January, 2002
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
A Message for the New Year
Rev. John Boley, Senior Minister
The holidays are now behind us. I pray that everyone had a happy and healthy
holiday, that they spent it with those they love, and that the celebrations
and focus on the Christ child have brought renewal and
re-creation.
The next Christian holiday is coming up on January 6 – Epiphany. It
is when we traditionally celebrate the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem to
find baby Jesus. The Magi brought gifts to the baby, and unbeknownst to them,
started the tradition of Christmas gift giving.
We are very skilled and diligent at giving gifts to each other at Christmas
time to parents, children, other family members and friends. I wonder how
many of us ask the question, "What gift would I bring to the baby
Jesus?".
The three Magi brought gold (fit for a King), frankincense (fragrances of
beauty), and myrrh (anticipating his death). What would you bring the baby
Jesus? Allow me to suggest a few possibilities.
We might give the gift of attention - attention to God, attention to the
redeeming work of Christ, and attention to the nudges of the Holy Spirit.
We might bring the gift of prayer. Prayer is perhaps the greatest gift we
can give to the triune God – the offering of love and communion to and
with God. We might bring the gift of compassion. Jesus possibly would like
no other Christmas present than our compassionate presence with other human
beings.
We might give the gift of peacemaking – being called children of God
through the positive resolution of conflict. Of course, peacemaking must
start in our own heart as we reconcile with ourselves, and then branch out
from there. We might give the gift of commitment, offering to Christ and
Christ's church our very lives for our own salvation and the wholeness of
Christ's body.
What we might offer to Jesus can best be determined in the silence of our
own thoughts and hearts. We often give tangible gifts to Christ in our giving
to the church and its ministries. However, as much as those gifts are needed,
it is the intangible ones, the ones involving our hearts, minds and spirits
that the baby Jesus wants most. Thus the greatest of all commandments: "Love
the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all of your soul, and
with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
Luke 15: 27. May God be with you!
Grace and Peace,
John
Learn Christ-like communication skills
Joi Tennant, Co-chair, Administrative Council
Talking is one of the most dangerous and frustrating things we do as human
beings! Good listening skills come naturally to almost no one. Most of the
communication mistakes we make are innocent, born out of our general ignorance
of this fine art. When things go awry in our relationships we struggle to
understand one another.
How we represent Christ in the world, in our church and families depends
to a large extent on how we express ourselves and how we give ourselves to
the listening process.
Central members are learning the ins and outs of better communication with
each other, between interest groups and with God. You are invited to attend
our next session, Saturday, January 12, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. We want
you to come even if you missed the December session. You do not need the
first session to understand what we will learn in January.
Our very good teacher, Naomi Garcia, is Ministry Consultant for the West
Michigan Conference of the UMC. We who attended in December are only beginning
to recognize how much we need her coaching and how valuable this training
is for our effectiveness as the Church. We strongly recommend this workshop
for every member of our church. It's fun, interesting, spiritually helpful,
and it draws us closer to each other as a church family.
In addition to January 12, we will have two more sessions: February 16 and
March 16. We hope you will consider joining us for each of the next three
sessions. This is a free service of our West Michigan Conference, and we
are privileged to have this opportunity right here in our own church. Please
let Pamala Phillips know if you will be in need of
childcare.
Ecumenical Service January 20
Rev. John Boley
This years's Ecumenical Service of Downtown Churches will be held on Sunday,
January 20 at 4 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Participating will be Bishop Linda Lee of the United Methodist Church, Bishop
Karl Mengeling of the Lansing Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, and offering
the homily will be Bishop Edward Lee of the Episcopal Diocese of Western
Michigan.
Correction
The memorial service for Sylvia Flink was not held in Lansing as announced
in the last Central Journal. Instead it was held December 15 in Stanton,
Michigan.
Educational Notes
Pamala Phillips, Director of Education and Youth
Happy 2002!!
God bless us everyone!!
Blessings and Grace and Peace and Love and Health to each of you, now and
through-out the year. We have several exciting classes and activities
planned between now and the
end of our Church School Year in late May.
Adult Electives:
Sunday Mornings – 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Beginning Sunday, January 6 in the Second Floor Lounge, Joi Tennant will be teaching an adult elective from a fascinating new book by Lee Strobel, The Case For Faith.
The class is especially timely for new members. More information can be found
on page 10. We hope you will consider joining us for this soul-searching
time of sharing and learning as we begin the New Year.
The Coffee House Discussion Groups will continue to meet in the First Floor
Lounge.
The Genesis to Revelations Bible Study will continue in the Second Floor
Conference Room.
Bible Study Groups
Marcus Borgus – Reading the Bible again for the first time
January – Sunday evenings 5:30 – 7 p.m. – break for Lent and
then resume through May – John Boley and Keith Pohl.
Lenten Study
Lent comes early this year. Sunday mornings during the six Sundays of Lent,
the Sunday sermon will explore one of the components of our church vision
statement. A sermon talk-back Sunday school class will follow.
Sunday evening – soup and bread 5:30 – 7 p.m. Personal reflection
on church visioning and development.
"A Partridge in a pear tree"
People often think of the twelve days of Christmas as the days preceding
Christmas day. Actually, Christmas is a season of the Christian year that
lasts for 12 days beginning December 25 until January 6--the Day of Epiphany.
Epiphany is when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light
of the world and recalls the journey of the Magi.
One explanation of the origin of the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas,
is that it was written during a period of persecution when it was not safe
to worship openly. Accordingly, the song has two levels of interpretation,
the surface meaning and an underlying meaning known only to members of the
church. Each element in the carol is a code word for a faith
reality.
1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ. 2. The two turtledoves are
the Old and New Testaments. 3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and
love. 4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels. 5. The five gold rings
recall the torah (Law) the first five books of the Old Testament. 6. The
six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation. 7. Seven swans a-swimming
represent the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit. 8. The eight maids a-milking
are the eight Beatitudes. 9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the
spirit (Gal. 5) 10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments. 11.
Eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples. 12. Twelve
drummers drumming symbolize the 12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed.
There you have it, the hidden meaning of The Twelve Days of Christmas and
the secret behind the song.
(Content from the Internet)
Building security system active
David Schuurmans, Board of Trustees
The electronic security system in the church building is now operable. It
will be turned on at night when the building is closed. If you wish to enter
the building at special times, other than during the day or early evening,
contact the church office ahead of time.
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director
A national Convocation of United Methodists in the Worship
Arts...
Provides...the single richest opportunity imaginable for gaining insight
into, and information about worship possibilities.
Consider, if you will, the beauty of seven hundred wonderful voices combining
under the leadership of a gifted clinician and accompanied by one of the
foremost church organists of this time. All this and more were readily accessible
at the 2001 Convocation in Washington, D.C.
This gathering clearly provided something for every category of worship planner:
class offerings in liturgy, philosophy, choral conducting, handbell playing
and conducting, adult choir repertoire, youth choir repertoire, children's
choir repertoire, organ repertoire, service playing, accompanying, and creative
movement were prefaced each day by rich worship experiences led by national
Methodist leaders.
Similarly, each day ended with diverse, well-placed worship designs that
touched the hearts and intellects of all who were in attendance.
Mary Kay Beall and John Carter, composers of some of the richest choral music
literature of this time, were key contributors to this significant
event.
David Cherwien, one of today's top composers of organ music, presented his
own music, capably executed very tough literature of other composers and
infused a finely-honed sense of humor into all his presentations.
For this continuing education experience, I am most grateful. It was a time
when all that's been poured out over the course of a year could be restored
and nurtured.
It provided a scholarly and worshipful environment that was among the richest
a church musician could ever hope to find.
Christmas Eve special music...lifted up warm offerings to God and
gently touched the hearts of all those in attendance. Thanks so very much
to all who participated:
Chancel Choir….Ron Gibbs….Portia Cole
Sam Holoweiko….Diane Ebersole….Spirit Singers
Liz Ebersole….Bill Tennant, Jr.….Meg Ebersole
Bill Tennant, Sr…..Alice Generalow
Sip and Sing afterglow hopefully, stays with us the whole year long.
A wonderful time of unity, fellowship, and common focus, these Advent Sunday
morning blessings are further enhanced by the wonderful breakfast treats.
We had as many as ninety people singing on some Sundays!
Special thanks goes to Pat Mort for leading the singing, to the Wangens for
organizing the continental breakfasts, to Meg and Liz Ebersole, Will Forgrave,
and Pamala Phillips for assisting with piano accompaniment.
Tears in the eyes? Yes, The Meaning of Christmas, written by Randi
Bolding and performed on December 16 by the Children's Choir and Wesley
Choristers, brought tears to the eyes of many parents and grandparents. It
featured each child who lifted up letters from the word "Christmas" and
highlighted their fine singing abilities. Thank you, kids, for doing a great
job. Thank you, parents, for your ongoing support.
Wisdom of the Wise Guys...clearly pointed them to the Star in the
East. The Youth Musical Group did a fantastic job of presenting Wise Guys
and Starry Skies in fellowship hall. Under the leadership of Randi Bolding,
the students overcame obstacles of the morning (a missing light board and
hidden-from-view piano) to present a heart-warming and humorous rendition
of their travels to Bethlehem. We thank parents for their support and students
for their hard work.
Saint-Saens' Christmas Oratorio well received. To all who played a
part in this meaningful endeavor, we give sincere thanks. The December 9
presentation demonstrated the fine capabilities of Director Alice Generalow,
the Chancel Choir voices, as well as the guest soloists and instrumentalists.
Feedback from the congregation was most enthusiastic. The joint venture with
Holt UMC presented a time of focused musical striving in combination with
good
fellowship.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
How can it possibly be 2002! Seems like I was just changing the calendar
to September! Hope your holiday season was one filled with love, joy and
lots of time with family and friends.
Christmas by Candlelight allright
A big "thank you" to all who made Christmas by Candlelight a success:
To Judy Grove Circle for all their work stamping stationery and bookmarks and setting and cleaning up
To Rebekah/Ruth Circle for hosting the punch bowl.
To Gretchen Gleason and her students for a lovely program.
To Shirley Goodrich for the piano accompaniment.
To Margaret Holmes for arranging with Estes Leadley to help sponsor our Candlelight.
To Wayne Lawrence of Estes Leadley for being open to sponsoring our Candlelight.
To Donna Reynolds for helping us purchase our beautiful new lead crystal candleholders and tea lights.
To the hostesses who made the desserts and helped make each guest feel welcome.
I have received lots of feedback on Candlelight – all of it positive.
I hope all of you who attended feel as positive about the
experience.
Christmas in July? As you are putting away your holiday decorations this
year, and you run across things you won't be using again, set them aside
for our "Christmas in July" sale. Be sure and mark the containers and put
them somewhere in your house where you can find them easily in July. We will
announce the date and place for the sale at that time. Arline Roe has seen
sales of this type in the past and they have done quite well for those
involved.
NO Mission Team in January! See you February 5, 6:30 p.m.
A huge "thank you" to Mary Bowers...for agreeing to be UMW Treasurer. Mary,
you have no idea how excited we are to have you working with us on the Mission
Team. Welcome!
Upcoming UMW Opportunities For the year 2002
Cookie Dough Sale , March – CUMC
Centennial Celebration Community House,
March 3, 3 p.m., - Grand Rapids First UMC
Lenten Brunch, March 23, - CUMC
Legislative Day, April 10, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. -CUMC
Spring Retreat, April 19-20, "Yours, Mine and Ours", - Wesley
Woods
UMW Assembly, April 25-28, "Sing a New Song!" - Pennsylvania Convention Center,
Philadelphia, PA
School of Christian Mission, July 17-19, Drive in Day, July 20, - Holt
UMW
Lansing District Annual, September 18, - Eaton Rapids UMC
Community House Fundraising Dinner, October 1, Meijer Gardens, - Grand
Rapids
West Michigan Conference Annual, October 11-12, - Petoskey
UMC
Please remember
UMW Missions are year-round. If you'd like to get a "jump" on your pledge
for 2002, please give it to your treasurer or any member of the Mission Team.
Thanks!
Join a mission Project
The Lansing District Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Task Force wants to connect
members of Lansing District United Methodist Churches with opportunities
for mission work. Often there are a few people in a church who would like
to participate in a mission project but don't know anyone else in their church
who would like to or can go on a project.
The Lansing District VIM Task Force is a group of people who have participated
in mission projects and who want to help others find a way to participate
in some of the most rewarding experiences that one can have. Contact Rev.
John Boley for more information.
2002 Stewardship Campaign Update
Bob Wangen, Chair, Finance Committee
We have completed the campaign for 2002 and I want to thank the members of
the congregation for their continued support to the ministry of Central United
Methodist Church. 2001 has not been an easy year for our community, our church,
or our nation. A wise man once said, "It is important to remember at times
like this, that there have always been times like this!"
A review of the pattern of member pledging reveals the following distribution:
3% (8 members) $5,000 +
1% (2 members) $4,000 — $4,999
6% (17 members) $3,000 — $3,999
10% (26 members) $2,000 — $2,999
17% (50 members) $1,000 — $1,999
21% (63 members) $1— $999
42% (121 members) Do not pledge
Thanks to the dedication and devotion of the leadership of Central committees
and commissions, we have been able to meet all of our financial obligations
for 2001 and pay 100% of our Apportionments
As you may recall, we began 2001 with a budget that projected a deficit.
As of the December Finance Committee meeting, it appears that, once again,
we project more expenses than revenue.
Last year a number of incidents occurred that allowed us to reduce personnel
expenses dramatically. Additionally, in March, all committees and commissions
were asked to reduce spending to a bare minimum. These actions and the creative
use of existing resources allowed us to end 2001 in a good financial
position.
I ask ALL members of Central United Methodist Church to remember the oath
they took at their baptism to support the church through their prayers, presence,
gifts, and service.
Prayers — Pray for our church, for its ability to continue its vital
ministry in the Lansing Area.
Presence — Attend Sunday worship AND other events such as Sunday School, potluck dinners, Second Sunday Brunch, organ concerts, Saturday Youth Basketball and other group activities.
Gifts — Pledge and give generously to support your church. Sacrifice one or two cups of coffee, a dessert, a video, and place that money in the collection plate.
Service — Give of yourself, give your time to the service of others.
Central Church is a vital ministry with multiple opportunities for service.
As a friend of minein Scouting told a group, "We don't need experts, we only
need those who are willing to serve."
In Timothy 4:6, Paul writes, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished
the race. I have kept the faith." My friends, we must now run with determination
the race that has been set before us.
Among Friends
Thank you...
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your prayers, cards and kind words
that you have heaped upon me and my family. God bless all of you.
C. Jon Holmes
Thank you for encircling my mother, Bette O'Brien Pate, with love in visits
and cards and prayers as a congregation during her eight year stay at Burcham
Hills Health Center.
She loved to sing with our Christmas carolers. She was uplifted by visits with Rev. Anderson and Rev. Boley, Arline Roe, Mary Jessup, and others for sure.
I appreciate your expressions of sympathy and concern with her passing.
Pam Jennett
A big "thank you" to all who helped with, and donated for, the recent funeral
luncheons and receptions. You are all greatly appreciated. I couldn't do
it without you. In Christian love.
Arline Roe
Remember...
Linda Bates – at home recovering
Jack Lansing – at home recovering from back surgery
Ed Keen – at home recovering from surgery
Agnes Gamble – recovering from hip surgery
Lisa Kennedy – at parents home
Dominic Parker – at home recovering
Celia Lounsbury – at Sparrow
hospital
Transitions...
Memorial services were held for:
Herb Norton December 11
Vivian Taylor December 18
Be a Warm, Welcoming Worshiper
Joi Tennant – Suggestions from Igniting Ministry
Three ways to help us consciously be more welcoming all of the time when
we gather to worship God, that will assure that EVERYONE who worships in
our church will be greeted and welcomed are:
1. "Circle of 10" -- Everyone who comes within 10 feet of you will be genuinely
and warmly greeted.
2. "Rule of 3" -- Church members are encouraged to spend the first three minutes after the service greeting and talking with people whom they do not know. This will assure that contact is made with all who are guests. Visitors usually will leave the sanctuary within three minutes of the service ending. Regular attendees will remain longer.
3. Use these "welcoming conversation" steps:
Greet – "Hello, glad to have you with us today."
Assure – "Are you visiting?" "Can I help you find the restroom, elevator or nursery?" "Can I take you down to our coffee hour?"
Show interest – "Do you live in the area?" "Are you new to Lansing?"
Serve – "Here's the first hymn we're singing today."
Express commonality – "We're just getting used to using two hymnals, too." "Did you have trouble finding a place to park?"
Give and Receive – Give a few minutes of your time. Thank the guest for coming.
Close – "We hope you will be back with us
again."
Marriage Encounter
Marriage is a journey. You can grow and make discoveries along the way. Couples
often settle for less than their true potential. Come and experience all
that you can be as a couple. More information and dates: Chuck and Dalice
Yost (313) 937-1051
Engaged Encounter
"Engaged Encounter is the best marriage preparation program in communication
for engaged couples of any denomination in the U.S." - Michael J. McManus,
author and syndicated columnist. More information and dates: Paul and Deb
Blake (517) 668-0500.
An affiliate of the General Board of Discipleship.
TRY A NEW THING
2002 Daily Bible Reading Guide
Rev. Frank Anderson, Minister of Visitation
Reading can put a new perspective on most anything. Devotional or religious
readings have a unique capability of affecting our overall view-point of
life day by day. Dread or dreariness can vanish with a solid dose of good
thoughts. And, where else might we find this benefit than in the Holy Bible
or good devotional literature?
The Jan-Feb 2002 copy of The Upper Room is not a beginner's source. Yet it
is easily understood. Take this, for example, from the Editor's page: "God's
love both generates and regenerates human life. Regardless of who you are,
where you live, what you have done, how well or how poorly you have lived,
God loves you now and forever." Can you top that? Great thoughts come from
great books and literature.
Another new thing, perhaps - I read the Bible almost every day to some extent.
But what? There are 66 books to choose from. Well, I will use a method (we
are Methodists!) with help from the 2002 Daily Bible Reading Guide. Look
for it enclosed with this issue of our Central Journal. It is reasonable,
faith centered, based on experiences, and scriptural. Try
it!
Hudy Holiday barrel
Elaine Brown, Mission Commission
As the barrel for the Hudy family goes on its way, the Commission on Global
Ministries would like to say 'thank you' to the congregation for your very
generous response to our holiday wish list. With shipping arrangements made
by the General Board of Global Ministries, the barrel left Lansing on December
5. It is expected to arrive in La Paz in early January.
In the barrel are all of the items you donated, as well as items purchased
from your cash donations. The children were the primary emphasis of the wish
list, and we hope that Benjamin, Jonaton, and Peter's students will have
hours of fun with their books, toys, puzzles and games. We did not forget
the adults. It is our hope that the family will have as much fun exploring
the barrel as we had filling it.
Again thank you for becoming involved, and for giving so generously.
It's Not About the Bike – My Journey Back to Life
Book review by Betty Corbishley
Lance Armstrong, with the help of Sally Jenkins, sports reporter, writes
of his winning the Tour de France in 1999. He received his first bike at
seven years and entered his first triathlon, including biking, at 13 years.
Soon, biking and winning races became his life. He was considered a world
class athlete in his early twenties.
However, to him, the important story is his bout with cancer, the long months
enduring chemotherapy, and his fight to live and regain his physical
strength.
Because he was able to conquer the 2,290 mile road race, "the single most
grueling sporting event on the face of the earth," he could look back and
say that "cancer was the best thing that happened to me...the most important
and shaping event in my life."
It is an amazing story of the sport of professional biking and the endurance
of one man who fought cancer and won.
It's Not About the Bike – My Journey back to life, was given to our
library as a gift in memory of George Voorhis by his
family.
Come One; Come All...
and carry the Christmas spirit into the new year. As we bask in the memories
of a glorious season, please examine your personal calendar-of-events to
see whether you can find time for music ministry. There is a variety of choices,
all meeting on Thursday evenings and all providing opportunities for spiritual
growth, as well as good fellowship:
Spirit Singers – 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Bell Ringers - 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Chancel Choir- 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
The Light of the world comes
The word Epiphany is derived from the Greek word, epiphaneia. It refers to
the "showing forth or appearance" of the Savior to the wise men who were
Gentiles. The message is that Christ is for every person - Jew or Gentile
- and that is a cause for us to rejoice and celebrate the coming of the Savior
as the Light for the whole world.
From Newsletter, Newsletter
ELDERBERRYS on alert
Rev. Frank Anderson
The New Year for Elderberrys will begin on Tuesday morning, January 8, at
10:30 a.m. A remarkable program is expected dealing with telephone scams
and solicitation of the elderly in our communities. Mr. Josh Ard, agent for
Cooley Law School, will arrange for our speaker. Lunch will be served in
the church dining room by Meals on Wheels for a $2.00 donation.
Parking can be found in the Presbyterian Church parking lot at Ottawa and
Pine Streets. Our van will shuttle folks to Central before and after our
meeting. Don't miss this exciting program and ministry. Sign up in Fellowship
Hall or phone the church office at 485-9477 for
reservations.
Editor's note: This memorial article is in reference to Veterans Day, November
11, 2001.
Remember and Honor
Gwen Bodine
My brother, Bryan S. Halter, Jr., and I, would like to remember members of
our family and all the fathers, mothers, husband, wives, sons and daughters
who have served or are presently serving in our armed forces whom, over hundreds
of years, have protected, and continue to do so, our great country from those
who threaten our very existence with their violence.
We need also to honor all those fire fighters, police officers, emergency
workers, doctors, nurses and each citizen who has so dedicated themselves
to the thousands lost and their survivors, during the terrorist's attacks.
Our father, Col. Bryan S. Halter, Sr., served during
WWII and retired from regular army after 30 years.
My first husband, Maj. Paul M. Nestler, served in WWII and the Korean Conflict
where he lost his life.
My second husband, Lt. Col. George O. Bodine, served in WWII and retired
with 30 years of service.
My daughter, Staff Sgt. Gail L. Bodine, served during the Vietnam conflict
in the Marine Corp.
Our uncle, Capt. Harry Williams, served during WWII.
May our prayers go out to all the young and old while we honor those who
have so willingly given for us. May God bless them all.
Amen.
Investigating the toughest objections to Christianity
Joi Tennant
A new 12-week adult Sunday School elective will begin January 6. We will
study the latest book by Lee Strobel, The Case for Faith. Strobel takes the
reader on his own journey to answer the question: Is it possible to be a
thinker and a Bible-believing Christian at the same time?
Strobel was the award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and an
atheist who set out to disprove Christianity's claims about Jesus. His previous
best seller, The Case for Christ, tells his story of that investigation and
how it resulted in his own conversion. Now in The Case for Faith he uses
the same interrogation and communication skills to probe eight soul-searching
difficult questions against Christianity.
"Is it possible to be a thinker and a Bible-believing Christian at the same
time?"
This will be a great opportunity for anyone at any stage of their faith growth
to face and discuss seriously these issues that most of us struggle to
understand. Subjects we will focus on include evil and suffering, evolution,
miracles, only one way to God?, the punishment of hell, the violence of church
history, and others.
Participants in this class should plan to read about 20 pages per week in
preparation for each Sunday's study. This is captivating reading. We are
able to provide this book at half price ($5.00) for all class members. We
will meet in the second floor lounge at 11:15 a.m. after coffee hour. Joi
Tennant will be the class discussion leader. Anyone is welcome to attend
at any time.
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