February, 2002
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
Lansing District United Methodist Churches
Seminar
Saturday, February 23, 9:30 a.m. -- 3:00 p.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 7533 W. St. Joseph Highway
Come with us to this event and learn new and better ways to help our church
be more effective in our mission to "Make disciples of Jesus Christ." This
seminar is for any church member who would like to sit in on one or two of
these interesting sessions and enjoy the fellowship[of other Christians,
and/or leaders who want to gather good ideas and become stronger in their
roles. Participants may choose two sessions from the following
topics:
1. Spiritual Formation
2. Volunteers in Mission
3. Trustees, Financial Secretaries and Treasurers
4. Igniting Ministries
5. Handling Transition in Your Church
6. United Methodist Women
7. Demographics and the Church
8. Music and Worship
9. Dialogue on the War on Terrorism
12. Lay Leadership in the Church
There will also be a keynote address by Rev. Dennis Buwalda, It's Really
Not Just About Numbers.
Lunch will be served ($7). Last year we had ten members from our church at
this district seminar, and we found it very helpful and enjoyed sharing this
experience together.
If you will be able to atend, please call our church office (485-9477) and
ask the volunteer at the desk to add your name to the District Seminar clipboard
no later than Wednesday, February 13. See you there!
Joi Tennent, CoChair, Administrative
Council
Pastor's Pen
John Boley, Senior Minister
Here it is – Lent is upon us again. Thanks be to God! Our annual Ash
Wednesday Service will be Wednesday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. at University
United Methodist Church. It has become a great tradition for Lansing UMC's
to gather together for worship on Ash Wednesday. Again, there will be a community
choir, and Cris Bobier, Lay Leader of the West Michigan Conference and Director
of Potter Park Ministries, will offer the message.
This year for our Lenten Series, we will look at our Vision Statement. We
will do this in two ways. First, the sermon for each Sunday morning in Lent
will focus on a component of the Vision Statement. Second, we will have a
meager meal and program on each Sunday evening based on the same component
of the Vision Statement. This will be composed of personal reflection and
group discussion following the message of that morning. Here is the
schedule:
February 17 – Community of Disciples
February 24 – Prayerful Discernment
March 3 – Vital Worship
March 10 – Compassionate Service
March 17 – Expansive Spiritual Growth
March 24 – Being a Welcoming People
The purpose of this effort is obvious – it is for study, reflection,
personal growth and transformation into the congregation claimed in the Vision
Statement. All of us can benefit from some focused reflection on these components
of the Vision Statement.
Please mark your calendars for these Sunday Evening
programs.
From the Staff--
Dear Central Friends,
This comes to thank you for the generous love offerings you gifted us at
Christmas time. We count your thoughtfulness and many gestures of friendship
among our richest blessings. On a daily basis, you touch our hearts in very
special ways. May you and yours find peace and contentment in 2002.
Love, The Central UMC Staff
Raincoat seeks owner
I was left at the home of Arline Roe after a candle party in December. If
you are missing me, please contact Arline (371-7832). Spring is coming and
you may need me soon.
Your support makes music!
Nancy O'Shea, Mission Commission
Thank you to those who contributed money to the Mission Giving Tree for musical
instruments, music, repairs or band camperships, for Red Bird Mission. The
Smallwoods will be very appreciative of your support of $200 for their students.
This will be a bright spot for them on the tail of learning their little
adopted daughter, Leah, has cerebral palsy.
Barrel barrels to Bolivia
It's reported that the Hudy barrel has already arrived in LaPaz where it
must still clear customs. Peter can't wait to get his hands on the 17 pounds
of peanut butter. Elaine Brown packed the barrel for Hudys with roughly 150
pounds of:
English books/learning materials/videocassettes (ages 4-6 years).
Spanish books/learning materials/videocassettes (preschool-grade 3).
Children's toys/games/puzzles (ages 4-6 years).
Clothing and a variety of personal items.
Miscellaneous items such as 17 pounds of peanut butter, Rubbermaid storage
containers, woodworking plane, and Sony memory
stick.
Blanket Program and Tools of Hope
Carolyn Schuurmans, Co-Chair, Missions Commission
Church World Service has added Tools of Hope to its Blanket Program. Only
$5 provides a blanket for a refugee child, and $15 can provide a hoe, shovel,
and rake for a rural family. The tools, plus seeds, can give them hope for
a better future.
Church World Service is a relief, development and refugee assistance ministry
of 35 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican denominations. Founded in 1946 it
works in partnership with indigenous organizations in more than 80 countries,
as well as serving emergency victims, homeless, and impoverished people in
the United States.
Mission Study
led by Francis Anderson, will begin in April. The study will be on Vietnam,
Cambodia and Laos. Watch for more details.
Sewing Group report 2001
Norma Hanson, Chairperson
Jeanne Fowler, Treasurer
Items donated:
Pilgrim Congregational Church Children's Closet 22 items,Sparrow/St. Lawrence
Dimondale Center 112 items, Potter Park Outreach 187 items. Total: 321
items
Income/Expenditures:
Balance January 1, 2001…..$ 234.26
Income……………….......…174.70
408.96
Expenditures.………...…...... –84.46
Balance December 31, 2001$ 324.50
Source of Income: Church Rummage Sale, Woolcocks Memorial, sale of antique
buttons, three miscellaneous items.
Expenditures: Thread, elastic, ribbing, sewing machine light bulb
.
Membership: Six active members plus a new member the last three
weeks.
Meetings: Thursdays 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the north end of the church
dining room. Average attendance: four people.
Church Women United
Carolyn Schuurmans
February 11 –Monday –1:00 p.m.
Women's Hall of Fame
Speaker: Gladys Beckwith
Pennway Church of God
1101 E. Cavanaugh, Lansing
February 26 – Tuesday
32nd Annual Interfaith Day
Everyone is welcome!
St. James Catholic Church
1010 S. Lansing St., Mason (near Meijer's on Cedar St.)
$7.00 - tickets may be obtained
from Arlene Roe
9 - 9:30 a.m. – Registration
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. –
Program and lunch
Topic: Instruments of Peace
Speakers:
Rev. Caroline Stacey, All Saints Episcopal
Mt. Gabriella, Abbess, Holy Dormition Monastery, Rives Junction
Ron Lamphere, Diocese of Lansing
Rabbi James Michaels
Omar Iman Soubani, Muslim
March 1 – Friday – 9:30 a.m.
World Day of Prayer
Grace United Methodist Church
W. Mt. Hope at Boston Blvd., Lansing
Goodell Memorial Library
Video tapes ready for lending
Ed Spink, Library Task Force
Nearly 125 videotapes have been processed and are ready for circulation.
They may be checked out for two weeks – there is no limit on the number
of tapes. All tapes are located in the cupboard next to the media center.
The collection includes tapes of interest to children and adults. Programs
range from recordings of CUMC worship services and musical activities to
Biblical animation and Hollywood production. Also included are programs on
missions, Biblical teachings and inspirational subjects. Among the titles
are:
Paul: Apostle to the Nations
Jesus: The complete Story of Christ
Chariots of Fire
The Miracle of Love
The Ten Commandments
Through Wesley's England
The Story of the Creation
Noah's Ark
Dinosaur (Disney)
Tell Me About God
Tapes may also be viewed in the library on the television in the new media
cabinet.
The Library Task Force looks forward to future plans to expand the circulating
collection by adding DVDs, CDs, books-on-tape, and computer
programs.
GLADE to organize, prioritize issues
Kayla Tipton, Co-Chair, Church and Society
Upcoming Events for Greater Lansing Association for Development and Empowerment
(GLADE):
February 25 – 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Community Service at Judson Memorial Baptist Church.
March 9 – 9 a.m. - noon
Rethinking Justice Workshop
(a repeat of the January 26 workshop)
Location to be announced.
April 8 Covenant Assembly at Westminster Presbyterian Church. This meeting
will include adoption of by-laws, election of officers and prioritizing of
issues. Persons attending the Covenant Assembly will have the privilege to
vote on community issues presented by GLADE congregations involved in the
one-on-one-visiting process.
GLADE congregations are currently involved in one-on-one visits with church
members and with others living in Lansing for the purpose of building
relationships and identifying community issues. The Covenant Assembly will
choose one to three issues for research and public action.
To date, GLADE team members have reported identifying the following issues
in the visits:
Detox-center access
Affordable housing
CATA rates and schedules/unaffordable and unavailable transportation
Refugee concerns
Long-term issues of care, shelter and daytime care for the homeless
Health clinics closing in schools
Safety for children in the downtown area
After school care for kids/youth activities
Independence for persons with handicapping conditions
Central's team members are Pastor John Boley, Joanne Harvey, Frank Joranko,
Joyce Joranko, Ann Mather, Bob Stebbins, and Kayla Tipton.
If you have not been contacted and have an interest in being part of the
one-on-one visiting process, or have questions about GLADE, please contact
a team member.
Fellowship lunches benefit
Joyce Joranko, CoChair, Church and Society
Church and Society and Fellowship Lunch Committees would like to thank you
for your generous contributions this year. This money has been very helpful
in making the holiday lunches more pleasing, as well as helping to feed our
Thursday guests throughout the year.
If you were not able to make a contribution yet, you can give a donation
at any time by marking an envelope, "Fellowship Luncheon", and placing your
gift in the offering plate or mailing it to the church office. We are grateful
that we can continue to provide this service.
NOTE: Building security system active
David Schuurmans, Board of Trustees
The electronic security system in the church building is now operable. It
will be turned on at night when the building is closed. If you wish to enter
the building at special times, other than during the day or early evening,
contact the church office (485-9477) ahead of
time.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
We just get through the holidays and our calendars fill right back up with
things to do! As United Methodist Women we should be used to it but I must
confess there are times I'd just like to do absolutely nothing; not worry
about planning, not worry where the budget monies will come from, not know
deep in my heart if there's something I care about seeing done - I have to
be involved in seeing it's done.
But I am a United Methodist Woman. I know the power of the "one". I know
what can be accomplished when the "one" joins with the many in a common goal.
That's the joy of being a part of the largest organized women's group in
the world. My little bit of action, planning, pledge paid, offerings given,
join with the action, planning, pledges and offerings of others as close
as here at Central, as far away as Afghanistan, helping Children, Youth and
Women reach their full potential. The times when I want nothing more than
to do "nothing", I think of all those who have nothing to do. How much more
fortunate I am to help be the ears, eyes, hands, heart, and feet of God in
our world!
Lunch with Bob Roth
Saturday, March 23 at 11:30 a.m., Mable Morrison Circle will host Central's
Lenten Lunch. The theme is "Shalom, a Deeper Peace". Our speaker is Rev.
Bob Roth. All are invited to attend. Tickets are $5 and will be available
for purchase in March. Watch the March Central Journal for more
details.
Legislative Day coming to Central
Wednesday, April 10, Legislative Day will be held at Central. This event
brings together women from both West Michigan and Detroit Conferences. This
year's theme is "To Everything there is a Season – Our Lives from Birth
to Death". While this is work for the host church it is also a wonderful
opportunity to showcase Central and the ministries we are involved
in.
Sign up sheets are on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall for some of the tasks
that need doing April 10. There are also jobs that need to be done ahead
of time to make this day a good one for Central and our guests.
If you are involved in a ministry at Central you would like to see showcased
– Fellowship Lunch, Sewing Group, Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Shalom
Center, Recreation Programs, Youth, Small Group Ministries – just to
name a few, please see Pat. This is the perfect opportunity to let the world
know the opportunities that are available here. While this isn't the main
focus of Legislative Day, as someone who has attended functions at other
churches across Michigan, I know how much attendees look around, picking
up ideas and trying to find new places to "plug in". The balcony in Fellowship
Hall makes a wonderful "display" area for banners.
If you are willing to help with "welcome" kiosks or banners for April 10,
please let Pat know. I may be contacting some groups directly to see if there
are areas you'd like to "plug" into.
RADA on sale
Arline Roe has RADA cutlery for sale. We will be getting some more before
April, when the prices are going up. Is there something special you've been
looking for? Let Arline or Pat know.
Cookie Dough for dough
UMW will be selling Cookie Dough again in March, with delivery in early April.
Plan ahead now – how many containers will you need? There's nothing
like planning ahead when it comes to Cookie Dough!
Kitchen cleaning crew to clean cupboards
Willing to help finish cleaning cupboards, wash and inventory dishes in the
Kitchen during February? Please let Pat know what times are best for you.
We may be able to do more than one session. (For those who helped with the
first stage of the process, a huge THANKS.)
Book Club?
An interest in forming a Women's Book Club has been expressed.. If this interests
you, please sign up on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
You do NOT have to be a "formal" member of UMW to be involved in a book club.
(We all know all United Methodist women are members of UMW whether we want
to admit it or not!)
Upcoming UMW Opportunities
This is a partial list. Keep your eyes open for new and revised opportunities
in the months to come.
Cookie Dough Sale – March
Centennial Celebration –
Community House
March 3, 3 p.m.
Grand Rapids First UMC
Lenten Lunch - March 23,11:30 a.m.
Shalom, a Deeper Peace
Rev. Bob Roth - CUMC
Legislative Day –
April 10, 9:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.
For Everything there is a Season –
Our Lives from Birth to Death
CUMC hosting
Spring Retreat – April 19-20
Yours, Mine and Ours
Wesley Woods
UMW Assembly – April 25-28
Sing a New Song!
Pennsylvania Convention
Center, Philadelphia
School of Christian Mission –
July 17-19 Drive in Day July 20
Holt UMW
Lansing District Annual –
September 18
Eaton Rapids UMC
Community House Fundraising
Dinner – October 1
Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids
West Michigan Conference Annual
October 11-12
Petoskey UMC
Habitat for Humanity Miracle Sunday a success
Mary Boudreau, Church and Society
In November, Central held a "Miracle Sunday" to raise money for our upcoming
Downtown Ecumenical Build through Habitat for Humanity. It was a rousing
success, and has been a real inspiration to the other churches who are planning
their own Miracle Sundays and other fundraisers. To date, these are the results
of Central's Miracle Sunday:
Many people prayed for the success and safety of the project.
Several people promised to volunteer during the build.
Over $1000 was raised that day.
Pledges of almost $3000 were made.
Interest was shown in providing materials for the house.
Central is actively working with people from ten other downtown churches
in this project. It will be a wonderful opportunity to, not only provide
affordable, decent housing for a local family, but also to meet other
parishioners for fellowship and Christian service. We intend to hold one
or more Habitat training sessions for volunteers, and will continue to keep
you informed of our contribution of prayers, volunteerism, and financial
support. You can assist with this project in a number of ways:
If you have made a pledge to this project, please continue to make payments
and mark your memo on the check "Downtown Ecumenical Build" or
"Habitat".
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please contact Bob Peña
or Mary Boudreau, or call the Habitat office (374-1717).
If you would like to make a contribution and haven't pledged, please
do!
Continue to pray for the success of this project!
Clothes for South Africa
Mary Boudreau
Many of you have been very supportive of mission projects on the African
continent, including several I informed you of after my trip last year. Thank
you for that support! These projects have made a tremendous difference in
the lives of people there who face incredible challenges.
One project has not come to fruition. I have been trying to send clothing,
particularly children's clothing, to a grandmother in Soweto, South Africa
who is raising her orphaned grandchildren. I found that the cost of mailing
clothing was EXTREMELY expensive, so I sent her a check. She recently sent
me a letter thanking us for our generosity, and sending her prayers and
gratitude. She said that it is very difficult to purchase the clothes there,
and asked that we continue to seek ways to Clothes for South
Africa.
Please let me know if you know of anyone going to Soweto or Johannesburg,
Africa, or have any other ideas for this project. Thank
you.
Earl Nelson Singers to sing for Habitat
The Earl Nelson Singers will perform Sunday, March 10 at 3 p.m. here at Central.
Hear this legendary troupe and support the Downtown Ecumenical Build with
your donation.
Among Friends
Thank you...
Surely we are among many who were thrilled on December 9 with the music
department's presentation of the Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saens.
The soloists, the orchestra, the two choirs, the organist, and the conductor
all worked together to give a stunning, moving performance. It was a lovely
gift to the congregation. We say thank you, especially to Caryn and Alice.
Let's have more! God Bless You.
Lee and Eleanor Moore
Remember…
Linda Bates – recovering at home
Dorothy Forgrave – recovering from surgery
Jack Lansing – recovering at
home
Transitions…
Congratulations to Kimber Wilson and Brad Peterson on their wedding December
31.
Enlist to keep the "Fellow-Ship" Hour a-float!
Beth Murley, Chair of Coffee Hour
The "Fellow-Ship" Hour is well-stocked with provisions, thanks to many willing
cookie providers. But, the galley is in need of new crew members. The loyal
crew has served ably for many years. They arrive at 8:45 a.m. one Sunday
every three months to set up two serving tables, prepare coffee and arrange
cookie trays. Later, they serve the beverages and then clean up. This
responsibility needs to be shared among more of the good folks who enjoy
being on board our "Fellow-Ship".
Please contact Beth Murley (482-4700) to volunteer to come on a Sunday for
on-the-job training. More crew members will ease the task for many who are
ready for some R & R.
Fellowship Lunch guests receive gift bags
Beth Murley, Evangelism Commission
Thank you to all those who contributed items or money to the Evangelism Giving
Tree. Seventy-one Christmas gift bags were given to Thursday Fellowship Lunch
guests on December 20. Because of your generous donations, the bags were
well filled and warmly appreciated by the recipients.
The Evangelism Commission is pleased to be able to continue this tradition
which was initiated many years ago by Margaret Woolcocks and her family.
Once again, many thanks!
Centralniters To attend concert
Come and join us at the Wharton Center Great Hall to hear the MSU Wind Symphony
and Concert Band Friday, February 15 at 8 p.m. Admission is $5.00 per
person.
Reservations and admission cost are due by February 10 to Rich and Mary Roush
who will be in Fellowship Hall after church on February 3 and
10.
Winter fun for Central Collage
Saturday, February 2, at 2 p.m., a cross country ski outing is planned at
Burchfield Park for members of Central Collage (weather permitting). Plan
B is to go ice skating at the Summit. Ski and skate rentals are available.
In either case, we will then retreat to Pam and Charlie Jennett's for fellowship
around the fireplace with pizza, pop and board games. Please call Pam and
Charlie (323-1778) or Sue and Dave Mills (676-4217).
Young Adults will slip and slide
Please join us on Saturday, February 23 at 1:00 p.m. for an afternoon of
ice skating/falling/sliding at the Washington Park Ice Rink. The cost is
$2 for adults and $2 for skate rental.
After we're all frozen, we plan to go to a restaurant to get warmed up! More
details on this will follow. If you have any questions, please contact Janet
Geissler at 394-0174, or Denise Kelley at 484-9109. Hope to see you there!
Elderberrys go again
Rev. Frank Anderson
We had a unique and most helpful January session with Josh Ard, a consulting
attorney for "60 Plus" out of Cooley Law School.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 12, 2002, at 10:30 a.m. in the
Dining Room with lunch by Meals on Wheels ($2.00). Being two days removed
from Valentines Day, the general consensus is to have a party that morning.
And so Elderberrys will be planning just that. Sign up as usual in Fellowship
Hall. February 12 happens to be Lincoln's Birthday, also. Call me at 323-6968
to volunteer in any way. We need you.
Growing old can be beautiful
When we returned from missionary life overseas in 1989, we noticed that all
our friends and everyone else had grown older and changed. It did not occur
to us that we too, had changed and looked different to them!
In the Community of Faith known as Central United Methodist Church, there
are a surprising number of people in their eighties. You would be amazed
to know that there are quite a few in their nineties! The former are depicted
as "octogenarians", the latter as "nonagenarians". Clearly a "centenarian"
is a person 100 years old.
In my experiences as a pastor, persons of advanced years often have a positive
outlook on life. They still enjoy the simple and little things of life: food,
birds, sunsets, and happy people they come in contact with. One old-timer
said to me once, "I get hungry for skin." He meant to say, actual human bodily
contact.
Daily human relationships for the elderly can be a matter of life or death.
The smile on an aging person is worth a million dollars! Have you noticed
the frequency of aging performers on TV entertainment and dramas? In the
Beetles song, "When I'm 64", I would play the recording with naive ears.
It seems impossible that all of a sudden I am quite a ways beyond it---and
I am still all right! Wow! Where did all those years go?
Well, there is a cliche that goes, You're as old as you feel. Take the Church,
for example. It is old, too. Yet we are ALL on an exciting journey called
Life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is, for some, like an elixir of life. Believe
it and feel the difference. If you both believe and feel the awesome presence
of a God in Life, growing old is surely no threat.
A startling confession
From Newsletter Newsletter
In his excellent book, What's So Amazing About Grace?, the gifted writer,
Philip Yancey, tells about going to Russia in 1991 with a group of American
Christians.
One evening they listened to the then vice-chairman of the KGB, Gen. Nikolai
Stolyarov, speak. Right off, the general confessed that the Russian leadership
in the past had been wary of Christians who practiced their faith seriously.
He said that in the teaching of scientific atheism, the claim was made that
religion divides people. "Now," he continued, "we see the opposite: love
for God can only unite." He said further that, "political questions cannot
be decided until there is sincere repentance, a return to faith by the
people."
Philip Yancey said that upon hearing that confession, "Our heads spun."
When the time for questions came, Joel Nederhood, a Christian Reformed Church
pastor, remembering the many Christians who had been imprisoned by the Soviets,
asked this question: "General, your agency, of course, is responsible for
overseeing the prisons, including the one located in the basement of this
building. How do you respond to that past?"
Gen. Stolyarov answered: "I have spoken of repentance. This is an essential
step. The time has come to repent of that past. We have broken the Ten
Commandments, and for this we pay today."
Grief Programs of the Hospice of Lansing
Kayla Tipton
Passages Through Loss and Grief:
There is a grief support group for the more newly bereaved, and there is
an ongoing group for those who have experienced a loss through death. The
meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and the third
Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Hospice of Lansing Residence, 3411
Stoneleigh in south Lansing.
Bereavement Support Luncheon:
This is an opportunity to meet with other bereaved persons for a time of
socialization. The lunch group meets the second Wednesday of each month at
1 p.m. at the Bob Evans Restaurant, 900 American, Lansing (S. Cedar and I-96).
Call The Hospice of Lansing for reservations.
Both programs are free of charge. For information, call
882-4500
UMC work project headed to Bolivia
Bob Pena, Mission Commission
Two mission work project groups will head to the Rio Colorado School in Bolivia
where the Hudy's are, in May and June. Each of the work projects will be
about two weeks long. The first will be from May 16 to June 1 and the second
from May 30 to June 16. The main project is the construction of bathroom
facilities for the school.
The trips are organized by Homer Christopher of Trinity, Alabama for Volunteers
in Mission. Homer and his wife have been going to Rio Colorado School for
15 years.
Sleeping accommodations are in a quansut hut and there is no electricity.
Adaptability of those participating will be needed.
Departure will be from Detroit with an approximate airfare to and from La
Paz, Bolivia of $1150. Once in Bolivia the round trip airfare from La Paz
to an airport near Rio Colorado (about one hour) is $175. Food at the school
will be about $20 for the two weeks. Other food expenses are estimated to
be about $50. Miscellaneous expenses are expected to be about $250. Total
expenses: $1650.
If you are interested in going to Rio Colorado School on the Mission work
project to help the Hudy's, please let Dale Kirkby (651-6302), or Bob Peña
(482-7358) know by the end of February. The first session is filling up fast.
Dale and Bob plan to join the second session.
If you would like to support the Hudy's but going to Bolivia is not what
you have in mind, remember you can also help with a contribution to the Hudy
quarterly offering. Special giving envelopes will be placed in a Sunday bulletin
in January, April, July and October.
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