Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                          June/July, 2005

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL -- SERENGETI TREK

Join us on our Safari across the plains of Africa

JULY 18-22
6:00-8:30 PM
Ages 6 thru 10

Cooperative Games and Interactive Bible stories - Creative Art Activities and Great Movin' Music - Hearty Snacks and Funny Skits

Lots to learn and lots to do! Also, Lion Cub Club for ages 3, 4 and 5

And, Lion Cub Tamers for all parents - to help you learn how to get the wild out of your child!

Pre-registration forms are available throughout the church

Save these dates on your calendar for the kids in your life -grand kids, neighbors, relatives -and come join us in the wilds of CUMC for an exciting Time of exploration.

Parenting classes will be offered Simultaneously!

First Fruits of Renaissance Sunday
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Renaissance Task Force

The Renaissance Sunday experience clearly demonstrates that the members and friends of Central have a great appreciation for the past and have expressed an affirmation of the ministry and presence of the church for the future. The high percentage of those who regularly pledge and giving additional gifts, the gifts and notes of support from those outside our active membership, those giving sacrificially and the many thousands of dollars given over the past few years specifically for the building, give real testimony to the faith our members and friends have in the importance of Central's ministry.

Gifts are still being received and recorded, so there is no final total at this writing, but surely, God is working in our midst to renew our minds and hearts and to give us faith in and confidence for the future. Much gratitude goes to the members of the Renaissance and Restoration Task Forces who have given countless hours for the success of this effort.
Rev. Robert Amundsen to speak at Mission Potluck
Friday, June 10, 6:15 p.m.
Cathy Amundsen, Mission Commission

The Mission Commission invites members and friends of our congregation to a Mission Potluck to hear the story of The Red Bird Missionary Conference and one of its preachers, Rev. Robert Amundsen (Yes! This is Pastor Bill's Nephew!)

Rev. Robert Amundsen began his teaching and coaching ministry at the Red Bird School in Kentucky. Sensing a call to the ministry, he began his ministerial training in Atlanta, Georgia, and is currently pastoring the Congregational United Methodist Church in Evarts, Kentucky.

This is a National Mission Project, part of the Ministry of the General Board of Global Ministries. We hope you'll come to see and hear where some of your mission money goes within the United States.

Yes, we've been supporting missions for years! But that's part of what the United Methodist Church does. It identifies persons and places where God's people are hurting and facilitates a ministry to bring justice, grace and dignity into a geographical area. This program will help us to be more informed about missions in the United Methodist Church. Missions: Yes, it's for life!

Bring a dish to pass and your table service. Beverages will be provided.
Education
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHEDULE BEGINS

Summer vacation for our church family is also a vacation for our faithful Sunday School teachers until after Labor Day weekend.

Our nursery and Rainbow Room teachers, Meagan and Mandy, will offer child care and summer Children's Church for all children through 5th grade during the regular worship service and during fellowship coffee hour. Children are invited to go to the nursery and Rainbow Room from 9:15 until 11:15 a.m., if you so desire. We will suspend our usual Children's Time during worship until we reconvene with our regular full schedule in the fall.

Confirmands now members

Our hearts were warmed as we participated as one big church family in the confirming of our class of 12 young people May 15, Pentecost Sunday. What a wonderful, proud moment for everyone! Pastors Russell McReynolds and Bill Amundsen presided, while mentors Jamie Tipton and Steve Lyon added their love and support as each youth knelt to be confirmed. Parents and family also laid on hands of blessing. We happily welcome each of these young people into full membership:

Addie Forgrave, Ashley Grettenberger, Caroline MacLaren, Effrem Grettenberger, Katie Jo Knechtel, Katie Klein, Kelsey Cooper, Lynda Akono, Sarah Klein, Sarah Sanders, Seth Holoweiko, Suzanne MacLaren.

Potluck Brunch Planned July 24

In celebration of our week of Vacation Bible School, all children who attended VBS, and their families, will be invited to join us for worship July 24. This will be an opportunity for us to welcome these families into our regular worship service. It is our hope that some may feel at home here and want to begin to become a part of our church family.

As part of our worship, the children will sing some of the songs they learned in Bible School, then afterwards, instead of our usual coffee hour, we will have a potluck brunch in the dining room. This is a new idea for us. You can bring salads, coffee cakes, rolls or donuts, sandwiches, main dishes, fruit, etc. And of course, please bring your table service. We hope this added hospitality will help to make any newcomers feel even more comfortable with us. We hope everyone will plan to attend.

New Adult Elective Sept 11 to Oct 9, led by Jim Stark

Getting to Better Know your own Worldview

Do you know that YOU are the designer of your worldview and the object of design? That worldview is YOUR personal identity. It represents who you are and what you want to be. When you make decisions, it is your standard of reference for truth and morality.

For Christians, the moral standard of reference is the Bible. At a deeper level, many of us ask, "What would Jesus say?" Yet, Christians vary from being conservative to liberal in their judgment of reality. What do you want YOUR truth of reality to be? Come and find out how diverse we can be and still be a meaningful part of the spiritual community at CUMC.

The activity of building a worldview begins at birth and continues the rest of your life. Are you still building? What is guiding your changes? We each build upon assumptions of truth. We can differ on our assumptions of truth and still love one another. Find out how our Christian heritage is gradually changing and it is OK.

Come join us in dialogue on Sept 11 to learn about each other's worldview. Our objective is to grow spiritually through dialogue and sharing. No book will be needed, but if you have a copy of Jim's book, bring it as a reference.

To give us an estimate of material and space needs please give your name to Joi Tennant, Pat Bell, or Jim Stark.
Please note:
The Restoration Report is available on-line at Central's website: www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Gospel Mass June 5

Remember, folks, the Sunday worship service June 5, is when the Chancel Choir will present Robert Ray's Gospel Mass. A rich offering, the text envelops the full range of worship components, enhanced by the delights of its musical aspects. The service will be accompanied by Ed Fedewa, bassist; Verna Holley, pianist; Ian Levine, percussionist. Hopefully, this will be as meaningful for the rest of the parishioners as its preparation has been for choir members. Please invite friends and family to experience this uplifting and, sometimes, reflective work.

Thanks

Many thanks! This article brings sincere thanks to all those whose loyal dedication to their groups adds meaning and richness to Central's worship experiences: Wesley Choristers, Youth Fine Arts Group, Youth Orchestra, Central Bell Ringers, Spirit Singers, and the Chancel Choir.

Thank you, too, to all the Directors, the Section Leaders, and all the people whose work is not so visible: Sound Engineers, Carillonists, Librarian Eleanor Moore, as well as the Parents who make it possible for their children to be involved. You all work together to make good things happen here at Central.

Well...

* Have you noticed that the newly-formed Preschool Choir has up to nine participants on a Sunday morning?

*Did you realize that, when the Central Bell Ringers participated in the May 8 Sunday service, they used five octaves of bells?

*Was it apparent to you that, on May 22, the Wesley Choristers sang with an organ accompaniment?

*Question: When does the Music Department plan for the 2005-2006 program year? Answer: Right now. Should you wish to offer input, feel free to call ext. 35.

Please watch your bulletins for information about the summer music offerings.
Jess-E. Celebrates 90th birthday!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Members and employees of all ages of Central United Methodist Church: You are invited to a 90th Birthday Open House in the garden of E. Jess-Elizabeth Pinch, at l002 N. Foster Ave., Lansing, MI, Saturday. July l6 from 2 to 4 p.m. No gifts, please.
Worship Committee considers
Caryn Welter, Staff Liaison

At its last two meetings, the Worship Committee addressed a variety of issues. It discussed the role of the Chancel Choir in worship, especially as it relates to individual members' ability to feel totally involved in the service. It took a look at the matters of clapping and "amen-ing," and took a look at the use of various versions of the Bible.

In the 2005-2006 program year, Central is looking to add variety to the Sacrament of Holy Communion: independent choice, in terms of when to partake; alternative music; elements being offered in the pews and intinction.

In addressing the matter of healing services, it was decided that we'll offer a formal service as part of worship on October 23. This will in no way compromise opportunities for spontaneity. In reflecting on the offering segment of worship, it was decided that efforts will be made to more fully involve parishioners. There were discussions of procedural and technical aspects of worship, and conversation that centered around determinations for summer music involvement. Many thanks go to the members of this group for their free exchange of ideas.
Central is getting Power Point and Publisher software!

While Publisher has been available in the publishing office, it will now be available to our program staff too. To take full advantage of this "new" (to us) technology, we are looking for a lap top and a projector. If you know of anyone who is upgrading (or looking for a place to donate new), please keep Central in mind.

Thanks.- Pat Mort
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

Hope you all have a restful, quiet, renewing summer! While we don't meet officially as UMW, the work of UMW and the church continues!

July 21 - 23 - School of Christian Mission for West Michigan is going to be in Big Rapids. Drive in Day for this event is Wednesday, July 20. You can get information at the Front Desk. If you'd rather go to Detroit Conference's Drive in Day on July 30, that is an option, also. Carolyn Schuurmans is going that day - It's $40. That information is also available at the Front Desk. I wish I could go to either but it won't work out for me this year. School of Christian Mission is a marvelous experience, if you've never taken the time to attend.

August 11, Thursday - Mission Team will meet at 10 a.m. here at Central - this is a change of date. If you have any fabulous ideas, want to see something new happen or just want to sit in, you are more than welcome.

September 21 - Lansing District Annual will be at Mason UMC from 3 - 9 p.m.

October 12, Wednesday - Conference Annual is 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., at New Hope United Methodist Church in Mecosta. More details to come.

Keep November 19 open, and watch for details in the September and October Central Journals about a new fund raising opportunity from Younkers at the Meridian Mall.

I hope you pray daily for UMW, the officers, programs and missionaries we support. I hope the day is gentle with you.
WHY GO TO CHURCH ANYWAY?
Submitted by Mary Beth Pifer

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals, but for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know that they nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"

Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
Book Review by Jess-Elizabeth Pinch

Waiting for Snow in Havana - Confessions of a Cuban Boy By Carlos Eire

What a treasure this book is! The author lived his first ten impressionable years through three great momentous periods of Cuban life, from the time under the dictator Batista through the great upheaval under Castro and the Bay of Pigs debacle. He writes in engaging detail about his external environment; the lush tropical island with its breadfruit trees; pervasive lizards , all surrounded by a beautiful turquoise sea, and how it impinges on his home life, his schooling, his friendships and most of all, his actions and feelings and beliefs during these times.

We can understand why the title contains: "Confessions of a Cuban Boy" because he tells about many of the pranks and scrapes so typical of boyish childhood. He tells of such events that he and his friends engaged in and of their consequences, as well as how he felt about them-how some of them preyed on his mind.

His parents, an older brother, an adopted boy, and two nannies, one for each of the brothers, comprised his immediate family. He writes of his father, who was a judge, as "King Louis XVI", and his mother as "Marie Antoinette", both of whom were "reincarnated."

Why the title mentions "waiting for snow" is not explicitly explained by the author but, a guess, might be that waiting for any change in the present, so entrenched regime, could be like waiting for snow in Cuba. He does explain how he got his last name, which is not at all Hispanic. All of his forebears came from Spain, with the exception of one ancestor who came from Spain but via Ireland.

After many harrowing attempts to escape from his beloved but Castro-ized Cuba, he and his mother and brother made it to "Yanqui" land where he grew up, married and lives in Connecticut with his three children.
Among Friends

Remember...At press time...

Central family members in Iraq
Lillian Rush - at home
C. Jon Holmes - out of town
Nancy Arnold - hospice care at home
Mary Marshall - at home
Lee Moore - At home
Harold Leeman - at home
Betty Greeman - at Burcham
Sally Swiss - at Burcham
Mary Yard - hospice care at home
Ruth Norton and daughter, Maryanne
Ruth Burden - at home
Georgia Mead- at home
Don McLaughlin - at home
Mary Jacobs - hospice at Burcham Health Center
LuLu Smith - at Holt Home

Please keep these individuals in your prayers.

Transitions...
Allison Thomas, died May 7. A memorial service was held May 25 at Central UMC.
Book Review by Betty Corbishley

The Goodell Library has three new books of the Joshua series: Joshua and the Children; (my favorite) Joshua in a Troubled Land; and Joshua in the Holy Land - which is particularly relevant for today. The author of this series and other non-Joshua books is Joseph F. Girzone. The settings vary: US cities and villages, and the Holy Land. Joshua uses his time and his travels to show Arabs, Jews and Christians how to live as one people under the same God. He insists that wars will never lead to peace - only people can ensure peace. There is some mysticism in each book and parallels to gospel parables. Fictionalized for today's world, it is intriguing to "watch" Joshua's followers grow from a handful, to crowds of thousands, and to see the transformation in their lives.

The Library Task Force wishes to thank all those persons who supported our recent book "Sale" by donating gently used books and buying others! The generous cash donations were greatly appreciated and will purchase new books and videos. Gratitude is expressed to the Margaret Ebersole family for the designated memorial contribution which the library received.
ELDERBERRYS ACCOUNTED FOR!
Frank Anderson

Older adults are as much fun as a barrel of monkeys, the saying goes. And we had one of our best excursions going to the Frederick Meijer Gardens on Tuesday, May 10! There were nineteen of us. We would do it all over again, if it was a perfect and sunny day. Elderberrys is in recess until fall, or the month of September. Please filter all program suggestions to me. They are much needed.

There is something new: Consider the West Michigan Conference UMC Sponsored "Adult Hostel" at Wesley Woods, September 11-15, 2005. Several of our older adults have attended a Church Adult Hostel, and have excellent reports to share with us. Contact Arline Roe or myself soon if interested. Remember that we are a major ministry in Central United Methodist Church. As I've said before, every church needs an older adult group. Thanks be to God, for his mercy is forever.
Central member elected to Children's Home Board
Rev. Bill Amundsen

One of ours, Mr. Murray Brown, was elected to the Board of Directors of Methodist Children's Home Society May 16. Murray was elected to a three year term at the Annual Meeting held at the Campus of Children's Village and joins Rev. Bill Amundsen, also a board member.
Noisy Sunday -July 24 Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord!

Save your coins and share with those in need! Through the Ministry of Kindness and Open Door Ministries, your funds provide a bus token, a meal, a bus ticket, or a place to stay for individuals who have a legitimate need.
Hidden treasure tours of Central - Wow!
Penny Zago

On Saturday afternoon, April 23, more than 40 people toured the "Hidden Treasures of Central." Our guides, Claudia McLellan and David DeVinney, led us with care, and shared history and information at each stop along our way. Their commentaries were greatly appreciated. The incredible time, work, and love that Claudia and David have devoted to the building was most evident and it is for their commitment that we continue to be thankful.

Divided into two groups, we climbed stairs and ladders, peeked up and in, ventured into dark corners and discovered new light. Our adventure took us from the foundations to the peaks as we explored the less public and sometimes forgotten spaces of these two beautiful buildings we call Central.

*I have long admired Central's stained glass windows and found special sanctuary in the light that plays through them, creating mystical reflections on the walls and carpets. I treasure the creak of our wooden pews and the beauty of our architecture. But for me, one who was born, grew up and married in other churches, this tour was a wonderful introduction to the more intimate elements of Central's buildings. For all of us, however, the tour showed us the buildings' depth and strength as we viewed:

*the "attic" above the sanctuary with its lofty and weighty beams;
*the reclusive bells that sing their deep notes from behind the steeple walls;
*the dark "catacombs" complete with Christian symbols left by young hands during a Bible school many summers past;
*powerful beam and brick foundations that have quietly supported over a hundred years of worship and ministry in the church above;
*skylights and windows designed to fill spaces with the ever changing but always warming sunlight;
*ducts, louvers, and windows critically placed to enhance the flow of fresh and cool air long before ecology was in fashion;
*the quiet space that houses the myriad of delicate wood-workings for our treasured pipe organ;
*Temple House spaces intended to provide theater and recreational activities for the Lansing community; and
*the shadowy remnants of an original painted stencil that once graced the upper most edges of Fellowship Hall.

Yes, I was amazed by each of these. But it's the stories that fill me with wonder. Stories are the spirit of Central. They give it life and meaning.

At one point in our tour, while waiting our turn to peer into the "hidden room" behind the organ pipes, one of our group said, "I grew up in this church. There are no 'hidden' rooms for a teenager. We found Them all!" There were chuckles as we realized the truth of that statement. Indeed, most of the people on the tour were not Central newcomers. Everyone had memories and stories about friends, adventures, oddities, struggles, joys, sorrows and hidden rooms. Some thoughts were shared. Some were evident in the faces of those remembering. Some of us just listened for the untold stories that are locked away in Central's glass, wood and stone.

We at Central are blessed to have such beautiful buildings in which to worship and celebrate God's love. We are also richly blessed to have those buildings filled with the echoes of thousands of people great and small who have left their stories for us to hear.

Thanks to those who arranged the tour that we might appreciate our heritage of treasures and stories.
GRADUATION SUNDAY JUNE 12
Joi Tennant

We will be honoring our graduating seniors during our Sunday worship service and at the coffee hour following. Our high school graduates are: Will Forgrave, Katie Jo Knechtel and John McLellan. We congratulate them and pray that they will be aware of God's presence in their lives always as they go off into the big world. Please let us know of any Central UMC students graduating from institutions of higher learning.
Thanks!
Alice Pifer,Chair, Fellowship Coffee Hour

I want to thank all of you who have generously offered your time and energy to work during Fellowship Coffee Hour since the first of the year.

With summer rapidly approaching, I am seeking volunteers to work during the summer months (June/July/August). If you haven't worked before, very detailed instructions and all the set-up supplies are in the kitchenette. I am around to help or answer questions. It will only take a small amount of your time before and after church. Can you help?

If you could spare a Sunday or two during the summer, please sign up on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.
Restoring Historic Central
Larry Beckon, Chair, Restoration Task Force

This is the ninth and final Central Journal report from the Restoration Task Force. The work of the task force is nearly completed. Many of you have reviewed the draft "Restoration Report" that was issued April 8. This report provides an overall assessment of the building systems (architectural, mechanical, electrical, etc.), an assessment of the condition of each part of the buildings, estimated restoration costs and priorities. The report has defined what are believed to be the long term needs of Central's buildings. Meetings were held on April 10 and 17 with Dave Swanson of Swanson Design Studios to present the report to the congregation and to respond to questions. Renaissance Sunday, held on May 8, was the start of the fund-raising effort which will address the needs defined in the report.

A final Infrastructure and Restoration Report will be issued soon. We expect there will be very few changes from the draft report. The Restoration Task Force was established to define the projects that need to be carried out to meet the immediate and longer term needs of our buildings. The Infrastructure and Restoration Report defines those projects. The Board of Trustees and the Restoration Task Force have developed a draft list of projects, shared with the Renaissance Task Force, that are deemed appropriate for receiving funding early in the implementation of the report's recommendations.

The members of the Restoration Task Force; Kathy Prout, Gene Welter, Kathy MacLaren and Larry Beckon, appreciate the interest and support you have shown. In addition to reporting regularly to the Administrative Council, Finance Committee and Board of Trustees, we worked with the Renaissance Task Force, as well. All are committed to the need for Central to continue our ministry to the community and to restore and renew our buildings in the same way that we continue to restore and renew ourselves.

The Final Infrastructure and Restoration Report is the result of an independent review and analysis and forms the foundation for a master plan for the restoration and preservation of Central's buildings.

The Board of Trustees will take the lead in determining what projects need to be completed and when. Additional financial contributions will continue to be needed. When restoration has occurred, the use of the buildings and our ministries can be enhanced. The Restoration Report will come alive as projects are identified, funding provided and the projects implemented.

Again, the Restoration Task Force thanks you for your interest and support.
Story Time


-An Arizona man named Ruff wrote to a newspaper to tell about his father. Ruff said his dad's first priority was to be a good father. He supported his children in their various activities: football or baseball games, scouting, school activities, etc.

Ruff said his dad, a heavy-equipment operator, was physically big but was also big-hearted. Ruff saw him help a dog that was hurt, and go out of his way to help the poor. He saw his father's eyes moisten when he held his baby granddaughter for the first time.

His father had taught him to drive, to use tools correctly, not to be greedy, and to be respectful of others. The good father had taught his son how to be a good man.

Ruff ended his letter to the paper with these words: "I guess I thought I'd reach a point in my life where I could be self-sufficient and not need him. That was a young man's thinking. Now that I'm over 40 and he is gone, I think about him every day and miss him. And I need him.

"So for all the times I didn't say it: Dad, I love you."

-Adapted from a letter in The Arizona Republic


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