Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

June-July, 2006

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

Promoting Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual Growth

more good news...

Members and friends:

How can we make Central Church and The Open Door Ministry (ODM) together a more wholesome family of God? This question needs our prayerful and careful consideration with the increased challenges of having both a church family and an ODM committed to Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds.

With love of God and God's people stated in our beliefs and actions, we can do no other but serve God through ministry to God's people. We have, while serving, an active concern for the safety, security and the well-being of people connected with Central, both from the church and ODM.

Many of us are not skilled in dealing with mental health concerns or people with negative addictions. We are, at best, armed with the love of God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Most people who enter the open doors of Central claim a relationship with integrity. They say with pride, "this is my church." We know them and they know us, by name.

It is, therefore, good news when we are able to surface these concerns, which is presently happening at Central. Dealing openly with these issues is a first step toward wholeness and wellness. It minimizes the temptation to demonize that which we don't know and understand about each other. If we can create a climate of conversation and better relationships, the process of demonizing is less appealing as a way of relating to each other. Instead, we would embrace the idea of idealizing the people God places in our paths. We are all God's children. So we need to be viewed or idealized as children made in God's image. That is the more excellent way. It means you and I can love the people who belong to God.

What I am saying to you, I can say also to the people served by ODM. Don't be intimidated by the people identified as members of Central UMC. Can you imagine them being afraid of you and me? Who would dare think the people of Central as being unsafe? It is, however, a real possibility, needing attention. Some of us must encourage them to see us in an idealized way. We are not to be feared, but loved and trusted. That is the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is about unconditional love. God loves us unconditionally and we are to love each other (street and church people) the same way.

Russell

Hello my church family,

I am sending this message to express my sincerest appreciation to all of you for the tremendous support you have offered me during my law school struggle and over the last week-end during my graduation. I have arrived back in D.C. area to prepare for my bar examination in July. I returned from Lansing on Monday and I am now getting busy. Initially, after my return, I thought I must call as many members of my church family as possible to express my gratitude to them for the wonderful support over the week end. But I realized that I would not be able to accomplish that because I am getting very busy immediately, so I discarded that idea. I thought I must send one email to all of you to express what is in my heart to you. While I will, over a period of time, call some people, I will not be able to call many of you soon, so please accept my appreciation through this medium.

I was overwhelmed by the support I received over the weekend from the church and most of the church family. Some people were at my graduation ceremony, others who could not make it showed up on Sunday to participate in the reception held for me in the church. Many people gave me cards with wonderful messages, some included moneys in their cards and others donated moneys to me in various forms. It was just too wonderful for me to see how many people invested their time and resources in making my stay and the stay of my friends in Lansing satisfying. Many people helped in various ways to organize my Sunday reception, which Rev. Bob Roth coordinated.

I want to inform all of you that I am still a member of the family, and I will be in touch through various means. I will keep you posted of any success or difficulties that might come my way as I go through the next phase of my adventure, and I know the church and its good people will always be there for me. I wish to thank all of you very much, and please do accept this method of expressing my appreciation for now, since it is the most practical for me at this time. At the appropriate time, I will do more to show my appreciation. Anyone who wishes to reach me, can reach me by rickdel_gh@yahoo.com

Thank you all and may the Almighty God bless you richly, Eric Alifo

Are you in training for a big bicycle ride, or just enjoy fun, exercise and fellowship? Several members and friends are gathering to ride bicycles after church each Sunday. Bring your favorite biking outfit and water, and we'll find fun places to visit together. Also, some of us will be participating in the Lansing Area AIDS Network Liferide on June 17 and 18. For more information or to sponsor a rider, call Mary Boudreau at 372-4146 or boudrea1@msu.edu.

Education

Senior Sunday, June 11: Worship and All-Church Potluck Brunch

Please save June 11 for our all-church family celebration of our graduating seniors. We have some special programming planned in their honor during worship. Then, immediately following worship at 10:45 a.m., we will go to the dining room for an all-church potluck brunch (No Coffee Hour). Our graduates and their families will be our special guests. It will be our chance to officially congratulate our seniors and send them into their adult lives with our blessings. They have been an important part of our lives as a church family and we hope for a big turn out. The Education Commission will furnish egg casseroles and beverages. Because we want to treat the graduates and their families as our guests, please bring a generously large food contribution - salads, casseroles, desserts, coffee cakes, etc., -- for our brunch, along with your own table service. We will have the ovens on in the kitchen before church for hot foods.

Our Graduating Seniors

Students we will recognize June 11:

Danny Bolden, son of Dan and Betty Bolden. Grand Ledge H.
S. Amanda Caulkett, daughter of Dan and Gail Caulkett, Okemos H.S.
Megan DeShetler, daughter of Mark and Kathy Graham, Okemos H.S.
Antonio Grettenberger, son of Mary Boudreau and Susan Grettenberger, Eastern H.S.
Sam Holoweiko, son of Jeff Holoweiko and Karen Holoweiko, Grand Ledge
Becky Mason, daughter of Peter and Dace Mason, Grand Ledge
Ivan Parker, son of Jim and Margo Parker, Okemos
John Stotts, son of Mary Hilliard

Other students from our congregation who will receive degrees are: Liz Ebersole, Kendra Skinner, and Colleen Weinfeld.

Children's Sermons on Vacation, too

Preparing a children's sermon is a major undertaking for most of our presenters. So when summer comes and children and their families are on vacations, we think it's wise to allow our faithful children's sermon volunteers to take a break rather than uncomfortably preach to an empty row of chancel steps!

This is an appropriate time to say a big THANK-YOU to these folks who regularly say "yes" when asked to give a children's sermon: JoAnn Harvey, Pat Mort, Dave Mills, Mary Boudreau, Karen Holoweiko, Kathy MacLaren, Cris Bobier, Rev. Robert Roth, Rev. Francis Anderson, and Rev. Keith Pohl. It is such a huge blessing for the entire congregation to receive these "simple" sermons each Sunday.

Summer Sundays for Children

Sunday, June 4 will be our first Sunday on our summer schedule. Adult volunteers have been recruited to staff the nursery from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. each Sunday. The nursery is available for babies and toddlers from 9:15 until 10:00 a.m. Older children will attend worship until 9:50 and then are welcome in the nursery until their parents pick them up immediately after worship. Our nursery staff will have music, a story and a craft for the children to do during that 45 minute period. We so much appreciate the willingness of these volunteers to make this opportunity available for our young families all through the summer weeks.

Yea! Kids-2-Kids Goat Project a Success!
It looks like we are going to end up with six goats to send to needy families in the world via the Heifer International Organization. We are so thrilled with the response of our big and little kids to this three-month Sunday School mission project, which concludes on June 1. Thank you, everyone.

MusicNotes

A big thank-you goes to all the participants in this year's music programming. The variety you provide in personality, style, and focus helps to design worship that is musically rich and diverse. The most recent survey of Central's parishioners indicated those as the most highly valued attributes of music in worship. You are all a blessing to Central, and are very much appreciated.

We extend special thanks to Lindsay Kesselman, who recently ended her time with us in order to do postgraduate work at Rice University in Texas. Her gentle ways with children of the Preschool Music Program, her confidence-building with the Wesley Choristers, and her attitude of high expectations with the Youth Fine Arts Group all served Central well. She will be deeply missed, and memories of her time with us will be held in our hearts forever.

Summer music is being organized by Kathy MacLaren. She will use names from the list that was developed last year, from which 2005 participants were chosen, and includes musicians who have not yet been involved. Should you wish to be added to the master list, please email Kathy (k.maclaren@sbcgloabal.net), indicating your interest. This is an important part of summer worship, and we look forward to hearing from you.

A fundraiser to generate apportionments monies will be sponsored by the Music Department. All people from Central who like to sing are invited to join in the festivities which will culminate in two performances, Friday, September 15, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 17, at 2 p.m. The event will feature published medleys from such musicals as "Music Man," "South Pacific" and "Phantom of the Opera". The performances will be developed piecemeal, which means that you might need only to appear for one night out of three rehearsals. A work group is forming, and those who would help with organizational details are encouraged to sign up now in Fellowship Hall.

That core group will meet very briefly on June 11, between worship and the potluck. All those who wish to sing are also invited now to indicate interest on a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall. Partial rehearsals will be held August 22, 23 and 24, 6-8 p.m.; August 29, 30 and 31, 6-8 p.m.; September 5 and 6, 6-8 p.m., and September 12 and 13, 6-8 p.m., with a full dress rehearsal on Thursday, September 14, 6-9 p.m.

Lost & Found

The following is a list of items which have accumulated in the office area. If you think an item might be something you have been missing, please stop by and take a look. Any items listed which have not been claimed by June 30 will be given to the Open Door Ministry. Thank you!

Black ladies sandals
Ankle brace
Keys - On a Smithsonian lanyard
Keys with a screwdriver fob
Charm - silver cross
Mans goldtone watch
Mans leather band watch
Tac pin - gold cross
Ladies bifocal glasses
Whistle
Earrings - silver with stones
Bracelet - goldtone bangle
Necklace - beads
Bracelets - beads (2)
Bracelets - silver (2)
Dog tag necklace - Marines
Necklace - large silver cross
Key - smaller brass
Sunglasses - large to wear over other glasses
Sunglasses - black
Stainless travel mug
Sweater - ladies navy
Miscellaneous single earrings and buttons

I've learned that it is as important to forget a wrong as it is to remember a kindness.
-Anonymous

According to the May 26 issue of the Lansing State Journal, Effrem Grettenberger will be among the area's first International Baccalaureate students this fall. About 70 Eastern students have signed up to complete all or part of the two-year upper-class course path that grants diplomas recognized at universities around the world. Effrem studied hard in honors classes as he hoped for a chance to enroll in the world-class diploma program. Congratulations, Effrem, from your church family!
-Pat Mort

United Methodist Women

UMW is sponsoring a "birthday" themed picnic for Central at the new Grange Meadows Park in DeWitt Township on June 6 at 6:15p.m.

This picnic is open to any and all - men, women, children - with the only requirement of those attending to bring a dish to share and your sense of fun! UMW will provide table service, beverages and birthday cakes.

The park is located at the corner of State and Wood Roads, near the Eastwood Towne Center.

It would be great to see you there! If you need transportation, please let the church know (485-9477) and we'll see what we can do for you!

There will be a planning session held this summer to program for the fall and next year for UMW. If you have any ideas you'd like to see us do, any speakers you'd like to see us sponsor or any new circles you'd like to see formed, please let us know! You can leave us a note in the UMW box in the First Floor Lounge or talk with Linda Towsley or Pat Mort.

West Michigan Conference School of Christian Mission registration forms are on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall. Check out this wonderful opportunity to learn more about God, the world around us and yourself.

Lansing District Annual Meeting is September 20 at Millville UMC. This will be a "day" meeting. More information will be available in July. Watch the UMW Board for information and registration! Our own Amee Miller is the keynote speaker.

I want to thank all of you who have generously offered your time and energy to work during Fellowship Coffee Hour over the last few months and those who have signed up for the coming months. But I need additional volunteers. With warmer weather rapidly approaching and many members leaving Lansing for the summer, I have few volunteers signed up for June, July 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. It will only take a small amount of your time before and after church. Can you help? If you could work a Sunday or two during the summer, please sign up on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or call me at 372-9425 and I will add your name to the schedule.

--Alice Pifer, Fellowship Coffee Hour

Newly married

We are happy to announce the marriage of two of our newest members: Brad Williams and Kristin Caswell. They were married May 20 in Charlevois. And instead of giving their guests favors at their wedding, Brad and Kristin decided to give a donation to Bread for the World! Wasn't that a creative, thoughtful way to enhance their celebration? Congratulations, and we pray God's blessings on your life together, Brad and Kristin. Thanks.
-Joi Tennant

Change Challenge for right now
Joi Tennant, Chair, Mission Commission

"Noisy Sunday" offerings are Central's way to help Open Door Ministry reach out to everyday requests for financial assistance--to solve a current legitimate small crisis in someone's hard life. Cris Bobier administers this "Ministry of Kindness" money in a careful frugal way, making decisions based on her years of experience working with the poor of Lansing.

We will have our summer Noisy Sunday on July 9. Here's the challenge: How much could we collect as a congregation if each of us would put all of our change in a container at the end of the day for the next month and bring it to church on July 9? That would make a lot of noise in our Noisy Offering pails, and that would make a big difference for many deserving individuals. We would gladly receive your offering before or after that date, too!

Remember...

At press time�
Please keep these individuals in your prayers.

Central family members in Iraq and Afghanistan
Betty Ward - Tender Care South
Dan Bolden- at home
Gladys Gilson - at home
LaVinnia Roberts - at home
Muriel Kirby - Burcham Rehab
Gwen Bodine - Courts of Holt Rehab
Carol Wilkins - Ingham County Ext. Care Rehab
Mary Yard - hospice at home
Lillian Rush - hospice at St. Lawrence
Barstow Root - at home
Mark Mullins - at home
Mary Marshall - at home

Thank you...

At the recent passing of my mother, the term "church family" took on a whole new meaning: cards, flowers, memorial gifts, driving 140 miles round trip to be with us at the visitation and funeral, prayers, and more hugs then we could count. Sue and I cannot begin to express our appreciation or ever explain how much your support meant to us. It was a hard time and as the Beatles said "We get by with a little help from our friends" Thank you all.
Dave & Sue Mills

Thank you for the many expressions of support and caring during my surgery and recovery. I am so blest to be a part of this special faith family. Your thoughtfulness overwhelmed me.
Penny Zago

Second Mile Giving
(received so far in May)

Thank you very much, members and friends of Central, for the Second Mile gifts of $500 - $1000 beyond your annual pledge commitment. The Finance Committee reported over $6,600 has been received so far. Praise God! These funds will help pay our Ministry Shares ($54,000) in full. Keep praying for the stewardship of the members and friends of Central.
-Your pastor, Russell

Is Elderberrys Headstrong?
Frank Anderson

We are a people of worth. Aging for humans does not have to result in stepping aside for those of a younger generation, necessarily. As I mix in with society, however, I notice that often others will upgrade their respect when my white hair is observed by taking off my hat. This is both gratifying and disturbing. I remember the days when...

Yet ELDERBERRYS, you must realize, is for all of us (eventually) who like companionship with our peers. It gives us freedom and substantial connections. Our last meeting was an excursion to Turkeyville in the Church Van on Tuesday, May 9. The weather was perfect and it was very enjoyable, especially the turkey.

Whether to continue or close out this adult group has entered our minds. But I want to know what others think about it. Is it meeting important needs for Central Church? How can we tell? Our Church has age-level ministries to all, including infants to older heads. One does not cease being Christian at older ages. Your aims and desires change, but don't expect much diminishing of concerns just by aging. It can be a happy journey, believe me, even with conditional health issues.

So in the Fall, we presume ELDERBERRYS will resume just like all age-level ministries. Will you be here? Will I be here? Who knows? "For the Lord is your life and he will give you many years in the land he (gave) to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac. and Jacob." (from Deut. 30:20) See y'all in September! Y'all come, ya hear?

When we are true to our conscience � God's kingdom comes to us just where we are, living quite ordinarily, carrying on patiently.
-Karl Rahner

Mission "drive-in-day" Saturday, August 5

Detroit Annual Conference is sponsoring a "drive-in-day" mission trip on Saturday, August 5. Starting in Clarkston, they will visit Pontiac Baldwin Center, Methodist Children's Home, Scott Center, Detroit Central UMC, Swords to Plowshares Museum and Cass Avenue UMC. Speakers include Rev. William Robinson, Rev. Faith Fowler, Rev. Ed Rowe and Rev. William Quick. The cost is $60 and registration deadline is July 1. Call Carolyn Schuurmans, 321-0569.

Recycling Opportunities
Anita Gamble, Church and Society

As discussed on Earth Day, here are some upcoming recycling events in our area for June and July:

Eaton County

Charlotte Road Commission Garage, 1112 Reynolds Road, Charlotte

Scrap Tire Collection, June 17, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fee varies, cash or check only. Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Collection, July 14, 50 cents/lb. fee for disposal of acceptable electronics

For more information on either event, call (517) 543-7500, ext. 3686, or email recycle@eatoncounty.org.

East Lansing

Project Pride, June 3, 1400-1500 Abbott Road, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Recycling household goods or donating for re-use: small appliances, tires, batteries, athletic shoes, fixable bicycles, lawn mowers, scrap wood, scrap metal and more. Some items have a fee.

Composting bins will be available for $37.50. Native wildflowers will also be sold at the event. For more information, call Dave Smith, Environmental Specialist at (517) 337-9459.

Summertime is Reading Time!
Win Anderson, Library Task Force

When the Michigan humidity saps your strength and disposition, it's time to pick up a good book and relax in the shade or AC. Our Library has books of various authors and interests, and just to name a few:

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

The Complete Book of Bible Trivia by J. Stephen Lang

Love Stories of WW II by Larry King

Marty & Me by John Grogan
1906 by James Dalessandro

44 Cranberry Point by Debbie Macomber

Living the Psalms by Maxie Dunnam

The Old Fashioned Children's Storybook

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander M. Smith

Janette Oke - Heart for the Prairie by Laurel Oke Logan

So check out a couple books in the Library and add to your summer reading pleasure!

Thank you! from the Library Task Force

The response to the Library Book "Sale" (donation) greatly exceeded our expectations! We thank everyone who donated books and those who bought books, for their generosity. With this success, the Library Fund can continue to provide needed materials and books, and audio visuals.

A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests.

The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, "I hope he doesn't come over here." But sure enough, the man did come over to their table. "Where are you folks from?," he asked in a friendly voice. "Oklahoma," they answered. "Great to have you here in Tennessee," the stranger said, "What do you do for a living?" "I teach at a seminary," he replied.

"Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really great story for you." With that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple.

The man started, "See that mountain over there? (pointing out the restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, who's your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question!, 'Who's your daddy?' He would hide at recess and lunchtime from other students. He would avoid going into stores because that question hurt him so bad.

"When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. The boy would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?' But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the Back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, 'Son, who's your daddy?' The whole church got quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now, everyone would hear the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy?'. This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy... 'Wait a minute!' he said. 'I know who you are. I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God.' With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, 'Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it.' With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them, 'I'm a Child of God.'" The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, "Isn't that a great story?" The professor responded that it was a great story.

As the man turned to leave, he said, "You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!" And he walked away. The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over and asked her, "Do you know who that man was who just left is?" The waitress grinned and said, "Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper, the former governor of Tennessee!"

Someone in your life today needs a reminder that they're one of God's children.

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8
-Anonymous

Mary Boudreau, Evangelism Commission

The Central Church Directory is coming soon! Over 130 families have already signed up to have their photos taken for the directory, and we have room for more! Please go to the church website, www.gbgm-umc.org/ centumc, or sign up during Fellowship Hour. We still need volunteers to make this important project a success, either by hosting at a photo session, taking pictures of shut-ins, driving people to have photos taken or helping in the computerized design of the book. Please call the office or Mary Boudreau at 372-4146 or boudrea1@msu.edu.

Meijer Community Rewards: Central continues to earn money through this program. Be sure to Swipe, not Scan your card every time you shop at a Meijer store. If you haven't signed up yet, Central's Code is 882099 and applications are available at the church. We've added over $200 to our church funds through this easy program.

Radio broadcasts: Many of you have graciously helped to sponsor broadcasts this year. This is a vital ministry to the community. Please continue to help by calling the office and sponsoring a day (or part of a day). The cost is $230 and insures that Central stays on the air and in the hearts of people all over mid-Michigan.

Central gardens: This is an ongoing opportunity to enhance the beauty of our church exterior by planting, weeding, watering, trimming, etc. If you would like to help, please contact the church or Mary Boudreau. If you would like to purchase items to help in this peaceful ministry, we need: flats of annuals (particularly shade flowers), stones to put around trees, and perennials.

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