February, 1999
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual Growth
Methodists Moving Mountains at Kentucky Red Bird Mission
By Joi Tennant, Co-chairperson, Central's Mission Commission
Deep in the heart of Appalachia and the Daniel Boone National Forest is the
Red Bird Mission and Medical Center, which is the center of operations for
the Red Bird Missionary Conference. Perhaps you have driven through this
beautiful mountainous area, cruising at 70 mph on the Daniel Boone Parkway,
a toll road between Hazard and London, Kentucky. But for the residents of
this poverty-stricken area, isolation is at the root of their eternal struggle
to overcome the challenges of life in Appalachia. Histories of inadequate
roads left this area cut off from meager federal and state funds for schools,
medical aid, and other services until the 1970's. To enable persons to experience
a more abundant spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical life has
been the challenge of the Red Bird Missionary Conference since 1968 as they
seek to empower residents through the love of Jesus Christ.
The Red Bird Missionary Conference of Kentucky is the most comprehensive
effort of the UMC anywhere, in terms of outreach and services. There are
25 small-membership churches scattered throughout the conference, only 2
of which are at this time self-supporting. There are also 3 outreach centers,
similar in nature to our Lansing Potter Park Outreach. There is a special
school created for the distinct purpose of training men and women indigenous
to Appalachia to become part-time pastors in Appalachia. These are people
working full-time at other jobs who feel called to the ministry in their
native area. About 75 are enrolled now. A church camping center with camping
opportunities for all ages is used year-round.
The agricultural mission agency of Redbird, known as Henderson Settlement,
serves as a working example of sound land and resource management for small
farming families in the area. This program supplies beef, pork, fruit, and
vegetables to the community at below-market prices.
There is daycare for over 50 preschoolers while their parents work or attend
school, Senior Care, Meals on Wheels, and an extensive craft-marketing program,
selling crafts of over 200 family crafters. Then, there are 3 community stores
that sell low-priced quality clothing and household items donated by churches
across the U.S. Another special outreach helps burnout victims. Last year
there were 57 homes lost to fire in this area. There is also an adult literacy
program and a community library with special assistance for those who want
to obtain their GED.
Medical missionaries, Dr. Lynn Fogleman and Dr. Sharon Fogleman, previously
serving in Kenya, Africa for 10 years, now serve at the modern Red Bird Medical
Center and its satellite clinic at the Henderson Settlement.. Also on staff
are a nurse practitioner & full-time dentist.
Red Bird organizes and runs an exciting work camp program opportunity for
work teams who offer their services and contribute the necessary supplies
for specific projects in the Appalachia area.
The Red Bird Mission School has 300 students, K-12, providing quality education
to students of the Red Bird area regardless of their ability to pay. Tuition
per child ranges from $8 - $51 per month. Christian education is incorporated
into the curriculum for all grades. Dormitories are provided for students
from areas isolated from bus runs. As well as a full offering of classes,
many extra- curricular activities are available. Last year Red Bird School
graduated 27 students, 17 of who were going to go on to college or a vocational
school.
Our Missions Commission is happy to be able to help support a missionary
family who teach school at the Red Bird Mission. Mark and Rebecca Smallwood
have served Red Bird School 10 1/2 years. Mark teaches music. This year he
has 13 Beginning Band students (out of 15 5th grade students!), 23 Middle
School band members, 27 H.S. choir members and a H.S. Drum Corp of 10 students.
Rebecca taught 4th grade until the long-awaited birth of their first child,
Nathaniel, 2 years ago. She is enjoying being a mommy and will wait until
he goes to kindergarten to resume teaching. They also have 2 teen foster
daughters, Melissa (18) and Amanda (16). Melissa is a freshman this year
at Cumberland College.
We will be keeping you informed about the Smallwoods and Red Bird Mission
as we receive news from them. There are so many wonderful ways we can serve
them and contribute to the ongoing ministry of Red Bird. We will be suggesting
some possible projects as the year unfolds.
Red Bird Mission is able to finance 65% of their operations through fees
charged for services such as medical care, school tuition and work camp fees
and through sales at the community stores. The balance of 35% comes from
gifts, grants, UMW and what are known in United Methodist lingo as "The Advance."
Red Bird Mission is an "Advance Special." That means they are one of hundreds
of choices United Methodist churches can make to be in mission, advancing
the cause of Christ and His Church, beyond the regular programs supported
by our apportionment giving. Through our gifts to Red Bird this year we will
be helping this great ministry meet its goals.
I'm proud to be a United Methodist. Aren't you?
PASTOR'S PEN
Last night my family and I went to see Beauty and the Beast at the Warton
Center. It was a family Christmas present that we had been anticipating for
many months. It proved to be every bit a match for the expectations. Of course,
we have seen the Disney animated version many times around our house and
knew the story well. Still, it was a marvelous production and exciting
entertainment. I know that many of us are planning to see it while it is
here in Lansing. (Aren't we blessed to have so many cultural opportunities
in this area? After living in the north woods for several years, we have
a special appreciation for them).
There are two especially poignant points in the show. The first is when Belle
finds her father in the dungeon of the castle and swaps herself for his freedom,
a dumb move considering their respective ages, a point well understood by
her father who did not want to make the swap.
The second is later in the show when the Beast lets Belle go to find her
father even when he knows that he will lose her and be condemned to being
a beast forever. He does it because he loves her.
Sacrificial love is a very real thing. It of course happens in war and in
peace. It happens among families, lovers, and ordinary people who do it for
humanity.
As we enter into this Lenten Season beginning with Ash Wednesday, let us
pray that Christ's sacrificial love becomes our own. Christ put an end to
insignificant ritualistic sacrifices to God, calling on humanity to engage
in sacrificial love for each other. By doing so, Christ not only provided
a model, but he created "space" for faith - a new system of faith placing
his incarnation, life, teaching, death, and resurrection as the way to close
the gap between God and humanity.
Thanks be to God for Christ's sacrial love.
John
Our Worship Service each Sunday is at 9:30 a.m., with Church School for all
ages at 11:00 a.m. The 9:30 a.m. service is broadcast live over WJIM-AM (1240).
It is also cablecast and appears Sunday night from 9-10 p.m. on Channel 16
of Media One Cablevision.
The Central Journal is a monthly publication of Central United Methodist
Church, Lansing, MI. 48933. Copy material deadline is always on a Friday
at 5:00 p.m. For the March issue, the deadline is 2/19; for April, 3/19;
and for May, 4/23.
Journal Editor is Jim Hane
(517) 669-3306/jim338@msn.com
Office: (517) 485-9477
FAX: (517) 485-9772
Web-site: www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc
E-mail: centralumc@voyager.net
Births
Mary Nicole Ballor, January 15, 1999
Daughter of Richard and Cherie Ballor and granddaughter of Marylee Ballor.
Baptisms
Erin Grace Cooper, December 27, 1998
Madison Lee Ruiz, January 10, 1999
Deaths
Anna E. Anderson, passed away on January 5,1999.
Louise A. Schultheis, passed away on January 7, 1999
Congratulations
Donald & Revena McLaughlin On their 50th Wedding Anniversary January
29, 1999
Reports and Happenings
Wally Seyler
Wally, our custodian, has found out that he has another small brain tumor.
As we are going to press, he and his Doctors are still determining what course
of action to take, but Wally will probably either retire or go on long term
disability. Please keep Wally in our prayers.
Annual Pulpit Exchange
On Sunday, February 14th, the Inner City Pastor's Alliance will have its
annual pulpit exchange. Preaching here will be Rev. Dr. Michael Murphy. John
will be at Pilgrim Congregational Church.
Ash Wednesday Service
The third annual Lansing Area Ash Wednesday Service will be held at University
Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17th. Rev. Keith Pohl,
former editor of the Michigan Christian Advocate and former editor of the
Circuit Rider, a national United Methodist Clergy Magazine, will be the preacher.
All are encouraged to come for this spiritual beginning of Lent.
Sunday Evening Lenten Study
Beginning Sunday evening, February 21st, there will be a Lenten Study relating
to the issues of Homosexuality and Same Sex Unions. We will begin with a
shared meal at 6:00 p.m. and the study will begin with devotions at 6:30
p.m. and end promptly at 7:30 p.m. The focus will be on spiritual discernment
relating to these issues. All are invited to attend. Child care will be
available.
Annual District Conference
An Annual District Conference and Leadership Training Event will be held
on Saturday, February 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Lansing Trinity
UMC. Rev. Boley is planning to attend. There are a variety of workshops
available. Please let John know if you are interested in attending.
New Member Class
There will be a new member class beginning February 21st. The class will
meet with Rev. Boley on Sunday for six weeks during the church school hour
beginning at 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in joining the church, please
call Rev. Boley.
Michigan Christian Advocate
A note from Leora Stutes
Because of Marion's illness and subsequent death, I was unable to collect
the money for renewal of subscriptions to The Michigan Christian Advocate
last fall. As a result, I am asking you to see me in Fellowship Hall after
services for the next couple of weeks to give me your checks for $10 for
your renewals so I can send them to Adrian promptly. Please make the checks
out to The Michigan Christian Advocate.
If you are interested in receiving the Advocate as a new subscriber I will
also process those under our group rate of $10/year.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Church and Society
Joyce Joranko, Commission Chairperson
Central's Lancen Fund
We are all aware that we have been experiencing very cold weather in our
area this winter. We are also aware that this kind of weather makes life
more difficult for those who are homeless or in need. Homelessness has not
disappeared with the growth in economy that most of us have experienced.
Central's Church and Society Commission has responsibility for allocating
money from a fund which is called The Lancen Fund. From this fund we are
able to give money to some of the local agencies which serve the needs of
the poor and homeless.
We recently sent money to the Loaves and Fishes Ministries. It functions
to provide emergency and overnight shelter and service. We also gave to Advent
House which provides transitional housing for homeless families. It also
gives instruction on budgeting, financial responsibility, and life skills.
Habitat for Humanity and The Food Bank have also received support from this
fund.
Although we are able to support these agencies because of this fund, I would
like to encourage all of you to make personal contributions of time and money
wherever you see need.
Thank you for serving others.
"Common Cents"
By Ruthann Jaquette, Business and Building Manager
If you recall last month I reported that our pledge campaign ended short
of our anticipated needs for 1999. This month I want to report in greater
detail our current financial position heading into 1999.
First, on behalf of the finance committee, I want to thank each member whose
faithful prayers and support have allowed Central's mission to go forward
in 1998. Without the commitment of our membership, Central would not be a
strong and viable force in this community and the United Methodist Church.
Now to speak to the shortfall that I mentioned earlier. The shortfall has
come about due to a combination of reasons:
(1) In an effort to keep the pledge campaign spiritually focused on stewardship,
we attempted to separate pledging from the budget process, with the belief
that giving should be a result of our relationship with God in contrast to
just giving to meet a requested budget. We still believe this is true, however,
we have failed to give the parishioners a realistic forecast as to the needs
of the church, and for that we apologize.
(2) Due to a variety of circumstances, some 1998 pledges were not paid in
full, so we did not have much carry over at the end of the year.
(3) Even though the total number of pledges increased, the amounts of these
pledges did not. This did not result in a total dollar increase that we had
needed to meet our anticipated expenses.
(4) The 1999 budget increase was larger than the 2% that we had forecast.
Early in January, the Finance Committee met to devise a plan to deal with
this financial situation, and have decided to implement the following course
of action.
(1) Apportionments will be paid in full.
(2) The 1999 budget was trimmed by $9,000.
(3) As not to cut too deeply into the program or operating budget, the additional
shortfall of $23,000 will be allowed to "ride" through the first quarter.
This will allow the Finance Committee time to identify possible additional
sources of income. However, if at the end of the first quarter the budget
is still in deficit, additional items will be cut to balance our expenditures
against receipts.
This plan, including all the actual budget figures, was presented to the
Administrative Council at the January meeting and was approved.
In conclusion, I would like to mention that we finished 1998 with all of
our bills paid in full and on time, including apportionments. I anticipate
that we will have to be more cautious with our pennies this year (as we should
be), but with your continued faithful support, 1999 will be another fruitful
year in reaching others with the life changing message of Jesus Christ.
United Methodist Women
Reports and Happenings
Sewing Group Report
Norma Hanson, Chairperson: Jeanne Fowler, Treasurer
Production and Contributions
Pilgrim Congregational Church, 8 items
St Lawrence Dimondale Cntr &Rehab Unit, 78 items
Potter Park Outreach, 128 items
Judson Memorial Church, 1 item
Bingham School, 21 caps and mittens
Sources of Income
Church Rummage Sale, Woolcocks Memorial Financial gifts, items sold to Sewing
Group members
Expenditures Made
Thread, elastic, needles, bias tape, lace collar, special snaps, patterns,
buttons.
Current Membership: 6 active members.
Meetings: 45 in 1998; Thursday's 9:30 a.m - 2:00 p.m.,at the church
Church Women United
Monday, February 8th 1:00 p.m. Program: International Fashion Show
Place: Wesley Foundation, University UMC, 1120 S. Harrison, East Lansing
Interfaith Day
Tuesday, February 23rd 9:00 a.m - 2:30 p.m.
Program: Interfaith Families, Speakers from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, and Orthodox Faiths
With special music. Luncheon cost is $7. Place: Plymouth Congregational Church
Call Grace Hunt at 484-6506 for tickets and childcare.
World Day of Prayer
(Two Locations)
Friday, March 5th at Pennway Church of God, 1101 East Cavanaugh
9:30 a.m. breakfast followed by a program: God's Tender Touch
Friday, March 5th at Central United Methodist , 215 North Capitol
Noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Church Parlor. Bring sack lunch if desired. Beverages
furnished
Meijer Dinner Report
Our January 25th fund raising dinner in the church dining room was a resounding
success. We had 128 in attendance.
Church Rummage Sale
The next church rummage sale will be February 22nd through the 24th. Bring
items to church on the 19th through the 21st and put them in the south end
of the dining room. We especially need people to help set up on Sunday, February
21st from noon to 4 p.m.
We also need helpers for "pack up" at the end of the sale on Wednesday the
24th from 3 to 5 p.m. Call Norma Hanson at 886-4521 if you can help.
Thank You Notes
Dear Friends
Thank you for prayers, cards, and visits during my surgery and recovery.
A special thanks to Pastor Boley for his prayers and support immediately
before and after surgery.
Happy for Healing,
Pam Jennett
Central Friends
I want you to know how much I appreciate that people are continuing to provide
the many small personal care items that are distributed at our weekly Fellowship
Lunches. Please keep them coming. I know how much they are appreciated by
our luncheon guests.
Margaret Woolcocks.
Parking ramp proposal
By Bill McCracken
As most know, Capitol Outlook, a Granger Company, is building a new towering
office building across the street from the church for the Michigan House
of Representatives. You may not have known that in order to provide parking
for the new building, they have purchased the surface parking lot located
just north of Central's Fellowship Hall. They plan to build a three story
parking ramp there, then lease the ramp to the House of Representatives with
an option to buy after 25 years. Parking spaces would increase from about
35 now to about 80. The ramp as designed, would connect with our north brick
wall as well as the Baptist Church to the north.
In order to build the ramp, a variance to the City construction code will
be needed. Also, they need to purchase a strip of property next to the Baptist
Church. The support of both our church and the Baptist Church will probably
be needed before the variance will be granted. The request for variance was
tabled at the City Zoning Commission's last meeting on January 14th. Central
provided comments at the meeting indicating that we do not yet have adequate
assurance that we will be able to use the ramp on nights and weekends when
the House of Representatives is not using it. Therefore, we could not support
the variance request. However, we indicated that we were hopeful that the
issue could be resolved so that we could support the ramp.
We have requested a meeting with the business manager of the House of
Representatives, and the Granger Company to explain our concerns. We want
to foster a "win-win" solution whereby the Legislature obtains additional
parking near their offices, and Central Church has assurance that we will
have continuing parking privileges on most nights and weekends.
We will keep you updated on the progress of discussions about the proposed
parking ramp.
Congratulations
Kevin LaBeau, grandson of Justin and Margie Sleight, was awarded Boy Scouts
of America highest honor at the Eagle Court of Honor held at the St. Johns
United Methodist Church of Royal Oak, Sunday, January 24th. Kevin is the
14 year old son of Carolyn LaBeau and an all "A" honor roll Freshman at Lamphere
High School in Madison Heights, MI.
Lost and Found
Please visit the 1st floor lounge to claim these items or contact the church
office.
Striped knit cap
Green/gray/red child's pullover sweater found in the music room
Child's black sweat pants with an orange sweat shirt (Tiger Cubs BSA)
Pair of adult green winter gloves
One single pink winter glove
Black make-up kit
Child's black cardigan sweater
Hunter green sweatshirt
Green "Florida" XL tee shirt
Women's prescription eye glasses
Padlock key on green key-tab
Visioning Session Update
By Patricia Bell
John Boley guided the January 13th Visioning Session. We began with devotion
read from a book by Michel Quoist that told of the power one tiny drop of
water could have if it is the drop that turns a sink full of water into a
waterfall cascading to the floor. How we, as tiny drops, can influence the
way the life is seen.We gathered around a triangle of tables which represented
the three focus points:
Spiritual Growth, Service to Others and Accepting Diversity.
We began with Spiritual Growth and devoted our time to brainstorming ways
we as a congregation and as individuals can grow spiritually in the areas
of: Governance and Administration; Communal/Group Life; Ministry/Program
Life; and Use of the Building. And how these four areas can provide insight
and resources for Spiritual Growth.
The need for Training surfaced many times in the discussion: training for
leaders; training for church school teachers; training for small group
facilitators; and the recruiting and training of Stephen Ministers.
We discussed ways of bringing Spiritual Growth into practice with: programs
centered in Christ: more opportunity for intensive spiritual experiences;
dynamic "revival events" and retreats; bonding activities in groups; groups
that are less functional and more spiritual;"how-to" sessions to raise the
comfort level for prayer or meditation; education on diversity; useable prayer
room; and protected times and spaces set aside for church use only.
There are two Visioning Sessions planned this month, both sessions at the
church. All are invited to attend and participate in these important formulating
events.
February 10th beginning at 7:00 p.m., and February 24th beginning at 7:30
p.m. (Joe Bistay leading on the 24th)
Pee Wee Basketball
By Brian Jaquette
Who needs the N.B.A when we have our very own basketball team. The Pee Wee
season started on January 9th with a little setback, but they played hard
and won the next time out. Coach Jim Parker and coach Rob Forgrave have a
very young team this year. With all the young new talent, along with all
the veterans, Central is going to have a team everyone can be proud of. Team
members are as follows:
Ivan Parker, Sam Holoweiko, Simon Holoweiko, John Forgrave, Tyler Jaquette, Dan Stinson,
Abby Cooper, Caroline MacLaren, Seth Holoweiko, Ben Riddle, Kara Parker,
Addie Forgrave, Maurice Jackson, Effrem Jackson, and Antonio Jackson.
Let's show some "Central Spirit" and come out to support these talented
basketball players, and cheer them on to VICTORY!
Remaining games - all played in Central's Gym
February 6th Grace UMC 11:00 a.m.
February 13th University UMC 9:00 a.m.
February 20th Mt Hope in the City 11:00 a.m.
February 27th Mt Hope in the City 9:00 a.m.
February 27th Holt UMC 10:00 a.m.
Red Roses to ...
Red roses this month to all those involved in maintaining our radio/video
ministry in the Lansing area.We are grateful, in particlar, for the extra
effort given following the death last fall of our long time leader and mentor
Marion Stutes. There have been some rough spots since fall but the program
continues strong, thanks to the following persons.
Technical Coordinator: Jim Hepfer
Announcers: Bill Tennant, Tim Roby, Dave DeVinney, Joe O'Shea and Bill Tennant Jr.
Engineers: Mike Cooper, Ted Daniel, and Mike MacLaren.
Videographers: Karlene Belyea, Jim Hane, Debra VanStandt, Jeff MaLarney, Malcomb Cleveland, and Don Sober.
Couriers: Marian Spargue, Ruth and Fred Brazee, Wally and Marilyn VanStratt,
and Earl and Martha Shirtum.
Video Broadcast Zone to Expand
Our Sunday morning broadcast from the sanctuary currently serves only the
residents of the City of Lansing and a few "satellites" such as Grand Ledge,
Holt, and DeWitt. Unfortunately, those residing in East Lansing and Okemos
cannot currently view the broadcast. With the proposed expansion of TCI Cable
into the Lansing metro area, and the pull-out of Media One, it appears that
our broadcast will soon be available to the residents of East Lansing and
Okemos.
Birthday Party
You are all invited to the 85th birthday party for Lois Myers Saturday,
February27th 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the church. Your presence is requested,
but no gifts please. Lois's daughters, Joyce Gillett and Sandra Otte, are
planning this event.
Education
Denise Fabbri. program Director
World Vision 30 Hour Famine
Central's youth will fast for 30 hours and get a good "taste" of what it
feels like to be hungry. On February 26 and 27, our youth will combine with
youth from 16 churches within the Greater Lansing Area to participate in
the 30 Hour Famine.
World Vision sponsors The Famine. This organization supports hunger relief
all over the world including Lansing, MI. Twenty-five percent of every dollar
collected goes to Lansing's Christian Services and helps local people in
need.
Last year 300,000 Famine participants raised $4 million, enough to feed
approximately 22,000 children all year. It is our hope that Central's youth
will learn a great deal about helping others through this effort.
New Childcare Co-Payment Policy
Beginning immediately all non-worship events offering childcare will include
a $1 co-payment to help defer costs. Please sign in and pay the childcare
attendants. If there are questions, please call Denise.
Youth Council Meeting
All interested parties are invited to a brainstorming session to discuss
and seek possibilities concerning our entire Youth Program. The meeting will
be held on Sunday, February 7th beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Room 23.
If you are unable to attend, but have some good ideas or concerns, please
call Denise Fabbri's office so they can be discussed prior to the meeting.
New Leadership for Youth
Steve Lyon has recently resigned as our Youth Director effective February
1st. Since last fall, Steve has been working in Kalamazoo and commuting to
Lansing to work with the youth group. He has also recently decided to return
to college and finish his degree in business management. Steve leaves with
good feelings about his work here and looks forward to his new endeavors.
We wish him well.
In order to continue the youth program, we have decided to hire Karen Stefl
and Jamie Tipton as interim Co-Directors. These two people have been very
involved with the youth group and we welcome them.
The Year of the Older Adult
The United Nations has designated 1999 as The Year of the Older Adult. Frank
Anderson and I have been doing some preliminary work on the demographics
of Central's membership.
Our new computer system is helping a great deal in identifying numbers of
people who belong in various age brackets.
What will we do with this information? Well, one thing would be to improve
programs targeted towards various needs based on life-cycle stages. There
is considerable research on aging available and we should be using it to
attend to our own church members.
More details will be forthcoming as Frank and I dig and discuss the implications
and possibilities to celebrate The Year of the Older Adult.
Unit #4 Continuing: February 7 and 14
"Whole People of God"
Joi Tennant
"It Takes More Than Love" -Parenting
Denise Fabbri
"Christian Journaling"
Maggie Wallin and Pat Mort
"Great Ideas" – C. Jon Holmes
Unit #5 Beginning: February 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21 and 28
Theme "Lenten Conversations"
New Membership Class
Rev. John Boley
"Whole People of God"
Joi Tennant
Courtship After Marriage, Rm. 23
Dale and Carolyn Kirkby
Lenten Study, 1st Floor Lounge
"Wilderness Wanderings"
Nancy O'Shea
Special Guest Speaker Sunday, February 28th (during Church School)
Rev. John Ellinger, District Superintendent
"How the Church Reacts to Controversial Issues"
Lent is almost here
This year, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17th. Lent has been observed
by Christians since the fourth century. It is a time for reflection, penitence
and spiritual renewal before Easter. Lent ends at midnight on Holy Saturday,
the night before Easter Sunday.
During Lent some Christians focus on giving up something. Is it absolutely
necessary for the observation of Lent to give up a delicacy or a bad habit
or an hour of sleep in order to pray? Who can truly say? What one does during
the Lenten period should be a matter between a Christian and God.
Some may decide to do something extra for their spiritual growth. Others
may "indeed "give up" something for their spiritual growth. Some may make
a special sacrifice of some sort. And a few may decide to improve their
communication and fellowship with God by having special times of prayer
throughout the day, or vow to worship in the church at every service held.
The important thing is to make Lent a special time, a memorable time. A time
so meaningful that it sets the tone for the rest of the entire year. And
the very least it should be a time of sincere spiritual growth.
Prayer Chain To initiate a prayer request call one of the following prayer
chain leaders: Daytime, Janet Mort or Karen Holoweiko or Pat Basgall. Evening,
Pat Bell or Nancy O'Shea.
Monthly Meeting Schedule
Central's Boards, Commissions or Committees
Administrative Council - 3rd Wednesday at 7:45
Church & Society - 2nd Tuesday at 7:00
Board of Trustees - 3rd Tuesday at 5:30
Finance Committee - 4th Tuesday at 5:30
All Commissions -3rd Wednesday at 6:15
Mail to be Delivered by Camel!
By Bryan Halter
Sound like something from thousands of years ago? Well, it's actually today's
most advanced technology! Soon, Central church will launch its CAMEL
communication program.
This CAMEL has no humps--it stands for Central's Automated Member E-mail
List. We hope to have the e-mail addresses for all on-line members in our
computers by March 1. Then, when there's news of meetings being scheduled
or changed, reports that require quick distribution or special needs, the
push of a button can send an unlimited number of messages instantly.
Not only will it save staff time, but a considerable amount of postage and
supplies can be put to other use--and there's no need to schedule around
holiday or weekend mail service, or run the risk that "through sleet or snow
the mail might not go!"
So, if you have an e-mail address, we suggest you get it to us right away.
How? Well, sending it by e-mail makes sense--address halterb@aol.com and
we'll take care of the rest.
The Camels are coming - and this time they've got mail!
Fellowship Opportunities
Central Young Adults
Our next gathering will be on Saturday, February 6th for an evening of fun
at the Apple Sportsplex, on Lansing Road . We will meet at 6:30 p.m. to play
miniature golf at the price of $4/game. We will then get dessert. All are
welcome. Apple Sportsplex has all sorts of activities going on. Don't be
surprised if we find more to do. If you have questions or need more information,
call Karen Stefl at 323-6392.
Central Centralniters
The next meeting of the Centralniters will be on Saturday, February 14th at 12:30 p.m. for a Valentine's Day Brunch at Pistachio's Restaurant. Cost will be $8.95/person. For reservations, call Bob or Peg Stebbins at 372-5690.
Oops - The artisan for our Chapel was incorrectly noted in the January Journal.
Credit should have been given to the following: Carrado Parducci, modeler;
Pietro Bernasconi, carver; Andrew Maglia and Thomas di Lorenzo, architectural
decorators.
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