Central Journal

July/August 1998

Keeping membership and friends informed

     Promoting fellowship

          Contributing to spiritual growth

Calling is a Personal Event

By Francis F. Anderson, Minister of Visitation

Somewhere there is an anecdote in the writings of John Wesley that says, Fear knocked on the door of salvation, faith answered. No one was there.

In this day and age, house calls are not made by doctors as a rule. If there is a knock, it might be the news carrier wanting payment, or a candidate for office wanting your vote, or maybe the neighbor to tell you that your car is parked wrong.

I once went to a home and knocked despite a sign that read, NO SOLICITATION. It meant exactly that! Yet, there are other callers at our door that we don't want to miss. Sometimes a personal call in our lives can make a big difference.

In God's church, calling on one another by phone or by mail or in person are all valid means of making Christian connections. In the British Methodist Church, membership is arranged in small groups called "classes," John Wesley style. Each class has a leader that looks after 10 or 15 people composing his or her class. In this way, EVERY MEMBER OF THE CHURCH HAS A PERSONAL MINISTER. The Class meetings were held regularly through which vital experiences and joys could be shared. When it worked well, no one was ever overlooked. And that is what we expect in God's church—the Body of Christ.

And so, to the best of our ability, pastors and lay persons alike try to reach out to all, including not only current members but prospective ones as well. Even though we might be mistook for the milkman (as I once was) or a bill collector, the motive for contacting one another is to proclaim the love of Christ in the Congregation. We don't want any one in our "house" to get lost and wander away.

We each are alive in Christ, all connected in Mission. And that is our goal for the moment.

Please Note

There will be no Central Journal published in August. Material for publication in the September issue is due in the church office by 5 pm Monday, August 16th.

Summer Worship

An alternative to the regular 9:30 a.m. Service in the Sanctuary continues each Sunday morning in July and August, 8:00 a.m. Mary Sabina Chapel.

Quiet Moments

Suggested Bible Readings for July and August:

Ephesians 5:20

Philippians 4:11

Matthew 6:19-20-21

Fourth Vision Meeting

Reported by Julie Cooper

On June 3rd, 26 Central members joined together for the fourth visioning meeting. Rev. Joe Bistayi began the meeting with a beautiful song to focus the group: "Breath on us breath of God, fill us with life anew ..." The group then reviewed notes from previous meetings and tried to come up with an 'image' of what we (Central) want to be in the next ten years. We talked about where we are now and about what things are currently blocking us from being what we want to become. Some of those 'blockers' included: fear of change, lack of commitment, energy depletion, and an 'either/or mentality.'

Some images of where we want to be included: encouraging diverse worship experiences, partnerships with other churches, diverse adult learning experiences, more involvement of new people, specific program and directions, and spiritually alive.

Obviously, not everyone agrees all of the time. This is exactly the reason that Central needs one clear, concise vision statement.

Rev. Bistayi helped us to realize that a vision will:

(1) Show who and what we want to specifically lean into.

(2) Will help us make clear decisions (if something clearly does not fit in with our vision then we simply will not do it)

(3) Will help us program

(4) Will help us to assess and measure our progress toward the end product.

Imagine next time you are at a meeting, would any of these four items help in decision making? No matter how individual opinions may vary we should be able to stand for a common goal. As one group envisioned that night (coming pretty close to writing a vision statement!) Central can be 'Spiritually alive disciples of Jesus Christ, serving God and community.'

Visioning meetings have been suspended for the summer. However, the church will be having two prayer meetings during this time to contemplate what has been revealed so far.

If you have been involved in the visioning or if you have been in prayerful support of this effort or if you are willing to be in prayerful support, please plan on joining us in the Mary Sabina Chapel on July 15th and August 12th at 7:00 p.m. to be in prayer for our church and its future.

If you have questions or need further information contact Kayla Tipton at 669-3259 or Karen Holoweiko at 517-6798.

Wedding Congratulations

Janet Dowker and Todd Harcek

June 12, 1998

Recent Deaths of Central Members

John E. Hewitt Died May 14, 1998 at the age of 83.

John was an Electric Design Engineer with Abrams Instrument Corporation for 30 years, followed by employment with the Lansing School District and Demco Corporation. He was a long time member and leader in the Boy Scouts of America and active in the Amateur Radio Club of Central Michigan. He is survived by his wife Freda whom he married in 1941. He is also survived by three sons, James, Richard, and Robert and five grandchildren.

A memorial Service was held at Central on May 25th.

COMMON CENTS

By Ruthann Jaquette, Business Manager

For any of us who did not grow up in the United Methodist Church, and I would dare say even for many of us who have, much of the terminology that we loosely throw around is enough to puzzle even the most learned Wesley scholars. Terms like "Advance Specials," and "Six Lane Giving," and "Golden Cross Sunday" are foreign even to us financiers. Intuition and experience tell us that they have something to do with money, but beyond that the water gets very cloudy.

In an effort to satisfy my own curiosity, I contacted the conference treasurer for information that would simply explain the entire realm of special giving. As one can imagine, they were more than happy to supply all information I needed.

So, as I have been enlightened, you also shall be enlightened. Over the next few months I will be writing a series of articles explaining just exact what "Advance Special" offerings and the "Six Lanes" are designed to do.

So stay tuned!!!

Red Roses to...

Charlie, Pam, and John Jennett for the arduous job of scraping the sticky, embedded contact paper from all ceiling to floor classroom window/doors in Fellowship Hall.

Janet Mort for making the curtains, tablecloth, and chair pads for Denise's new office. Come in and check it out.

Eleanor Moore and Ruth Perry for providing the snack for the new Quality Living Program group.

Jim Stark for training back up people to make the bulletin.

Kathy Greenwood and Nancy O'Shea for being willing to make the bulletin on short notice this month.

Kathy Kursch, Pam and Charlie Jennett, Leigh Ann Maxwell, Janet Mort, and Jamie Tipton for working to clean up the classrooms.

Amber Pavlat and Lisa Renew. Amber and Lisa worked with the Fellowship Lunch on Thursday, June 11th. Amber is the great granddaughter of Margaret Woolcocks and Lisa is her friend. Lisa is active at North Presbyterian Church.

Sally Swiss for her work in upgrading the Capitol Avenue "bench area rock garden," through the purchase and installation of new plants, grass and volcanic rock. Jim Hane assisted.

Jamie Tipton for providing childcare for the VBS planning meeting.

Jan Keen and Diane, Meg and Liz Ebersole, all who take turns playing the church Carillon on Sunday mornings.

Margaret Wooolcocks -- #1 Volunteer!

On Sunday morning, June 14th, in the Sanctuary and in Fellowship Hall , Margaret Woolcocks, a 52 year Central member, was honored for her many years of volunteering at Central and especially her work in our kitchen. The following article, prepared by Arline Roe, one of her many loving friends, provides readers with a glimpse of this truly remarkable lady, who had turned "90 years young."

Margaret was born in Hurley, Wisconsin, June 12, 1908. She and her family moved to Ironwood, MI; where she married Philip Woolcocks in 1926. They had two girls, Elaine and Darlene, and two boys, Aubrey and Thomas (Tommy). In 1944 they moved to Lansing.

Margaret joined Central in 1946. Their youngest son, Tommy, was in the Korean War and was killed November 30, 1950. Margaret felt the need to do volunteer work so she started helping in the kitchen when Ethel Taylor was kitchen manager. When Ethel retired she recommended Margaret to replace her and she worked there until she retired at age 75. Margaret's husband Philip, had not been well and died in 1991. Again Margaret felt the need to keep busy, so she came back to work in the Fellowship Lunch, where she is still helping. She is very faithful and takes pride in what she does. She also collects personal items and clothes for those coming to the lunch.

Margaret was a long time member of the Work Project Circle and became involved in pasting greeting card pictures on the bags of food given out by Meals on Wheels - over 1,000. She also helps deliver meals for Mobile Meals. If we have a funeral she always offers to help or bake a cake.

If you are 80 or over, she is now sending out birthday cards to Central's members, always with a note attached.

When we have a Rummage Sale or Baked Goods Sale with Mini Bazaar, she is always there, helping to set up. She knits baby afghans for the bazaar, which is one of her hobbies in her spare time.

Margaret has five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; however, she knows several who call her "grandma."

Everyone loves Margaret and Margaret loves everyone.

The Building Buzz

By Ruthann Jaquette

The dust is flying fast and furious around here lately as elevator construction progresses. The masonry shaft that will surround the elevator is now complete. In early July there will be a construction slowdown, due to the fact that we need to wait for the delivery of the elevator from the manufacturer.

The Trustees have had the downstairs apartment refurbished. New paint and carpet has given the place a much needed facelift.

Keep your eyes open for other changes this summer. The Trustees will begin to tackle the long list of "cleanup" and "spruceup"projects that were identified on the yearly walk-through.

United Methodist Women

As a part of UMW

   We can affect a positive change by:

      Being a Voice and advocate for children

         Providing meaningful child care for UMW meetings

            Raising awareness of Children's issues, rights and needs

               Supporting missionary teachers and their students

                  Supporting the food bank with an infant foods drive

                      Sponsoring a "warmth" tree in September or October

                          Being a reader or mentor at a day care

                              Becoming a Spiritmother

Garage/Rummage Sale Report

On May 6-8, a UMW garage/rummage sale was conducted at the garage of Jim and Dottie Stark.Tables were loaned by Fowler, Gracia, O'Shea, Sleight and Voorhis.

Thanks to Gwen Brooks and Dottie Stark for pricing and to the workers: Gwen Bodine, Betty Corbishley, Jeanne Fowler, Esther Gracia, Norma Hanson, Audrey & Birdsill Holly, Beth Murley, Arline Roe, Earl Shirtum, Bob & Peggy Stebbins, and Dottie Stark.

We cleared $317 for the mission work through United Methodist Women. UMW is receptive to offers of using your garage as we do draw different shoppers in each neighborhood.

Health and School Kits

Thanks to everyone who gave an item or money for the health and school kits. We put together 3 health kits and one school kit and have additional items not in kits. They were all taken to the Conference meeting to be sent to Haiti. There was also money given for one kit, which was given to Church World Service.

Thanks, Carolyn Schuurmans.

Global Ministries

Coupon Board

UMW has a coupon exchange bulletin board in the hallway to the Tea Room. We encourage all to participate by bringing in coupons to share and by taking coupons you can use. Reminder: We do not accept expired coupons!

Thanks, Ginny Hane

Disciple

Many of you have likely thought about taking a DISCIPLE class because you would like to know more about the Bible and what it may have to say to you! But you don't know if you could handle the commitment.

Now is the time to pray about it. Ask God if he would have you consider it for this fall. New classes begin in September and you could join us. Call Joi Tennant at 515.224.8159 or David DeVinney at 372.6761.


QUIET MOMENTS

This month's column features a poem written by Joi Tennant. Thanks, Joi, for sharing it with our readers.


We may not think we're rich and fine;

We own no gold or diamond mine.

We feel the pinch of bills to pay;

Our next check is too far away.


But when we rest our weary head,

We're warm and cozy in our bed.

And when we need a bite to eat,

We count the calories in our treat.


We trouble over weeds and rust

And all the stuff that gathers dust.

We take a trip, we buy a car,

We join the spa, we shoot for par.


We rarely ever pause ton think,

"How precious! Water from my sink!"

And when we feel a little ill

We see the doc, we take a pill.


To simply spread jam on our toast

Says we have more wealth than most.

Unless we find our cupboard bare,

We have, indeed, been blessed to share.

Joi Tennant

EDUCATION

Denise Fabbri, Education Director

New Books for the Library

This month I would like to announce that 4 books have been donated by Roxi and David Bass. Written by Ken Gire, Intimate Moments with the Savior, Intense Moments with the Savior, Instructive Moments with the Savior, and Incredible Moments with the Savior should be great additions to our library. Thanks Dave and Roxi.

Thelma Burleigh has also donated 3 books this month. They are, In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, Something More by Catherine Marshall, and Prayer: My Soul's Adventure With God by Robert Schuller. Thanks Thelma.

Also purchased this past month for the children's section: Why Don't We Live Together Anymore?, a story about divorce; When Will I Feel Better?, will help children understand chronic illness; Balloons for Trevor, discusses death; and I Have a New Family Now, deals with blended families.

These books are part of a series call Comforting Little Hearts. A second purchase included The Pine Tree Parable, The Pumpkin Patch Parable, and The Parable of the Lily. These books are written by Liz Curtis Higgs. Bible verses link the story to the life of Jesus throughout the story.

Three new adult books purchased include: He Still Moves Stones and The Great House of God by Max Lucado and a devotional poetry book by Helen Steiner Rice titled A Collection of Love Gifts.

Pictorial Directory

Thank you to all who have sent in pictures to be used in the new directory. It was difficult to choose sometimes. All the cut and paste layout work sheets have been sent out.

The next step is wait for the proof book to mailed back to us and to approve it. Once that happens the actual printing production of the book begins.

The actual directories will be delivered around late September early October.

Vacation Bible School News

By the time you get this Journal, VBS will be finished. Si I thought I'd let you know how things stand. We have 21 Central helpers and 11 from First Presbyterian. This year we are trying something new by hiring a rap-up party on Friday night. With 41 children pre-registered it appears we will have a great VBS.

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

Beverly Dodge 485-9477

Janet Mort 321-2330

Karen Holoweiko 626-798

Evening 5:00 pm - 8:00 am

Elizabeth Gibbs 882-2635

Kayla Tipton 669-3259

This Prayer Chain is an ongoing ministry of Central United Methodist Church and is is open to anyone who would like to become a participant.

Thank you notes

What a beautiful day I had last Sunday morning, both at my surprise visit to the Chancel and later in Fellowship Hall. Thank so much for all the cards, notes and good wishes. I certainly didn't expect it all. God love and bless you all; it's such a great pleasure knowing you all.

Margaret Wookcocks

A sincere thank you for all the Tender Loving Care poured forth from my church family during my recent illness. You all mean so much to me. Gladys Gilson

NEWS NOTES

B. Caryn Welter, Music Director

Dear Children's Choir Members, Wesley Choristers, and families.

Thanks so very much for your many fine efforts on the behalf of Central's music program.Your loyal support, participation, and/or encouragement make it fun for me to work with the two children's groups. Those factors have also fostered growth that's taken place over the past two years and lead me to believe that 1998-99 promises to be an even better year than ever before.

The lovely cards, notes, and gifts you gave me at out last rehearsal time touched my heart in special ways. The scrapbook, too, was beautiful and was made doubly meaningful by the fact that each student's picture and words were included. I shall treasure it always.

You are terrific families. Have a wonderful summer.

Love, Mrs. Welter


                                                       _______________________

Central received the following letter from our recently retired Chancel Choir Director Frank McKowen, expressing thanks and reminiscing about his Special Appreciation Day. To the many who helped make this (his) day special, I add my thanks.

June 5, 1998

Dear Central Friends,

WOW! What a great day that was! (Sunday, May 31st) Five days have slipped by already and I still have "warm fuzzies" from it! Like I said Sunday, I hardly know where to begin to thank all of you for that outpouring of appreciation and love. The gift of that generous check was a bit overwhelming! Be sure that it'll be spent on something special -- not groceries. It was so gratifying to hear your comments suggesting that I may have helped the choir program a little in my three years at Central. I'll never forget this fine choir and super-fine organist. I want all of you to know how much I appreciate your many cards, gifts and letters! One member of the congregation, in particular, wrote (and I quote in part): "It was especially great to be able to understand the words being sung." How about THAT, choir?

I had a speech all rehearsed for the reception and then promptly forgot it during the excitement of the moment. A couple of points I meant to mention were:

(1) My sincere appreciation for the support and participation by Pastor John and his wife, Diane. This has been the first time in my musical ministry that the "active" pastor has taken the initiative to sing in the choir. We've had an additional clergy bonus with the presence of Frank Anderson. I've really had to watch my P's and Q's.

(2) I think you might have enjoyed hearing the story of Sam Adcock hitch-hiking on a Sunday morning in early September (1995) from his home in East Lansing because his car wouldn't start, and he DIDN'T WANT TO MISS CHOIR! There are a number of stories confirming this wonderful sense of dedication and commitment by members of the choir.

May I just say I wish all of you and especially the music committee good luck in the search for my successor. By the way, there was a guest book at the reception that some of you may not have had the chance to sign. Beverly Dodge is keeping it for awhile in the office in case there are folks who would like to sign it. I will value this book very highly.

My heartfelt thanks and love to all!

Frank McKowen

Volunteer Box

A new feature of the Journal, beginning this month, is a "Volunteer Box," listing volunteer opportunities for Central members and friends. If you know of pressing needs where volunteers can be helpful, please contact the church office so they can be listed in this column.

For beginning entries, won't you please consider a couple of pressing needs.

(1) The church office desperately needs additional volunteers to assist the staff by working four hour shifts at the reception desk.

(2) Additional help is needed to maintain the "gardens" that surround the church

Glimpses

                      From Central's First 150 Years

Coordinated by Central's Historical Committee

1947 February 11, The Honorable Kim Sigler, Governor of Michigan, spoke to an overflowing crowd at the Methodist Men's meeting. His address was on the Principles of State Government as related to the present day conditions and compared with standards and high purposes of Lincoln and Washington. Entertainment was furnished by the Sexton High School string trio and the Exchange Club quartet.

1973 The Memorial Fountain, a tribute to Dr. Paul Morrison, our former pastor, was erected in the lower narthex. Mr. Ed Gray, sculptor from Traverse City, was commissioned to prepare the fountain. Dr. Morrison had at one time written: "The living water which Christ mentions could be symbolized by a constantly flowing stream. In some conspicuous place in every Christian Church there ought to be a fountain of flowing water."

1983 May 22. Pentecost Balloons were sent aloft at 1:45 p.m. Steven Hane's balloon was found the next day at 4:00 p.m. at Owosso Ready Mix property in Owosso. Also found on the 23rd was another balloon, even further away, at Pigeon, in Michigan's thumb area. It's specific sender was not identified.

Editor note: If you have or know of historic material that you would like to share with readers of this column please contact Chairperson Rich Roush.


Click here to return to previous page, or to A Central Place.