Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         December, 2005

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Give to a family in need
Mission Commission Giving Tree
Joi Tennant, Co-Chair, Mission Commission

Last year everyone who participated in our giving tree for a family in need found so much pleasure in their giving experience that we heard many requests to repeat this project again. So we are! But this year we will sponsor two families by our gift giving. And we will also have gift requests for many of our regular Open Door Ministry guests. So watch for our tree as we decorate it and hang the gift requests on it on November 27.
For Christmas joy
give the gift of a hot meal with warm fellowship!
Pat Bell, Church and Society

The Fellowship Lunch program and the Open Door Ministry of Downtown Lansing provides meals, services and compassionate care as the hands of Christ to people throughout the year.

The need for extra help from you is greater during this Christmas season. The Christmas meal, served December 22, is in memory of Margaret Woolcocks.

You can help feed eight hungry people a complete Christmas dinner for about $15.00. Your more generous gift can allow us to continue the 25 year tradition of Feeding and Serving our growing number of guests all year. Simply slip your gift into the collection plate, or take it to persons collecting in Fellowship Hall. Mailing is good too! Checks to Central UMC (notating Open Door Christmas dinner) Thank you and may God bless you!
The Ruth Fishbeck Memorial Mitten Tree
Give the gift of warmth
Pat Mort, UMW

The Ruth Fishbeck Memorial Mitten Tree will be in the Dining Room during Advent. Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, warm socks, etc., for all ages, can be left during Sip 'n' Sing! These will be distributed through local agencies such as Open Door ministries, Early Childhood Development and Potter Park.
reflections by…
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds

I think people should come in big numbers to Central. Why don’t they come? Many fail to come because Central is the best kept secret in downtown Lansing, and our invitations appear ineffective. I hope these reflections are not self serving and bickering, but helpful in making disciples for Jesus Christ.

Why should they come? People should come because we have relevant and inspirational music; have good preaching sometimes; sponsor and support an Open Door Ministry and Shalom Center; love and care about all kinds of people; volunteer to help realize the Kingdom of God and give of our resources (including money) to partner with God in making this a better place to live and be. More specifically, everyone needs to know and celebrate with others that God is the source and giver of life.

I was reminded of all the reasons I enjoy being one of the persons in ministry through Central UMC at the Thursday Luncheon where Thanksgiving was celebrated on November 17. Approximately 200 people were served as special guests. Volunteers from Central and Williamston Churches, state government workers, community people and others from Open Door Ministry came together to host the Thanksgiving meal. We were all over the dining room representing the hospitality of God. It felt so good. I wanted to stand before the people and proclaim that this is what the Kingdom of God looks like. You could tell that we loved each other and the possibility of Christian discipleship was real.

In other words, the downstairs dining room was not only filled with people but, also with grace and goodness. We all wanted to be there. We were treated like royalty. People kept expressing thanksgiving to me. I was there the day before (Wednesday) while Justin Sleight was preparing all those turkeys. It reminded me of some of the best moments in my life as a youth. As I did back then with my mother, I asked Justin for the drumstick. Of course, he said no. But I could hardly wait for Thursday, when my mother would allow me to have the drumstick.

But Central should be packed with people, from the choir stand all the way to the balcony. The ministry offered by Central is compelling and needful. There are so many like us who would benefit.

I believe like the members of the committee on Evangelism, we have to go and get them. Invite with energy and conviction. We don’t have to take from other churches. Just be invitational to those who are not in relationship with a church family. They are our relatives, friends, neighbors and people unknown to us.
EDUCATION
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

Chapel Video Series, Faces On Faith, continues

Come to the Chapel each Sunday at 11:15 and become acquainted with three well–known people who have taken seriously their call as Christians and whose lives and ideas can help us grow in our faith.

December 4
Gardner Taylor, pastor emeritus of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, N.Y. Time magazine called him the Dean of the nation’s Black Preachers.

December 11
Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund and author of The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to my Children and Yours.

December 18
Walter Brueggemann, whose professional career has been devoted to the exploration of the prophetic imagination and the power of biblical stories to transform our lives.

Bob Roth Teaching Series continues

Catch Bob’s vision and passion for justice, mercy and peace in the world. His class on the United Methodist ministry to the United Nations continues in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at 11:15 a.m.

December 4
The Millennium Development Goals: The Whole World Works Together.

December 11
Ending Extreme Poverty and Saving Lives: What We Can Do Now.

Advent Devotional on sale in Fellowship Hall
Have you ever heard of the Jesse Tree? It is a kind of Biblical family tree with a symbol for each day of Advent, each symbol telling a part of the story of the journey of the people of God that finally brings us to the birth of Christ. We’ve found an Advent devotion booklet called, The Jesse Tree. Here is a very refreshing, easy-to-read book of short pieces that help us get ready for Jesus in 4 weeks, as we catch a glimpse of God working through the centuries to get the world ready for Jesus to be born. I think you will like this. It might inspire you to make a Jesse Tree for your home. These books are only $1 each. You will find them in the room by the stage in Fellowship Hall.

Remember, no Sunday School December 25 or January 1
Childcare will be available during church on Christmas Sunday.

Rev. Bill Amundsen will teach a 10-week study on Tuesday evenings beginning January 3 at 7 p.m. In God’s Time: The Bible and the Future, offers an alternative to sensationalist perspectives about the future. Dr. Craig C. Hill encourages Christians both to take seriously and to think sensibly about the hope of God’s ultimate victory. Read Bill’s article about this class in this edition of the Central Journal.

Dennis Kelley’s class, Faith Matters: Discovering the Faith, postponed until January 8.
This will be a 6-week class offering lively, thought-provoking topics each week related to the basic beliefs of Christian faith. If you are a new member or have never actually been a part of a class that sorts out what Christians believe about God, Jesus, Evil, Life after Death, etc., you may especially appreciate this chance to explore these topics.

“Genesis to Revelation” Bible Study, tried and true Sunday School class, is taking a sabbatical until further notice. Watch for new Bible topic studies coming in January, February and March.

“The Heart of Healing Prayer” DVD, has been purchased and is in our church library. We showed this excellent video two Sundays, and those who saw it were very encouraged with its message. You can check it out on loan and take it home for your personal benefit.
Fellowship Coffee Hour
Alice Pifer, Chair

Happy Holidays to members and friends of Central UMC! This past year many of you worked, brought goodies, or just enjoyed Fellowship Coffee Hour. I really appreciate the time and energy so many of you have generously given to help continue this very enjoyable fellowship time.

As always, I need more volunteers to sign up for December and January. While there is no coffee hour scheduled for Sunday, December 25, or Sunday, January 1, I still need workers for other Sundays.

Please check your December and January calendars and sign up for the Sunday(s) of your choice on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall or call me at 372–9425.
MusicNotes

Advent and Christmas Schedule

December 4
8:45 – 9:15 a.m. – Sunday morning Sip 'n' Sing – a marvelous time of fellowshipping, singing, and snacking in the Dining Room

December 11
8:45 a.m.– Sip ‘n’ Sing
5:00 p.m.– Central Collage caroling, S3 Youth Group caroling

December 17
3 – 5 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.– Live Nativity at Capitol Avenue entrance

December 18
8:45 a.m.– Sip ‘n’ Sing, Live Nativity at Capitol Avenue entrance
9:30 a.m.– A service of lessons and carols
5:30 p.m.– Centralniters caroling

December 24
7:00 p.m.– Worship for young families including a hands-on dressing of the creche
9:45 p.m. – Carillon recital
9:45-11 p.m. – Live Nativity at Capitol Avenue Entrance
10:15 p.m. – Worship prelude begins
11:00 p.m. – “Night of Wonder” service, designed around the beauty of Christmas Eve and incorporating creative expression. It's culmination will be the singing of Silent Night, as we engage in the traditional candle lighting

December 25
9:30 a.m. – Worship, incorporating a rich variety of Christmas music

Special Rehearsals

Youth Orchestra – December 4, December 11
8:30 a.m., rehearsal, play for Sip 'n' Sing and worship

Handbells – December 1, 8, 15, 22
rehearsals, followed by ringing during the Christmas Eve prelude

Wesley Choristers and Youth in Worship

Youth – December 4, 18
9:00 a.m. rehearsal; 12/4-song leaders in worship; 12/18-sing in worship

Wesley Choristers – December 18
9:10 a.m. rehearsal; sing in worship
Support the 2006 Pledge Drive
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Ad Council

There is an urgent need to support our 2006 Pledge Drive! So many positive things are happening as a result of our ministries that we simply cannot chance having to make cuts in staff or programming.

You may remember our having to request an extra “Vision Gift” last year to meet our needs. The Ad Council would be very reluctant to come to you again in January. We have an extremely dedicated and hard-working staff. We've had some challenges, but God is blessing the church, and you are a crucial part of the whole ministry. Our individual witness comes from our prayers, presence, service, and gifts to support the ongoing work of the church.

Please note that we had a temporary technical problem with the radio broadcast and one with our computer system. Therefore, you may not have received the letters from Rev. McReynolds and Alice Pifer, our pledge drive chairperson, or heard the reminders on the radio. Please contact the church office (485–9477) for a pledge card if you did not receive one.

All of us have been asked to give to many different worthy causes this year. You have generously supported Central, and we want to express our gratitude for your continuing faithfulness.
Take Christ out of Christmas, and December becomes the bleakest and most colorless month of the year.    –A.F. Wells
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

Pledge to Missions

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Our 2005 Pledge to Mission has been paid through your generous help. This has been a year of challenges for us all and many have given in many ways to many causes. United Methodist Women honors you for your commitment to women, youth and children around the world. Many of these persons would be left behind without the support of United Methodist Women worldwide.

We wish you all a blessed Christmas Season, on the behalf of United Methodist Women. We pray you have days filled with wonder, love, expectation and joy spent with family and friends. May the Light and Love of the Christ Child live within you during the coming year.
       UMW Mission Team

There will be no December or January Mission Team Meeting
Youth News

www.S3youth.com
Brand new website up and running – check it out

Contemporary worship service in December! Come to Fellowship Hall and worship God in a service led by the youth. Sunday, December 18, at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Final Bible study for this year! The Gospel according to the Simpsons – 7 p.m. in the Library

Next to the Capitol Avenue entrance
Dec. 17, 3 – 5 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.
Dec. 18, 8:45 – 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 24, 9:45 – 11:00 p.m.

Christmas is the reason to celebrate the season. This Christmas season join the CUMC S3 Youth Group sharing the traditional nativity scene acted out by our talented youth.
Enjoy some of your favorite Christmas carols, hot chocolate, and share in the fun and fellowship! Hope to see you there!
Among Friends

Remember...


At press time…
Please keep these individuals in your prayers.

Central family members in Iraq
Mary Jacobs – Burcham Health Center
Mary Yard – hospice at home
Ellen Lord – Hospice House
Birdsall Holly – Ingham County Extended Care
Audrey Holly – at home
Ravenna McLaughlin – Burcham Hills
Betty Ward – Dimondale Center

Thank you...


Lee is having a hard time these days, but he feels support from your cards and calls. We appreciate the beautiful 60th wedding anniversary cards we received. Lee was feeling good enough to enjoy a small celebration in August. Again, thank you so very much for your prayers and concern. We feel God’s loving presence with us.
     Lee and Eleanor Moore
Reading for Advent
Win Anderson, Library Task Force

Advent is the period including the four Sundays before Christmas. It is anticipating the birth of the Messiah.

Many Christmas books are available for your selection and reading enjoyment. Traditional and contemporary stories, poems and beautifully illustrated books for adults and children are on view on the Display shelves in our Library.

Take some of your busy time this Advent Season to check out one of these books, and read again about the awesome birth and impact of the Savior of the world. Our Library is awaiting the Christ Child. Are you?
This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.
     – Frank McKibben
Elderberrys Hear a Navy Veteran
Frank Anderson

On Tuesday morning, November 8, the older adult group of Central Elderberrys – heard a survivor of the USS Indianapolis’ sinking in Philippine waters in 1945, tell his story of four-five days in a life jacket in the sea before he was rescued. The personal account was an unforgettable story. Mr. Richard Thelen of Lansing was our guest speaker. His vivid descriptions were startling, even though the event happened 60 years ago.

Our Meals–on–Wheels lunch came very late, and some made do with alternate activities other than chatting. We left the Church having had a fine morning together.

On Tuesday, December 13, we will turn to the lighter side and have a Christmas season celebration. We welcome anyone to our senior fellowship. Luncheons are only a two dollar contribution. We begin at 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Celebrate the Advent season with our traditional Sip and Sing at 8:45 a.m. in the Dining Room. Sip hot or cold drinks, munch donuts, and sing Carols each Sunday morning until Christmas. It's an uplifting way to begin Sunday mornings during Advent. Bring the family and ring the bells!
CENTRALNITERS & Christmas Caroling

The Annual Christmas Caroling of Centralniters is scheduled for Sunday evening, December 18, at the home of Joy Adcock. We will meet in the rear parking lot of the Church at 5:30 p.m. Each couple/single is asked to bring a paper plate of cookies to give to those whom we will visit. We expect to visit private homes and retirement centers. Newcomers are welcome. Please call and place a reservation with Frank and Win at 323–6968, or the Church Office at 485–9477, no later than December 15. Dress warmly if you are going caroling. “O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth!”
Click here to return to previous page, or to A Central Place.