Central Journal
December, 1998
Giving is a Privilege --Look for opportunities and pray for guidance
By Susan Grettenberger, Church and Society Commission
I think often about giving and tithing. I grew up in a home where tithing
was assumed. The first check written whenever my dad was paid was his tithe
to the church, with any other givings above and beyond that. When I asked
for a pair of shoes once, my father told me that I had to wait until after
his next paycheck to buy them. But I know that first check was a privilege,
as fun, and an important part of my faith.
We are asked over and over to consider giving to the needs of others, by
the church and others. During the last month, we have been asked to give
to SHARE, to hurricane relief, to Heifer, and other things. We are asked
to give to a number of projects in the Christmas season. Some may feel put
upon because so much has and will be asked. Others may feel unable to give
more.
I have been thinking about giving: about how much to pledge, about special
gifts I might give, and about just how much I take my affluence for granted.
I often hear people say that they can't give any more. I sometimes find myself
thinking that. The scriptures echo in my head: To whom much has been given,
much will be required. While we feel poor sometimes, we have nearly all been
given a great deal. I have so much more than many on the world, due to my
good fortune of being an American. What does God hope from me?
Consider as you hear requests for assistance, especially during the Christmas
season, which is upon us, what a privilege it is to give and how fortunate
we are to have enough to give. It may be that we require some sacrifice of
things we wish we could have or do. The irony is that we often don't really
have to sacrifice consciously to give more.
SHARE:
$15 buys a food basket with enough food for a Christmas dinner for a whole
family. How many dinners out is that for you? SHARE donations are due by
December 6th.
Heifer:
Varying amounts buys a live animal for a family, which may have no other
regular source of food. We are trying to fill the Ark. Ongoing before the
floods start. Again...
UMCOR
Relief to Hurricane MITC victims. Over 11,000 people died and tens of thousands
of people were left homeless. How difficult is the sacrifice of your possible
gift, compared to what the people of Central America are suffering?
Haiti Hot Lunches
Haiti also was devastated by hurricanes this summer. The Methodist Church
of Haiti continues to offer education and hot lunches to children. For many
children this is the only opportunity for school and the only meal they get
each day. A $10 gift buys almost 70 lunches. How many lunches would you give
up to make this contribution? On going project.
There are many other choices for giving. Remember: giving is a privilege.
Look for opportunities to give. Then pray for guidance about ways to give
more.
Central Journal
The Central Journal is a monthly publication of Central United Methodist
Church, Lansing, MI. 48933. Copy material deadline is always a Friday at
5:00 p.m. For the January issue it is 12/18; for February, 1/22, and for
March, 2/18.
Wedding Congratulations
Carolyn Cook and Scott Cassar November 21, 1998
December Reminders
6,13,and 20 Sip-N-Sing
13 Gifts due for Children's Home
20 Children's Christmas Program, Service of Healing, Chapel Young Adults Caroling,
and Centralniters Caroling
24 Family Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m
24 Christmas Eve Service 11:00 p.m.
With Sympathy
To the family and friends of Marjorie Roe who died on October 26, 1998.
And to family and friends of Samual C. Gingrich who died on November 10,
1998
Global Ministries Commission
Missions: A new Direction
By Joi Tennant, Co-Chairperson
Doesn't it seem like there's a constant stream of requests for money? As
Christians we may suffer more confusion than the rest of the world because
of our conviction that God expects us to be generous and give freely, with
cheers, no less. It becomes very hard to determine where to place our support
when there are so many "worthy causes." Sometimes we'd like to shut out the
clamor and just plain ignore it all.
The Global Ministries Commission spent most of last year trying to figure
out not to be just another aggravating, nagging requestor of your money.
We tried to look deeper into what is the real reason for the Global Ministries
Commission and how we could best serve God and our church. We decided that
we wanted to create a tangible awareness of the real people in real places
that will benefit because of our concerns, prayers, and gifts. We also determined
that we would make an effort to be more selective about special offerings
so they wouldn't so easily become yet another envelope in the bulletin to
nag at our conscience. We felt that it is more truly generous to give what
we hear or see speaks to our heart and translates into a desire to do something
about it. It is our hope that with fewer requests everyone will listen more
openly to the requests we do make.
We have chosen 4 main projects for the 1998-99 church year. We were happy
to take a supportive role in the Sunday School Heifer Project this fall.
In addition to giving help physically, we were able to support the project
financially by pledging $500 from the Ed Roe Missions Fund toward the total
goal of $5,000.
The Christmas Giving Tree project this year will be to collect Christmas
gifts for some of the sixty-one children, ages 5 – 15 who live in the
Methodist Children's Home in Detroit (see sidebar). Our tree will be located
in the church library. You will find envelopes on the "giving tree" with
different ideas for a gift. Clothing, toys, personal care needs and envelopes
for donations are all there. Please leave your gift in the church office
marked for the Children's Village by December 13th. We will be taking all
of the gifts to Detroit on December 15th. We hope also that you will take
time to stop by and see our accompanying display about Children's Village.
We have formed a Covenant Relationship with Mark and Rebecca Smallwood,
missionaries to Red Bird Mission School in Beverly, Kentucky, by contributing
$1,000 toward their annual salary this year. We are excited about the interest
money from the Ed Roe Mission Fund that makes this possible. In addition,
we are planning to become acquainted with the entire mission of the Red Bird
Missionary Conference, sharing this with you, and from that knowledge find
a way to serve a special need that they might have
Potter Park Outreach Ministries will be our 4th major mission involvement
this year. We have committed to help them provide another much-needed paid
part-time staff for their 10-week summer program, which gives neighborhood
children a stable, safe, supportive place to spend part of each day. We want
to show you the entire wonderful, practical, loving ways Potter Park is reaching
out to that community every day. We hope to inspire 2 – 4 volunteers
to spend 3 hours once a week this summer, just being caring, listening adults
who can share God's love with these children in a casual atmosphere (no planning
required).
To be a servant is the heart of discipleship. How good it is to support
Christians who are devoting their entire lives to bring wholeness and hope
to the troubled and broken of our world.
Pastor's Pen
On November 29th we began a new six week unit of church school classes. The
children and youth will continue to follow the "Whole People of God" curriculum,
and the adults will begin new offerings. The Whole People of God will continue
with Joi Tennant's steady and capable leadership, Kayla Tipton will begin
an Advent Study called The Christmas People, and there will be a series of
six classes on the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, led
at various times by myself, Joyce Joranko and Susan Grettenberger.
Most of us don't spend much time in the Social principles of the UMC, assuming
that we know that they exist. However, the Social Principles are beautifully
written "principles" on where the United Methodist Church stands on a wide
array of social issues. They are written and amended only by the General
Conference of the UMC, and are reflective of that legislative process. As
to each individual United Methodist, they serve as "guidelines" for thought
and action. They are not doctrinal - they are not binding - rather they are
to be challenging possible applications of Christ's teachings to our 20th
century world.
I encourage all of you to become familiar with our Social Principles' by
obtaining a copy of them from the church office and/or by attending the adult
church school class beginning the 29th. It will be worth your while.
As we begin Advent and approach the day of Christ's birth, when so many people
are happy and joyous and giving, and too many people are lonely or stressed
out, may the Blessings of God be real in your life, and may you come to know
the Christ Child in new ways. Thanks be to God for God's great love of God's
people.
John Boley
Janet Hamilton, Church Librarian, ready to retire
By Joi Tennant
Over the years Central has been blessed with some excellent church librarians.
After 20 years of faithfully tending the stacks here, Janet Hamilton is ready
to retire. Janet started working with Lib Hayden and Mildred Nichol in our
library when she retired from her paid position as a librarian for the Lansing
Elementary Schools in 1979.
Janet received her degree in library science from Western Michigan University
after serving as a WAVE at the close of WW2. While she was at Western she
met her husband, Benjamin. They have two grown sons who live in the Lansing
area. Janet's first job as a librarian was with the Michigan School for the
Blind. Two years later she became librarian at Cavanaugh Elementary School.
Since her school retirement, Janet has served on several boards, including
ZETA Lansing chapter, Greater Lansing Association of Retired Personnel, and
Lansing's Friends of the Library. She is currently president of the Suzannah
Wesley Guild. She and her husband have also enjoyed traveling to many different
places during her retirement years.
The church librarian is responsible for selecting new books when memorial
money is available or other gifts are given, such as the UMW gift for new
children's books. Other jobs are classifying, cataloging, keeping the shelves
neat and orderly, and sending out an occasional reminder about over-due books.
Janet enjoys greeting people as they pass through the library on their way
to church each Sunday, and she likes to help anyone find the book they are
looking for. She says our library has a lot of excellent Christian reference
books. Janet has enjoyed the help of Mary Lou Gargett and, more recently,
Ed Spink, who inventories and "weeds out." She laughed as she told about
her dusting campaign. It took two years to finally complete a thorough dusting
of all the shelves, "and then they started putting in the elevator.
Janet would love to train 2 or 3 interested people to share this job before
she retires. If you are at all interested in serving your church in this
way, please see Janet or Denise Fabbri.
Fellowship Opportunities
Centralniters
The next meeting of the Centralniters will be Christmas Caroling to our homebound
members Sunday, December 20th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the church parking
lot. Refreshments will be served after at Sam and Joy Adcock's (1624 Dennison
Road, East Lansing.) For reservations and details, call Bob or Peg Stebbins
at 372-5690.
Central Young Adults
Please join us for an evening of Christmas Caroling on December 20th at 5:00
p.m. We will meet at the church and join the youth group to go caroling.
More details will follow in the bulletin. If you have any questions please
contact Dennis & Denise Kelley at 484-9109. Hope to see you there! Also
congratulations to Kevin Sosnowski and Karen Stefl on their engagement.
For the Way Things Are
By Rev. Francis F. Anderson, Minister of Visitation
We can never thank God enough for the way things are or are becoming or have
been. It is said in some circles, when the going gets rough or tough, "Give
me a break!" If I was in control of everything, or if I was the center of
the universe - God forbid - am I to believe that things would go better for
me? Not so. They might go worse. But we hope neither comes to pass.
I find that it helps just to be thankful and to be happy with the way things
are. Is this a subtle cop-out? Hummm. Could be. Or is it? But the opposite
is much less desirable. I mean to say that God asks us to give thanks in
all circumstances (Ephesians 5:20).
In one of my churches during missionary work, we had a "grouse session" thinking
that folks needed to clear the air.
I will always remember how that meeting failed in its purpose, and took on
a better dimension of praise and thanks. It isn't natural for Christians
to be grouchy. My oldest late brother has the best set of crow's feet on
his face I've ever seen. When I think of him and visualize his face, it is
always smiling. That stays with me.
Let us indeed give thanks as we draw near to the Advent of Christ and the
joyous season of Christmas. We must check ourselves for solemnity that might
signal ingratitude or lack of appreciation.
We have much more to be grateful for than we can possibly think of or
imagine.
Check it out.
Central Sports
Women's Basketball
Women's Basketball for Central members and friends will be on Friday evenings
from 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Schedule will be based on other church activities.
Please call Mary or Susan at 372-4146 for more information.
Men's Basketball
Central's Men's League starts January 11th and continues on Monday nights.
There are still opportunities to join Central's Team. Please call Keith Leeman
at 371-4177.
Bill Richards Tip-off Tournament
The 15th Annual Bill Richards Tip-off Men's Basketball is scheduled for Saturday,
December 19th. The tournament runs from 2-7 p.m. Come to the church on the
19th to watch a great tournament in progress.
Say a Little Prayer...
Prayer may be one of the most potent antidotes to stress around. In fact,
87 percent of respondents in an often-cited Louis Harris poll said that they
either strongly or some-what agree that prayer helps them cope with difficulties
and stress in their lives.
Connecting with and relying on someone more more powerful than yourself is
a way of explaining strength, explains Dr. Goldstein. "What's more, when
you can't be thinking about your boss or the water bill that you didn't get
paid. You clear your mind."
Announcements and Reminders
Sip-N-Sing
Christmas Carol Sip-N-Sing continues on December 6, 13, and 20 in the Dining
Room from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. Ruth Norton will lead and Ruth Tennant McLean
will provide the piano accompaniment. The Don Knechtel family will host a
mini breakfast. A small donation will help cover our costs. Invite a friend!
Service of Healing
There will be a Service of Healing on Sunday, December 20th at 11:00 a.m.
in the Mary Sabina Chapel. It will be a service of prayer, Holy Communion,
and anointing. All are invited.
Bible Study Breakfast
Peter Hudy meets with an international men's Bible Study on Wednesday mornings
over breakfast. The study starts at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 7:00 a.m. promptly
so you can make it to work on time. The study group meets at the Flap Jack
Restaurant on the corner of Saginaw and 127. All are invited. Peter will
provide the first breakfast free to any interested person.
Saving tabs and labels
United Methodist Community House, Grand Rapids, is extremely grateful to
their "tabbing" and "label" friends for all the donations. Proceeds from
the tab collection will be used to replace worn portions of carpet in the
senior and childcare rooms.The most recent "load" — 1-1/2 tons of pop
tabs at 40 cents a pound — netted $6,394 toward the goal of $18,000
... so keep the tabs coming! Labels (from Campbell, French, Swanson, and
Vlasic) are also used by United Methodist Community House to purchase needed
equipment. SEE THE NEW BOX FOR YOUR TABS AND LABELS near the Temple House
entrance (across from the men's restroom). Put your aluminum tabs in the
box. Labels can be inserted in the Ziploc bag attached to the rear of the
box. Only the front section of the labels is used. Johanna Sizick, Executive
Director of UMCH, said "Thanks you to all the people who are tearing off
the tabs and sending them to us for this project. We even receive them from
other states and as one tabbing friend said, 'You know the tabs are not all
from just pop cans.' "
Heifer/ARK Project
As of this date (November 22nd) our contributions to the Ark/Heifer Project
have totaled $3,800, $1,200 short of our $5,000 goal. There is still opportunity
to contribute to this worthwhile project. ARK boxes are still welcome as
well as any contribution not in an ARK. Mark contribution for the Heifer
Project and drop off or mail to the church office.
Food Bank needs help
Dave Schuurmans reports that Central's Food Bank is badly in need of both
egg cartons and large paper grocery bags. Please save them and bring to the
Food Bank area in Temple House.
Volunteers needed
More volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve meals at the church
for outside group lunches. All that is required is 2 - 4 hours on weekdays.
The first opportunity to help will be the week of December 7th to 11th. Call
the church office if you are willing to help.
Hospice Service of Remembering
Sunday, December 13, 1998 from 3 to 4 PM at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,
7000 West Saginaw, Lansing. Please stay and join Hospice of Lansing for
refreshments after the service.
Congratulations
To Mike and Julie Cooper on the birth of their daughter, Erin Grace Cooper,
born November 18, 1989 and weighing 8 pounds,13 oz.
Memorial Suggestions
The memorial and Gifts Committee helps family members select a tangible item
to remember a deceased loved one. The committee also suggests gifts to the
church to honor births, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, graduation or any
special event in the life of our families. Members of the memorial and Gifts
Committee would be happy to speak with you about any potential gifts.
Orpheus Concert
Monday, December 17, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. St. Mary's Cathedral, downtown Lansing. Also featured will be the DeWitt High School Band. Place this event on your schedule a have a great evening.
Red Roses to ...
All those people who donated pumpkin pies for the Nov, 18th Thanksgiving Fellowship Lunch
Betty Corbishley
Beth and Dick Murley
Lee and Ken Lamphere
Anne Mort
Katie Walker
Helen Groh
Nancy Dibble
Penny Zago
Peg Stebbins
Faye McCracken
Mary Roush
Mary Jessup
Win Anderson
Loraine Metzger
And to those who assisted in the hanging of the greens.
Lois and Bob Jenkins
Beth and Dick Murley
Dave and Carol Schuurmans
Gwen Bodine
Mary Jessup
Lee Dibble
Pat Mort
Denise Kelley
Mike and Kathy MacLaren
Justin Sleight
Also, to Mary Ellen Maas, who each Sunday organizes and replaces items in
the pew pockets.
Visioning Moves Forward
By Bryan Halter
As previously reported, Central's Visioning process has narrowed down to
three categories: Servants of God and Christ in Service, Spiritual Growth
and Accepting Diversity. At the latest meeting, on November 11, Rev. Joe
Bistayi of the West Michigan Conference recommended that we choose one of
these concepts on which to concentrate. A poll was taken, with 4 selecting
Service, 7 Spiritual Growth and 2 Accepting Diversity. Some could not reach
a decision.
After much discussion, the realization came that all three were interconnected.
We then sought to determine the most important, primarily wrestling whether
Spiritual Growth derived from Service, or Service derived from Spiritual
Growth.
It was at this point that a message was read from a Visioning participant
who could not attend. The message concerned an inspiration, which came at
three o'clock the previous morning. It was centered on three concepts similar
to those under consideration and offered additional insight. It spoke of
Service to others, Modeling Christ and Worshiping God in Today's World.
Other thoughts brought up had included viewing Spiritual Growth as Christ
centered, underlining the truth contained in the phrase, Modeling Christ.
It was also pointed out that acceptance of diversity may require a change
in our world view, influencing the manner of Worshiping God in Today's World.
Then a proposal was made that we think of the three concepts in a triangular
form, with the Worshiping element at the base, the Service theme as one side
of the triangle and Spiritual Growth as the other. Then came the idea of
placing an illustration of the Cross and Flame in the middle of the triangle
to designate being Centered in Christ.
Rev. Bistayi moved us forward to considering at our next meeting how these
approaches might be refined and expressed in the Administration of the church,
our Communal Life together, our Ministries or Program (both internal and
external) and the use of the physical facilities of the Building. The event
closed with singing Our God is an Awesome God, followed by brief prayers
from several individuals.
As always, interested members are invited to join us at our next meeting,
January 13th at 7:30 p.m. at the church.
Giving Tree
Evangelism and Nurture
On December 24th, one hundred guests or more are expected to attend the weekly
Fellowship Lunch in the church dining room. For many years, Margaret Woolcocks
and her family have provided a gift bag for each guest. This year the Evangelism
and Nurture Commission will continue this tradition. The following items
are needed: shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, small packets of Kleenex,
small candy bars, combs, and small hairbrushes. Please place your contribution
under the Nurture Commission's Giving Tree located in the church library.
Thank you and a Merry Christmas! Beth Murley (517) 482-4700
United Methodist Women
By Pat Mort, President
As I'm writing this I find it hard to believe the beginning of the Church
year is upon us! The decorations are up in Downtown Lansing; our Church Building
is prepared; we have the witness of a new elevator and renovations in progress
to show Central is here and will remain here. But are we ready to welcome
the Christ Child in our hearts?
"Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger; there he lay, the undefiled,
To the world a stranger. Such a babe in such a place, Can he be the Savior?
Ask the saved of all the race Who have found his favor." Joseph S. Cook
"Infant Holy, Infant lowly, For his bed a cattle stall; Oxen lowing, Little
knowing Christ the babe is Lord of all. Swift are winging Angles singing,
Noels ringing, Tidings bringing: Christ the babe is Lord of all." Polish
Carol
"Silent night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother
and child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep
in heavenly peace." Joseph Mohr
"What can I give him: Give my heart." Christina G. Rossetti
May your Christmas season be filled with the wonder and awe of the Virgin
Birth. Happy Birthday Jesus.
May we make room in our hearts for all the babes born this day
May we love one another as much as You love us!
UMW Meijers Dinner
UMW will be hosting a Meijers Dinner on Monday, January 25, 1999 in the Dining
Room. (The elevator will be working by then!) Tickets will be $5. All members
and guests of Central are encouraged to attend. Jack Robbins, local radio
personality, will be our Master of Ceremony Prizes will be awarded.If you
would like childcare, please contact Pat Mort at 484-2356 and arrangements
will be made.
Holy Land Video Study
The Judy Grove Circle is undertaking a new video study of the Holy Land.
The study will be available for other groups. Currently, the Circle is meeting
on a more "flexible" schedule to try and accommodate more of our members.
If you would like to know more about the videos, please contact Sue Mills,
Edi Robinson, Pam Jennet, Diane Boley, Carolyn Schuurmans or Pat Mort.
Bread for the World
Good news from Bread for the World: If you signed and sent letters to our
Reperesentatives and Senators last May, you will be glad to know the legislation
called "Africa, Seeds of Hope" was passed in October. Our letters helped.
Thanks, Carolyn Schuurmans
Church Women United
Christmas Program Monday, December 14th Molly Grove Chapel
First Presbyterian Church Ottawa and Chestnut
Christmas Music by the Waverly Reflections directed by Denise Sauter
Everyone Welcome!!
What is the Methodist Children's Home Society?
By Carolyn Schuurmans, Co-Chairperson
The Methodist Children's Home Society was established in 1917 and became
know as the Children's Village in 1929 when they moved to the present location.
In 1955, the Village became a treatment center for mildly emotionally disturbed
children. Day treatment for emotionally impaired children was instituted
in 1969. Because of rejection, neglect or abuse, many children require treatment
to cope with their deep fears, low esteem, anger and depression.The Methodist
Children's Home Society has been responding to the needs of these special
youngsters by providing residential, foster care and therapeutic services.The
Society also helps with adoption services when needed, and offers counseling
for single parents.
One Final Thought
Ten little members standing in a line, One disliked the leader,
then there were nine.
Nine ambitious members offered to work late,
One forgot her commitment,
then there were eight.
Eight creative members had ideas good as heaven, One lost enthusiasm,
then there were seven.
Seven loyal members got into a fix, They quarreled over a project,
then there were six.
Six members remained with spirit and drive,
One moved away,
then there was five.
Five steadfast members wished there were more,
One became indifferent,
then there were four.
Four cheerful members who never disagree, 'til one complained of meetings,
then there were three.
Three eager members! What did they do? One got tired,
then there were two.
Two lonely members, our poem is nearly done,
One joined a bowling team,
and then there was one.
One faithful member was feeling rather blue,
Met with a neighbor
and then there were two.
Two zealous members each recruited one more,
Doubling their number
and then there were four.
Four determined members, just couldn't wait, 'til each won another,
then there were eight.
Eight excited members signed up sixteen more,
In another six verses, there'll be a thousand twenty four!
... from SW District, UMC, New Mexico
Education
By Denise Fabbri, Program Director
Bethlehem Marketplace
The congregation of Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson, Michigan has extended
an invitation to attend their "walk through drams of Christ's birth." The
Program will be held on December 5 and 6 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. A free will
offering will be collected. For more information, call the church office.
Church School Class Offerings
Unit 3 (through December 20th)
"Whole People of God"
Social Principles
Conflict Resolution
Advent Study -
The Christmas People
No Church School December 27th
Unit 4 (beginning January 4th)
"Whole People of God"
Parenting
Christian Journaling
Great Ideas
Children's Christmas Program
On December 20th, the children will perform their Christmas Program during
the worship service.
The practice for this program will be held during the regular Church School
hour on December 13th. Parts have been handed out, if your child has not
received one and would like a speaking part, please contact Ruthann
Jaquette
Prayer Chain
Did you know? Central has a confidential, prayer chain ministry available
24 hrs., 7 days a week. To initiate a prayer request please call one of the
following prayer chain leaders:
Daytime 8:00 am - 5 p.m. Janet Mort 321-2330 or Karen Holoweiko 626-798.
Evening 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 am Elizabeth Gibbs 882-2635 or Nancy O'Shea 372-6156.
This Prayer Chain is an ongoing ministry of Central United Methodist Church
and is open to anyone who would like to become a participant.
QUIET MOMENTS
A new life for the New Year
A man approached a woman in a restaurant and gleefully exclaimed, "Dorothy!
It's so good to see you! I see you have a new look. I like the color of your
hair. Your new hairstyle becomes you. Your new makeup certainly highlights
your loveliest features. And I'm impressed with your new clothes and how
well they fit you."
As he finally quit gushing, the woman said, "Sir, I think you have mistaken
me for someone else. My name is Helen. He immediately said, "Oh, so you now
have a new name, too. Wonderful! Wonderful!"
The fast approaching New Year reminds us of newness of life that comes through
Christ. "If anyone is in Christ," St. Paul wrote, "he is a new creation,
the old has passed away, behold the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The
Apostle further says: "put off your old nature ... and be renewed in the
spirits of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness
of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22 ff.). What better
advise could Christians heed?
The History Corner
Reminisces from Central's first 149 years
Contributed by the Central's Committee on Church History
We came across an article in the April 1955 Journal that speaks to our parking
problem. Another reminder that what goes around comes around. "Sunday parking
problem. Baptists and Methodists have been hemming each other in at the lot
between our churches. The only way to solve this problem is to avoid double
parking of any variety and to center park only at the outside limits of the
lot. Please do not park in the center of the lot — ever! Who knows,
you may be blocking in a Methodist!"
It was back on December 15, 1887, that the Board of Trustees of Central Methodist
Episcopal Church initiated steps to erect a new church on the present site.
The corner stone was laid on May 2, 1889. Rev. M. M. Callen DD was the presiding
minister.
Sentence Sermon: A church that is wrapped up in itself, never grows.
Wanted: Gladys Gilson has acquired a used piano but it lacks a
piano bench. If you have a used one or know of one that might be available,
please give her a call at 485-0860. She would like to hear from
you.
Click here to return to previous page, or to
A Central Place.