Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         April, 2005

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it...

We’re moving toward…

Renaissance Sunday -
A Miracle for Central


Jamie Zimmer, Renaissance Task Force

On Sunday morning, April 10, we will hear all the latest news about our building assessments and goals in preparation for Renaissance Sunday on Mother‘s Day, May 8.

At 9:30 a.m., there will be an inspiring worship service where Dave Swanson, our architectural consultant, will be introduced to the congregation.

At 11 a.m., there will be a presentation to the congregation in Fellowship Hall. Adult Sunday School will not meet.

Watch the hilarious skit, Oh, the Troubles We've Seen! See a visual presentation of interesting parts of our buildings by Dave Swanson. Hand outs will help explain the information and there will be a chance to ask all the questions you have about the project. And there will be activities for our younger members.

Members from the Restoration Task Force, Renaissance Task Force and Board of Trustees will be in attendance to help answer your questions. Join us for worship, fun, food, and fellowship as we look forward to the future!
Education
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

YEA! CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful response to our S’More Campership Fundraiser March 6. We received nearly $400, which means 4 more students will receive a $100 campership toward their week at church camp. We are now able to give 12 students each a $100 campership. This is truly a great encouragement for the young families of our congregation and a great investment in the spiritual development of these children. We also have one full campership to offer, the Dorothy Headly Camp Scholarship. Please call me to find out how your child can receive one of these camperships.

A special thank you to Julie Welch for her clever idea for this fundraiser, and to Patrick Leavitt and Aleisha Kieffer for their work setting up our campsite on the stage. Julie and John Welch and Patrick and Aleisha were in the new membership class that joined our church on Palm Sunday.
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PARENTING CLASS BEGINS APRIL 3

Our church now owns an excellent DVD series, ProActive Parenting, inspired by the Covey “Seven Habits” books. Author/speaker Jim Williams has created 6, 4-session courses covering different aspects of the challenges of parenting, such as discipline, handling anger and communication. Each session allows for ample group discussion and interaction. Mike MacLaren will lead the first 4-session course beginning April 3. Watch for more information in the bulletin.
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MONEY MATTERS

Recent discussions have raised the question, “Why did we discontinue the practice of taking up an offering in the Sunday School classes?” No one really knows for sure, but we have decided to begin again, intentionally making the passing of an offering basket part of our normal class routine. Money collected in all of the adult electives will be used to help defray the cost of curriculum material.

Establishing regular habits of giving will be our goal as we begin to especially encourage children and youth to give an offering during Sunday School. Our Education Commission has decided to create a mission project for all ages of children to work toward throughout the year. We are in the process of selecting that project right now and we hope to announce it on April 3.
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TWELVE YOUTH JOIN CONFIRMATION CLASS

We are so pleased and excited to have such a wonderful class of confirmands this year at Central. Will you save this column and remember to keep these young people in your prayers as they think seriously about their faith and their relationship to God during this important time in their life? Also please pray for their mentor-leaders, whose devotion to this task we so much appreciate: Rev. Russell McReynolds, Rev. Bill Amundsen, Jamie Tipton and Steve Lyon.
The Confirmands are:

Addie Forgrave, Ashley Grettenberger, Caroline MacLaren, Effrem Grettenberger, Katie Klein, Katie Jo Knechtel, Kelsey Cooper, Linda Akono, Sarah Klein, Sarah Sanders, Seth Holoweiko, Suzanne MacLaren
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Vacation Bible School

July 18 thru 22
6:00 to 8:30 PM

Save these dates on your calendar for the kids in your life -
Grand kids, neighbors, relatives -
and come join us in the wilds of CUMC for an exciting

“Serengeti Trek”

Parenting classes will be offered simultaneously.
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Darlene Banks. . . of Grand Ledge has recently been hired as Director of the Central Bell Ringers. She brings many years of experience to the position and seems to be a good match with our folks. Her husband, Ben, has joined the ranks of the ringers, as well. The group's first in-worship participation under Darlene's capable direction was on Easter Sunday.

The vulnerability of Central's beautiful pipe organ, as it relates to extreme changes in temperature and humidity, has been communicated to the Restoration Task Force. The instrument's wooden "underpinnings" are dramatically sensitive to Michigan's weather variations. Under the umbrella of the Task Force's guidance, the mechanical engineer who's assigned to Central will discuss the matter with Central's organ technician, Brian Fowler.

Central's new preschool choir . . . is off to a great start with Director Lindsay Kesselman. These children, ages 3-5, are very enthusiastic about music! Their fifteen-minute time together is broken into several short components: sharing, listening, rhythm, singing, creative movement, and a closing prayer. If you have a child in your home who's from that age group, please encourage him or her to participate. Miss Lindsay picks them up from the 3-5-year room, takes them to third floor for music, then returns them to their classroom.

A Greater Lansing Choral Festival . . . is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, at Plymouth Congregational Church. Over one hundred voices will represent a number of area churches. Under the baton of MSU's newest choral music protege, the massed choir will sing a repertoire that's varied, including "something for everyone". Central has acquired the literature for this festival and has sung, or plans to sing, nearly all of it here during worship.

Central's annual Celebration of Music in Worship . . . will be on May 22 and include the participation of many of our groups. The special day provides an opportunity to praise God through the inclusion in worship of a rich variety of music. If you've missed out on earlier participation, why don't you choose a group that interests you and join it after Easter, as we prepare for other services and the May 22 celebration. If you're interested but don't know how to proceed, just leave a message at the church on extension 35 and we'll respond in a way that you will, hopefully, find helpful.

Robert Ray's "Gospel Mass" . . . will be sung on June 5 by our Chancel Choir, in combination with the Spirit Singers. This inspiring and rousing work will be the adult choirs' program-year worship finale. Why don't you begin now to invite your friends, neighbors, and relatives? You'll be very glad you did!
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Tentative schedule of Children and Youth participation in worship

April 10 - Youth Fine Arts Group
April 17 - Wesley Choristers
May 8 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
May 22 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
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Greater Lansing Choral Festival

SUNDAY, April 24, 4 p.m., Plymonth Congregational church

An annual event, this incredible blending of voices from the entire area will leave you feeling richly blessed. Last year, 110 choristers represented 13 churches. We're aiming for even greater numbers this year.

The festival will be led by MSU's newest star on the choral music staff, Dr. Sandra Snow. The afternoon's activities are sponsored by Greater Lansing's Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Central is getting Power Point and Publisher software! While Publisher has been available in the publishing office, it will now be available to our program staff too.

To take full advantage of this "new" (to us) technology, we are looking for a lap top and a projector. If you know of anyone who is upgrading (or looking for a place to donate new), please keep Central in mind. Thank you. -Pat Mort
United Methodist Women

Pat Mort, President

2005 budget set

Mission Team worked hard and long at our March meeting and came up with a 2005 budget of $5232. This includes a $3000 pledge to our UMW giving programs. Currently, we are $1,662 short of fully funding our budget. That means at this time we cannot fund any of our "local" projects. However, we, as United Methodist Women, know God directs our steps and what we do when. We work together for the good of all God’s children. Working together is the only way we can make a difference. Pulling together keeps us connected - as a unit, as women, as daughters of God.

As we enter the second quarter of 2005, please examine how you can help families, women, children and youth worldwide through United Methodist Women. We are Vessels of Love- and that Love only grows when it is given away!

I hope the day is gentle with you. I hope you know how much you are loved. I pray you know there is a place for you in God’s plan. My wish is you look beyond "I", "me" and "ours" to see "us" ~ the great "us" who make us God’s family.
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Dates to Remember~
“For even creation reveals the One who formed it, and the very work made suggests the One who made it, and the world manifests the One who made it.”
- St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c.130-200)
NEED FOR BED AND MATTRESS

One of our members has been sleeping on the floor because he has no bed or mattress. If you could furnish or donate a bed in the form of an iron cot or single bed plus a mattress as well, please phone the Church Office at 485-9477. We can arrange pick-up of the items as needed. Thank you.
Peace Conference-April 9
Joyce Joranko, Chair, Church and Society Commision

Mark your calendars for the Keep Making Peace Conference on April 9. It will be held at East Lansing University UMC. Bishop Jonathan Keaton will be the keynote speaker at the day-long event that begins at 9 a.m. John Hill, Director for Environmental Justice of the General Board of Church and Society, will also be leading part of the day.

At 2:30 p.m., The Children of Abraham Project will be presented. This drama presents how Isaac and Ismael came together to bury their father, Abraham, and were asked by the Archangel Raphaella to sit down and listen to each other as they grieved. It demonstrates how reconciliation and peace are possible among all of Abraham’s children. Watch for registration materials.
Alice Pifer,Chair, Fellowship Coffee Hour

I hope everyone has started to thaw out from all the snow and cold this winter has thrown at us. Fellowship Coffee Hour has continued to be a wonderful place to warm our bodies and our souls.

As usual, I am asking for volunteers to work coffee hour and/or bring cookies. If you haven't worked before, very detailed instructions and all the set-up supplies are in the kitchenette; I am always around to help out or answer questions.

Please check your calendar and sign up for the Sunday(s) of your choice on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall or call me 694-0686, and I will add your name to the schedule.
Among Friends

Remember...

At press time...
Capt. Scott Wangen - in Iraq
Ralph Gibbs - hospice care at Burcham
Lillian Rush - at home
C. Jon Holmes - out of town
Ed Keen - at home
Sally Swiss - at Burcham Health Center
Dale Kirkby - more surgery
Mary Yard - hospice care at home
Lulu Smith - at home
Donald McLaughlin - at Burcham Health Center
Mary Jacobs - at Burcham Health Center

Please keep these individuals in your prayers.

Thank you…

....to our Central Friends for your comforting calls and cards of sympathy for Mom’s passing. It meant so much to us.
Doug & Mary Bowers
CUBA STUDY Begins April 3
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

“Cuba, Si, Bloqueo, No!”

If you were allowed to visit Cuba, these are words you’d see on the murals and the walls of Havana, and throughout Cuba…What do they mean for Christians living in the United States…?

Our 2005, 8-week Mission Study, “Cuba”, will provide information we need, to know how to be good neighbors to the people on this island, just 90 miles from our border.

Though Cuba is often in the headlines, how much do we actually know about the history of Cuba and its churches? Joe Perez, from Adrian, author of the text for the Cuba study, writes an insightful history of Cuba and its land, people and religion that opens this unique culture to our understanding. He takes us behind the scenes to learn about our Cuban sisters and brothers; their faith and their culture. We’ll also learn some Spanish words, get some Cuban recipes, hear some Cuban music - and maybe even dance the rumba!

We are so happy to have the enthusiastic, creative leadership of Patsy Coffman for this entire study. She will take us through the text and study guide and will share her experiences from her visit to Cuba in January of 2000 with the Episcopal Peace Fellowship. Patsy will be inviting other resource people to speak during the course, as well. You may remember Patsy helped Frank Anderson teach the Mexico study last year. She also led the Islam study here for our UMW in 1990 and the Indonesian study in 1998. She is the Immediate Past President of West Michigan Conference United Methodist Women and lives in St. Johns.

Please come promptly to the Dining Room at 11:10 a.m., each Sunday for this class. (No class on the 10th) We will not be offering the textbook, because we will not actually need to use it in class, but if you think you would like to buy one, please tell Joi Tennant or Carolyn Schuurmans.
ELDERBERRYS MARCHING ON
Rev. Frank Anderson

"We are marching in the light of God", sings the congregation, and that includes the old folks! Vigor may not be our strongest ally, but loyalty and sincerity are. In March, we were visited by a very innovative person: "Sweet P", a lady Clown. What fun she was. And the meal was a beef tomato stew everyone liked. Thank you for coming, Sweet P.

Next month, we will anticipate an expert on Growing in the Spirit. This person is Mrs. Louise Thomas of Grand Rapids. She will direct a mini workshop on the spiritual needs of older adults. It will help us learn acceptance of ourselves and others, and to share our many talents to improve the corner where we are. All are welcome to come. Program and low cost luncheon. Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. in the Church Dining Room.

For May, we are seriously considering an excursion to Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, if we can swing it.
Evangelism Update
Mary Boudreau, Chair, Evangelism Commision

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
A warm welcome to all the new members who joined the church on Palm Sunday! The church officially welcomed them with a potluck dinner after the service. Please take the time to get to know these fantastic people who will enhance the ministry of Central: Amee Miller, Aleisha Kieffer, Patrick Leavitt, Julie and John Welch, Gary Roehm, Rosemary and Emmanuel Akono, Josh Buckner, Lindsey Hagman, and Judy Chandler.

SPONSOR A BROADCAST
There are still some dates available to sponsor a radio broadcast. This vital ministry to the community is completely supported by the sponsorship (not the general budget) and means so much to the sick, shut-ins, and other members of our worship community. The broadcast costs just $230. Please call the church office to reserve your date today!

DELIVER A GOODY BAG
We need people in all parts of the greater Lansing area who are willing to drop off goody bags to our visitors. This would only take a few hours of your time and would be a great support to those who visit us. Since we cover such a large area, it is best if we can have people to cover each area. Please call or email Mary Boudreau at boudrea1@msu.edu.

INVITE A FRIEND
Are there people in your life who would benefit from joining us in worship and ministry? As an ongoing ministry, we will have invitation cards available for regular and special events. Please see Mary.
Youth News
Jamie Tipton, Youth Director

GAME NIGHT
March 20th we invited our new friends from Wacousta UMC to join us for game night! We had a great time playing silly games and eating great cake!

EASTER
God is Good! The youth offered to lead the Easter Sunrise Service. What a great way to honor God and see the beautiful things he has created and is creating. The youth were asked to sponsor the Easter breakfast. Money raised will help with programming and their annual trip to Ichthus.

ICHTHUS
We are praying that we have sunshine this year!! Last year was the year of the mud. Please pray for the youth and adults as we travel to Kentucky from April 21-24th. We have two other churches joining us!
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Stories of Resurrection from the Open Door…
(names have been changed to protect privacy)
Cris Bobier, Executive Director

Berry first presented himself, last July, in need of a housing deposit of $25. He was disabled, homeless since November ‘03, and had applied for Social Security Disability but no check had yet arrived. We paid the deposit fee to the Lansing Housing Commission and he moved in the next week. In February JIMHO (Justice in Mental Health Organization) called seeking help for Barry to get a ride to Owosso to his cousin’s funeral. He asked only for a one way ticket (which we provided), saying that he could get a ride back. When he came to the food bank in March, he reported that as a result of going to the funeral, he was able to reestablish a relationship with his 19 year old daughter and is now in frequent communication with her. Praise the Lord!

Pete came to us last June deeply addicted to alcohol that was ruling and ruining his life. His desire was to go to Detroit to sincerely give rehab another try. We fed him, put him to work for awhile (to sweat some of the liquor out of him), and got him sober enough to get on a bus. This man was, among other things, a veteran, a licensed commercial driver, and an accomplished pianist (which he shared with us during lunch). His life was a shambles and he wanted to put it back together again. In March he showed back up, clean and sober, with a new fiancee and looking for work and housing. Lazarus had come out of the tomb!
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Win Anderson, Library Task Force

THANK YOU, to the friends who have donated books and videos from their family shelves to our library shelves!

THANK YOU, for the memorials that have been designated for the Ralph Goodell Memorial Library. New books, CD’s, videotapes, and other materials are purchased with these funds.

THANK YOU, for responding to the reminder letters to return long overdue books. Circulation is key to an effective library.

SALE: The library’s semi-annual book “sale”- by donation, is coming up Sundays, May 8 and 15.
Welcome home, Edward Spink, a “snowbird”, and one of our three librarians!
Earth Day: April 24

Scholars believe the Bible affirms the goodness and intrinsic value of all living things and suggests that we are to value and respect the earth and its many forms of life. The opening verses of Genesis state that God is the source of all life and that creation is good. The formation of Adam from the dust of the ground makes the connection between humans and the earth because Adam, the word for human is a play on adamah, the word for “ground” or “earth”. The story of Noah and the flood illustrates God’s concern for all creatures because God made the covenant with “every living thing” and desires all creatures to “be fruitful and multiply”.
Condensed from Greening Congregations
JoAnne Harvey, Church and Society

Restoring Historic Central:
The Report is Coming in April

If you have been reading these monthly articles about restoring historic Central, you may be looking forward to more specifics.
As you know, Swanson Design Studios has been assessing the condition of Central’s buildings. The Swanson architectural firm was selected by the Restoration Task Force to serve as a consultant to identify and define the projects that need to be carried out to meet the immediate and longer term needs of our church buildings. The Swanson Design Studio has been hard at work looking at all the rooms in Central, and identifying needs and treasures.

The Restoration Task Force will continue to meet with Dave Swanson in the next few weeks to review the assessment, to review issues and costs of resolving issues and to review priorities. Mr. Swanson said that Central seems “rooted in this location”. There are treasures that we need to share, as well as issues that we need to face and resolve.

There will be an informational meeting for everyone Sunday, April 10, at 11 a.m., in Fellowship Hall. Adult Sunday School will not meet that day. We will focus our attention on the restoration and preservation of Central’s buildings and their importance to our ministries. There will be a visual presentation by Dave Swanson.

Following April 10 and before Renaissance Sunday, May 8, a final assessment report and summary will be issued by Swanson Design Studios and the Restoration Task Force. The report will assess the physical condition of Central (from roof to basements), list projects that need to be carried out (and associated estimated costs ) to restore Central and include suggested priorities for the needed work.

Many at Central have been saying for years that we need to look at our buildings on a long range basis and that we need a master plan for the restoration and preservation of Central. This is the plan which will help us understand the needs of our facilities and identify priorities.

Questions? If you have questions at any time, please contact any member of the Restoration Task Force - Kathy MacLaren, Kathy Prout, Gene Welter, or Larry Beckon.
Renaissance Sunday - A Miracle for Central
Jamie Zimmer, Renaissance Task Force

Mother's Day, May 8, will be a day of celebration! With the streets and the parking lots around the buildings now in good repair, we have easy access to this beautiful structure. In fact, the new cross is a focal point drawing you and others to Central.

Resources raised on Renaissance Sunday are for the purpose of repairing our church building. In fact, some urgent repairs have already been completed. (You will recall the vote at the 2004 Church Conference authorizing loans from the UMC Foundation to hire a consulting architect and for immediate and urgent building needs. $100,000 has been borrowed.) Later this month, Architects from Swanson Design Studios will submit a list of repair and project priorities that need to be done at CUMC. The architects tell us that first priority items usually deal with health and safety issues.

Questions and suggestions are welcome by the following members: Bryan Halter, Murray Brown, Leora Stutes, JoAnne Harvey, Bill McCracken, Mary Nesman, Nancy O'Shea, Alice Pifer, Jon Reynolds, Larry Beckon, David Stinson, Jamie Zimmer, Rev. Russell McReynolds, and Rev. Bill Amundson. Watch for more details!
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