Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         February, 2006

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

A young preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher, in the garden one day.

Feeling a bit insecure about what God had planned for him, he asked the old preacher for some advice. The old preacher walked up to a rosebush, handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it.

The young preacher was puzzled and wondered what a rosebud had to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry.

Because of his great respect for the elder preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping the petals intact. It wasn't long before he realized he couldn't do it.

Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the old preacher began to recite the following:

It is only a tiny rosebud, a flower of God's design… But, I cannot unfold the petals with these clumsy hands of mine… The secret of unfolding flowers isn't known to such as I… GOD opens this flower so sweetly, while in my hands it would die… If I cannot unfold a rosebud, this flower of God's design; then how can I have the wisdom to unfold this life of mine?.. So, I'll trust in Him, for leading me every moment of my day... I will look to Him for His guidance, each step along the way… For the path that lies before me, only my Heavenly Father knows… I'll trust Him to unfold each moment, just as He unfolds the rose.
- author unknown
Daily Bible Readings
Believe the Good News and Share God's Love

February
1 Mark 12.28-44
2 Leviticus 19.1-18
3 Deuteronomy 6.1-9
4 Deuteronomy 6.10-25
5 John 13.1-20
6 John 13.21-35
7 John 21.15-25
8 Romans 1.1-17
9 Romans 8.31-39
10 Romans 12.1-21
11 Romans 13.8-14
12 Romans 14.1-12
13 1 Corinthians 1.1-17
14 1 Corinthians 13.1-13
15 1 Corinthians 16.1-24
16 2 Corinthians 1.1-11
17 Galatians 6.1-18
18 Colossians 3.1-17
19 Psalm 34
20 Psalm 36
21 Psalm 62
22 Psalm 63
23 Psalm 91
24 Psalm 107
25 Psalm 138
26 Hebrews 13.1-19
27 1 John 3.11-24
28 1 John 4.7-21
It's about time to collect for the Michigan Christian Advocate. If you wish to subscribe for this coming year, please let me know. Look for more information next month.
-Leora Stutes 323-1847
CENTRALNITERS
Sat., February 11, at 6 p.m.

Potluck and game night at the home of Jim and Dottie Stark, 2301 Wellesley, Lansing 482-7834. Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Reservations to JoAnn Harvey 321-0945 by Feb. 8.
Chuck Swindol, well known teacher and preacher, told of a soldier who went to see President Lincoln.

The soldier had lost an arm in the fighting. The waiting area was full with people hoping to see the President and people kept coming in. A little boy came up to the man out of interest for the uniform and his missing arm. They chatted awhile and the soldier lamented that he had little chance of seeing the President. When the boy heard that's what the soldier was waiting for, little Todd Lincoln told him he would go tell the President and off he went around the corner.

Shortly after that, the receptionist announced that President Lincoln had seen everyone he intended to see that day and told everyone to come back another time. When the soldier didn't leave, she asked him why, and he told her what that little boy had said. The secretary replied that he would indeed see the President that day.

Chuck says this describes our relationship to Jesus who intercedes for us with his Father.
Meditative worship services

in the style of Taize will be offered in the sanctuary each Sunday evening in Lent beginning March 5. We will gather in silence at 7 p.m. and slowly move into our service, finishing at 8 p.m., with the ending not fixed too exactly.

Patterned after worship services of an ecumenical community in Taize, France, the candlelight service will include meditative singing of short songs with few words, periods of silent prayer, and scripture readings. The worship is designed to enable participants to open themselves to God. More information will be forthcoming next month and can be found at www.taize.fr.
- Jana Jirak
EDUCATION
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

Teachers, we love you!
Sunday, February 12 we will take a few minutes to treat our church teachers and youth counselors to a bit of special notice and appreciation during worship. Our Education Commission members have pooled their talents to create a little gift bag for each one of these important devoted people. We are going to ask the children to help us deliver these thank-you gifts during Children's Time.

Keith Pohl leads new Lenten Elective
Sunday, February 19, 11:15 a.m.

Retired pastor Keith Pohl will be leading a New Testament study during Sunday morning church school, which he has developed on the theme: "The Last Hours of Jesus' Life." The class will read and discuss the closing chapters in all four Gospels. Here is Keith's description of this class:

"Jesus' ministry extended over a three-year period, but the final few days of his life occupy almost a third of the writers' message. We will explore such questions as: Why were those last days so important to the Early Church? What are the differences between what was written about those final hours? Are the differences important? What is written that is the same and equally emphasized by each writer? And, what do these passages mean to us?"

The class will meet in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. Keith hopes all who are interested in this exploration and study will become a part of this class. No previous Bible experience necessary! We have some Bibles available, but you may wish to bring your own.

A lively beginning for the new evening study class, "In God's Time"

What's the Bible tell us about the future? Thirteen people with 13 opinions met January 10 for the first class in this series, to learn a new slant from a young seminary professor on the interpretation of Bible prophecies. I am thankful for the willingness of Rev. Bill Amundsen to lead this class each Tuesday Evening at 7 p.m., in the Library. This fine class, like Penny Zago's class in the fall, comes from Wesley Theological Seminary. We hope you will consider adding one of these good evening studies to your calendar this year!

More S'Mores! More S'Miles! at Church Camp!

The Education Commission will sponsor their annual Campership Fundraiser in Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour February 19. Are you drooling? In exchange for a contribution of any size toward our camperships you will receive a S'More, made warm and fresh for you on the spot! We do this because we think church camp is just about the best Christian experience anybody can have, and we want everyone to be able to afford to go.

Jimmy Carter's book is focus of latest Sunday Vesper study
It's certainly not too late to join in the newest study led by retired pastor Keith Pohl, each Sunday evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m., in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. The book, Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis, by former president Jimmy Carter, is full of wisdom and much to discuss. Keith says there is no established pace for the class. They will work through the book according to the amount of interest generated in each topic. Anyone is invited to attend these classes.

DVD missing
The "Parenting 101" DVD from our series on ProActive Parenting is missing. (The case it belongs in was sitting empty on top of the TV in the library.) If you know where it is, please return it to the office so we can keep this good resource complete. Thank you!
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Please welcome new tenor section leader, David Theis, to our Chancel Choir. The son of Chuck and Nancy Theis of East Lansing and a graduate of Haslett High School, he participated in the Men's Chorale, Haslett Chorale, and all the musicals. Currently a freshman at Michigan State University, Mr. Theis is working on a dual major in Vocal Performance and Music Education. He is a student of Professor Richard Fracker and is involved in a variety of choral groups, including the MSU Chorale. David will sing in MSU's upcoming opera--a special delight for him because that's his favorite kind of music.

Mark your calendars now for April 13. Last Spring the Ad Council voted to accept yet another generous invitation from St. Paul's to participate with them in an observance of Holy Thursday. This year, we'll provide the dinner, except for desserts. A meal will begin at 5:30, with the service to follow. Sign-up sheets will be posted during March in Fellowship Hall for attendance and for meal contributions. Leora Stutes will coordinate the dinner. All are invited to participate.

Wesley Choristers, you may be small in numbers, but you really know how to sing God's praises! Thanks for sharing your great voices with all of us, and for working so hard to learn your music. It was really special that you sang two pieces on January 22, the choral introit and an anthem!

You are welcome at any time to join music groups that are appropriate to your needs or your children's. Rehearsal times:

Sundays, 10:45 - 11:00 - Preschool music / worship activities
Sundays, 11:00 - 11:35 - Wesley Choristers
Sundays, 11:40 - 12:15 - Youth Fine Arts Group
Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:15, beginning March 23 - Central Bell Ringers
Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:15 - Spirit Singers
Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:00 - Chancel Choir

This is the tentative schedule for children and youth participation in worship, through May. Please be in the sanctuary at 9: a.m., ready to rehearse on these days:
February 5 - Youth
February 22 - Youth and Wesley Choristers
March 12 - Youth
March 19 - Wesley Choristers
April 9 - Youth
April 16 - Wesley Choristers
April 23 - Wesley Choristers
April 30 - Youth
May 14 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
May 21 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
Transferring Membership ~ Dan and Betty Bolden from Dimondale United Methodist Jeannie Sanders from Polo Church of the Brethern Brad Williams from River Terrace Kristen Caswell from Bethany Luthern Shaun Johnson from Edenville United Methodist Joining by Profession of Faith ~ Daryl Joseph Jenelle Fraser Mike Sanders* Chris Hantle Crystal Roberts* Mike Kennan Becki Moore Mary Hilliard Jeanette Bertrand *Adult Roger Dale Greene* Baptism Infant/Child Baptisms Luke Andrew Mullins Chelseanne Martin Help with Central's Funeral Meal Ministry Central United Methodist Church has a long tradition of providing a time of fellowship for family and friends following the memorial service for a loved one. We are looking for a group of people who would be willing to help organize this very important ministry to members of our congregation. Sometimes families prefer a simple meal, at times a reception with cookies and coffee, and occasionally families prefer a catered meal. This is an important caring ministry to families as they share, remember, and feel surrounded by the love of the church community. If you would like to assist in organizing this ministry, please contact Pat Mort or Jamie Zimmer. United Methodist Women Pat Mort, President Saturday, March 4, is the spring Younker's Community Days. When UMW sold coupon booklets for the November sale we made $500! The booklets are $5 each - all of which UMW keeps to help fund our Mission work with families, women, youth and children. The booklets feature a $5 coupon you can spend March 4 at any Younkers store, along with percentage off coupons that are valid March 4 only. So, watch for Younker's Community Day coupon booklets during the month of February. Support UMW-sponsored missions while doing something to help your own wallet out! Even if you don't use the coupons, this is a wonderful way to support UMW. We are excited to announce we have found a way to raise money for our General Fund without burdening ourselves and without increasing our administrative costs. It is Meijer Community Rewards, a program designed for schools and religious groups offered through Meijer Discount Stores! Meijer Community Rewards allows us to raise funds to meet our goals very quickly and easily. Simply shop at Meijer, and Central will automatically receive up to 4% of your purchase totals! First you have to join Meijer Community Rewards. It's free and can be done on-line at www.Meijer.com/rewards, or by mailing an application available at Central. Central's code number to use when joining is 882099. Then, as an MCR member, swipe your Meijer Card at the register when you shop, and we will automatically receive up to 4% of your purchase totals! This program has proven to make a significant impact in serving other nonprofit organizations - ours will be no different. The sooner you join, the sooner Central will begin receiving rewards! So please, if you shop at Meijer, apply today! If you have any questions, please call us at the church office or visit www.Meijer.com/rewards. Again, Central's code number to use when joining is 882099. Thank you for your support of Central through this program! Church Woman United celebrate Black History Month at Great Lakes Homes Chapel, 2050 S. Washington Road, Holt, on Monday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m. Hortense Canady will be the speaker. Fellowship time follows in the dining room. Faith in Challenging Times is the theme for Interfaith Day on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral Social Hall at 219 Seymour Avenue. Tickets are $8.50 for lunch and may be purchased from Arline Roe (371-7832) or at the February 13 CWU meeting. Interfaith Day gives us the opportunity to meet women and to hear speakers from the Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox faiths. The Protestant speaker is a woman from the Mennonite Church. Richard to the Rescue! I offer my services to fix any computer problem you may have. I will remove viruses, fix operating system problems, update all programs that help your computer stay healthy, run a complete check and overhaul your computer to the speed and workability you should have, altogether for a flat fee of $20. If you are interested, contact me by email at RSTAURUS@EXCITE.COM. I will contact you soon. Thank you, Richard Stefanik (Richard is a new member at Central. He volunteers at the Thursday luncheon and is working with Bryan Halter on Central's web page. He is currently out of work due to a back injury. -Joi Tennant) Among Friends Remember... At press time… Please keep these individuals in your prayers. Central family members in Iraq Mary Jacobs - Burcham Health Center Mary Yard - hospice at home Birdsall Holly - at home Audrey Holly - Ingham County Extended Care Ravenna McLaughlin - at home Betty Ward - Dimondale Center Gladys Gilson - at home LaVinnia Roberts - at home Mark Mullins - at home Thank you... We would like to thank all of our church family for the wonderful luncheon served after the funeral for my mom, Lois Myers. I know she was pleased. We also appreciate all of your kind thoughts and prayers during this time. Thank you. Joyce Gillett and family Thank you for the outpouring of love and support from our church family during Mark's illness. We are overwhelmed. Mark and Meredith Mullins ELDERBERRYS Flex their muscles Frank Anderson Life has its pitfalls. For every season we live through takes strength and stamina to carry on. At our last meeting, Nancy Weber of the Tri-County Office on Aging made it clear to us that there are definite steps we can take to maximize our physical capacity as we grow older. From Isaiah 46:4 we read: "even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you..." It was a great time together. Next time we will have the honor of hearing Phyllis Gloden of East Lansing share with us her experiences as a Peace Corps Worker in Losotho, South Africa. We meet on Tuesday, February 14, at 10:30 a.m. (Valentines Day). We invite you to come and join us. Cost luncheon served. HELP! us find that missing book Win Anderson, Library Task Force The Library Task Force is still looking for missing and long overdue books. More than 44 books are currently overdue - some have been out over a year! Please check your book shelves now and return those books which belong to your church library. Thanks for your assistance. Review by Keith I. Pohl Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis by Jimmy Carter, Simon & Schuster, Inc., 2005; 212 pp., $25.00 [hardback cover; paperback soon to be released]. American historians have debated, and will continue to debate, Jimmy Carter's success vs. failure as a president; but his contributions in his post-presidency will stand among the most outstanding. Two examples: the establishment of the The Carter Center and its worldwide impact for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 [one among three presidents, and the only since Wilson in 1919] and his prolific writing of over 15 books, many on the best seller list for several weeks. This book is both personal [sharing his experiences and opinions] and analytical [examining subject matter central to America's moral role at home and abroad]. He outlines his religious background as a Georgian Southern Baptist who has taught Bible classes from the time he was a young man to the present and who was and is an ardent reader of the major theologians of the 20th century. He addresses the tensions between religious fundamentalism [which resists changes pertaining to race, gender, poverty, scientific advancement] and the social-political enlightenment of the 21st century. His chapters deal with science and religion, divorce and homosexuality, abortion and the death penalty, environmental quality, war and peace. He also expresses his concern about our government's role in today's world--its imperial direction, its favoritism toward the wealthy and corporate power, its ignoring the vast growth in national indebtedness. This is not a book for casual bedtime reading. If critical thinking tends to upset your day, which this book will do, don't read it. If you are concerned about America's future, as well as the world's, Our Endangered Values is a "must book" to read. The District Ash Wednesday Service is March 1, 2006 at 7 p.m., at People's Church in East Lansing.
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