Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                          January, 2003

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

A Message From The Pastor

Members and Friends:

I have been reviewing the video tape series, Eyes on the Prize, for the January 20 celebration of the national holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These tapes document the Civil Rights movement from the 50's through the 80's giving an excellent interpretation of Dr. King and the other participants in the struggle to overcome. This material is both inspirational and informative.

Dr. King is appreciated for organizing powerless people - mostly African Americans at the beginning of the struggle - into a force that confronts racial segregation and discrimination against people of color in the South and even throughout the rest of the U.S. Although slavery had legally ended in 1865, following the Civil War, there continued to be institutional efforts to keep African Americans less than fully involved U.S. citizens. Share cropping,100 years of lynchings, segregated and poor educational opportunities and voting privileges denied; all contributed to perpetuating injustice. The institutional approach was "separate but equal", with very little evidence of equality.

Black people in the South experienced overt injustices and racial discrimination. The Ku Klux Klan kept Blacks and Jews intimidated and fear driven. With these circumstances as every day experiences, it is miraculous that King and others could courageously lead people in bus boycotts, marches and other kinds of demonstrations for change. They were like grasshoppers going before a giant. It showed us that God is able.

The powerless and disenfranchised Blacks organized around the strategy of nonviolent direct action and resistance. They, through King's leadership, refused to use violence to retaliate. Water hoses, church bombings, killings and other forms of injustice were met with soul force. Armed only with the power of God and the rightness of the cause, they were able to overcome and bring about the dismantling of segregation and racial discrimination. Their theme song was, We Shall Overcome.

Dr. King, however, (and this is a reason to celebrate), created a real stir within the Black community when he opposed the Viet Nam war. Some Blacks and powerful white politicians believed King did not have the right to oppose the war. President Johnson, who was doing many things to advance Civil Rights and even used the expression, "we shall overcome", in a major speech, became upset with King, arguing that he should stick to civil rights and not mix war concerns with the Civil Rights agenda. But Dr. King, with a deep commitment to God, thought otherwise. He was opposed to segregating his ethics. Now, years later, people can see the wisdom of King's opposition to the war.

These and many other reasons justify the need to recognize the struggle for civil rights and Dr. King as a national hero. Therefore, be intentional about knowing the man, King, and the other freedom fighters who helped to make the U.S. a better place for all people.

Russell McReynolds
Education News
Bob Roth, Director of Christian Formation

Getting To Know Who?

Whew! Now wasn't that a pretty busy first half of the (school) year? A compelling variety of Adult Electives, a fine group of committed children's and youth Sunday School teachers, mid-week Bible Study classes and a full youth fellowship schedule all contributed to the thoughtful pursuit of Christian discipleship at Central Church.

We celebrate the church's Charge Conference addition of three new age-level positions that will be a boon to our ministry: Mary Bowers as Children's Coordinator, Pam Abbey Roth as Youth Coordinator, and Pat Bell as Adult Coordinator.

You will receive this during a brief mid-year break. This is the time for reflecting on the most faithful and helpful ways for us to build our Christian education program together in the second half of the year. Some electives have ended, creating "spaces" for new ones. (Reminder: Keith Pohl's Class on John Shelby Spong's book, A New Christianity for a New World, re-convenes on January Sundays at 5 p.m.

We still pray for more kindergarten to third graders in our Sunday School. More nursery workers are still needed.

As with most churches, the majority of our adults do not participate in any Christian education activities. Deeply meaningful things are happening, but how do we involve more people? Here's where your input is critical. If you have opinions and/or insights along these lines, please take a few minutes and jot down your thoughts on the following questions, handing them in to our Education chair Julie Cooper or myself. Thank-you.

What are one or two topics for adult electives to which you believe at least 10-12 people would respond for at least a five-week series?

Should we ask the Church & Society Committee to pull together another series related to a topic of social concern for Christian people? Any ideas?

Would youth families free up time for a confirmation class in the second half of the (school) year?

Would you like to see a class on one of the following? "From Theology To Polity: Methodism Today", "Understanding Christian Worship", "Prayer, Mysticism, and Spiritual Disciples", "Why Minor League Baseball Matters" (Just kidding about the last one!)

Are you interested in "field trips" to the Jewish synagogue, Orthodox church, Islamic Center, and the Hindu temple?


News for Youth!

January 5 - 5 – 7 p.m. Middle School Program (see youth newsletter)

4 p.m. Senior Highs leave church for matinee movie

January 12 - 5 – 7 p.m. Both groups have programs (youth newsletter)

January 19 - 5 – 7 p.m. Both groups: planning for bake sale auction fundraiser

January 26 - 5 – 7 p.m. Both groups: Funnnn Niiiight

Youth Families, please mark your calendars now:

February 28 – March 2: Middle School Retreat, Judson Collins Camp

March 28 – 30: High School Retreat, Judson Collins Camp

April 24 – 27: Ichthus Christian Music Festival in Kentucky

Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

As we greet the New Year, there's an exciting attitude of hope and expectancy in the air. One look around the sanctuary on Sunday morning tells you there are feelings of optimism as we plan for 2003. Please accept sincere wishes from the Music Department for your best year ever, a year during which each and every one of us can reach out to our God and to others through prayerful service and participation.

Alice Generalow sends warm greetings and a big thank-you from Parma, Ohio, for the generous love gift you gave her on the last day she served as Central's Chancel Choir Director. She's gradually working her way through the unpacking at home and in the workplace. She seems to be very happy, but says she misses all of us.

The Advent/Christmas season was made more special by participation of the Children's Choir, Wesley Choristers, Youth Musical Group, Spirit Singers, and the Chancel Choir.

Additionally, these members formed the Youth Bell Choir, directed by Kathy MacLaren: Seth Holoweiko, Paul Grettenberger, Ashley Grettenberger, Caroline MacLaren, Simon Holoweiko, John Forgrave, Caroline Thompson, Addie Forgrave, Caroline Thompson, Sam Holoweiko, Sarah Sanders, Zahra Sadry, Katie Klein, and Michelle Weinfeld.

The new Youth Orchestra, directed by Bill Tennant, Sr., included these people: Addie Forgrave, Effram Grettenberger, Ashley Grettenberger, John Forgrave, Simon Holoweiko, Katie Klein, Seth Holoweiko, Abby Cooper, Paul Grettenberger, and Sam Holoweiko.

Janet Geissler did a flute prelude on December 15. Meghan McKown, soprano, and Bryce Berry, tenor, also performed during the Christmas/Advent season. Thank you all for sharing your talents!

Sip 'n' Sing was a huge success. We thank all those who participated; those who provided the refreshments; the Chancel Choir for its flexibility in attending early rehearsals; Pat Mort, who led the singing; Kathy MacLaren, the Youth Orchestra, and Shirley Goodrich; all of whom accompanied this rich opportunity for fun, fellowship, song, and inspiration.

The Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service was blessed by the participation of many talented individuals. Diane, Meg and Liz Ebersole played the carillon from 10:00 – 10:30 p.m. The 10:30 p.m. prelude involved the Holoweiko family, the Ebersole sisters, Portia Cole and Bill Tennant, Sr. The Chancel Choir and Spirit Singers were involved in the service itself. For their generous gifts, we thank all.

Sunday, January 19, during morning worship, the Children's Choir, Wesley Choristers and Spirit Singers will sing three hymns.

Sunday, January 19 also marks one of the Downtown Churches' activities for the Week of Christian Prayer; January 18 - 25. The worship service will be held here at Central at 4:00 p.m., with refreshments to be served afterward in Fellowship Hall. If you'd like to volunteer as we prepare to host this event, please call:
Leon Martin, if you'd like to usher,
Beth Murley, if you'd like to help with the reception, and
Marge Sleight, if you'd like to greet at one of the entrances

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Another facet of the week's events invites you to participate in a blood drive. Church families and friends can donate blood and earn points for their respective churches. If you're interested, watch for more information about this.
Church Women United

The first meeting of 2003 is a salad potluck lunch at Pilgrim Congregational UCC, 125 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing, on Monday, January 13. The board meeting is at 10 a.m. The program at 1 p.m., is, In Search of God in a Land called Holy, with Leah Hinman. All are welcome.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

A blessed New Year to you all. I hope you and your family had a good holiday season. As the New Year begins, I'd like to share the following, from the November Lansing District United Methodist Women's Newsletter, Heartline. The author is unknown.

1st Corinthians 11 – For United Methodist Women

Though I attend circle meetings and make the finest plans
but have not love, there will be no growth or renewal for me.
And though I make my pledge, participate in the Reading Program,
and fill hygiene kits, but have no awareness of the UMW's mission focus,
It is not enough.

And if I spend many hours of "being involved"
And become tense and nervous with the strain,
But have no love or understanding of community & global concerns,
It is still not enough.

The United Methodist Woman is patient and kind;
Is not shocked when someone brings her their confidences,
Does not gossip;
Is not easily discouraged;
Does not behave in ways that are unworthy,
But tries at all times to be a living example
of the good way of life which HE gives.

Love never fails.
Meetings will be attended, and then forgotten.
Rummage sales will come and go.
Mission projects will be initiated, and then completed.
We know only a little. And we can pass on only a little.

But when we have love,
Then our efforts can become creative;
And our influence will make a difference for someone, somewhere.

And now abide these three:
Commitment, Participation, and Love.
But the greatest of these is love.

Epiphany Breakfast is January 4 at Lawrence Avenue UMC in Charlotte. Fliers are on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.


Our next Mission Team is January 7, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. in the Shalom Center.

Please check the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall for announcements, opportunities and news on local, District, Conference, National and International happenings.
Parking Project Progress
Pat Basgall, Administrative Secretary

After the completion of the State House parking facility in late Spring, we will gain additional parking in what will then be the Capitol Churches Coalition parking lot. Certain staff park there now to free up space in our lot on weekdays. In the meantime, arrangements have been made with 1st Presbyterian Church for our members with a permit to park in their lot during the winter.

You MUST have an updated permit with your name on it displayed on the dashboard of your car. These new permits are available at the front desk. Note: We have been asked to park on the west side of the lot only, past the garage and toward Pine Street.

If we know that there will be a large group meeting in our church and/or the weather is inclement, van transportation can be arranged from 1st Presbyterian by speaking with Pat Basgall. If you have other questions about parking, please talk to Pat.
Book reviews
By Joan Forgrave

Travel Back ….to a Simpler Time

Five new books by Philip Gulley were given to our library recently. Three of the books, Front Porch Tales, Home Town Tales and For Everything a Season, are short stories of kindness, peace and joy. Two are novels; Home to Harmony and Just Shy of Harmony. Harmony is the fictionalized hometown of Philip Gulley, a Quaker minister.

Each book tells of a time when life was uncomplicated and people knew each other by name. Folks cared for one another and were willing to do what was right—no matter the cost.

Philip Gulley takes you there in his tender stories inspired by his own hometown and the people who lived there. Each story celebrates timeless values and enduring virtues.

A sixth book, A Grandmother's Touch, is an anthology of "heartwarming stories of love across generations", by such authors as Philip Gulley, Patsy Clairmont, Emilie Barnes and many others. I hope you enjoy these book as much as I have.
Sponsor a radio broadcast in honor of a loved one and support this ministry outreach. Please contact Pat Basgall at the church office, 485-9477.

If you would like an audio or video tape of a broadcast, please contact Pat prior to the date requested if possible. There is no charge for tapes but donations are accepted.
Welcome to our New Sunday Loaves and Fishes Potluck- January 26
Joi Tennant

Sharing a meal with our church family is always a welcome warm time of fellowship with varieties of satisfying food. Beginning January 26, and on through the month of May, we will try out a new kind of potluck idea the last Sunday of each month, at 12:15 p.m. after Sunday School.

We call this our Loaves and Fishes Potluck Meal. The name implies what we are trying to accomplish – hospitality for all in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. The idea is that anyone attending our church service that day may eat with us, and we will all truly share the food that is there, being very intentional about encouraging people to bring what they have time to prepare or can afford to contribute.

This potluck will be a lot like our traditional potlucks – bring your own plates, etc., and one or two dishes of food to put on our buffet table. But it will also be slightly different.

This might mean some people will bring a bucket of KFC or a loaf of bread and peanut butter, or a ham or a bag of carrots or cookies; and others will prepare the usual casseroles and salads or desserts that they enjoy making for church dinners. It could also mean that some folks occasionally may not bring anything at all, but will feel warmly invited to eat with us.

Each month will be sponsored by a different group in our church who will do the set-up and clean-up, etc. It is also our plan to organize fun ways to encourage people to "mix"-- eat with different table companions each month--in the interest of making everyone feel welcome and included, so that we will all get to know each other better.
The Power of Prayer

We all recognize the power of prayer in our lives. One of Central's ministries of prayer is the Prayer Chain. We have several members who will pray daily for anyone who requests it. If you or someone you know would like prayers of intercession, please contact one of the people below who will pass on the request confidentially.

Daytime hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Karen Holoweiko - 626-6798 or Pat Basgall - Administrative Secretary - 485-9477

Evening hours: 5 p.m. – 8 a.m. – Pat Bell - 482-4098 or Nancy O'Shea - 482-4098
Among Friends

Thank You…

Following a potluck luncheon in the dining room on Sunday, November 24, a group of adults and youth embarked on the traditional "Hanging of the Greens" throughout the church and Temple House, under the leadership of Denise Kelley. Not only were wreaths hung and trees decorated, but a group was busy making the big red bows in Fellowship Hall. Well done!

Bob Jenkins

Thank you to everyone for all the cards and prayers. My Central Family is very important to me. I am doing better and hope to return to Sunday worship, which I dearly miss.

Margaret Woolcocks

Remember…At press time:

Gwen Bodine – Ingham Medical
Rex Smith – Ingham Medical
Betty Corbishley – Sparrow Hospital
Ruth Norton – at her daughter's home in Jackson
Mary Jessup – at home
Margaret Woolcocks – at home
Margaret Holmes – at home
Lillian Rush – at home
Muriel Kirby – at home

Transitions...

Ann Rasmussen, daughter of Bob and Jean Fowler, passed away December 11.
Fred Newman, long-time past member of Central, passed away in Arizona on November 30.

Congratulations…

Andrew Popowich and Michelle Bargenquast were married December 20.
Allen Ingram and Alicia Cousineau were married December 28.
Michael Owens and Audrey Jenkins were married December 31.

Let's turn over a new leaf this New Year. Please return long overdue books to our church library. Thanks.

Win Anderson, Library Task Force

Elderberrys has it all
Francis Anderson

The not-so-young set wishes you a good and prosperous New Year for 2003. Experience and wisdom are abundant in our ranks. Come, taste, and see. December was an occasion of learning more about the situation in The Holy Land today. Plus Caryn Welter led us in a hearty singfest of Christmas songs.

You're invited to our January meeting in the Church Dining Room, on Tuesday, January 14,at 10:30 a.m. Billy Graham of Lansing will entertain us with anecdotes, stories, jokes and songs.Luncheon for $2 and parking in First Presbyterian's lot. Sign-up on January 5 or 12.

Be an intelligent Bible reader. Most of us are content to let Sunday morning Lessons read from the lectern to be enough. But, I think not. Squeeze the scriptures into your life for 2003 in a new and different way. Just 5 or 10 minutes of guided reading daily can enrich your life beyond your expectations over time.

Let me refer you to the American Bible Society's "2003 Daily Bible Reading Guide" which I trust you received with our Central Journal. Tuck it in your Bible and utilize its suggestions for passages to read.

Remember, too, The Upper Room devotional for January-February is available at the Church
Office Desk. A line at a time can make your life divine! Though all the world should change, the
Bible sustains us through it all.
NOTE: Administrative Council changes meeting time

Beginning this month, January 8, the Administrative Council will meet on the second Wednesday of the month, at the usual 7:30 p.m. time. This is a change from the third Wednesday schedule we have had for the last couple years.

Many commissions and committees have also switched their regular meeting time to second Wednesdays. Please check the calendar on page 9 of the Central Journal printed copy.
"Live the Dream!"
Central United Methodist Church and the Economy of 2003
Bob Wangen, Chair, Finance Committee

Wednesday night, December 11, leaders of Central United Methodist Church (Administrative Council) met to have a serious discussion on the economic challenges facing Central Church as we prepare for 2003.

As many of you are aware, the state of the nation's economy has had a negative effect on the stock market. Our endowment funds, gifts from past and present members to sustain our ministry, have lost value in the stock market. This is not due to mismanagement or any mistakes on the part of the Board of Trustees or anyone else. It is simply a fact that the stock market is depressed and the value of the funds has dropped.

Distributions from these endowments provided the operating budget with over $50,000 three years ago; for the 2003 Ministry Funding Plan only $4,500 is available. As a result of the September 11 attacks, building insurance rates have increased. Steam rates from the Board of Water and Light are going up. We now own a parsonage and pay utilities and a mortgage. We will have to pay for snow plowing and other maintenance of the new parking lot. The net result of these facts is that the Ministry Funding Plan for 2003 faced a projected deficit of $111,886.

The Administrative Council faced a difficult task; how to create a workable, balanced Funding Plan and still maintain and improve the ministry and program of our church. After many hours of prayer, expressions of faith, discussion and debate, the Administrative Council voted to direct the Finance Committee to prepare a balanced Funding Plan using only funds allocated for apportionments, the Radio Broadcast Ministry and any surplus funds remaining from 2002 to accomplish this task.

The Finance Committee is dedicated to promoting the full ministry of our church, and exercises prayer discernment in fulfilling our responsibilities. We will not bring God's grace to the local and global community served by our ministry by merely cutting costs.

In another action, the Administrative Council created a Stewardship Committee that will have the mission of promoting stewardship as a year-long process rather than an annual event. The Administrative Council, the Finance Committee and the newly formed Stewardship Committee ask for your prayers, your active support and your donations in supporting and promoting our ministry.

Just as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said. " I have a dream…",

I see Central Church as the cross and flame of our downtown community and the extended family of our congregation.

I see Central Church as a safe harbor for those who need food, shelter, and an uplifted spirit.

I see Central Church as a moral compass for our legislators, and the educational community of LCC, Cooley Law School and Davenport College.

Dr. King had a dream but he didn't limit himself to dreaming; he took action, he accepted responsibility. We, the members of Central United Methodist Church, have a big job ahead. We can live the dream or we can say that will take too much work. We can accept the challenge and live the dream or we can tell the past members of Central United Methodist Church that we were not willing or able to do so.

I pray that you will choose to live the dream!
Shalom Center Update
Rev. Bob Roth

The Lansing District's Shalom Center For Justice And Peace (housed at Lansing Central) has recently played a key role in the formation of the Greater Lansing Network Against War In Iraq. The Network held a news conference on the 13th of December to announce its birth and goals---focusing on opposing any war in Iraq at this time.

If you have questions or interest, speak with Lansing Central's members on the Shalom Center Guiding Committee: Frank Joranko, Dave Mills, and Russell McReynolds.
Habitat for Humanity House Done/Celebrate!
Carolyn Schuurmans

The house at 608 S. Fairview Avenue, built by the Downtown Churches, is done. First Presbyterian, St. Paul's Episcopal, St. Mary's, St. Therese, Resurrection, Grace Lutheran and Central UMC have all worked on it.

Everyone is invited to the dedication of the house on Sunday, January 12, at 2 p.m. followed by a "finger food" party in the basement. You can meet Mary DelRio and her two children who will be living there, and tour the house. Bring a folding chair if you want to sit down, and food if you have something to share, but is not essential.

There will be a couple more workdays – one on January 4 for cleanup, window washing, etc., with youth especially invited; and a workday in May to do landscaping. Let Carolyn Schuurmans know( 321-0569) if you would like to help on these.

The Ecumenical Service at Central, Sunday, January 19, at 4 p.m., will celebrate Habitat and the offering will go to Lansing Habitat.
Thanks!

We, your church staff, would like to offer our sincere thanks for the generosity that you have expressed through your "Love Gift". Your daily expressions of support make our efforts in the ministry to Central's members and outreach programs very rewarding and meaningful.

-Your Staff


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