December, 2000
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
Join in the "Hanging of the Greens"
We have planned a very exciting event for this year's "Hanging of the Greens",
to be held at the church on Friday, December 1st from 9 a.m. to noon and
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We would like many to be involved.
Each committee/commission will have a tree and a theme. It is their hope
that we will have trees decorated all over the building showcasing Central's
many ministries. There will be tables set up to make bows for the different
trees and a table to make candy favors for fellowship lunch, as well as the
hanging of the usual greenery and decorations.
This is a little different twist on the "giving tree" idea because we would
like you to do displays that highlight your work and not necessarily asking
for money. For example, the new Peace Center will have a tree decorated with
doves to represent peace. There will be lots of activities planned for everyone
so even members who cannot walk around can participate. Much of the leg work
will be done before you arrive so that you can really enjoy the event!
A light lunch or supper will be provided for each of the respective time
frames. Please plan to attend one or both. If you need a ride, or know of
someone who does, please let us know. We will make sure arrangements are
made for anyone needing transportation. Thank you for your support in making
this event a success!
Pamala Phillips and Ruthann Jaquette
Sip N' Sing will begin on the first Sunday of Advent, December
3rd, and run through the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24th. Come to
the Dining Room at 8:30 a.m. and sing your favorites while sipping something
warm.
Pastor's Pen
Christmas: Fantasy or Fact?
So much of our cultural celebration of Christmas has become rooted in fantasy.
From Frosty the Snowman to the Reindeer, our fantasies are elaborate and
fun for people of all ages. And although they are not particularly Christian,
they impart to children an appreciation for the mystical and the magical
– healthy spiritual forerunners to a wholesome belief in God. And of
course these fantasies are increasing in our world as the confusion mounts
over what kinds of spiritual things can be expressed in public. But as Christians
we must move beyond fantasy to fact. Here are some of the facts about
Christmas:
(1) In the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, you and I see the optimism
of God. The baby Jesus is supreme evidence that God has never lost faith
in the humanity God created. God believed that humanity would respond to
God's love in Christ. Even in our difficult times, let us remember that Christmas
represents God's eternal love and faith in humanity.
(2) In the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, you and I see the realism
of God. We believe that God came to earth to be one of us so that there can
be a fuller relationship between God and humanity. God chose not to stay
in God's heavenly realm, detached from human beings and the human condition.
Instead, God became one of us, to know our joys and our sorrows. God is "hands
on" realism.
(3) In the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, you and I see the intention
of God. Why Christmas in a particular time and place and setting? When God
sent Christ to preach the Gospel, God intended there to be a Gospel to be
preached. This was God's intention for humanity; that you and I and all the
world need not face life or sin or death alone, but in becoming like his
Son we would be more than conquerors, but instead achieve life anew, in this
life and the life to come.
So at this Christmastime, when fantasy, for better and for worse, controls
the day, let's remember the facts.
Grace and Peace, John
Our thanks to Ruth Ann Jaquette
Ruth Ann Jaquette will be relinquishing her duties as CUMC Business Manager
as of Dec. 1, 2000. Ruth Ann and her family, Brian, Tyler, David, and Austin,
will be the featured Guests of Honor at the December Second Sunday Brunch.
Brian and the boys have so generously shared Ruth Ann with us over the years,
that we want to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to them as well.
Plan to share time with them December 10th at 12:15 p.m. in the church dinning
room.
As of Monday Dec. 4, Miss Arlene Wilde, from AccountTemps will be available
to you Mon- Thus between the hours of 9a.m. and 2
p.m.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE
Special request from our Ad Council
We ARE the church that Jesus called us to be, when our "open door" policy
welcomes all kinds of people daily into our building. This generous hospitality,
however, saps our staff of energy and time, most especially when we are short
on volunteers to work at the front desk. Our volunteers are able to answer
the phone, answer questions, offer a listening ear, determine who sincerely
needs to see the Pastor etc. Would YOU volunteer your help? We truly NEED
regular volunteers, as well as substitutes to do this job. We need you NOW
especially because Ruthann will no longer be there to offer her kind, generous
attention to those folks. You will give a valuable service to our staff as
well as to the strangers who enter our doors. No experience is needed —
just a friendly voice and a caring attitude.
Love Gift for the Hudy Family
Now through December 24 there will be an apple basket on the altar for you
to place your monetary gift for Peter, Estela, Benjamin and Jonatan Hudy.
(You may also leave your gift at the church office during the week. PLEASE
be sure to mark your envelope "Hudy Love Gift"). It is a special love gift
for them personally to use as they establish a new household in Bolivia.
The apple basket has a bell sown into the base. In the olden days, children
picking apples in the orchard used it. Parents would know that all was well
when they could hear the bell ring. The basket belongs to Shirley Sharp,
who has been gracious enough to allow it to be used for this purpose. When
you place your love gift in the basket, please feel free to ring the bell!
Sponsored by the Mission Commission
Giving Tree
During the Advent season, the giving tree project will be Tools of Hope,
through Church World Service (you might know them as the CROP WALK folks).
Church World Service has been providing help and hope to people in need all
over the world (since 1946)--without regard to religion, ideology, or politics.
Working at the grassroots level through partner organizations that can solve
local problems best, Church World Service (CWS) keeps overhead costs down
so the maximum amount of help reaches people who need it most. CWS believes
that when it comes to hope, the greatest tool of all is the human heart.
Some examples of what your money might buy are as follows:
Carpentry Tool Set (hammer, saw, chisel, level) $20
Pushcart/Wheelbarrow 30
Set of Garden Tools (hoe, shovel, rake) 15
Piping (for water) 100
Water pump 834
Hardware (wrench, bolts, rubber seals) 35
You will find the giving tree for Tools of Hope in Central's library. You
can decide if you want to help with clean water in southern African nations,
fishing nets to families in central South America, or a batch of chicks to
the Dominican Republic. Sponsored by the Mission Commission
The Upper Room Devotional
Daily meditation on God's Word is a harbinger of good and happy days. It
lights up the dark moments and spreads goodness and mercy to all. You can
obtain a copy at the front reception desk at the north Capitol Avenue entrance.
We also call attention to the Daily Bible Reading Guide for the year 2001.
Call our Church Office at 485-9477 for help.
Devotional Thoughts from St. Benedict
By Rev. Frank Anderson, Visitation Minister
In the September-October 2000 issue of The Upper Room on page 71 is found
this quotation from the book by Elizabeth Canham, HEART WHISPERS:
"Be here; find Christ in the restless teenager, demanding parent, insensitive
employer, dull preacher, lukewarm congregation. Resist the inclination to
rush out and find some new recipe for happiness or the spiritual shot in
the arm offered by television evangelists or a different church community
because it is reputed to have more exciting worship."
Use The Upper Room or other devotions daily or as often as possible Don't
expect miracles every time. Do expect great things of
God.
High School Exchange Program
The SHARE! High School Exchange Program is sponsored by Educational Resource
Development Trust. This is a non-profit international exchange student program
looking for caring host families in Michigan Host families are needed for
international exchange students for the second semester of the year 2001.
The students (ages 15-18) will arrive in January and will stay with the host
family for one semester. They are in need of caring American families, with
or without children, to provide a home and share with them this unique
experience. The host family will provide a bed, meals, as well as friendship,
understanding and a genuine desire to share the American way of life with
a youngster from overseas. The students speak English, are covered by medical
insurance, and have spending money for their personal expenses. For more
information, please call Delores Bowers, Michigan State Director, at
800-835-8760.
Personal Request
A request has been made for a used electric portable sewing machine that
works. The user wants to make toys and stuffed animals for children, as well
as blankets. The person is doing so by hand at the present. Anyone wishing
to dispose of a machine, please contact Frank Anderson at
323-6968.
Thank You
To all the members of the Evangelism/Nurture Commission and other helpers
for their efforts to make the New Member All-Church Dinner a fun evening.
Pamala Phillips was so helpful in the office preparing the programs and printing
and everyone on respective crews put forth energy and soul into the event.
My appreciation is heartfelt—Consider your "rose" to be Abie's Irish
Rose!
Marge Sleight
To all who supported this year's CROP Walk by being a sponsor or by walking.
Thank you, Vicki Cool, for being the coordinator for Central. Thank you Lucy
Akpabio, Richard Bates, Pastor Boley and his troop—Rob and Ian, Amanda
Caulkett and Amalie Brichschneider, Carolyn and Dale Kirkby, Bob Pena, Joi
and Bill Tennant (with their dog), and Annette Voorhis for being walkers.
You raised $2,430. That is great! About half of that money was raised through
Lucy's efforts.
Church World Service
Fellowship Opportunities
Young Adults
Join us on Sunday evening, December 17th for caroling to Central shut-ins.
For more information, contact Bob Pena at 482-7358.
Central's Collage
Please add this to your calendar. Meet at the church for Christmas Caroling
at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 17th. After caroling we will gather for
refreshments. We will provide more information later. Joi Tennant and Faye
McCracken
Centralniters
We will meet at the church parking lot on Sunday, December 17th at 5:30 p.m.
to go caroling. Please bring a plate of cookies to share. Refreshments will
be served after at the Adcocks. Call Frank or Win at 323-6968 for more
information.
Elderberrys
For November, the Elderberrys monthly meeting was a 2-day 8-hour study, "55
Alive Safe Driving Course for Older Adults". Seventeen enrolled and received
certificates from Rev. Keith Pohl, the instructor. He was a competent, very
pleasant instructor everyone liked. Further courses are available according
to the demand. Thank you to Pamala Phillips who was most instrumental in
seeing that the course was a success. Our December meeting will be on Tuesday
morning, December 12 at 10:30 a.m. The program will be a skit entitled, Grandma's
Attic, performed by some of our own, under the direction of Arline Roe. Be
sure to come and not miss the fun! Luncheon will follow the meeting. Park
in Presbyterian lot.
A Love Gift of Pragmatic Value
The hands and feet, ears and voices of those who are the Clergy and Staff
of Central United Methodist church are also hands, feet, ears, voices and
heart to he Body of Christ. Their work in this church is both sacred and
practical. Not one of us as parishioners can possibly know how often these
people go that "second mile" beyond their work day to serve this church family
and the community. All year we have an opportunity to express our love and
gratitude for their presence and their efforts. We of the Pastor Staff Parish
Relations Committee offer a way you can express this in a practical form.
A monetary love gift. We ask that you make your check payable to Central
United Methodist Church and note "Love Gift" in the bottom left corner of
the check or on enclosed note paper.
Address your envelope:
Central United Methodist church
215 North Capitol Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
Or place your gift marked "Love Gift" in the collection plate.
May the grace of God and the generosity of our hearts work together to guide
us and bless us as we express this love.
OOPS ---The e-mail address for the Shalom Center's new
Director was listed incorrectly in last month's Journal. The correct address
for Director Rev. Bob Roth is BobJazz@aol.com.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS
From Pamala Phillips, Director of Christian Education
December is an exciting and busy time, so you will want to get your calendar's
out now and note the following.
Friday - December 1
9:30a – 12:30p Hanging of the Greens
5:30p – 7:30p Hanging of the Greens (child care provided)
Sunday -December 3 First Sunday of Advent
8:45a – 9:15p Sip and Sing
9:30a –12:15p Morning Worship and Church School
12:15p Christmas Cookies at First Baptist Church
TBA UMYF Outing ( no pool party)
Sunday - December 10 Second Sunday of Advent
8:45a – 9:15a Sip and Sing
9:30a-12:15p Morning Worship and Church School
12:15p Second Sunday Brunch – Appreciation Dinner for
Ruth Ann Jaquette
1:00p – 4:30p UMYF Shovel (or rake) and Run
Wednesday December 13
6:30p Sunday School Teachers Christmas Party Fellowship Hall (child care
provided)
Sunday December 17 Third Sunday of Advent
8:45a – 9:15a Sip and Sing
9:30a – 12:15p CUMC Christmas Program & Sunday School
4:30p – 7:30p Christmas Caroling and Cookie Party– UMYF & Young
Adults
Sunday December 24 Christmas Eve - Fourth Sunday of Advent
8:45a- 9:15a Sip and Sing
No Sunday School
11:00p Christmas Eve Service
Sunday December 31 New Year's Eve
9:30a Morning Worship Service
No Sunday School
Watch for info regarding future opportunities to further explore and discover
spirituality, and spiritual styles and types. Interested? contact Pamala
at 485-9477.
Library Update
The Library Task Force is pleased to update you on the progress of the
renovations of the Ralph Goodell Memorial Library. We anticipate the arrival
of the new shelving and completion of the renovations during middle-late
January. Thank you for holding your church library books during this period.
The Library Staff is now ready to receive book returns. Please return any
library books you have been holding during the renovations. You may do so
at your convenience, using the designated return book box outside the Library
doors, or at the Library desk. We are also looking for missing books, please
help us by checking your shelves for church library books. Thanks again,
for your patience and cooperation during the renovation.
Thank You Leighann
Leighann Maxwell has resigned as chair of the Education Commission after
many years of faithful service to the CUMC Education Department. Over the
years Leighann's commitment and contribution to Christian Education has been
a benefit and blessing to all. Please take a moment to thank her the next
time you see her.
Sip & Sing
Pat and Bob Wangen are coordinating the "sipping" portion of this year's
celebrated tradition, and are looking for volunteers to help serve and volunteers
to help with clean-up. Please contact the Wangens for more information. Phone
669-8433
MUSIC NOTES
By Caryn Welter, Director of Music
Thank you, Lynne Davis, for the beautiful musical tribute you offered up
on November 12 in loving memory of your parents, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Davis.
Your generosity was a rich blessing for Central.
DON'T MISS IT: "The World Sings Noel," to be sung during worship and directed
by Kate DePriest on Sunday, December 17, promises an interesting presentation
of the Christmas story. It's in the form of folk tales from around the world,
and uses a wide variety of methods to portray its message. Accompanied by
bells, stringed bass, drums, flute, and piano, it is intergenerational in
its involvement of all the music groups of Central.
LITURGICAL DANCERS: An Interesting Perspective on Advent will be offered
up by the Potter Park Liturgical Dancers during worship on Sunday, December
10. The group joined us last summer for Vacation Bible School and was well
received. Would you please help to welcome them?
PLEASE NOTE:
Those singers who are interested in singing praise choruses and informal
music are invited to an organizational meeting at the front of the sanctuary
on Sunday, December 3, at 10:45 a.m.
The Chorister Corner
By Kate DePriest, Director of Youth, Children, and Wesley
Choirs
Please mark the following dates:
CHILDREN'S CHOIRS
Sunday, December 10: Rehearsal for all participants involved in "The World Sings Noel" on December 17th This will run from 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Saturday, December 16: Rehearsal for "The World Sings Noel" for all participants from 10-12 a.m.
Sunday, December 17: "The World Sings Noel" Please arrive at 8:40 a.m. for
warm-ups and rehearsal. Come in costume.
YOUTH CHOIR
Sunday, December 3: "While You Were Out"
Sunday, December 10: "The Night BeforePageant"
Sunday, December 17: "Echoes of Prophecy, Announcement,
Acceptance"
Advent & Christmas Worship Opportunities at Central
December 3rd – First Sunday of Advent. Holy Communion; John Boley preaching.
December 10th – Second Sunday of Advent. Potter Park Liturgical Dancers; Reception of New Members; John Boley doing a meditation.
December 17th – Third Sunday of Advent. Intergenerational Musical Play, "The World Sings Noel."
December 24th – Fourth Sunday of Advent. Christmas celebration in high church fashion. John Boley doing a story for all ages.
December 24th – Christmas Eve. There will be no early service.
December 24th – Christmas Eve. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols
at 11:00 p.m.
United Methodist Women News
Pat Mort, President
Rummage Sale Note
Thank you to the gentleman who helped put tables in place; the ladies who
helped with set-up and pack-up; and to those people who gave time during
the sale. We couldn't have done it without the help of each of you. Norma
Hanson, and Ginny Hane.
Bishop's Reception
Thanks to all who helped with Bishop Lee's Reception in September. We received
word from Julia Deemer and the Conference that a Gift to Mission was made
through UMW as a "thank you" to Central for all the preparation and work.
Isn't it nice to know we contributed to missions through our actions on that
day? The recognition card is on the UMW Board.
Epiphany Breakfast
Lansing District's Epiphany Breakfast is set for Saturday, January 6, at
Christ UMC here in Lansing. This is always a meaningful event. Registration
forms are on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall. The cost is only $6. Please
note the deadline for registration is December 27.
UMW Board
The UMW Board in Fellowship Hall is covered with useful information. Please
check it out and find the place you can "plug in" to UMW !
Mission Team
Mission Team will NOT be meeting in either December or January. If you have
something that needs to come before the Team, please contact Pat or
Linda.
Calendar for 2001
January 6, 9 – 11:30 am
Epiphany Breakfast Lansing Christ UMC Speaker Joan Kelsey
April 20-21
Spring Retreat Wesley Woods "Discovering your Spiritual Gifts" Leader: Joyce
Showerman
April 21 – 25
(Wash., D.C.) UMW Seminar "Living as a Have in a World of Have
Nots"
July 18 – 20
School of Christian Mission at Holt UMC
July 21
SCM Drive-In Day at Holt UMC
September 19, 3 – 8 p.m.
Lansing District Annual "It's a Small World" Mt. Hope UMC Speaker: Cris
Bobier
October 20
Conference Annual Chapel Hill UMC Portage, MI
UMW's Christmas Party
You are Cordially Invited. . .Tuesday, December 5, Central's UMW is hosting
a Christmas Dessert in our Fellowship Hall. This event is open to all –
men and guests included. We do need an accurate count of those planning to
attend, however, to make sure there is plenty of dessert, coffee, tea and
punch available! A sign up sheet is available on the UMW Board in Fellowship
Hall; you can also sign up through Circle or with the Church office. We will
be using the round tables. If you have people you wish to sit with, please
let us know how many are in your group when you sign up. If childcare makes
it easier for you to attend, please let us know that, also, and we will arrange
for its availability. If you need a ride, please contact the Church and we
will try to arrange one. We'll have a punchbowl beginning at 6:30 p.m. The
dessert and program will begin at 7 p.m. We'll sing carols, enjoy stories
and begin our Advent Season together in love and joy. We plan to be done
between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. While there is no "monetary" cost to our guests
for this event, we are collecting unwrapped toys and books, which will be
donated to Community House in Grand Rapids for their gift giving. Carolyn
Schuurmans will deliver our gifts to Grand Rapids. Copies of information
on Community House are available on the UMW Board; please pick up a copy.
Judy Grove Circle is hosting this event. Again, make your
reservations.
Remember …
December 5th in Fellowship Hall
Punch Bowl at 6:30,
Dessert and Program at 7:00
PARTNERS FOR PRESERVATION
Let the hallmark of your Christmas Season be a Christmas Card purchased to
support our Partnership for Preservation program.
Review your Christmas Card list and decide who will be privileged to receive
this fine card, cover shown at left. Send the very best. Cards are packaged
in groups of 15 for $8.00. They will be available for purchase each Sunday
during coffee hour or at the church office during office hours. The proceeds
from the sale go to Partnership for Preservation, a fund dedicated to maintaining
and preserving the structural integrity of Central United Methodist Church
and Temple House for the purpose of providing a location for religious, cultural,
recreational and community service to the City of Lansing. Visit our web
site at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc to learn more about the card and Partnership
for Preservation.
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