August,
2005
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
Our "road trip" started on June 12, 2005. The day we arrived was crazy chaos! Registration was the first thing on the list. After we got through that whole ordeal, we were getting settled into the place where we would call home for the next week. We, of course, were assigned different cabins. We were still right next door but better than being together because there probably would not have been any sleeping which would mean just about no fun. How can a girl have fun with no sleep? (I don’t know, maybe that’s why they did it so we could have fun!) Within the next few days of making new friends and doing random entertaining activities, such as a rodeo, mud volleyball (see Michelle or Abby for more details), crab soccer, ultimate Frisbee, just hanging out with friends and building a chair for people that come on retreats and for future campers. We found where we are as far as our relationship with God.
Every night after our family activities, we had chapel time where an amazing woman named Kristyn Bakel would speak to us about the road ahead. That was the theme for the week. She spoke about her experiences getting rid of junk. The junk she spoke about getting rid of was mental junk, and then becoming closer to God. One morning she had each and every camper write down on a piece of paper what they want to get rid of. That piece of paper was then nailed to a cross. That night at fire bowl those pieces of paper were taken off of the cross and thrown into the fire. Kristyn helped us realize God can rid us of our junk, if we just ask. From that night on we have both felt as if there was a weight lifted from our shoulders.
So in conclusion you might say we had a pretty good time! Actually we had an awesome time. Thank you so much for your support. It definitely has made a difference in our lives!
Faith is believing what you do not see; the reward of faith is to see
what you believe.
It was dusk when I returned home July 4th and neighborhood fireworks were already building to a crescendo. Rockets, sparklers and what we used to call cherry bombs created a discordant medley of pops and crackels. Oreo the cat met me at the door and, in mid-dash to freedom, suddenly stopped as he heard the now amplified bangs and swishes. But then out he went as he took cover under the porch.
Oreo likes to focus on something -- anything. He’s made to notice things and he does, even if it’s just in his mind. He pretends to see or hear something and then becomes distracted by it and forgets what he was doing.
I’m like that sometimes. I’ll look for something that’ll distract me from the people and issues around me. I’ll organize. I’ll run errands. I’ll keep busy while neglecting the important things and people around me. Some of us use TV that way, or the computer or even some good thing to distract us from facing the people and issues in our lives.
But I notice that Jesus wasn’t distracted from the people and issues around him. Though he was focused on his Father in heaven, he was responsive to the people and needs he encountered. It’s as if he saw them from God’s perspective (of course) and without the lens of fear or anger or judgments that often distort our perceptions.
I need to study His Word and focus on God too -- I’m too easily distracted and I miss the people and needs around me.
-David DeVinney
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Renaissance Task Force
As I continue to experience the people of Central in my role as Chair of the Administrative Council, and recently as Chair of the Renaissance Task Force, I have been humbled by the faithfulness of the members of Central. Many times over the years as I've observed wonderful church members who have given so generously of their time, talents and resources, I have recalled the words used sometimes in memorial services, "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of your Lord."
Surely, the people of Central have demonstrated once again their faithfulness to the church by generously supporting the Renaissance Fund to be used for refurbishing our buildings. Our fund is now almost $179,000 in gifts and pledges and $91,000 has been sent to the West Michigan Foundation as payment toward our $100,000 loan. This fund was formed as part of a long history of generous giving by the members and friends of Central church. When we make a list of the over-all giving, just in the past few years, some are astonished at the thousands of dollars given in designated memorial funds and endowments, the Central Building Fund raised by the Partners for Preservation and the general pledging and support of our ministries.
Our Renaissance Fund represents gifts and pledges from approximately three-fourths of our pledging units. In addition to the loan payment, we now have a suggested priority plan for restoration put together by Swanson Design Studios. The Temple House has a new roof, the sanctuary roof is repaired, our parking situation is much improved, some aging steam pipes are repaired, and many other projects have been completed. Our water and termite damage will hopefully be resolved before too much longer.
Friends of Central have given several thousand dollars with notes of encouragement and appreciation for what this beautiful building means in this community. Others have expressed the hope that Central's ministry will continue long into the future. A young woman who grew up at Central said to me recently, "What Central is doing is important. Please keep up the good work."
Your financial gifts have expressed both your faith in the future of Central's ministry and your desire that we maintain our buildings to ensure their viability for years to come.
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director
SERENGETI SERENADE
Oh, I think that I shall never see
Anything so lovely as the "Serengeti,"
When it fills our church with laughter and fun
And giraffes, elephants, lions and God’s Son;
And volunteers say "yes" - there were more than 41--
When I called to say, "I need you everyone."
Where there’s blessing abounding day after day
As each problem is solved in surprising ways;
And supplies and scenery come forth like loaves and fishes,
As everyone works to provide all our wishes!
We’re ready and anxious to see who will come--
We’ve invited the whole neighborhood, and then some!
We’ve invested our work and our talent and money
And we pray God’s love will touch each little "honey."
And so I say Thank you, to our whole congregation
For making Bible School happen this summer vacation!
Here’s our list of precious volunteers:
Julie Welch - My right hand assistant and "Sing, Play, Roar" leader
Dave Stinson - "Bible Expedition" leader
Bill Amundsen, Nancy and Joe O’Shea, Dan Stinson - "Bible Expedition"
helpers
Pat Mort - "Mane Event" leader
JoAnn Klein - "Critter Craft" leader
Sarah Klein - "Critter Craft" helper
MaryBeth and Steve Pifer - "Wild Games" leaders
Jan Keen and Leslie Prame - "Watering Hole Snacks" leaders
Mary Bowers - "Lion Cub Club" leader
Amee Miller and Robbie Pohl - "Lion Cub Club" helpers
Dennis Kelley, - "Serengeti Eddie"
Martha Shirtum and Bill McCracken - Photographers
Nancy O’Shea, Dave DeVinney, Julie Welch - Props and Scenery
Mary Boudreau and crew - Door-to-Door Publicity
Laveda Poyet - Sewing
Mary Boudreau and Pastor Russell - "Lion Cub Parents"
Pat Wangen, Carolyn Collins, Alice Pifer, Mary Nesman, Cris Bobier, Bill
Tennant, Jamie Zimmer - Registration
Margo Parker - Name Tags
Efrem and Ashley Grettenberger, Kristin and Caroline Hicks - "Sing,
Play, Roar" song crew
Carolyn Kirkby, Codee Kirkby, Bob Pena, Miranda Eads, Deb Lynn, Katie
Klein, Mary Jessup, Katie Donovan - Serengeti Crew Leaders
John Welch and Patrick Leavitt - Van Driver and Assistant
Vesper class begins
The Sunday Vesper Class for the academic year 2005-06 will begin on Sept. 11. It will meet from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., as usual. The subject matter will be a comparative study of Islam and Christianity--their similarities and their differences. A video series entitled "Battle for the Hearts" will be used as a discussion starter for those who attend \the class. Each will be encouraged to do some reading on their own--books from the church library, the public library, or selections from the book stores--in order to be more thoroughly familiar with the beliefs and practices of Muslim believers. Anyone interested in this study is cordially welcome. Keith Pohl will once again lead the class. For more information you can reach him at 244-0389 or POHLKIRJ@CS.COM.
New adult elective:
Getting to Better Know your own Worldview
Do you know that YOU are the designer of your worldview and the object of design? That worldview is YOUR personal identity. It represents who you are and what you want to be. When you make decisions, it is your standard of reference for truth and morality.
Come join us in dialogue from September 11 to October 9 to learn about each other’s worldview. The class will be led by Jim Stark. Our objective is to grow spiritually through dialogue and sharing. No book will be needed, but if you have a copy of Jim’s book, bring it as a reference. To give us an estimate of material and space needs, please give your name to Joi Tennant, Pat Bell or Jim Stark.
Many thanks go to all those who generously gave of their time and talents for summer worship services. Your offerings of music are appreciated. Yours were wonderful gifts that were given in His name.
As we look forward to Fall, consider whether your inclination and schedule allow participation in any of the following groups which will meet in the 3rd floor rehearsal room:
Preschool Music - 10:45 a.m. Sundays, Lindsay Kesselman
Wesley Choristers - 11:00 a.m. Sundays, Lindsay Kesselman
Youth Fine Arts Group - 11:40 a.m. Sundays, Lindsay Kesselman
Spirit Singers - 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Caryn Welter
Chancel Choir - 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Trey Jacobs
Thursday rehearsals will begin on September 8; Sunday gatherings
will begin on September 11.
Please Note: The Handbell Choir will begin later this Fall, on a schedule that allows the group to ring for Thanksgiving. The rehearsal times will be at 5:30 p.m., Thursdays, in the sanctuary with Darlene Banks.
Mark your calendar for October 16, Homecoming Sunday. This year's theme is "The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree". Everyone who has ever been connected to Central is invited to join us in worship, an "apple" coffee hour, and a potluck. If you are available to help transport people, please contact the church office.
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
-Anonymous
Well, this summer has certainly started out hot and humid. But, Fellowship Coffee Hour continues to be a wonderful time to get together with family and friends and to share our joys and concerns.
With many members still away for the summer, it has been difficult to find volunteers to work coffee hour. In August I only have two Sundays partially covered with volunteers, and I have no volunteers signed up for September.
If you could spare a Sunday or two during August or September, please sign up on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or call me at 372-9425, and I will add your name to the schedule. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
August 11, Thursday - UMW Mission Team will meet at 10 am in the Grove Meditation Room. If you have anything you'd like included, please leave the information with the church office.
September 21, Wednesday - District Annual is 3 - 9 p.m., at Mason First UMC. Put it on your calendar now and plan on attending!
October 12, Wednesday - Conference Annual is 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., at New Hope United Methodist Church in Mecosta. More details to come.
May 4 - 7, 2006, UMW Assembly is scheduled for Anaheim, CA. There is a group of women from Central already committed to going. Information/registration packets are available from Pat at the church office. The theme is Rise! Shine! Glorify God! The Bible emphasises are Isaiah 58:6-12, Psalm 106:1-5 and Matthew 5:14-16. The Assembly Offering Objective is Jeremiah 22:3-4. The 2006 United Methodist Women’s Assembly Offering will fund organizations and projects that address issues of and access to nutrition, transportation, and safe homes through education, advocacy and direct services on behalf of women, children and youth.
In case you didn't know … pledge money is always accepted by the church office. Make sure it's clearly marked "UMW pledge" on the envelope.
At the School of Christian Mission, women from across West Michigan made school bags and filled them for children less fortunate. Central's UMW provided postage \for the bags. Thank you, ladies, from both the West Michigan Conference and the children receiving the bags!
Look for more UMW opportunities in the September Central Journal. I hope
the summer is going well for you and you're finding respite and refreshment
to your soul — Above all, I hope the day is gentle with you.
A Garage Sale will be held August 26-27 at the home of Jim and Dottie Stark; 2301 Wellesley Drive, Lansing.
Proceeds will be used for UMW's mission work and pledge. Please notify Dottie at 482-7834, of what you will bring be fore the ad goes into the newspaper. Delivery of your items may be made to Starks' home August 23 and 24. Thank you for your help.
We are happy to say that the remnant of our older adults resume meeting Tuesday, September 13, at 10:30 in the morning. The program will be a surprise, because I am not sure, up to now, what we can expect. After our fabulous trip to the Frederik Meijer Gardens last May, it will be tough to top that! Yet we old heads need to get together more often, and try to see what awaits our futures together.
I still believe that age is no barrier to a happy life. People much younger are striving to create happy days for them, and are not we experts? Live and laugh, love and feel God's grace at work! Do not be sullen. We may not be Methuselahs, but just think how short a life span many animals have and they are happy and exuberant. Listen to the birds in the mornings. Be a part of our ELDERBERRYS. It will do you good.
Mary Boudreau, Evangelism
We still need sponsors for some of the weekly radio broadcasts of our worship. It only costs $230 a week to support this important ministry, and several people can share the costs. Contact the church office today!
Hedge Clipper needed
Clyde Mass has retired from clipping the hedges around the church and parking lots so we need a “Clipper” to take his place. Please call Tom Rosier at 485-9477 to arrange to help out.
2005 Central Softball
Remaining schedule:
Ed Keen, Coach
August 2 Sharp # 5 vs. Holt
August 9 Sharp # 5 vs. University 1
August 12, 13 Tournament – Site to be announced
Please let me know in advance if you will not be able to make any of the games. If you haven't been playing and will be coming, please let me know when you will be starting to come to the games. It makes it easier to make out lineups and position the fielders ahead of time instead of at 6:30 p.m. on game night.I'll have printed copies of the schedule at the next game. We do appreciate fans watching as well as people playing!
37th Session of West Michigan Annual Conference held June 2-5
Rev. Frank Anderson, Ret.
The West Michigan Annual Conference (WMAC) began from the merger, in 1968, with the former EUB Church. The overall atmosphere was getting accustomed to our newly assigned Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton coming to us from the Ohio East Area. Much of his ministry was in Illinois. He was precise, understanding, patient, thorough and flexible at times. My role was minimal but interesting.
I, Frank Anderson, voluntarily sang with the Conference Choir which performed three times and rehearsed at 7 a.m. in the morning. There was a guest Korean choir also, on one night, and there was liturgical dancing. The Conference Preacher was Ray Buckley. He is a Native American, born in Alaska, and has command of several Native American languages. He was more of a storyteller and had the congregations enraptured with attention and interest.
There was a modest number of pastors coming from other denominations, a good
group of local pastors, and others licensed and some completing the Course
of Study. A total of ten pastors retired from active service. Among them,
the
....the Conference was a vigorous experience of spirituality and
fellowship...
Reverends Jane and Richard Duffey of Lansing. They served Calvary and the
Grovenberg UMCs. Retired Bishop Sharon Rader gave the Memorial Address at
the Memorial Service for deceased pastors and spouses.
Seven new pastors were ordained as Elders, including Neil Davis of Lansing Faith UMC and the South Lansing Ministries. The group included five women and two men. Eleven men and women were commissioned at the WMAC. Following ordination on Saturday evening, Bishop Keaton made a warm and strong appeal for persons to commit themselves to Christian ministry. A number responded. You may read on pages seven through ten, in the Michigan Christian Advocate of July 2005 (new format), a more thorough reporting of the entire Conference.
The auditorium at the Fine Arts Center of Calvin College was filled to capacity with clergy and lay delegates, a few attending for the first time, and visitors. With the Theme of "All Connected", the Conference was a vigorous experience of spirituality and fellowship such as in times past. The infectious spirit lifted everyone it seemed, and there was a prevailing spirit of Christianity at its best. Pat Bell was our Lay Conference Delegate. Also in attendance was our Pastor, the Rev. Russell McReynolds, and Rev. Bill Amundsen.
Excerpts from a June 2 note to Dale Kirkby about progress at Rio Colorado School:
Things are coming along nicely except for one glitch that came up while we were in LaPaz. ... a new ruling from the Bolivian government prevents tractor/automotive items older than 10 years from coming into the country. We are exploring that further as our tractor is the same age as Peter's; 25, but it only has 1300 hours on it...I'm calling Peter tonight to see if we can send it as "parts" for an existing tractor. We have plenty of room in the (shipping) container ... for your stuff plus any office equipment that Peter still needs...
Our team worked well together...we started the boys dorm...82' x 20'...got it up to window sill height on the perimeter and about five courses on the four partition walls. We also installed the stained glass window at the church which took one full day for that masonry work, etc. Most of us had some kind of cold after we returned, some worse than others, but the trip was jam packed and very worthwhile. There has been tremendous change at the school in two areas...music curriculum and the expansion of the agricultural/planted areas including a very interesting orchard that experiments with various fruit trees and their adaptability to the soil and climate. Peter's home is going to be quite large and useful for VIM teams of the future. Estela has her hands full with Timoteo who is more like a two year old than 15 months old. ...
Duane Brooks, who is a master woodworker, took particular interest in the woodshop and all its needs. He wants to send a number of good power tools down there...such as a thickness planer and a decent table saw. We all agree that woodshop and masonry skills should be taught at the school. Students take 14 subjects everyday...amazing isn't it?
Regards, Staton
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