June, 1999
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
Congratulations to Central's Graduates
Graduating from High School
Elizabeth Ezop—Eastern
Lynda McCraken—East Lansing
Lein Chi (Cindy) Nguyen—Sexton
Doug Sargent—Okemos
Aaron Terrill —Everett
Sarah Vanek—Everett
Elisabeth Wangen—DeWitt
Fredrick Kammerlander—DeWitt
College Graduates
Jill Lansing Hahn –M.A. Business Adminstration
Central Michigan University
Aaron Gillett-B.S. Biology
Albion, cum laude
Nathan Mather-B.S.E. Computer Engineering
University of Michigan, summa cum laude
Life Journeys
Proposed reporting on high school graduates since 1989
During the past ten years, Central Church has honored well over one hundred
high school graduates at its annual June Sunday Graduation Service. As a
friendly and caring church, we remain concerned and interested as these young
people travel their life journeys. Some of our young friends have remained
active in the life at Central. Others now live in distant cities, out-state,
or perhaps in another country. There are those who are continuing in a variety
of educational pursuits. Others are well established in a career. And some
have a spouse and children. As a special feature for a future Central Journal,
(likely this fall) we invite our readers, parents, friends or the graduate
themself, to provide us with a short life journey report covering the years
since graduation. The following listing has been prepared to assist us all
in remembering the names of our young people and the year of their
graduation.
1998: Jamie Tipton, Meg Ebersole, Benjamin Oakes, Emily Mather, Jack Lansing,
II, Judith Gillet. 1997: David Richardson, Charles Sargent, Andrew Kursch,
Michael McCracken. 1996: Sarah Keen, Mark Patterson, Susie Riggs, Julie Thwaites,
Sara Vanier, David Wangen. 1995: Names missing. 1994: Edward Smith, Dan Gysel,
Ryan Brown, Abigail Ruppert, Britton Bass, Matthew Gargett, Amy Wells, LeAnn
Kemler, Brian Tipton, Scott Wangen, Molly McCracken, Karen Peterson, Betsey
Riggs. 1993: Some names missing. Jill Lansing, David Prout. 1992: Eric
Christensen, Becky Cooper, Chris Fry, Steve Hane, Nicole Jackson, Robin Keen,
Scott Kemler, James McCaskey, Jenifer Mitchell, Sam Riggs, Kurt Tegge, Keri
Towsley. 1991: Phillip Bamfield, Martin Eltzroth, Lauren Eubanks, Lauri
Hoopengarner, Jeremy Kinney, Amy Lansing, Berti Liembery, Elizabeth Miller,
Sophio Pizzo, Johanna Ruppert, Kelly Reynolds, Michael Wells. 1990: Shannon
Bamfield, Calle Borgudd, Sara Bullock, Jason Dillingham, Jeffrey Gibbs, Sara
Grove, Jaunita Hall, David Jennett, John Jennett, Stacey Kemler, Melissa
Kirkby, Jennifer Robinson, Jennie Talhelm, Marcus LeVeque. 1989: Bonnie Copeland,
Lloyd Gibbs, Lisa Hane, Brad Hoopingarner, Lynelle Jackson, Florian Kroetz,
John Lay, Denise Towsley, Jim Wright, Heidi Zimmer.
Please submit your name and short written report of 200 words or less to
the church office by FAX, mail, or-E-mail. If you prefer, you may wish to
call or E-mail your copy to Central Journal Editor Jim Hane. (517) 669-3306.
We also have Barb and Jack Lansing and Jan and Ed Keen ready and willing
to accept your reporting.
Let us all join in the pleasure of sharing the short journeys of our young
friends. If we receive a large welcome response from the above listing, we
will likely canvas our 1980's graduates.
Words from our Pastor
Beginning the middle of this summer, we are going to try a new method of
worship planning. Up until now, the worship planning has been staff-driven,
with all of the component parts fitting together in efficient fashion to
produce the Sunday worship service. What have been missing are significant
lay input and the synergy of many minds working creatively together. So,
on July 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., there will be an inaugural meeting of
the Central Worship Team. During this time, we will look at the Sundays in
September. There will be some Bible Study relating to the lectionary texts,
a look at the Whole People of God Church School Curriculum and the theme
designated for each Sunday, a look at the music that is tentatively planned,
a discussion of sermon possibilities, and an attempt to bring it all together
in more creative fashion. We will pick a time in August to look at the Sundays
in October.
Take Special Note
GLADE Meeting
There will be a meeting of anyone interested in finding out about GLADE –
the Greater Lansing Association for Development and Empowerment on Monday
night, June 14, at 6:45 p.m. at Union Missionary Baptist Church. GLADE is
an ecumenical organization of churches dedicated to doing community action
work. Several in our congregation have already attended gatherings and have
seen the promise of this organization.
Annual Conference
Annual Conference for the West Michigan Conference this year will be held
at Calvin College from Wednesday, June 2, through Sunday, June 6. John will
be attending as our clergy representative, and Karen Holoweiko will be attending
as lay member. Election of delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference
will be a major focus.
Your Copy Requests
If you have 20 or more copies to make of one item, please consider asking
someone in the church office to run them on the duplicator machine. We can
save a substantial amount of money by not using the copier for BIG JOBS.
We pay a maintenance fee per copy when using the copy machine, and we are
able to make copies on the duplicator without additional charges. Please
pre-plan your needs when possible.
Keeping up on Commission and Committee Meetings
A bulletin board, to post minutes of monthly Commission/Committee meetings,
has been established in the second floor hallway (between rooms 23 and 27).
You are encouraged to keep this board updated by submitting your minutes
to Pat Basgall each month for posting.This is a nice tool to keep everyone
abreast of the church business being conducted by each
Commission/Committee.
Recycle Program
In an effort to be environmentally responsible, we have established a recycle
program for the church. The Fellowship Lunch kitchen staff has recycled many
of their disposable items for some time. The office staff began recycling
the following items last fall:
Office paper: You will see tall boxes that are labeled for disposal in our
work area.
Catalogs: You will see a blue tote in the supply room for collection of this
item.
We have now expanded the program to include:
Styrofoam: Containers have been placed in fellowship hall, dining room, meeting
rooms and lounges.
Please help with this effort by seeking out the appropriate container when
you wish to dispose of any of the above items.
Membership Roster Update:
We are in the process of updating our computer records for all members. We
have been unable to find a current address for the following people: Roxanne
Wahl, Katie Hoyt, Stephanie Berryman, John F. Prouty, Harry Brewington, Jr.,
David Butler, Edna Raby, Amanda Bieleck, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Maki, and
Tony Smith. If you can help, please call the church office. We appreciate
any information that you may be able to offer.
Summer Potluck Planned
Not all missionaries face heart-stopping encounters in dangerous lands, but
if you want to meet 2 courageous people with an exciting story of intrigue
and perilous adventure, plan to attend our summer potluck Monday, July 19
at 6:00 p.m. Larry and Laura Hills are the kind of role models we all can
learn lessons from. You will be fascinated with their inventive, determined,
dedicated problem-solving. You will be inspired by their faith and devotion.
Larry and Laura have just returned to the States since officially retiring
in April. They will have slides, displays, and a very interesting talk. Come
and see some of the ways our donations are making a difference in Zaire and
the Congo. This will be a real potluck. Bring lots of food to share and your
own table service. We will furnish beverages. Mark your calendar now. We're
hoping to have a big turnout as a show of respect for the Hills' years of
faithful service.
Emergency Appeal for Kosovo
This is the worst humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. The needs
are staggering. The most effective way to join in this appeal for the refugee
crisis is through a financial gift. Make the check out to Central United
Methodist Church and mark: UMCOR #982450-8; Kosovo Emergency. The conference
will forward your donation to UMCOR.
Indonesia Study
The Indonesia class has agreed to make a donation to UMCOR or Board of Global
Ministries designated for Indonesia. If you would like to donate, write the
check to Central UMC and mark it for Indonesia. Send it to Carolyn Schuurmans
or Joi Tennant.
Thank you
To all our family at Central:
We would like to thank you for all the support that you have given us over
the last four years. Your love and prayers have been a fantastic point of
strength for us as we have worked our way through this time. We would like
to invite you to visit us at Dansville or Wheatfield United Methodist Churches
when you have an opportunity. God's love is truly in this church. Steve,
Ann, Liz & Chris Ezop.
Friends:
We would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Central members for all of the thoughts, prayers, cards, gifts, and visits during Hannah's stay at Sparrow Hospital. It's wonderful to have such a caring "family"!
The Boley Family
Thank you for the support for Bread for the World. We collected nearly $250.
Carolyn Schuurmans
Baptism - - Sarah Elizabeth Mixon, May 5,
1999
Central's Prayer Chain
A confidential, prayer chain ministry is available 24 hrs., 7 days a week.
To initiate a prayer request please call one of the following prayer chain
leaders:
Daytime 8:00 am - 5 pm Janet Mort at 321-2330 or Karen Holoweiko at 626-6798
or Pat Basgall at 485-9477
Evening 5:00 pm -8:00 am Pat Bell at 482-4098 or Nancy O'Shea at
372-6156
Our Prayer Chain Ministry is open to anyone who would like to become a
participant.
Partnership Makes Barrett Available June 10th
By Jon H. Reynolds, Partners for Preservation
Where does the church fit into your financial plan? Rev. Dr. Wayne Barrett
of the West Michigan Conference will be available Thursday, June 10 from
10 a.m. to noon to discuss your role in the future of Central Church.
Appointments may be arranged by calling the church. This is the first of
Dr.Barrett's visits to Central to discuss individual gifts to Central's
Partnership For Preservation.
The mission of Partnership For Preservation is to develop a fund dedicated
to maintaining and preserving the structural integrity of Central United
Methodist Church and Temple House for the purpose of providing a location
for religious, cultural, recreational, and community service to the City
of Lansing. The bottom line of this campaign is financing the day to day
structure and infrastructure needs of the facility for the future. Naming
the Church as a beneficiary in your estate plan or the making of an endowment
gift can assure the preservation of our historic church facility. This can
be don: Using various financial instruments. The most common way to continue
to support Central Church, your support beyond your lifetime, is through
your Will. Remember, if you have no Will or Living Trust, state laws will
determine who will inherit your property.
You must take the initiative to prevent the state from being your beneficiary.
It is estimated that 8 of every 10 Americans are without even the simplest
financial planning tool—the Will. The pledging of your assets through
your will can be a vital part of this effort.
For those who wish to discuss plans for pledging assets for preservation
of Central Church, call the church office to schedule your time or visit
our website at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc to learn more. Partnership For
Preservation provides ways in which you can use your Will and Living Trust
to benefit Central United Methodist Church.
Education, Worship and Service
By Denise Fabbri, Program Director
Graduation Sunday, June 13
This year's Graduation Sunday is June 13th. If you or someone you know connected
to Central is graduating from college, please call my office to give me the
details.
Heifer Project Carnival
In continued support of the Heifer Project, the Education Commission will
be sponsoring a carnival in Central's parking lot on June 6th directly after
worship. The carnival will feature food, a petting zoo, and games. We will
have a "Silent Auction." Donated new articles for the auction can be dropped
off in my office All proceeds will goes towards the purchase of a Heifer
Project "ARK." Put this date on your calendar and plan to attend and enjoy
all of the festivities. Please plan to park somewhere else that
morning.
Spring Classroom Clean –up
Calling all parties to help with the end of the year clean up for all classrooms
on Thursday, June 9th at 9:00 am. Anyone with a free hour or two would be
greatly appreciated. Bring a snack to share with our bag lunch
afterwards.
Directory Update
We are taking reservations for our first photograph dates, August 23 and
24. The sessions begin at 3:00 pm and end at 9:20 pm each day. Please call
my office to make your appointment.
Dave DeVinney reports on new fall class
That the World May Know; A Journey of Faith to the Holy Land
"The message of the scripture is eternal and unchanging, but...we most clearly
understand God's truth when we know the cultural context within which He
spoke...To fully apply the message of the Bible to our lives, we must enter
the world of the Hebrews and familiarize ourselves with their culture." This
is what teacher Ray Vander Lann says in That the World May Know. He provides
Faith Lessons for today drawn from the history of the Bible in the context
of the original culture. Taped on location in the Holy Land, Vander Lann
draws on archaeological and historic research to make parallels to our lives
today. Join the tour this fall right here at Central church. It will be a
journey worth taking. Look for some details in upcoming Journals or speak
with Denise Fabbri, Joi Tennant or David
DeVinney.
Central's Outreach Programs
A new monthly column coordinated by Pat Basgall, Central's Office
Manager
This is the first of a series of columns that will appear in the Journal
each month. It is meant to share with each of you the outreach that our Church
extends to the Lansing area. We support this outreach by directly sponsoring
programs or by providing space to other Community programs and activities.
This first column has been writ-ten by Denise Fabbri, Central's Program
Director.
Child Abuse Prevention Services
During the week if you walk into Central, you will discover that the library
and classrooms are brimming with activity. This activity is due to Central's
commitment to Child Abuse Prevention Services. We have been housing two segments
of this non-profit organization for 20 years.
Child Abuse Prevention Services (CPS) is an umbrella group that oversees
both the Family Growth Center and the Early Childhood Development Pre-school.
These community outreach programs are grant funded and professionally staffed.
Both groups work with families to ensure quality living through
education.
The Early Childhood Development Pre-school works with at-risk four year olds.
They have as many as 18 children, in two sessions four days a week. These
children work on kindergarten readiness skills. As an alternative to Head
Start, this program is especially designed for low-income families with difficult
family situations.
Most of you have seen the Family Growth Center banner that hangs in our library.
This group functions as a parent drop-off center which provides respite care
every Wednesday. Parents who need someone to watch their child can feel secure
in knowing that professionally supervised volunteers will make their child's
stay a safe and enjoyable one. They can return with their errands run or
refreshed from some needed rest to a happy child.
Beginning this year, CPS started a program for teen mothers. This program
provided support and education as well as respite care for these young women.
Teen mothers need a lot of support and understanding to transition through
this difficult period.
So, if you are in the church during the week, you will see smiling children
enjoying a variety of educational activities, games, and snacks. You should
be commended for your continued support of this very important community
outreach.
Trustee Notes
By Jim Mort, Board Chairperson
Hello from the Board of Trustees!
First of all, a big THANK YOU to the people on our volunteer cleaning crews.
Your efforts have really made a difference in how our building looks and
feels. Your work is greatly appreciated!!
This is the first of an on-going series of articles to acquaint the congregation
with the Board of Trustees and what we are doing. In this installment, I
will be discussing what the Board of Trustees is and who we are.
The members of the Board of Trustees are elected to act as agents of Central's
Charge Conference to care for the physical resources of the church and for
all legal matters. The Board of Trustees is in reality a committee of the
Ad Council. The Board of Trustees is accountable to both the Charge Conference
and to the Ad Council. Another way of saying this is that we are accountable
to you, the members of Central.
The Board of Trustees is charged with the responsibility to see that there
are adequate facilities for the missions and ministry of our congregation.
This can include providing for the maintenance and the care of the buildings,
maintenance and purchase of equipment, insurance, and the future capital
needs of the church. To fulfill this mission, the Board may work with the
Staff-Parish Relations Committee and the Finance Committee. We also work
with Central's Building Manager, Ruthann Jaquette.
This year the members of the Board of Trustees are: Joy Adcock, Dick Bates,
Susan Grettenberger, Don Knechtel, Mary Ellen Maas, Jim Mort, Dick Murley,
Maggie Wallin and Bob Wangen. The staff representatives to the Board are
John Boley and Ruthann Jaquette. The chairperson this year is Jim Mort. If
you have any questions, please feel free to ask one of us. After all, we
are accountable to you.
Our meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm and we meet
in room 23. If you are interested in attending any of our meetings, please
come! You are more than welcome. If you are interested in looking over the
minutes from our last few meetings they are posted on the new minutes area
in the hallway to room 23. In future issues, I (or one of the other Trustees)
will speak further about what the Board of Trustees is responsible for and
what we are doing.
Until next time, may God's grace be with you.
Salute these Studious Scholars
By Joi Tennant
Another Disciple class has completed 32 weeks of class and daily Bible study.
This was Disciple III — watch out, folks, we've got all the answers!
Well, actually, the truth is we seem to always have at least as many questions
as answers.
Our class roster was: John Boley, Betty Corbishly, Codee Kirkby, Dorothy
Rice, Ed Spence, Dottie Stark, Leora Stutes, Joi Tennant, and Kayla Tipton.
Ed Spence gets the award for most faithful attendance, and perhaps also for
most impressive effort in furnishing snacks. That's a close call because
everyone brought delicious and interesting food when it was their turn. This
class may be a lot of work, but it's also been lots of fun. What a great
way to grow closer to God and close to each other at the same time!
Congratulations, class, for staying the course!
Next fall a new type of Bible study will be offered. This video series takes
participants each week to the actual archaeological locations in the Holy
Land where cultural, historical, and societal insights are given to enlighten
Bible lessons.
You can choose to participate Sept. through Nov. for Old Testament lessons,
and/or Jan. through May for New Testament lessons. This is a less-demanding
format than Disciple Bible Study and should be of interest to anyone, regardless
of your current knowledge of the Bible. We would like to form at least two
classes, so we are interested in knowing your time preferences.
Please speak with Dave DeVinney, Denise Fabbri or Joi Tennant for more
information. Also, see page 5 for additional information on this new fall
class.
International Year of the Older Person Luncheon
Our third program is scheduled for Tuesday, June 8th beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The guest speakers are from the Capitol City Task Force, a senior advocacy
group. This group will discuss issues facing Lansing area residents. Please
register by June 1st by calling the church office. As before, a transportation
shuttle will be available to and from First Presbyterian Church. And, the
Tri-county Office on Aging will be providing our lunch with a suggested donation
of $2 per person. Consider bringing a friend.
Central's Summer Softball Program
By Bill Tennant Jr.
The Lansing Area Methodist Church Softball League is already under way, our
home Central team triumphing in its first game despite a ferocious mosquito
attack at the field in Sharp Park. We always welcome new players, especially
with the busy schedules our members seem to have early in the season--sometimes
we just squeak by with enough to field a team.
We play every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m.--the games are pretty laid
back, so men and women of any experience level are invited to come and join
us whenever your time permits. If you are interested in more information,
please call team manager Bill Tennant, Jr., at 886-6709. Win or lose, we
always manage to have a great time. We also encourage fans to come out into
the warm summer weather and cheer us on.
Here is a list of our games in June--for directions to any of the fields
listed, please feel free to call Bill at the number above.
Tuesday. 6/1--vs. Wesley Foundation at Lake Lansing Park North
Thursday 6/3--Bye--no game
Tuesday 6/8--vs. Trinity UMC at Delta Mills Park
Thursday 6/10--vs. Holt UMC at Burchfield Park
Tuesday 6/15--vs. Christ UMC at DMP
Thursday 6/17--vs. University UMC at LLPN
Tuesday 6/22--vs. Calvary UMC at DMP
Thursday 6/24 --vs. Wesley Foundation at DMP
Tuesday 6/29 --Bye--no game
History Corner
Contributed by Central's Committe on Church History
May 1980:
Michigan Historical Commission informs us that Central Church has been listed
in State Register of Historical Sites and is eligible to display an official
marker approved by the Commission.
December 1947;
Rev. Kearney Kirkby was appointed to serve as Minister of Education for Central,
effective January 1, 1948.
Sentence Sermon:
Some members are like wheelbarrows, they don't work unless pushed. How about
you?
Central UMC Women Leaders at Church Women United State Assembly
By Mary Willoughby Albery
Church Women United in Michigan celebrated the 70th Annual State Assembly
April 30-May 1, 1999 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lansing, with
200 persons attending from all over the state. Central women in leadership
positions throughout the Assembly were:
Rev. Mary Willoughby Albery, Lansing Church Women United President and State
Vice-President of C.W.U. was worship leader.
Arline Roe and Marge Sleight were our gracious co-chairpersons providing
tea, coffee and punch, cookies, and other pastries throughout the Assembly
breaks.
Carolyn Schuurmans was in charge of all displays brought by Church World
Service, United Nations, SERV, and many other groups and agencies. Carolyn
and Dave both sang in the Earl Nelson Taylor ensemble's opening night's beautiful
concert.
Ruth Tennant McLean was pianist throughout the Assembly with her inimitable
touch and musical talent.
Susan Shank Mix, National President of Church Women United was the keynote
speaker, and Rev. Penny Barnett, Associate Minister at Plymouth Congregational
Church of Lansing, was the presenter. Both of these dynamic speakers used
the Assembly theme, "Rekindle the Flame of God's Gifts." using II Timothy
1: 5-7 as the text.
Our National President Susan Shank Mix also wove several creative liturgical
dances into the program; she directs the Sacred Dance Ensemble in her local
First Disciples of Christ Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Rev. Mary Albery led the closing candlelighting service as several of the
Design Team members lighted a candle from the Christ Candle held by Rev.
Albery. The team members then lit the candle of the first person in each
pew, who in turn passed the flame on until every participant in the sanctuary
held a lighted candle during her closing words:
Hold high the flame, you did not light its glow
Twas given you by other hands you know,
old high the flame for other persons who may be
Walking by our side.
Their eyes may be watching every tear and every
Smile and efforts that you think are not worthwhile
May be just the help they need so in turn
They will hold it high.
Hold high the flame, you did not light its glow.
I think it started down its pathway bright
The day the Maker said, "Let there be light",
And He who hung on Calvary's tree, said "You
Are the Light of the world, go and shine for me."
Flag Day is June 14
One of the great heroes of the early days of our country was John Paul Jones.
He was a naval officer and to him went the honor of displaying on his ship,
for the first time, the national flag of the United States. Some people may
not realize that Francis Scott Key, the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner,"
composed four stanzas for what became our national anthem. The last stanza
is as follows:
O, thus be it ever when free men shall stand,
Between their loved home and the war's desolation,
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land,
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto, --"In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall waive,
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.
--The national anthem in totality may be found in Great American Stories,
Poems and Essays by Hugh Graham.
Family Camping
Central's family will be gathering July 9-11 at Lakeview Campground, for
a weekend of fellowship, fun, and (of course) FOOD.
We will convene Friday evening circling the campfire, the first of our "circle"
experiences.
Saturday begins with study and experimental fun in and around the subject
of "circles," moves to shared lunch followed by time for swimming, games,
naps, etc., and ends circling the campfire for pizza and song.
Sunday, our worship continues in the morning followed by one more circle
before we make our way back to our real beds. Aha ...
What, you don't camp? Join us on Saturday for Drive-in Day. If enough people
are interested in this option we could make the van available. Lakeview is
just over an hour from Lansing and well worth the drive. There are just a
few spaces left. Contact Karen Holoweiko for reservations
soon.
Summer Music Program
Listed below are the names of individuals who have agreed to present special
music during our Sunday 9:30 a.m. summer worship services. We thank them
for sharing their talents with us.
June 20th Ecumenical Chorus
June 27th Mary Bourdreau
July 4th Carolyn & Dale Kirkby
July 11th Michelle Smith
July 18th Denise & Dennis Kelley,
and Carolyn & Dale Kirkby
July 25th Jeff Holoweiko
August 1st Bill Tennant, Jr.
August 15th Marella Briones
August 8th Bill Tennant Jr.
August 22nd Walt Priebe
August 29th Colleen Hodgman
September 5th Dave Schuurmans
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