December, 2001
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
Advent Thoughts: Follow the Signs that Lead to God
Rev. John W. Boley
Many of us will be travelling over the Christmas holidays. We'll see lots
of signs along the way. Billboards scream out trying to make their sale.
Signs will tell us where the gas is, where the restaurants are, where we
can find a rest area. They will tell us how far to our destination. They
will tell us which exit to take to get to the right place. They will tell
us where a hospital is.
There are other kinds of signs as well. What we see on TV and in the movie
theatres are "signs of the times" – suggesting to us what is most valued
in our society today. We see the signs of good and bad weather, the signs
of loving relationships and the signs of stress and anxiety.
All of the signs that come to us are only useful if we recognize and follow
their indications. Signs provide directions in life leading to certain goals
and directions.
The Scriptures are full of signs. Some are followed and some are not. The
Hebrew Scriptures are replete with incidents of how the people of Israel
failed to heed the directions given by God. The prophets were sent to give
the people God's message, and they encountered resistance in their desires
to turn the people in the right direction.
John the Baptist came to give the signs of a new world to come. He was ignored
by many, and called crazy by others. He proved to be a threat to some, and
it cost him his life.
We are provided with many signs of God's presence. Some of these signs we
accept and recognize; others we fail to recognize as God's presence. Others,
unfortunately, we ignore all together. During this Advent season, we pray
that we can be open to God's presence in a new way. We must heed the signs
that show us the correct path, the way that leads to life.
We can look for senseless acts of beauty and perform random acts of kindness.
We can see God's presence in the heroic efforts of rescuers. We can see Christ
in the face of the nurse, or the child, or the homeless one, or the teacher
– anyone trying to be of service or trying to seek out God's grace in
the midst of difficulty. Let our preparation for the coming of the Lord continue
by looking for God's presence in the many ways God is manifest to us, today
and each day of our lives.
Our vow of service
Justin Sleight
As the year draws to a close, I want to thank all of those who have volunteered
to help keep our church clean this year. These two hours of service every
other month are greatly appreciated by the staff, as well as lowering church
expenses. My records show that 12 couples, 10 women and 19 men have volunteered
during the year.
With some members taking winter vacations during the next four months, I
have about 40 people to fill 85 spots during that period. If you could work
for a couple hours on one or two of the Friday or Saturday mornings during
this period, please call me at 482-6476 to help keep your church
presentable.
Thank you.
Goodell Library Notes
Win Anderson, Library Task Force
Many thanks to the "Paper Clip Gang" for helping to begin the inventory of
our library books: Ginny Cantwell, Rita Clee, Betty Corbishley, Janet Hamilton,
Ann Snyder, and Jim Stark.
Centralniters go Christmas caroling
Centralniters will meet at the church at 5:30 p.m. to go Christmas caroling
on Sunday, December 16. Bring a plate of Christmas cookies to give a shut-in.
After caroling Centralniters will gather at Joy Adcock's home for refreshments
and fellowship.
Luncheon donations
Thursday Fellowship Luncheon donations will be accepted in Fellowship Hall
on December 9. A Church and Society Commission member will request donations
for the Christmas luncheon.
2001 Annual conference report
The bound edition of the 2001 Annual Conference Report and a videotape of
the conference highlights are now available in the resource section of our
library.
About our Members….
While Mary and Paul Albery were visiting their first great grandchild in
Troy, Mary fell going down a set of steps and fractured her hip. Surgery
was Tuesday, November 6. By Wednesday morning she was in therapy learning
how to use a walker. On Saturday, the 10th, she was transported back to Chelsea
where she will be in the nursing care unit for a couple weeks. Paul will
remain in their apartment. By the time this is published, Mary will probably
be back at their apartment (address below).
Rev. Mary Albery
725 W. Middle Street
Apt. G-A-24
Chelsea, MI 48116
Elberberrys Thrive
Frank Anderson
Those in Central UMC that carry just about 60 years or more of "life" in
their shoes, enjoyed a fine morning last November 13. Mr. Keith McCall of
East Lansing presented a clear and challenging picture of how "Medicare"
works for us retirees.
In addition to a handout entitled, What is Medicare? Where Do We Go From
Here? Keith also made available an information sheet he named, Current Medicare
Issues Under Consideration. I believe this is the first such presentation
in Central I can remember telling how seniors can best use their government
health insurance.
Our next session of Elberberrys will be a Christmas musical program directed
by our Music Director, Caryn Welter, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning, December
11. Sign up on 12/2 and 12/9 in Fellowship Hall. For more information please
contact Frank Anderson or Pamala Phillips.
Holy Communion at your home
Frank Anderson
As we approach the Christmas season, shut-ins and residents of retirement
homes might wish to celebrate a private communion where they live. You may
phone Rev. Boley or Rev. Anderson to make arrangements of date and time,
or you may call the church office (485-9477) and leave your name and phone
number.
New Upper Room Issues Here
Are you habitual in daily personal devotions? The Upper Room devotional booklet
for November and December is available at the office desk counter. It is
available in large print. Persons of all ages do well in this daily exercise
of readings and prayers.
Be A Warm Welcoming Worshiper
Joi Tennant
Sharing suggestions from the Igniting Ministry materials.
Three ways to help us consciously be more welcoming all of the time when
we gather to worship God, that will assure that EVERYONE who worships in
our church will be greeted and welcomed are:
1. "Circle of 10 -- Everyone who comes within 10 feet of you will be genuinely
and warmly greeted.
2. "Rule of 3" -- Church members are encouraged to spend the first 3 minutes
after the service greeting and talking with people whom they do not know.
This will assure that contact is made with all who are guests. Visitors usually
will leave the sanctuary within three minutes of the service ending. Regular
attendees will remain longer.
3. Use these "welcoming conversation" steps when you can:
Greet – "Hello, glad to have you with us today."
Assure – "Can I help you find the restroom, elevator or nursery?" "Can I take you down to our coffee hour?"
Show interest – "Do you live in the area?" "Are you new to Lansing?"
Serve – "Here's the first hymn we're singing today."
Express commonality – "We're just getting used to using two hymnals, too." "Did you have trouble finding a place to park?"
Give and Receive – Give a few minutes of your time. Thank the guest for coming.
Close – "We hope you will be back with us again soon."
Doin' Dialogue
OK, Central (yup, that means everyone!) Here's your chance to learn how to
speak your piece peacefully, with effectiveness and charity (that means
goodwill). This kind of opportunity doesn't come around very often, and for
FREE, even! In fact, many of us just blunder bust our way through our entire
lives, letting the chips fall where they may; or maybe we take the opposite
option – passive /aggressive communication techniques. Usually one or
the other has been forever our mode of operation, we're comfortable with
it, and we don't know any other way to get our message across, either at
home or at work or at church. But you know what? Neither of these, or anything
in-between, helps us make disciples of Jesus Christ. Our words either speak
love or they don't. That's why it is so very essential that we take advantage
of this series of Dialoguing Workshops and learn how to disagree and otherwise
express ourselves within the boundaries of Christian love.
Naomi Garcia, Ministry Consultant from the West Mich. Conference office in
Grand Rapids will be the expert who leads us through this enlightening, fun,
growing experience as a church family. She is gifted in her work; and you
will like how you feel about yourself and your fellow learners when all is
said and done. This is also a great way to get better acquainted with each
other. We hope to get a large turnout each of the 4 Saturdays. Please plan
to attend at least one of the first two sessions, and then, hopefully, determine
to complete the course. We're sure you'll want to come back once you've been
a part of this.
The Saturday Dialoging Workshops are set for
Dec. 1, Jan. 12, Feb. 16, March 16,
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the church.
Childcare will be provided for those who request it.
This Christmas Help the Cardinals Make Music
Joi Tennant, Co-chairperson of Mission Commission
Schools operated from mission money usually have slim budgets for even the
most essential equipment. Red Bird Mission School in Appalachia is no exception.
For the past 4 years Central has covenanted to support Mark and Rebecca Smallwood
who are missionary teachers at Red Bird School. Mark is in charge of all
Middle School/High School music. As you can imagine, money for music and
instruments and instrumental repairs is always lacking. This year Central's
Mission Commission has chosen to have as our Giving Tree project, a little
"nest egg" for the Cardinal Music Program. Would you consider a donation
towards their program? This would be such a great encouragement to Mark and
Rebecca. The Giving Tree can be found in the church library area. Special
envelopes are on the tree for you to use for your gift. They can be placed
in the offering plate or mailed to the church. Please make checks out to
Central United Methodist Church, and mark them "Red Bird Mission". To learn
more about Mark and Rebecca and Red Bird Mission, check out our bulletin
board near the tree.
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 the 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.
Our opportunity to express our love and gratitude for their presence and
their efforts has come.
We of the Pastor Staff Parish Relations Committee offer a way you can express
this in a practical form.
A Monetary love gift.
We choose to be open and up front about this as it is no secret that our
payroll and postage budgets are tight.
We ask that you make your check to: Central United Methodist Church and note
"Love Gift" somewhere on the check or enclosed notepaper.
Address your envelope:
Central United Methodist Church
215 North Capitol Ave.
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.
Christmas Poinsettias
It is again time to be thinking about the annual floral display of red
poinsettias for the Advent Season. If you are interested in purchasing a
poinsettia for display on he Cancel during the Advent Season, please print
and fill out the form below and send it, along with your check, to the church
office (215 N. Capitol, Lansing, MI 48933). You may honor or memorialize
someone in this matter. The cost is $10 per plant. The final day to order
is Monday, December 10*. The plants will be here for the December 16 worship
service and remain until Christmas Eve. Please feel free to remove your plants
at any time following the Christmas Eve service.
Your name
______________________________________________________
Please reserve ________ poinsettias ($10.00 per plant)
The designation should read:
_______ in memory of
_______ in honor of
Name:
___________________________________________________________
From:
___________________________________________________________
*Please make checks payable to Central United Methodist and write "poinsettia"
on the memo line.
Help fill holiday gift bags for our friends
Beth Murley, Evangelism Commission
Evangelism Nurture and Outreach is sponsoring a Christmas Giving Tree to
benefit our friends who attend the Thursday Fellowship Lunch. Margaret Woolcocks
has decorated holiday gift bags which will be distributed on December 20.
Now they need to be filled! The following items are needed:
Athletic socks, razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo,
lotion, soap (medium size bars), and combs. About 80 bags will be packed.
Please leave your donation under the tree or at the church office. Thank
you! Merry Christmas!
Education
Pamala Philips, Director of Education and Youth
Youth to present intergenerational Sunday School program December 2
Regular Sunday School classes will not meet December 2. Instead, We will
all have one Intergenerational Sunday School Program in Fellowship Hall.
It will be lead and presented by the Senior and Junior High
Youth.
Please plan to attend even if you don't normally attend Sunday School. The
teenagers; the youth of our church, are a very real part of our community
of believers and need and want our support. So whether or not you have any
teens or grandchildren or nieces/nephews in the program, PLEASE do attend
and show the love and pride the entire Central Family feels towards our
youth.
Bibles presented to third graders
Last month Bibles were presented to Miss Samantha Sanders, daughter of Mike
and Jeanne Sanders, and Miss Amy Schneider, daughter of Dan and Carole Schneider.
A special bible presentation was made to Mr. Peter Katauskas, son of Marilyn
Peterson.
Central Teens confirmed
Teens confirmed Sunday, November 18 were :
Mr. John Forgrave, son of Rob and Anne Forgrave, Miss Michelle Weinfeld,
daughter of Arnold and Colleen Weinfeld Mr. Sam Holoweiko, son of Jeff and
Karen Holoweiko, Mr. Simon Holoweiko, son of Jeff and Karen Holoweiko, and
Miss Becky Mason, daughter of Chris and Dace Mason.
Miss Michelle Weinfeld, daughter of Arnold and Colleen Weinfeld, was baptized
Nov. 18.
Food hunt
Central UMYF Sr and Jr High Youth Groups had their annual "Scavenger Hunt"
on Nov. 18. Each group was given a list of non-perishables to collect. In
the past the competition has been between the boys and the girls. This year
the Senior High group challenged the Junior High. This year our scavenger
hunt loot was gathered for, and taken to "Crossroads", the Lansing homeless
shelter for teens. In addition to boxes and boxes of food stuffs, the youth
group donated a 20 pound turkey and pumpkin pies.
UMYF December Schedule
Dec 2 – Shovel & Run -12:30 – 4 p.m.
Dec 9 – Loft -5 p.m.
Dec 16 – Christmas Caroling -5 – 8 p.m.
Dec 23 – No UMYF
Dec 30 – No UMYF
Do you have more snow (or leaves) than you want?
"Shovel and Run" is scheduled for December 2. However, if (oh please God)
there is no white stuff to shovel, we will "Rake and Run" instead.
If you are in need of, and willing to accept our assistance for leaves or
the white stuff, please contact the church office, and we will pay you a
visit.
UMYF Preliminary Schedule 2002
Jan 6 – Loft -5 – 7 p.m.
Jan 20 – Loft -5 – 7 p.m.
Jan. 27 – Work Project -12:30 – 5 p.m.
Feb 3 – Swim Party/ Kirkby's 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Feb 9 – Work Project and Overnight -Saturday – 12 noon – Sunday -9 a.m.
Feb 10 – No UMYF
Feb 17 – Loft -5 – 7 p.m.
Feb 24 – Loft -5 -- 7 p.m.
Mar 3 – Work Project -12:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Mar 8 – Sr High Overnight -6 p.m. – 10 a.m.
Mar 10 – Jr High UMYF
Mar 17 – Shovel & Run -12:30 – 4:30 p.m.- if no snow, then bowling
Mar 24 – Palm Sunday -Movie night
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director
December brings with it some wonderful musical opportunities before service,
during service, and after service. Won't you please join us for all of
them?
Each Advent Sunday morning — SIP 'N' SING in the dining
room.
December 2 – The Spirit Singers bring us a meaningful advent piece.
The Youth Musical Group presents the captivating musical, "Wise Guys and
Starry Skies," just after the coffee fellowship hour – at 11:20 a.m.
in Fellowship Hall.
December 9 – The Chancel Choir, together with Holt UMC's Chancel Choir,
presents Saint-Saens' "Christmas Oratorio" to the Central congregation at
9:30 a.m., then to the Holt congregation (at the Holt UMC) at 11:15 a.m.
This combined effort features talented soloists and instrumentalists, promising
a beautiful presentation. The Central Bell Ringers will launch Central's
service that morning.
December 16 – The Children's Choir and Wesley Choristers will present
"The Meaning of Christmas' during the worship time. At this writing, the
kids already know their lines and songs, and are really looking forward to
sharing them with their friends and families.
December 23 – this high-church service promises special Chancel Choir
and Spirit Singers music, combined with the Christmas hymns we have all come
to know and love.
December 24 – Both the Spirit Singers and the Chancel Choir will be
part of the 11:00 p.m. Christmas EveService. A variety of pre-service music
will be presented, beginning with carillon recitals at 10:00 p.m., followed
by the contributions of many parishioners during the 10:30 – 11 p.m.
time.
Fred Swann concert a success
A HUGE THANK YOU goes to all who helped with the Fred Swann concert. It was
a rousing success, in terms of people attending from all around Michigan;
Mr. Swann did an exceptional job of performing an extremely ambitious
program.
None of it could have been possible, though, without the wonderful help and
support from all those Central people who were involved. Please feel sincere
thanks if you: offered the invocation, prepared the building for the event,
hosted people as they moved about the building, visited the carillon or organ,
planned, organized, or implemented the lovely reception, were part of the
publicity plan, assisted in decorating for the concert or reception, served
as an usher or greeter , attended the concert or helped in any other way
to make this endeavor a positive experience.
Once again, it's clear to me that we pulled together in a most marvelous
way as we undertake efforts to benefit our congregation and our
community.
What opportunities might you be missing?
Take a look around the church building, particularly the library or in/near
Fellowship Hall, to see the many creative bulletin boards and other displays
created by Central members. They are using their talents to let their church
family know what events are taking place in the upcoming weeks. There are
many opportunities in which you may want to
participate.
Trustees Announce Building Security System Active
David Schuurmans
The security system is now operable. It will be turned on at night when the
building is closed. Anyone wanting to enter the building at special times,
other than during the day or early evening, should contact the church
office.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, president
A Blessed Christmas Season to You All. I love this time of year. I love the
decorations; I love thinking about what I want to do for others; I love wrapping
presents; I love Christmas cards; I love Christmas music; I love the way
people treat each other a little gentler, a little more patiently, a little
more special. I love hearing the Story over again, thinking about what it
all means, thinking again about how I fit into it all. I love
"I love hearing the Story over again"
the wonder and the awe of it all. A stable, rude and cold. A mother and father
tired from the journey. A star, shepherds and angels, proclaiming the birth
of a King. A gift of God. For you, for me, for us all. Blessed be. Happy
birthday, Jesus. May our gifts, given back to you and the Almighty Creator
God, be as worthy as the gift You are to us.
Warm up Christmas
Central's UMW is sponsoring the Ruth Fishbeck Memorial Warm Fuzzy Tree again
this year. For years Ruth provided warm, lovingly hand-knitted hats and mittens
for those who did not have the means to provide for themselves. Ruth's example
of being Christ's hands in the world is one we can all emulate.
Check your home, with your co-workers and relatives - are there any gently
used or new scarves, mittens, gloves, hats, afghans, socks or blankets to
share with others who need the warmth? Any sizes, infant to adult. Bring
them to Sip and Sing any Sunday during Advent. Those collected will be shared
with our guests at Fellowship Luncheon and with the clients of the Family
Growth Center who need them.
If you know someone who could benefit from the gift of warmth, please leave
the information with the Church Office and we will do all we can to help
them out.
UMW buys books
The UMW Reading Program provides thought provoking, inspirational,
mind-expanding, exciting books. The topics range from fiction to social action
to faith to nurturing community. Each year UMW buys books and makes them
available through Central's library. We encourage you to check out our selection.
The UMW shelf is directly behind the Welcoming Christ statue. If you cannot
find it, please ask one of the Librarians.
Walk challenge
Looking for a way to challenge yourself physically, mentally and spiritually?
Consider participating in the Avon 3-bay, a 3-day, 60 mile walk from Ann
Arbor to Detroit May 31 - June 2, 2002. Questions? Contact Pat Mort. Do it
for yourself. Do it for your Mom, your Aunt, your Grandmother, your best
friend, your wife, your daughter, your co-worker, the woman you see on the
street every day, the woman you don't know. Do it as the feet of Christ in
our world today.
New mission?
Are you aware of a ministry we, as an organized unit of United Methodist
Women, can serve women, youth or children in the area? Please let someone
of the Mission Team know. NOTE: There will be no Mission Team in December
or January. We will meet again in February.
Needed: helpers to finish cleaning the cupboards and wash and inventory the
dishes in the serving kitchen. Judy Grove Circle invested 4 hours in the
task during our regular meeting time and got a lot of the work done. If you
can help finish it up, please contact Pat Mort. Thank
you!
Remember, Christmas by Candlelight Tuesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship
Hall.
Epiphany Breakfast in January
The Epiphany Breakfast is Saturday, January 5 at Lansing Trinity United Methodist
Church from 9 to 11:30 p.m. Reservation sheets are available on the UMW Board
in Fellowship Hall. Reservations are due by December 27.
Haslett High School Choir to perform for Church Women United Monday, December
10, 1:00 p.m. Okemos Community Church Free – Refreshments – Everyone
welcome.
Among Friends
On November 6, member Bill Sharp won a seat on the East Lansing City Council
for a second four year term. Congratulations, Bill!
Our Director of Business Administration, Dominic Parker was married November
11 to Melody Edwards. They attend University UMC. Blessings.
Mary and Paul Albery were visiting their first great grandchild in Troy,
MI, when Mary fell and fractured her hip. Surgery was November 6. Mary is
expected to be back in their apartment by the time this is published. Please
write Rev. Mary and Paul Albery, 725 W. Middle Street, Apt. G-A-24, Chelsea,
MI 48116.
Maxine Jones writes, "I have been overwhelmed by your many expressions of
support for Ronald and me during his lengthy illness. Your prayers, hugs,
visits, words of encouragement truly sustained us. Thank you dear Central
family. God bless you everyone; and deep, deep gratitude to John Boley and
Frank Anderson."
Recovering from hip surgery, Georgia Mead sent a note saying, "I wish to
thank all the people who visited me during my recent surgery and time I spent
at the rehab center. A special thanks to Rev. Boley and Rev.
Anderson."
Transitions…
The memorial service for Ron Jones was November 5.
Memorial services for Ruth Holmes and Bill Fitzgerald were November 21.
The memorial service for Sylvia Flink is scheduled for December 12 at Central.
The memorial service for Miriam Priebe was held November 24 at
Central.
Special Prayers for:
Linda Bates in Sparrow Hospital
Vivian Taylor – Burchas Health Care
Jack Lansing – recovering from back surgery
Ed Keen – at home, recovering from surgery
Agnes Gamble – at home, recovering from hip surgery
Herb Norton – at home
Claudia McLellan – at home recovering from
surgery
God's gifts
Bob Wangen, Chair, Finance Commission
I wish I could say I penned these words, but they came from an associate
of mine…..
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would
not have a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything You
gave me.'
"This quote from Erma Bombeck expresses what I would like to be able to say
to God when I face Him face to face. It puts into words what I have grown
to understand about stewardship. God has provided so much for each of us
and He expects us to use those gifts appropriately. Stewardship is more than
giving money. It is giving of everything we have . . . our talents, our time,
our resources, our love. Calvin Partain, in his book titled "Trusted Steward"
outlines three basic fundamental truths about stewardship:
1) God owns everything.
2) God has entrusted some of His possessions to us.
3) God holds us accountable.
"These simple truths call us to recognize that God, as the Creator of all
life, has entrusted us with everything we are and have . . . our body, mind,
soul, talents, time, and possessions. God has graciously given each of us
many wonderful gifts and abilities. He desires that we use those in service
for Him (Matthew 25).
"Stewardship is essential in a believer's life. It is giving our lives back
to the One who has so generously blessed us. Take a minute to think about
your stewardship. How are you using what He has given you to serve him? It
could be a smile, a helping hand, a thoughtful word and on and on. Every
day we have opportunities galore to use His gifts to serve Him. Start this
week by focusing on serving God in everything you do and say. Give generously
of your gifts, talents, and resources so that when you enter the gates of
heaven you can say, "I have nothing left, I used everything You gave me."
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