December, 1999
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
Estella Hudy To Become U.S. Citizen
On December 1, 1999, Estela Hudy and her family went to the Gerald R. Ford
Museum in Grand Rapids for the ceremony which will celebrated her completion
of the requirements of becoming a new citizen of the United States. Estela
and Peter Hudy joined Central in May, 1998 following a concerted effort,
after moving to Lansing, to find a church home where they could both feel
comfortable. Peter is a graduate of Mich. Tech. and joined the Peace Corp
in '89. He met Estela in Guatemala City at a hotel where she was working
as a receptionist and where the Peace Corp workers regularly stayed when
they gathered for meetings.
Estela was born in a country village of about 30 homes in a northern mountainous
region of Guatemala. In 1976, when Estela was 9, her village was one of many
damaged in a strong earthquake. Estela's grandma, uncle and 2 cousins died;
and Estela was actually buried beneath the rubble of their mud block home
for 3 to 4 hours until her family was able to rescue her unharmed. At age
10 she went far away from home to a boarding school for 5 years. Military
action against guerrilla warfare in Guatemala was also a fact of life for
about 8 to 10 years during her childhood but never directly threatened her
family. Estela was 18 when her mother and father separated, and she and her
mother went to live with an uncle. Estela, who was the oldest child, felt
caught in the middle of her parents' battles, and this caused her much stress
and unhappiness. When Estela graduated from high school she sought answers
to her many questions about life by attending the Assembly of God Church
There Estela accepted Christ as her Savior, and then over a 4 year period
of time, through a Bible Correspondence Course and a Christian radio counseling
program, Estela says she found real freedom in her faith in Christ.
Peter and Estela had to face many obstacles when they decided to marry, but
perhaps the most troubling for them was the fact that Peter was Catholic
and Estela was Protestant. In Guatemala there is no compromise understanding
on this issue by either the Catholics or the Protestants, and neither Peter
or Estela were ready to be rebaptized into a different tradition in order
to be officially of the same faith, the requirement for marriage in any church
there. So they decided to be married in a civil ceremony and then were married
again in a Catholic ceremony when they arrived in Michigan in
1992.
Peter and Estela came to Lansing so Peter could begin work on his master's
degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics at MSU. Living in the U.S. was a major
adjustment for Estela as she had to master a new language, learn how to drive
a car, how to shop in our stores, and how to live in a large modern city.
Peter and Estela have 2 boys, Benjamin born in 1995 and Jonatan in '98. Estela
misses the beauty of her homeland and her family there, but she is happy
to be raising her children in our wonderful country.
Estela and Peter are in the process of making application to become United
Methodist missionaries. This has been a difficult decision for Estela because
she so fully appreciates the great privilege of living in the U.S. and would
love to always live here. Peter's talents make him an especially valuable
candidate for this type of work. They would appreciate your prayers as they
seek to know God's will in this matter. We are thankful that the Hudy's found
Central to be the place where they could worship together and become active
church members.
Congratulations on receiving your USA citizenship papers,
Estela!
Pastors Pen
Children are prone to suggest that the day after Christmas is the worst day
of the year because you have to wait another whole year for Christmas again.
And yet here it is again! It is hard to believe! The days, the weeks, the
years, roll by faster and faster.
And yet every new Christmas season is different. All of us are at least one
year older—a good thing in the minds of children, and not always so
good in the minds of the elders. But more than that, we are different people
than we were the previous year. For some, another Christmas means a first
Christmas without a loving spouse. Or it could mean a first Christmas without
the children at home. Or it could mean a joyous Christmas that was not expected
but for the life saving surgery. Or it could mean that it is the first Christmas
when the whole family is together. Or it could mean that it is the first
Christmas that you spent alone. For all of us, Christmas 1999 will never
be repeated.
For children, Christmas mainly means presents. For the rest of us, Christmas
should be presence—the presence of Christ in the world and in our lives.
The fancy theological word for this is the "Incarnation"—God coming
to earth in human form to identify with us, both for our sake and for God's.
But this incarnation was a "particular" incarnation. God didn't just come.
God came at a particular time, in a particular place, for us it's so strong
that it is "particular." God will not be aloof. So this Christmas is a new
one in your life, never the same as past ones, and never again to be repeated.
Rest assured again that God's "particularity" is for you, too. God's grace
is particularly for you.
Thanks be to God!
John Boley
Sponsors Needed
Would you, as a couple or single, like to become sponsors for one or a couple
of new members as they complete their classes with Rev. John?
It's a priviliage to gain new friends and help them become acquainted and
involved in the life of Central. Sign-ups will be available during coffee
hours for a few Sundays in Nov/Dec or call Marge Sleight or the office to
volunteer.
Thanks!!!
Central Family
As I move on to a new position, I have been overwhelmed with your kindness
and good wishes. I wish to express my heartfelt feelings of joy over my new
possibilities and my great sorrow over leaving this wonderful collection
of good people. This has been a great place for me and I thank you. Blessings
to all.
Denise Dunn
Friends:
Thanks to all of you for your many cards, prayers and concerns. I'm so
appreciative of all your support during my illness.
Carolyn Schuurmans
Merci Beaucoup!
A million thanks to all of you who helped with the Mardi Gras New Member
celebration. Some worked a little while, others long hours, but all your
efforts culminated in a good time for many! Pat, Denise and Ruthann of the
staff added immeasurably to our efforts. Chef Fred Brazee cooked up a great
Louisianne dinner for us to enjoy, and we found that Central's young ones
make fine material for a parade!
Our upcoming reception of new members will increase our rolls, and it was
good to have a number of them there Friday from Rev. John's classes and also
the confirmation instruction course still in progress. Also, we were glad
to have many of our staff members as guests attending.
The Dixieland jazz band put all of us in a festive mood, and Central church
was jumping that night in New Orleans! Thanks again to
all!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Bruce and Sara Worthington on the birth of a new baby
boy, Joseph Howard Sidney Worthington, born November 14, 1999, weighing 7
lbs. 10 oz.
Member Deaths
Marian Haussman October 30, 1999
Rachel Gwinn July 5, 1999
Confirmation
Confirmation of our 11 youth will take place during worship on December 5.
These young people have been attending Confirmation classes since October
30. Those being confirmed this year include Jenna and Amanda Caulkett, Kendra
Schneider, Jim and Tom Pasch, Peter Mason, Will Forgrave, Zack Brendahl,
Bill Lansing, Ian Boley, and Antonio Jordon. We hope that you will welcome
our new members.
EDUCATION
Coordinated by Denise Dunn, Program Director
Unit 3– In the Fullness of Time
Whole People of God – Joi Tennant- Centennial Room
Christmas Pageant – Followers of the Star is December 12
This year's Christmas Program will be a lovely pageant written by Rev. Mary
Albery. The program is intergenerational and it looks at a wide range of
people who have been followers of Christ's star proceeding the Three Wise
Men up until the present day.
Holiday Giving Tree
The Education Commission will be sponsoring a Holiday Giving Tree again this
year. This year they have selected the Foster Kids Special Donation fund
as their focus. This project raises funds to augment foster parents' stipend
to purchase special items they could not otherwise afford for their foster
children. Items included would be bikes, music lessons, senior pictures,
a prom dress, sporting activities equipment or fees and the like. Donation
envelopes will be available on a tree near the Capitol Street entrance. Please
turn in donations at the office.
Faith Lessons Series
Continues on Tuesday, January 4th
The Holy Land video series has just completed 10 weeks of study into the
archaeology and culture of the people of the Old Testament. We have a whole
new perspective from which to view the stories and history of our faith.
It has been an eye-opening time of discovery for our group of about 10, and
we would like to invite anyone to join us in January as we begin the 17-week
New Testament portion of this study. We meet at 7:15 every Tues. evening
in the 2nd floor lounge for 1 1/2 hours.
This class requires no preparation and is suitable for anyone, no matter
how much or how little Bible background you may have. Dave DeVinney and Joi
Tennant are the leaders.
Pictorial Directory
The Directory layout sheets have been sent to Olin Mills and are now being
put together into a proof book. Once that is completed, it is returned to
us for a last proofreading and we return it to be produced. Our new directory
should be ready for delivery around February. Thanks to everyone for sending
in pictures to be used in the activity pages.
Annual Church Conference
Our Church Conference this year will be Monday, December 13th. The session
will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the church.
Holiday Luncheons
By Joyce Joranko
For a number of years Central has been very generous in providing holiday
dinners for those whose food budgets are much less than most of ours. For
$15 per box, SHARE Michigan provided us with the food, and Christian Services
gave us names. It recently came to my attention that SHARE is no longer in
business.
In discussions I had with members of my commission and the church staff,
it was concluded that we want to continue to channel your generous gifts
toward feeding persons in need during the holiday season, but by using a
different route.
Most of you are aware that we have lunch at our church each Thursday for
those in need. The financial resources for this area are at present slim.
Therefore, we are asking that you use this holiday time to again give generously.
We ask that whatever amount you were giving for holiday food baskets in the
past, you would give that amount toward holiday lunches. There will be persons
to receive your gifts during coffee hour in December. Money can also be turned
in to the church office or placed in offering
plates.
Partners for Preservation
By Jon Reynolds, Chairperson
Gifting Life Insurance to Central Offers Tax Advantages
One of the financial world's most versatile financial instruments is life
insurance. Life insurance is really for the living. Therefore, it only makes
sense to arrange ones life insurance policy in a manner that is of most use
to the living. Central United Methodist Church is a living body that can
benefit from your life insurance planning.
If you carefully plan the ownership of your life insurance, you can arrange
to have the proceeds excluded from your gross estate and still have them
available to pay death taxes and expenses. Your life insurance proceeds are
includible in your gross estate, for tax purposes, if you retain any ownership
rights in your insurance. The proceeds are subject to probate cost as
well.
A gift of life insurance to Central UMC can be meaningful in a number of
ways:
It allows you to make a substantial gift by making a series of payments during
your lifetime on an installment basis,
Life insurance proceeds are paid to your intended recipient; quickly without
probate,
If the arrangement is properly set up, life insurance can create a number
of favorable tax situations for you.
Should you name Central UMC as the beneficiary of your policy, but retain
ownership, any tax liability arising out of inclusion in your gross estate
will not be needed for your retirement you will receive an immediate income-tax
deduction for the fair-market value of the policy. This cost of the policy
or fair market value will vary with the type of policy and length of time
it has been in force.
If you continue to make payments on the policy, you can receive a charitable
income tax deduction for each premium payment. You will also remove the policy
proceeds from your gross estate and generate potential estate-tax savings.
Several options are available for the purpose of estate planning which can
keep proceeds out of your estate but still available for payment of death
costs, taxes, or gifted to Central UMC.
You must take the initiative to prevent the state from being your beneficiary.
Review your options with your insurance counselor. Dr. Wayne Barrett of the
West Michigan Conference is available to meet with you and your insurance
counselor regarding this or other financial instruments available to assist
you in pledging assets for preservation of Central UMC.
Call the church or visit our web site at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc to learn
more.
Sip-n-Sing
Sunday – December 05
Sunday – December 12
Sunday – December 19
8:45 – 9:15 a.m.
Pat Mort will lead you and Caryn Welter will provide piano
accompaniment.
Hosts for the mini breakfast will be Bob & Pat Wangen, Bill McCracken
and Dave Mills.
A small donation will help offset the cost. Why not bring a
friend?!
Please Take Note
Christmas Poinsettias
If you are interested in purchasing a poinsettia for display on the Chancel
during the Advent Season there is still time. Send your check to Pat Basgall
in the Church office. You may honor or memorialize someone in this manner.
The cost is $7.50 per plant.The final day to order is Monday, December 6th.
The plants will be here for the December 12th Worship Service and remain
until Christmas Evening. Please feel free to remove your plants at anytime
following the Christmas Eve Service.
Ecumenical Jubilee Worship Service
At the invitation of St. Mary's Cathedral, the five churches in our immediate
vicinity (CUMC, St. Mary's Cathedral, First Baptist Church, St. Paul's Episcopal
and First Presbyterian) will have an ecumenical worship service celebrating
the new millennium. The theme will be "Jubilee." The service will be on Sunday,
January 23 at St. Mary's Cathedral. (This is NOT Super Bowl Sunday). There
will be a potluck at 6 p.m. and the service will begin at 7 p.m. The choirs
from all five churches will be singing together and the worship leadership
will be shared. It promises to be a grand event of sharing and celebration.
Please mark your calendars!
Mission Opportunities
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE OPPORTUNTIES
Personal Energy Transportation means new life for amputees, land mine and
polio victims in several countries around the world. These specially designed
hand-pedaled tricycles allow otherwise totally dependent people to lead normal
productive lives, to have a livelihood, to get married, to take care of their
families. Each PET costs $250 and another $50 to ship. We were introduced
to this project when Larry and Laura Hills were here to talk to us at our
summer potluck. The life-changing stories are so very exciting, and we want
to give this wonderful Christmas gift to at least 2 people this year. Won't
you help? Stop by the Mission Commission Giving Tree in the library and choose
an envelope for your contribution, or you can mail it to the church simply
by indicating what your gift is for. We will have a full display with pictures
and more information in the library.
Gifts for kids at the Red Bird Mission is the other choice the Mission Commission
will be offering to our congregation as a chance to reach out to children
in Appalachia. Red Bird puts together Christmas boxes for about 300 children,
and each box contains practical and fun items. At their suggestion, we have
decided to collect 2 types of items: towels and watches. If you wish to
contribute something else that is easy to pack, please feel free to do so.
Don't wrap your gift. These can be left at the reception desk in the Temple
House and should be dropped off no later than Dec. 15 so they can be shipped
to Red Bird.
By Joi Tennant
COMMON CENTS
Just a few reminders this month. The Finance Committee is completing the
pledge drive. We have had a good response—only 15 outstanding pledges
to be received. The committee will be completing the budgeting process and
will be presenting a budget for approval at the January 2000 meeting of the
Ad-Council.
The last day donations can go to the West Michigan Conference for credit
in 1999 will be Monday, December 20th. The last day for donations credited
to your Central UMC statement will be Monday, December 27th.
Have a great holiday season, filled with the love and peace of Jesus
Christ.
Faithfully yours, Ruthann
Congratulations and Farewell
to Denise Dunn &Terrence Willhite
Denise has accepted a position as Executive Director fof Housing Services
for Eaton County based in Charlotte. She started with them after Thanksgiving.
The mission of this non-profit group is to work against homelessness by teaching
life skills. This has been Denise's emphasis in her Masters work and here
with the Quality Living Program. We will miss Denise and the many skills
she has offered to our Church.
Terrence, one of our Staff Building Attendants, will be completing his studies
at MSU's Detroit College of Law in mid-December. He will be returning to
California to begin a career in law. We will miss his many contributions
to our church life.
Welcome to Richard Gallagher-
Richard, who is also a law student at MSU's Detroit College of Law, will
be assuming the position of Staff Building Attendant in mid-December. He
will be living in the Church Apartment and begin sharing the building
responsibilities with Nick Spradlin, effective December 19th.
Please take the opportunity to extend your appreciation and best wishes to
both Denise and Terrence during the Fellowship Coffee Hour, Sunday, December
5th.
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