June,
2001
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
Central Supports Smallwoods at Redbird Mission School
By Nancy O'Shea, Assistant Editor
Mark and Rebecca Smallwood are missionaries at Redbird Mission School in
Kentucky.
A recent newsletter from the Smallwoods gives an update on what's happening
there.
The Cardinal Singers, directed by Mark, went on tour in March and April.
They shared their faith through song and testimony in churches in Indiana
and Illinois. They also shared in churches in their area.
Rebecca, the Christian Education teacher for grades K-5, said the students
are learning about "famous" people in the Bible through stories, puppet shows,
skits, guest performers, songs and activities. The upper-elementary grades
have been working on independent projects. These projects encourage Scripture
memorization, Bible study, outreach to others in their community and creative
expression of their faith.
Mark and Rebecca have a 4-year-old son, Nathan, and a 20-month-old daughter,
Leah, whom they adopted from Korea one year ago on St. Patrick's Day. She
is," a charmer but still manages to get into plenty of mischief." Their son
can identify a measuring cup and a crankshaft. He has thought-provoking questions
like, "What does a starfish eat?", to keep them on their toes!
Shirley Sharp, a member of our Mission Commission, stays in touch and provides
lots of T.L.C. to the Smallwood family.
CUMC covenant with the missionaries we support
The West Michigan Conference, Board of Global Ministries, has asked each
congregation to prayerfully commit to $5/member or $2,500 per congregation
for each missionary the church supports. It is their hope, and ours, to reduce
the "wear and tear" on our missionaries as they visit supporting churches
during their home assignment periods. These funds are used to pay for the
increased cost of sending missionaries to needed areas.
The funds go to the church conference and the Advance forwards the amount
needed to provide for each missionary family. Central supports the Hudys
in Bolivia and the Smallwoods in Kentucky.
Pastor's Pen
This summer, for the Sundays that I am here and preaching, I will have a
sermon series on Forgiveness. As we Christians know, there is no more powerful
thing in the world of human relationships than forgiveness. We get the idea
of forgiveness from God, who “is merciful and gracious, slow to anger
and abounding in steadfast love”. God’s forgiveness as told in
our Scriptures is central to our faith and is the essence of God’s
personality.
That forgiveness is, of course, most exemplified in the life, death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. At one point Jesus tells us to forgive others
seventy times seven. He further exemplified forgiveness by forgiving his
crucifiers because they “know not what they do”. His life and teaching
called his followers into new understandings of forgiveness that were to
change the world.
In our lives we know the power of forgiveness, but it is one of the most
difficult things we do. Some of us would rather die than forgive. And yet
we also know how forgiveness releases the soul and brings forth new life,
for both the forgiver and the forgiven.
Still, there are issues: Does forgiveness require prior meaningful repentance?
Can you forgive a situation but not forgive a person? How does forgiveness
relate to justice and punishment – must we forgive a criminal, but what
then happens to the punishment? The thorny problems are many.
This summer we will look at some of these issues in a series called
“Embodying Forgiveness”. We will look at forgiveness from the points
of view of theology, sociology, and psychology. We will also look at the
craft and practice of forgiveness, and how this all relates to our daily
lives. May God bless our efforts and our road of discipleship.
John Boley
You are invited
The children of David and Carolyn Schuurmans invite Central friends to a
reception celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, to be held in Fellowship
Hall on Saturday, June 30, from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. No gifts
please.
LOST & FOUND...
Navy hooded sweatshirt, Man's striped shirt – XL,
White t-shirt – XL, Black shower shoes, White socks, Man's sports watch,
Lanyard, Black patent purse.
"Run With Determination" Called a Success
By Bob Wangen, Finance Chairperson
The first annual, "Run With Determination" was held on May 5, 2001. The weather
cooperated; it was a perfect day for this event. Many comments were made
by the 25 runners and walkers on how well run the event was and how they
looked forward to returning for the second annual "Run With
Determination."
I wish to thank the members of the congregation who volunteered to put on
this event. The participants were commenting with praise on your performance.
John and Penny Zago, Doug and Mary Bowers, Charles and Pat Bell, Bob Pena,
Kathy McLaren, Dave DeVinney, Jan Keen, Lorraine Metzger, Pat Wangen, Kimber
Wilson, Ian Boley, Frank Joranko.
Watch the Central Journal for the announcement of next year’s second
annual " Run With Determination"!
Open door ministry ...to close?
By Joyce Joranko, Church and Society Chairperson
For many years Central United Methodist Church has kept its doors open daily
and has welcomed those who come in. Some are seeking warmth and a listening
ear. Our staff and desk volunteers have been available to provide this Christian
service. It has been noted lately that because of less staff, it has become
a strain. However, it is the consensus of the Administrative Council that
this policy should not cease.
Therefore, a task force has been initiated to investigate ways we could secure
additional staff to assist in this ministry and also possibly, enhance the
service we are already providing. We are exploring possible Global Mission
assistance as well as other avenues. Our mission statement proclaims that
we welcome all people as neighbors, and we want to do this in this downtown
church.
Thank you…
On behalf of our entire family, we wish to express our sincere thanks to
all our friends at Central for the many cards and kind words we received
after Dad "sailed " away.
We especially want to thank Rev. Boley for officiating at Dad's very moving
memorial service;
Jan Keen for playing some of his favorite music on the Carillon; and Caryn
Welter for arranging to have Steve Rice play the organ.
Special thanks also to Arline Roe, Margaret Woolcocks, Ginny Cantwell, and
Don Pickard for preparing the luncheon, and to Dominic Parker and Greg Stafford
for the dining room setup.
Pam and Charlie Jennett
My daughter, Joyce Gillette, and I wish to thank our church friends for their
support during these days of sadness. The ministers, the church staff and
everyone is so kind and thoughtful. We appreciate this.
Lois Myers
Thank you to our church family for all of the love and support you have given
us. Although we miss our "P.J." deeply, being part of the Central family
has brought us comfort and given us strength.
Through your prayers we can truly feel God's nurturing arms carrying us down
this path and healing our "wounds". We are blessed and proud to belong to
this family. With Christ's love,
Marcy, Chris and Pam Carter
(This letter to Rev. Boley and Rev. Anderson was received April 12)
My personal note is long overdue to tell you how much Mansel and I have
appreciated your visits as well as the Sunday broadcasts. The half hour goes
so quickly! However, we feel the fellowship and, of course, we wish we could
be there.
The cards from members have been wonderful, too. Our daughter and friends
are busy today setting up Mansel's new home at Burcham Hills, Room 543, where
he will be by nightfall. Our best wishes to Central.
Virginia and Mansel Dunn
Just a note to say hello and thank you for the card and, I'm sure, prayers
while going through my ordeal recently. They were both helpful and
appreciated.
Gladys Gilson
Christian Education News
By Pamela Phillips, Director of Christian Education
Vacation Bible School 2001
"A polar expedition - where kids discover
Jesus' love is cool."
June 25-28, Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
For four days the last week of June, CUMC will experience a “polar
transformation”.
We have invited Potter Park again this year, and anticipate an invasion of
nearly 60 explorers from pre-school through the fifth grade. So watch for,
and don’t be surprised when, igloos, dog sleds, camping gear, the arctic
ocean and polar wildlife begin to appear late June.
Ichthus 2001 Report
April 26-29 was the 35th Annual Ichthus Music Festival in Wilmore, KY. This
year there were showers, no rain, 20,000 people (largest Ichthus ever), and
about 10 lbs. of dust per person. We camped, we played, we laughed, and we
cried. We sang and we prayed and 12 youth and four adults had an experience
that will be remembered for a lifetime. Thanks to all who loaned us tents,
stoves, and all manner of camping equipment. Look for pictures on bulletin
boards soon.
UMYF Fund raisers
Thank you to all who purchased Van Atta’s Gift Certificates in support
of our Youth, and to the Kirkby’s who not only took us up on our work
day offers, but had us in for a swim, and fed us dinner afterwards. Between
our workday activities and the gift certificate sales we raised almost
$1,000.00.
Christian Educators of the year:
Diane Boley, Marcy Carter, Mike and Julie Cooper, Anne Forgrave, Jeff Holoweiko,
Dennis Kelley, Dale and Carolyn Kirkby, JoAnn Klein, Kathy MacLaren, Jim
Stark, Dave Stinson, and Joi Tennant.
These individuals committed their time, their self, and their faith to teaching
and telling of the life and love and good news of Jesus Christ. They are
a blessing and inspiration to me personally and to their students, young
and old.
"I thank God upon my every remembrance of each of you, always in every prayer
of mine, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until
now." Philippians 1:3
UMYF Summer Work Project 2001
July 15-20
You may remember that 18 people spent the hottest week of the summer in the
Navajo Nation, at Ft. Defiance, AZ last year, painting houses, and helping
with story-telling, crafts, music, and sports at the afternoon kids
club.
This year the youth council and leadership discussed several possibilities
and identified a most worthy and appropriate work site. Missions, like charity,
sometime 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 this 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.
Elderberrys meet in June
By Rev. Frank Anderson, Ret.
The Older Adult Ministries of Central United Methodist Church are important
to us all. We are what we are and that will determine the nature of our
ministries much of the time. May has been Older Adult Awareness Month for
our Church, and elsewhere, too.
Our Group called, "Elderberrys", is an attempt to bring adults about 55 and
older together for Christian fellowship and learning. We cannot deny that
there are scores of folks that qualify within our congregation.
Many issues confront we elderly today, such as elder abuse, nursing care,
loneliness, health (most are healthy!), finances, and housing, just to name
a few. The opportunity is very wide and open for a mutual
ministry.
Elderberrys will meet next on Tuesday morning, June 12, at 10:30 a.m. in
the Dining Room with lunch at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $2.00. The program will
be a mystery—that's because it is a mystery to me what we will have!
But we will come together.
Last month's meeting was a total success as we visited the MSU Museum's exhibits
on State and County Fairs through the Years.
Thanks to Mary Jessup and Charlie Jennett, our
drivers.
Church library book has Father's Day emphasis
By Win Anderson
Father, Son, 3-MileRun, by Keith J. Leenhouts, is a heart-warming story of
love and devotion of a dedicated father and courageous son who overcame seemingly
insurmountable odds. It was written 25 years ago to his sons.
To quote the author: "Where have all the father's gone? Why do we put so
many tasks before fatherhood? Why do we spend time around the house, at our
jobs, at our golf games, at everything but fatherhood?"
The author, Honorable Keith James Leenhouts, is one of our nation's pioneers
of rehabilitation programs using citizen-volunteers in court. For the past
40 years he has spoken to thousands of churches, and any groups interested
in establishing court volunteer programs. Leenhouts and his family live in
Royal Oak, Michigan, and his career as a judge was in Michigan.
This book was excerpted into an article, "Race...For Love", in Reader's Digest
magazine, and later made into a 60-minute film and distributed to churches
by Evangelical Films.
This book brings us new hope as it places the true meaning of life back into
focus upon which all success is built...the family.
West Michigan Annual Conference to convene
The annual session of the West Michigan Annual Conference will be held this
year at Calvin College in Grand Rapids from May 30 through June 3. John Boley
and Frank Anderson will attend as clergy, Karen Holoweiko will attend as
Lay Member representing CUMC, and Pat Bell will attend as a Lay Member
representing the Lansing District.
Enough Already
Margaret Wollcocks gives a million thanks to those who have given her bottles
to fill with shampoo for the Thursday Fellowship Lunch guests. In mid-June,
Margaret will take a much deserved break from her post at the lunch to visit
family. She has plenty of bottles now so please do not bring
more.
United Methodist Women News
By Pat Mort, President
Mission Team will meet
There will be a Mission Team meeting on June 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Flap Jack
Shack on Waverly. Come for dinner or dessert. Among the topics we will discuss
is our "Woman with a Heart" (the new District program that replaces Second
Century Woman) recipient and whether Central will host the 2002 Legislative
Day. Please make an effort to be there! If you cannot attend, please let
Pat or Linda know.
We heard from Denise's, the group who put on the fashion show. They made
over $800 in sales; they were very pleased. A big "thank you" to all who
attended and made it such a fun evening. Thanks to Linda Towsley who did
most of the planning and set up—don't know what we'd do without you,
Linda; Kathy Prout and Edie Robinson for helping with the dessert; and thank
you Denise Kelley (our Denise Kelley, not theirs) and Keri Keck for the lovely
garden bouquets for the tables. And how about those models; Mary Nesman,
Lois Jenkins and Susan Yoon—you were marvelous! Thank you for lending
your talents to us that night. It was a very nice evening, and we made $200
after expenses!
Cookie Dough to go
If you didn’t buy cookie dough and you wanted to, there's a chance you
still can. We're down to the wire, but we may still have some available.
Please contact Pat Mort or Dottie Stark for varieties and availability. These
are great to have on hand for coffee hour or a summer tea.
Assembly next April in Philadelphia
Start planning now for Assembly next April in Philadelphia. The city is not
so far away that we must fly; just far enough so that we can "stretch" our
time and make some side trips! More on Assembly in the months to
come.
How can 'Women of Central' help to 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.
Grove meditation room almost ready
By next fall the Grove Meditation Room, on the balcony of Fellowship Hall,
will be ready with resources and space for personal prayer, and small
groups.
We are intentionally taking our time with this project, and we will be enhancing
it as we become more aware of what is needed. The UMW "office" is located
at the north end of the room. When we are done, it will be easier to use,
with supplies and resources for Circles and individuals.
Enjoy your summer, ladies! Rest, refresh, recreate, meditate, pray, play,
sing, dance, camp, swim, lavish, renew, resound—UMW will see you in
the fall!
Centralniters to visit Meijer Gardens
By Rev. Frank Anderson, Ret.
All Centralniters and friends are invited to finish the season with a trip
to Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 9. Destination will be the Frederik Meijer
Gardens, 3411 Bradford NE, Grand Rapids.
Meet at the gardens at 9:30 a.m. Those who prefer can gather at Central Church's
parking lot (in back of the building) at 8 a.m. to share a ride and/or go
caravan style. A restaurant, location to be announced later, will be chosen
for lunch. Please phone Joanne or Ken Harvey at 321-0945 for your reservation
now. The cost for senior groups over 60 is $4 per person. Regular admission
fee is $6. Please come along!
A second opportunity: Social Security Scandals is putting on "A Senior
Musical/Comedy/Dance Revue", at Lansing Catholic Central High School, 501
N. Marshall Street, Lansing, on Saturday, June 23 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and
Sunday, June 24 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 each for reserved seats. Phone
the LCP Box Office at 484-9191 for advance tickets. The show is sponsored
by Lansing Civic Players Guild.
Great United Methodist Men Odyssey
By Rev. Frank Anderson, Ret.
The General Commission of United Methodist Men is sponsoring the 8th
International Men's Congress, July 13-15, at Purdue University in West Lafayette,
Indiana. There will be 75 booths with ministry resources, 50 workshops, and
well-known speakers and authors. The Lake Junaluska Singers will perform,
and more. Cost: all meals and housing, $225. More details available by contacting
Frank Anderson at 323-6968 Registration deadline is June
19.
Central Welcomes New Members
Hudson Whitmore
Hudson's childhood was in Hillsdale. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University (CMU) where he played on the baseball team. (Central Softball Team: hear, hear!) He is a personal finance consultant at Hantz Financial in East Lansing, putting in many hours. He is interested in sports, enjoys fishing & hunting and spending time with friends.
Hudson and fiancé, Tennille Hileski, are enthusiastic about becoming
new members. Each having lived in Lansing a short time, it pleases them to
get to know the people and community. They plan on a May 11, 2002 wedding
and are excited about their future plans.
Tennille Hileski
Tennile grew up in Allegan, also attended CMU majoring in education, and
did her practice teaching in England. She is currently employed at Mid-Michigan
Public School Academy where she teaches math and science. She was recently
informed she will be teaching at Laingsburg with second graders, and is pleased,
for she loves teaching enthusiastic younger children. Having played on CMU's
volleyball team, she too is interested in athletics and outdoor
activities.
Hudson and Tennile's membership means a lot to Central, and we welcome them
most warmly.
Debbie Hourse
Debbie has been coming to Central for over a year and joins as a transfer
from Holt Presbyterian Church. She has been a Lansing area resident for about
20 years. Her girlhood home was in Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula (a yooper)
where she graduated from the high school there.
As a Lansingite, she has taken courses occasionally at Lansing Community
College. She is presently employed at the Covington Woods Senior Apartments
where she is the property manager.
She is the mother of two grown daughters, both of whom are Michigan State
University graduates.
She has a motorcycle and loves biking and enjoys all sports.
In joining us, she is most welcome as a member of our Central
family.
Call to Service
By Bob Wangen, Finance Chairperson
In February I requested that all committees and commissions of Central United
Methodist Church help to relieve the financial situation of the church by
conducting a fund-raising activity to support the general budget. The Finance
Committee and the Music Committee have responded to this call to service
and conducted fund raising events to support the general budget of the
church.
What is the financial status of the church? While the March statement was
not available for review at the April meeting of the Finance Committee, it
is becoming increasingly obvious that we cannot raise sufficient new revenue
to off set our projected deficit. As a result of this conclusion the Finance
Committee has made the following recommendations to the Administrative
Council:
1. All committees and commissions should limit spending as much as possible
and limit their spending to those expenditures that are absolutely essential
to their program areas. Do not consider budgeted funds to be available for
use. The Finance Committee approved all budgeted requests based on the belief
that we could generate sufficient additional revenue. We no longer believe
this will happen.
2. Based on our motion, passed at the March meeting, apportionment payments
will be deferred until authorized by the Finance Committee.
3. Finance Committee restates its request that the Music Committee not purchase
any additional music this year until advised otherwise.
4. Finance Committee restates its request that the Education Commission not
purchase additional curriculum material or expend funds in Adult and Family
Ministries this year until advised otherwise.
If you wish to find out more about our financial situation or wish to offer
suggestions to relieve the situation, your questions and comments are welcome
and invited.
Finance Committee; contact Bob Wangen at 669-8433, or at
wangenrb@grtlaketng.com.
It's easy to send money across the world,
but what about our own back yard?
By Dale Kirkby, Evangelism Chairperson
While vacationing recently, I read an article about Royson Gonzalez, a Mormon
missionary born in Guatemala. He was being re-assigned, along with 700 others,
to Utah. It seems that while they've been out trying to convert the world,
they've been neglecting their own back yard.
It's easy to write our check to missions and feel we've done our part. It's
easy to rally around the Hudy's as we send them "over there" to do God's
work, which is important. But, as the Mormons discovered, it's easy to get
wrapped up in the world and forget our own neighborhoods.
To fulfill Jesus' great commission to "go make disciples of all nations",
sometimes we just need to turn to our own friends and
neighbors.
Shortly we will be the beneficiary of a nation-wide media blitz by the United
Methodist Church called,"Igniting Ministries". Television and radio ads will
be inviting people to visit their local congregation where "our hearts, our
minds and our doors are always open".
Will each of us be ready to do our part, or will our minds still be "over
there"?
Summer 2001 Canp Schedules Available
For information, please call the Education office or see the display in
Fellowship Hall during coffee hour on Sunday
mornings.
Send a kid to camp...Sponsor a summer camp
scholarship
Historically, we have provided scholarships for CUMC elementary, Jr. and
Sr. High age children attending West Michigan or Detroit Conference Camp.
Scholarships are $100 per camper. if you would like to help by providing
a scholarship or contributing to one, please contact Pamala Philips or John
Boley.
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