July/August, 1999
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual Growth
Include Central in your financial plan
By Jon H. Reynolds, Partners for Preservation
I once heard a management consultant say, "We plan not to determine what
we're going to do in the future, but to determine what we're going to do
today." How true. Financial plans are like that. While the orientation of
a financial plan may be some time in the future, the implementation of the
financial plan always occurs in the present.
Many thoughtful Christians are discovering that outstanding future goals
must be undergirded with appropriate current plans. What are the plans you
have for handling your finances? Retirement income, college for children
and grandchildren, that once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunity--these are
the goals of many of us. But where does the church fit into your plan? Let
Partnership for Preservation work with you to include your church in your
financial plan.
The mission of Partnership for Preservation is to develop a fund dedicated
to maintaining and preserving the structural integrity of Central 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 done using various
financial instruments.
The most common way to continue to support Central Church 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.
Call the church today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Wayne Barrett
of the West Michigan Conference. He is available for those who wish to discuss
plans for pledging assets for preservation of Central.
Partnership for Preservation provides ways in which you can use your assets
to benefit you, your family, and Central United Methodist Church. Additional
information can be obtained by calling the church office at (517) 485-9477
or visiting the church website at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc.
Pastors Pen
Use the Sabbath Wisely
Summer is a gracious balancing act. On the one hand, life in Christ and life
in the church never ends, and does not take breaks. Worship, prayers, service
and fellowship are just as important during the summer as any other time.
As a Pastor it is sometimes disheartening to see the way in which the church
shuts down during the summer. On the other hand, all of us need a time to
slow down, to vacate, to take a break, to regenerate, to re-create, to explore
God's creation in ways not available during the winter school year.
As the Sabbath (a Jewish concept relating to rest, not a Christian concept
relating to the Sunday celebration of the resurrection of Christ) was instituted
by God for weekly rest, so too is the summer God's gift to those of us in
the northern reaches for the purpose of rest and re-creation.
What do you do best for your rest and re-creation? Reading? Summer sports?
Cottage relaxation? Water fun? Family reunions and gatherings? Visiting old
friends? More time with the kids and grandkids?
In all that we do, how important it is to remember that God does want and
expect us to re-create ourselves during Sabbath times, just as Jesus used
his times away to nurture spirit and gather strength for ministry. In all
that we do this summer, let it be our hope and prayer that our recreational
activities are truly re-creational, and the Kingdom of God will be advanced
by our renewal.
John
Please Take Note
Need E-mail Addresses
As we continue to take advantage of the computer and its many features, we
are collecting e-mail addresses. If you have an address that you would like
to share and have not previously submitted it or have made a change, please
let us know.
Roster Update
We are still looking for addresses for the following people:Roxanne Wahl,
Stephanie Berryman, John Prouty, David Butler, Edna Raby, Mr. & Mrs.
Robert Maki, and Tony Smith.Thanks to those of you who have contacted the
office. We have been able to locate 3 people from our request last month.
Betty Crocker Coupons
Pat Basgall reports that the response to our request for Betty Crocker Coupons
has been overwhelming.We have purchased the items needed and have a nice
supply of coupons remaining. If anyone would like to use these coupons, we
will be glad to make them available to the membership. Simply call or stop
at the office to pick up any that you might want. For the time being, we
would like to ask that no additional coupons be dropped off. Thank you all
for your support in this effort.
Graduate Journeys
Student Journeys are being assembled for publication this fall. (see June
Journal cover story). An E-mail note to Ed/ Jan Keen Jack/Barb Lansing at
centralumc@voyager.net is an alternate way to submit your report.
Michigan AIDS Ride
Mary Boudreau will again participate in the Michigan AIDS Ride, a 120-mile
bicycle ride across Michigan. This activity seeks to increase awareness and
raise funds to help people living with HIV and AIDS throughout the state
and in our local area. As many people with HIV are living longer and healthier
lives, many of these funds will be used to help people become more independent,
utilizing return to work and educational programs. In addition, a great deal
of this money is used to promote prevention, particularly in minority communities
who are very hard hit by this epidemic. Mary's goal is to raise $1000 in
this ride (and to again finish the 120-mile ride). If you would like to pledge
towards her success, please call the church office at 485-9477.
Last Call for Family Camp
Central's family will be gathering July 9-11 at Lakeview Campground, for
a weekend of fellowship and fun. Karen Holoweiko advises that there is one
available space left. Give her a call at (517) 626-6798.
Thank you
Ron and I wish to thank all of you for your well wishes. It means a great
deal to both of us that you share in the happiness and joy of our recent
marriage.
Denise Dunn
A big "thank you" to all Paint Blintz volunteers! Our group was a great team,
and we finished painting our assigned house in record time. Some of us even
went on to help another team afterwards. Thank you again for brightening
the lives of a senior couple and helping to improve the neighborhood!
Mary Boudreau
Roger and I wish to thank all of you for your prayers, cards, visits and
phone calls during Roger's recent stomach surgery and recovery. It is wonderful
to know that we have so many wonderful friends in our time of need.
Roger & Karel Bunker
Thank you for your prayers, cards and phone calls during my recent surgery
and recovery period. Special thanks to Rev. Boley for his prayers and support
immediately before and after surgery.
Mary Ellen Maas
Baptism:
June 20, 1999
Kiplan Alan Lambie
Son of new members Mark and Beth Lambie.
Happy Birthday! (over 90!)
Pauline Austin - 95 on June 19, 1999
Margaret Woolcocks - 91 on June 12, 1999
With Sympathy:
To the family and friends of Wally Seyler,who died June 19, 1999.
A Memorial Service was conducted in the Sanctuary on June 22nd.
Wedding Congratulations:
To Denise and Ron Dunn who were married June 18, 1999.
Denise Dunn is the former Denise Fabbri.
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 p.m.
Janet Mort at 321-2330
Karen Holoweiko at 626-6798
Pat Basgall at 485-9477
Evening 5:00 p.m. -8:00 am
Pat Bell at 482-4098
Nancy O'Shea at 372-6156
Our Prayer Chain Ministry is open to anyone who would like to become a
participant.
Central UMC Remaining Baseball Games
Thursday 6/10--vs. Holt UMC at Burchfield Park
Tuesday 6/15--vs. Christ UMC at Delta Mills Park
Thursday 6/17--vs. University UMC at Lk Lansing Park North
Tuesday 6/22--vs. Calvary UMC at Delta Mills Park
Thursday 6/24 --vs. Wesley at Delta Mills Park
Tuesday 6/29 --Bye--no game
Two New Sanctuary Banners Dedicated Sunday, June 20th
We dedicate two banners given in loving memory of fathers who, through their
dedication to this church, have left a legacy of faithfulness and service.
These banners are given as testaments of the love of Central felt for and
by James C. Mort and Robert R. Walker.
The Guiding Christ portrays Christ calling us to a closer relationship with
Himself and the Creator. The Guiding Christ welcomes all into the Presence
of God, shepherding us towards lives of devotion and service. This is the
Christ of the Gospels; accessible, justice-driven, faithfully sharing the
Good News. Anne Mort and Family give this banner to the Glory of God.
The Tree of Life springs here from the Root of Jesse, forming the Cross,
encompassing New Life in Christ. The Tree is symbolic of bridging the Covenants
of the Old Testament and the Promise of the New Testament. Katie Walker and
Family give this banner to the Glory of God.These banners can hang during
the Season of Epiphany and the Season after Pentecost.
We would like to thank Joy Adcock and Mary Ellen Maas for their hard work
developing the designs of these banners, David DeVinney for the graphic designs,
the Banner Committee for their continuing pursuit of excellence and Janet
Mort for her fabric artistry in bringing these designs to life.
Education, Worship and Service
Coordinated by Denise Dunn, Program Director
Needed This Summer
Volunteers are needed to straighten out the resource center for the Church
School. No experience necessary, will train. Just show up to work any week
day Monday through Thursday.
Older adult's name their group!
The group of older adults that began meeting for monthly presentations/luncheons
has selected a name for their group. They have decided to call themselves
the Elderberries. Berries are sweet, add color and texture to our lives,
and enhance our taste buds.This group is sure to add sweetness and color
and will enhance the lives of the participants. Everyone is welcome to join
this very informal and fun group.
The next scheduled meeting is September 28, 1999. The speaker will be Charlaine
Ezell. She will help us look at the power of reminiscing. Watch for more
information about reservations in the September Journal.
We need the Elderberries
By Rev. Frank Anderson, Ret.
Central UMC is diverse and pluralistic. Everyone holds it in high esteem.
A total stranger said to me the other day, "Oh yes! I know that church. I
have always loved it." The unsolicited compliment is the best one.
Throughout all of life we have a need to express ourselves to be known for
what we are and who we are. Perhaps another "self" will emerge in latter
years. We are honored by how we honor others. Age need not be an embarrassment
to anyone.
But being human beings, as we all are, we need each other---especially in
the church. Though we cannot frolic during all our days, neither need we
mourn alone when darkness comes. We need a group for older individuals simply
because there are plenty of them! It is time to rediscover more life when
"everything you've always wanted isn't enough."
We need the NEW group of older persons in our church who have named themselves
"THE ELDERBERRIES." Let's encourage them.
Thanks to these volunteers:
To the Graduation Sunday kitchen crew: Jack, Barb, Bill, and Jill Lansing,
Ken and Jo Ann Harvey, Justin Sleight, Ann Mather, and Gretchen Hill.
To The Heifer Project Carnival helpers: Mike and Julie Cooper, Ruthann and
Brian Jaquette, Carolyn and Dale Kirkby, and especially to Gretchen Hill
and her son Brandon for bringing in all the animals and their pens.
To Jean Fowler for scrubbing the ladies room tile floor on her hands and
knees to get rid of the old wax and for painting the window and heat register.
It looks great!
To Dottie Stark and others for work on the Ottawa and Capitol Avenue church
side gardens.
A Vision Begins to Emerge
By Bryan Halter, CUMC
From that first gathering together back in March of 1998, a group of concerned
members has devoted many hours of prayer, many evenings and much thought
to crystallizing a Vision of what this great church might become in the years
to come. It hasn't been an easy undertaking.
After an Easter break for refreshing and renewal, meetings resumed May 26,
beginning with a detailed discussion of what seems to have become a major
concern facing the United Methodist Church--how to respond to the issue of
homosexuality. Pastor John presented an extensive prepared statement on the
matter for consideration by the Visioning participants.
Then, attention turned to a summation of where we stood in the Vision process.
The general agreement seemed to be that we were now pretty well focused on
five concepts, the first of which, inclusiveness, probably presented the
most difficulty--in fact, you may remember that an informal vote at one meeting
showed it to have the least interest of any topic; yet it would not go away.
The five areas are:
(1) Seeing ourselves as a truly Inclusive people--not merely accepting
the many types of diversity among us in today's world, but moving to a state
of welcoming it, and embracing it.
(2) Recognizing that all we do must be Christ Centered, and it is
His love for us, and our love for Him that empowers (anoints, if you will)
everything we may be able to do in the future.
(3) Picturing a Worship environment in a sanctuary which is truly
that--a place of safety where all can find comfort, and a service relevant
to current needs with broad based Scriptural, message and music content.
(4) Responding to the unique calls to Service that come to us as a
downtown church--surrounded by the hungry and the homeless, but also by leaders
of state government, and by career bound students.
(5) Looking not at what we have been, but what we can be and ought to
be--continuing to reach for ever higher peaks in Spiritual Growth,
willing to consider, to learn, to change.
In order to summarize the large volume of material which has been contributed
in the past year of Vision meetings, a Vision Sub-Group has been established
to compile a written account of various wordings of Vision statements which
have been presented, and to outline the feelings expressed as to how the
elements of our vision might be implemented.
Once this report has been completed, it will be distributed to all participants
over the summer for their consideration, correction, additional input and
action. When finalized, it will be presented to the Administrative Council
for further review and, in whatever form is adopted, circulated among the
congregation in the hope of securing full support.
Muelder Summer Carillon Series
Beaumont Tower , MSU Campus
Bring a picnic. These all free concerts are Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
After each recital, the tower will be open for tours.
The concerts remaining are:
Wednesday, June 30
Guest carillonneur Wendell Westcott, former MSU carillonneur, from
1947-1985
Wednesday, July 7
Guest carillonneur Carol Lens, from Houston, Texas
Wednesday, July 14
MSU carillonneur Ray McLellan
Wednesday, July 21
Guest carillonneur Todd Fair, from Amsterdam,The Netherlands
The Summer Carillon Series was established in I996 through the generosity
of Dr. Milton Muelder, now retired from a 41-year career at MSU. A carillon
is a musical instrument consisting of at least two octaves of carillon bells
arranged in chromatic series and played from a keyboard that permits control
of expression through variation of touch.The MSU carillon contains 49 bells
and is capable of playing the full range of literature composed for the
instrument.
Trustee Notes
By Jim Mort, Chairperson
When I was in high school, I worked part time at Central as custodial help.
Among the things I did was to be sure that rooms were set up for meetings.
On Tuesday afternoons I would rearrange chairs in the library for the Trustees
meeting. At that time, my impression of what the Board of Trustees did was
that they had all of this money sitting in these trusts and that they decided
what to spend the money on. I wonder how many of us have this picture in
the back of our minds about the Board of Trustees?
Later on I was surprised to find that the primary mission of the Board of
Trustees is to act as stewards of the church's buildings and facilities,
to ensure that they are maintained and improved to help further the mission
of Central. Also, imagine my surprise about the fact that the trustees are
restricted in how the money from the various trusts can be used. Some of
these restrictions have to do with the purpose of the trust or what it was
intended to be used for. One example of this is the Temple House fund which
can only be used for repair and improvements to the Temple House - it can
not be used for any work in the Sanctuary, library or the nurseries, since
they are not part of the Temple house. Other restrictions on the trusts may
have to do with what part of the trust money can be spent. An example of
this is that some of the trusts stipulate that the interest of the trust
can be spent, but not the principal.
My biggest surprise has been with the meetings themselves. Going back to
my earlier impression, I had pictured the Trustee's meetings as being dry
and somewhat boring and being concerned with the money and about not spending
it if they didn't have to. The trustee meetings that I have been to have
not been primarily about money. These meetings are about doing what we can
to make Central United Methodist Church better, both today and in the future.
I must admit, money does come up in these meetings but only as a means to
an end not as the primary purpose of the meeting. In fact on several occasions,
when faced with a choice between spending a lesser amount of money or spending
more money for a better solution, the trustees have voted to for the better
solution.
Each member of the trustees brings their own unique gifts and perspectives
to the meetings but we are united by the common goal of doing what is best
for Central. This isn't to say that the trustees always agree on everything!
As with any other group, when there is more than one person, there is more
than one opinion.
There is a lot going on this summer at Central as far as building improvements,
from new kitchen cabinets in the Fellowship Hall kitchenette to the repair
of the chapel steps. These improvements are taking place in such diverse
locations as the locker rooms, the first floor lounge and the southeast tower
of the church. If you are interested in details of what is happening please
ask one of the trustees or Ruthann Jaquette, our Building Manager.
If you are interested in what has happened at the last several trustee meetings,
the minutes are posted on the bulletin board in the hallway outside of Room
23. Trustee meetings are open meetings for anyone who is interested in attending.
The meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in room
23. Please note that the Trustees are not meeting in July.
May the Lord bless and keep you. Jim Mort
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