Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
February,
2003
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
STEWARDSHIP
By Joi Tennant
How do we understand the way God works in regard to our giving? With every
financial discussion in church committee meetings, the principles of stewardship
come up directly or indirectly. How much "faith" are we supposed to exhibit
when push comes to shove in a budget-crunch year? What would that faith look
like, anyway? Is God in the business of solving our money problems just because
we pray about it? When we chop away at the program of our church to pare
it down to match the size our income dictates, how do we see God in that
process? Can we grow and shrink at the same time?
I was inspired to write my thoughts today because in my devotional reading
Psalm 85 is the Psalm of the week. Today these verses (8 thru 11) spoke to
me about the very essence of what our relationship to God is in these
matters.
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people,
to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss
each other
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky
The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.
These verses are about being in step with the choreography of God's plan
for all people from the beginning of creation. Steadfast love from God is
drawn like a magnet to faithfulness from his people. God's peace bends down
to kiss our righteousness. When our faithfulness sprouts and grows, God's
righteousness toward us shines down upon us. From the fertile condition of
this relationship comes a beautiful harvest, which becomes more righteousness,
which clears the way for God to work even more.
As a church we must step into the rhythm of this beautiful dance. We can't
do it unless we trust that God will respond in a beautiful way, as yet unseen.
God's part is steadfast love and peace. Our part is faithfulness and
righteousness. That means, among other things, that I must go out on a limb
to put money in the offering plate or to make a pledge that is MORE than
I can See beautiful rhythm. For where your treasure is there will your heart
be also. Remember? Jesus said that.
I think God is waiting for us to be people of prayer who seriously admit
how often we get out ahead of him, typically trying to solve everything
ourselves, impatient for the answers, anxious about money. Dealing with this
issue in our own church will help us to become a stronger, richer church
spiritually. Then we will experience the awesome blessings that spring forth
when we have learned the most valuable lesson of all; that when we turn to
him in our hears, his glory indeed dwell in our land.
Rev. McReynolds speaks at MSU
A message of peace was honored on Tuesday, January 21, as the College of
Osteopathic Medicine celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Reverend Russell McReynolds, D.Min., senior pastor of Central United
Methodist Church in Lansing, delivered an address in remembrance of the occasion.
Rev. McReynolds spoke to students, faculty and staff about the legacy of
Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to peace and
justice.
On the Road
is just up the road
By Joi Tennett
The Lansing District Church Vision Conference, On the Road, presented by
the Goshen First United Methodist Church Staff and Worship Teams promises
to be six hours of inspiration, challenge and recharging of your battery
for any job you hold as a member of Central.
These folks did a super job last time filling us full of ideas and sending
us home energized for our task to be the Church. We are so glad to have them
back to help us again this year. It's a great time with fellow
members.
In addition to General Sessions, there are 15 highly relevant workshops including
one (or more) in your area of interest!
We will meet at DeWitt Redeemer United Methodist Church Saturday, February
8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call Jamie Zimmer (627-7384) right away, or
speak with Rev. McReynolds.
EDUCATION
Bob Roth, Director of Christian Formation
Ordained to "Word, Sacrament, and Order"
What do you think of when you hear the term "United Methodist clergyperson?"
A preacher? A pastor? An administrator? How about a teacher? In an Elder's
ordination to "Word, Sacrament, and Order," each of these functions has a
teaching component. Preaching God's Word is to be coupled with teaching it.
(On our best days, the two are combined!) Along with administering the
sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion, pastors fulfill our calling by teaching
what they mean. Doing this well takes time. The "Order" of the church involves
both an administrative function and an educational one. Facilitating a program
for nurturing and forming disciples of Jesus Christ is essential to the life
and order of the Body of Christ, the Church.
In February and March, we are moving into a time when your pastors are focusing
on the ministry of teaching. (The first three are on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
and the fourth, Keith's class, is Sundays at 5:00 p.m.) Please do all you
can to avail yourself of one or more of these opportunities:
The Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds will teach a New Member Class for eight weeks
from February 2 through March 23 in the Shalom Center. This class will explore
all of the main themes of what it means to be an active full member of a
United Methodist Church. Church members are invited to also come to the class
as a "refresher course."
The Rev. Frank Anderson will teach a mission study based on the evocative
book "Mexico: Labyrinth of Faith" for six weeks beginning March 2. Exploring
the culture and history of Mexico with an eye toward the role of the church
and missions, this class will meet in the second floor lounge and include
guests from Lansing's Mexican-American community.
The Rev. Yours Truly (a.k.a. Bob) will teach a class on "United Methodism
and Christian Worship" on February 9, 16, and 23 in the Mary Sabina Chapel.
This class will explore the Biblical roots of worship, a U.M. understanding
of Baptism and Holy Communion, and a definition of liturgy as "the work of
the people," while combining foundational teachings with lively discussion.
(From March through May I will help in other classes but focus on a youth
confirmation class. I also desire to speak to groups in the church concerning
U.M. perspectives on peace as our country marches toward war.)
The Rev. Keith Pohl continues his class on John Shelby Spong's book "A New
Christianity For A New World" in the second floor lounge through February.
This dynamic study group welcomes new people to join them in studying an
author of whom Harvard's Peter Gomes has said: "Bishop Spong has chosen to
fight for the reconciliation of the mind and the heart of the Church in the
contemporary world."
Though I highlighted the clergy this month, teaching is always a shared ministry
between laity and clergy.
Ongoing Sunday morning adult electives that continue (at least) through February
are Joi Tennant's class on Henri Nouwen's "Life of the Beloved" in the Shalom
Center, Dale Kirkby and Leon Martin's class "Genesis to Revelation" in the
second floor lounge, and the Coffeehouse Discussion Group in the First Floor
Lounge facilitated by Kathy MacLaren and Anne Forgrave.
In future adult electives, the Education Commission hopes to offer classes
on some of the other topics we discussed in our recent meeting: parenting
and family relations, the "sandwich generation," and another social concerns
series.
Elberberrys to Hear of Peace/War
Francis Anderson
Our Older Adult Ministries program invites you to the February meeting in
the church dining room on Tuesday, February 11, at 10:30 a.m.
Bob Roth will speak on, "United Methodists and peace as we march toward war."
He will answer our questions and have handouts available.
Lunch is $2 and parking is available in the First Presbyterian Church's lot
on the west side. Please sign up on Sunday,February 2 or 9 in Fellowship
Hall.
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director
Will you please welcome our new Chancel Choir Director, Jessica Allen! She'll
be in worship for the first time on February 9, and looks very much forward
to working with our loyal choir folks.
A graduate of John Brown University, Miss Allen is a Master's Degree candidate
at Michigan State University. She has served as: Choir Director at First
United Methodist Church in Prairie Grove, Arkansas; Women's Ensemble Director
at Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers, Arkansas; Assistant Director of the JBU
Cathedral Choir in Siloam Springs, Arkansas; Musical Director of the JBU
Music Theatre Workshop in Siloam Springs; Guest Director of the Northwest
Arkansas Chorale in Bentonville, Arkansas; President of the JBU Cathedral
Choir, and Guest Director of the JBU Women's Chorus, both also in Siloam
Springs. Jessica's warm, friendly personality and calm, highly expectant
demeanor in conducting are underscored by her vital, energetic presence.
Perhaps you'd like to join us at the February 6 rehearsal. We have been truly
blessed!
Music Interviewing Committee members, I don't know where we'd be without
you. For your consistent efforts to bring the best people to Central, thank
you. Special thanks go to Frank Joranko, Chair of the Staff-Parish Relations
Committee, and Bob Ebersole, Chair of the Music Committee, and to members
of their respective committees; Kathy MacLaren, Dick Murley, Rich Roush and
Stephanie Westerfield.
Thanks, Chancel Choir members, for your marvelous support and dedication
through the transitional time between Alice Generalow's departure and Jessica
Allen's arrival. Your positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to
go the extra mile are ingredients that serve our God well. Your time, talent,
and unflagging service promote meaningful worship at Central. Keep up the
great work!
Tentative schedule for upcoming youth and children's participation in
worship
February 9 - Wesley Choristers
February 23 - Youth Fine Arts Group
March 9 - Youth Bells
March 16 - Wesley Choristers
March 23 - Youth Fine Arts Group
March 30 - Youth Orchestra
April 27 - Wesley Choristers
May 11 - Wesley Choristers and Youth Fine Arts Group
May 18 - Wesley Choristers and Youth, possibly Youth Bells and Youth
Orchestra
The January 19 Downtown Churches' Ecumenical Service was a beautiful time
of worshipping together and working toward a common purpose. For the efforts
of all who prepared the building, organized and prepared for the reception,
staffed the host/hostess spots, ushered, sang, or participated in any other
way, we are most thankful.
We are especially grateful to Russell McReynolds for the hospitality he emanated
from the pulpit and to Ken Bensen for his compelling
message.
This is not a question about music!
Does anyone know the whereabouts of the third floor kitchenette's microwave?
If so, perhaps you could arrange for it (or another, newer model) to be returned.
The music department is hopeful.
GO - SEE - DO
Carolyn Schuurmans
Mission Trip October 13-18
Church World Service, UMCOR and Heifer International are part of a trip hosted
by the UMC West Michigan Conference Hunger Committee. Stops include a Church
World Service facility in Elkhart, IN, Midwest Heifer International Regional
Center in Goshen, IN, the Heifer Ranch in Perrysville, AR and a tour and
workday at the UMCOR Midwest Mission Distribution Center.
The cost of $475 includes tour coach, five nights lodging, and all meals
and activities. Please call Carolyn Schuurmans (321-0569) after February
15, if you are interested in this project.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Pat Mort, President
It's freezing out! Glorious sunshine at the moment, but freezing none the
less. This is the perfect opportunity to stay indoors and take time to do
some of the things we've been putting off. . .or, better yet, read a good
book! Some titles that will be appearing on the UMW shelf in the next month
or two include:
The Other Side of Welcome by Sue Ellen Johnson. This is a compelling book,
only 91 pages long, telling "the story of Eliza Chacour, a Palestinian Israeli,
whose life radiates God's love in spite of persecution". This is an excellent
book to read alone, in a group or with older children and youth, allowing
discussion on world events and religion.
Bad Girls of the Bible, Exploring Women of Questionable Virtue by Barbara
J. Essex. This book is dedicated to "Bad girls everywhere: you know who you
are!" Twelve women are profiled here; Eve, Lot's wife, Rebekah, Tamar, Potiphar's
wife, Delilah, Jezebel, Job's wife, Gomer, Herodias, the Woman Caught in
Adultery and Sapphira. Each chapter ends with reflection questions and there's
a chapter on 'Suggestions for Teaching and Preaching Bad Girls of the Bible."
At 115 pages, this would make a marvelous group study. Judy Grove Circle
will be using it at their February meeting.
Silent Conversations, Reading the Bible in Good Company by William Apel.
This book is written in three parts; Responding in Faith, Living with Hope
and Centering on Love. Those whose company you will keep during this journey
include Thomas Merton, C. S. Lewis, Howard Thurman, Desmond Tutu, Madeleine
L'Engle, John Wesley and Mother Teresa. This book is "written to encourage
a slow meditative reading" and as a "springboard for meditation". At 172
pages, this book can be used individually or in a group setting.
Books open us to experiences far beyond our little corner of the world. They
allow us to see new possibilities, think new thoughts and fly. United Methodist
Women encourages all of us to take a leap of faith in new an marvelous areas.
We try to bring you a diverse reading adventure with the books we buy; all
taken from the UMW Reading List. Please make use of these resources - open
you mind, your heart and your soul to all the possibilities around us.
Upcoming Events
April 12, 11:30 a.m. – Central's Lenten Lunch, in Fellowship Hall. Please
mark your calendars now - you won't want to miss it.
May 2 and 3 – Lansing District Spring Spiritual Retreat at the Battle
Creek Outdoor Education Center in Dowling, MI. This event is for women of
all ages. The theme this year is "Praying with Our Eyes
Open"
Registration forms will be in the February District Newsletter and will be
posted on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and
to walk humbly with your God.
—Micah 6:8
Bold Faith New York Seminar, April 26 - 30, 2003. Purpose: to explore different
religions and beliefs; to learn how we can live out our faith; to become
better Christian neighbors to other believers in the world; to live in
peace.
Join with other United Methodist Women from the West Michigan Conference.
Bold Faith Seminar participants will explore different religions and beliefs
to learn how we can live out our faith and be Christian neighbors to other
believers in the world.
Space is limited. $200 deposit due January 30, - balance due April 1. Cost:
$530 each, two persons per room; $430 each, four persons per room. Cost includes:
transportation, insurance, seminar fees, two lunches, four nights lodging
at Edison Hotel, sight seeing guide and UN Tour.
Registration forms for this exciting event are on the UMW Board in Fellowship
Hall.
Youth News
February 2 – Both groups: 5–7 p.m.
Middle School: Service Project
High School: Worship Planning for 2/16 Youth Service
February 9 – Both groups: 5–7 p.m.
Both groups will make plans for 2/16 Youth Worship Service
February 16 – Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
Youth led worship service. (The Rev. Susan Bowman is our visiting preacher.)
NO YOUTH GROUPS TONIGHT
February 23 – Both groups: 5–7 p.m.
Middle School: Planning for Judson Collins Retreat
High School: Service Project
February 28 – March 2
Middle School Retreat, Judson Collins United
Methodist Camp (full information on the permission slip)
March 28 – 30
High School Retreat, Judson Collins United
Methodist Camp.
April 24 – 27: Ichthus Christian Music Festival in
Kentucky
ALL YOUTH: Please keep in mind there is a youth bell choir, youth music and
fine arts time, and youth instrumental orchestra at the church. If you have
questions or interest, please speak with Caryn Welter, Bill Tennant, Randi
Bolding, Kathy MacLaren or Bob Roth at the church.
We….need….you!
Questions about the Youth Groups? Please call the youth counselors—Middle
School: Bob Pena (482-7358) and Dennis Kelly (484-9109); High School: Pam
Abbey Roth and Jeff Roth (410-9493) .
You will soon be hearing more about Confirmation Class for Youth. It will
begin in March and continue through May. It will be for 8th and 9th Graders,
but older youth who have not been confirmed or wish to repeat the process
will be welcome to be a part of the class.
Watch the first floor youth bulletin board for information. Please direct
questions to Bob Roth.
We need you to make things happen in your church
Fellowship Coffee Hour
Beth Murley
Volunteers are needed for Sunday mornings Coffee Hour in February and March.
Sign up to work and/or bring cookies on the schedule located on a bulletin
board in Fellowship Hall. Thank you Ginny Cantwell for calling to remind
folks who have signed up.
Greeters
Marge Sleight
It is the greeters on Sundays and at special events who make friends and
visitors welcome at Central. To the many who serve at each door as greeters
through the year, I give grateful thanks. If you would be willing to greet,
I would like to hear from you (482-6476) and welcome you to the "hospitality
list."
Cleaning Crew
Justin Sleight
Because the snowbirds have flown the coop, we are short of workers for the
cleaning crew. Several more members are needed to give 2 ½ to 3 hours
of time once every two months. The crew works on a Friday or Saturday morning,
beginning at 8:30 a.m. Please call Justin Sleight (482-6476) or the Church
Office (485-9477) to serve your church in this
way.
Receptionists
Pat Basgall
Please give prayerful consideration to volunteering at the reception desk.
One day a week for four hours is the usual time period, although we are very
flexible. Many of our faithful volunteers are unable to continue with this
commitment to our Church. Come, share in the many rewarding experiences of
this Ministry. Try it – you might like it! Men and Ladies alike are
welcome. Call Pat Basgall (485-9477) in the office for more
information.
Among Friends
Thank You…
....to everyone for all the cards and prayers. My Central Family is very
important to me. I am doing better and have already returned to Sunday worship,
which I dearly missed.
Margaret Woolcocks
Remember…
At press time:
Betty Corbishley – at home
Bob Jenkins – condo in Florida
Mary Jessup – at home
Mary Yard – at home
Gwen Bodine – at home
Marjorie Hepfer – at home
Agnes Gamble – at home
Rex Smith – at home
Myrtle Monroe - Burcham Hills Health
Center
Transitions...
A memorial service for Mrs. C. Jeanette Heald-
Colwell, wife of Fred Colwell was held December 30, 2002.
A memorial service was held for Evelyn Reed, wife of Royal Reed, January
18, 2003.
Congratulations…
Best Wishes to Morris Graham on his 98th Birthday!
The Shalom Center says "thank-you!!"
Bob Roth, Director
"Rave reviews" are still coming in for the wonderful hospitality that Central
Church gave 38 peace and justice groups that make up the Greater Lansing
Network Against War In Iraq (GLNAWI) January 18 for the "Solidarity Walk
For Peace" and Teach-in. Somehow, the soup and bread that the Catholic folks
prepared for 200 became plenty to serve 500 as it was served from the loving
hands of Frank and Joyce Joranko, JoAnne Harvey, and Dave and Carolyn Schuurmans.
Many thanks also to building manager Tom Towsley for doing double duty recovering
this great facility.
When I returned from the Peace March in Washington and attended the follow-up
meeting of GLAWANI, one woman told me, "He was so helpful, I just wanted
to kiss that Frank guy!"
A tremendous witness to Central's faithfulness
Bob Roth
Many, many thanks to our Administrative Council, Missions Commission and
Finance Committee, as well as many individual church members, for the great
support of the Eric Alifo Scholarship Fund. Eric, a law student from Ghana
who is living in our church apartment as a ministry of the Missions Commission,
has become an active part of Central's ministry. He is now volunteering at
the front desk and in the building regularly more than 30 hours a
week.
Eric has clearly impressed the Cooley Law faculty with fine work on his mid-terms
and finals in his first semester. He is now looking for employment related
to his background in real estate (and management) for the major power company
in Ghana. He is free to seek employment and then the employer files on his
behalf to change his student visa to a work visa. At that point, Eric can
become a weekend law student. (See Bob Roth for a copy of Eric's excellent
resume or with further questions.)
On February 9 we will take a special offering in support of the Eric Alifo
Scholarship Fund. We have now raised over $2550. for the fund with less than
$1100. to go toward our goal. (This includes gifts from beyond our church
that chose to use this Fund established by Central.) Checks may be made out
to Central and earmarked "Eric Alifo Scholarship Fund." Please give generously
to this great cause.
Finally, a word of thanks to the Sargent, Sleight, and Schuurmans families
for recent donations of furniture to the church apartment. God's goodness
really shines through these folks!
Ready to read!
Win Anderson, librarian
These new books were recently purchased with donations from the Fall Book
Sale. Please visit the Church Library and check one out. They are on the
display shelves.
FOR CHILDREN
The Legend of the Loon - Kathy-jo Wargin
The Legend of Mackinac Island - Kathy-jo Wargin
Little Angel -Geraldine McCaughren
M Is for Mitten -Kathy-jo Wargin
Make Way For Ducklings - Robert McCloskey
Night Of Las Posadas-Tomie dePoala
26 Fairmount Avenue - Tomie dePaola
Stranger In The Woods - Carl R. Sams
A Wish To Be A Christmas Tree - Colleen Monroe
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Bud, Not Buddy -Christopher Curtis
FOR ADULTS
Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul- Jack Canfield
Original Blessing Matthew Fox
The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver
Where Is God When It Hurts? - Philip Yancey
If you have suggestions for other books or media for the library, please
inform The Library Task
Force.
Centralniters
Centralniters will meet Saturday, February 8, at 7 p.m. for GAME NIGHT at
Jim and Dottie Stark's home, 2301 Wellesley. Bring a game of your choice
- bumper pool and ping-pong available. Come and enjoy fun and desserts. RSVP
to Frank and Win Anderson (323-6968) by February 3.
Christmas Mitten Tree delivers
Dottie Stark
Thanks to all who have donated warm mittens and hats for the Ruth Fishbeck
Christmas tree. Ruth knitted mittens and hats all year long for the needy,
and upon her death, the tree was donated to the church where the tradition
continues. The Sewing Group delivered 49 items from the tree to Bingham
Elementary School and Potter Park United Methodist Church's clothing bank.
These warm items are greatly appreciated.
55 + Ages---Singles- - -Widowed- - -Divorced
A new group formed for a Get-together for games, cards, fellowship and fun
at Central's Fellowship Hall.
This initial ecumenical event began January 31 at 7:30 p.m. for fellowship
and fun. It is open to all of our members and an invitation has been extended
to other area churches. If you missed the first event, check the bulletin
or the church office to learn our next meeting date. We would enjoy having
you join us. Bring a game and a snack to share.
Looking for borrowed books
Last spring, at the end of the study on Southeast Asia, I loaned out two
books that were given to me by a refugee we sponsored. The names of the books
are: The Unwanted by Kien Nguyen, and The Orange County Register Roots of
Unrest by Vien and Hieu Linh and Phan Tran. Please check to see if you borrowed
one of these books. I will appreciate getting them back. Thank you so much.
— Leora Stutes
Do you remember the rules you learned as a kid?
Tom Towsley, Facilities Manager
Accept responsibility.
Be accountable.
If you borrow it, put it back.
If you break it, fix it (or inform someone who can fix it).
If you make a mess, clean it up.
By doing your part, it will allow the Facilities Manager and the Building
Attendants to do the jobs for which they were hired.
Thank you!
Annual Report 2002
Norma Hanson, Chair
Jeanne Fowler, Treasurer
Created items and recipients:
Pilgrim Congregational Church
Children's Closet 27 items
Sparrow/St. Lawrence Dimondale
Center 139 items
Potter Park Outreach 230 items
Total items donated 496
Income/Expenditures
Balance January 1, 2002 $324.50
Income 59.00
Total $383.50
Expenditures 134.68
Balance December 31, 2002 248.82
Sources of income: Garage sale, contributions and materials donated
Expenditures: Thread, elastic ribbing, and machine repair
Membership: Six active members and one part time member.
Meetings: Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north end of the church
dining room. Average attendance of four people.
50 Year Members
Nancy O'Sheaa
Elizabeth "Betty" Corbishley was one of the first persons to borrow funds
from the Methodist Loan Fund for college tuition--$25 per quarter! She was
happy to pay back this generous loan that afforded her the college education
she so desired.
Betty grew up with a Methodist mother - the Corbishley family was Episcopalian.
At the age of 12 Betty recalls Dr. Involstad, pastor at the time, calling
her mother and telling her it was time for her daughter to join the church.
There was no religious instruction.
She remembers two remodelings of the altar in the sanctuary and the Epworth
League on Sunday evenings for high school-aged youth. The group was two-thirds
social and one-third religious education.
Betty earned her BA from M.S.U. (Go Spartans!) She worked at her alma mater
for 14 years in the Dean of Women's Office, where she worked with housemothers
and women students – counseling staff in its infancy. After a brief
three-year stint, this Central member moved to Columbia, Missouri to work
at the University of Missouri as the Manager of Women's Dorms. She attended
the Baptist Church in the summer because it was air-conditioned.
At the request of her family for her to be closer to her mother, Betty moved
back to Michigan and settled in Bay City. She worked at Tri-County School,
now called Delta Community College. The Presbyterian Church Betty attended
during her 22-years of service at Delta, reminded her of Central – which
she always called home. The stone finish on the outside of the Presbyterian
Church and the interior, prior to Central's remodeling, provided this Centralite
with the feeling of "the next best thing to home".
When Betty retired from Delta College, she got her things in order and returned
to Lansing in 1983. Upon her arrival to this wonderfully familiar building,
she recognized but three people: Margaret Ebersole, Ruth Smith and Maxine
Jones. Betty said it felt great to be back in her own church!
Quickly Ms. Corbishley became active in the events of Central. She discovered
a life-changing experience by taking all three Disciple classes. She appreciates
the Sunday School opportunities and the Sunday night classes. Betty helps
out weekly at the reception desk and updates the Sunday attendance
records.
REMEMBER
Administrative Council now meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30
p.m. This month's meeting is February 12.
Many commissions and committees have also switched their regular meeting
time to second Wednesdays. Please check the church calendar in the Central
Journal.
Church Women United host Interfaith Day
February 25, Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River, East Lansing
Parking: next to church
Theme: Women's Changing Roles in our Faiths and Society.
Speakers: Women from Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Orthodox and Sikh
faiths
Cost: $7.00 includes lunch with vegetarian option
Contact: Arline Roe or call Grace Hunt (484-6506). Checks may be made payable
to "Interfaith Day."
Interfaith Day has been an important part of the ecumenical religious scene
in Lansing for over 30 years. Traditionally, the Catholic, Jewish, Orthodox
and Protestant faiths have each had a speaker on a topic chosen by the committee.
This year the subject is "Women's Changing Roles in our Faiths and Society."
Speakers from other faiths have also participated, and this year a Sikh woman
will be one of the morning speakers. In the afternoon a panel, moderated
by Rev. Penny Barnettt Schwartz, will answer questions, especially looking
at the vestments used in religious life.
The February 10 meeting of Church Women United is at Eastminster Presbyterian
Church, 1315 Abbott Road, East Lansing. The program, beginning at 1 p.m.,
is "Quilts as Comforters and Story Tellers" by Darlene Bullerdick. Fellowship
time follows the program. Everyone is invited to attend.
Lenten Series
Sponsored by The Commission on Church and Society
Come and hear fascinating speakers from our larger community speak on hot
topics of social concern.
Open to the public during the lunch hour five Wednesdays in Lent beginning
March 12
through April 9.
You may reserve a box lunch at the church for around $5.00, or brown bag
it.
More details later.
The Power of Prayer
———————————
We all recognize the power of prayer in our lives. One of Central's ministries
of prayer is the Prayer Chain. We have several members who will pray daily
for anyone who requests it. If you or someone you know would like prayers
of intercession, please contact one of the people below who will pass on
the request confidentially.
Daytime: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. – Karen Holoweiko, 626-6798 or Pat Basgall,
Administrative Secretary, 485-9477
Evening: 5 p.m.–8 a.m. – Pat Bell, 482-4098 or Nancy O'Shea,
482-4098
UMC Lansing District Spring Spiritual Retreat is May 2 and 3 at the Battle
Creek Outdoor Education Center in Dowling, MI.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President, United Methodist Women
This event is for women of all ages. The theme this year is "Praying with
Our Eyes Open", led by Rev. Dr. Cathie Kelsey of the Center for Theology,
Ministry and the Arts, Colorado. The cost for three meals, lodging and workshop
materials is only $45.
The flier states: "Revitalizing our Prayer Life. Join the Rev. Dr. Cathie
Kelsey in exploring different Christian prayer practices that use our visual
imagination. The Spirit uses many different facets of our inner life to help
us receive the variety of features of divine love and grace. In safe community
with other United Methodist Women and friends, you will have a chance to
learn some new practices of prayer that might work especially well in your
own relationship with God."
Registration forms will be coming in the February District Newsletter and
will be posted on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall
Old computers needed for Rio Colorado School, Bolivia
Dale Kirkby
Rio Colorado School, where Peter and Estela Hudy are missionaries, is in
need of old computers and old monitors. Pentium I and 486 or less computers
are useful because the school doesn't have the power to run newer computers.
The cost is about $20 to ship at bulk discount. Peter's brother in Farmington,
MI will handle the shipping details if the computers are
collected.
Some of you may not have the electronic equipment but would be willing to
contribute $20 to cover the cost of shipping. We just need to get the computers,
monitors, other electronics equipment, and money to Peter's brother. We are
hoping for 20 computers and 20 monitors. Peter is also in desperate need
of a CD burner because the 90 degree+ temperatures and 100% humidity take
their toll on electronics. He can use hard drives anywhere from 40 to 200
MG.
Operable CPU's and monitors (+CD write, read/write, or old working hard drives)
will be collected at the church between February 5 – 23.
Checks for postage should be made payable to Central United Methodist Church
with the memo portion noted Hudy postage. Checks can be placed in the offering
plate or turned in at the church office during business hours.
No matter what you have heard from other sources, a "0" value should be placed
on paperwork required for shipping books, magazines, games, tools, computers
or gifts to eliminate a stiff duty being paid by the Hudys to take possession
of each package.
We look forward to late November 2003 when the Hudys hope to come home on
leave until February 2004. Please keep them in your prayers and write to
them at:
Peter and Estela Hudy, Colegio Rio Colorado,
Casilla 8347, La Paz, Bolivia, South America
(no zip codes). The cost for a letter is 80 cents.
Click here to return to previous page, or to
A Central Place.