Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                          July/August, 2002

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship 

                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth




Two stories from missionaries

Joi Tennant

Sometimes we are tempted to put the program of our church ahead of our commitment to our “apportionments,” that specified amount of our church budget that supports all the various working parts of what together forms the dynamic United Methodist Church in the world. Recently I read these two stories from the General Board of Global Ministries Prayer Calendar book. They once again reminded me that giving money is by far the easiest responsibility we comfortable American United Methodists can accept, while the hands-on work of Christ goes forward everyday throughout the world because of devoted workers and missionaries like these who struggle each day under difficult conditions.

In spite of all our efforts, a mother died in labor, leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying 2-yr.-old daughter. We had no incubator and our last hot water bottle burst as it was being filled. The next day I asked the children in the orphanage to pray for the tiny baby and its motherless sister. Ten-year-old Ruth prayed: “Please God, send us a hot water bottle. And while you are about it, would you please send a dolly for the little girl so she’ll know you really love her.” I gasped at the audacity of this prayer. The only way God could answer it was by sending me a parcel from home. But I had received none in 4 years, and who would send a hot water bottle to someone living on the equator? The same day a 22-lb. parcel was left on my verandah, so I sent for the orphanage children. Underneath some little jerseys I found a brand new hot water bottle. Ruth cried out, “Then God must have sent the dolly too.” From the bottom of the box, she pulled out a beautifully dressed doll, which she brought herself to the little girl “so she’ll know that Jesus really loves her.” That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, sent by my former Sunday School class, whose leader obeyed God’s prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. What kind of limitations do we put on God? “Before they call, I will answer!” Isaiah 65:24.

Rosetta Booker Brown, Maputo, Mozambique



I have to remind myself every hour that God is love and our constant help. Otherwise, I will fall into frustrations and despair. Working in a home for recovering drug addicts, the poor, and the destitute presents difficult challenges and tests. Many residents have bitterness deep down in their hearts. They are the abandoned, outcast, marginalized, and unwanted. Worst of all, they have no love. Each time I am among these people, I hear voiceless screams from every corner of the room. It is easy just to give our residents a shelter and three meals a day. However, their silent longing for love is there crying out to be nourished and pampered. Our ultimate commitment and goal is to serve this need.

Chiewlen Teo, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


Pastor's Pen

I am continually blessed by God, especially in this appointment to Central United Methodist Church. What a beautiful downtown church! Besides, the lovely home (with new appliances and other features) and neighborhood are meeting all our needs. The food and grocery items in the cabinets and refrigerator, including a fruit basket, were perfect in demonstrating warm hospitality. You have been excellent in receiving me and my family. Thank you. I am joyful and look forward to the challenge and opportunities to do ministry. I have already met many of you serving through acts of kindness and discipleship.

It is great to return to the local church as a full time pastor. I loved being a District Superintendent working with outstanding clergy and lay people throughout the Kalamazoo District. But there are very few other opportunities comparable to being a local pastor of a congregation, downtown in the seat of the political community, working with people who want to make a difference. I claim fun, fellowship and followship of Jesus Christ, as I embrace this appointment.

Russell F. McReynolds



I am my church

My church is composed of people like me. We make it what it is.

It will be friendly, if I am.

Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them.

It will do great work, if I work.

It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver.

It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I bring them.

It will be a church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, and a church with a noble spirit, if I, who makes it what it is, am filled with these traits.

Therefore with the help of God, I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things I want my church to be.

From NewsletterNewsletter



Pastor McReynolds meets with Administrative Council

Wednesday, July 17, 7:30 PM

Bill and Joi Tennant, CoChairs, Administrative Council

This is our first official meeting with Pastor McReynolds. It will be great if all Ad Council members will make a special effort to attend, recognizing that summer holds many tempting diversions, and that we all are in the vacation mode. We will keep the agenda as brief as possible and spend the first part of the meeting getting acquainted with Pastor McReynolds while we enjoy some refreshments. Ad Council will not meet again until Sept. 18.


Education Report
Bob Roth, Interim Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries

Yogi Berra said it first: This is like déja vu all over again! This is kind of how it feels for me (and maybe some of you, too) as I have begun working as the interim Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries at Central UMC. I served here from 1980 - 1983 as Associate Pastor working in several areas including Youth Ministries, Social Concerns and (helping with) pastoral care. Judy Grove led the Christian Education program at the time and did a marvelous job. She and Max were dear friends and I hope that I can honor her memory as I fill in for the next four months.

I began this new position Monday morning, June 24, (¾ time during my tenure), just as Vacation Bible School began (See below). Julie, Karen, Kathy, and all the kids made me feel right at home after my brief 19 years away. They and the other adults and youth helpers did an excellent job. It was wonderful seeing the Potter Park kids and the Lansing Central kids sharing a meaningful experience of God’s love and Christian friendship. Once, these two churches sharing in this way was just a future dream. I felt blessed by the week.

As I learn my way around here in ways that can be helpful to the Christian Ed. Program and youth work in 2002, please share with me your ideas, hopes, concerns and places where you would like to help. I will be meeting with the Education Commission and teachers after church on July 21 (brunch provided). I will be getting input from the parents of children and youth throughout July. Saturday, August 24, I will lead the youth and youth workers through a day-long planning retreat. (Youth and youth families, watch your mail for a summer youth newsletter with details.)

Yogi also said: If you come to a fork in the road, take it. I guess I have! More accurately, the church was at a crossroads and had an immediate need. I hope and trust that God will use me in your midst these next four months in faithful and productive ways. Peace, and blessings of God be with each of you during the summer.


“Bug Safari” a faith-filled VBS experience

From June 24 - 28, about 40 children and youth sang, played, and shared their way through a “Bug Safari” that really did include those basics we all need to live as Christian disciples: “God knows us”; “God helps us”; “God is our friend”; “God forgives us”; and “God shows us how to love others.”

These young disciples delightedly sang songs including God is Big, Glory, Awesome God, and a Spirit-filled, foot-stompin’ version of Standing on the Promises. The week included games, crafts, skits, beautiful sidewalk art, and a visit from the Bug Man.

Many, many thanks to three women who organized and led this year’s VBS as co-coordinators: Julie Cooper, Karen Holoweiko, and Kathy MacLaren. Leading a VBS like this requires countless hours of details, faithful follow-through and a cheerful, inviting spirit. These three had it all and should be thanked when you see them.

Thanks also to the crew leaders, kitchen people and other volunteers: Pam Jennett, Elaine Brown, Mary Bowers, Win Anderson, Faye McCracken, Pat Wangen, Caroline MacLaren, Audrey Holly, Joanne Klein, Leigh Ann Maxwell, Abbey Cooper, Jamie Zimmer, Jill Whiteman, Eleanor Moore, Beth Murley, Dick Murley, Angie Smeltzer, Sam Holoweiko, Suzanne MacLaren, and we certainly want to thank the director of Potter Park Outreach who was here all week with her kids: Cris Bobier. You have all given of yourselves in ways that are deeply important in the lives of these young people. THANK YOU!!
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Worship a-ha's . . .

….are those tiny things that happen sometime during worship that leave you with a special memory to carry at least until the following Sunday. They're not the large, typically-a-part-of-worship things, but rather, the special little enhancers.

This past week, my continuing education studies at a Worship and Liturgical Arts Fellowship convocation had as one focus the matter of worship a-ha's.

Sometimes, an organ flute provides it; other times a real flute sound lingers in your memory. When our very talented vocalists line out a special descant or an unusual setting of a song, it often stays with you. A musical offering that's in marked contrast with what another group has just done can create a worship a-ha. Our singing "Simbaya" at the end of worship may be a surprise closing and may stay with you the whole week. A friend's a-ha may be very different from yours.

We folks in the music department try to provide worship a-ha's on a fairly regular basis. We've just never named them. Oddly, though, the only way we know about their effectiveness is to ask you!

Can you reach into the recesses of your mind and suggest what kinds of musical arts endeavors provide you with worship a-ha's? You can just leave your ideas on extension 35, and, for our part, we'll try to be responsive to them and incorporate some of them into worship this year.

Yes, folks, this is one form of worship planning. Thanks for listening; thanks for sharing.

The summer music schedule, revisited . . ..looks just a bit different. Please note (no pun intended!) the changes:

June 16 - Alice Generalow

June 23 - Portia Cole / Bryce Berry

June 30 - Chris Carter and Pam Chamberlain

July 7 - Janet Geissler

July 14 - Frank Anderson

July 21 - Bill Tennant, Sr.

July 28 - Mary Boudreau and Susan Grettenberger

August 4 - Carolyn and Dale Kirkby

August 11 - Linda and Dick Bates

August 18 - Kathy MacLaren and Dennis Kelley

August 25 - Ron Gibbs

September 1 - Dave Schuurmans


Look ahead to September . . .

….and prayerfully consider involvement in one of the adult music groups that meet weekly.

The program year will begin on Thursday, September 5. It's great to be such a meaningful part of Sunday worship experiences, and the fellowship at rehearsals is special. Look at your calendar now and see whether your schedule allows you to add or, in many cases, sustain this important ministry.

Music programs for children and youth begin on Sunday, September 8, and are scheduled alongside church school activities. Children's Choir folks meet just after worship's Time Mostly for Kids; the Wesley Choristers meet right after Fellowship Hour; the Youth rehearse from 11:35 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and be ready for active participation again in September!


Not until I went into the churches of America, and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness, did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.

-Alexis de Tocqueville NewsletterNewsletter

Sparrow Volunteers work wonders in the summertime

Kathleen M. Berning, Director of Volunteer Services

Every day, Sparrow Health System volunteers ease the anxiety of families waiting for news about loved ones...help tend the St. Lawrence rose gardens....help customers in the gift shops...and more! In fact, there are 41 different volunteer opportunities to serve Sparrow’s patients and families. 41 Ways to Feel Good this summer, and all year long, too.

For information, please call us at 483-3606 (Sparrow Hospital campus), or 377-0596 (St. Lawrence campus and Dimondale). You can also reach us by logging on to our web site: www.sparrow.org/volunteerservices.

Thank you for your consideration and support!


UnitedMethodist Women
Pat Mort, President

Items from Bolivia to be on display

Bob Pena brought back some wonderful woven baskets, coasters, covered baskets, mats - even a man’s, woman’s and child’s hat - from Estela Hudy’s women’s group in Bolivia. We are trying to set up a “market” for these products in the area, with the proceeds going back to the artisans. The items Bob brought back have been inventoried and the pricing converted to US dollars. These items are extremely reasonable.

We will have these available for sale in the fall. They will be on display during Fellowship Hour September 8.

Thanks to Bob for bringing these back. Be sure and check these out. They will make wonderful additions to anyone’s home or will make great gifts - and the purchase will help the women in the community Estela and Peter are working in.

Mission Team will meet

Calling all Mission Team-ers! And any other interested parties. . .Hard as it is to believe we've planned a Mission Team meeting for July 16. Watch the Bulletin for details or contact any member of the Team with your information to share.

September surprise

It's HUGE! It's Colossal! It's so fantastic we can't even talk about it yet, (for fear it will put other activities of the summer/fall to shame)! Watch for details on the UMW Board and the Bulletin! Coming this September to a CUMC near you, it's (drum roll, please) a Surprise (SH-H-H-H)! Trust us, this one you will not want to miss!

Kitchen Cleaning Continues

The June 28 kitchen cleaning was cancelled due to lack of response. (Summer is a hard time to get together to clean, isn't it?) For those of you willing to help with tackling the experience, there’s a sheet on the UMW Board to let us know your interest and also a place to indicate what dates and times would work.

Most of the serving kitchen is done; we just have the outsides and tops of the cabinets to finish. (Those who have seen the tops of the cabinets say its way past time for this!) We’d like to tackle the floors and begin in the other kitchen.


Christian Mission at Holt

Planning to attend School of Christian Mission? It’s at Holt UMC this year, then moves away from our area. This is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of it being close by - no housing costs! The Bible Study is James, the Mission Study is Restorative Justice and the Geographic Study is Mexico. Lois Myers is looking for a ride. If you can help her out, please give her a call. Thanks!


Meditation Room moving

We are moving the furniture for the Meditation Room up to it’s new location off the Fellowship Hall Balcony, next to the Resource Room! We’re really excited about this. Everything will be up there in early August with more of the “refining touches” done by September 8! This is a work in progress - but we are THRILLED to be getting it off the ground (finally).


UMW Calendar

July 17 - 19 - School of Christian Mission at Holt

July 20 - School of Christian Mission Drive In Day

September 3 - Mission Team

September 18 -- Lansing District Annual at Eaton Rapids UMC

October 1 - Mission Team

October 12 - Conference Annual at Petoskey

October 29 - November Mission Team (because of Election Day)

November - NO Mission Team on the 5th (see above)

December 3- Christmas by Candlelight

January 7 - Epiphany Breakfast (place TBA)

January 7 - Mission Team (weather permitting)


Meet people, help out

David DeVinney

Thanks to the men and women volunteers who run the front desk during the week and free up staff to do their work. You are appreciated and essential to Central's mid-week ministries.

There are current openings and an urgent need for additional volunteers.

Front desk volunteers answer the phone, assist persons at the counter and do light office work 1/2 day a week. Training is available with mentoring by a current volunteer. Call Lillian Rush at 482-3494.


Recent arrivals in the Library…
Ed Spink, Library Task Force

A wide range of new books for all ages has been added to the library.

FOR ADULT READING:

The Bible as History. 2nd Edition by Werner Keller

In this Mountain by Jan Karon

Stories for the Heart by Alice Gray

An Hour Before Daylight by Jimmy Carter

FOR YOUNG ADULTS:

Frogs in Pharaoh’s Bed by Mary Rose Pearson

Reality 101: What the Bible Says to Teens About Real Life Questions, by David Veerman and Wayne Rice

My Name is America: The Journal of William Thomas Emerson by Barry Denenberg

A Line in the Sand: the Alamo, Diary of Lucinda Lawrence by Sherry Garland

FOR CHILDREN:

Koko’s Kitten by Francine Patterson

Kid’s Book of Bible Activities by Vicki Saul

Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehllert

Salamonie Farm by Noah Hershberger

FOR REFERENCE:

The Living Bible Encyclopedia in Story and Pictures by H. S. Stuttman Co.

Watch the shelves next to the magazines for new additions. Book donations and gifts are a major source of new materials for the library.


Learn and Serve Bus Tour - November 4 - 8
Carolyn Schuurmans, Co-Chair, Mission Commission

Volunteers will leave Monday, work at the Church World Service Center at New Windsor Tuesday, work again Wednesday and also meet with Church World Service and Bread for the World representatives.

Thursday the volunteers will work in the morning and then tour Washington, D.C., with dinner and theater in the afternoon and evening. They will return home on Friday. Cost is $380. For more information, see the brochure on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or call Pam at the Michigan CWS office, 484-7144.

Get into the Hudy Habit -- Sunday, July 14

On Hudy Sunday and the following two Sundays, July 21 and 28, there will be envelopes available for our quarterly offering to the Hudys.

Please remember our commitment to financially support the Hudys in their new life as missionaries in Bolivia. We hope many of you will prayerfully consider what amount you will contribute each quarter throughout the year. We will be doing the easy part here, while the Hudy's daily face the challenges of their new environment and share the love of God through their work.

Mission Commission

What are your spiritual gifts?
Karen Holoweiko

Your Committee on Lay Leadership invites you to retreat with them on August 16-17 to take part in a Spiritual Gifts Inventory Process. We will be utilizing the material from "Equipped for Every Good Work" and the retreat will be facilitated by Naomi Garcia, a ministry consultant from the West Michigan Conference.

We will investigate our spiritual gifts, our leadership/interaction styles, our spirituality types, and our task type preferences. If you are currently in a leadership position, this retreat is for you. If you are curious about your gifts and how you might use them, this retreat is for you. If you are being called out of your pew to engage in something bigger, this retreat is for you. If you are wondering who you might be, this retreat is for you.

We promise to deliver a mix of work, worship, and wonder. Please pray about joining us. The cost will be under $75.00 and we have space for 20 members. I hope you'll consider this opportunity to grow in your relationship to your Creator and your church family. For more information, contact Karen Holoweiko at 626-6798 or Unfit1@AOL.com.

If you would like to sponsor a radio broadcast in honor of a loved one, please contact the church office (485-9477).

Among Friends

Thank You…

On behalf of the Trustees, Staff Parish and Central’s faith family, thank you to everyone who signed up (and brought) food to the new parsonage for the McReynolds Family to have on hand when they moved in! This was a great gift of kindness. I’m sure the family and those helping them move appreciated all the goodies!

Pat Mort

Thanks to Dottie Stark and her group for doing all the gardening around the church.
Lee Dibble

We want to thank the entire Central United Methodist Church family for all the love, support and generosity we have received in the recent months. You have all proven once again what it means to be in Christian love. Your kindness and the many gifts and tokens of friendship are much appreciated and will be long remembered.

John, Diane, Rob, Ian and Hannah Boley


Thank you for your expressions of sympathy on the recent death of Colleen’s dad. The cards, kind words and hugs have helped us during a very difficult time. Your thoughtfulness and support are greatly appreciated.

Colleen, Arnold, Michelle and Rachel Weinfeld

Remember…At press time:

Don Pickard - recovering at home

Ruth Norton - with Mary Ann and Bob Broda

Family of Tim Joranko (son of Frank and Joyce Joranko)

Joyce McLellan - Dimondale Health Center

Rev. Dale Spoor - Ingham Medical Center

Marcia Detloff - Burcham Extended Care

Norma Mitchell - Ingham Assisted Living

Transitions…

Harriet Wise passed away June 15, 2002

Electia Bolley passed away June 25, 2002


The pastoral need of us all
Rev. Francis Anderson, Minister of Visitation

As the congregation of Central United Methodist Church looks ahead to it's many ministries, we need to be aware of the "mutuality of ministry" and the crucial importance of sharing our lives. This is to say, that the ministers and parish visitors must have our full cooperation and prayerful support if we are to truly minister to one another.

Please phone any information about our people that the church needs to know to the senior minister or the church office (485-9477). The joys and concerns we share every Sunday morning are possible when we contribute news--good or bad--and communicate. Let's do it together. Offered in the spirit of prayer and intercession for all.

Older adults are invited
Francis Anderson

In 1999, the United Nations focused on the needs of older adults and declared that year as International Year of Older Adult Persons. In response, our United Methodist Church set forth a new emphasis and guidelines for all local churches. They are: to address the independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity of older persons. In March of 1999, we at Central began a new ministry and called it by an adopted name, Elderberrys.

Specifically, our Church suggests these special qualities be pursued:

--find worth in one's being, not through having or doing;

--accept one's life journey and faith story, confronting losses and acknowledging gains.

--experience a new or renewed relationship with God through Jesus Christ; and--serve the needs of others through ministry.

If you consider yourself a "senior citizen" by taking advantage of discounts and other benefits, you then qualify for being a part of Elderberrys! For that matter, anywhere nearly sixty years of age will do. You'd be surprised how many senior groups are now functioning in communities in America.

Elderberrys will resume monthly meetings September 10. Look for more information about our meetings in the next issue of the Central Journal. You are invited to come!!!


Trustees Update
Susan Grettenberger, Chair, Board of Trustees

Additional parking to be acquired

If you see a trustee and he or she looks tired, it’s possible! The trustees have been extremely busy since the start of 2002, some of us attending three meetings a week. My personal thanks to everyone on the Board of Trustees for all your hard work and commitment to our church.

If you have ANY questions about trustee matters, please contact Susan Grettenberger at 372-4146 or gretten2@msu.edu.

Parking expansion and land exchange: Much of our work has been in the tedious details and negotiations with our church partners, the State and contractors. However, there was a change at the beginning of June, when the state proposed that we use reciprocal leases for the exchange of the properties with purchase for $1 at the end of the leases. This option is an excellent solution to some of the issues of the project.

Much of what follows will have been completed by the time you receive this newsletter. A few details may yet change. Not every aspect of the project will be listed here though we have worked very hard to consider all issues of the entire project, so trust us a little bit. We have been diligent in our efforts to consider everything.

The strip of land along the West edge of our property will be transferred to the non-profit Capital Churches Coalition Corporation (4C) in order to allow 4C to hold the sub-lease with the state. St. Paul’s Episcopal and First Baptist are members of 4C along with Central. This corporation was formed more than a year ago to collectively negotiate with the State regarding the development of the northwest corner of our block.

The state will sub-lease the North parking lot (221 N. Capital Ave.) to 4C, and 4C will lease to the state the property where the walkway is being built on the West side of our buildings. The annual net cost of the leases to 4C will be approximately $7,500, with an inflation factor built in for the term of the lease. The total paid across the life of the lease will equal what would have been paid for purchase right now, plus a small annual inflation factor.

The leases will run until 2024, at which time 4C will purchase the parking lot property for $1 and the state will purchase the walkway property for $1.

Central will receive approximately half of the parking spaces in the new lot. The exact number is still being negotiated between the churches, as the size of parking spaces and other needs are determined. (Don’t you find the parking spaces too narrow at present?! -- I always worry about the kids banging doors on the car next to us.)

Each church will contribute to the cost of leasing and the upkeep of the North lot. The state will maintain the new walkway.

The Trustees have secured the services of an architect, at the recommendation of both the state and the state’s general contractor, to assist us in planning for a storage structure as a replacement for our garage, a rear entrance structure at the back door and other related issues. These will be compatible in design with the Temple House building to which they will be attached.

Do we still have to pay for the parking lot? YES! We are working on a budget for our share of the parking lot costs. We will get this to you as soon as we can.

There are additional costs to Central to replace the storage building and back door entrance, repair our current parking lot, modify the new North lot to make it safer for pedestrians and modify the apartment windows to enhance privacy.

It is our intention to raise funds to pay for the parking project. This is a tremendous opportunity for the church, and we believe our ministry is best served by assuring that the costs of the parking project are not shifted into the operating budget of the church.

Please be in prayer about what contribution you might make to this important project. Several gifts of stock have already been made, and about $8000 has already been pledged, some of it by non-church members who want to support this opportunity to add additional parking for church use. This is a big project for the church, and it is an appropriate time to consider a capital gift pledge if you are able. We will come back to the congregation about this when we have the leases in place.

Parking disruption and timelines for construction:

The walkway is to be completed by fall. Once the leases are signed, the garage will be demolished. The walkway will replace the westernmost row of parking in our current parking lot. During the summer construction, our lot will be available only on a day-to-day basis. Don’t plan on it until fall.

St.Paul’s has temporarily lost much of its tiny lot, and we have made available a few spots to them. Staff and the handicapped will have priority. If you need to park during the summer, you may want to call first to see what the daily parking looks like. We are working very hard in cooperation with the state and the contractor to minimize parking disruption.

Once construction on the walkway (including landscaping) is done, we will gain limited parking in the North lot. We have made clear that we need to have as much parking as possible once the school year starts. We will update you on the fall parking situation at the end of the summer.

The entire parking ramp project is scheduled to be completed by the end of Spring, 2003. At that time, 4C will take control of the entire North lot.

Parsonage:

Russ McReynolds and family are now settled into their new home. The parsonage was in very good shape at the time of purchase. To make it ‘sparkling’ for the McReynolds, we cleaned the carpet and touched up the paint. We also replaced the very old furnace and central air to reduce the operating expenses and to improve overall efficiency and reliability. Many of you saw our new parsonage during the open house June 23rd. Thanks to all of you for your suggestions and comments. Also, thanks to Ken Harvey and Pat Bell for their help.

What about that flyer you need to put up?

A friendly note from the Trustees about putting up flyers in the church building:

We strongly support the ministry of the church. Sometimes that means putting up flyers or posters to let people know about an event or to encourage people to think about a ministry of the church such as the Igniting Ministry “ads” last fall.

We also want the church to look good. If you have something to post, consider putting it on the bulletin boards around church. Wherever you put flyers, think about how they will look and about how to get the tape or mounting material off when you take them down. Thanks! Any suggestions how to do this better? Let us know.

A most unusual offering
Francis Anderson

About one year ago in June 2001, there were two deaths in the family of Central within nine days of each other. They were Virginia May Dunn and Dr. Forest Mansel Dunn, wife and husband, and parents of David Dunn of Denver, CO. On the anniversary of their deaths, it is appropriate to explain that David, a theologian and Christian writer, has given us a copy of a collection of meaningful poems about his late parents entitled, A Book of Graces, dated Advent 2001. I am pleased to share one of his poems with the Central Family. It follows.

The Jewels of Life

I supposed that watching the ending of a life

would fill each day with gray solitude

and quiet darkness.

Yet unaccountably, brilliant light

shines into the dark corners

where I had feared grim desolation.

The ache of loss evokes the delight of memory.

The relief of finality assaults the grief of loneliness.

The fear of nothingness confronts the hope of peace.

We swing between the experiences of pain and joy,

the world of death and the world of life,

the reality of ending and the possibility of endlessness.

We watch our small selves reel in the vertigo of wholeness,

trying to keep our balance in the discovery of oneness,

noticing the grace of embracing all and denying nothing.

In loss we experience the sustenance of being.

In death we discover the fullness of life.

In grief we rise into the depth of wonder.

In the end, tears are the jewels of life,

the sacred tokens of healing and

the holy sign of finding home.

Dated December 13, 2000/August 2001 by D. Dunn


Book sale coming to the library

Watch for the dates of the fall “Book Sale.” There will be something of interest for all ages. Plan to stock-up for your fall and winter reading.



All donations will be used for new books and media.

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