January, 2000
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual Growth
Membership Guidelines Affirmed
Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is a joyful privilege by which we become fully integrated into Christ's body – the community of faith. But it does not come lightly. In fact, it can be costly. In Luke 14:28-33, Jesus refers to the cost of discipleship, explaining that before we enlist as his followers, we need to understand the discipleship requires commitment, humility and servanthood.
These membership guidelines have been affirmed by the Administrative Council of CUMC and deal with the meaning of membership in this local congregation of Christ's Holy Church. A vow all members make upon joining a United Methodist Church is that we will be loyal to the United Methodist church and uphold it with "our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service." The following briefly explains our understanding of this vow.
Prayers: Prayers are needed for our church, its mission work in this community, in this state, nation and world; for those listed each week during joys and concerns expressed during worship; for our staff; for ourselves; and for any special needs we are aware of during each day. God answers prayer, and we should "pray without ceasing."
Presence: Our primary joy and obligation as Christians is to worship
God. It is imperative to our own spiritual growth, and the growth of Christ's
church, to join in Sunday worship on a regular basis. Christians grow through
regular worship and fellowship in the community of faith.
Gifts: God loves a cheerful giver! All members are encouraged
to be regular, proportionate givers, striving toward the tithe, and pledging
to the outreach, nurture and upkeep of the church.
Service: There are opportunities for all to serve and no gift
of time and talent is too small! Serving on committees...joining the
choir...teaching...pouring coffee...assisting in worship...emptying the trash.
The opportunities are endless and we understand, as Paul did in 1 Corinthians
12, that all parts of the Body of Christ are essential. Look around. See
where Christ is leading and jump in.
While this policy applies to all members, it is understood there are people
(i.e. homebound, college attendees, etc.) who will need to be creative and
"bloom where they are planted." God needs disciples wherever we find ourselves.
If you live in another city, you might want to consider becoming an associate
or affiliate member of this church, with your primary membership in a church
in your city. Associate and affiliate members are entitled to all privileges
of membership as they relate to baptisms, weddings and funerals.
All members of CUMC are strongly encouraged to participate fully in the life
of our church, in counting the cost of discipleship, and saying, Yes! to
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Welcome! We're glad you're here.
Pastor's Pen
In my perusing of fun stuff recently I found this; Ray Waddle's personal
list of the top ten religion events of the 20th century (in chronological
order). I think he is right on target, so I'll repeat it:
1.Pentecostalism. It started in a Los Angeles church in 1906, a new, physical
way to feeling the power of God. Today, more than 400 million people worldwide
agree.
2.Apparitions of Mary. In 1917, three children in Fatima, Portugal, reported
messages from the Virgin Mary. Since then, apparitions made it possible for
millions to talk about miracles in the modern world.
3.Scopes Trial. Dayton, Tenn., staged the Trial of the Century in 1925. This
science v. religion clash set the tone for a century of give and take between
two worldviews.
4.The Holocaust. It redefined evil, crushed naïve notions about the
ways of God and made possible the State of Israel.
5.Rediscovering Jesus. Unearthed the Dead Sea Scrolls and desert Gnostic
texts offered new images of the Savior.
6.New Age religions. Mingling Eastern and Western ideas gave baby boomers
an alternative spirituality in a time of disillusionment with organized
religion.
7.The Civil Rights Movement. This political revolution was nurtured in church
basements, led by preachers and stirred by the words of Jesus, Gandhi and
Henry David Thoreau.
8.Ban on organized school prayer. In the 1960's, this signaled the collapse
of the Protestant establishment, unchallenged for 200 years, and started
a culture war of church / state legal showdowns.
9.Vatican II. The Roman Catholic Church, the world's biggest Christian body
entered a fresh engagement with contemporary culture. By the end of the century,
the pope was a world celebrity.
10.Women rising. The advent of women ministers and rabbis changed the look
of religious leadership and revolutionized theology.
All of this is to say that the Holy Spirit is present and active, ensuring
that the church is vital and alive and moving forward.
John Boley
Member Deaths
Gale A. Gardner ………….…... December 9, 1999
Edward B. Spence …………..… December 17, 1999
Please Take Note …
Funeral Planning Book available at the Church Office
Let the Choice be Mine, A personal guide and workbook for planning your own
funeral
By Cathy Robertson
This book was written from the author's association with the funeral profession
and from dealing with the death of her parents. It has been endorsed by the
National Funeral Directors Association as being one of the most complete
books of its kind on the market today. When a death occurs, there are over
50 decisions that must be made within 24 hours and many more in the following
few days. This book provides information to help in making your decisions
and a place to record your personal choices and required information. For
more information, contact Pat Basgall. She has a copy in the office and is
able to purchase additional copies if anyone is interested.
Central hosts Grief Seminar
Are you in grief over the loss of a loved one? If so, there will be a grief
seminar held here at Central UMC on Saturday, February 12th from 9:30 to
11:30 a.m. For additional details, contact Rev. Boley or check the February
Journal.
Greeting Cards/Personal Care items needed
Margaret Woolcocks reports that she is again busy cutting out and attaching
used greeting card pictures onto paper care sacks (filled with personal care
products) for distribution at our weekly Fellowship Lunch. If you have used
cards to spare, please drop them off at the church office. Margaret also
accepts new (unused) greeting cards for free distribution at the lunches.
Memorial Services pending
Mr. Gale A. Gardner, member of Central United Methodist Church who was widowed
in 1990, died in Altoona, Florida, on December 9th, 1999. Memorial Services
are pending at Greater Lansing's Estes-Leadley Funeral Home and will be announced
later.
Reminder
Our church Administrative Council meets the third Wednesday of most months.
The next meeting is at 7:30 p.m., January 19th at the church. All church
members are invited to these monthly sessions either as a participant or
observer.
Member addresses Needed
Current addresses are needed for the following members of CUMC: Louise Arthur,
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Blossey, and Edna D. Raby. If you are able to help,
please contact Pat Basgall at the Church Office.
Thanks for the memories!!!
Sent fondly from Marie Manson
Dear Friends at Central:
My heart overflows with the memories of the reception in my honor. It was
such a wonderful tribute and so many participated. Others sent warm and loving
notes. I miss my Sundays at Central; they were a highlight in my week. My
kind regards to Central's fine staff. They were a joy to work with. Now,
my new life at Meadow Lakes is working out fine.
Red Roses ...
To Pat Mort for leading the December Sip-n-Sing and to Caryn Welter for playing
the piano so that a joyful noise could be made unto the Lord! Bob & Pat
Wangen, Bill McCracken & Dave Mills were hosts for the mini-breakfast
consumed between songs
To Ruth and Herb Norton for their many past years of leading Sip-n-Sing.
To Mary Albery for writing and directing the Christmas Pageant. To the Chancel,
Youth, Children's & Wesley Choirs for raising their voices in song, and
to Caryn Welter for being a faithful organist and pianist. To Joe O'Shea
for narrating the pageant and to the many participants who portrayed important
persons from our history.
United Methodist Women
By Pat Mort, President
Here's hoping you and your families are enjoying a peace-filled Holiday Season.
God's Love Made Manifest is here with us today!
Bethlehem of Judea
A little child,
A shining star.
A stable rude,
The door ajar.
Yet in that place,
So crude, forlorn,
The Hope of all
The world was born.
Author Unknown
The sheer joy this brings fills me from the top of my head to the soles of
my feet. Our God is Glorious. I want to dance with glee; I want to sing an
aria; I want to hug the world; I want to thank God for all the blessings
I've received. I want to be the best Child of God I can.
A giant THANK YOU to each and every one of you who paid your pledge this
year! We were able to pay our District pledge in full – something I
feel strongly we need to do, not only for the sake of those the pledge goes
to help but our commitment to be God's hands and feet on earth.
We will be working on the new budget at our next Mission Team Meeting, Tuesday,
January 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the Centennial Room. All interested parties are
welcome to come. In 1999 we had the Meijer Dinner to help us with the budget.
What new and exciting ideas can we come up with for 2000? It's a fresh start.
Think of what types of projects you'd support, both as money makers and for
programming. We are always looking for new, creative ideas. Remember something
that worked particularly well in the past? Read of a good project you think
Lansing Central should hook up with? Let us know! Come to Mission Team –
or leave word at the Church in the UMW Box. Suggestions are not only welcome
– they are encouraged!
The District's annual Epiphany Breakfast is January 6 at Grace UMC. Registration
forms are available at the church in the UMW box in the 1st Floor Lounge.
If you have trouble finding it, please ask someone at the desk or call Pat
or Linda Towsley and we'll put in your reservation for you.
Set aside February 29, 2000, for a Leap Year Event at Central! We promise
you it will be well worth your while to come! If it snows – we'll do
it anyway! More details in the February Journal.
Year 2000 Schedule
January, no Suzanna Wesley meeting
January 6 Epiphany Breakfast, Lansing Grace UMC, 9–11:30 a.m.
March 3 World Day of Prayer, Church Women United
March 25 Legislative Day, Holt UMC
May 5 May Fellowship Day Church Women United
July 20-23 School of Christian Mission, Calvin College, Grand Rapids
September 21 Lansing District Annual, Hastings UMC, 9-3 p.m.
October 16-17 School of the North, Gaylord UMC
October 21 Conference Annual, Lansing First UMC
November 3 World Community Day, Church Women United
From Miss Michelle
Happy New Year!!! Hope to see all the old and hopefully new faces involved
with the children's and youth programs this year! See you at rehearsal! Parents
and friends, thank you so much for helping out for all our rehearsals and
programs. Your help is appreciated!
Ecumenical Jubilee Service
Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 23, for an Ecumenical Worship Service
at St. Mary Cathedral celebrating the Jubilee. Five downtown churches will
be participating with five choirs helping in the celebration. There will
be a potluck for everyone at 6:00 p.m. in the St. Mary Parish Hall, and then
the worship service will be at 7:00 p.m. All are invited and it will probably
be a first among the downtown churches.
Michelle Smith
Working Together
By Lois Myers
Now that the holiday festivities are over, our attention goes to the basketball
players and coaches. Several decades ago, there was one remarkable coach
who had a great influence on his players. Yes, he wanted to have his team
win, but winning was not the most important part. What mattered more to him
was helping his players work together, urging them to improve individually,
and having a goal to achieve. This coach I have referred to is John Wooden,
UCLA coach, who now lives in California. His ideas are as important to us
today as they were some years ago. In fact, our church library has John Wooden's
story, "They Call Me Coach." If you are interested, this book can be checked
out in the usual procedure.
News from the Trustees
By Jim Mort, Chairperson, Board of Trustees
When you read this, it is now the year 2000. This is a good time to look
back at some of the improvement projects that have been completed in our
building during 1999. Following is a listing of some of the more significant
changes that have been completed this last year.
1.Several steam traps in the heating system were replaced and some split
steam pipes were
repaired.
2.Repairs to the frame of the large stained glass window overlooking the
church parking lot.
3.The carpeting in the second floor lounge was removed and the hardwood floor
waxed.
4.The repair of a large hole in the sacristy wall.
5.The rebuilding of the outside chapel steps.
6.New cabinets were installed in the Fellowship Hall kitchenette.
7.New chairs were purchased for the second floor lounge and conference
room.
8.Repairs were made to the outside of the bell tower on the southeast
corner.
9.Repairs to the plaster in the southwest stairwell to the Sanctuary.
10.Modifications were made to the communion rail to allow us to use it in
the Sanctuary again.
11.The men's locker room was re-tiled and painted.
12.Upgrading the security system to include the first floor offices and
installation of a security system in the church apartment.
13.Separation of the steam system from the hot water system in the church.
14.Updating the kitchen in the church apartment.
As you can see, a lot has been accomplished in 1999. More work remains to
be done in 2000. One of the major projects that will be underway fairly soon
is restoration work in the Mary Sabina Chapel. As some of you may know, the
chapel suffered steam damage in 1999. The plaster and some of the hand painted
symbols on the ceilings and walls were damaged along with water damage to
the pews. The New Millennium company, which specializes in historical
restoration, will be doing the work. This company worked on the paint restoration
when the state capital building was restored recently. You might find it
interesting that when they were here to give the estimate for the work on
the chapel, they were very impressed with the chapel and complimented us
on our "treasure." Also, the artisans of New Millennium will be offering
classes in gold leafing and stencil cutting. It is important for us to take
care of our building. But let us always remember that our first allegiance
is not to Central but to God. In this new year, let us always remember to
put God first in whatever we say and do. May you be aware of God's many
blessings.
Jim
Elderberrys go forth into the new Millennium
Submitted by Rev. Frank Anderson
Central United Methodist Church has a special group for persons 55 and older
(about) that is beginning to flourish. We hope to see it grow. The meeting
of Elderberrys on December 3rd in the Dining Room saw 24 people present,
as Mrs. Chris Hollister explained to us Lifetime Services of Sparrow Hospital.
Frank Anderson gave devotions and Marjorie Sleight introduced the guest speaker.
Volunteers helped in the kitchen. The new Group of "older heads" was informed
about parking in the Presbyterian lot off of Pine near the northwest corner.
Jim Hane drives our van to shuttle people to CUMC. At our meeting, we discussed
just a little about the needs and interests of older adults in Central. From
our 2-hour meeting, that included lunch at only $2.00, we decided to meet
the 2nd Tuesday in January, in February, and in March. Lois Myers, Betty
Corbishley, and Virginia Cantwell agreed to help make plans for us. We regret
Denise Dunn moved to another position in the Lansing area and left Elderberrys,
which was one of her "progeny". She is missed. Jan Mort, now on the Staff,
will be our mainstay in looking ahead I'm sure. All going OK, we will meet
on Tuesday, January 11th, 2000, starting at 10:30 a.m. The program is yet
to be announced. Call in to the Office (485-9477) to give your reservation
for lunch.
Thanks.
Educational Opportunities
By Janet Mort, Christian Education Associate
UNIT 4 – Time and Again (January 16 - March 5)
Whole People of God – Joi Tennant – Centennial Room
New Member Class – Rev. John Boley – 2nd Floor Conference Room
Faith Lesson Series Continues (pick up text from last month's Journal)
Join the New Adult Class The Jesus I Never Knew (Second Floor Lounge) January
16th we will begin a new class based on the Philip Yancey book The Jesus
I Never Knew. This book takes a fresh and challenging look at Jesus' family,
teachings, miracles, death and resurrection. Come and join us to see if this
is a study for you.
New members at Central
Chad and Ann Haines both came from the Topeka, Kansas area to Lansing for
studies at the college and post-grad levels. Ann enrolled in Cooley Law School
and Chad later came to attend Lansing Community College. They will both graduate
in May. She will have her Juris Doctorate degree and his will be in Computer
Sciences. They had pre-marital counseling with Reverend John and were married
back home just last June When returning to Lansing, they decided to have
Central as their first church home. Both are interested in playing golf,
and Chad likes bowling as well. With studies taking up a good deal of time,
recreation and other interests have been minimal. They have just now finished
the grueling time of semester finals. Ann, incidentally, found herself to
be in the same class with "Miss Michelle" Smith, our own children and youth
choirs director. Their upbeat spirit and youth are most welcome among us,
and we're so glad they have joined us at Central.
Amy Fox is no stranger to Central. She was a daughter of Judy and Bud (Norman)
Fox and while growing up attended Sunday School here. Remarriage included
another family of Central when Judy married Duane Vernon, already affiliated
here. Ann's father Bud with wife Carolyn now reside in Albion. Amy graduated
from MSU having studied in the field of Employment Relations. She has lived
elsewhere for some seven years and in June returned to Lansing. She is employed
as an Investment Educator here and has a thought to return to school to become
an elementary school teacher. She enjoys golf and loves having fun with her
nieces Katie and Sarah, daughters of her sister and brother-in-law JoAnn
and Tom Klein, also Central members. She also spends time in the craft of
scrapbooking. We warmly welcome her back as a full member into the fold of
Central United Methodist.
Congratulations to our new Confirmands
Ian Boley, a 7th grader at McDonald Middle School, is the son of John and
Diane Boley.
Zack Brendahl, a 6th grader at Gardner M.S., is the grandson of Joyce Brendahl
and son of Kristine Brendahl.
Jenna Caulkett, a 9th grader at Okemos High School, is the daughter of Daniel
and Gail Caulkett.
Amanda Caulkett, a 6th grader at Okemos Middle School, is the daughter of
Daniel and Gail Caulkett.
Will Forgrave, a 7th grader at Waverly Middle School, is the son of Rob and
Anne Forgrave.
Antonio Jordan, a 6th grader at Pattengill, Middle School is the son of Susan
Grettenberger and Mary Boudreau.
Bill Lansing, a 9th grader at Eastern High School, is the son of Jack and
Barb Lansing.
Peter Mason, an 8th grader at Grand Ledge Middle School, is the son of Peter
and Dace Mason.
Jim Pasch, a 7th grader at Mason Middle School, is the son of Tom and Barb
Pasch.
Tom Pasch, a 6th grader at Mason Middle School, is the son of Tom and Barb
Pasch.
Kendra Schneider, a 6th grader at Pattengill Middle School, is the daughter
of Dan and Carol Schneider.
New Church officers for Year 2000
Ad Council Chairpersons: Bill and Joi Tennant
Ad Council Secretary: Joanne Harvey
Lay Leader: Patrica Mort
Lay Member Annual Conference: Karen Holoweiko
Finance Committee Chairperson: Bob Wangen
Staff/Parish Committee Chairperson: Pat Bell
Church Treasurer: Ruth Holmes
Financial Secretary: Ruthann Jaquette, Staff
Church Historian: Richard Roush
Christian Educator: Jan Mort, Staff
Church and Society Chairperson: Joyce Joranko
Education Chairperson: Leigh Ann Maxwell-Riddle
Evangelism/Nurture Chairperson: Marjorie Sleight
Evangelism/Outreach Chairperson: C. Jon Holmes
Global Ministries Co-Chairpersons: Carolyn Schuurmans and Joi Tennant
Worship Chairperson: Mary Albery
Children's Coordinator: Julie Cooper
United Methodist Women: Patricia Mort
Quiet Moments
Editor Comment: Quiet Moments is a monthly column where readers contribute
material appropriate to its theme. For January, Pat Basgall, Central staff
member, contributes this thought-provoking story. She hopes that you will
find its message, as she did, especially meaningful as we enter the 21st
Century.
A BEAUTIFUL STORY:
A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting
in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I
know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to
eat."
"Is the man of the house home?", they asked. "No," she said. "He's out."
"Then we cannot come in," they replied. In the evening when her husband came
home, she told him what had happened.
"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!" The woman went out and invited
the men in. "We do not go into a house together," they replied. "Why is that?"
she wanted to know. One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he
said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He
is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your
husband which one of us you want in your home."
The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed.
"How nice!!," he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let
him come and fill our home with wealth!" His wife disagreed. "My dear, why
don't we invite Success?" Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other
corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not
be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"
"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."
The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please
come in and be our guest." Love got up and started walking toward the
house.
The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth
and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?" The old men replied
together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've
stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with Him.
Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!!!"
— Author unknown
Youth Report
By Jamie Tipton
Twist the Night Away
Get ready to revisit your past and 'Twist the Night Away'! On February 23,
2000 the youth will be hosting The Family Night Sock Hop! So dust off your
dancin' shoes, poodle skirts, bobby socks, and leather jackets. We want to
see Central's members get creative! There will be music to get those feet
movin', games and prizes, and a few special guests. Tickets will go on sale
January 16 at the rate of $3/person, $5/couple, $10/family. If purchased
at the door, the rates will increase by $2 per person/couple/family. Come
on out for a lot of fun and fellowship ...Don't be SQUARE!
Partners For Preservation
By Jon Reynolds, Committee Chairperson
Tax Information for Partners for Preservation
In a recent article, the tax benefits of assigning ownership of a life insurance
policy to CUMC was discussed. C.J. Holmes has offered addition information
clarifying the tax position of life insurance when transferred to CUMC.
"A member of the congregation can transfer a life insurance policy to CUMC
and take an income tax deduction in the current year for the full amount
of the cash value of the policy at the time it is transferred. However, to
be able to have the deduction, the insured must transfer complete ownership
to CUMC. The insured can't retain any incidence of ownership whatsoever in
order to be able to claim an income tax deduction in the current year for
this Transfer."
"If an insured wishes to wait and have CUMC be the beneficiary at the time
of the members death, then he or she could name CUMC as the beneficiary
immediately and they would retain full ownership of the policy and could
use the cash value for themselves during their lifetimes. At the time of
their death CUMC would receive the proceeds income tax free and the insurer's
estate would receive a charitable deduction for the face amount of the policy,
if the policy was $100,000 their estate would receive $1 00,000 charitable
deduction for this transfer."
"In summary then we have two different types of gifts in these examples.
1) A current income tax deduction is only available if all incidences of
ownership in the policy are assigned to CUMC. Once the policy ownership has
been transferred to CUMC then subsequent premium payments by the insured
are also income tax deductible as long as the insured wishes to make these
payments. 2) Making CUMC the beneficiary of the policy and retaining the
ownership and use of the policy while the insured is alive still allows for
a charitable deduction for the insurer's estate at the time of the death
of the insured."
"It is my personal feeling that life insurance is an excellent way to help
Partners For Preservation. By assigning the policies to either a current
income tax deduction or a later charitable estate tax deduction allows an
advantage to the insured in the way that he is most interested."
"One major advantage for Partners For Preservation that we did not mention
is that the face amount of the insurance policy, say $50,000, gives CUMC
a multiple of your premium contribution. Unless you live to be age 100 it
would be very difficult for you to pay in premiums anything near the face
amount of the policy itself. So when you transfer a policy for Partners For
Preservation you are giving them a multiple of your premium gift on a yearly
basis. This is really a win-win situation for you if you need an income tax
deduction now and a win-win situation for CUMC as they receive the proceeds
to allow the building to continue to house all of CUMC's Activities."
You must take the initiative to prevent the state from being your beneficiary.
Review your options with your insurance counselor. Call the church or visit
our web site at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc to learn more.
A prayer for a new beginning ...
Touch me, O Lord, with the spirit of truth that I may be honest about my
sins and failures. Forgive me for treating your covenant lightly and at times
ignoring it completely. Enable me to truly seek and know forgiveness for
all the hurts I have caused, for harboring ill will and for any hardness
of heart I may have. Please renew a right spirit within me that I may today
begin to be more Christ-like and that my life may reveal Christ's love and
light. In his name. Amen.
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