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Central Journal

January, 1998

We ... foster unity based on commitment to Christ rather than conformity

among the membership.

Journal publication has evolved since its 1943 launch,

But still serving to keep members and friends responsive

to religous, educational, social, and personal opportunities

by Jim Hane

Research conducted for Central's 1989 Centennial Year by J. Geoffrey Moore, Ph.D concluded that prior to 1943, the pulpit and/or the Sunday Church Bulletin were used to announce church activities and to keep membership informed.1

The "Voice of Central" banner illustrated below, is a scanned copy of Central's very first Journal, dated September 1943, Volume 1, Number 1. The initial monthly issues were printed and distributed under the direction of Walter W. Neller. Mr. Neller, a continuning and very supportive member of Central, died in 1993 at 89 years of age.

Following the demise of the "Voice of Central," another journal was begun in March, 1955, initially known as "The Centralian." However, this title "did not click with some people." A contest was held to choose another name. "Central in Action" was chosen. This publication was financed, in part and for a short time, by either individuals or businesses sponsoring each issue at a cost of $85.

Today, we have the Central Journal which has been published now for many years.

In periodically reviewing the Church Archives for the monthly Remembering Journals Past column, I am always amazed at the variety in shape, size, quality, length and substance of past efforts. There have been monthly, bimonthly and weekly Journals. In the 1950's they were printed

professionally in black and white on large glossy paper containing quality photographs. At other times, the "Journals" have been simply mimeographed, often reduced to half sized two pagers with little or no graphics.

The current 10-12 page monthly format still lacks photographs and/or color but is being prepared on a state-of-art church-owned computer, thanks to a gift from our Memorial Committee. It is printed, however, on a outdated but cost effective liquid ink copier machine located in the church office.

1Moore, J. Geoffrey, Ph.D Reaching the Peak - 1889 - 1989 (Copies in Church Library)

PASTOR'S PEN

I pray that you and yours have had a blessed Christmas season and that Christ has come into your life anew.

But now that the season is over, it is time to do a little serious testing of our level of Biblical knowledge. See if you can find 16 Books of the Bible in the following statement!

"I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a revelation.

Some were in a jam, especially since the names were not capitalized, but the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers.

To others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you.

Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now there are really sixteen names of the books of the Bible in this story.

(One preacher found 15 books in 20 minutes, but it took him 3 weeks to find the sixteenth one!)"

So, have fun with this one. If you find them all, let me know, you'll be on the honor roll!

Let us pray that the joy of the Christmas season carries us forward into the new year with health and vigor.

Grace and Peace, John

The Central Journal is a monthly publication of Central United Methodist Church, Lansing, MI. Deadline for submittal of material is always the third Monday of the month preceding the month of publication.

Journal Editor is Jim Hane (517) 669-3306

REMEMBERING

From Journals past ...

9 Years ago, 1989

Bibles were presented during Sunday services to our third graders from the church family. Receiving the bibles were Thomas Berriman, Kurt Best, Jennifer Brown, Rachael Eubanks, Elizabeth Ezop, Lynda McCracken, Lien Chi Nguyen, Jessica Reeser, Douglas Sargent, Sara Vanier, and Elisabeth Wangen. Judy Grove, Director of Christian Education made the presentations. Pastor Sid Short plans to visit the 3rd grade classes to talk with the students and sign the bibles.

16 Years ago, 1982

Leonard Burleigh reports that the Church Historical Committee, chaired by Betty Leiby asked for articles saved through the years in memory of Dear Old Central. The Committee is collecting photos and newspaper items of memorabilia relating to the church. They would like to compile a rather accurate record of this grand old building and any old items you can dig up will be greatly appreciated.

28 Years ago, 1970

Mr. and Mrs. William E. Tennant (Joianne) of 829 North Walnut Street, Lansing, have been received into the membership of Central. Bill is an Orchestra Teacher in the St. Johns Schools. His main interest is music composition. He's now working on his Master Thesis. Joi is a Speech Therapist, but is now at home with the children, William and Kristin. Both are teachers in our Church School; Bill, 9th grade, and Joi, 4 year olds.

Note: As some readers may know, I have taken a special interest in the history of Dear Old Central. (even though only a 29 year member!) To make this column more meaningful. I need your help! If you have content suggestion or thoughts for making the column more relevant to our diverse readership, both young & old(er) please let me know. Jim Hane 669-3306

Reading the Best News

by Rev. Frank Anderson, Journal Contributor

The Bible needs to be explored over and over again. One time cannot do. Just to be able to read it is an achievement many of us would like to improve. As we enter the New Year, why not undertake a serious plan of reading the Book of Books regularly? I have a newly published bible (1995) called, "The Contemporary English Version." I think it is better than The Good News Bible in some respects, but for accuracy of text we must turn to a version like the new Revised Standard Version (1989).

Have you looked inside the pages for "Bible Helps?" Most have something for the reader. I find this on page 1339 in my CEV:

You have in your hands one of the most precious books the world has ever seen. It is a book full of profound wisdom and insights about human nature and the character and purpose of God who created all things. Throughout the centuries people from many lands have opened this book and read it in their own languages. Here they have learned about God's love and justice. Great leaders and thinkers have searched its pages and explored its truths, looking for the answers to life's problems and challenges.

Wow! Just think of that! Here is a resource for everyone who can read. But be careful! A now deceased professor wrote once, that the Bible is not like a wax nose that you can twist and squeeze to look a certain way. Indeed, it must be interpreted if it is to be read at all. And that is where the action is!

Through the pages of holy writ God can speak directly to our condition. Try it and see what I mean. 2 Timothy 3:16.

Revitalizing our Missions Program

A series exploring mission trends

The Most Important Church Megatrend -

Toward Mysterious Spirituality

by Jim Stark

Of the seven megatrends for our congregations suggested by C. Jeff Woods the most important one was listed fourth. It alone speaks to our mission - our needed Vision 2000. The status quo, expressed by our current mission statement, is not clear or explicit on what we are doing. The other six megatrends are just effective trends that will better implement that vision. Without that vision, they can promise nothing.

What is this mysterious spirituality that is capturing not just religious trends but scientific and secular trends as well? It is not a new perspective about spiritual experiences, but it does offer a sense of security and hope for the future in these times of violence and apparent chaos. Is it the right trend for our churches, or is it just another aspect "of" society that our churches are mimicking? The answer depends on your personal world view - the lenses through which you interpret what you see and hear, as our Pastor, John Boley, discussed in his sermon on 11/16/97. Do you use a scientific lens, an existential lens, a transcendental lens, or a covenantal lens? Do you know what kind of lens that you do use? Churches are becoming more pluralistic, which means that they use many lenses. Do you need new glasses for the future? What kind of Sunday school courses would you like to have to help you know the lens of your world view?

Here are just a few historical connections about that mysterious spirituality. They suggest a trend that has a swing to it. The fundamental issue is in the tension between reason and revelation. What you need to realize is that God's truth uses both reason and revelation. Neither extreme builds a healthy world view. Woods tells us that "the church has encouraged people to reason about God more than it has encouraged them to relate to God." The church at that time bought into the historical tradition set by Aristotle, who suggested that we receive knowledge from God only through our senses, such as seeing and hearing. At that time, it was Plato that advocated the direct route to God - revelation. Well, Aristotle won. As a result all fields of study in Western thought, including religion, chose to use reasoning from facts and figures. To do otherwise would create invalid conclusions. Direct experience with God was not to be trusted. Today, that mysterious spirituality is a rediscovery of revelation.

Today, mainline churches still ignore that direct experience of God. It has become the primary appeal of many of the newest religions, many forming their own communities or cults. Even scientists are beginning to incorporate their spiritual perceptions in their writings. Their objectivity about existence is shifting from just what can be measured (seen and read) to include selected mysterious emergencies from a system. They can not observe the smallest particle that is believed to exist, but they can observe the implied mysterious effects of small changes. This shift in the fields of science and religion toward direct spiritual experiences has turned to Eastern religions for their support.

We in the West have all learned to use the scientific lens that seeks a consistent story, and we now find it difficult to allow any direct spiritual, seemingly insignificant, experiences to guide us or alter that story. We get lost in the chaotic details of constructing a rational story, explanation, or world view. We are afraid to become emotional, but that is where we can experience subtle direct contact with God. That quiet voice can have unexpected large effects. We have learned not to trust our emotions, where we can feel the saving presence of God.

Western society is taking on Eastern spiritual experiences. Is the Christian Church going to copy that trend or will it seek the truth of what ought to be and become "in" but not "of" that society? Society and the mainline churches are still possessed by reason. Reason and revelation must work together! What ought the mission statement of CUMC say? Will it show where we are and what we seek to become in a clear concrete language? Ought it not show how we aim to be "in" but not "of " society so that those who wish to join us can better see just where we stand? What has that quiet presence of God been saying to you? You only need to share that spiritual fire in your heart. Let our voices prepare us for the changes that lie ahead. Let us kindle those fires and see where they will take us.

1. C. Jeff Woods, Congregational Megatrends (The Alban Institute, 1996), 18-19, Chapter Six.

Centralniters

POTLUCK and GAME NIGHT

Saturday, January 10th 6 p.m at the Starks

(bring a game to share)

Call Murleys (482-4700)

Next Events:

February 14th, Valentine Party

March 20th, Cornwall Night

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Pat Mort, President

Happy New Year!

It's a whole new year, a whole new experience, a whole new opportunity to serve our sisters and brothers as the hands, feet, eyes, ears, and mouth of God. May your new year be filled with peace, grace and joy now and forever.

Mission Team Potluck

January 6th

At Gwen Bodine's

Contact Gwen at 694-7783.

We will be doing planning for the year. If you have any ideas for the new year, please contact one of your Mission Team members OR call Gwen and join us!

Teddy Bear Project

Thank you to all who supported our Teddy Bear Project. The recipients were extremely pleased to be remembered and loved by others.

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED

Monday, January 6th

Plymouth Congregational Church

200 East Grand River, Lansing

10:00 a.m.. Board Meeting

Noon Pot-luck salad luncheon

1:00 p.m. Program:

Dr. Eva Evans, "Role of Racism in Education"

Epiphany Breakfast

Sponsored by the Lansing District UMW

Tuesday, January 6th

9-11 a.m.

Mason UMC

Speaker: Mary Albery

January Circle Meetings

Judy Grove, January 12, 7 p.m. at Church,

Program: Juggling Demands

Contact Sue Mills at 676-4217.

Mable Morrison, January 20, 9 a.m. at Ruth Holmes'

Program by Dottie Stark:

Christians Living in a Violent Society

Contact Ruth at 349-0841.

Rebekah, January 20, Place to be announced

Contact Arline at 371-7832.

Ruth, January 20, Noon at Lillian Rush's

Contact Lillian at 482-3494.

Susannah Wesley, January 12, 6 p.m. at Church

Contact Betty Corbishley at 372-4505.

Thanks

Hanging of the Greens

To all who participated in the Hanging of the Greens and making our church festive for the Christmas season.

We collected $105 after the meal. Food costs were $60. That left $45 for purchase of new decorations. This will be turned over to the new Family Coordinator, Karen Holoweiko, who plans to do some shopping after the holidays and take advantage of the sale prices for some new decorations for next year. If you would like to be a part of this endeavor, please talk to Karen.

Noisy Sunday

A big thank you is due to all who helped Central's children celebrate October's Noisy Sunday. $388.54 was collected for Harvest House.

Christmas Lunch

A big thank you to Margaret Woolcocks and her grandsons, as well at the Rebekah Circle ladies for furnishing the many Christmas gift bags used for the December 18th Christmas Fellowship Lunch.

WELCOME

Joining Central Church in December, 1997 were six new members:

Jayne Roby by reaffirmation of faith

Vicki Cool by reaffirmation of faith

K. L. Cool by reaffirmation of faith

Carolyn Cook by transfer from Asbury UMC, Rochester, NY

Robert Boley by transfer from Mancelona UMC, Mancelona, MI

Diane Boley by transfer from Mancelona UMC, Mancelona, MI

DEATHS

The following persons entered the Church Triumphant in recent weeks. Please rember the families and friends in your prayers.

Raymond F. Horton, Jr. 11/28/97

Ethelmay Benedict 11/30/97

Margaret Redding 12/ 7/97

Updates

David M. Dunn

A most unique career

David M. Dunn is the son of Dr. and Mrs. F. Mansel Dunn, active members of Central UMC. He entered the Methodist Ministry and became a ministerial member of the West Michigan Conference in 1972.

His career has been most unique and has majored in special assignments in various Urban Ministries, in the USA and abroad. This came about through his connection with The Ecumenical Institute of Chicago in '75 after the term of the late Dr. Dwight Large who served CUMC as a Senior Minister. David's last known title assignment was as Director, Institute of Cultural Affairs.

About two months ago we learned that he was destined to go to Bosnia (Yugoslavia) for participation in consultations leading to the peace process there. E-mail word came to the senior Dunns about their son's activities and we submit a brief synopsis here:

"We're teaching group facilitation methods to both a citizens group and a municipal employees group as a way to offer an effective bridge over the chasms that now exist between them ...The context for this little bit of chasm bridging is the question of how to deal with 2 Million people who still remain displaced by the war. That's a lot of people wishing they were back home and, at the same time, a lot of people pretty certain that it is no longer safe to return home, e.g., because the people who remained behind are no longer friendly or there are new people living in their houses who don't want to move ... Croats here, Serbs there and Muslims over there—in different communities, in separate classrooms, and speaking different languages ... The local people we are meeting are saying, "Tell the world that we aren't people who can't live together ... we are European Muslims, not fanatics. We want to live in open, multi-ethnic communities. We want our neighbors to return home."

Space does not allow us to give more information about David Dunn's work, but this will present a small picture of a most unique ministry he is engaged in. It appears that his assignment will conclude in January, 1998. His wife Burna Lynn, is with him in similar fashion.

Submitted by Rev. Frank Anderson with the courtesies of Dr. and Mrs. Mansel Dunn

The DeMosses

Former Central Pastor Lynn DeMoss and his wife Kay, now living in the Muskegon area, report that it's been a busy 1997, especially since the June Annual Conference in Albion. That conference witnessed both Lynn's retirement as an elder and Kay's ordination as a deacon.

Lynn and Kay are definitely in a travel "mode," having explored Paris in March, Kansas City in April, Northern Michigan in August, and New Orleans in October.

And, it appears that Lynn's long awaited return to the African Continent, where he served as a missionary in 1957, will be finally realized. Lynn and Kay have scheduled a nearly six month visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo beginning in January, 1998.

Dinners for Nine

Dinners for Nine Chairperson Mary Willoughby Albery reports that just over 100 members and friends of Central attended 11 Dinners for Nine during the fall. These warm enjoyable home gatherings afforded our pastor, John Boley, his wife Diane, and our congregation to get better acquainted in 'one to one' conversations. The Evangelism Outreach Committee would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the hosts and hostesses for opening their homes for this highly successful venture in the life of the church. It is hoped that at another time later in the year the many who have never hosted or participated as a guest will experience this great way to personally get acquainted with others in the Central Church Family.

EDUCATION

Denise Fabbri, Education Director

Block 4 Begins

As most of you probably know, the educational opportunities this year have been broken down into a six block rotation. Block 4 will begin on January 18th and continue through February 22nd.

The classes offered during this block will include: The Whole People of God study which has a theme titled, We Have This Ministry; Feeding the Spirit will continue with, Sermon on the Mount; the Paul Series will look at His Message About God in Christ; and Living in a Violent Society, will be sponsored by Global Ministries.

Teacher Meeting

There will be a planning meeting on January 6 in Room 27. Please bring your manuals.

Children's Christmas Program Joyful Success

This year's program was well attended. The children supplied the usual characters as "Grandma," played by Elizabeth Ezop, told the age old story of Christ's birth. As the play progressed the audience was asked to participate. When finished, the stage held angels, shepherds, cows, donkeys, sheep, Mary, Joseph, the Innkeeper, and baby Jesus. Smiles abounded and laughter was heard everywhere. If you missed this wonderful display, the library has a video copy for your enjoyment.

Education Commission Elects to Support "Reading is Fundamental" as a Giving Tree Project

This year the Education Commission decided to support a local educational project during the Christmas Season. Reading is Fundamental is a wonderful program that hands out quality reading books to children to help fight illiteracy. The RIF program is partially funded through a federal program. Local money is needed to completely realize their goals. The program endeavors to give every child in the Lansing School District 3 books annually. The books are purchased through one supplier who gives fantastic discounts. One child can receive three quality reading books for $6.30. We felt this was a very worthwhile project to support. If you were unable to participate before Christmas, money will be collected through January 11th. As of this printing, the collected amount is unknown. It will be reported later.

New Books

We are continuing to update our library. Recently I was in a small dime store in Lake Odessa and found this wonderful inexpensive set of children's Bible stories. The books are colorful and simple for young children to enjoy. The Sunday School teachers will find them easy to use with their lessons. The group included: Jesus, Jonah, Joseph, Joseph in Egypt, King Solomon, Moses, Noah and the Ark, Rebecca at the Well, Samson and Delilah, David and Goliath, Abraham, and In the Beginning. I have also purchased a beautifully illustrated book about ancient times. It is called Ancient Civilizations, Great Empires at Their Height by Timothy Roberts.

A Rewarding Ministry

by Steve Lyon,

Youth Ministries Director

As some of you may be aware, the United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) at Central has grown in size. We expect the group to double in the Fall of 1998. Currently, I am the only adult leader working with the Youth.

Perhaps some background information will help you understand what has been happening with the Youth Group. This group consists of youth from both Jr. and Sr. High. In the past, when the group was large they met separately. During this rebuilding period they have been meeting as one group. However, with all this new growth, it is again desirable to split the group and have them meet separately, yet simultaneously. In order to accomplish this, additional adults are needed to enhance the ratio of adults to youth. Organizing the youth group in this manner would create greater possibilities to provide quality programming and ministry for our young people. But, in order to succeed, I need to find volunteer counselors.

Being a Youth Counselor is not the easiest volunteer position in the church. If you have a genuine desire to make a difference in the life of our youth, it is definitely one of the most rewarding ways to give to the ministry at Central. If you are thinking, I would love to help but ... let me know what is stopping you, and the Youth Council, Denise, and I will seek to solve your conflict. Please call Denise at the office or me at 323-1134.

OUR ELECTRONIC MINISTRY

Radio: Sunday Worship Services are broadcast over WJIM-AM (1240). If you cannot be in the Sanctuary at that time, won't you join us on the radio? Also, if you and a friend or two would like to sponsor a broadcast of a service, please contact Beverly at the Church Office. (485-9477)

Television: Worship Services are videotaped each Sunday morning and replayed that evening at 9:00 p.m on Channel 16 in the Media One viewing area. When unable to be present in the morning, this cablecast provides an alternate worship opportunity.

Internet: For many months now, Central Church has had a Web site on the Internet. If you have access to a computer, won't you "log on" sometime? The address is www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc. Or try sending a thank you to your Pastor via Email: centralumc@voyager.net

Help wanted

Must be committed, energetic, patient, understanding, and able to see life from a Youth's perspective and understand what you are seeing.

Great benefit plan, full of laughs, smiles and rewards.

Position: Volunteer Youth Counselors

QUIET MOMENTS

As a follow-up to her June, 1997 listing in the Quiet Moments column, Leah Kay Fitch shares additional scriptures to read and ponder. She indicates that these are some of her favorites and most likely some of your favorites too.

Dear Lord, Hear our prayers. Teach us to pray. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen

Red roses to .......

Lee Mort, Faye McCracken, Dottie Forgrave, Maxine Jones, and Jim and Janet Mort who recently committed to being a ASpecial Friend@ to an older member of Central

Colleen Weinfeld for having her Brownie Troop make cards and go caroling at the Delta Center where Pauline Austin and Margaret Fast live.

To all who helped Denise with the Sunday School Christmas Program.

Ruth Tennant McLean, the Knechtel family, Jon and Donna Reynolds, and Ruth and Herb Norton for the wonderful fellowship during Sip 'n Sing.

To the Chancel Choir for the beautiful Christmas Cantata.

To Fred, Ruth and Debbie Brazee for preparing the meal for the volunteers the night of the Hanging of the Greens. It was enjoyed by all!

To Ruth Graham for knitting 92 stocking caps for Central Sewing Group to give to needy children during 1997.

Remember

Wednesday, January 21st

Commissions meet at 6:15 p.m.

Ad Council meets at 7:30 p.m.

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