Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                          February, 2005

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Sisters and brothers in the Faith:

I received an inspirational gift, along with other expressions of love, this Christmas. It was on the eve of Christmas when this particular gift was fully realized. Eric Alifo, who is a member of Central, a Cooley Law Student and also from Ghana, Africa, called me at church with an invitation to meet a family from Togo, Africa. He is always providing me with opportunities to meet with significant people, so I naturally said, "yes, where can we meet?" He indicated that they were at the Ingham County Health Department. I said, "Ok, I'm on my way." As I pulled into the place, I thought what African dignitary would be at the Health Department?

Sure enough, it was not an African leader but a homeless family from Togo, Africa. Eric introduced us to each other and indicated that he thought I could be helpful in finding a home for a family of 5 – 3 young daughters and a mother and father. As we drove away considering possibilities, it became clear that nothing was going to be available right then because of the holiday period. So the wonderful idea of opening the doors of the parsonage to this lovely family overwhelmed me and I extended the invitation. I showed them my home and they said yes. They moved in and later on that evening we were all in Church enjoying the Christmas Eve service.

I thought about the first Christmas when there was no room in the inn. Would I have opened my home then to Mary, Joseph and the Christ child? Two thousand five years later the opportunity was presented to me. It was a cold and snowy Christmas Eve, and I was able to say yes to the Christ child and to the Togo family.

It was not just I saying yes to this family of God. It was the Central Church family saying yes to God's special people. Members and friends started responding as soon as there was an awareness of the opportunity. Offers of clothes, furniture, other necessary items and money were made available. The experience demonstrated the mutuality of Christmas. We all felt the significance of the Christmas story realized through our willingness to give and receive. The gift continues being a blessing.

Without exaggeration, that was a God moment for me and us at Central UMC. I thank God for the call from Eric and Edinam (Eric's wife) and their willingness to resource this giving opportunity. The Akono family (Kwassi and Rosemary) is a rich blessing. I now have a baby (Norine) who is 10 months, and 2 other daughters (Hermance and Lynda) - 10 and 13. I eat nutritional meals. My weight aspirations, however, will be deferred to a more appropriate time and circumstance.

Bob Roth, in a very encouraging way, said this hospitality leads toward peace. Regardless, I am glad to have had the opportunity to open my heart, mind and doors to God's people. AMEN!

Pastor Russell McReynolds
Schedule for Holy Week
Caryn Welter

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, March 21, 22, and 23 - noon services in the Central UMC chapel.

Thursday, March 24 - Services will be incorporated into the Thursday lunch, in the dining room.

Thursday evening, March 24, 5:30 p.m. - Combined dinner and worship with St. Paul's Episcopal Church, in their fellowship hall.

Friday evening, March 25, 7 p.m. - Chancel Choir presentation of the Faure Requiem in Central's sanctuary.

Easter Sunday, March 27 - Central's youth present a sunrise service followed by breakfast.

Easter Sunday, March 27 - The adult choirs present resounding music, incorporating the mighty sounds of brass instruments.


Our traditional Ash Wednesday service . . .
For all Lansing District United Methodists will be held on February 9 at the Holt UMC. The massed choir, under the capable direction of Trey Jacobs, will rehearse there 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., in preparation for the 7 p.m. service. This is always a deeply moving worship experience. The
Choir will look forward to seeing you there.

Holy (Maundy) Thursday . . . The Administrative Council voted for us, once again, to participate in the service developed by our friends at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Although our good neighbors provided the service elements for all of us last year, they've offered to provide them again this year. Additionally, they say it's their turn to prepare the dinner. The net effect of their willing attitude is to leave us with only preparing desserts. Watch in Fellowship Hall for a sign-up sheet, sometime in early March.

The Faure Requiem . . . This beautiful work will be presented by our Chancel Choir in the Central UMC sanctuary on Good Friday evening, March 25, at 7 p.m. It's timing is well-placed in Holy Week, and will replace the traditional, afternoon service that was previously sponsored and planned by the Pastors' Alliance. Please invite family and friends to join you then.

Greater Lansing Choral Festival . . . An annual event, this incredible blending of voices from the entire area will leave you feeling richly blessed. Last year, 110 choristers represented 13 churches. We're aiming for even greater numbers this year. The festival will be in the Plymouth Congregational Church sanctuary at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 24, and will be led by MSU's newest star on the choral music staff, Dr. Sandra Snow. The afternoon's activities are sponsored by Greater Lansing's Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Education
Joi Tennant

BY WATER AND THE SPIRIT: a United Methodist Understanding of Baptism

On Sunday, February 13, as we turn to the season of Lent, a new six week elective will begin.
In 1996 the General Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted an official document explaining the meaning and role of baptism. Shortly after, it was published with an accompanying study guide. The result is an interesting, thorough examining of all of the pieces and processes that come together in our baptism. This study challenges us to recall and renew our resolve to follow Christ; it helps us sort out the murky areas of our understanding and the rituals of faith attached to them. There will be ample opportunity for lively discussion as class members dust off this "file" from the cobwebs of the brain and reconsider its meaning for our lives. This class will meet in the Second Floor Lounge at 11:15, with Wendy Rosier facilitating.

Vacation Bible School – We're working on it already - it's going to be great! Julie Welch is our team leader. Watch for all the details in the March Central Journal.

SUNDAY SCHOOL…It's For Life! That was the theme of our Sunday School teachers' "battery charge" session Sunday evening, January 16. We had supper together and then, with the help of a good DVD, reaffirmed together our commitment to our calling to help all ages of people find their way to God. We were reminded over and over how important Sunday School is to the spiritual formation of the congregation and the strength of the church.

Confirmation plans are underway. Confirmation requires 12 weeks of study and experiences. Watch for upcoming info.

New Member class begins Sunday, February 6, with Pastor Russell leading. If you are considering membership here at Central, we invite you to attend. This class is a place where you can ask all your questions and then decide if you are ready to take this important step of faith. We want to encourage you to take your spiritual journey with us. Class meets at 11:15 a.m., in the Grove All-Purpose Room off Fellowship Hall, behind the coffee pot.

We found three very good little devotion booklets for the season of Lent. One is especially written for families with children, and the other two are collections of readings by Henri Nouwen and C.S. Lewis. We will have them available for you to purchase for $1 each, January 30 and February 6 in Fellowship Hall.

A 6-week Lenten study on Tuesday evenings will begin February 15, Jesus, the New Way. This video series by noted British scholar, Dr. Tom Wright, reveals Jesus in the context of his Jewish and Roman world. You will find new meaning in Jesus' familiar words and deeds as Wright unfolds His incomparable life and shows how Jesus remains an unavoidable summons to our world and to our way of thinking. Dennis Kelley will lead this 75-minute class which will begin at 7 p.m. If you would prefer a day class, please tell Joi.

Camp Sunday is February 27
Church camp continues to be a stellar experience for the spiritual formation of our youth. On this Sunday we will invite families to consider the church camp experience for their children, and we will offer the opportunity for individuals to contribute toward our camp scholarship fund. So come to Fellowship Hour after church and have a s'more on us! Church Camp
Brochures can be picked up at the reception desk anytime – one per family please.
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Twelve Section Leaders, you ask? . . . Certainly not, is the reply. All but four of those new, young faces in our Chancel Choir have been invited by section leaders, other Choir members, or Director Trey Jacobs. All but one of them had never set foot in Central prior to their choir involvement. All of them gift their wonderful talents to the Choir and Central, offering them up to God in a marvelous way. For their participation, we are most grateful.

The reason for this opening paragraph is because one individual who chatted with me about it believed all these people were paid section leaders. In the best of all worlds, we could give them all lots of money. They would be worth every penny we could offer. However, reality dictates that we continue to accept their gracious generosity and celebrate their incredible talent, all offered gratis. In case you hadn't noticed, the group called section leaders has changed a bit:

Soprano section leader - Lindsay Kesselman
Alto section leader - Terressa Birchen
Tenor section leader - Bryce Berry
Bass section leader - Rob Parks

We welcome Terressa to her new role. She replaces Corey Rivera whose schedule for this term compelled her to address other commitments.

Again, we extend sincere thanks to the family that funded our fourth section leader last year. Rob has been an incredible asset to the group and, without that family's generosity, our hiring him would have been an impossibility.


Tentative schedule of children and youth participation in worship . . .

February 6 - Youth
February 13 - Wesley Choristers
February 27 - Wesley Choristers
March 6 - Youth
March 20 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
April 10 - Youth
April 17 - Wesley Choristers
May 8 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
May 22 - Wesley Choristers and Youth

Thanks, parents, . . . Your renewed efforts are paying off as you strive to have children and youth arrive on time for Sunday morning rehearsals. As you can imagine, there is a real "domino" effect on days when there are up to four rehearsals scheduled back-to-back. If one group runs just five minutes late, it spills over onto everything else. By modeling for them what it takes to be a good group member, you help your child or youth establish lifelong patterns.
Church Women United
Carolyn Schuurmans

February 14, at 1 p.m. at University UMC, Rev. Bob Roth will speak on "The Churches and the United Nations". Everyone is invited! Fellowship time follows the meeting.

February 22 - Interfaith Day, Jewish, Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant women join for the 35th annual Interfaith Day at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 1924 Coolidge Road, East Lansing. Naomi Garcia will be the keynote speaker. The theme is "Nurturing the Faith Among Us", or building community in our own congregations. Jewish, Catholic and Orthodox speakers will follow on the same topic. Cost is $8 for coffee (9 a.m.) and lunch (noon). The program begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes about 2:00 p.m.

Call Grace Hunt, 393-6020, or Agnes Kleis, 347-1644, for tickets. Checks should be made payable to "Interfaith Day". Men are welcome!
Fellowship Coffee Hour
Alice Pifer

Thank you for your support of Fellowship Coffee Hour over the past year. In 2005 we have had several members sign up to work coffee hour, but I need many more to sign up so this enjoyable fellowship time can continue.

In the past, several members signed up in advance to work one Sunday each month for several months in a row. Would your schedule permit this kind of commitment? What about one Sunday a quarter?

You can sign up for the Sunday(s) of your choice on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall or call me at 694-0686 and I will add your name to the schedule. I look forward to working with you in 2005.
UnitedMethodist Women
Pat Mort, President

If you're at the church during the weeks of February 1-9, why not sign a valentine for one of our Fellowship Lunch guests on February 10?! Valentines will be available at the front desk and in Fellowship Hall during Fellowship Coffee Hour on February 6. This is a wonderful way to connect with our guests and let them feel God's love. Look for the decorated Valentine's Box and cards at the desk or back of Fellowship Hall. Thanks!

Opportunities:

On behalf of the missions supported by UMW, thank you for your faithful giving through your pledge and special giving beyond. We are a 5 channel church, meaning we give to Pledge to Mission, Special Mission Recognition, Gift to Mission, Gift in Memory and World Thank Offering. We also have cards you can purchase for $5 for birthdays, special occasions, baby gifts, etc., where the money goes to Missions in the recipient's name. If you are interested in purchasing a card, please contact Dottie Stark or Pat Mort.

Call to Prayer and Self Denial monies will be collected at our annual Lenten Brunch or can be turned in to your circle treasurer any time during Lent. The theme this year deals with equality in the work place.

Lansing District UMW is collecting art supplies for Community House. If you have new art supplies you would like to donate, you can take them to any UMW event OR bring them to Central. We will see that they get delivered. We are also collecting pop tops (aluminum only, please), Campbell Soup Labels (the whole front label, please) and Boxtops for Education. These can be left in the UMW box outside the Library.

In June the West Michigan Conference Habitat for Humanity Build will be in Nashville, MI. Jimmy Carter is coming to help with this Build. Central has been asked to help with housing here at the church and with meals/snacks. If you are willing to help feed or build please let Pat know.

Have a wonderful February. Be snug and warm in your homes. Remember those in your life with love. Pray for those who are not snug, warm or loved. Then, take it a step further ~ decide how you can help and do something! I hope the day is gentle with you.

Dates to Remember:
Mission Team - Tuesday, February 1, 6:30 p.m., First Floor Lounge
Interfaith Day - Tuesday, February 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Shaarey Zedek
Mission Team - Tuesday, March 1, 6:30 p.m., First Floor Lounge
Lenten Brunch - Saturday, March 19, 11:30 a.m. $5 - All are welcome
Spiritual Renewal Retreat - Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. location to be announced
School of Christian Mission
Drive-In Day - WEDNESDAY, July 20, Big Rapids Holiday Inn (note change in traditional day)
School of Christian Mission - July 21-23, Big Rapids Holiday Inn
District Annual - September 21, Mason UMC, 3 – 9 p.m.
United Methodist Women's Assembly - Spring 2006 (It's never too early to plan!), Anaheim, CA.
Church Potluck February 6, 12:15 p.m. in the Dining room. Bring your favorite potluck food to share and your table service. Enjoy eating with our church family and hearing Cris Bobier present, "Being an Open Door Ministry People".
Among Friends

Remember...At press time...
Capt. Scott Wangen – in Iraq
Ralph Gibbs – hospice care
Maxine Jones – at home
Lillian rush – at home
C. Jon Holmes – out of town
Mano Hardies – at home
Leon Martin – at home

Please keep these individuals in your prayers.

Thank you…
….for the cards and offers of help following my recent hospitalization.
David DeVinney

Transitions…
Margaret Ebersole died January 3. Her memorial service was January 5 at Central.
Donald Marshall died January 8. His memorial service was held at Central January 15.
Sally Swiss watercolor to be auctioned
Dotty Stark

A Sally Swiss watercolor of Central United Methodist Church titled, "Reaching for the Peak" 1889-1989 (22" x 28" matted and framed), is the subject of a silent auction. The painting will be on display and written bids accepted Sundays in Fellowship Hall through February 27.

Donated by Ken and Natalie Lamphere, after downsizing for their recent move to Grandhaven Manor on Mt. Hope Avenue, proceeds will go to Central's General Budget.

Please place your bid at the painting display in Fellowship Hall. Highest bidder by Sunday, February. 27, will be the owner of this beautiful work of art!
Elderberrys are sustainable folks
Rev. Frank Anderson

Once again we had to improvise for our January meeting as our speaker was about to drive in from Grand Rapids. We all felt it was too risky that snowy and foggy morning so she canceled out, and we had to proceed without our scheduled program.

However, 18 bold "members" risked the slippery weather and came out anyway! So we went ahead with help from Win Anderson and Jim Stark. We viewed a 26-minute video on Prayer, after a litany led by Win entitled, "Just For Today, Lord". For example: "I will live through the next twelve hours and not try to tackle all of the problems at once. I will improve my mind. I will be agreeable." These ideas were wonderful for everyone and set the tone for the video and a short discussion after, led by Jim Stark.

Elderberrys. we do it right. Come and see! Next time we meet on Tuesday, February 8. Rev. Bob Roth has agreed to come and share his experiences of a Peace Trip, before Christmas, to Washington, D.C. I think it will be an exciting presentation and worthy to be heard. Reservations start on January 30 and follow on February 6. Signing up is a great help in planning our luncheons. Hoping to see our regulars there, and we welcome all others who are interested.
Valentines = Blankets
Cathy Amundsen

Central United Methodist Church will again be selling Valentines to benefit the Church World Service Blanket Program. Valentines will be on sale Sunday, January 30, February 6, and February 13 in Fellowship Hall. The Valentines are hand made, and the $5 purchase price will buy a CWS Blanket. CWS responds to disasters world-wide. From mud slides in California, hurricanes in Florida to the tsunami in Indonesia, CWS is there with blankets. These blankets can be used to provide shelter, privacy, warmth and security—sending the message that God cares and God's people care. Purchase your Valentines here – 100% goes to support the Blanket Program. The love you share with your Valentine will ripple around the world.
The cross is where Jesus Christ died for our sins –
it is a symbol of His sacrifice for us.
David DeVinney

On December 9, 2004, a cross was raised again onto the bell tower of Central. The Lansing State Journal featured the story on their front page the following day, apparently believing it to be an important event in the life of the community. Perhaps it is a piece of hopeful news in the midst of what is often a bleak litany of suicide bombers, war and terrorism. Rev. Dr. McReynolds, on the following Sunday, described the tower as "naked" without the cross. At night especially, the church stands dark and foreboding, its coal soot stained sandstone blending into the darkness. This cross, during this season of Lent, will give life and definition to this strategic corner, just as I hope it will our lives.

Replacing the cross has been a dream of many for many years. Logistics and cost have been the main obstacles. When it became evident that major roof work was needed, trustees explored the possibility of installing a cross at a savings while the necessary equipment was on site. We were further encouraged by the ability and willingness of Borner Restoration, which would repair the roof, to build the cross as well as install it. Consultation with the metals and wood shops at Michigan State University helped determine the materials used. The Board of Trustees, however, having to approve the substantial expense of replacement and repair of the roofs, did not approve the expense of restoring the cross to the bell tower. This was left to individual donors who saw this as a special opportunity to return a cross to the tower at this most opportune time, and to do so in honor of their loved ones.

The cross is intended to be an extension of the architecture, using the same materials and being proportionate to its surroundings. It is constructed from steel, cedar and copper. It will be subtly lighted from the edge of the bell tower roof with specially designed mountings which can be drawn into the interior of the tower for easy maintenance and bulb changing. The lighting will be equipped with an electronic light sensor and mechanical timer allowing maximum versatility. It's expected the lighting will be completed well before Holy week.
Arthur Lichtenberg, when presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, quoted this Lenten advice:

• Fast from criticism, and feast on praise.
• Fast from self-pity, and feast on joy.
• Fast from ill-temper, and feast on peace.
• Fast from resentment, and feast on contentment.
• Fast from jealousy, and feast on love.
• Fast from pride, and feast on humility.
• Fast from selfishness, and feast on service.
• Fast from fear, and feast on faith.

—The SourceBook of Wit and Wisdom
Youth News
Jamie Tipton, Youth Director


The youth have been working hard to raise money for their weekend retreat in February. The youth and their counselors will be going to Wesley Woods February 18-20. Please keep us all in your prayers.

We will continue our pop can drive through this school year. We will have future events that will require funds. Just bring in your cans and find a youth during Fellowship hour and they will take care of them.

Upcoming Events for February
February 6 - "Sharing Our Faith" - Our Actions
February 13 - Preparations for Youth Retreat
February 18 - 20th - S3 Survivor Weekend Retreat
February 27 - Diversity Awareness - Open Panel

March is about Moving Forward and Growing
March 6 - Physical Training Night
March 13 - Spiritual Training Night
March 20 - Mental Training Night
March 27 - Game Night w/youth group

Coming this April
April 21-24 - Ichthus 2005 - "Let it Rain" , Wilmore, Kentucky

Questions, Comments, or concerns - please contact Jamie at 517-669-3259 or 517-896-6606.
E-mail: JamieT1979@aol.com / jtipton@jhc.com (during the week)
February 6 Fellowship/Coffee Hour
Joi Tennant

Hospitality and cookies will be provided by the children, parents and teachers of the Rainbow Room (our youngest children). Be sure to take time to meet the children and appreciate their efforts. This inspired idea came from the two young women on our staff who so beautifully care for and teach these children each Sunday, Mandy Eads and Megan DeShelter.
2005 Pledge Drive -Fulfilling our Vision
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Administrative Council

Great gratitude to God who has blessed our congregation with 183 pledges totaling $298,896.00 for the 2005 fiscal year! We are so grateful for the trust placed in the wonderful ministry of this church. 100% of our apportionments were paid in 2004.

In order to fully fund our projected budget of $462,433.00 in 2005 and to avoid any cuts in our bare bones operating expenses, we are asking the congregation to give an additional $33,236.00 in the form of a pledged or one time "Vision Gift".

Central Church is on the cutting edge of urban ministry. Much is expected of us and we have always expected much of ourselves. Our congregation supports ministries that span the theological and social spectrum in Christianity today. Our vision statement proposes a bold invitation to all those who would minister with us.

We ask for your prayerful and visionary response to maintain the exceptional level of ministry provided at Central. Please fill out the enclosed card and return it to the church office as soon as possible. God is truly blessing your faithfulness!
Read all about it – Subscribe to the Michigan Advocate
Leora Stutes

I think you will enjoy reading this article, clipped from a 1917 Advocate written by my great grandmother, about the value of the Advocate.

Four score and more

The Advocate in my opinion is excellent. I love it next to my Bible. I find much inside its pages that is food for the hungry soul, and I would feel as though I had lost a friend if I should quit subscribing to it, although I shall not need it much longer as next Friday is my 87th birthday, so my time here cannot be much longer; but I love to read, and want good reading while I stay here so I thank you for the dear old Advocate.

Affectionately your friend,
Mrs. Hanna H. Moore, Pontiac MI, Jan 16, 1917


Good news! Though the price is going up to $15, if we pay the balance for 2005 before April 1, we can pay at the old rate of $12. Individual subscribers pay a higher price. So, please don't put off giving me your payment. The whole group will benefit from this offer. New group subscribers are welcome. See me with your check made out to the church and marked for the Michigan Christian Advocate ASAP, or mail your check to me at 2002 Byrnes Road, Lansing, MI 48906-3403. Thank you so much for making my job easier.
UMC Board urges debt cancelation
Pat Bell, Church and Society

The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, along with 33 other organizations and agencies including Church World Service and Physicians for Human Rights, have sent a letter to President Bush and Treasury Secretary Snow concerning the tsunami crisis. They call on the United States Government to take strong action to address the external debt burden faced by nations in the tsunami region. Our nation's financial assistance is much less effective as long as countries must recycle aid and loans back to our government and others through debt service payments.

On February 4-5 the G-7 Finance Ministers will meet to consider measures for full multilateral debt cancellation to impoverished nations. The signers of the above mentioned letter urge the US Government to support the inclusion of the Tsunami-affected countries as recipients of full multilateral debt cancellation, and that it be implemented without harmful economic conditions.

We can make a difference, too. Please consider supporting this with your own letter to President Bush and Secretary Snow, (even sending copies to your senators.)

President George W. Bush
White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20500

Treasury Secretary John Snow
U.S. Treasury Department
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20220
Books, books, where are the books?
Win Anderson, Library Task Force

As you add the Christmas books to your shelves, please take a moment to look at the other books there and check inside the back covers. You might discover they belong to the Ralph Goodell Memorial Library at Church!! To return them, they can be left at the Library desk, put in the Book Return box next to the Library doors, or left at the reception desk. Thanks!!

The Library Task Force's New year's Resolution for 2005 is to help our people return books and materials in a timely fashion. To do this we will send notices as reminders for long overdue books. This is not to discourage the use of our library but to keep the books and materials in circulation and rotating.

Many "gently used" books have been given to our Library recently; interesting books on art, architecture and travel, and some lovely books for children. Please check them out!
2nd Annual Believers' Ball

February 12, 7-11 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Formal attire is requested.

There will be refreshments. Ticket prices are $15 per person/$25 per couple, Youth 15 and under are $10 per person, 5 and under are free.

To help, or if you have questions, please contact Denise/Dennis Kelley or Jamie Tipton, or e-mail us at CUMCFocus@aol.com. F.O.C.U.S. (Focusing on Christ thru Unity and Service).

Come ready to dance the night away! Hope to see you there!
Health Kits Needed
Pat Mort

The following NEW items are needed for health kits, needed around the world and here at home.

1 hand towel
1 washcloth
1 hair comb, regular size (not pocket)
1 soft bristled brush (travel size will do)
1 nail file or nail clipper
1 bath-size bar of soap in original wrapper
1 toothbrush in original sealed package
1 large tube of toothpaste (no sample / travel sizes)
6 adhesive bandages (such as Band-Aids)

Wrap all these brand new items in the hand towel, tie it with string or yarn and place the bundle inside a sealed, one-gallon plastic bag with a zipper closure. Bring to the church office or a Circle meeting.

The kits will go to Church World Service or to our own Open Door Ministry. For Open Door, there is also a need for deodorant (travel sizes are okay for this) and disposable razors - both men's and women's. If you find you can't do whole kits, how about picking these items up next time you're at the store and bringing them down to the church? Our Open Door guests appreciate it.
Instead of de plane…deplane…, it's De crèche...De crèche

If you helped put away the decorations from Advent, did you happen to see the church's beautiful wooden crèche? It was on top of the TV hutch in the library. If you recall seeing it or if you borrowed it for another event, please let the church office know so that it can be enjoyed by others next year.

Thank you, dear Central friends!!

Please know that in order for you to receive this in January, we'd have needed to write a thank-you in advance, which is not a courteous thing to do! Hence, this is a very belated note!

Thank you very much for the generous love offerings you gifted us with at Christmas time.

The checks are but one more indicator of the love, friendship, support, and caring attitudes that you extend to us on a daily basis. You, too, are very much appreciated. May we all be In His Service as we go about our daily tasks.

In Christian love, Central's staff
Restoring Historic Central – Consultant Hired
Larry Beckon, Chair, Restoration Task Force

As reported in earlier issues of the Central Journal, a Restoration Task Force has been working to select an architect who will serve as a consultant to identify and define the projects that need to be carried out to meet the immediate and longer term needs of our church buildings. During their work, the task force is maintaining communications with the Administrative Council, the Board of Trustees, and the Finance Committee.

The Restoration Task Force evaluated, in detail, proposals received from nine firms. Based on the evaluations, four firms were interviewed for this project, each in two hour sessions. One firm, Swanson Design Studios on North Washington Avenue in Lansing – was interviewed twice. Based on the proposals and the interviews, the Restoration Task Force decided by consensus to select the Swanson Design Studios for this project. The Board of Trustees have entered into a contract with the Swanson firm.

Before this article is published, a kickoff meeting will have been held January 23, to which all Central members were welcome. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the Swanson firm and the process that will be followed during the assessment of the church buildings. A report will be issued by Swanson Design Studios in two to three months after the project starts and will be shared with all at Central. The report will include a list of recommended restoration projects, estimated costs for the work and recommended sequencing of the needed work. Restoration work will be completed as funds become available.

Our ministry to the community will be enhanced by restoring and renewing our building, as we continue to renew and restore ourselves.

When you see members of the Swanson firm at Central doing their assessment, please welcome them.

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