the Kotoka International Airport in the Capital City of Accra. Ghana is located on the West Coast of Africa, about 750 km. north of the equator in the same sub-region as the Republic of Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cote d’ Ivoire, Senegal and Mali.

With a population of 20 million people, Ghana is arguably the most peaceful country in the sub–region since it gained independence from the British in 1957. Ghana is a democratic country and, in recognition of the peaceful political atmosphere and the country’s determination to enhance the living conditions of her people through the promotion of capitalism and free trade, President Clinton selected Ghana as his first place of arrival during his visit to Africa in 1997. One of the great people the nation has produced is UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan.

Ghana is rich with natural resources such as gold and timber. It is the world’s second largest producer of cocoa; and has the world’s largest artificial Lake. Due to the rich gold deposits, the country was called “The Gold Coast” until 1957 when it gained independence.

For every visitor, Ghana is a special destination in Africa, a different Africa with a wide range of attractions and facilities. It dazzles you with its historic past, and charms you with its natural beauty. It is a destination of exotic and rare plants species; unadulterated traditions and cultures exemplified in her festivals. The tragic and yet captivating history portrayed by UNESCO World Heritage Sites is represented in Ghana by old slave Castles which housed the Dungeons through which slaves were channeled to Europe.

Other interesting attractions include waterfalls, lakes, beaches, national parks, and sanctuaries for wild vegetation and animals as well as the National Museum and forts and castles built by early Europeans. The last resting-place for the President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who was a famous Pan-Africanist, is a major international attraction in the heart of the capital city. There is a historic Center for Culture in Accra, where traditional arts, crafts, textiles and handicrafts from all over Ghana can be found. The local day and night markets are scintillating scenes with their stalls illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and candles.

Metropolitan, town and country hotels and park lodges of varying comfort, elegance and convenience abound. Ghana’s hotels are classified according to the international star rating system and, in addition, there are local budget hotels which are very modern and as technologically advanced as any of their kind in Europe or the US, and have relatively low rates. There are modern telecommunication facilities as well as first class roads, seaports and a modernized international airport in Accra, which has become a significant hub linking flights directly between the US, UK, Germany, Netherlands.

Recent development of modern hotels, convention facilities and theaters are geared towards meeting the challenge of Ghana as Africa's newest tourist and convention destination for Europe and the United States. There is so much to see and experience in Ghana, I can assure anyone who is interested in an exciting experience that Ghana is for people who have a passion for traveling, excellent service and appreciation for peace and serenity. This is why we need to take a trip to Ghana, the Land of Gold.
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