Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
June/July, 2002
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
Welcome Rev. Russell F. McReynolds
By David DeVinney
The Reverend Russell McReynolds has been appointed to Lansing Central United
Methodist church as of July 1, 2002. Rev. McReynolds comes to us directly
from the Kalamazoo District of the West Michigan Conference of the United
Methodist Church where he has served as District Superintendent since 1996.
Prior to this appointment, Rev. McReynolds served the Washington Heights
United Methodist Church and Community Ministries in Battle Creek for six
years and Bethel United Methodist Church in Flint, his first appointment,
from 1973 to 1990.
Rev. McReynolds was raised in the Turner Chapel CME Church of Mt. Clemens,
Michigan. In 1970, he graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelors
in Business Administration. His Master of Divinity Degree was awarded from
Gammon Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center,
Atlanta, Georgia, in 1973.
Rev. McReynolds received his Doctor of Ministry Degree in 1982 from the
Theological School at Drew University, Madison, New Jersey. He received his
Deacon's Orders in 1972 and Elder's Orders in 1974 from the Detroit Conference
of the United Methodist Church.
Rev. McReynolds has been active in community affairs at each of his appointments.
While serving Bethel United Methodist Church, he was a member of the Flint
Board of Education, Urban Coalition and Urban League. In Battle Creek, he
served on the board of the NAACP, Battle Creek Neighborhood, Inc., and the
United Community Ministerial Alliance.
Currently, Rev McReynolds is a member of the General Commission on Church
Unity and Interreligious Concerns of the United Methodist Church.
Rev. McReynolds and his wife had four children of their own and adopted six
others. All are on their own or attending college except two teenagers who
will accompany him here to finish high school. Pat Wangen of the Staff/Parish
Commission says his friendliness will be an asset to Central.
Bob Pena visits Rio Colorado
By David DeVinney
By the time you read this Bob Pena will be on his way to Rio Colorado, Bolivia,
where Central's very own missionaries, Peter and Estela Hudy, are directing
and teaching at the UMC
Mission School.
A work project is scheduled at the Rio Colorado School from May 15 to June
15. Two work teams will go down to the school; the first one for the first
two weeks and the second team for the last two weeks. Bob will join the second
one.
Bob will fly out from Lansing the morning of May 31 and arrive in the capital,
LaPaz, at 12 midnight. The next morning he will fly on a charter plane to
a town called Rrurenabaque in the Amazon basin. Then he goes over land for
about three hours in a truck to Rio Colorado. On his return trip, Bob may
join the locals for the 18 hour bus ride back to LaPaz.
The two work teams will be led by Homer and Virginia Christopher of Trinity,
Alabama. The Christophers are in their mid 70's and have been leading work
projects to the school in Rio Colorado for twenty years. This is a Volunteers
In Mission Program sponsored be the Board of Global Ministries. This work
project will build a bathroom facility for the girls at the school. Currently
there is no running water or water tower with which to supply pressure but
it is the hope that these will be built during future work projects.
"Please pray for the success and safety of the mission."
Peter's sisters, Angela and Lydia, who live in the Detroit area, visited
in May and brought some things for Peter, Estela and the boys, Benjaman and
Jonaton. Items include transformer robots, Veggie tale videos and books for
the boys, Hershey candy bars for Peter and letters and cards for them all.
Peter's mother made some fruit cakes at Christmas and has continually soaked
them in rum. She wrote a note to the effect that "the fruit cakes were refreshed
May 12". Estela is looking forward to Lowrey's Seasoned Salt and chili powder.
Hopefully, Bob can get through customs with all this.
On Pentecost Sunday, May 17, A collection was taken during worship to purchase
needed building materials for the school.
Pat Mort is awaiting hand crafted items from the women of Rio Colorado which
Estela will send to the United Methodist Women to help raise funds.
Bob thanks his church family for looking after his home, loaning equipment
and sending books, hardware and peanut butter for our missionaries. Please
pray for the success and safety of the mission. Bob is sure to have lots
of stories and pictures to share when he returns.
Education News
By Julie Cooper, Chair, Education Commission
Get the buzzz onVBS!
June 24–28, Monday–Friday, 10 am-2 p.m.
If you saw, heard or observed any part of Vacation Bible School last year
(the Polar Ice Caps, the Polar Ice Palace, Yukon Jacks Trading Post/Yogurt
Shop/Bowling Alley, or the sweet excited faces of about 60 kids), you'll
want to participate in VBS this year:
BUG SAFARI – Where kids catch the BUZZ about Jesus' Love.
Five days of Fun! Food! Water Games ! Fun! and Jesus' Love. Don't wait. Just
tell us how and where and when you would like to get in on all of this. Talk
to Julie Cooper now at 651-2302 or e-mail her at, ccoopermjake@aol.com.
Sign up now for camp and camperships!
Please see the display and brochure in Fellowship Hall. Our kids are talking
about it. And we are blessed in the West Michigan Conference with such beautiful
facilities.
Because of recent fund raising efforts and the generosity of our congregation,
$100 camperships are now available. That leaves a balance of a little over
$100 for parents to pay per camper. If you wish to enroll your child in camp
or have already done so, please contact Julie Cooper now at 651-2302 or e-mail
her at, ccoppermjake@aol.com.
Remember the "Hudy Habit"
Sunday, July 7, is Hudy Sunday.
By Joi Tennent, CoChair, Mission Commission
The first Sunday of every quarter (April, July, October, January) is designated
as Hudy Sunday. On that day we will hear an update on the Hudys; and with
a special offering will remember our commitment to financially support the
Hudys in their new life as missionaries in Bolivia.
We hope many of you will prayerfully consider what amount you will contribute
each quarter throughout the year. We will be doing the easy part here, while
Peter, Estela, Benjamin and Jonaton daily face the challenges of their new
environment and share the love of God through their work.
Central seeks trained people-person for education
post
By Pat Wangen, Vice Chair, Staff/Parish Commission
The Staff/Parish Commission is in the process of looking for a new person
for our church staff. Following is the notice that will be posted on various
web-sites and condensed for newspaper advertisements:
"Seeking a part-time Director of Christian Education to plan and supervise
a full range of education classes with an emphasis on training and support
of volunteers. The Church is also hiring a part-time person to serve as Youth
Director to plan and run all youth programs in this church of approximately
500 members . Each job will entail about 20 hours a week. These jobs could
be combined into a full time position for the right person. Job applicants
should have strong people skills to work with volunteers and other staff,
be flexible but organized, and enjoy the challenge of dealing with a variety
of people and situations. E-mail resume with cover letter to
centralumc@voyager.net or send to Central United Methodist Church, Attn:
Staff-Parish , 215 North Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933"
Good-bye and good luck Pamala
By Pat Wangen, Vice Chair, Staff/Parish Commission
Last month our Christian Education and Youth Director, Pamala Phillips resigned
after serving Central for a year and a half. Pamala will certainly be missed
by many of the youth and adults of this congregation. Thank you, Pamala!
Good-bye and Good luck in your future.
Music Notes
By Caryn Welter, Music Director
The summer music schedule...promises worshipful opportunities for Central's
parishioners thanks to Bruce Goodrich's efforts and our congregation's willing
musicians. All but two of our summer special music spots are already filled
because of those who are generously sharing their time and talent. This is
the tentative plan:
June 16 - Alice Generalow
June 23 - Portia Cole / Bryce Berry
June 30 - Gretchen Gleason
July 7 - Janet Geissler
July 14 - Frank Anderson
July 21 - Chris Carter
July 28 - Mary Boudreau and Susan Grettenberger
August 4- Carolyn and Dale Kirkby
August 11 - (To be determined)
August 18 - Ron Gibbs
August 25 - Dennis Kelley and Kathy MacLaren
September - Dave Schuurmans
Thanks, Boleys, for sharing...your many musical talents with Central. It's
rare to find pastoral families who bring so much to this aspect of worship.
John has frequently used music to enhance or underscore a message, sometimes
with his beloved guitar. Both Diane and John have been in the Chancel Choir
since the beginning of their ministry here. They have served on the Music
Committee and rung handbells, John on an as-needed basis and Diane
regularly.
Rob and Ian have always been part of the choirs. Since they came to Lansing,
Ian has been a worship percussionist on many occasions and both have been
active in many church musicals as actors and vocalists.
Hannah began singing in the Children's Choir when she was just four years
old, has been in several musicals, and just recently sang a solo when we
celebrated The Day of the Christian Family. For your many contributions,
Boleys, we are very appreciative.
Subscribe to: Michigan Christian Advocate
By Leora Stutes
The Michigan Christian Advocate keeps United Methodists in this area up-to-date
with what's going on in Methodism. A subscription is $12 for 24 issues and
is a real bargain in this day and age, don't you think? It is published twice
a month and is delivered to your home.
All you have to do is give your check or cash to Leora Stutes. Checks should
be written to Central United Methodist Church marked for the Advocate and
the church will write one check to the Advocate for all the subscriptions.
If you have never subscribed to this publication, we would be glad to have
you join us. Questions? Call me at 323-1847.
Spring Cleaning Day a big success
By Denise Kelley
Thank you so much church family for helping to make the First Spring Cleaning
Day a huge success. About 40 people attended and worked at cleaning the church.
For those who were unable to attend, we thank you for your encouragement
and prayers.
A special thank you goes to the Board of Trustees for their support and hard
work, especially David DeVinney who compiled the "honey do list". We hope
to continue this event at least once a year if not twice.
Young Adults Serve the Day
By David DeVinney
Thank you, Young Adults; Dennis and Denise Kelley, Janet Geissler, and Brad
and Kimber Peterson, for your service day to Central in planning, hosting,
working and providing food for Spring Cleaning Day.
Much was accomplished:
The youth cleared out tons of leaves from around the parking lot and buildings
left over from years of neglect, - The UMW cleaned the serving kitchen, -
old carpet was cut up for disposal, - tables and furniture in hallways and
landings were placed in appropriate areas, - unusable items were broken down
and discarded, - old computer equipment was removed, - the theater prop room
and Chapel pulpit entrance were reorganized – and windows were cleaned
and light bulbs replaced. And we are still tying up loose ends.
United Methodist Women
By Pat Mort, President
Legislative Day Conference thank you--
The following letter was received from Patsy Coffman, West Michigan Conference
President.
"Dear Pat and the Women of Lansing Central UMC UMW,
Thank you so much for the preparations, the time, the service and the love
you shared to make Legislative Day possible!
Everyone just loves being in your church – not only to enjoy the facility,
but to see the commitment and enthusiasm of you and your unit regarding education
for social justice issues!
Thanks again for your hospitality."
More cookie dough!
The cookie dough order has come and gone but the good new is – there
are extra tubs of each kind! And we have extra tubs of popcorn, too. June
2 we'll have "extras" available during coffee hour. Popcorn and cookie dough
tubs are all $7.
This dough is great to have in the freezer for those weeks you've said you'll
provide cookies for coffee hour. Or the afternoon you're taking the kids
to the zoo and want to take a treat so you don't have to buy something there.
Or how about that neighbor you've been meaning to go visit – wouldn't
a plate of homemade cookies be nice to take over? Remember this dough is
easy to work with – you can do cookie balls, drop cookies or pan cookies
– it's fast AND it's GOOD!
If you can't wait until the 2nd, or you know what you want and don't want
to be caught short, please contact either Linda Towsley or Pat Mort. Make
checks out to "UMW".
UMW gives peace pole
Noticed the new peace pole in the Sanctuary? It's in honor of the Million
Mom March and the Stand for Children, a gift of UMW to the Central Family.
Messages of peace are written in Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish and English. It's
portable, so it can be used in different areas of the church for functions.
All we ask is you PLEASE let the Church Office know where it's moved to –
so it can be moved back!
Someone's in the kitchen...
The past two experiences of "kitchen cleaning" were so fruitful we're planning
a third on June 29 at 9:00 in the morning. Most of the serving kitchen is
done; we just have the outsides and tops of the cabinets to finish. (Those
who have seen the tops of the cabinets say its way past time for this!) Then
we'd like to tackle the floors and begin in the other kitchen. The more the
merrier – and the more the easier. PLEASE come down and experience the
satisfaction of a job well done!
If you have rubber gloves and cleaning supplies, please bring them with you.
Let's see how much we can get done; maybe we won't need a fourth "kitchen
cleaning" day!
A "Wednesday Woman"?
Assembly in Philadelphia was incredible. The music and worship experiences
were excellent. The speakers included Marian Wright Edelman, founder and
president of the Children's Defense Fund, discussing how we can help children
in need. One very meaningful activity she discussed was something we all
can do; become a "Wednesday Woman".
On Wednesdays, contact your elected officials and lobby for the rights of
children; e-mail, write or call. Commit to doing it Wednesdays until Washington
and Lansing realize we are not going to sit by and let "the least of these"
be marginalized any more. Lobby for the passage of block grants necessary
for children of the working poor to thrive. The children are our future.
Let's not let them be lost in the cracks of the Legislature, Congress or
the White House.
For a complete report on Assembly, please take a look at the article on the
UMW Board in Fellowship Hall or for a presentation contact Linda Towsley
or Pat Mort.
The next Assembly is scheduled for 2006 in Anaheim, CA. In 2010 it is scheduled
for St. Louis, MO! It's not too early to plan to attend either or both of
these! The experience will
change your perspective forever.
Mission Team to meet
Hard as it is to believe we've planned a Mission Team meeting for July 16.
Watch the Bulletin for more.
UMW calendar
July 17 – 19 – School of Christian Mission at Holt
July 20 – School of Christian Mission Drive In Day
September 18 - Lansing District Annual at Eaton Rapids UMC
October 12 – Conference Annual at Petoskey
A new book in the library
Donated and reviewed by Marge Sleight
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory, with its explanatory subtitle, A Medical
Missionary's African Challenges has been received by the library. The author
is Lowell A. Gess, B.D. and M.D. ophthalmologist, who tells his life of
missionary work through nearly fifty years. His studies, preparation, and
working years total thirty years of instruction. He first obtained a divinity
degree, then medical and specialty training of surgery and ophthalmology.
He relates his work in various places in Africa and elsewhere in the world,
and the book is gorgeously supplied with pictures of patients and personal
photos of the many sites where he served.
It was with this dedicated man of God and his wonderful wife, Ruth, a nurse,
that Justin and Marge Sleight worked in Sierra Leone at Bo and Freetown,
West Africa in the 1970's and 1980's. The book is given to the library by
these two members in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Gess. You will find this book
shelved under "Missions."
Sunday Bulletin copy deadline
The deadline for Sunday Bulletin copy is Wednesday afternoon; the Sunday
Bulletin is finished and printed by Thursday.
Learn and Serve Bus Tour - November 4 - 8
By Carolyn Schuurmans, Co-Chair, Mission Commission
Volunteers will leave Monday, work at the Church World Service Center at
New Windsor Tuesday, work again Wednesday and also meet with Church World
Service and Bread for the World representatives.
Thursday the volunteers will work in the morning and then tour Washington,
D.C., with dinner and theater in the afternoon and evening. They will return
home on Friday. Cost is $380. For more information, see the brochure on the
bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or call Pam at the Michigan CWS office,
484-7144.
Recipe for fatherhood
A man who wishes to be a great Christian father should consider the
following:
A. Let your children see that you treat your own parents with love and respect.
Honor them.
B. Let your children see that you love your heavenly Father.
C. Show in various ways that you love their mother. A loving home is a secure,
stable, supportive home where each person is treated with tender loving
care.
D. Listen to your children. Put down the paper, turn off the television,
leave the computer and frequently ask what is going on in their lives.
E. Plan and execute trips and recreational activities together.
F. Take part in school, scouting, musical and drama activities with them.
Praise sincerely whatever contribution the child has made to the event.
G. Make your home cheerful. Tell funny stories and laugh. Laughter at the
table creates a happy environment.
H. When your children ask for it, give your best advice, but don't complain
when they don't follow it. The school of hard knocks is still relevant.
I. Take them to worship regularly. The church helps provide guidance, stability
and unity for families. And God can seal together the family that honors
Him.
Correction:
Printed in the article, "Second Harvest" in the April issue of the Central
Journal, was a reference to the hiring of an Administrative Assistant in
2001 instead of a Church Administrator. The position is, Director of Business
and Administration.
"Run with Determination"
Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m.
By Bob Wangen, Chair, Finance Committee
The Second Annual "Run With Determination" will be held Saturday, June 8
at 9 a.m. Proceeds from this annual 5-kilometer run/walk will help support
the outreach activities of Central Church, such as our Food Bank, Thursday
Fellowship Luncheon, Shalom Center for Peace & Justice, Sunday Radio
Broadcast and missionary work in Bolivia and Arizona.
This is a fun activity for individuals and families. Non-competitive walkers
are also invited. The event will start at the Temple House entrance to Central
United Methodist Church and go down Capital Avenue to Michigan Avenue, Michigan
Avenue to Museum Drive, and then will follow the River Trail toward Old Town
and return. Every participant will receive a Run with Determination T-shirt.
The top three finishers in each category will receive a trophy or medal.
All participants in the Kid's One Mile Fun Run will receive a medal.
This is an opportunity for fitness and fellowship. For more information or
fliers please contact the church office or Bob Wangen at 669-8433.
Central's parking to be disrupted
By David DeVinney, Board of Trustees
The State of Michigan has begun preparation for construction of their parking
ramp kitty-corner behind Central. An early phase of this project will be
the disruption of our parking lot and demolition of our garage to make room
for the construction of a pedestrian walkway from the ramp to Ottawa
Street.
As you know, in exchange for a narrow strip of land behind our building,
Central, St Paul's Episcopal and First Baptist will ultimately gain control
over the parking lot north of Central thus enhancing our own parking resources
as well as having access to the ramp during non-business hours.
During the summer, the state hopes to complete the work which affects our
current parking lot. During construction we will have limited access to our
lot so be prepared to find alternative parking. Handicapped drivers and staff
will have priority.
By fall, we expect to return to our lot but with fewer total parking spaces
available. There will be two full rows of parking but no room for double
parking. At that time, it is planned that we will have limited access to
the north lot where the three churches will share space with Michigan State
House members who currently use the lot.
The state parking structure is scheduled to be completed by late Spring 2003
at which time the house members will move into the ramp and the three churches
will take control over the entire north lot.
Clearly, there will be a disruption of our normal traffic patterns and habits.
If you have any questions or concerns please talk to any Trustee so we can
resolve any confusion. The Board of Trustees seek to make this transition
as smooth as possible for everyone.
And the garage comes tumbling down…
Can you spare ONE HOUR Saturday, June 15, between the hours of 9 a.m. and
noon, to help empty the garage in advance of it's demolition? Most of it's
rather substantial contents will be moved to storage in the old basement.
If many of us help for ONE HOUR, we'll make light work of an otherwise daunting
task. Please let any Trustee know you will help. Thanks.
Among Friends
Thank You…
I thank each of you who have helped keep our church clean as a member of
the weekly cleaning crews. It has been a way that we members can fulfill
our pledge of service to our church and God.
(Because of the slow down of the use of the church facilities during the
summer, Larry Sinclair has stated he will be able to keep the church clean
without additional help. So there will be no scheduled cleaning crews for
June, July and August. We will evaluate the situation in August regarding
re-starting this service to our church.)
Thanks again for all of your willing help!
Justin Sleight
Remember…
At press time:
Hanna Boley – in Sparrow Hospital
Ed Keen – at home
Norma Mitchell - in hospice
Ruth Norton – with Mary Ann and Bob Broda, 3408 Balmars Ave., Jackson,
MI 49201
Tim Joranko and his family (son of Frank and Joyce Joranko)
Joyce McClellan – recovering from surgery at home
Rev. Dale Spoor – in Sparrow Hospital
Clip art Archivist Wanted:
The editors of the Central Journal are looking for someone to index and file
clip art for the newsletter. This task will take just a bit of computer savvy
(Will train) and only an hour a month. If you are interested in joining the
team of newsletter volunteers, please call David DeVinney at 372-6761 to
express your interest.
Lost and Found
Found:
Blue knit ski hat
Child's Burgundy knit with black stripe long sleeve T-shirt
Red round tablecloth with pink fringe
Pearl and gold earring found in sanctuary on April 28
Glasses in black case - SVS vision
Glasses with black rims
Farewell and God speed!
By Pat Wangen, Vice Chair, Staff/Parish Commission
The Staff/Parish Relations Commission invite you to a Farewell Party for
John Boley and family, Friday, June 7--Potluck at 6:15 p.m., Program at 7:30
p.m. You will not want to miss this great sendoff!
The potluck will be held in the Dining Room. Please bring your own table
service and a dish to pass as listed, if possible. If your last name begins
with the indicated letter, please bring--
A—K - A main dish
L—Q - Salad or Vegetable dish
R—Z - Dessert
To volunteer:
For the potluck, call Pat Wangen, 669-8433. For the program, call Karen
Holoweiko, 626-6798.
We will put a scrapbook together for the Boley's. Please bring cards, notes,
and/or pictures to the potluck to be included. If you have questions about
this, please contact Carole Schneider, 371-5763.
Pee Wee basketball players and Moms raise $900!
By Anne Forgrave
From the viewpoint of Central's Pee Wee basketball team, the game they played
against the moms on April 21 was a big success. They won again, leaving them
undefeated in the annual series of Moms vs Pee Wees.
From the viewpoint of the Moms, while a few suffered injuries (one jammed
finger, one cracked nose, and several bruised egos at last count). The game
and preceding spaghetti dinner still qualified as a success; over $900 was
raised toward Central camperships. A huge thank you is in order to all that
helped support this endeavor.
Give us a "C"; Give us a "U"; Give us an "M"; Give us a "C" !
What's it spell?! CUMC? No,…it spells TERRIFIC! Thank you, Central!
Join the Habitat for Humanity Downtown Ecumenical Build
By Mary Boudreau, Habitat Downtown Ecumenical Build Committee
As summer approaches, excitement is building for our fall build! As you know,
the people of the downtown churches are joining in prayer, work and resources
to build a home for a family in need of decent, affordable housing. The committee
has several updates to share with you as we continue planning.
We have received pledges that total about 2/3 of the needed funds. Please
continue to pay toward your pledge. If you have not yet pledged and would
like to, please put a note in the collection plate. Your tax-deductible donation
supports this local build and allows Habitat to continue its vital work both
locally and internationally (all Habitat local chapters tithe to international
programs).
Training is required of all Habitat volunteers to ensure a safe work site.
We will have training in a downtown church in July. Please call the Habitat
office at 374-1313 to learn about the training schedule. Our church will
need a scheduler--someone who may not be able to build but can make telephone
calls to cover the Build schedule. The churches are responsible for covering
all needed shifts on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the build, but
other shifts are available. In addition to builders, we need crew leaders
and people to prepare meals.
We are still looking for a donation of a downtown lot. Other lots are available,
but they don't fall within the downtown neighborhood. If you or someone you
know has an empty lot they would consider donating for this worthwhile project,
please call the Habitat Office as soon as possible. This tax-deductible donation
would help make this a true "downtown" build.
A fundraiser is being planned featuring one of the "stars" of Central United
Methodist. Please watch the bulletin for details. Please consider completing
the enclosed volunteer form and returning it to the collection plate or mail
it to the church office. God Bless you for your continuing support!
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