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Central Journal

December, 1997

We ... respond to the needs of others

New leaders to begin ministry

At its meeting on November 19, Central's Administrative Council approved the recommendations of the Nominating Committee and appointed a Roster of Church Officers for 1998.

Following is a partial listing from this Roster, specifically the Chairpersons from the various Commissions, Boards and Committees. Please welcome these dedicated people who, beginning January 1st, will be leading us in carrying out Central's programs and ministries.

As we approach year end, we give thanks also, to all those who served in 1997. A number of people have chosen to resume leadership, others have accepted less demanding roles. To all, we give a hearty thanks for a job well done.

Standing Committees and Boards

Finance ..... to be determined at first meeting

Stewardship ..... Chairperson, Dale Kirkby

Staff Parish ..... Co-Chairpersons, Jim Stark & Joyce Brendahl

Trustees ..... Chairperson to be determined at first meeting

Commissions

Church & Society ..... Co-Chairpersons, Dorothy Trudgeon & Joyce Joranko

Education ..... Chairperson, Leigh Ann Maxwell

Evangelism & Nurture ..... Co-Chairpersons, Beth Murley & Marjorie Sleight

Evangelism & Outreach ..... Chairperson, Bill McCracken

Global Ministries ..... Chairperson to be determined at first meeting

Worship ..... Chairperson, Mary Ellen Maas

Committees

Acolytes & Crucifers ..... Chairperson, Gabriel Brazee

Altar Guild & Banners ..... Chairperson, Mary Ellen Maas

Audio & Video ..... Chairperson, Jim Hane

Communion Stewards ... Chairperson, Shirley Ambrose

Historical ..... Chairperson, Richard Roush

Loans & Grants ..... Chairperson, Dale Kirkby

Memorial ..... Chairperson, Mary Jessup

Music ..... Chairperson, William Tennant

PASTOR'S PEN

I recently heard a pastor colleague talk about trying to turn around the church he was serving. He claimed that the church was a "veto church" and he was trying to turn it into being a "permission –giving church."

I was quite intrigued by this description of churches – I had never quite heard of it in this way before. What does a permission – giving church look like? We can imagine a few things:

a. A permission – giving church has individuals who are positive in nature and outlook.

b. A permission - giving church looks at other individuals within and without the church and gives them the benefit of the doubt.

c. A permission – giving church is a church which has very few hidden agendas; its agendas are above board, and open for discussion.

d. A permission – giving church conducts its primary business at the allotted time and place rather than in the parking lot or on the phone after the meeting.

e. A permission - giving church contains individual who allow things to happen with which they do not necessarily approve or are a part of.

f. A permission – giving church encourages ministry rather than always finding fault with every plan.

g. A permission – giving church is willing to fail, and doesn't point lots of fingers when things don't go quite right.

h. A permission – giving church is more concerned with ministry than money.

i. A permission – giving church has committees and boards that trust each other and allow each other to function without undue interference.

j. A permission – giving church is a fun place to be, rather than a negative place to be.

Friends, in this Christmas season, the meaning of God's incarnation in Jesus Christ is that God wants us to be about vital ministry in our little corner of the world. I look forward to carrying on the great tradition of this church by being a part of a permission – giving church.

Grace and Peace, John Boley

December Reminders

2 nd Hanging of the Greens

21st Christmas Cantata, "The King of Love"

25th 7:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service

11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

26st Church office closed

MONTHLY REPORT

Deaths

Louis "Jock" Neller 11/4/97

Curtis Alford 11/6/97

Cleo R. Crisman 11/10/97

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Service of Healing

There will be a Service of Healing in the Mary Sabina Chapel on Sunday, December 21st at 11:00 a.m. during the Sunday School Hour. It will be a service of communion and anointing and prayer. All are invited. Interested persons might include those in grief, those with chronic medical problems, those facing other hardships, and anyone else who needs God's healing grace.

From the Staff/Parish Committee.

Central has a new staff configuration. Candace O'Connell has retired as Church Secretary. She and Jerry are going to devote more time to their antique business and to travel and family. We thank Candace for her faithful service to this church. She and Jerry will still be around as members and are looking forward to serving in other ways.

Beverly Dodge is now the full time Office Manager, and the church has hired Ruthann Jaquette as part-time Business Manager. Beverly will keep the office hours and manage the office, including being the administrative assistant to the Pastor. She will still be responsible for scheduling and group bookings. Ruthann will be the financial manager and work with the Finance Committee and Trustees in managing the church business.

OOPS!

The third line of the anthem appearing in the November Journal under "Quiet Moments" was incorrect. The line should have read "...I enter the church born." Apologies to Sally Swiss.

QUIET MOMENTS

The following is a prayer that Cleo Crisman wrote and kept at her home. Cleo, a long time member of Central, died November 10, 1997, just short of her 90th birthday.

A Prayer for those who live alone

I live alone, Dear Lord, stay by my side,

in all my daily needs be thou my guide.

Grant me good health, for that indeed I pray,

To carry on my work from day to day.

Keep impure my mind, my thoughts, my every

deed, let me be kind, unselfish, in my neighbors need.

Spare me from fire, from flood, malicious

tongues, from thieves, from fear, and evil ones.

If sickness or an accident befall, then humbly,

Lord, I pray, "Hear Thou My Call"

And when I'm feeling low, or in despair, lift

up my heart and help me in my prayer.

I live alone, dear Lord, yet I have no fear

because I feel your presence, ever near.

Amen

Revitalizing our Missions Program

A series exploring mission trends

Church Trends on

Implementing a

Revitalized Mission

By Jim Stark

Returning to the findings of C. Jeff Woods in Congregational Megatrends1 he sees seven megatrends arising in our congregations. They are represented as shifts from:

1. Mass evangelism to

relational evangelism

2. Tribal education to

immigrant education

3. Surrogate missions to

hands-on missions

4. Reasonable spirituality to

mysterious spirituality

5. Official leadership to

gifted leadership

6. Segmented programming to

holographic programming

7. Secondary planning to

primary planning

Each of these trends is affecting CUMC. We all need to be in touch with these trends and evaluate how we ought to adjust our Church structure and our programs to accommodate these cultural changes, and also intentionally adjust our personal views on what ought to be that right community for Central.

Together we need to create that comfortable balance between the individual and our church community. It will not happen without much participation. Both our society and our church membership are becoming more pluralistic. As we withdraw from society to be in and not of it, we become a witness to what that future ought to become. Each of us will feel the tension pulling us either in or out of the new community that we must build. How should we define that line between inclusion and exclusion in order to establish a valid separation of CUMC and society? A continued openness and respectful tolerance of differences will be necessary. Both the individual and that community need to keep a focus on the truth of what ought to be, not on our personal preferences. That openness requires that each of us be open to changing our personal convictions on what is right and wrong.

We will explore the possible impact of these seven trends in future editions of the Central Journal. We will need your participation to shift this one way presentation into constructive dialogues for our church. What topics do we need to discuss during our Adult Elective Series? Let Denise know. What can we put in future editions of this newsletter to keep our members informed and engaged in the discussions? How should we do it? I will be giving

Jim Hane, who puts the Journal together, my articles on a floppy disk formatted to a PC computer, or I will send it to him by e-mail. We are working to allow e-mail reception at our new Church computer, approved and paid for by the Memorial Committee. We are working to gradually improve all our lines of communication. How many of you have an e-mail address? We can set up a church bulletin board that you could access by e-mail and create a continuing dialogue on church issues.

This fall your Church is experimenting with a new communication approach to pledging and building our church budget. Let us know how we could improve it. These are exciting times. Will you participate or just be an observer? Come; join us in the creation of the future. It will not "evolve" on its own energy. God designed every one of us with the freedom to choose -- to become creative agents of intentional change in service to God.

1. C. Jeff Woods, Congregational Megatrends (The Alban Institute, 1996), 18-19

EDUCATION

Denise Fabbri, Education Director

Block 3 Adult Classes Begin December 7th

This year's Advent Study will be conducted through the "Whole People of God" class. This year's theme is "Birthing a Blessing" and will continue through the first Sunday after Epiphany.

Dates to Remember

December 14 Christmas Program 11:00, No Sunday School

No Commissions in December.

Accolades to the Librarian

Cleaning, dusting, organizing, and cataloging, what do these things have to do with Janet Hamilton? Janet has been busy doing all of these things for several months now. She has dusted books and shelves and organized the many new books that have been purchased for the library. Janet is here faithfully Sunday mornings to answer your questions and help you find what you need. She works hard at making the cards for the new books and keeping the library organized for our use. I would like to thank Janet for the great job she has been doing!

Harvest House Has New Project

Harvest House has received grant money to open a Teen Parent Residential Program to be housed at 1225 Grand River Ave. in Lansing. The program will assist teens who are pregnant and teen parents between the ages of 16-21. Rev. Moore is asking for the following furnishings for each apartment: Full sized beds and mattresses, chest of drawers, baby furnishings, rocking chairs, lamps, sofas, tables and chairs, curtains, dishes, and cooking ware. If you have any of the these items you may make arrangements with Rev. Moore at 487-3090. They will to be fully functional by mid January.

Special Friends

This spring, the Sunday School began a program called Special Friends. It was developed to promote outreach to our members who are unable to come to church. We have had success with several participants, however, the list of those who could use a "special friend" is quite lengthy.

If you feel that you could spend some time being a special friend, please call Kayla Tipton, Beth Murley, Arline Roe or Denise. We will be more than glad to connect you to a special someone.

Library Receives Funds

Recently the UMW voted to give $2000 to the Church Library. This money is earmarked to purchase books for people 18 years old and younger. The money will be used to buy new books in a variety of categories. Some of the funds will be used to purchase books directly related to the Sunday School material as a resource for the classrooms. General titles will be purchased for the enjoyment of all Central's children. Thanks UMW!!

More Books

The following books have been purchased and are being prepared by Janet Hamilton to be placed on the shelves: All the Places to Love,Bear that Heard Crying, Bunny Cakes, Circle of Thanks, Croconile, Frog Inside My Hat, Here in Space, Kate Shelley, Littlest Angel, Litty's Purple Plastic Purse, Louisa May Alcott, Officer Buckle and Gloria, Rain Forest Count, Shiloh Season, Stellaluna, Storm, Sunflower House,Tale of Three Trees, You are Special, Benjamin's Box, Psalms for a Child's Heart, All the Children of the World, The Priest with the Dirty Clothes, and The Littlest Angel.

THANKS

The Boleys would like to thank all those who hosted the "Dinners for Nine" over the past several weeks. It was a great way to become better acquainted with many of you. Special thanks also, to Mary Albery for organizing the dinners.

The family of Cleo Crisman, who died November 10th, would like to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness and concern have meant so very much and will always be remembered. Sincerely, Doug Rowe and Lowell Spry

Arline Roe would like to thank all those who contributed and helped at the recent UMW Bake Sale at the Lansing City Hall. She reports that the proceeds amounted to $413.10.

She also reports that the Work Circle seems to be revived and is now busy hosting Central's funeral luncheons. Thanks in particular to those who worked or contributed to the recent funeral luncheons for the friends and families of Cleo Crisman and Curtis Alford.

Christmas Carol Sip-N-Sing

Sundays in Advent

8:45 to 9:15 a.m.

Church Dining Room

Sunday, November 30th

Sunday, December 7th

Sunday, December 14th

Sunday, December 21st

† Ruth Norton will lead you and Ruth Tennant McLean will provide piano accompaniment.

† The Don Knechtel's will host a mini breakfast. A small donation will help offset the cost.

We'll be looking for you!

WHY NOT INVITE A FRIEND ?

NEWS NOTES

B. Caryn Welter, Music Director

O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL

Won't you join us?

This month's message offers an invitation for your participation in one or more of the many musical groups here at Central. As we go into the holiday time of year, folks are often moved to participate in new ways or to renew former activities. It is my fondest hope that this will be true for you, especially if you a) are a former choir member; b) always thought you might want to sing or ring the bells; c) are at a point in your life when it just feels like the "right" thing to do, or d) you'd like to make a meaningful contribution to your church. Give it your prayerful consideration and join us at the very next rehearsal time.

The Children's Choir sings about once a month, is for kindergartners, first and second graders, and practices at 5:45 on Tuesdays.

The Wesley Choristers rehearse on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m., and are mainly third, fourth, and fifth graders. They, too, usually sing one time each month.

The Youth Choir has members all the way from seventh grade through senior high school; rehearsals are at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. They sing once a month, and do some outside activities.

The Bell Ringers boast a population that is intergenerational and meets on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.

The Chancel Choir, too, is intergenerational and meets on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. That group is currently preparing for a Christmas cantata, "The King of Love," to be presented during the worship time on December 21.

For newcomers or people who are just seeing whether Central is the church for them, membership in one of the above choirs offers fellowship in a ready-built group and with smaller numbers of participants than in the general church population. It provides a comfortable, welcoming forum through which the individual can blossom and grow, personally, spiritually, and musically.

Should you have any questions, feel free to call me at home (882-7227), leave a message at Central, or E-mail me: BCaryn@aol.com.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Pat Mort, President

Christmas Lunch

Remember Saturday, December 6 - our Annual Christmas Lunch. This year Mable Morrison Circle is hosting with Gretchen Gleason's vocal students providing our program. As with all UMW-sponsored events, this is open to the entire congregation. Please call Beth Murley or Pat Mort for tickets. The cost is $5.

Mission Team

There is NO Mission Team meeting in December. Happy Holidays!!!

Pledge Update

Pledges for 1997 can still be given to Gwen Bodine to help with our local obligations.

Teddy Bear Project

Please remember our Teddy Bear Project. All bears collected will be shared with shut ins and area nursing homes. If we have an abundance, we will also be sharing with local children's agencies. Bring your bear (or cuddly cat or dog!) to church with you early in the month so they can soak up all the love they can before being "commissioned" to share that love with their new friend.

This idea came from Interpreter magazine's "Idea Mart" and a visit Pat made to a local nursing facility where some residents had "special friends" for companionship. A church in the South had a very positive experience with this program and those Pat saw were very happy with their friends. The only requirement for our stuffed friends is they be new and cuddly. Distribution will be the week of Christmas.

December Circle Meetings

Mable Morrison

December 16th at Marilyn VanStratt's, 9 a.m. with Pat Madden-Roth.

Rebekah

Delta Center, 12:00 p.m.

Ruth

December 16th at Marge Sleight's, 12 p.m. with Virginia Wenstrom, reader.

Susannah Wesley

December 8th afternoon tea at Betty Cobishley's.

Church Women United

Monday December 8th at 1:00 p.m.

Christmas Program

With readings by Marion Stutes

Special music.

Installation of officers.

University United Methodist Church, 1120 South Harrison Road, East Lansing

for additional information call

Carolyn Schuurmans 321-0569

Church and Society

Items for the Quality Living Store are needed by December 1st. They need new toys, games, and books for all ages. Christmas wrapping paper, tape, ribbon, and Christmas cards are also needed. Please leave your items in the office.

Christmas food baskets must be ordered early in December so SHARE knows how many to plan for. Please let Pat Mort know how many baskets you would like to provide before December 5th. The cost is $15/box. Your generosity provided sixty-eight baskets for Thanksgiving! Fifty-six were distributed here at the church through SHARE participation. The rest were distributed through Christian Services. All recipients were Christian Service clients!

Checks for Christmas baskets MUST be made out to the church or SHARE. Please do not make them out to Christian Services! (It saves Pat a step!!!). We will also be looking for help to pick up the food at SHARE and be at the church for distribution the morning and early afternoon of Saturday, December 20th. Think you can help? Please contact Pat Mort.

CENTRALNITERS

Sunday, December 14th

Christmas Caroling to Central's Homebound

Plan to leave the church parking lot at 5:30 p.m. We will be using our own cars. Please bring a small plate of cookies to leave at each home. Refreshments and "afterglow" will be enjoyed at the home of Sam and Joy Adcock, 1624 Dennison, East Lansing.

Please phone reservations to Schuurmans, 321-0569, or Murleys, 482-4700 by Dec. 7th.

Next Events:

January 10th Game Night

February 14th Valentine Party

March 20th, (Friday) Cornwall Night

UPDATE

Recently, Anne Mort wrote to Ed Green to inquire about our own dear Bessie Green. Ed writes back that his mother is doing well, although her memory isn't very good.

Ed writes, "Her memory is like a string of pearls. The string is gone and the pearls of memory are there without being connected to space and time... She seems to be happy and enjoys here surroundings and the ladies who care for her. Our daughter and granddaughter take her for drives and to the mall where she enjoys window shopping... She still is the most stylish gal in here living facility! She has the family albums with her and enjoys looking through them."

Bessie turns 101 on December 6th!

Her address is:

Bessie Green

Heath Nursing and Convalescent Center

717 South 30th Street

Heath, OH 43056

From Journals past ...

7 Years ago, 1990

Central's "Military Personnel" were remembered with a Christmas card shower; SPC Ron Smith and Major Robert B. Wangen were in Saudi Arabia. TUT Matthew A. Carpenter was in Germany.

17 Years ago, 1980

Congratulations were given to Jeff Holmes and Patti Stark, both MSU students and members of Central. Jeff, son of C. Jon and Ruth Holmes was selected to be Homecoming King. Patti, daughter of Jim and Dottie Stark was chosen to be a member of the Queens Court.

27 Years ago, 1970

Christmas greetings of love and appreciation were conveyed by the 1970 church staff; Les and Murial Edmunds, Ruth Gray, Kathy O'Brien, Frank Bartlett, Howard and Janyce Lyman, Dorothy Copeland, Bob Betts, Catherine Bollman, and Harriet Montgomery.

Red roses to .......

CHILD CARE

Friday,December 19th

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

At Central United Methodist Church

By Central's United Methodist Youth Fellowship

Part of domestic violence service project

Donation collected will be conveyed to

Council Against Domestic Assault

(Donations are tax deductible)

RESERVATIONS A MUST !!!

(call the Central Office at 485-9477)

Space is limited

When making reservation

please indicate age of children

Recently asked questions ........ with helpful answers

Why can't I get into my Sunday School Room? It's a mess and I want to clean it up on Saturday.

Answer: The church staff is here every day and usually there is something going on in the evening that would allow a teacher to come in and straighten the class room. When nothing is booked into the church on a Saturday, the young men (Ben and Nick) do lab time at school or spend time in the school library.

Why are we hosting the Madrigal when they seem to disrupt things?

Answer: The Madrigals are here only two week ends a year and they bring in funds for our apportionments. They don't ask for us to do anything to help them - they bring in their food already prepared - they clean the carpet when they spill on it - so generally speaking, this is "free and clear" dollars for apportionments!

ADVENT and CHRISTMAS WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday, December 14th

11:00 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program

Sunday, December 21st

Fourth Sunday of Advent

9:30 a.m. Chancel Choir - "The King of Love"

Wednesday,December 24th

7:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service.

The focus will be on Christmas Traditions.

Wednesday, December 24th

11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

Service of Lessons and Carols with Candlelighting

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