Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         June, 2003

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Marking Sacred Time
Bob Roth, Minister of Christian Formation

Once again, the West Michigan Annual Conference (June 5–9) is fast approaching. There is a special “Marking Sacred Time” service each year at conference that focuses our worshipful attention on those being ordained or consecrated, as well as those who are retiring from active ordained ministry.

We know, however, that “sacred time” is marked in the lives of all of God’s people, not just pastors and deacons.

Consider those about to graduate from high school or college who are from our church family. Recognizing what they have accomplished and encouraging them as they transition into a new phase of life, we are “marking sacred time” with them. In that spirit, please be with these graduates for worship on

June 8 – Graduation Sunday.

In the worship service and coffee hour, we will recognize and give thanks for these graduates:

High School Graduates
Rob Boley – East Lansing High School
Kelly Knechtel – Waverly High School
William Lansing – Lansing Eastern High School
Anh Nguyen – Sexton High School

College Graduates
Lucy Akpabio – Davenport University
Jack Lansing II – Central Michigan University

Our Missions Commission is celebrating the graduates with a special “Lighting The Way To The Future” display now in the first floor showcase. You will notice that candles can be purchased in honor of a graduate with proceeds going to our Ministry of Kindness.

We also “mark sacred time” as youth become adult professing members of the church on Confirmation Sunday, June 1. Surely it will happen when the children come into the church, some for the first time, during Vacation Bible School, June 23 – 26. We believe that God blesses each phase of life. Weddings and funerals, baptisms and graduations-these are all sacred as we give them over to our loving Creator. May we always “mark time” with thanksgiving and renewed hope.
My involvement beyond the local church
by Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds

I have always been an active pastor, serving beyond the local church, since my first appointment in 1973. It was a way of life for me. No one told me that was the expectation. I just did it. I was a community activist. I was serving on so many boards and agencies in Flint that people started saying I was running for political office. Pastors are expected to be actively involved in the communities where they serve. “The world is my parish,” are the words of John Wesley. The district, conference and the community are my parish. No one should do it grudgingly. Serving in a voluntary capacity is an opportunity to give back and be a faithful steward.

So I am pleased to report on my involvement beyond the local church. One, I am an elected member of the West Michigan Conference Board of Ministry, along with 43 other pastors and lay persons. We meet every two months (sometimes more frequently) to decide on candidates’ fitness for ministry. It is a difficult and challenging process. The drive with others from Lansing to the meetings is a complete joy.

Two, I was elected to a four year term on the General Commission on Christian Unity and Inter–Religious Concerns. I am completing my second term in 2004. As the United Methodist Church was experiencing disunity around the issues of race and homosexuality, I have spent great energy on Acts of Repentance and designing dialogues on homosexuality. Our aim was to get people talking to each other. As a result of serving at the national level, I am expected to be on the WMC Committee on Christian Unity and Inter–Religious Concerns, as well.

I chaired the Committee on Self–Evaluation and Program Priorities of GCCICU, which prepares the report to General Conference regarding evaluation for the last four years and proposing priorities for the next quadrennial. We are nearing the completion of that work.

Three, I was elected as a clergy delegate to the 2000 General Conference and placed on the North Central Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee. We meet annually to care for our bishops and their families. The responsibility also places me on the Michigan Area Episcopacy Committee which cares for Bishop Linda Lee and her family; the administrative assistant to the bishop, Terry Euper and his family and Episcopal office staff.

Fourth and more locally, I am serving on MICAP (Michigan Interfaith Council on Alcohol Problems) which deals with legislation regarding gambling, alcohol and drugs; GLADE which requires mine and the church’s active involvement concerning issues of empowerment and policy changes to enhance the quality of life; the Lions’ Club of Lansing which meets each Tuesday to provides resources - glasses, seeing dogs, etc., and hearing aids for the people of Lansing; and I work closely with the Pastors’ Alliance of Lansing, an interdenominational group of Protestant pastors, working at improving the quality of life. I enjoy my involvements, and I hope that they will prove to be the different ways of getting Central UMC involved beyond itself.
Education
Bob Roth, Minister of Christian Formation

June 23 – 26
Monday thru Thursday

The children of Central, Potter Park UMC, their friends, relatives and kids from the neighborhood and beyond are invited (pre-Kindergarten thru 5th grade). We will gather in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with lunch in the dining room at 12 noon.

If you think you might be interested, please highlight, copy and paste the area below to your word processing program, complete the name and age, print it and place it in the offering plate or mail to the church office. It is important to know the age of those planning to attend so that we can properly plan for this great program. You won’t want to miss it!
Bob Roth
Vacation Bible School

Name: _____________________________________________

Age: _____________________________________________
Upcoming Dates:

Two very important worship services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.:

June 1: Confirmation Sunday

June 8: Graduation Sunday


June 22: Lansing Lugnuts Game
We will leave Central at 1:30 p.m. to walk over to Oldsmobile Park together for the 2 p.m. game. Cost: $5 for your ticket, which you need to purchase from Pastor Bob Roth by June 15.
You are invited...
to be Special Guests of First United Methodist Church, Des Moines, Iowa the weekend of June 6 and especially for the worship on June 8 at 10:30 a.m. in celebration of the completion of our renovation.

— Rev. Susan Bowman, Lead Pastor and
— Wanda Wendt, Chairman, ChurchCouncil
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Summer music opportunities are still available . . .

to those who are interested. If you’d like to serve at one of these worship times, please contact Bruce Goodrich (321-6351) who represents the Music Committee in organizing this important schedule. Indicate whether you’d like to do Special Music, the Offertory, or both:

June 15 –
June 22 – Janet Geissler
June 29 –
July 6 –
July 13 –
July 20 – Bob Pena
July 27 – Jessica Allen
August 3 – Carolyn and Dale Kirkby
August 10 –
August 17 –
August 24 – Kathy and Suzanne MacLaren
August 31 – David Schuurmans


Kudos to the Chancel Choir . . .

for its rendition of Adolphos Hailstork’s “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes.” The presentation was a series of marvelous contrasts in style and dynamics, undergirded by the beauty of our section leaders’ voices. Thanks, Jessica, and choir for your time, talent, and effort.


Special thanks go to . . .

the Youth Fine Arts Group for “staying with it” after their program year ended, in order to sing on Graduation Sunday. This year, a formerly active member of their group will graduate. Congratulations, Rob Boley.


Many, many thanks to... This year’s worship experiences have been rich and diverse, thanks to the efforts of all these people and more.
The Church Library is a great place to visit this summer!
Rev. Bob Roth

Friends – We have this wonderful ministry in a most beautiful space right in our midst. It is perhaps the best kept secret at Lansing Central United Methodist Church: our church library! With the renovations completed last year, it is now a comfortable, usable and spacious space for reading, relaxing, browsing or checking out books or magazines. Librarians Dr. Ed Spink and Win Anderson have the place professionally organized and accessible. The more it is used, the more a church library expands its spiritual, Biblical and educational ministry.

At some point this summer, walls will be painted in the library and the books will be boxed up or covered in plastic for a short period of time. This is an excellent time to check out a couple books for the early summer while you are able!

One excellent new addition to our library is a book entitled A Guide To Prayer For All God’s People. From Upper Room books, this inspiring resource is edited by Bishop Rueben P. Job and spiritual writer and leader Norman Shawchuck. A Guide To Prayer forms prayers, Psalms, other Bible passages, quotes from spiritual writers, and excerpts from spiritual classics into sections that can be used for daily devotionals, weekly lectionary–based spiritual disciplines, or full spiritual life retreats. It has recently been the resource book in Joi Tennant’s class, “Communing With God.”

A Guide To Prayer’s weekly devotional themes include Choose God, The Call Of God, and The Meaning of Discipleship. Check it out in the church library and see all that is there for your spiritual and personal growth.
Thank you to those who generously made donations to our recent used book sale. New books and media will be purchased for everyone’s enjoyment. Look for our next used book sale in the Fall. Library Task force
Lighting the way to the future
Nancy O’Shea, Mission Commission


You can help the Ministry of Kindness fund by purchasing a lovely gift for a graduate...or as an added wedding gift...or for a dinner party...or to have on hand for a party.

In conjunction with the non–profit Eaton County Housing organization (Denise Fabbri Dunn is Director), members of the Mission Commission will sell beeswax candles about once each month or so in Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings, at potlucks or at other church events. The first sale will be Graduation Sunday, June 8, during the coffee hour. Cash and carry – no ordering necessary. Cost $5.00 per pair of candles.
Congratulations

Earl and Martha Shirtum were married on June 19, 1953, in Mary Sabina Chapel by the Rev. Paul Morrison. On Sunday, June 29, 2003, the Shirtums will greet members of their church family in Fellowship Hall following worship. Everyone is invited to have a piece of their 50th Wedding Anniversary cake!
Promote healthy families and communities
Kayla Tipton, Church and Society Commission

The Church and Society Commission encourages interested persons to attend A Shalom Forum. Explore how healthy churches can promote healthy families and communities.

Asbury United Methodist Church
2200 Lake Lansing Rd., Lansing
Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28
$75.00 per church

Presentation Topics:
Communication Skills – Family Violence – Issues for Children – Restorative Justice – Community Mediation – Problem Solving Skills – Congregational Health
F.O.C.U.S.


FOCUS (Focus on Christ, Unity and Service) emerged from the former young adults group. Everyone who is above high school age are welcomed at any and all events. We are planning to do service projects as well as social activities. There will always be lots of smiles and fun to share at any of the events.

The next event is a PICNIC at Patriarche Park in East Lansing on Saturday, June 21, at 4 p.m. Please bring a dish to share and your own table service. Meat and drink will be provided. If you would like to share your outdoor games, please feel free to bring them with you. (For example: frisbees, balls, badminton, etc.). A donation of $1 is suggested but not required to cover the cost of reserving the tables.

Please RSVP to Jamie Tipton 485–0573, Janet Geissler 394–0174, or Denise/Dennis Kelley 484–9109.

Our set-ups for tables, chairs, and decorations are all part of our ministry—not to forget the clean–up volunteers afterwards. It is truly a joy to come together. Think about coming to our meetings in the fall!
Shalom Center sponsors new group: the Circle of Peace

Through the initiative of several members of Lansing Central UMC, a new group has formed to encourage one another in a peaceful way of life, learn about world peace, and explore ways to serve others and work for non–violent solutions to social problems.

The group has already met once, naming itself the Circle of Peace and seeking the sponsorship of the Shalom Center. The Shalom Center guiding committee was delighted to sponsor this group which is open to members of all area churches.

The Circle of Peace will meet next 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. on June 17 in the second floor lounge and then plans to gather every third Tuesday of the month. The group plans to be educational as well as supportive and will consider inviting speakers to visit and explore options to serve refugees or others. Feel free to ask me questions about this new Circle or speak with Pat Bell, Leora Stutes, Anita Gamble, Marcy Carter, Jess Pinch, or Dave and Carolyn Schuurmans.

The Center’s Peacemaker Study Group continues to meet 7 – 9 p.m. two Thursdays (on average) a month. We will select a new book to begin this summer, so let me know if you are interested in joining the group. Peace be with you.

— Bob Roth
“...a froggy jumped on my head.”

In the Spring issue of the Hudy newsletter, Oseas Benjamin Hudy-Velasco writes,

“Hi! How Are you? And how are the church members? I hope you and the church members are o.k. I am o.k. Has it rained a lot and has it snowed much in the winter? I like living here because there are a lot of neat things that happen to us. One time a froggy jumped on my t–shirt and another time it jumped on my head.

“O.K., I’m going to get something said clearly. My dad has written in almost all the newsletters that we need an English teacher. The problem is that they don’t come. But we have housing, water, and food. So please think about coming down to work here teaching English. That way my dad can rest and play with us more.”
Hudy Sunday July 6
Mission Commission

The first Sunday of every quarter (April, July, October, January) is designated Hudy Sunday. On that day, or the following two Sundays (July 13 and 20), there will be envelopes available for our quarterly offering. Please 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 the Hudy's daily face the challenges of their new environment and share the love of God through their work.
Thank you

“You have a beautiful church, and we received many compliments on the wedding...the people who helped us set things up and make sure that everything went well…were so helpful and very accommodating - that was so nice. Thanks for letting Josh and Katie use your church on their special day.” – Jerry and Kris Kokx whose daughter, Katie, was married on March 1.

“...thank you for allowing us to use your facility as a warming site for our 13th annual Walk for Warmth. It proved to be ideal.” – Phillip Thompson, Center Coordinator, Walk for Warmth

“Hannah Circle (Peoples Church) really enjoyed visiting Central. Mr. (Rich) Roush did a fine job of describing the history of the church and guiding us on an extensive tour of the church with many interesting stories.” – Betty
Among Friends

Remember…
At press time:

In hospital care:

Dr. William S. Gamble – Burcham Health Care
Mrs. Doris Parks – Ingham County Medical Center

At home:

Donald McLaughlin and Ravenna McLaughlin – Grandhaven Manor , #308
Russell Smith – Grandhaven Manor, #351
Jessica Phillips


Sympathy to Families:

Ruthann Jaquette's Family upon the death of her father on May 9.
Rev. Frank Anderson upon the death of his last brother, Lee, on May 16.

Others for whom we pray:

Rev. Lynn Grimes, pastor at Holt U.M.C.
Family of 13 year old Jasmine Miles struck by two cars on May 13, and died.
The Peter Hudy Family, our Missionaries in Bolivia.
All Members & Delegates of the 35th Session of the West Mich. Annual Conference June 6–9.

Thank you…

for the prayers offered and for the cards sent to me during my illness. They were greatly appreciated. Bob Jenkins

from the family of Neva Bacon. When our hearts are filled with sadness, it is often in the kindness and compassion of others where we find the strength to endure. Janet McCaffrey

for the many expressions of sympathy through words and cards because of the recent death of my mother and Jamie's grandma. It is helpful to know others care and understand the sadness which survivors experience. Kayla & Jamie Tipton and family

Congratulations…

Ralph Gibbs, father of Ron Gibbs, celebrated his 96th birthday April 27.
Brian and Camille (LaBaron) Burgtorf married here at Central on May 10th.
Elderberrys in Recess
Frank Anderson

Our last meeting enjoyed 24 persons present. Jane Baessler explained to us the innovation of female pilots during W.W.II in the USA and also in England. She had a wonderful display of books and maps to document her words. She also had unique notepaper and envelopes containing watercolor scenes she had painted.

We gave way to our luncheon finally, and had macaroni and cheese, broccoli and fresh oranges plus the beverages and bread. The coordinator introduced the idea of having a seminar led by the West Michigan Conference UMC, Older Adult Ministry Committee, sometime in the fall. Subjects could be Spirituality for Later Years, Compassionate Caregiving, and Personal Finance Planning.
The Power of Prayer

We all recognize the power of prayer in our lives. We have several members who will pray daily for anyone who requests it. If you or someone you know would like prayers of intercession, please contact one of the people below who will pass on the request confidentially.

Daytime: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. – Karen Holoweiko, 626–6798 or Pat Basgall, Administrative Secretary, 485–9477
Evening: 5 p.m.–8 a.m. – Pat Bell, 482–4098 or Nancy O’Shea, 372–6256
Peace with Justice Sunday – June 15
Bob Roth

Through a variety of ministries, your offering on Peace with Justice Sunday encourages mutual support in your annual conference and around the world: People of all ages learn alternatives to violence, New resources foster global justice, Violence is stopped, and peace is restored.

An offering envelope is enclosed. You may place your donation in the offering plate or mail to, or drop off at, the church office, 215 N. Capitol, Lansing, MI 48933.
50 Year Member
Nancy O’Shea, Assistant Editor


Making hot chocolate in the little kitchenette off the first floor lounge is still vivid in her mind. The dishes were sent up and down from the kitchen on the dumbwaiter. A fire was usually burning in the fireplace in the first–floor lounge. A Sunday evening’s activity may have been topped off by bowling in the pinnacle of Central’s Temple House. The task of setting pins was rotated among the youth. Betty Jane Brundage Ward has very fond memories of the Epworth League.

Members she recalls from the Epworth League are Barbara George, Karney Kirkby, Bill Curtis, Violet Ricks, Irving Trudgeon, Royal Reed, Dorothy and Ruth Carr, Ethel Haskins Benedict and Peg and Ernie Haskins. The Epworth League was both serious and fun. It had a president, two vice–presidents and a secretary–treasurer. The groups met on Sunday evenings during the school year. The seventh and eighth grades met in the sanctuary balcony; the ninth grade met in the library; the tenth through twelfth grades met in the first–floor lounge. Usually 45 young people were in attendance each week for the educational study. Those attending, played music and sang hymns. Sometimes a speaker came with a message for the group. An offering was taken each week for Chinese missions–the nickels and dimes added up.

One year the Epworth group decided to have a rummage sale. Bill Curtis from Mills Dry Goods donated unused clothing. It was a great sale! The grand sum of $300 was raised and then used to cover the cost of camp at Albion College. It was one week of camping, attending educational/religious classes and having fun. The meals were provided. Although camping was fun, and the group had a good time going to Albion, a real highlight each year was Christmas Eve caroling at St. Lawrence Hospital and Sparrow Hospital. John Scott sent a bus to pick up the kids from the church. After caroling at the hospitals, all the youth were driven to the Scott house for cookies and hot chocolate. Mr. Scott lived in a large house next to the Cooley House (where Cooley gardens are now).

Living in the downtown area, the kids walked everywhere they needed to go. One year the youth were dropped off at the church after Christmas caroling. Karney, Allison, Dorothy, Ruth and Betty decided to drop in on the Christmas Eve service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. (It wasn’t a cathedral at that time). The kids thought they were really getting away with something until they walked in the wrong door off Ionia and walked out onto the elevated lectern where the priest was saying mass! When they realized they were breathing down the neck of the priest, they quickly exited but proceeded to get lost prior to leaving the church building.

Ahhhh! Those were the days....memories....memories.

Betty Brundage met her to–be–husband, John “Jack” Ward, when he worked for Paul Automotive. Betty Jane worked for the State of Michigan spoils system at that time (each senator and representative of the state could have two people from their district work for the State of Michigan). When Betty moved to a job in the Vocational Education Department during WWII, the state was setting up classes for farmers to learn a trade. Although Jack and Betty knew each other from high school, they did not get reacquainted until Jack came to her office to give a bid for the vocational program. They got reacquainted and were married in 1944. They had one daughter from their union, Nancy Ward Esch, and two grandchildren, Becky and Ken. She now has great grandchildren and continues to work four days each week for the Senior Companion Program.
Lansing area United Methodist Church Softball League
Edward Keen


Summer 2003 Schedule

All games are on Tuesdays; doubleheaders: first game starts at 6:30 p.m. Sharp Park is in Delta Township, just north of the Lansing Mall on Elmwood. If players cannot attend any games, notify Coach Ed keen, 321–4967, fastedd3@attbi.com

May 27 – Central vs Sycamore Creek – Wm. Burchfield Park, Grovenburg Road, Holt

June 3 – Central vs. Holt UMC – Sharp Park #6

June 10 – Central vs. Christ UMC – Sharp Park #5

June 17 – Central vs. University UMC – Sharp Park #6

June 24 – Central vs. Calvary UMC – Sharp Park #5

July 1 – Central vs. Mt. Hope UMC – Sharp Park #6

July 8 – Central vs. Combined Team – Sharp Park #6

July 15 – Central vs. Sycamore Creek UMC – Sharp Park #5
Sunday, June 29 at 11 a.m.

Pancake brunch

Fundraiser for camperships

Free will offering

As wonderful as Christian camping is for our children and youth, the cost has gone up, up, up in recent years. (Standard price per camper at our conference camps: $260 per kid.)

Please stay at church after worship on June 29 for this delicious pancake brunch. Our support of these young people will build toward the church of the future.

Bob Roth, Minister of Christian Formation
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