Central Journal

February, 1998

Ash Wednesday is February 25th. Planning is underway at press time. Call church office or check Sunday Bulletin for further information.

Elevator To be Installed in Temple House This Spring

By Jeffrey Holoweiko

In early 1997, Ed Spence came to the Board of Trustees meeting with news that one of our members, Shirley Ambrose, had offered to fully fund the design, purchase, and installation of an elevator in the Temple House.

What an incredible way for Shirley to honor her departed husband, Bud. It is a gift that will bless all who come to Central.

The Trustees organized a process plan, hired an architect, reviewed all feasible locations, considered the pertinent information, and reached a decision to place the elevator where Walley's desk now resides, as well as Denise's office upstairs. The first floor lobby will take the place of the reception desk, so staff will be shuffled around.

The plans are in the final phase of the design work, and upon completion, at the end of January, will go out for bid. Construction could start as early as March 1, 1998.

The project will open up four floors to everyone. No restrictions. Dining in the basement to singing in the 3rd floor choir room. Funerals in the sanctuary to basketball in gym.

Everyone will benefit from this most outstanding contribution. Please take the time to personally thank Shirley. We are exceedingly grateful.

God Bless You, Shirley.

A New Vision for Central

There is coming into existence a new "Visioning Committee" that is growing out of the old "Restructuring Committee." It will be convening in the near future to begin a new visioning process. The church will be using Rev. Joe Bistayi of the Conference staff to assist us in this visioning. All members of the congregation are invited to participate. More information to follow next month


.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

District Conference

Our annual District Conference will be held at Faith United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 22nd from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. All are invited for a time of fellowship, worship, and the setting of Lansing District budget and priorities.

New Member Class

There will be a new member class this spring that will run from March 1st through April 5th. This coincides with Block 5 of the Sunday School Classes. All are invited who are seeking a greater relationship with God and this congregation.

Hospice

Hospice of Lansing offers grief support classes and bereavement support lunches for those going through the grief process. For information, please see John Boley or Kayla Tipton.

Sympathy

Our sympathy and prayers are extended to Rev. John Ellinger, our District Superintendent, and his wife Sally on the recent death of John's father, Rev. Louis O. Ellinger.

Revitalizing our Missions Program

A series exploring mission trends

Where Central is in the Patterns of Change

by Jim Stark

Before we tackle changing our visions for Central we need to know where we are. We need to be aware of how Central fits into the patterns of change that are going on around us. In this article, I will comment on how we fit into the six other trends that Woods summarized in Congregational Megatrends.

Here are the six trends that related to implementing the trend discussed last month "from reasonable spirituality to mysterious spirituality" that we examined last month. It is not a new goal. Rather, it is a reclaiming of revelation to express what reason can not do. It currently has a strong Eastern flavor, which is not necessary.

1. mass evangelism to   relational evangelism

2. tribal education to immigrant education

3. surrogate missions to hands-on missions

4. official leadership to gifted leadership

5. segmented programming to holographic programming

6. secondary planning to primary planning

1. We see examples of mass evangelism on our TVs. Most of it is showmanship that allows only remote observation with little if any participation. You may enjoy a spiritual presence while you are watching or pick up a new insight. However, it is you that decides what is relevant to where you are. The new and growing form of evangelism is relational. It is a one-on-one sharing both ways during a discussion on a spiritual topic. Each person can better sense where he or she is and evaluate any need for personal change. It is much more persuasive when you show that you are living what you believe is right. It is real witnessing rather than just telling others what they should believe.

2. Tribal education is more like training and just telling what all new members must believe. However, immigrant education assumes no common background and assesses where the new member is in his or her understanding.

Our membership is becoming very diverse and we can not assume any common background. So too our children have learned to challenge any authority. We can no longer just tell them what they should believe. We need to guide (by doing more so that saying) their new freedom to challenge us. It must be done in constructive ways, not forceful or by just telling them what must be done. They are responsible for choosing what to believe. Our Sunday school teachers and parents need to know where each child is in what they really believe and encourage their questioning in a manner that teaches them how to choose right from wrong. Telling them is passé. Do they even understand why we argue about what is right and wrong? C. S. Lewis gives a good explanation in: Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe.

3. Surrogate mission is an easy out for our sense of obligation to serve God. It is typical in our support of foreign missions. It is still needed; but the trend is toward local missions, where we can experience a hands-on mission. The local environment has become much more hostile to the church in general.

There are needed changes right at our doorstep. They are not just a simple service, such as providing a meal to street people. They are time consuming projects that help the recipient to change themselves. In doing so, we are also better able to participate, get physical, and feel the emotional impact. We feel much more involved and enjoy a needed sense of community with our team workers.

4. The nature of leadership is shifting from one group dreaming up an official activity and finding someone else to do it to our delegating the authority to those who have the fire and gift to act on a team project. This implies a totally different structure for creating projects.

We need to identify the fires hidden in our members and then fan them into implementation of a hot project. It is a bottom-up creation rather than a top-down request.

5. Our programs in the past have been segmented often totally unrelated. The new trend is to create more holistic or holographic programs that show connections to many other programs. The need for quick and continual communications to manage such programs is imperative. Although we are connected to the Internet now, we have yet to construct a program that would facilitate a church wide discussion network. Does anyone in our membership have the expertise, fire, and time to establish such a network as a project? Call Jim Stark at 482-7834 or send an e-mail to him at: starkja@AOL.com.

6. The move from secondary planning to primary planning is a move from talking evangelism to doing it. Talking at retreats needs to be replaced with continual planning directly connected to doing several projects. Those who do the planning need to know what the fires of action are and who has a fire that needs fanning. Ownership of the project belongs with those who have the fire. Do you have a fire that needs fanning? Let us know. Write a letter to your Pastor, John Boley, with a copy to the chairman of the Administrative Council, C. Jon Holmes. Feel free to tell me about it or send me a note. Use the phone, e-mail, or snail-mail, which is just regular mail. I will pass it on.

NEWS NOTES

By Caryn Welter, Music Director

Did you know reasons why folks sing in the choir? Here is a report on my survey.

From the Chancel Choir, "I ...

-love music

-felt there was a need

-feel personal enjoyment

-enjoy the leader

-enjoy the members

-enjoy the music

-feel needed

-find it uplifting

-enjoy the fellowship

-enjoy singing

-love choral music

-love to sing

-like to sing, especially for God

-like to "people watch"

-now have the time to make the time

-have been asked many times to join, and have just begun again

-love good music

-enjoy the "fun group"

Further, "It's ...

-something spouse and I can do together

-to the glory of God

-a way to serve the Church

-good for the soul

-a time to make friends

-fun

-something that just feels right; my folks

always sang in the choir

-great to be heard (when we sound good) and see expressions on faces

-a wonderful way to worship God

-a personal expression of my faith

-a special fellowship in the choir

-my form of giving back to my church

-a way to express yourself and how you feel

If you're interested in singing with us, Chancel Choir rehearsals are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. You are cordially invited to join us.

Centralniters

February 14th, Valentine Dinner

Parthenon Restaurant

Saturday Evening 6:00

Reservations needed by February 10th

Call Ken or Joanne Harvey, 321-0945

Next Event

March 20, Cornwall Night

Church commission, committee, council meetings this year are as follows:

Staff-Parish - The first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Finance Committee - The second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Board of Trustees - The third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

All Commissions - The third Wednesday of each month at 6:15 p.m.

Administrative Council - The third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Standing Committees - When needed.

THANKS

The family of Raymond F. Horton truly appreciates the many ways in which the people of the church helped in our difficult days. We thank Rev. Boley, Rev. Anderson, Central United Methodist Women and all who were with us and offered those prayers. Thank you very much.

Martha Horton Kathe Horton,

Sandra Poling and Family

To Rev. Boley and all my friends at Central, Thank you for the visits, cards and prayers during my stay in the hospital and now at home. Hope to be out soon.

Mary Yard

To Central's family for years of donating recycled greeting card used to add color and interest to donated food bags. I have been informed by RSVP that two organizations have taken over this task and that they no longer need our assistance.

Margaret Woolcocks

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Pat Mort, President

Pledges Paid!

The 1997 obligations have been met. Thanks to all of you who made pledges and paid them.

Next Mission Team Meeting

Tuesday, February 3, 1998, the February Mission Team will meet at 6:30 p.m. All interested persons are welcome. We will be working on the 1998 budget at our February Mission Team meeting. If you have any suggestions on groups you would like to see the unit support, please leave a note in the UMW mail box outside the office or plan to attend Mission Team.

Looking for Delegates

Interested in meeting with faithful women in an ecumenical setting? Church Women United is looking for delegates from Central. If interested in finding out more, please call Marge Sleight. This is a wonderful organization, worthy of our support.

Hosting Legislative Day

Thursday, March 26, 1998, Central will host Legislative Day. This year it is for both the West Michigan and Detroit Conferences. We hope to have more information on this for the February Mission Team. Please check your calendars and see if you are available to help on that day, as a hostess or with lunch.

Spring Lenten Brunch

Saturday, March 21, 1998, the day after Spring begins, is the date of our Lenten Brunch. We will have an ingathering of our Call to Prayer and Self-Denial monies and an inspirational program for us all in Fellowship Hall. All women of Central, and their guests, are welcome. Details forthcoming.

Membership Workshop

Wednesday, April 22, 1998, there is a membership workshop at Country Chapel UMC in Dowling. The title is "The Rock that Bore You." It runs from 9:30 a.m. until noon with lunch provided for a free will offering.

1999 Holy Land Tour

January 20 - February 1, 1999, the Lansing District UMW is hosting a tour of the Holy Land. Among other things, they will visit mission sites giving an opportunity to learn first hand about the very complicated lives of people living there. The approximate cost is $2,475. More information will be made available by Carol Osterle, who will be leading the tour.

February Circle Meetings

Judy Grove,

February 9, 7 p.m. in Room 27

Service Project and Fellowship

Mable Morrison,

February 17, 9 a.m. at Doris Whites

Study on Brazil

Rebekah, Ruth and Work,

February 17, 12:30 p.m.

at Boys and Girls Club on Pleasant Grove Road

Contact Arline Roe

Susannah Wesley,

February 9, 6 p.m. in 1st floor lounge

Dessert

Lois Myers, study on Brazil

Church Women United

Everyone interested in these programs is invited to attend. Only Interfaith Day needs reservations, call Marge Sleight - 482-6476.

February 9th - Monday - 1:00 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Lansing Rd., Lansing.

Program: "Refugees in Mid-Michigan" with Pat Hepp, Director of Refugee Services, Catholic Social Services. Refreshments served.

February 24th - Tuesday - INTERFAITH DAY, 9:00 registration, 9:30-2:30, program: "Celebrating Our Holy Rites." Dinner at noon is $7. Speakers include Rabbi David Lyon, Shaarey Zedek; Sister Margaret Ann Rogenbuck, Catholic Church; Father Richard Peters, Orthodox Church; and Rev. Deb Johnson, Asbury UMC. Following lunch they will form a panel to answer questions. Place: St. Therese Catholic Church, 2620 Turner, Lansing.

Red roses to .......

Janet Mort for helping Denise clean out the Christmas storage room.

Anne Forgrave, Diane Boley, and Colleen Weinfeld for helping to "de-green the church."

Dan Morris for plastering and painting the bathroom in the balcony.

Jim Hepfer, Mike Cooper, Marion Stutes and Bill Tennant for all of their work to improve and upgrade the radio broadcast system.

DEATHS

The following persons entered the Church Triumphant in recent weeks. Please remember the families and friends in your prayers.

Glen Purves ......... January 7, 1998

Hazel Nesman ...... January 13, 1998

Leonard Burleigh . January 22, 1998

QUIET MOMENTS

The focus of this month's column, contributed by Marie Shriver Manson is on "giving". Henry Clyde Ide and his fifteen year old daughter Annie, referenced in the column, are ancestors of Marie.

CHRISTMAS LETTER 1997

In 1891, a hundred and six years ago, Robert Louis Stevenson, author of "Treasure Island", was living on the Samoan islands for his health. There he met Henry Clay Ide, an ancestor of the Shriver family, who was the American Commissioner to the Samoan islands. As Christmas approached, Mr. Ide confided in Mr. Stevenson that his fifteen year old daughter Annie, living in Vermont, had been born on Christmas day, and felt she had been cheated out of having a birthday party like the other children. Her family tried to make the day special for her, but she continued to regret not having a separate celebration for her birthday.

A few days later Mr. Stevenson suggested a most unusual Christmas gift for Ide`s daughter. Here is an excerpt from the document he wrote.

"I, Robert Louis Stevenson, Advocate of the Scot Bar…..sole owner of the Palace of Plantation, known as Upolu, Samoa, a British subject, being in sound mind, and pretty well, I thank you, in body:

"In consideration that Miss Annie H. Ide, daughter of H.C. Ide, in the town of Saint Johnsbury, in the county of Caledonia, in the State of Vermont, United States of America, was born, out of all reason, on Christmas Day, and is therefore out of all justice denied in consolidation and profit of a proper birthday:

"And considering that I, the said Robert Louis Stevenson, have attained the age when, O, we never mention it, and that I have now no further use for a birthday of any description:

"And in consideration that I have met H. C. Ide, father of the said Annie H. Ide and found him about as white a land commissioner as I require.

"Have transferred, and do hereby transfer all and whole my rights and privileges in the thirteenth day of November, formerly my birthday, now hereby and henceforth, the birthday of the said Annie H. Ide, to have, to hold, exercise and enjoy the same in her customary manner, by the sporting of fine raiments, eating of rich meats, and receipt of gifts compliments and copier of verse, according to the manner of our ancestors:

"And I direct the said Annie H. Ide to add to the said name of Annie H. Ide the name of Louis--at least in private--and I charge her to use said birthday with moderation and humanity. et tanquam bona filia familiae, the said birthday not being as young as it once was, and having carried me in a very satisfactory manner since I can remember.

"….. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal in the year of grace eighteen hundred and ninety one."

Robert Louis Stevenson

Two years later, Mrs. Ide took Annie, now seventeen and her thirteen year old sister Mary Marjorie, to Samoa to join their father. They arrived on November 12 and were met by Ide and Stevenson. The next day being Annie's new birthday, she was guest of honor at a huge feast which the natives had arranged for Stevenson in honor of his birthday, which he, unknown to them, a birthday he had "willed" to the little American girl.

Annie received a most unusual and thoughtful gift from Mr. Stevenson. We may not be able to match the charm and humor of that gift, but each one of us has received the gift of life and the forgiveness of sins from Christ. The spirit and quality of our gifts can reflect our gratitude for that life.

Marie Shriver Manson

Quiet Moments is a column with devotional and spiritual focus, coordinated by Leah Fitch and Jim Hane. If you would like to share your experience or insight please let us know.

PASTOR'S PEN

Now that the holidays are over, the phone is ringing off the hook from people wanting to see whether the church "is available" for their upcoming wedding. It is a joyous time in their lives as they plan for the big event. We are getting calls from people associated with the church, from other United Methodists at other churches, from people attached to other denominations, and from people with no church affiliation. People are of course attracted to our beautiful church for its size, its magnificent sanctuary, its "central" location, and the history that people have with this church.

Here is the criterion that I am using in booking weddings at Central:

1. One of the couple must be a member of the church. That is not "this" church, but "the"church. Membership in the church of Jesus Christ is needed. Since we are an ecumenical church, couples who have a church commitment at another church have full access to this one. For a wedding to take place here, we need a letter from their home pastor stating their church membership. Couples who are associated with another church but are not members are encouraged to make their commitment at that church.

2. Anyone who wants to become a member here is more than welcome. But it will require meaningful membership, including membership classes and attendance. Paper membership is not sufficient.

3. Another pastor may preside or assist as long as I work with him or her ahead of time.

We can be thankful that so many people seek us out. Weddings are marvelous events in people's lives and in the life of the church. May God help us navigate these murky waters with grace.

Grace and Peace, John

Honor Roll

Here is the Honor Roll for the Bible Quiz in last month's journal.

These dedicated students found all 16 Books of the Bible in the statement in the Pastor's Pen column: Bill and Beverly Dodge, Louise Schultheis, George Voorhis, Diane Boley, Jon and Donna Reynolds, Ann Ezop, Dorothy Rice and George Elliot.

For those interested, the sixteen books are as follows in order of appearance: Mark, Luke, Kings, Acts, Revelation, James, Ruth, Numbers, Job, Amos, Esther, Judges, Titus, Lamentations, Hebrews, Peter.

New church pictorial directory.

(photos to be taken February 12-16)

This is a big undertaking, but it should also be a worthwhile project. What will you need to do? First, if you have not signed up for your sitting time, do so now by calling me at the church office. If you have signed up, watch for your reminder card in the mail. At the time of your sitting, you will have an opportunity to have your picture taken, see the proofs right away, and decide what, if any, pictures you would like to purchase. This company will also take large multi-generational group family photos or just the couple or children. Everyone will receive a complimentary 10X13 photo. There will be a $5.00 fee for shipping and handling. If you have any questions, please call me at the church office.

Denise Fabbri, Education

HELP

The Church Historical Committee, chaired by Richard Rouch, is looking to "round out" it's archived collection of Central Journals. There is a five year gap, beginning in 1992 and extending through 1996. If you have issues from those years, or know of someone who has, please help by giving Richard a call at 321-1350.

During the Fellowship Lunch on Thursdays, we put clothing out on the racks that people attending the lunch may choose from. We are grateful for items contributed for this purpose. However, we need to consider the season of the year that it is, the serviceability of the clothing and the wearer's needs, i.e. no fancy stuff. We have little;need for children's clothing - they need to be taken to Potter Park Church on Dakin Street.

Thanks a heap!

Jeanne Fowler

"The clothes putter-outer"

EDUCATION

Denise Fabbri, Education Director

Adult Elective-Block 4

Now through - February 22

Whole People of God, AWe Have This Minstry

Paul, His Message About God in Christ

Global Ministries--Living in a Violent Society

Feeding the Spirit,

Sermon on the Mount

Giving Tree Project

The "Reading is Fundamental" Giving Tree Project was a success. As you know, during this past Christmas Season the Education Commission decided to collect money for this worthwhile on-going project. Every child in the Lansing School District receives 3 books each year from this group. We are proud to announce that we collected a total of $71.70. This means we have purchased books for 11 children. Thanks for all your support!

Noisy Sunday

Noisy Sunday is February 15th. Remember your

coins!

New Books

Thanks to the UMW, I continue to purchase new books for our library. This past month I have purchased the following new titles: Armadillo Rodeo, My Mexico, Rebel, Grandfather=s Journey, Seven Blind Mice, The Whispering Cloth, Farmer Duck, The Napping House,

Elephants Aloft, Shoemaker Martin, Owen, Rainbow Fish to the Rescue, The Very Busy Spider, In the Beginning, Colors Come from God...Just Like Me!, I Am Christmas, The Cherry Blossom Tree, The Grumpy Shepherd, A Child=s Life of Jesus, and Animals in Their Homes. This group of books make a wonderful addition to our children=s easy reader section.

Get Ready for Camp!

Anyone ready for summer? The camping brochures listing the summer schedule will be available soon, so start thinking about camping. Funds to aid families will be available through my office. Watch for further details in the weeks to come.

Lenten Series

This year we will again have a Lenten study. There will be several small groups at different times so you can join a group that will fit your busy schedule. As of this printing, the final plans are not made. Watch for more information about dates and times in the up-coming Sunday bulletins.

Lenten Activities Calendar

A Lenten activities calendar will be available in Fellowship Hall on February 15th and 22nd. The purpose of the calendar is to help you to integrate the many and various church activities into a meaningful Lenten experience for you and your family. The activities are short and easy to follow. Enjoy!

Pre-schoolers Make Request

The pre-school children of this congregation would like to get to know all of you better. They have put up a mailbox in the library and would love to get mail from you. They would like to know what your hobbies are, how many children you have, what it was like when you were a child, and other points of interest. If possible, include a photo so they can connect your face with your name.

Block 5

March 1 - April 5

Whole People of God, "A Way Through Lent" & New Member Class

(see Rev. Boley)

Central's Sewing Group Reports...1997 was a successful year!

The groups seven active and three home sewers compiled a lengthy list of items, including 41 for the Pilgrim Congregational Church, 52 for the St. Lawrence Dimondale Center and Rehab Unit, 222 for the Potter Park Outreach program, and 5 for the Mt. Hope Methodist Church Closet. In addition, 32 stocking caps were prepared and donated to Central's Mitten Tree and the Judson Memorial Church. Another 20 were donated to the Allen Street School.

Income sources for the group work is derived from Church Rummage Sales, Woolcocks Memorial, monetary gifts, and items sold to Sewing Group members.

The group meets Thursday morning at the church. In 1997 they met 47 times. If you are interested in participating or perhaps contributing to the group effort in some way, please contact Norma Hanson, Chairperson.

A New view from the "Corner of Capitol and Ottawa"

by Jim Hane

Central members and guests visiting our 109 year old building at the NW corner of Ottawa and Capitol, will be soon viewing another new street landscape.

The Lansing State Journal recently announced a major downtown rehabilitation project involving the 8 story Board of Water and Light building and a second building at the NE corner of Ottawa and Capitol. Both buildings are in close proximity to Central's entryways, being just across Capitol Avenue.

The planned new "splendid array of offices" overlooking Central and Capitol will house offices for the legislature and their staff. The House of Representatives is currently housed in a the 75 year old Roosevelt Hotel on Townsend Street.

It is likely that the two buildings will be connected architecturally, by featuring a new brick facade. Also featured will be a five story connecting bridge over Ottawa Street which will be visible from our church.

Some readers may remember the many older changes to "our corner." The Victorian stone Lansing City Hall occupied the SE corner prior to 1960. A church, and later, the golden faced "Davenport" building occupied the NE corner. Today, the former Davenport building is sided with dark highly reflective glass.

According to sources cited by the State Journal, developers expect renovation to commence this spring.

Missionary Letters

by Rev. Frank Anderson, Retired Missionary

When you envision Mission Work and Conference Apportionments, what do you see in the eyes of your heart? A rather ordinary person standing in front of natives, holding a Bible, open to John 3:16 with all the listeners giving rapt attention?

The majority of people in our congregation probably have a narrow and constricted understanding of missionary work so as to keep it in the categorical catacombs. That is why we are so skeptical when "missions" is talked about and budget items confront us. We do not have the broad view in mind. Every member, officer, board, commission, and committee of our church needs to be excited and supportive of missions.

In this light, I wish to share from a few missionary letters that came to us over the Holidays.

LARRY & LAURA HILLS, Chingola, Zambia. The Hills are well known and continue to have problems getting back into the Congo where many building projects lie stymied from rebel activity and restrictions from the New York General Board of Global Ministries looking out for their welfare. They have faced incredible odds in trying to bring relief and improved living conditions to the people. They are long term lay missionaries from Michigan. Larry is especially interested in assisting Pastor Nkonge chosen to attend Rhodes University.

NANCY LIGHTFOOT, Tabou, Cote d'Ivore, West Africa. Nancy is in the translation work of the books of Leviticus, 2nd Samuel, Ezekiel, Judges, and Exodus through the use of computers and a local team. Her work is hampered by intermittent electrical power and political situations in nearby Liberia.

DAVID RANGE & CHERYL JANE WALTER, Limerick, Ireland. These young folks have two children and once served in Jamaica near where we served. They are a clergy couple from the Baltimore Conference, and Florida. They maintain a Methodist Church Parish in the midst of violence and deprivation. They operate a full Christian ministry for their church such as Disciple, Bible Study, Children's Programs, involvement in peace talks, and ecumenical relations. Resources are very limited and health is a constant battle for them.

DAVID & LORI PERSONS, Mulungwishi, Zaire. They work where Lynn and Kay DeMoss hope to serve, or maybe are serving now, for a year, I think. They are returning to Africa about now after a leave. Their two children go to school in Kenya. David teaches in the African Seminary at Mulungwish, and Lori is similarly engaged as a lay missionary. They once visited CUMC 3-4 years back.

These viable Christian contacts are vital verifications of our United Methodist Church's Work of God. And then there are the UMC's National workers all over the United States. Where we can't go, they are serving in our behalf. This is exciting and must motivate us to take up their mutual purpose in the name of Jesus Christ. Central is a leading Church in the District and the Conference. We ought to be supporting a UMC Missionary.

REMEMBERING

From Central's past ......

36 Years ago, 1962

Many people have asked exactly what did come out of the Third Assembly of the World Council of Churches meeting recently in New Delhi, India. On Friday, March 16, members of Central and their friends will welcome Dr. Paul and Mabel Morrison back to give a first-hand report of this meeting.

15 Years ago, 1983

Larry Beckon reports that the Communication Task Force is hard at work completing its study of communications at Central. The Task Force, composed of Elizabeth Olson, Nancy O'Shea, and Larry Beckon, will present its final report to the Administrative Board, Council of Ministries, Trustees, Commissions, and committees at the retreat to be held at Robbins Church on January 22. A summary of the report will also appear in the Central Journal

13 Years ago, 1975

Maryann Norton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Norton, was a nursing student at Goshen College, Indiana. She did her student nursing in Belize at the end of 1974. Some fourth graders wanted pen pals in the United States, so for four months they exchanged letters with Mrs. Norton's class at Foster Street School in Lansing. An illustrated article in the May 2, 1975 Lansing State Journal showed Maryann displaying articles in her mother's class.


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