July/August, 2001
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
Trustees busy improving building and
grounds
By Dick Bates, Co-Chairperson
The library renovation is complete. The electrical outlets were recently
hooked up so all the computers, VCR, and other devices are in full operation.
Things look nice and friendly for browsing, reading, or just conversation
in the chair cluster areas. Our appreciation to all who had a part in putting
things back together or in making our new library a very nice place to spend
some time.
In the past month, the office has received a new copy machine. It was desperately
needed and is very much appreciated.
The Conference Room (room 23) has some beautiful new chairs which makes the
room look special indeed. Room 27 has also been updated and is a comfortable
room for small meetings. The Decor'/Design Committee has done an outstanding
job decorating our church so that it is an attractive place to spend some
quality time.
You may also have noticed that the outside entrance at Capitol Avenue has
been re-tiled and grouted. Charlie Jennett did a great job organizing this
project and his help is very much appreciated. Also, on the outside around
the church, you will have to agree that the flowers and shrubs look wonderful.
The lawn also looks great. Thank you to Dottie Stark and Bryan Halter, and
their crews, for making the grounds look so nice.
We just finished a walk through the building to see what has to be done to
bring the building to where we would like it to be. There is a lot to do.
There are many little jobs that could be done by members. If you are interested
in helping in some way, contact Dominic Parker, John Boley, or myself. Your
help is appreciated.
Remember, ask not what the church can do for you; ask what you can do for
the church.
Pastor's Pen
We just completed our annual summer week of Vacation Bible School. The theme
was a "Polar Expedition". We went looking for Jesus in the North and South
poles. We found igloos, we found polar bears, we found penguins – we
found lots of stuff. We also found out that Jesus is cool, Jesus is powerful,
and Jesus is refreshing. Pamala Phillips did a marvelous job of planning,
organizing and implementing. The sets, the organization, the food –
everything was pulled together nicely. So many of our church people volunteered
and helped out. I know that they found it more rewarding than expected. I
got to be Yukon Jack, a whacky explorer looking for polar bears and butterflies,
and also finding Jesus.
It's amazing what our church can pull off when it wants to. This effort,
which was combined with Potter Park UMC, was very important in the lives
of about 50 children, and in the lives of the adults as well. For some of
these kids, life is harder than it should be. For some of these kids, the
hands on attention of adults is craved. Some of these kids need to have some
structured summer time. All of these kids need to learn more about Jesus.
They leave having been loved and nurtured in the faith so that they can grow
in grace and in the knowledge of God. Down the road we will never know how
the seeds that were planted here at VBS will come to fruition.
Let us never underestimate the ways we are touching lives here at Central.
Every day, with our open building and our active program, we are in the realm
of faith formation and Christian service. No other church in the city combines
our service to the community with the full service, active program that we
have. Thanks be to God for the continued faithful witness of Central United
Methodist Church.
John Boley
Help available from youth
By Dale and Carolyn Kirkby
Being empty nesters with busy schedules, there is always a list of jobs around
the house that never seem to get done.
What a relief to hire our youth and know the job will be done right. What
a joy to be able to support their work project ministry. In today's world,
what a blessing to watch our youth work, play and pray towards a common
goal.
If you haven't invited them to come and work at your place yet, you don't
know what you're missing.
Centralnighters have a bust
Centralniters was cancelled out on Saturday, June 9, due to lack of reservations.
Meijer Gardens will have to wait and be visited later. Meanwhile--we press
on. But, we need coordinators. Two couples agreed to have us at their homes
in the Fall. And the traditional Christmas meeting is okay. Needed: I-d-e-a-s
of what to do and how to do it. Come on, Centralniters! Let's walk the walk.
Step out and be counted! Call Joanne at 321-0945. Keep the fire
going!
Elberberrys hear director
Twenty-one older adults were enlightened on the nature of the Wesley Foundation
(W.F.) ministries as explained by Rev. Dick Erickson and the student, senior
Mandy Johnson, on June 12. We learned that the nature of the W.F. ministry
is broad and challenging. He stated there are over 40 different religious
groups on the campus of M.S.U. vying for students.
In effect, the W.F. is similar to a local church congregation and has multiple
expressions of the Gospel. We gained more respect and much appreciation for
this outreach of our churches. Our apportionments help to support W.F.'s
and are important to their existence.
Elderberrys will next meet September 11. It was accepted that 3-person committees
would be set up to run programs for 3 month intervals. Have a safe and inspiring
summer!
Thanks
To all the folks...who stopped to wish me a happy birthday in Fellowship
Hall on Sunday, June 10, thank you so much. The reception, cake and flowers
were a complete surprise to me.
God love and bless you for a beautiful reception.
Margaret Woolcocks
Some reflections on West Michigan Annual Conference
By Rev. Francis Anderson
I attended sessions of the West Michigan Annual Conference (WMAC) because
it is still part of my life, even though I am retired. Being Visitation Minister
of Central, part time, is a great privilege.
The changing times have changed the conference, of course; I barely find
my way around! This time (May 31 - June 3) I again sang in the conference
choir. There were over 50 voices. The esprit de corps was high and invigorating.
Everyone appears to be "your friend".
The new Bishop, Linda Lee, was a surprising innovation as she led with skill,
fervor, and great patience. The location, Calvin College in Grand Rapids,
is beginning to be familiar to us all. However, one can still hear cries
for returning to Albion some day.
I confess that "legislation" did not keep me so interested as previous days,
but I did sit in during the debate between the B.S.A. and the U.M.C.'s differing
positions; no rancor, but understanding. There was so much to tell about
from the WMAC. We have a great Conference and wonderful personnel. God has
blessed the U.M.C.
A new book by Jan Karon
By Janet Hamilton
Those readers who have found a home in Mitford, a little town where Father
Tim cares for his parish, will be pleased to learn that Jan Karon has written
another book in the series with the same warmth and humor and notable
characters.
The Wedding: A Common Life, returns to the day Father Tim and his neighbor
Cynthia Coppersmith marry in the local church, with all the congregation
becoming involved. This is as hilarious and heart warming as the other novels
in the series. This new one is now available in the church library, along
with the earlier books.
A Common Life was donated to the library by Lois Myers in memory of her daughter,
Sandy Ott.
Life Support
We share joys and sorrows as we move through life together. In hopes of
supporting each other through some of life's particularly rocky ways, the
Evangelism Commission wants to know if any of these groups would help. Please
copy the section below, indicate your interest and leave this in the offering
plate, the church office, or phone JoAnne Harvey at 321–0945.
1. ______ Immune System support group for fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies
and others. Hazel Peltier R.N. will be the convenor.
2. ______ Missing Someone support group for loss and grief.
3. ______ Divided Hearts support group for divorce and broken relationship
recovery.
4. ______ Touched by Cancer support
group.
Comments:
___________________________________________________
Name:
Telephone No:
Central welcomes new members
By Marge Sleight and Betty Corbishley
Rhonda Myers was raised in Lansing. With her brother, she attended
Central as a young girl and is being received into membership through
re-affirmation of faith.
Rhonda is a graduate of Sexton High School and has been employed at Ingham
Regional Medical Center in the Respiratory Department. She is presently on
leave attending LCC where she is taking courses in nursing. For relaxation
times she enjoys travel, bike riding and walking.
Both parents, Rhonda and George, are busy these days keeping little Olivia
Grace Urdiales happy. On Mother's Day the baby was baptized and is shown
here in Rhonda's arms because new members' pictures were taken that day.
A "two for one" bonus for Central's new family members--a "bargain" and a
treasure for our church. Our arms will fondly hold them
both.
Kelly Clickner and Seth Peeper are true natives of
the area; Kelly originally lived in Dansville and graduated from high school
there, and Seth has always called Lansing his home. He is an alumnus of
Waverly High School.
Kelly works at A.I.G. Claims Services and attends Lansing Community College.
Seth works as a custodian at St. Gerard School and attends Davenport
University.
They are preparing for their September 8 wedding at Central. It will be a
large wedding as they both have extended families, most members of which
live in the area.
Both Kelly and Seth enjoy water sports and camping, and Kelly is very much
interested in various art media.
Adding them to our Central Family gives us great pleasure and in fellowship
and love we welcome them warmly.
Music Notes
By Caryn Welter
Showers of blessings bring facelift.
We of Central have been generously blessed by the bequests of a number of
families and individuals who specified that they wished a loved one to be
memorialized in the form of part of the third floor refurbishing.
In August of 1997, a large Ad Hoc Committee began several months of examining
Central's entire third floor, with an eye to upgrading its form and function.
In early 1998, the Committee took a proposal to the Board of Trustees. Last
fall, a call from the Memorials Committee indicated their interest in developing
a part of the plan and requested a specific proposal to upgrade the Music
Office. In response, a small subcommittee further developed the original
plan and submitted its details to the Board of Trustees, in order that the
group could approve the use of Memorial Fund money for this
project.
Now, thanks to the time, efforts, and reflections of many people, the upgrading
is under way. You may look forward to viewing the results in early September.
The third floor will present a warm, professional face to our own people,
as well as to outside folks who come there for meetings or bridal
consultations.
Many thanks, musicians, for your loyalty and hard work
To all who participated this year in various facets of the music program,
please know how much your ministry enhances worship at Central UMC. Directors,
instrumentalists, vocalists, bell ringers, carillonists, worship planners,
and Music Committee members, your faithful participation and cooperation
make it all come together at service time on Sunday mornings. You allow for
us to engage in meaningful corporate and individual worship that touches
our hearts and enables us to connect with spiritual experiences we have had
throughout our lives. You are very much appreciated.
Worship planning meetings are open
You are sincerely invited to attend and participate in monthly worship planning
gatherings. Oftentimes, we know things we'd like to say about worship but
don't feel there's a forum for communicating them. This is it, folks! Come
one; come all to our very first session of the new program year in the Centennial
Room on Wednesday, August 8, at 9 a.m.
Mark your calendars now, folks
Now is the time to order your priorities for September, at which time we
launch a new program year in the life of Central's music program. Perhaps
you like to sing, but haven't recently sung with a group. Maybe you've never
done it before, but think you'd like to ring bells. Consider whether you
could devote Thursday evenings to very satisfying times of fellowship,
musicianship, and worship preparation.The new program year promises new and
exciting musical opportunities. Won't you please join us?
Thanks for response to The Faith We Sing opportunity
The new hymnal supplement, The Faith We Sing, offers up a rich variety of
hymns, including old favorites that were left out of our last hymnal, brand
new and beautiful hymns, hymns from around the world, and current, informal
hymns. Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, we have been able to purchase
two hundred of the Pew Editions, thirty Singer's Editions, the Guitar Edition,
and the Accompanist's Edition. By the time you read this, you will already
have had at least two chances to sing from the new collection. Please let
us hear your reactions as we sample the different forms over the course of
several worship services.
Communion feedback is encouraged
As you recall, during the months of February, March, April and May, we piloted
a new format for the celebration of Holy Communion. If you have not already
shared your response to it, please use this opportunity to do so. Just call
extension 35 at the church, and leave a brief message. Your feedback will
be added into the compilation of information we have gathered and plan to
share with the Worship Planning Team and Administrative
Council.
Radio memorials
If you would like to sponsor a radio broadcast in honor, or in memory, of
a family member or loved one, please contact the church office
(485-9477).
United Methodist Women News
By Pat Mort, President
16th UMW Assembly to convene.
Come join 10,000 women to "Sing a New Song" at the 2002 United Methodist
Women's Assembly, April 25-28, 2002 in Philadelphia.
Among the morning speakers is Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president
of Children's Defense Fund. Also, daily Bible Study, music, challenges,
workshops, fun, enlightenment, exhibits, late night group activities, integration
of international guests and young women into the total event – a chance
to see the power and purpose of United Methodist Women.
Assembly happens every four years. Those of us who have been to one are hard
put to think of a more meaningful time spent as a United Methodist
Woman.
Right now we have four women definitely going. I'd love to have a group of
10 or more. We'll be driving to Philly and will take some side trips. Others
who want to fly, drive separately or take the UMC District bus are welcome.
The Conference will have a block of rooms at one of the hotels in
Philly.
A promotional video will be available within the Conference for Annual Meetings.
Additional information and sign-up packets will be available in the weeks
to come. Want a personal account of what it's like to go to Assembly? Contact
Anne or Pat Mort, Lois Jenkins or Linda Towsley.
Ever wanted the chance to lead?
With summer upon us it's hard to think ahead to the end of the year –
but the time has come to seriously consider new UMW officers. Dottie Stark
has agreed to fill in through the rest of the year as Treasurer for Gwen
Bodine. We need to consider a whole new slate of officers. Give it prayerful
consideration, ladies. UMW is a wondrous way to grow in faith and
service.
Thank you... to everyone who bought cookie dough! Together, we raised over
$1000 for Missions. We will be selling the cookie dough again next March
– mark your calendars now!
How can 'Women of Central' build a house?
Bob Pena and Joyce Joranko, representing Church and Society, are working
in concert with the downtown churches to build a house for a deserving family.
Let's start thinking how we can help in this effort.
UMW reading list books available
The UMW books will be available to all in Central's Library on the shelving
around the corner from the beautiful new statue of Christ. Older reading
list books will be available in the UMW office on the balcony in Fellowship
Hall.
Calendar of upcoming UMW opportunities
Just in case you need some items to add to your calendar, here are some
choices.
School of Christian Missions
Weekday School July 18 – 20
Drive in Day July 21 — Holt UMC
Mission Team
September 4, 6:30 p.m. — CUMC Cent. Rm.
UMW (all are invited) Potluck
September 17, 6:15 p.m. — CUMC
District annual, It's a Small World
September 19 — Mt. Hope UMC
Mission Team
October 2, 6:30 p.m. — CUMC Cent. Rm.
Operation Mission
October 8, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
East Lansing Eastminster Presbyterian
Annual Conference
October 20 — Portage Chapel Hill UMC
Mission Team
October 30, 6:30 p.m. — CUMC Cent. Rm.No November Mission Team –
(see October 30)
Christmas by Candlelight
December 4, 6:30 p.m. — CUMC
Cookie Dough Sale
March 2002 — CUMC
Lenten Brunch
March 23, 2002 — CUMC
UMW Assembly-Sing a New Song!
April 25-28, 2002
Pennsylvania Convention Center-Philidelphia
Check the UMW board in Fellowship Hall for details on these
opportunities!
Are we growing older and wiser?
By Rev. Francis Anderson
Many myths accompany the phenomena of growing older day by day. We all joke
about what "goes first", and often, it is said, it is our hearing capacity.
But I like to think that as the years pass, every individual could pick up
a little more skill in most anything. Limitations we have plenty of, but
capacity and capability, we often have more than is required.
Society and culture in America have advanced over the past 100 years, there
is no denying. Then, why not consider all sectors in life to progress, such
as the Church? It would seem that if we have held every post there is in
a church, it should be a "piece of cake" to undertake whatever needs to be
done. If we are never too old to learn, then we are never too old for most
things. The not-so-young are close behind, and others follow them--like the
boomers and the gen-X people. So, if we are among "the greatest generation",
then greater things can yet be done by all.
Read 2 Thessalonians 5:12-22.
UMYF Summer Work Project 2001 is here, July 15-20
By Pamala Phillips, Director of Christian Education
Missions, like charity, sometimes begin at home, and our summer work project
this year is at home.
We have identified a few much needed work projects that we can do right here
at Central. So we will be invading, and residing at Central United Methodist
Church, round the clock for four and a half days in July.
We will work hard (during the day), play hard (Lugnuts game, miniature golf,
swim party, Cedar Point on Friday) and eat well (probably around the clock
as well).
While not surprised, I am deeply moved by the enthusiasm and determination
of our youth in selecting Central as their site for summer
service.
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