Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
December,
2002
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
From the Pastor
Friends,
I have more good news for you. I have received the gift of Christmas and
so many other things. Many of you, sometimes unknowingly, have been instrumental
in my receipt of blessings. I would love to tell how God uses you but the
ways are too numerous to share in this letter.
It is for that reason that I can see the relationship between the celebrations
of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a cycle. How can I express praise and
thanksgiving? There are some obvious possibilities here at Central UMC: I
can do it through my participation in working on our Habitat house which
needs more sweat equity; or work with the volunteer cleaning teams to make
the building safer and more hospitable; or join the Thursday luncheon group
in providing food and fellowship for our friends and neighbors.
The relationship is cyclical between these two dates. I am writing this letter
just following our Thanksgiving Luncheon meal. The volunteers from Central
and the state government joyfully worked together at serving an excellent
meal to the overflow crowd. We ran out of turkey and potatoes. Everyone
participating had an attitude of gratitude. We (the volunteers) had received
so much. We wanted to give back. BB King, the soulful singer, cries out in
the song with the same title, The Thrill is Gone. BB, the thrill is not gone
when you are in the cycle of receiving and giving. Don't let anyone block
the cycle.
For me, it goes back to my days in Mt. Clemens, MI. Charles Jennett, an active
member of Central and who also grew up in Mt. Clemens, and I started reminiscing
about growing up there.
My parents were working people – my father a factory worker and my mother
a domestic. I have thought long and hard about growing up in Mt. Clemens.
Nothing was perfect, including me. But I can only recall positive things
about the total situation. This is true not only about Mt. Clemens but also
the other cities where I have lived and served.
There had to be challenges and issues. But with my best reflection, I can
only see good times. So they - Mt. Clemens, Detroit, Atlanta, Ypsilanti,
Flint, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and now Lansing - were positive experiences
in my life. The reason for all those experiences being so good and positive
is the relationship of giving (Thanksgiving) and receiving (Christmas). Indeed,
they were gifts and I am very thankful.
I share these experiences so that we can learn to rejoice no matter what
the circumstances. It is good to be alive and able to do and give. Thanks
be to God.
I don't want to make the mistake of romanticizing the past. That's not my
intention. Instead, I want to learn from it. I simply want to express
thanksgiving for what I consider beautiful experiences in Mt. Clemens and
the different ministry appointments, as gifts of abundant life. My time here
at Central since July 1, has been a gift. I have real difficulty seeing the
bad in it, only good news and opportunity to be closer to God.
My point: we should all be praising God. We are constantly receiving. So
stewardship is continuous because we are continually receiving. We can't
give enough to match our blessings, no matter how hard we try.
So Christmas, as always, came early for me - July 1. I love serving Central
UMC and participating in all the different ways of receiving and giving.
Yes, we have received more than enough in time, talent and resources to do
the necessary ministries. So I did participate (by eating) with gratitude
in the Thanksgiving Dinner during the Thursday luncheon meal. I will put
my time in with building the Habitat House and will jump for joy about the
gift of the babe born in Bethlehem.
Your Pastor,
Russell
Central Journal copy deadline:
5 P.M. Friday
December 13 – January issue
January 17 – February issue
February 14 – March issue
Education
Bpb Roth, Direvctor of Christian Formation
Getting To Know Who?
A key to effective shared ministry is getting to know one another. Yes, when
you come to church you probably see a lot of people you know and that's great.
However, we must consciously introduce ourselves to "new" people (new to
me?) and get to know others better if we are to increase the effectiveness
of our Christian Education program. Examples:
If you are a parent, get to know your son or daughter's teacher or youth
counselor. I hear a lot of comments from teachers, church volunteers, and
parents regarding the needs of the children, youth and adults in our
church—thankfully, the vast majority of them are very positive and
encouraging! In my role, I want and need that input. Still, I also want to
nudge folks into more direct communication and, at times cut out the "middle
man". It is always good to call a teacher or youth counselor with praise,
questions, or a "how can I help?"
When you give a friendly invitation, you are already an evangelist. Evangelism
means "good news" or a "good Word". See the angel in the middle of evangelist?
That's you when you invite someone to class, to worship, to a fellowship
group or encourage your son or daughter to do the same. I truly believe that
the good news of God's love is found in all the groups at our
church.
If you are doing too much ministry at Central, or too little, coffee hour
is the place for you! When church workers "burn out", they usually know how
they are feeling well before they let on to others. Coffee hour after worship
is a great time to ask someone else to help you out if a commitment you take
on is more than you can, or should do by yourself. Almost always, you will
get a "yes" if you ask for help. Likewise, if you have gifts and graces that
you could be sharing at church, listen in the coffee hour conversations where
people or committees need someone like you.
Please pray about this:
Sunday morning nursery still needs volunteers
If you can help (or simply want to ask a question about what is needed),
call our Children's Coordinator Mary Bowers at the church on Thursday mornings
or in the evenings at home: 484-1593. Thanks—a million—and may
God bless you.
Adult electives: give one a try
We offer some terrific opportunities at Central for anyone who feels called
to grow in their Christian discipleship:
On Sundays in December at 11:00 a.m., Dale Kirkby and Leon Martin teach "Genesis
To Revelation" in the 2nd Floor Conference Room, Joi Tennant leads a class
on Henri Nouwen's "Life of the Beloved" in the Shalom Center, and the Church
and Society Commission facilitates a class on the "Middle East Conflict"
in the Mary Sabina Chapel.
Keith Pohl's class Sunday afternoons at 5:00 will not meet in December, but
please mark your calendar now because it will begin again in January with
John Shelby Spong's newest book.
Mid-week opportunities for adults include the Men's Bible Study at 9:00 a.m.
on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays (questions: Dave Schuurmans) and the Well
Women's Bible Study on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. (questions: Karen
Holoweiko).
And soon it will be…Christmas Eve!
7:00 p.m. – Family Christmas Eve Service: "The Stories Of
Christmas"
10:00 p.m. – Carillon Recital
10:30 p.m. – Prelude
11:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
This Christmas Eve we will once again have an early service directed toward
children, youth, and families. Both evening services will integrate the lighting
of candles. At the Family Service, children will each receive a gift from
their church. Questions about the Family Service may be directed to Bob Roth
or Julie Cooper.
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director
SIP 'N' SING BEGINS DECEMBER 1, 8:45 - 9:20 a.m.
If you're new to this congregation, just ask anyone who's been around awhile
about this marvelous Advent activity. All you have to do is meet in the Dining
Room for a breakfast snack and join in the singing. It's great fun and fellowship
as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth.
BRYCE BERRY, TENOR SECTION LEADER, WILL SING THE VOLUNTARY DECEMBER 15. You
can look forward to selections from the MESSIAH, accompanied on Central's
harpsichord, a gift from Shirley and Bruce Goodrich.
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHTING SERVICE AT 11:00 p.m.This rich tradition continues:
10:00 p.m. Carillon recital, 10:30 p.m. Prelude, 11:00 p.m.
Worship.
CHANCEL CHOIR MEMBERS AND SPIRIT SINGERS, the people of Greater Lansing enjoyed
your participation in the Wednesday, November 20, GLADE action event at Union
Missionary Baptist Church. A special thank you goes to our section leaders
for your choral leadership. Central parishioners, we all appreciate your
supporting this event with your presence and participation. Kayla Tipton
and Joyce and Frank Joranko; the musicians are grateful for the support you
provided beforehand.
EVERYONE, PLEASE MARK JANUARY 19, 2003, ON YOUR CALENDAR. At 4 p.m. that
day, Central UMC will host the area's ecumenical service which begins the
Week of Christian Prayer. It would be very meaningful if our own people could
fill a significant number of pews on that special day. The Chancel Choir
will sing, along with members of other groups. Rev. McReynolds, too, will
be involved, as will leaders from other churches. Won't you plan now to bring
friends and join us? Would you also consider providing three dozen cookies
for the reception we'll host afterward? If so, just leave a message at 485-9477,
ex. 35.
MARCH 9, 2003, AT 3 P.M. IS THE DOWNTOWN CHURCHES', FESTIVAL OF THE LITURGICAL
YEAR. This event will be hosted by our neighbors at First Presbyterian Church.
As part of the service, Central's Pastor McReynolds and Pastor Tony Patrick
of the host church will deliver brief messages about Advent, Christmas, Epiphany,
Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. Similarly, the choirs will present music appropriate
to those six calendar times.
Worship participation schedules for:
Youth, Children's Choir, Wesley Choristers,
Youth Bells and Youth
Instrumentalists:
December 8 - The special events Youth Instrumentalists will play for the
first time during the 9:30 a.m. worship service. Also, the Children's Choir
and Wesley Choristers will sing Mary's Lullaby (Sandra Ford) and Little Drummer
Boy (Jay Althouse). The accompanying instruments and instrumentalists will
be a surprise!
Please note the following date change:
Also December 8, the Youth Fine Arts Group will present This Baby with What
Child is This, arranged by Dennis Allen.
December 15 - The special events Youth Bells will play for the first time
during our morning service. Also, they will accompany the Children's Choir
and Wesley Choristers' rendition of Lloyd Larson's Christmas
Day.
January 19, 2003 - During morning worship, the Children's Choir, Wesley
Choristers and Spirit Singers will sing three hymns.
YOUTH AND PARENTS OF YOUTH, thanks for your willing participation in, and
support for, the two new groups that have been formed; the Youth
Instrumentalists' Group and the Youth Bell Choir. Both groups are now well
under way. These exciting new forms of involvement can serve only to enhance
worship experiences.
UnitedMethodist Women
Pat Mort, President
A blessed Season of Expectation and Fulfillment to you all! I hope this truly
is a time of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All. Please pray intentionally
for Peace for all the Children of God during this Advent
Season.
Christmas by Candlelight is for everyone!
Please join us for "A Very Special Night", Tuesday, December 3 in Fellowship
Hall. The evening will start with punch, tea and coffee at 6:30. Gretchen
Gleason's students will bring us a program of song, readings and surprises
at 7:00. Dessert will follow.
We are collecting unwrapped board games for children through adult, card
games, bingo prizes and costume jewelry for the 100th birthday celebration
of Community House in Grand Rapids.
No reservations are necessary and this event is OPEN TO ALL!
You have made a world of difference!
Thanks to your pledges and our fundraising we were able to meet all of our
obligations! On behalf of all the women, children and youth you have helped,
I humbly thank you. You have indeed made a world of difference to many, both
here and in God's family everywhere. There is always "more" that can be done
but your concern and faithfulness has shown many of our brothers and sisters
God's love and compassion.
Pledges and World Thank Offerings should have been turned in to either your
Circle treasurer or Mary Bowers by now but we will continue to accept them
towards our 2003 budget! At our November meeting we voted to have Mary pay
off the rest of our pledge and donations for 2002.
Fund raising this year, as all years, has been hectic. Our cookie dough sale
went very well with a few minor glitches.
Our rummage sale took in $546 after expenses. Thanks to all who contributed
items, helped set up, worked and take down. And a big "thanks" to Jim and
Dottie Stark who allowed us to use their garage!
Arline reports RADA has been selling well and she will be ordering more soon.
If you would like any for holiday gift-giving, please see Arline.
Our two-year planning calendars are sold – thanks to all who bought
them again this year!
Epiphany Breakfast is January 4 at Lawrence Avenue UMC in Charlotte. Fliers
are on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
Our next Mission Team is January 7, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. in the Shalom
Center.
A blessed Christmas to you all
Now Every Child
Eleanor Farjeon
Now every Child that dwells on earth,
Stand up, stand up and sing!
The passing night has given birth
Unto the Children's King.
Sing sweet as the flute,
Sing clear as the horn,
Sing joy of the children
Come Christmas the morn!
Little Christ Jesus
Our Brother is born.
Library Task Force
Ed Spink
Islam, Muhammad and Christianity
A seven tape set of video tapes has been added to the Library, courtesy of
Jim and Dottie Stark. Three themes: 1) Islamics, 2) Apologetics, and 3)
Pragmatics provide an in-depth look at:
The origins of the religion of Islam
Islamic beliefs and practices
The life of Muhammad
Apologetic arguments between Islam and Christianity.
The tapes may either be checked out individually or as a complete set. A
guide is included in the set.
Thanks for books
Winn Anderson, Library Task Force
Thank you for the tremendous response to the recent library book "sale".
Your generous donations will purchase new books and videos to enhance the
library collection and your reading pleasure.
Many Christmas books are on the shelves now. The remainder of the books were
sorted and taken to "Christian Resources International" in Fowlerville, which
supplies Christian workers here and abroad with free books and church school
supplies.
Church and Society sponsors presentations during the church school
hour
THE MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT
Last two Sessions
Dec. 1 – Bob Roth, CUMC – Discussion of Muslim Americans
Dec. 8 – Michigan Faith Resistance Peace Team member (possibly Father
C. Peter Dougherty), sharing on Middle East peace mission
The last two sessions of this series will include: Rev. Bob Roth leading
a discussion of American-born Muslims on December 1 and a member of the Michigan
Peace Team sharing the team's personal experiences in the Middle East on
December 8. Both adult-elective Church School classes will be presented
in the Mary Sabina Chapel, 11:00 am.
The Church and Society Commission appreciates the open-mindedness, warm response
and support of all attendees.
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR CONFERENCE LITHUANIAN WORK CAMP
— Revs. Lynn and Kay DeMoss call for volunteers for the West Michigan
Annual Conference Work Camp in Birzai, Lithuania, June 15-30, 2003. Lithuanian
Methodists purchased a former Soviet Army recruitment center and need help
to turn the building into a "recruitment center for the Lord."
To register or ask questions, contact the camp's leaders before January if
possible: Lynn and Kay DeMoss, 2006 Mills Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49445. Telephone:
231-744-0336. E-mail: Puzisha@iserv.net.
The Giving Tree
Beth Murley, Chair, Evangelism Commission
The Evangelism Commission is collecting items to fill gift bags for our
Fellowship Lunch guests. Items needed are men's and women's socks, combs
and brushes, Kleenex packets, razors, bars of soap, shampoo and small candy
bars. The gifts will be distributed Thursday, December 19. Please leave your
donations under the designated tree in the library or at the church
office.
Christian Senator-Elect looking for a room in a Christian
home
Pat Basgall, Administrative Secretary
Representative Cameron Brown, of Sturgis, Michigan, was elected to the State
Senate recently. Because he will be involved in late evening Senate meetings
during session, Mr. Brown is seeking a room for use a couple of nights each
week beginning possibly in December, but definitely in January. If you or
someone you know is able to accommodate him, please call his office and speak
to Jeannie – 373-0832
Among Friends
Thank You…
—for keeping me on the Central Journal mailing list. I really love
it!
Joan Snyder
—for sending me the Central Journal.
Harold Smith
—for the cards, calls, visits and prayers following the recent passing
of my dad, Rev. Kearney Kirkby. The faith that he nurtured in friends and
family was witnessed by the celebration of his life. He could not have given
me a more valuable inheritance.
Dale & Carolyn Kirkby
Remember…At press time:
Betty Corbishley – Sparrow Hospital
Muriel Kirby – Home
Ruth Norton – St. Joseph's hospital in Ann Arbor
Mary Jessup – Sparrow Hospital
Harriet Tuttle – (Carolyn Kirkby's mother) - Grand Haven Manor assisted
living
Ken Lamphere – Sparrow Hospital
Margaret Woolcocks – Home
Margaret Holmes – Home
Mary Yard – Home
Congratulations...
Debra Nourse and Larry Lynn were married November
29
Centralniters on the go...
We'll gather for brunch at Pistashios on December 8 at 12:30 p.m. Cost is
$12.95/person. Call Lee and Nancy Dibble (487-4451) by December 3 for
reservations.
We'll go Christmas caroling
December 22 at 5:30 p.m. Meet in the State parking lot on Capitol Avenue
next to the Temple House. After caroling, refreshments will be served at
Joy Adcock's home. Reservations (by Dec. 18) will be taken by Win Anderson
(323-6968).
Older Adults Welcome
Francis Anderson
Every church needs to have an older adult ministry, since the USA is getting
"more gray" daily. We are a mixed group as we should be. Whether you belong
is up to you---but please know you are welcome!!
For November, Pam and Charlie Jennett took us for a sailboat (sloop) ride
on Lake Huron into Whitefish Bay, including a ride through the Soo Locks.
There were 27 in attendance.
For December, we gather at 10:30 a.m. in the Church Dining Room on Tuesday,
Dec. 10. We will have a Christmas theme, and view a video on "Jerusalem Today",
and the three faiths it has spawned. We might even sing a carol or two!!
Plan to come and hold the date. Lunch by Meals on Wheels
again.
Thanks to Pictorial Directory workers
Nancy O'Shea, Co-Chairperson
It is expected that by the end of January the pictorial directories (large
and small) should arrive. In the meantime, ordered photos will be mailed
directly to you by Olan Mills. If there are any problems, please let me know
(372-6156 or josnos2@aol.com).
Many thanks to those who worked to make the "photo shoot" a success--from
organization to endless hours of telephoning to mailing/sorting to hosting.
It truly was a team effort that made it happen.
Coordinator/Sign-up Leader: Elaine Brown
Telephone Leader: Lois Jenkins
Host Leader: Audrey Holly
Hosts and Hostesses: Cheer Martin, Annette Voorhis, Marge and Justin Sleight,
Sue Mills, Penny and John Zago, Jamie Zimmer, Virginia Cantwell, Laveda and
Walt Poyet, Linda and Dick Bates, Kay Sargent, Mary Bowers, Pam and Charlie
Jennett
Update of names and addresses: Pat Basgall
Co-Chairpersons of Pictorial Directory: Sue Mills and Nancy
O'Shea
Thank you, also, to the many reception desk volunteers who cut, sorted, copied
and stuffed bulletins and newsletters with the needed
materials.
Call to Stewardship
Bob Wangen, Chair, Finance Committee
Following is a message given Sunday morning, November 17 – Ed.
I don't know if you listened to Rev. McReynolds' sermon a couple weeks ago,
but I sure did. I guess the reason I listened is that I have been the bearer
of bad news for quite awhile. I would like to report on the results of the
Stewardship Campaign and share some history of our church. Let me get right
to the point.
We had hoped to raise $310,000 in pledges (for the 2003 Annual Budget) .
Unfortunately as of mid-November we have pledges totaling only $268,000.
Due to the situation with the stock market, many of our endowment funds have
decreased to the point that the interest available to the general budget
is almost none. Building insurance and staff health insurance is up, steam
costs are increasing, and the list goes on.
In developing the Ministry Funding Plan for 2003 we are looking at a budget
deficit of approximately $125,000. So what are we to do? We're going to sing!
"Here I am Lord, It is I Lord. Thank God from whom all blessings flow!" Russell
and I talked the Monday after his sermon about what he meant. As he explained
it to me, we sing to lift our spirits and give us energy. In a sense, this
situation is good news. In the past, our church has had financial benefactors
that would bail us out when money was tight.
This is our church, our ministry, and the future of our church is up to us
and no one else! Here's the choice – We can go on the defense and reduce
our costs by reducing our services. Or, we can take a pro-active approach
and increase our giving. Currently there are a few of our members who give
more than $8,000 a year to the church and while we greatly appreciate their
generosity and need their continued support, the backbone of this church
are the members who give $1 – $5,000 a year. Some of you can only give
$1-$2 each week and your sacrifice and generosity is the Christian spirit
that supports us all.
The future of Central Church is ours to create, brothers and sisters, the
future is clear to me.
I see Central Church as the cross and flame in our downtown community and
our extended family.
I see Central Church as a safe harbor for those who need food, shelter, and
an uplifted spirit.
I see Central Church as a moral compass for our legislators across the street
and the educational community of LCC, Cooley Law School and Davenport
College.
We welcome those who need Christ with our open hearts, open doors, and open
minds! To accomplish this we must pray for wisdom and strength, but prayer
must be completed with action! We are it! It is up to us! We must be ready
to stand tall and demonstrate our faith and fulfill the promise we made at
our baptism, to support the church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts,
and our service.
There are over 300 families in our church. If every family were to increase
their pledge by a percentage, not only could we maintain our ministry, but
expand it to truly serve those who need God's grace. Prayers that are not
coupled with action are only words. Don't look at your neighbor, don't look
at the person in the next pew – it's up to you! Now is the time for
the cross and flame of Central United Methodist Church to light the way!
To paraphrase Second Timothy, "Let us run with determination the race that
has been set before us!"
Stewardship Campaign Pledge / Revised Pledge - Place in collection plate
or mail to church office.
Name _______________________ Telephone Number
_______________________
Pledge / Revised Pledge for 2003 $__________ weekly monthly quarterly annually
(please circle one)
Youth rock 15 hours to fight hunger
Bob Roth, Minister of Christian Formation
From Friday night (November 8) until Saturday morning, 19 Central youth raised
more than $400 for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to fight
hunger and famine in our world. How? They got pledges and rocked four rocking
chairs for 15 hours straight! (Many thanks to Pam Abbey Roth, Jeff Roth,
and Dennis Kelley for their great support of the youth amidst sleep
deprivation).
Taking turns so that everyone had lots of fun, fellowship, and pizza, four
youth at a time sat in rockers and just kept rocking away. They also watched
videos from Church World Service about hunger in our world, heard from Pastor
Frank Anderson about his experiences encountering hunger as a missionary,
watched movies, and (while others rocked) bowled and played lots of
basketball.
Thank you teens for your commitment to sharing and compassion for those in
need!
Give for...holiday meals
Kayla Tipton, Co-Chair, Church and Society Commission
Donations will be received on Sundays December 8 and 15 by commission members
during coffee hour in fellowship hall. Monies will be used for the special
Christmas Thursday Fellowship Luncheon. Extra monies will be used for non-holiday
Thursday Fellowship meals.
All contributions are important. A gift of only 60¢ can provide a meal
for someone. Therefore, a $10 gift will pay for 17 meals and $25 will provide
41 meals. Church volunteers give very willingly of their time to serve about
3600 meals a year with a total budget of about $2200. The recipients of these
meals know Central Church is a faithful provider of food and warmth. Thank
you for your support of this ministry.
Parking Project Progress
Pat Basgall, Administrative Secretary
We have our parking lot back minus one row of double parking. Repair of the
catch basin and other improvements to the lot will be done in the
Spring.
To offset this loss in parking , certain staff will park in the State House
lot North of our building during weekdays, freeing up space in our lot. If
you have questions about parking, please call Pat Basgall. After the completion
of the State House parking facility in late Spring, we will gain additional
parking in what will then be the Capitol Churches Coalition parking
lot.
In the meantime, arrangements have been made with 1st Presbyterian Church
for our members to continue parking in their lot during the
winter.
First Presbyterian has asked that we provide each person using their lot
with a parking permit, on our Church letterhead, which must be placed on
the dashboard of each vehicle. Add your name to the upper right corner of
the permit. This permit is available at the desk. They have asked that our
members park to the West of their garage, toward Walnut Street.
If we know that there will be a large group meeting in our church and/or
the weather is inclement, van transportation can be arranged from 1st
Presbyterian by speaking with Pat Basgall.
We can all look forward to the joy of having this project completed next
Spring!
About our funds
Susan Grettenberger, Chair, Board of Trustees
It occurred to me recently that there are questions in the congregation about
how much money there is in the various church funds that the trustees oversee,
and what these funds can be used for. Hopefully, this will provide a few
answers for all of you. As always, if you have additional questions, PLEASE
call me (Susan Grettenberger, 372-4146) or catch me in church. If you don't
know me, I am the one in the choir who keeps making announcements about the
parking lot.
"Don't the trustees have money we can use for 'this'?" First, let me address
whether we can use church funds for "this". The trustees have the responsibility
of overseeing nearly 30 funds, some quite large and some very small. Most
of these funds are restricted, meaning that they have been given for, and
can only be used for, specific purposes. Among the purposes are things like
college scholarships for church members, repairs to the elevator, maintenance
of the Temple House (but not the sanctuary building), certain music activities,
weekly radio broadcasts, and ministry related to housing and other assistance
to the poor.
Now, about whether we can use the money in the funds. When a lump sum of
money is given, trustees must consider whether the donor permits us to spend
that money (the principal) or whether we can spend only the interest/increase
that results from investment? If the principal itself cannot be spent, we
must maintain the fund at the original amount.
The value of our investments has dropped over the past two years. (If you
have investments, you probably noticed too!) During the great market upswing,
the church used much of the increase in funds, and so there was no real cushion
when the market came back down. Most of our funds need a bit of time to recover
to levels where trustees can allow spending again. Very little is available
for our use. They will be again. We need to be patient.
Oh, just one more thing. Trustees have a reputation, perhaps well deserved
in the past, of being control freaks who just want to horde the money for
some unimaginable reason that only Freud could explain. It's a myth! The
trustees are a hardworking group of church members, like you and me (oh,
I am a trustee), who care deeply about the ministry of the church. They/we
want to do the right thing for the church along with what is required by
law to make sure the wishes of the people who give money to the church are
followed.
So, we do have money. We just can't necessarily use it for "this" which we
really need right now, because someone gave the money for "that". And until
the market comes back up a little, we are going to have to hold off spending
from these funds. I hope this helps explain things.
NOTE: Administrative Council changes meeting
time
Beginning in January, the Administrative Council will meet on the 2nd Wednesday
of every month, at the usual 7:30 p.m. time. This is a change from the 3rd
Wednesday schedule we have had for the last couple years.
Some commissions or committees might find it convenient to also switch their
regular meeting time to 2nd Wednesdays. Please inform the church office if
you will be changing your meeting time, so that we don't cause confusion
and irritation in the scheduling processes!
Eric Alifo Scholarship Fund Established
Rev. Bob Roth
Central Church folks have been graciously supporting Eric Alifo who is here
from Ghana studying at Cooley Law School and has become an active part of
our church family. Eric did very well on his midterms and continues to impress
his professors at Cooley.
Some Central people have supported him with pans and dishes; others with
warm sweaters and a comforter. He is staying in the church apartment as a
Missions Commission project on a monthly basis until he can receive a broadened
VISA to work in the US. (Wonderfully, the Foster, Swift & Collins Law
Firm is doing pro bono work on Eric's VISA, work and school
issues.)
Knowing that Eric's financing from home fell through after he began classes,
church folks have asked how they can support Eric's inspiring efforts. By
action of the September 13 Adminisative Council, the church has established
an Eric Alifo Scholarship Fund. People wishing to help Eric (from with the
church or beyond) can submit a check payable to Central UMC and earmarked
"Eric Alifo Svcholarship." The church also wishes to thank Eric for all of
the volunteer work he is doing in the church building.
New Sunday Loaves and Fishes Potluck
Joi Tennant
Sharing a meal with our church family is always a welcome, warm time of
fellowship with varieties of satisfying food. Beginning January 26, and on
through the month of May, we will try out a new kind of potluck idea
the last Sunday of each month, at 12:15 pm after Sunday School.
We are calling this our Loaves and Fishes Potluck Meal. The name implies
what we are trying to accomplish--hospitality for all in the spirit of Jesus
Christ. The idea is that anyone attending our church service that day may
eat with us, and we will all truly share the food that is there, being very
intentional about encouraging people to bring what they have time to prepare
or can afford to contribute.
Each month will be sponsored by a different group in our church. Look for
more information next month in the Central Journal.
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