June/July, 2004
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
General Conference focus was about creating a climate for dialogue and discussion and reaffirming our commitment to unity within the United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds, Pastor
“Water Washed and Spirit Born” was the theme of General Conference of the United Methodist Church held in Pittsburgh, PA April 27 - May 8. I am pleased that I was elected, along with Cris Bobier, as delegates to General Conference (GC). We were two of approximately 1000 from across the world community, with most coming from the US. The delegates from situations beyond the United States make up our Central Conferences. Although small in number, they impacted General Conference. I was assigned to both the Financial Administration and the Central Conferences Legislative Committees.
I felt good about General Conference. Like all conferences, it’s not about winning and losing. It’s not about being on the right side. If General Conference is reduced to winning and losing, the church is truly in trouble. Local churches are in jeopardy if they think every issue is about “us and them”. We must all be bigger than that. If the General Church conferencing is about discerning the will of God and being faithful to that understanding, there is no need for the “winners and losers”; “us and them” mentality. The issue is faithfulness and discipleship. How can I better serve Christ in this broken world?
I have been attending GC since 1980. Those who want to win are always frustrated. Each morning was started with inspirational preaching by bishops and singing from choirs from across the world community. We did experience the inclusiveness of the larger United Methodist Church by just being there. All the worship services were relevant and prophetic.
I was truly inspired by the demonstration of the supporters of gay and lesbian persons for a more inclusive church. The inspiration came as a result of the reactions of the presiding Bishop Janet Huie from the Arkansas area. Four years ago in Cleveland, the police were called in to get control by arresting the demonstrators. This year, however, Bishop Huie welcomed the demonstrators and provided them opportunity to make their witness. She modeled what it means to be hospitable, with open hearts, minds and doors. The supporters of an open church who were delegates stood in support of the demonstrators, including the bishops and visitors throughout the Convention Center. I was pleased to be able to shake the hands of the demonstrators as they passed by our delegation. It was conferencing. It was not about “winning and losing;” or “them and us”. It was the children of God discerning the will of God. General Conference is a place or climate for dealing with the issues and challenges of the church.
I was also deeply encouraged to see the collective church say yes to unity and no to dividing the church. That was a beautiful moment. I am ready to go back to work making disciples for Jesus Christ and doing all I can to make this world a better place to live for all people.
Thoughts for Father’s Day
An unknown father who considered the example he should set for his children penned the following poem:
A careful man I ought to be;
A little fellow follows me;
I do not dare to go astray
For fear he’ll go the self-same way.
I cannot once escape his eyes;
Whate’er he sees me do, he tries -
Like me, he says, he’s going to be,
The little chap who follows me.
He thinks that I am good and fine,
Believes in every word of mine:
The base in me he must not see,
The little chap who follows me.
I must remember as I go,
Through summer’s sun and winter’s snow,
I’m building for the years to be,
For a little fellow follows me.
EDUCATION
Rev. Rob Nystrom, Minister of Education
Youth News
Summer Schedule
Saturday - June 12, 11:45 a.m. Central for a BBQ
Saturday - July 17, 10 a.m. Central for a Car Wash
August - Habitat for Humanity building project (date and time to be determined by Habitat)
Graduates !!! Where are you??!
Our Graduate Recognition Sunday is scheduled for June 13. We invite all those who have graduated this spring or during the year to be recognized on the June 13. Please let us know of members and constituents who are completing programs. We are referencing our records, but your input is helpful. You may call the church office to have a name added to the clipboard at the front desk.
August 16-19
VBS Planning Meetings
Wednesday, June 9, 5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, July 14, 5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 11, 5:45 p.m.
Youth Counselor Meeting
Wednesday, June 9, 7 p.m.
MusicNotes
Congratulations and Best Wishes, Jessica! This comes to announce that our Chancel Choir Director, Jessica Allen, has just finished her Master's Degree in Choral Conducting and is now searching for a full-time position.
Jessica has done a magnificent job of leading the Choir in ways that were both masterful and spiritual. Her upbeat, friendly demeanor, combined with clear conducting techniques and a positive leadership style, have brought the Choir a long way in its endeavor to effectively underscore (no pun intended) and enhance worship experiences.
Many thanks, Jessica. We wish you all the very bestl!
Special music for the summer includes these promising choral and instrumental offerings from these people:
June 13 - Jessica Allen
June 20 - Lindsay Kesselman
June 27 - TBA
July 4 - Rob Parks
July 11 - Jim Tennant
July 18 - Jessica Allen
July 25 - Portia Cole
August 1 - Bryce Berry
August 8 - Wendy Roiser
August 15 - Bryce Berry
August 22 - Lindsay Kesselman
August 29 - TBA
September 5 - Dave Schuurmans
Many thanks to all who have agreed to serve Central in this way.
Thanks, directors and section leaders, who represented us so well at the May 27 Service of Prayer and Reflection, held at University UMC. As always, your offerings meaningfully enhanced the worship experience.
A little girl had just finished her first week of school. "I'm just wasting my time," she said to her mother. "I can't read, I can't write, and they won't let
me talk!"
Run with Determination
Bob Wangen
The Fourth Annual Run With Determination was held May 22. It turned out to be a perfect day with thirty five runners and walkers participating. It gave members of our church a unique opportunity for fellowship and connection to the Greater Lansing community. We thank the members of the congregation and our sponsors for their time and talents. Look for more pictures and information in the August issue of the Central Journal.
COULD YOU SPARE A DOLLAR FOR A HOT LUNCH?
Father’s Day, June 20, seems like the appropriate time to think about the 20,000 children of Haiti who attend our 105 Methodist schools there. Of that total nearly 17,000 are at risk of malnutrition. Many of the children walk a long distance to attend school, and the only daily meal they receive is at school. The Haiti School Hot Lunch Program is able to serve every school child in our Methodist schools that one meal each day for 25 cents each. That includes the cost of locally buying the food, preparing and serving the meal.
When you come to church on Father’s Day you will see a lunch bag in your pew, and we hope everyone will help fill those lunch bags with dollars. The goal of the Michigan area UMC is to raise $100,000 to help support this vital program. Think of the difference our dollars can make to the effective education of these hungry children and, eventually to the future of their country.
UnitedMethodist Women
Pat Mort, President
Check out the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall for all sorts of opportunities to plug into this summer. These include, but are not limited to:
Prayer Shawls
Prayer Shawl information is on the yellow sheets on the UMW Board. If we have enough interest we will meet for “teaching” and “creating” more than once for the rest of the year! Please note there is a way to help out with the Prayer Shawl Ministry even if you do not crochet or knit and do not want to learn.
Chalice Chicks
Information on our new “Chalice Chicks” book discussion group is on the blue sheets on the UMW Board. We hope to meet in September or early October to discuss The Red Tent. More information will be in the August issue of the Central Journal. In the meantime, sign up for your best time to meet and get a copy of the book. (There is one in our church library, and it’s in paperback.) Read it and be ready to feed your body and soul at our first meeting!
School of Christian Mission
This year’s School of Christian Mission is at Albion College on July 21-23. Our spiritual growth study is on Prayer, the regional study is Cuba and the topic study is Public Education. The Youth Class and Kids’ Mission School will study Cuba. Drive-In Day is Saturday, July 24. Registration forms can be found on the UMW Board. Read the information, fill out the registration, and send it in. School of Christian Mission is an extraordinary experience. Check it out. Broaden your horizons. Seek, fellowship and learn with other United Methodist Women across Michigan.
District Annual
This year’s District Annual is Wednesday, September 15, at Lake Odessa Central UMC. There will be a gathering for Community House in Grand Rapids at that time. Lists of items needed by Community House are available on the UMW Board. Pick up a list, watch the sales this summer and plan on bringing the items to the meeting in September. Last year we helped fill a hall at Grace UMC here in Lansing. Let’s see if we can help fill an entire room with much needed and appreciated items for Community House.
Watch the UMW Board later in the summer for registration forms for District Annual. Mark your calendars now, look for the registration forms later, pick yours up, fill it out, send it in and join us there!
Have a wonderful Summer. Take advantage of the opportunities before you. Check the UMW Board often. And watch out for that August Central Journal! You never know where it will take you next!!!
Autumn Tea
Mark Saturday, October 2, on your calendar and plan to attend our Autumn Tea at 2 p.m. This will be a “grand” affair - hats and, dare I say it, - gloves, will be most welcome! More details in the August Central Journal.
Conference Annual
Conference Annual is Saturday, October 16. Mark it down and look for details in August!
135 Years in Mission
This marks our 135th year in Mission! In March of 1869 after Sunday services at Tremont Street Church, Boston, Massachusetts, Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Flanders and Mrs. Butler organized the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In November of 1869 Isabella Thoburn and Clara Swain left for India as the Society’s first missionaries.
What an incredible accomplishment! This was a time when women’s first names weren’t recorded if they were married - hence Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Flanders and Mrs. Butler! But they brought about change for children, youth and women half a world away. I stand in awe of these women - what a wonderful thing to have done. I wish I had half their vigor.
To celebrate this special anniversary we are taking up a special collection in the Fall of $1.35 per member to go as a special mission gift. You can pay through your circle, directly to Mary Bower, our treasurer, or bring it with you to our Tea.
Habitat for Humanity
Your contributions to our Habitat build are most welcome by the crews working on the house. Please contact Mary Boudreau to see what you can do to help. It doesn’t mean you have to get up on the roof or use power tools. Snacks, painting, cleaning, encouragement and prayers are always welcome at any Habitat build!
Among Friends
Remember...
At press time...
Elon Basgall - St. Mary’s in Saginaw (sister-in-law to
Pat Basgall
Nancy Esch - At Home
Charlie Jacobs - At home
Maxine Jones - At home
Celia Lounsbury - At home
Don McLaughlin - At home
Lee Moore
Bea Patrick - Martin Luther Memorial Home
Lulu Smith - At home under treatment
Ann Stoakes - At home
Gladys Templin - At home
Baptism…
Jessica Eileen Johnson, born April 4, is the grand daughter of Nancy and Bob
Johnson
Congratulations…
Ken and Joanne Harvey and Dick and Beth Murley, celebrate their 50th wedding anniversaries
Virginia Tennant celebrated her 90th birthday in May.
Marcia Detloff (6/13) and Ruth Norton (6/8) celebrate their 91st birthdays.
Margaret Woolcocks (6/12) celebrates her 96th birthday!
Thank you…
….to each of you who sent a card, shared words of comfort, or kept us in your prayers upon the death of my mother. John and I are blessed by your expressions of God’s love, and we are grateful. —Penny Zago
Central Collage goes to the ballgame
Bill & Faye McCracken
This group will attend a Lugnuts baseball game, with fireworks, on Saturday night, July 24. Everyone in the congregation is welcome. If you want to join us, send a check for $8 each to Bill and Faye McCracken, 429 Centerlawn, East Lansing, MI 48823. Your check must be received by June 7 to get our reservations in on time.
Do you have a need for a final resting place here on earth?
Central has 10 cemetery spaces available located in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at 4444 West Grand River Avenue in Lansing. These spaces have been received over time as gifts and we are offering them now at half their retail price. Some have already taken advantage of this opportunity.
Your purchase of these spaces will help both you and Central. Funds raised from the sale of these assets will be used to make necessary repairs to our facilities. Please contact Pat Basgall, Administrative Secretary, at 485-9477, with any questions. Thank you.
Our chapel and your spare Bibles
Joi Tennant
The chapel is now open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for you to come in, rest awhile, meditate and pray. As you enter, there is a box for you to write your own personal requests and to pray for the requests of others. “Meditation Helps” are in the pews for you to use. We hope you will come often.
What would be an especially helpful addition would be your extra Bibles placed alongside the hymnals in the pew racks. They can be any translation. The idea is that some chapel visitor might even decide they want to take a Bible home, and that would be OK! What better use for those extra Bibles that otherwise collect dust on your shelf? And if they happen to remain in the pews, they will be used for classes and worship and spiritual comfort. You can just bring your Bibles directly to the chapel on Sunday and put them in the racks, or leave them at the reception desk any other day with a note that they are for the chapel. Thank you!
Elderberrys wrap it up
Rev. Frank Anderson, Ret.
Our older adult monthly ministries on Tuesday mornings, is in recess until Fall. There were 22 souls gathered in May to fellowship together, enjoy a very good luncheon and view the Video "Journey of Life" produced by Moody Science Classics. One of us remarked, "If half the church is over 65, why do we have only a few that come?" I remarked that several situations might discourage people, such as parking for one. Some people prefer not to own up to the fact that they are in their "golden years" by attending a group who by definition are older than most. Maybe the programs fail to attract them, or the time of day. But as I see Older Adult Ministries, it is an exciting opportunity to be yourself amongst good friends and relax. Some of us look ahead more than we look back, and that perspective is wholesome. Every Christian Church needs a ministry to older adults today. Search around and you'll see that most do!
Radio Ministry Mary Boudreau, Evangelism Commission
This is a wonderful way to remember or honor loved ones. Very few of us have the need for more “material” gifts, so give the gift of faith! Contact Pat Basgall in the church office to select a Sunday to help sponsor. The cost of a broadcast is $230 per week, and several people can join together to sponsor a week. All contributions are welcome. Keep God’s word going out over the airwaves!
Teach English in Bolivia
Peter and Estela Hudy are looking for English teachers for Rio Colorado School who would stay at least two months. Here is the experience of a young man from Traverse City, from Volunteers in Mission newsletter:
The seven months that I spent as a VIM English teacher in Bolivia were the most impacting months of my life. As a nineteen year old jazz guitarist, I feel proud and privileged to have had such a cultural and spiritual impact at an early age. I know that the knowledge and experiences while there will blossom through the rest of my life and enrich the experience of my future.
—-Rob Coonrod, Central United Methodist Church, Traverse City, Michigan.
Alice Pifer, Chair,
Fellowship Coffee Hour
I want to thank all of you who have generously offered your time and energy
to work during the Fellowship Coffee Hour.
I am in need of volunteers to work Sundays during the summer, June, July (especially July 4) and August.
If you haven’t worked before, very detailed instructions and all the set-up supplies are in the kitchenette, and I am around to help or answer questions.
If your schedule permits, please sign up for the Sunday of your choice on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall or call me at 694-0686.
Pennies, dimes, nickels, quarters
Joi Tennant, Co-Chair, Mission Commission
A “Noisy Offering” will be taken on July 25 to help support our Ministry of Kindness fund. This fund allows
Cris Bobier, Director of our Open Door Ministry, the possibility of giving occasional financial assistance to people who come to her in need. Very often these people are given money in exchange for their work, which Tom assigns around the church. Please save your change and bring it to church on July 25. The children will help us take up the offering in pails, so we hope to hear the beautiful sound that a big “Noisy Offering” makes.
It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Jake, was barking in the back of the van. I saw a little boy staring in at me. "Is that a dog you got back there?" he asked. "It sure is," I replied. The boy looked at me and then looked towards the back of the van. Finally he asked, "What'd he do?"
Win Anderson, Library Task Force
Book sale a success
The Library Task Force thanks all those who generously supported the recent book "sale".
There were contributions of gently used books added to the variety of books offered, and we thank those who shared them with us. As with previous "sales", the donations will be used to support and maintain the library collection.
New books for summer reading...
The deVinci Code
The Purpose Driven Life
Seabiscuit
Help, Lord, I'm Having a Senior Moment
Mighty Times--Rosa Parks
Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline K. Onasis
Uppity Women of the New World
And for the children:
Grandma's Magical Storybook
A Child's Treasury of Beatrix Potter
Saving Samantha
Come and browse in the Library and check out more books to help you enjoy summer with good reading.
Living Faith
Rev. Rob Nystrom
My mother-in-law is a passionate Democrat. I am a passionate, moderate, non-partisan. My greater passion and sense of identity, however, is as a follower of Jesus Christ. The result of these interacting and affirming passions is that I have received as gifts many of the books which former President Jimmy Carter, a devout Christian, has written. I admire Carter. He was too honest, moral, and respectful to be an effective, successful Washington politician. It’s what he has done since holding office that has impressed many.
Jimmy Carter has spent much of his time, energy, and resources on things like building homes with Habitat for Humanity, pursuing peace initiatives, advocating for human rights around the world, and being an active member and Sunday School teacher at his church. Commendable. In his book, Living Faith, Carter writes:
“People in my Sunday School classes like to ask questions about religion and my own beliefs concerning God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the church. There are a few extensively marked religious books in my library, and it has been useful for me to learn from them how some Christian theologians define religion. Karl Barth said that religion is our search for God, and this always results in our finding a god that is most convenient for our own purposes. He distinguishes this from faith, which results from God seeking us through Christ” (p. 220).
Wow! That insight is what makes the difference between a person having a complacent religion rather than a life-giving, life-empowering faith and relationship with the risen Christ. It is the kind of faith God wants for us all and invites us to explore. One quote I came across put it this way, “In the beginning God created man in God’s own image, and ever since man has been returning the favor.” Will we be satisfied with the comfortable, easy, belief in the god-of-our-own-biases or will we endeavor to know God in Christ, Who challenges as well as affirms, and calls us to a mission and purpose greater than ourselves? Christian education is about seeking and following the One, Who is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life.
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