Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
January,
2004
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
OPEN DOOR MINISTRY – What’s It All About?
By Joi Tennant
Central UMC, because of the vision for hospitality inherent in the creation
of our Temple House, has naturally accepted it’s role in the community
as a kind of refuge and place of hope for the people who come through our
doors during the week into the evening hours. As you are probably aware,
this ministry has gradually expanded to include a food bank, Thursday Fellowship
Lunch and hospitality program, as well as discretionary funds from our Ministry
of Kindness.
Three years ago we began to explore ways to become even more intentional
about our call to serve the strangers who come to us off the street, and
our task force, Central’s Open Door Ministry, was created. As we desire
for all people to recognize a welcoming, inviting attitude from our volunteer
receptionists and our professional staff, we also admit that we have often
been stressed to manage the many needs these visitors bring with them while
we try to continue the normal agenda of our church’s program. We applied
to the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) for a Church and Community
Worker for this ministry. This person’s job would be to find ways to
answer many of the unmet needs of the folks we welcome each day, as well
as to coordinate other appropriate services, some of which we would provide.
In spite of their interest in our proposal, however, the GBGM turned us down
because of the sharp reduction in their operating funds under difficult economic
times.
Knowing that the need was ever present, Pastor Russell and Justin Sleight
led us in a search for funding from outside sources. The result of that search
was a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, which is enough to pay the salary
and benefits for a person to oversee our Open Door Ministry, and will leave
us with a small operating budget for the first year. Part of our grant requires
that we obtain $15,000 in matching funds, which we are presently working
on. Some of this money may come from Conference and GBGM sources. Because
we recognize the strict bare-bones condition of our own church budget, we
will establish our Open Door Ministry as an official non-profit organization
which requires that we incorporate and have a board of directors. In the
job description, we included the task of creating a budget and seeking the
funding to continue our program.
It is our intention and desire that Central will continue to “own”
this ministry in spirit and deed. All the ways that we serve the homeless
and low-income people in downtown Lansing will be the same and yet better
because our Church and Community Worker will handle the major responsibility;
decisions and problem-solving; taking the heavy load off our volunteers who
we will depend on to continue to work in most of the jobs they do now. And
we will request more involvement from other churches through financial and
volunteer assistance. As we get organized and identify the ways we can more
effectively help our neighbors, we hope that this ministry will gradually
expand to become the heart of Central’s outreach into the community.
Members and Friends:
We are claiming in faith and looking forward to a Happy and Prosperous New
Year in 2004 for you and the Central Church Family. Also, many of us are
thankful for 2003 as a great and pivotal year. The weekly challenges of an
aging building, declining economic resources, the physical and mental health
needs of people, the neglect of our poor and homeless population and the
devastating conditions throughout the world, proved to be an opportunity
for us to be actively prayerful in our ministry and reliance on the power
of God.
We kept on serving, giving and doing what we thought was the will of God,
in the midst of these circumstances. Thirty-four people joined the church
and l84 families have made financial pledges totaling $312,000, which will
almost cover the proposed budget 100%. We are preparing to replace the roof
on the Temple House. This is much needed. So we are pleased with God’s
participation in our collective lives.
The Kellogg Foundation, along with our resources, and other local churches
in the area, have given us the necessary funding to recruit staff for our
participation in the Open Door Ministry. So I am pleased to introduce Ms.
Cris Bobier, with more than 16 years experience in outreach ministries at
the Potter Park UMC, as our Executive Director, Open Door Ministry, at Central.
Ms. Bobier brings the necessary skills to coordinate and develop support
for the outreach ministries.
She serves as Lay Leader for the West Michigan Conference and was elected
as a delegate to General Conference. What a beautiful Christian woman! Our
doors at Central, on behalf of these places, will be open and a reflection
of the “Open Doors, Open Hearts and Open Minds” logo.
Regarding our other staff needs and ministries, we will continue recruiting
and identifying persons to strengthen Christian Education, Evangelism and
Visitation, Disciple Bible Study and Stewardship Programming in the life
of Central. We are pleased with the music ministry. It is inspirational and
creative. Keep praying for us to be faithful in downtown Lansing and beyond.
Emmanuel! God is with us!
Rev. Russell McReynolds
Youth News
January 4 – Both Groups
1 – 2:30 P.M.
Shovel and run
Bring 50 cents for mission project
Snacks: Zahra Sadry
January 11 – Both Groups
5 – 6:30 p.m.
Bring 50 cents for mission project
Topic: Drugs and Alcohol – guest speaker
Snacks: Grettenberger family
January 18 – Both Groups
5 – 6:30 p.m.
Bring lots of wind for a surprise guest
you won’t want to miss
Bring 50 cents for mission project
Snacks: Forgraves
January 25 – Both Groups
Meet at church at 3 p.m.
Drive to nursing home and play board
games, billiards, etc. with residents
Return to church by 4:45 p.m.
Silver Bells in the City a Ringing Success
Once again I would like to thank all of the individuals who volunteered for
CUMC’s fundraising event during Silver Bells in the City. We sold a
whopping three hundred hot dogs and 84 slices of pizza, as well as other
goodies, and gave away endless cups of hot coffee to passersby. It was a
hectic evening but a wonderful opportunity to use Fellowship Hall for what
it is intended for– fellowship! For those who were unable to attend
this year, and for those who worked graciously, I hope to see you all again
next year. —Alicia Ingram
IS PRAYER ALL THAT NECESSARY?
By Rev. Francis Anderson, Ret.
As nearly all who read the Central Journal know, I am invited by our Pastor
to provide the morning Pastoral Prayer once in a while. It is a privilege
that I covet as a retiree. Some have asked whether I have it prepared, or
written out. No, it is extemporaneous and offered without forethought. Yet,
practice makes perfect, it is said. That is to say, I try to practice prayers
by words daily to a greater or lesser extent. Perhaps you do, too.
But, is prayer necessary when we have so much going for us? I think of medical
advances, family and friends surrounding us, our own determination and grit
to become well. Who needs prayer, anyway? If we were perfect in every way,
I guess none of us would. Still, the minister intones, "Let us pray". And
no one in my experience will reject a true offer to pray.
Why, then, do we question the power of prayer? Has not the Body of Christ
the assigned task of praying for one another? Is there a stigma attached
to prayer as if it is a sign of weakness? Well, yes, partly. We are at best
all "standing in the need of prayer". Somewhere I remember a saying that
goes, "Prayer changes people and people change things".
Give acceptance to our weekly "Prayer List for Members and Friends". Let
it be a vehicle of grace and mercy not just for the sick, but for all of
us who call on the Lord. The true believer prays to God and accepts the prayers
of others. We do need prayer. Often. All kinds. Every one of God's people,
and others outside the fold. Prayer is simply communing or talking with God
our Creator. And listening as well. It's a good habit to have and cultivate.
We can't do better than this. Praying matters.
MusicNotes
By Caryn Welter
Happy New Year, Everyone!
Many thanks to the faithful few Wesley Choristers who sang so beautifully
in December, the Youth for their energetic arrangement of Feeling Good, the
Youth Orchestra for its first worship involvement of the year and for
accompanying Sip 'n' Sing, Chris Carter and his guitarist friend for accompanying
Sip 'n' Sing, the Spirit Singers for two great pieces and the Chancel Choir's
artful, musical contributions to worship. Section leaders, as always, lent
their wonderfully trained voices and fine leadership styles to all the Chancel
Choir work.
Did you ever think we could have so much fantastic talent shared on Christmas
Eve? We sincerely thank all who participated:
· Carillon recital - 9:15-9:45 p.m. Jan Keen; 9:45-10:15 p.m. Sally
Harwood
· Suzanne MacLaren, vocalist - O Come, All Ye Faithful, arranged by
John F. Wadd
· Sam Holoweiko, percussionist; Simon and Seth Holoweiko, trumpeters
Favorite Carols
· Bryce Berry, vocalist - Comfort Ye, from The Messiah, by G. F. Handel
· Janet Geissler, flautist - Medley of Traditional Christmas Carols,
arranged by Gilliam and McCaskill
· Mary Boudreau and Susan Grettenberger, vocalists - Silent Night, arranged
by Rhonda Polay
· Liz Ebersole and Ron Gibbs, euphonium and trombone duo - Christmas
medley
· Portia Cole, vocalist - Do You Hear What I Hear, by Shagne/Regney
· The Tennant Trio: Bill Tennant, Jr., violinist; Bill Tennant, Sr.,
clarinetist; Jim Tennant, cellist - Selected Carols
· Jessica Allen, vocalist - O Holy Night, by Adolphe Adam
· Carillon recital - Diane, Liz, and Meg Ebersole
From the L:ibrary
Ed Spink, Win Anderson, Library Task Force
These titles have been added to the Ralph Goodell Memorial Library thanks
to donations from the Fall book “sale” and Memorials:
Lewis & Clark, Voyage of Discovery — Stephen Ambrose
Christopher Is Not Afraid - Anymore — Craig Burris
The Hornet's Nest — Jimmy Carter
Tommie's Little Christmas Pageant — Tomie dePaola
The First Thanksgiving — Linda Hayward
Shepherds Abiding — Jan Karon
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? — Bill Martin, Jr.
Did your New Years resolutions include reading more good literature?
Scripture for Life
In this space we feature a Bible verse that has had a particular impact on
the life of one of our members.-Ed.
I lift up my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes
from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. —Psalm 121: 1-2 NRSV
Gladys Gilson
Do you envy Mary or Joseph? No? I cannot imagine that happening. Poor Mary.
What a burden to be innocently pregnant, so young, no money and alone. No
one to share her burden. But the Lord sent a strong, loving Joseph. And leaving
town was, no doubt, a blessing. When her time came to deliver, another door
opened. Away from the noisy revelers to a quiet, peaceful manger. But to
my modern day living, neither my nose, nor the rest of my body, could find
great comfort in a bed of hay surrounded by animals living through their
natural functions.
But lo and behold!, to be visited there by three kings bringing gifts for
every day necessities and luxuries! Talk about a miracle! Surely their Creator
and God was watching over their safety and comfort.
Be not afraid! So many, many times said in the Bible. And yet, we as humans
continue to have human weaknesses. Our strength comes from the Lord. Help
us, oh Lord, to be strong through you.
“T’was the night before Christmas.”
See the appeal from the Methodist Children’s Home Society enclosed in
the January Journal.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
I hope you all had a good Christmas Season and are looking forward to a
prosperous 2004.
Because of your faithfulness, Central UMW was able to do something in 2003
most units just dream of - we were able to increase our pledge to the District.
Think of it! With your help, missions and programs know they can fully count
on us. With your help children can go to a safe place after school instead
of to an empty house. Senior citizens have a place to go with others. Babies
have a chance of a healthy start in life. Youth have places to go other than
the streets. Families can focus on each other and strengthening their
relationships. Bible women in Third World countries have the necessary resources
and training to do their jobs. Mid-wives help deliver healthy babies. God's
love surrounds the world several times over - all with the aid of your paid
pledges to UMW. Thank you.
We're now in a new year. There will be new challenges for us all. With God's
help we will make it through them, stronger in our resolve and faith. Prayerfully
consider your pledge for 2004. Remember the infants, children, youth, women
and men you help nurture around the world. We accept pledge money all year
round - not just in the Fall. Let's strive to keep the spirit going in UMW
- this year and beyond.
Mission Team will not meet in January. If you have concerns, please let one
of the Team members know.
Saturday, January 3 is an Epiphany Breakfast at Holt United Methodist Church.
Watch the Central Journal for upcoming details of our Lenten Brunch. If you
are interested in joining an existing Circle or starting a new one, please
contact Pat Mort, Beth Murley or Linda Towsley. We are always open to new
possibilities!
Ministerial Student Scholarships
By Dale Kirkby
The Scholarship Committee has awarded scholarships to Jim Mort of Lansing
and Michelle Childs of Grand Ledge as they pursue their education in ministry
to the UMC. These scholarship funds have been provided by a member of Central
UMC and will be awarded annually to ministerial students living in Lansing
and the surrounding communities.
Committee organizes past for future
By Robert Jenkins, Historical Committee
Members of the Historical Committee have been, for a number of years, checking
reams of old documents; Sunday bulletins, Central Journals and photographs,
discarding duplicates and placing each one in a file.
These files are in alphabetical order in an index book in the file cabinet.
There are files for each one of the pastors who have served Central (United)
Methodist Church. Much of the history of our church can be found in these
files. Another good source of information can be found in the booklet entitled
“Reaching for the Peak” by J. Geoffrey Moore.
If you have photos to give to the Historical Committee, make sure that the
date, event and person’s names in the photo are noted carefully on the
back of the picture. We will put the photos in an album in chronological
order.
Please contact Richard Roush or Robert Jenkins if you wish to use the history
files. If you remove items, please place a note in the file with the name
of the item, your name and date removed.
! HELP! HELP! HELP! HELP!
We are seeking additional people to help put historical facts about Central
(United) Methodist Church together so future generations will know more about
the heritage of our church. If you enjoy delving into old documents, reports
and photographs, we have just the place for you.
Why not give Rich Roush a call at 321-1350, or leave your name at the church
office and someone will contact you. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Centralniters — Meet Sunday, January 11, for lunch at Coral
Gables at 12:30 P.M., then on to Norway, a travelogue at Chippewa Middle
School, Richard’s auditorium on Okemos Rd. and Kinewa Dr. at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $7. Please make reservations with Bob and Peg Stebbins at
372-5690.
Among Friends
Remember...
At press time...
David Bednar – Lamont, MI
Ruth Burden – At home
Margaret Ebersole – Great Lakes Christian Home
Marie Gibbs – Sparrow Hospital
Ralph Gibbs – Sparrow Hospital
Jack Lansing – At home
Ruth Norton – Highland Home, Jackson
Carolyn Schuurmans – At home
Rex and Ruth Smith – At home
Transitions…
Martha Haskins died November 26 and was laid to
rest in Evergreen Cemetary on December 1.
Thank you…
….to my friends at Central. It is with much appreciation that I thank
you for your prayers, cards and visits during my hospitalization and
convolescence. And many thanks to Rev. McReynolds and Rev. Anderson for their
continued support.
Margaret Ebersole
Words cannot express my gratitude for the love, concern and support you have
all shown with visits, calls or cards during my recent illness. Thank you,
Russell, for coming to the hospital the day of surgery. I am doing well and
glad to be back to work and in service to such a wonderful and caring
congregation.
Pat Basgall, Administrative Secretary
...for sending the Central Journal to us each month. We always look forward
to reading “what’s new.” We want to offer our congratulations
to Jess E. Pinch – our old friend – on her 50th anniversary with
Central. Carl especially wants to congratulate Jamie Zimmer on her work as
Ad-Council Chairperson. Best wishes from, On Top of the World, Clearwater,
FL. Centralites are welcome to visit us any time.
Betty and Carl Leiby
Dear All,
The love gifts you gave us touched our hearts deeply. Such thoughtful generosity
was yet another example of your ongoing attitude of caring and graciousness.
For that and for all the things you do on a daily basis to offer support,
encouragement, and assistance, we are most grateful. May you and your families
have a blessed New Year.
In Christian love, The Central Staff
Elderberries
By Francis Anderson
CENTRAL'S Older Adult Ministry had 21 present at our December meeting. The
Singers from the Matinee Musicale numbered 23, and included Seth Farrow,
Director; Nola Deal, accompaniest; and Henry Nelson on the Bass viola and
flute. We were royally entertained, ending with a brief sing-a-long. We thank
these people coming to see us at such a time as Christmas. ELDERBERRYS will
next meet on Tuesday, January 13, 2004.
Church and Society Active
Joyce Joranko, Co-chair, Church and Society Commission
Church and Society of the United Methodist Church functions at all levels:
national, state and local. One of the primary resources to be used as a guide
is The Social Principles. In Michigan we have been involved in a weekend
workshop on Peace and Justice issues. Our local commission constructed the
following outline as a guide. We wish CUMC members to watch for our activities,
to join with us as your heart dictates, and to call with any questions
(485-6425).
The Christian Social Concerns Commission of the Church
Focus: social service, social education, social witness/social action –
to further the ministry and witness of the church.
Funding: Distribution of the Lancen Fund moneys held in trust with income
to be used to provide relief in specified ways in assisting the under privileged.
Education: Sponsor adult classes on social justice for church and community
participation.
Service: Support Thursday Fellowship Lunch and Ministry of Kindness Fund
– both offer a ministry of friendship; caring and assistance that is
welcoming the outcast, downtrodden and poor to find help and hope within
the walls of our church.
Advocacy: Support groups such as G.L.A.D.E. and Shalom Center for Peace and
Justice, monitor issues of concern such as global warming and capital punishment,
and process our concerns by letter writing and other peaceful ways.
Inter-church cooperation: Partner with other churches in projects.
Trustee Progress...
By Susan Grettenberger, Chair, Board of Trustees
Using and Cleaning the building: Do you ever have a meeting to schedule at
church? Do you need help with set-up in the building? Because the church
is running on a very minimal budget for building staff, those who do work
here are very busy. It is often not possible for Tom or the building attendants
to assist you without some advance planning. There is a great deal of other
work to do in the building. In addition, all the building staff have specific
jobs to do. It would be really helpful to staff if you could coordinate events
with them in advance.
To make the church run more smoothly, please schedule events and plan set-ups
at least a week in advance with Pat Basgall. Remember that the staff are
in ministry with the rest of us - please be patient with them, and respect
the fact that you may not be the only priority for them at that moment. In
a word, treat them as you would want to be treated!
The other thing to keep in mind is that the church, due to budget constraints,
really does not have enough paid staff to clean the church from top to bottom,
as is needed. Many volunteers help clean the church each week. The building
is not as ‘shiny’ as we would like, but we plan to schedule another
volunteer cleaning day to get some extra cleaning in the corners done. Look
for those opportunities to help keep the building up
We hope the information in previous journals about the building projects
has been helpful. Trustees will continue to give out information regularly
without being overwhelming. Please talk to the trustees if you have questions.
David DeVinney, Claudia McLellan, and I are especially available. Other trustees
are Chris Mason, Dan Schneider and Cathy Prout.
One last item: Three people have completed their terms on the Board of Trustees.
Deep and heartfelt thanks to Dave Schuurmans, Charlie Bell and Linda Bates
for their ministry to the church during their terms on the Board. And welcome
to our new trustees: Mark Graham, Dale Kirkby, Steve Pifer and Gene Welter.
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