January, 1999
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual Growth
Our Worship Service each Sunday is at 9:30 a.m. with Church School for all
ages at 11:00 a.m. The 9:30 a.m. service is broadcast live over WJIM-AM (1240).
It is also cablecast and appears Sunday night from 9-10 p.m. on Channel 16/37
of Media One Cablevision.
The Central Journal is a monthly publication of Central United Methodist
Church, Lansing, MI. 48933. Copy material deadline is always a Friday at
5:00 p.m. For the February issue, the date is 2/19; for March, 3/19, and
for April, 4/23.
Responding to caregiving needs
By Rev John Boley
In the midst of Marion Stutes' illness, Leora Stutes loaned me Rosalynn Carter's
book entitled "Helping Yourself Help Others - A Book for Caregivers." In
it, Rosalynn Carter claims that we are in the midst of a caregiving crisis
in the 1990's. Some of the factors leading to this crises are:
I ronically, this is all happening at a time when medical advances are
rapidlyincreasing life expectancy and the quality of life. Although it seems
that health careprofessionals are more caring and empathetic than a decade
ago, no doubt Mrs. Carter is pointing to a real problem in our world.
How then does the Church respond?
Thanks be to God!
Notes and Reminders
January Reminders
4 Taking Down the Greens, 9 a.m. -12, Lunch served at 12
13 Visioning Meeting, 7:30 at the church (all members invited)
20 Commissions, Committees, and Administrative Council
Proposed Parking Ramp
There is a proposal to construct a three tiered parking ramp on Capitol Avenue just north of Temple House (the surface parking lot now used by church visitors for weekend parking). Our church leadership is discussing the proposal with both the owner of the site in question and the leadership of the Baptist Church, located next door. It is our position that any new ramp constructed will provide for our continuing parking needs. As soon as more definitive information is known about the proposal, it will be communicated to the congregation.
Women's Basketball
Central members and friends are reminded that the gym is open for women's basketball this winter on most Friday nights from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. The schedule, however, varies based on other church activities.Please call Susan Grettenberger at 372-4146 for more information.Susan also reminds readers to call her if there is interest in getting a group together to attend MSU women's basketball games at Breslin Center. She thinks that our youth would especially enjoy these fast, fun-filled evenings.
Church Directory Update
As recently reported, the church has received the proposed directory layout sheets and what are called the contact rolls. These rolls contain the produced photographs from the February photography session.
We have just received word from the law firm handling this case that we will
be receiving the "film" with the undeveloped photographs. With the return
of the May session film, we can now begin to investigate and research how
to finish this project and get a directory produced.
Peace Corp
On January 8, Molly McCracken, daughter of Bill and Faye McCracken, will begin an initial three month Peace Corp assignment in Panama. For Central members and friends who wish to send a note, her address is: Molly McCracken/Entrega General Estafeta de Correos de La Chorrera,/Panama Osete/Republic de Panama.
Orpheus Singers
Additional male singing members are wanted beginning January 8 for The Men of Orpheus. This well-known and long established singing group rehearses at Central Church Monday nights from 7:15 to 9:15. For more information, please call the group's director (Gayle) at 351-2033.
Upper Room
Thelma Burleigh would enjoy having back issues of the Upper Room from the 70's and 80's. If anyone has any of them tucked away, she would appreciate having them. Drop them off at the church office with her name on them or call Mary Roush at 321-1350.
Lost and Found
Please check at the Church office
Green drinking cup, Tupperware pillbox, Three sets of car keys, one with a blue change purse, Ladies watch, Single house key, Burgundy umbrella, Ladies prescription glasses in a paisley case, Man's black leather cap, One black knit glove, Strip knit cap, in blue, green, white, and burgundy, House key on a Al Serra key tab, Ladies clear rain hood, and a White covered Bible inscribed to Delbert & Victoria Martin.
Home Improvement
Don Sober, our church maintenance man, would like to offer his services to you, the family of CUMC.Although he will be working full time at CUMC, he can be available evenings and weekends to tackle those projects in and around your home. So if you need your garage cleaned, a basement refinished or even a yard cleaned contact Don at (517) 897-3262, after 5 p.m. Services provided by D&J Handiwork, Don Sober, Owner Free In-home Estimates
Note:
The Visioning Report for the November 11th meeting, published in the December
Journal was incomplete. For the full corrected version please check the December
Journal online at Central's website.
With Sympathy
To the family and the friends of Marion Stutes, who passed away from complications of cancer on November 29, 1998.A Memorial Service was conducted on December 5 in the church sanctuary.
Dear Central Friends,
I want to thank you for your most generous support this year and also the past two years. It has helped tremendously. It means a lot to me to have such overwhelming support for my call to the ministry. Again, thank you! Yours in Christ, Kathy Kursch
To our CUMC Family,
We are so very grateful for your prayers, cards, alter flowers, words of encouragement and, and visits during Ronald's hospitalization and stay at ICMCF. Special thanks to our busy Pastor John and Minister of Visitation Frank. All have helped and, yes, help is still needed. God bless you, Ronald and Maxine Jones
Wedding Congratulations
Jannene Andrews and Matt Fry
December 12, 1998
Central United Methodist Church
Common Cents
By Ruthann Jaquette, Business and Building Manager
Well we have finished a busy year and are poised to jump into 1999 with great enthasium. Our 1998 bills and apportionment are paid. Our finance campaign is somewhat short of our pledge goal but adjustment plans are underway.If you would like offering envelopes for 1999 they are available in in Fellowship Hall Sundays, or in the church office during the week. If you would like envelops mailed to you please call the church office.
Fellowship Opportunities
Centralniters
The next meeting of the Centralniters will be January 22nd, 6:30 p.m. Potluck Dinner and Game Night at the home of Paul and Mary Albery, 3411 Ginger Snap Lane. For additional information, call the Albery's at 882-2457 or the co-hosts, Marge and Justin Sleight at 482-6476.
Central Young Adults
January 15th Potluck Dinner and GameNight
February Theater Night (date to be announced)
For information: Dennis or Denise Kelley, 484-9109
Updates
Quality Living Program
By Denise Fabbri
The Quality Living Program is a one to one mentoring program that seeks to teach individuals how to utilize their personal finances to ensure a better quality of life. This program attempts to meet the needs of these people through a variety of methods. Friendship and Christian love are the foundations we build on to create learning opportunities. Because of these two aspects, a trusting relationship can build and this, in turn, allows these individuals to make changes in their lifestyle. These changes enable them to get out of debt, save money, set goals, and learn good sound financial concepts.
Central's Quality Living Program began this past July. At that time, we had four families and four volunteers. Today, we have six families and six volunteers. These families have worked hard to learn new skills and become financially stable. They wish to remain in the program for the next session and continue to learn.
Recently, I had requests from new individuals to join this program in January. This means the word is spreading about this unique learning environment and Central's commitment to the community we seek to serve.
But, in order for this program to continue to grow, we need new volunteer mentors. The mentoring individual is a friend, guide, and listener. Training is available through Christian Services. The program requires a commitment of about 3 hours a week.If you are interested, but would like more information, speaking with one of the present mentors can be arraigned. Or, please call me, I would be more than happy to discuss this program with you.
With the possibilities of this program's expansion comes a greater opportunity for Central to reach out to the community. This puts Central in a unique position to help change lives, one back yard at a time.
Giving Tree Report
Central's Missions Commission gives a big "thank you" to all who brought toys and other gifts for the Children's Village in Detroit. Carolyn Schuurmans reports that there were many gifts under the Giving Tree, including clothing, a video, a bike helmet, a basketball, a soccer ball, some furry dogs, a baby doll, an arts and craft set, a watch and alarm clock, a stagecoach set, a gym bag, a yoyo, some books, a hockey game, and a hat and gloves. There was also $30 in the offering.
Red Roses to ...
Roses to Pam Jennett for all her work planning and implementing the Sunday morning all-church Advent Fair in Fellowship Hall. Also, to the many workers who helped.
Roses to the nearly three dozen "Christmas Cleaning Crew" members who collectively, spent countless hours dusting, cleaning and otherwise preparing the Sanctuary for the Holiday Season: Shirley Ambrose, Marvin Barrows, Dick Bates, Lee Dibble, Jeanne Fowler, Naomi Gibbs, Kathy Greenwood, Jo and Ken Harvey, Peter Hudy, Mary Jessup, Dennis Kelley, Carolyn and Dale Kirkby, Janet Mort, Beth and Dick Murley, Nancy O'Shea, Aaron Terr, Gary and Lori Patterson, Bob Pena, Don Pickard, Arline Roe, Carolyn and Dave Schuurmans, Justin Sleight, Dottie Stark, Sally Swiss, Linda and Paul Thompson, Bob and Pat Wangen, and John and Penny Zago.
Roses to the many Children who did a super performance in the Sunday morning Christmas Program. Roses also to Ruthann Jaquette for directing the performance and to Caryn Welter and Julie Cooper for assisting.
Roses to our volunteer front desk receptionists who have been diligently working under very adverse conditions during the elevator construction and entry remodeling: Shirley Ambrose, Ruth Brazee, Joyce Brendahl, Betty Corbishley, Margaret Ebersole, Agnes Gamble, Marie Manson, Anne Mort,
Lillian Rush, and Dorothy Trudgeon.
Roses to the Church and Society Commission and in particular members Frank and Joyce Joranko, and Elaine Brown for the support and delivering of SHARE baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmastime.
Roses to Ruth Tennant McLean, the Nortons, the Reynolds, and the Knechtels, for once again making the Holiday Season "glow" during the four Sundays of Sip-N-Sing.
Roses to church friends who have expressed appreciation for the church staff by gifting Holiday Treats. The staff expresses their heartfelt thanks.
Roses to the Fellowship Lunch Crew who took special time from families and friends to serve a lunch at the church on the day before Christmas.
Epiphany
Are you acquainted with the word "epiphany"? It is derived from the Greek word, epiphaneia, and means "an appearance." Centuries ago, the church set aside January 6th, the 12th day after Christmas, and called that day Epiphany, intending for it to refer to the revealing of Jesus as the Christ to the Wise Men who were Gentiles. The very first followers of Christ were Jewish. The story of the revelation of Christ to the Wise Men, who were non-Jewish, is a reminder that God meant for Christ to be the Savior of the whole world. As an old hymn puts it: "The light of the world is Jesus." The whole world!Have a Merry Epiphany!
Church School Offerings
Unit 4 begins January 10
"Whole People of God" - Joi Tennant
"It Takes More Than Love" - Parenting
Denise Fabbri
"Christian Journaling"
Maggie Wallin and Pat Mort
"Great Ideas" – C. Jon Holmes
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
Happy New Year!
Here's hoping your Christmas Day went well and that the 12 days of Christmas continue to bring you happiness and joy. Please join us in our dance of discovery and service. We have circles that meet in both the daytime and at night. We would love to start new circles to help meet the needs of women of Central. Contact Pat or Beth Murley if you are interested in finding out more about UMW.
Meijers Dinner
A Meijers dinner is a fun filled evening with good food, fellowship, prizes and joy hosted by Jack Robins. Meijers provides the food and prizes, we help with the cooking and serving and we get to keep the profits for our Mission Projects. Our Meijers dinner will be on January 25th beginning at 6:30 in the church dining room. Cost will be $6. Meijers has asked us to help "guarantee" at least 100 participants. Tickets will be on sale in Fellowship Hall on the 3rd, 10th, and the 17th. If we do not have enough participants we will let you know by the 24th.
Mission Team Meeting
The Mission Team will be meeting on January 5th at the church. If you have anything you'd like to bring to our attention please let us know ahead of time or feel free to attend.
Epiphany Breakfast
The Epiphany Breakfast is Wednesday, January 6th at Trinity UMC.If you are interested in going please see Dottie Stark or Pat Mort.Do you have things for Community House you need to turn in? There will be an in-gathering at the Breakfast. Please let Dottie or Pat know so we can make sure they get there.
Church Women United
The January program will be on Monday the 11th at Christ UMC.A special invitation is being made to mothers of young children, (or teenagers).The speaker will be Maxine Cain on "Motivating Children." Maxine is the principal at Wainwright School and a well-known motivational speaker.There will be a pot-luck salad lunch at noon, followed by the speaker at about 1:00 p.m. Please call Carolyn Schuurmans at 321-0569 if you would like childcare.
History/Herstory/Yourstory Class
Seeking answers to the questions of the ages? Who is God? Why am I here? What does it mean to be a child of God? What am I called to do? Join us in a journal journey as a method to expand self knowledge, tap unknown creativity and access the Spirit's answers. Journaling can allow a seeker to question as deeply as needed without fear of exposure or judgement. The class begins January 10th, during the Church School in Room 27, led by Pat Mort and Maggie Wallin.
Prayer Chain
Central's prayer chain ministry is available 24 hrs., 7 days a week.To initiate a prayer request call one of the following prayer chain leaders:
Daytime: 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Janet Mort at 321-2330
or Karen Holoweiko at 626-798
or Pat Basgall at the church, 485-9477.
Evening: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Pat Bell at 482-4098
or Nancy O'Shea at 372-6156.
Our Prayer Chain is available to all.
Welcome New Members
Bruce Goodrich
Bruce was, for many years, an active member of St. Paul's UCC. With the closing of that church, he has chosen to join Central where his wife Shirley is a long-time member. Bruce supposedly retired from Goodrich Shop-Rite but still spends many hours there. He enjoys golf, bridge, music, and family.
Kevin Lamiman
Kevin is reactivated member. He is a writer and is an adjunct college professor at LCC where he teaches business writing. Kevin does some photography and is interested in astronomy, Biblical archeology, and history. Welcome back to Central. We look forward to your active participation in the life of our church family.
Margaret Lamiman
Margaret and Kevin have been married for just over three months. Margaret is a transfer member from Metropolitan UMC in Detroit. She was a library assistant at Davenport College in Grand Rapids and now holds a fulltime position in the same field at their campus here. She is already a member of our handbell choir. History is an area of interest for her and her husband claims to be a good baker.
John Zago
John comes to Central through reaffirmation of faith. He is now retired after nearly 34 years as an accounting teacher. He enjoyed those years but he is now ready for rerirement. He looks forward to taking on projects and golfing, when weather permits.
Penny Zago
Penny is a transfer member from Warren UMC. She is rertired from state government now and enjoys doing creative things, photography, and reading. The Zagos have two grown children and two grandsons.
Tracy Ruiz
As a child, Tracy attended Central. She feels very comfortable here and we are pleased that she is again part of our church family. Tracy and her husband, Gabe, were married at Central in 1997. They are proud parents of Madison, their 7 month old little girl. Tracy works at the Delta Township Parks and Recreation Department. With work and caring for Madison, she finds little time for recreation.
In appreciation to our new member sponsors:Shirley Goodrich, Ed & Jan Keen, Jackie Gibson, Bill & Faye McCracken
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