Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         January, 2006

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

God is so wonderful and awesome
      but, inspired preaching can be risk-taking
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds

Inspiration in the experience of preaching can be a dangerous and risk–taking proposition. I was thrilled to stand before the congregation and proclaim other alternatives to the giving and receiving of “stuff” that happens so often during the Christmas holidays. I was pleased on that Sunday to encourage our members and friends of other ways to prepare for the coming of the Lord. God is with us in so many other ways than exchanging gifts and presents. I really do have all that I need! Give to those who are without and who are needy for the basic necessities of life. Most of us, including me, are overly blessed with things.

Those thoughts, which were shared that Sunday, were all based on inspiration.

Until a week later. In a meeting where the discussion was on giving gifts to the staff, did I realize the danger of preaching and being held accountable for my words of inspiration. Some members of Central started quoting my inspired position. You see, as a confession, I am the person who opens every card looking for a check or cash, and then I read the thought. I am addicted to receiving gifts. Truthfully, I am the recipient of gifts all year around. With a big appetite, my participation in weddings and funerals, I am always being blessed. I can’t lose.

But, inspired preaching is truth telling. I don’t need anything anymore and I can still boast about receiving more than my fair share.

So Christmas is in relationships, smiles, hugs, conversations, healings, meals and all the other ways we do and serve each other. I am so very pleased with the members and friends of Central Church. We know how to give of ourselves and resources. I have only gratitude in my heart. I don’t want to be addicted to expecting to receive “stuff” every Christmas and miss the real gift of Salvation. For unto us a child is born in Bethlehem and the government shall be upon his shoulders. He is the prince of Peace. Indeed, the Spirit of the Lord is upon us.
Radio Broadcast Missed
Mary Boudreau, Evangelism Commission

As many of you know, our radio ministry was not broadcast for two weeks in the fall due to a broken phone line. We heard from both church members and others about how much they missed this vital ministry! In a world filled with bad news, the Central weekly broadcast is an hour of Good News for all to hear. If you would like to help continue this important ministry, please consider sponsoring a weekly broadcast. It costs $230 per week, and partial sponsorships are welcome as well. Please call the church to pick “your” week today, and you can even select an honorary or memorial message.
Shop for Central

Some of us like to shop, while others consider it a terrible chore, but we all must shop at some point. Here's an opportunity to help Central United Methodist while we shop: the Meijer's Community Partners program. When you sign up with our church code, the Meijer's corporation will donate a percentage of your purchase price to the church. It's a great way to help out, just by carrying a little card. Information will be available at church this winter.
Communion on wheels

Some people are unable to make it to the church because of illness or injury. A number of volunteers would like to offer communion to those who can't make it to the church. This service will be available after the communion service, usually the first Sunday of the month. If you feel called to help with this ministry, or would like to have a visitor bring you communion, please call the church office or Mary Boudreau at 372–4146.
The story behind Epiphany

Epiphany is the Christian festival celebrated each year on January 6. Along with Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, it is one of the oldest Christian holy days.

The festival was first celebrated in the Eastern Church (Orthodox) and was adopted in the Western church by the fourth century. Epiphany commemorates the first “showing forth” or manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, particularly the Magi or Wise Men. The Epiphany story is meant to explain that Christ was not just for the Jews, but for non–Jews (Gentiles) as well, anywhere in the world.

The eve of Epiphany is called Twelfth Night and relates to the arrival of the Wise Men from the East at the birthplace of the Lord in Bethlehem.
Education
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

JANUARY OPPORTUNITIES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION-
Experience a renewal of your faith by attending a Sunday or weekday class this year!

IN GOD'S TIME: A Class on the Book of Revelations – Tuesdays
Rev. Bill Amundsen

Why don't we read The Book of Revelations? Or Daniel? Or some of the other Bible texts that deal with the end of time? Do you tire of our conservative brothers' and sisters' approach to these texts (such as we heard at the change of the Millenium)?

I will be leading a course entitled: IN GOD'S TIME on Tuesday evenings beginning on January 3rd and running through February 21, 2006. We'll watch a video. We'll read the student helps. And we'll discuss the meanings of these “Letters from Prison.”

I hope you'll join me! This is not for some elite little band of scholars. This is for Christ's People who are trying to make good sense out of our Holy Bible. And our Christian hope will soar when we decipher these texts from a United Methodist perspective. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, 7 – 8:30 p.m., in the North end of the Dining Room.

FAITH MATTERS: Discovering the Faith
As a refresher course, as an opportunity to understand more about your faith or as an introduction to Christianity, this 6–week class is a great way to start the new year. Meet some new people and enjoy sharing your ideas while you continue to grow more comfortable with God as a part of your life. Dennis Kelley will lead this 6–week class which will meet in the Conference Room at 11:15 each Sunday morning, beginning January 8.

THE BIBLE JESUS READ
This 8–session class uses video, hand–outs and group discussion to explore the sometimes shocking and cryptic writings of the Old Testament in order to help readers know God better. Respected Christian author, Philip Yancey, serves as guide and interpretive leader of each session. In a series of in-depth interviews and explanations, he covers five crucial segments of the Old Testament: Job: Seeing in the Dark; Deuteronomy: A Taste of Bittersweet; Psalms: Spirituality in Every Key; Ecclesiastes: The End of Wisdom; The Prophets: God Talks Back. This class will meet in the Chapel at 11:15 Sunday morning, beginning January 8, with Joi Tennant leading.

Genesis to Revelation Bible Study
Leon Martin

There is a time for everything under heaven. There is a time for new beginnings. Sunday, January 8 is the time to renew our Genesis to Revelation class with the first three chapters of the book, Ecclesiastes.

The Heart of Healing Prayer DVD, Something special coming for Lent
Keith Pohl has agreed to lead a New Testament study during Sunday morning church school on the theme: The Last Hours of Jesus’ Life, a comparative study of the accounts from all four Gospels. This class will begin February 9 and go through Palm Sunday. Read more about it in next month’s Central Journal.
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better [person].
        —Benjamin Franklin
Special Use Policy
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Ad Council

On October 12, the Administrative Council unanimously passed the following Special Use Policy for Central's Buildings:

Any proposed activity, meeting, or other use of the building that has the potential for interrupting the regularly scheduled or normal use of the building shall come before the Administrative/Council for its approval. An exception shall be made only upon the approval of the senior pastor, or his/her designee, after deeming that said event fulfills the larger purpose of the church. We will list the emergency person of the day.
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

This brings warm wishes to you and your families for a happy and blessed New Year. As we all revel in the joys of yet another Christmas past, won't you join with me in thanking all the music program participants for their important role in touching our hearts deeply during Advent and Christmas. To all, we can say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

New handbell choir director, Sharon Guardei of Grand Rapids has joined the ranks of Central's staff, and has been well received by members of the bell choir. Although there's not yet an easy way to formally introduce her, hopefully you'll make yourselves known to her. She, herself, is a very accomplished ringer, and we welcome her to Central.

In the month of January, the Orchestra will be a primary focus for many of our young musicians. They will prepare a Godspell medley for January 29. Following is the tentative rehearsal schedule:

Sunday, January 8, 15, 22, 29 : 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, January 29: playing in worship

In order to appropriately accommodate the Orchestra's preparations, the Youth Fine Arts Group will not sing during the month of January.

Have you stopped upstairs to observe the Preschoolers as they're involved in musical endeavors? They are wonderfully excited about working with Miss Lindsay! Although it's not developmentally appropriate for us to expect their participation in worship, these young folks are growing as they learn rhythm patterns, keeping the beat, matching pitches. They participate in listening activities that promote more and better listening. Their praying deeply touches the hearts of those who are present. Visitors are welcome and encouraged.

Tentative Schedules for Youth and Wesley Choristers' participation in worship:

Youth Fine Arts Group:
February 5, February 26, March 12, April 9, April 30, May 14, May 21

Wesley Choristers:
January 22, February 26, March 19, April 9, April 23, April 30, May 14, May 21

The Wesley Choristers are in need of greater numbers! Those who are already involved are incredibly enthusiastic, and are terrific singers. Won't you help us to keep this as a viable group by inviting others?

New folks are always welcome to join these groups.
Perhaps this will be one of your New Year's ventures and spiritual commitments. Rehearsal times are:

Preschoolers – Sundays, 10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Wesley Choristers – Sundays, 11:00 – 11:35 a.m.
Youth Fine Arts Group – Sundays, 11:40 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Youth Orchestra – Sundays, January 8–29, 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Central Bell Ringers – Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m., beginning March 23
Spirit Singers – Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Chancel Choir – Thursdays, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Memorial funds go to protect organ
Mary Jessup, Chair, Gifts and Memorials

The Memorial and Gifts Committee has been informed that protection of the organ investment ranks high on current needs. The extreme humidity and dramatic temperature changes make the reeds unusable during the summer and cause cyphers to “blat” at the most inopportune moments. Climate control of the organ pipes will correct this deterioration.

At the November 16, 2005 meeting of the Gifts and Memorials Committee the following motion was passed: Effective December 1, 2005 all undesignated memorial contributions will build a fund for climate control of the organ until the needed $7,000 is available.

In addition to memorials, consider making contributions to this fund honoring a birth, anniversary, birthday, graduation, marriage or other significant event in the life of family or friends.
The Gospel Code
Ed Spink, Library Task Force

For The DaVinci Code readers: Just arrived in the Ralph Goodell Memorial Library, The Gospel Code: Novel Claims About Jesus, Mary Magdaline and Jesus by Ben Witherington III a professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. The author refutes the historical errors in recent writings about Jesus and the early Church.

Other recent arrivals:

The Gospel According to Disney: Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust by Orlando Sentinal religion reporter Mark I. Pinsky. The religious messages in the Disney productions are explored by the author.

The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in the Middle-earth by Ralph C. Wood. The author, University Professor of Theology and Literature at Baylor University, examines Christianity in the works of Tolkien.

Others of interest:

The Gospel According to Dr. Suess by James Kemp.

The Gospel According to Harry Potter by Connie Neal.

Help! The Library Task Force is looking for missing and long over-due books. More than 50 books are currently over due, some have been out over a year. Please check your book shelves and return as soon as you have finished your reading. Thanks for your assistance.
Fabric for P.J’s
Jeanne Fowler, Dottie Stark, Sewing Circle

This group is busy sewing every Thursday. Now that our move has taken place, we have room for more fabric. We could use stretchable cotton knits and flannel that would be appropriate for children’s pajamas. If you have any of these fabrics to share, they would be appreciated. Thank you.
Church Women United
Carolyn Schuurmans

Monday, January 9, at 12 noon
Potluck salad lunch
1 p.m. program: “Angel House”
First Christian Church on Chester, Lansing
Warm Winter Wear Wanted
Joi Tennant

Old sweatshirts, jackets, flannel shirts, work pants, snow gear, boots, socks, shoes, gloves, sweaters, coats, in all sizes and styles are always a welcome sight on the clothes rack outside the dining room when our Open Door Ministry guests stop by, shivering from the cold. We offer these free to anyone who needs them. Blankets and old sleeping bags, etc., are always in short supply. Some homeless people sleep outside or in unheated places on these cold nights. Can you help us serve the poor by donating your old clothes?
Continuous Thanks
Pat Bell, Church and Society

Church and Society, Open Door Ministries and Fellowship Lunch give thanks to all who contributed money for the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. If you missed an opportunity to give, there is always time.

Thanks also for contributing to the Food Bank collection barrels. The Food Bank Collections will continue and barrels will be placed in convenient places for you.

The needs are continuous. We are grateful for your compassionate response.
I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.
        –Martin Luther King Jr.
Among Friends

Remember...

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

Central family members in Iraq
Mary Jacobs – Burcham Health Center
Mary Yard – hospice at home
Lillian Rush – at home
Birdsall Holly – at home
Audrey Holly – at home
Ravenna McLaughlin – at home
Betty Ward – Dimondale Center
Leland Moore – Hospice House
Gladys Gilson – at home

Transitions…


Ellen Lord died November 22
Tim Welter, son of Gene and Karen Welter and father of AT, died November 28
Lois Myers died December 1
Celia Lounsbury died December 17

Thank you...

Your prayers, presence, emails, and telephone calls are combining with the presence of God in our lives, enabling us to go on. Your gifts of time, food, and contributions to AT's education fund have touched our hearts in an overwhelming outpouring of love and generosity. We were very proud when our visiting friends and family felt the hand of hospitality that was extended by Central, both in greeting them and in presenting the luncheon after Tim's service. All of this leaves us wondering how folks can ever sustain who are without their faith and without the support of a church family. For the ways you have blessed us during this very difficult time of Tim's death, we are deeply touched and shall always be grateful.
     AT, Gene, Caryn, Kirk, Amanda, and James Welter, and the extended family of Tim Welter

We would like to thank our church family for their love, support and help during my mother's hospice stay and her subsequent passing. We will all miss her spirit, vitality and her deep abiding faith.
     Lois Myers' family

Thank you to all my brothers and sisters for your support during the loss of my mom.
     Doug Lounsbury
ELDERBERRYS NOT FAINT-HEARTED
Frank Anderson

The old gospel hymn by Frances Havergal is known by many: “True–hearted, whole-hearted, faithful and loyal, King of our lives, by thy grace we will be....” Yes, we older adults cling to the things of the past. But we also long for things of the present and the future! These are perilous times, I hear, but that doesn't mean we all stop in our tracks.

December's meeting of Elderberrys was a clear reminder that, Aging Is A Gift of God. With good fellowship, inspiration, and a tasty dinner, most of us said upon leaving, “I was glad that I was here.” Come and see for yourself that these older adult ministries are an excellent way to spend a morning once a month!

The month of January 2006, we meet on Tuesday the 13th at 10:30 a.m. in the Church Dining Room. Shelley McGee of the Tri–County Office on Aging will demonstrate good health techniques for us as seniors. Group life is the way to go for Central United Methodist Church. Fix your direction in 2006, to come to Elderberrys.

In 1867, Richard Jukes coined these words as a hymn: “My heart is fixed, Eternal God, Fixed on Thee, fixed on Thee.” For the New Year we all need to fix our hearts on worthy goals.
Revered and read
In many churches, an ornate Bible lies open on the worship table. Someone once commented that this is an appropriate symbol for some Christians – a Bible that is revered but never read. Let us prove that observer wrong this New Year!
COFFEE HOUR
Alice Pifer, Chair

Another new year has arrived! I hope all the members and friends of Central had a wonderful, and safe, Christmas.

In the past we have had a few members sign up in advance to work one Sunday each month for several months in a row. Would your schedule permit that kind of commitment? Or maybe every other month?

You can sign up to work a Sunday or more in the Fellowship Hall or by calling me at 372–9425.
HUDYS IN BOLIVIA
Joi Tennant, Missions Commission

January, April, July and October are the months we remind everyone to give toward our congregational commitment to support the Hudys’ missionary work annually. Thank you for your faithful help!

Carolyn Schuurmans recently talked with Chuck Ellingwood from Kewadin. He leads Volunteers in Mission teams to Bolivia and to Rio Colorado School. He said the Hudy family is doing well. They temporarily closed their school in November because the civil unrest in LaPaz was causing road blockades and limiting their access to food supplies, etc. The Hudys were enjoying this quiet break from their usual non–stop responsibilities. They are planning to open the school for the new term in January. This is their summer vacation now.

The last Volunteer in Mission teams at Rio Colorado School built a new science building and a new boys’ dorm. The churches in Alabama who have been long-time supporters of Rio Colorado School recently sent a shipping container to them containing, among other things, a van. This will be a great help because previously they only had a pickup truck to use for transportation. If you recall, they used the pickup truck to gather up many children from about ten miles around for their summer Bible School. Another Volunteers in Mission team will be going to Rio Colorado later this spring. The Hudys would be so happy if anyone from our church would join with this group and go see them and experience their life in Bolivia as missionaries.
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