Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         December, 2003

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

A Christmas Challenge
Joi Tennant, Co–chair, Missions Commission

I like Christmas. I don’t go overboard, but I do love to give presents and stuff stockings and splurge on some special foods and decorations and send cards, giving myself permission just because it is Christmas. I must admit that I don’t have a lot of discipline when it comes to denying myself any part of this happy tradition. So the following proposal is as challenging for me as it is for you.

The Mission Commission is promoting concepts of generosity and resource sharing. This means something more than just asking for money. It means “feeling / experiencing” your gift. This year we would like to challenge everyone to identify one thing from their usual Christmas spending; one thing that you could intentionally forfeit for the sake of giving a Christmas gift to a special cause at the church. It might mean using cheaper wrapping or not adding new decorations this year. It might mean agreeing with your spouse to give each other gifts of lesser value or not purchasing that expensive ham. Then figure out the amount of money you have saved and give that amount to one of the giving opportunities at Central. Maybe you will choose Apportionments or the Ministry of Kindness Fund or the Mitten Tree. Or perhaps you’ll choose our Mission Giving Tree project described below.

This year we are giving you the opportunity to choose from a 10–item gift list that comes from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Through these gifts you can respond to Christ’s command to feed the hungry, care for the sick, comfort the heart–broken and welcome the stranger in our midst. Here are 6 of the 10 items you can choose from:

$1 – Serve a child one hot meal a day
$1 – Ten seedlings will be planted to reforest a hillside or field
$5 – Immunize a child against tuberculosis, measles, polio or tetanus
$10 – Provide blankets, food and water for a disaster victim in the U.S.
$15 – Send a mentally or physically challenged refugee child to camp
$15 – Teach a woman to read and write.

Find our Giving Tree in the library and follow the directions for giving a gift. Or if you aren’t able to come to church but would like to contribute, please send your gift to the church, indicating your choice from the above list. Each gift will be carefully handled so as to go to the appropriate cause. Thank you for responding with generosity to these great needs, and Merry Christmas!
more good news…
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds

Members and Friends:

I am ready to celebrate Thanksgiving Day and Christmas right now. So many beautiful things have and are happening at the church to make for an attitude of gratitude and celebration. The Spiritual Renewal weekend(November 8–10) with the Earl Nelson Singers, Rev. Faith Fowler and Rev. Terry Euper, was inspirational. The attendance on Friday evening was over 200. The singing was outstanding, the preaching relevant and purposeful, and the testimonies were authentic. We were all glad to be present and participative. Saturday’s workshop experiences proved to be just what we needed, also. Rev. Terry Euper, along with an inspired and talented chancel choir on Sunday, brought climax to the weekend. It was a new experience for most of us–patterned after the Lay Witness Weekends of several years ago.

The next Sunday, November 16, was another sign of hope with 15 new members(the names are listed in this edition of the Journal) saying yes to full membership. 268 people were in attendance. Another membership class is starting next week (November 30) and will go for 6 weeks. Still celebrating, Bob Wangen reported the receipts of over $245,000 in the first week of our pledge program on November 23. This is a record amount toward the 2004 Budget. That’s amazing. Our goal is $325,000. We are right on target.

Allen B. Rice II Celebration: I prevailed upon the board of MICAP ((Michigan Interfaith Council on Alcohol Problems) to use Central for the retirement celebration for Allen B. Rice II. That Board agreed. He has completed over 34 years with MICAP. The celebration will be Monday, December 15, from 4–8 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall. Both Allen and his wife, Shan, have been true givers through MICAP. We are trying to get Governor Granholm, Mayor Benavides and Bishop Lee to be a part of the invited guests. Others from across the state will be present.

Allen has represented church concerns at the Michigan Capitol and led a move to return the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 in 1978. Michigan’s successful petition drive for 21 sparked a nationwide return to 21 in every other state by 1989. He led church folks and other supporters to aid in the passage of new drunk driving legislation, further restrictions on youthful use of alcohol and legislation which would protect children and youth from second hand tobacco smoke. He has been faithful over the years.
F.O.C.U.S. Group...focuses on cookies!
Janet Geissler

Nine people turned out for F.O.C.U.S.'s cooking–baking night on November 1. After a quick dinner of pizza, they fired up the ovens in Central's kitchen and broke out the sugar, flour, eggs and other ingredients to make dozens of cookies. The group made more than 300 tasty cookies for fellowship coffee hour and the Renewal weekend — and had a lot of fun in the process.
Mark your calendars already!!
Denise Kelley

F.O.C.U.S (Focus On Christ's Unity and Service) will sponsor the 1st Annual Believer's Ball on Feburary 14, 2004 (TENTATIVELY). This event will be held in Fellowship Hall from 7–11 p.m. Invite your friends for a night of fellowship! There will be hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Formal attire is requested. Part of the proceeds from this event will go to a local charity and the rest will stay at Central to help with program funding. Ticket prices will follow at a later date. Come dressed to impress and ready to dance the night away. If you have any questions e–mail us at:  CUMC Focus or contact us by phone– Jamie Tipton: 485–0573 or Denise Kelley: 484–9109.
Youth News

December 7 – 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Both groups: A visit from Pam Abby Roth
(Bring 50 cents for mission)

December 14 – 5 – 7 p.m.
Both groups: Christmas in Ghana
Guest speaker: Eric Alifo
Singing of holiday songs
Snacks: MacLaren Family
(Bring 50 cents for mission)

December 19 (Friday) 8:15–10 p.m.
Both Groups: Fundraiser – clear tables, wash dishes and clean up after wedding reception dinner at Central.

December 21 – 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Both Groups: Holiday party
Snacks: Youth Counselors
(Bring 50 cents for mission)

January 4, 2004 –Happy New Year!
Both groups – 1 – 3 p.m.
Shovel and run!
Snacks: Zahra Sadry
(Bring 50 cents for Missions)
Church Women United
Carolyn Schuurmans

Our Christmas program will be Monday, December 8, at 1 p.m. at First Christian Church, 1001 Chester Road, Lansing. The program is the Lansing Matinee Musicale Chorus presenting their Christmas music. Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the music. Fellowship time will follow.
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Sip 'n' Sing begins November 30 and ushers in the Advent season in a manner that's enjoyed / appreciated by all who participate. Coffee / juice / and a snack such as donuts, make the dining room feel warm and hospitable. The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsals at 8:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings in order to participate in this meaningful 8:45 a.m. event.

This brings a huge thank-you to Ron Gibbs for orchestrating (no pun intended) the quartet that capably accompanied hymns and the Chancel Choir on November 9. Their generosity allowed us to have specially enhanced music on that day, and at no charge. Ron, we thank you, too, for your instrumental part in Set Me as a Seal, which was part of the Chancel Choir offering on November 2.

The American Guild of Organists' Hoot 'n' Howl presented a unique experience that was enjoyed by a lot of Central folks. AGO Dean Darlene Ross' musical / Halloween demonstration of organ sounds was captivating, as WKAR's Jody Noel narrated. A lot of really fine talent shown forth, with incredible versatility. Bill McHarris' Punkin' Rag for organ used progressive fourths to demonstrate remarkable sound. Central received a lovely note of thanks, expressing AGO appreciation for the use of our magnificent sanctuary.

In December, we can look forward to lots of special musical offerings:

December 7 – During worship, the Chancel Choir will sing R. Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols. An MSU baritone begins the work, which quickly becomes a soft murmuring and humming of the choir voices. Several traditional English carols are apparent.

December 14 – Wesley Choristers and Youth are in worship (9 a.m. rehearsal), singing African Praise Noel, a Liberian folk tune that was arranged by Cristie Miller.

December 21 – The Spirit Singers will do an inspiring arrangement of Jesus is Born Today. The Chancel Choir will lift up three musical offerings: Fanfare by M. Shaw, O Come, All Ye Faithful by Berkey and Emmanuel by Goemanne.

December 24 – Beginning with a carillon prelude at 10:00 p.m., there will be an in–sanctuary prelude which begins at 10:30 and features a variety of choral and instrumental offerings. The Spirit Singers will sing a delightful arrangement of Away in a Manger. This service of lessons and carols will find the Chancel Choir lifting up John Rutter's Dormi, Jesu, Lloyd Larson's A Christmas Prayer, and Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light by J. S. Bach. If you've not attended one of these special Christmas Eve services, I'd strongly encourage you to participate this year in what promises to be a rich Christian experience.

Be sure to watch for details of next Spring's portrayal by our young people of Fly, Pretty Angels, Fly! This depicts children who, bored with what's going on, decide to transform themselves into angels. It's delightful!

Remember March 21, 2004, date of the choral fest to be held at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of Plymouth Congregational Church. This is an event that's sponsored by the Greater Lansing Chapter, American Guild of Organists. A free–will offering will be accepted to help offset expenses for literature and for the choral teaching that will be done by MSU's Dr. David Rayl, conductor of rehearsals and the concert.
Scripture for Life
In this space we will feature a Bible verse that has had a particular impact on the life of one of our members.–Ed

..Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.

—Mt 26:40 RSV

Arline Roe

The Lord works in mysterious ways. I grew up in a loving and caring family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My mother was very active in the Church and Missionary Society during the WWI post war depression. I witnessed lots of poverty; hobos came to our door and asked for food. My mother always had something to give them.

My brother brought home stray animals, and we cared for them. My older sister was a teacher for the handicapped, and my younger sister was a WASP in WWII. I always wanted to be a nurse, but I ended up graduating with a degree in Home Economics at MAC, and I found a job as a Home Economist for a firm here in Lansing.

I got married a few short years later, and we found Central to be our church home. Here I found many ways to volunteer, especially in the kitchen. I later became kitchen manager. It was at a retreat where Bob Roth was the leader of the class I attended that we discussed the needs of the street people. After much investigation, a soup kitchen was started, and we called it Fellowship Lunch.

This program started with 12 people coming to eat lunch. After word got around though, each week it increased until now we are serving close to 100 people each week. Other churches soon followed serving on different days so that people have a place to go for a meal most days of the week. Jesus said, “...Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Mt 25:40.

The Lord works in mysterious ways.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

PURPOSE of United Methodist Women
The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

Mary Bowers

Bake Sales, RADA Cutlery, Cookie Dough, and pledges... Have you ever wondered what your Central UMW ladies are doing with all that money? With it we are touching the lives of people all over the world. In less than one year, the ladies of Central have had an income of almost $9600! By the end of this year, we will have distributed nearly all of it.

Where does it go??? To date, we have donated nearly $5000 to the Lansing District UMW. This will be used for missions in our state, across our nation and around the world. In addition, we have donated over $700 to Lansing area organizations working on missions. We have purchased books for the Ralph Goodell Library here at Central and for the United Methodist Community House in Grand Rapids.

The ladies of Central UMW also give their service to the local church. We host the Lenten Lunch and Christmas by Candlelight. We cleaned the kitchen, provided warm mittens, hats and scarves for the Ruth Fishbeck Memorial Mitten Tree during Advent each year and assisted with the Bishop’s Initiative on Children and Poverty.

Why should you become a United Methodist Woman at Central? Here are just a few reasons:
Missions
Pat Mort

We invite all women of the church to join us in service. We have four circles meeting monthly, daytime or evening. We welcome fresh faces and ideas! Every year I struggle with whether we at Central are “doing enough”. The need is so great and we’re just one little group of women. I rejoice we exist within the larger UMW. Our work and dollars, combined with the work and dollars given in love from the larger organization, do so much. Reading Mary’s article, I am humbled with how supportive Central is to the Family of God. I thank each of you who bought cookie dough, RADA or contributed to our Bake/Bakeless sales. Or paid your pledge, Call to Prayer and Self–Denial and World Thank Offering. I believe with all my being we are called to be God’s eyes, hands, feet, ears and heart here on earth. Thank you for taking a stand along with us to provide sustenance, health care, love, education, clean water, medical care, Bible studies and hope for those around the world and here in our own neighborhood.

As United Methodist Women we give to Missions twice, once through UMW and once through our pledge to the church. While we make up 13% of the denomination, we give 27% of Mission monies. Women, children and youth around the world and here at home thank you. We have taken St. Francis of Assisi’s words to heart, “Preach the Gospel at all times... if necessary, use words.”


Mission Team will NOT meet in January.

Have a joyous Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Season. From all of us on the Mission Team, “Happy Birthday, Jesus!”
Do you like that sweet taste of cookie dough?
Pat Mort, President, UMW

There was quite a discussion at Mission Team in November on fundraising and whether we should do cookie dough again and, if we do, how much should we order.

We have earned almost $1300 this year with our UMW cookie dough sales. If we decide not to do a sale again this year, either pledges will have to be raised or another fund–raiser will need to be found to off–set the loss of income. We welcome your ideas for fundraising or an opinion on whether to sell or not to sell cookie dough. Please let Mary Bowers, Pat Mort or your circle representative know. We cannot do it without you. We want to know what you think.

Again this year UMW will sponsor the Ruth Fishbeck Memorial Mitten Tree in the Dining Room. Warm outerwear, for children, youth or adults, is needed. We all know how cold it has already been this year. The tree will be up for our first Sip and Sing on November 30. Please bring your “warm fuzzies” down and decorate Ruth’s tree.
New Members Received November 16

Confession of Faith
Margaret North
Mary Beth Pifer
Steve Pifer
Wendy Rosier

Transfer
Cathy Amundsen
Sandy Bensen
Karen Bensen
Caryn Welter
Gene Welter
Tom Rosier
Kathy Hicks
Steve Hicks

Clergy with membership at Central
Rev. William Amundsen
Rev. Kenneth Bensen
Rev. David Draggoo
Epiphany Breakfast:
Saturday, January 3, 2004

Holt United Methodist Church This is always a lovely event and one of the best attended District events we have. Check your calendars and plan to attend. Registration forms are available on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
—Pat Mort
The Miracle of Christian Community
Jamie Zimmer

“There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place...” Central Church is experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. People are stepping forward to fill needs as they arise. Members are reaching out to one another to support and appreciate each person's presence and their gifts to the church. Many, many people are contributing countless hours of labor to lift the burden of making the church what it needs to be. Fifteen new members came into the church, one of the largest membership classes in years.

One of the many blessings I have as chair of your Church Council is to witness the enormous outpouring of Christian love and work which is driving the movement of Central toward a greater ministry in the Lansing area. Our staff and members are looking at numerous ways of reaching out, witnessing, growing, improving, and strengthening the bonds which make us an effective witness for Christ at the corner of Capitol and Ottawa.

There have been times this year, when the burden seemed almost crushing. We all know about serious personal illness and disappointments, termites and steam leaks, water damage and money woes, but our staff, committees, commissions and concerned outsiders have prayed, worked, consulted, and marveled at the way God is providing for our needs. Trustees are telling us about unexpected help from MSU, the State of Michigan, the Orkin Company and our church neighbors. Members are vacuuming, answering the phone, serving meals, repairing, running errands, making calls, teaching, and encouraging others in need. Members are going “online” to seek ideas from around the country. Members are digging more deeply into their own financial resources to provide the funds we have to have to fix the roof, plug the leaks, stay on the radio and pay our apportionments. Some are even seeing the leaks and termites as a blessing in disguise.

When the Holy Spirit is working in our midst, we are more giving and forgiving, we are more generous with time and resources, we feel a spirit of expectation for what can happen in our future. The Holy Spirit is the creative force in our midst that causes us to change our attitude from, “How can we possibly overcome these obstacles?”, to one which says, “We may not know how, but we will!”

As we think, plan and pray together, let us continue to carry the excitement and blessing we received from our Spiritual Renewal weekend. Let us continue to pray for the miracle of possibilities when the Christian community truly focuses on being who God would have us to be.
Anticipating by reading
Win Anderson, Library Task Force

ADVENT is the period including the four Sundays before Christmas. It is anticipating the arrival of the Messiah.

A Nativity scene, handmade by Marge Sleight, is on loan to our library and is a wonderful reminder of the joy we feel at this Holy Season. Please view this scene on our display shelves.

Many Christmas–time books are available for your reading enjoyment. Traditional and contemporary stories, poems, meditations and beautifully illustrated editions for all ages are on our library shelves.

Take some of your busy time this Advent Season to check out a book from our church library and read again about the awesome birth and impact of the Savior of the world. Our library is awaiting the arrival of the Christ Child. Are you?
Fill a Christmas bag
Beth Murley

One hundred gift bags are decorated; ready to be filled and given to guests at the Fellowship Lunch on Thursday, December 18. Items needed to fill the bags include toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap (regular size cakes), shampoo, razors, combs, brushes, men's and women's crew socks, small packets of tissue, small candy bars and small packets of snack food. Volunteers are needed to pack the bags the afternoon of December 17 in the Dining Room. Come and enjoy “playing Santa” for a few hours! Thank you!
Central Collage Fellowship
Faye McCracken

Join us for Christmas caroling Sunday, December 14. Meet at the church at 5:30 p.m. After caroling, the group will return to the church for refreshments. Please mark your calendar. Everyone is welcome!
Nancy O’Shea,
Renewal Initiative Committee

Thanks to those who were greeters or servers, or brought cookies for the renewal weekend, Nov. 7–9.

The Earl Nelson Singers were marvelous and allowed us to feel “the spirit of God in this place.” All who attended the weekend were truly blessed by the inspiration and encouragement of Rev. Faith Fowler on Friday and Saturday, and Rev. Terry Eupes on Sunday. They helped us to feel more connected to God and encouraged us to keep on keeping on!
Help feed the hungry for Christmas
Joyce Joranko, Co–chair, Church and Society Commission

We will offer opportunities for financial giving for the Christmas Fellowship Lunch on December 7 and 14. Thank you for your anticipated contributions.
Among Friends

Remember...

At press time
Pat Basgall – Recovering at home
David Bednar – At Lamont, MI
Art Boot – Recovering at home
Margaret Ebersole – Great Lakes Christian Home
Martha Haskins – At Burcham
Ruth Norton – Highland Home, Jackson
Rex and Ruth Smith – At home
Gene Welter – Recovering at home

Transitions...
Donna Reynolds died November 18. A memorial service was held at Central November 25. Our condolences to Jon Reynolds and Family

Congratulations...

C. Jon Holmes and Joyce Whipple were married at Central November 8.

Thank you...
...Gene and I thank you for your kindness and gestures of support through cards, calls, emails, flowers and gifts of food. More than even all that, our family thanks you for your many prayers through Gene’s time of surgery and as he recovers.
—Caryn and Gene Welter

...very much for your hospitality; welcoming our class from Lansing Community college to your beautiful church. We appreciate being able to view the architecture of your sanctuary and of your lovely Mary Sabina Chapel. Thank you for allowing us to tour your building, a short walk from our campus.
—Becky Schwarz, Assoc. Prof., L.C.C.
Elderberrys draw interest
Frank Anderson

Our Church's ministry to older adults is important to the entire life of our Church. We had 23 individuals at last month's meeting with a fine meal of stuffed cabbage rolls and buttered carrots plus carrot cake for desert. Mr. Erik Larson, Interpretive Programs Officer of Impression 5 Science Museum, gave a fantastic program demonstrating the behavior of the elements of air and water, as common as that may seem. Audrey Holly gave an enriching devotion on the need to focus one's love daily. Royal Reed blessed the food, and we ate heartily with plenty of talk to go with it.

In December, Elderberrys will hear strains of the musical chorus singers, Matinee Musicale, some of whom are coming to entertain us for the Christmas meeting. We meet on Tuesday, December 9, at 10:30 a.m. now back in the Dining Room as long as possible. Come and join the fellowship of this unique senior adult group and you will love the atmosphere. Reservations at the Church Office, or, sign up in Fellowship Hall on November 30 and December 7.
Last Chance!

Celebrate the Christmas season at Central’s “Christmas by Candlelight”

Enjoy the Okemos High School Somebo Singers

Fellowship Hall, Tuesday, December 9
Punch will be served at 6:15 p.m.
Program at 7 p.m., followed by dessert

Tickets: $2.50
May be purchased during Coffee Hour Fellowship Hall November 30!

For more information call Nancy Dibble – 487–4451
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