March, 2001
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
United Methodist disaster response at work around the world.
By Joi Tennant, Mission Commission Co-Chairperson
Recent earthquakes in India and El Salvador overwhelm us with empathy for
the helplessness, chaos and misery that pervade these situations. We want
to help but we don't know how.
One of the most effective and highly respected disaster relief agencies in
the world is our very own United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). From
Bosnia to Kosovo to Armenia and Georgia and Azerbaijan as well as Tajikistan
and flooded Mozambique, Nicaragua and Honduras, our UMCOR teams tackle the
hard work and change the hopeless to hopeful. One of the major sources of
funding for UMCOR is our One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday. All over the world
on that day United Methodists reach deep into their pockets in an act of
generous concern for people everywhere who are suffering from disasters caused
by earthquake, bad weather, economic collapse or civil crisis.
One Great Hour of Sharing will be March 25 this year.
We urge you to use the enclosed offering envelope anytime between now and
the 25th. We will also provide little box banks for children and their families
to use, if you would like to take this opportunity to include your children
in this response to world need.UMCOR reaches out every year to many crisis
situations that never make it to the headlines of our newspapers. Consequently,
these less publicized emergencies yield little response in special offerings
from congregations, unlike the recent catastrophic earthquakes. The annual
budget for UMCOR's work is never adequate for the enormous need. Whenever
you feel called to give financially in response to human suffering, we encourage
you to use one of the new envelopes in the pews marked "International Disaster
Response". One hundred percent (100%) of your gift will go directly toward
relief of suffering people wherever UMCOR is at
work.
Pastor's Pen
On April 28th, the Shalom Center for Peace and Justice is going to hold a
symposium on, "The Prison Crisis in Michigan". It will be at University United
Methodist Church from 9:15 a.m. through lunch. You will be hearing more about
it. For this column I thought I would reproduce a column I wrote for the
Shalom Center Newsletter in its January issue. In case you didn't catch it,
here it is:
Last month, Bob Roth, Frank Joranko and I attended a conference here in Lansing
entitled, "Michigan Prison Expansion: The Reasons, The Costs, The Alternatives."
This conference was sponsored by the Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public
Safety (CAPPS) and the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency
(MCCD).
The keynote speaker was Marc Mauer of The Sentencing Project and author of
"Race to Incarcerate". He and the other speakers and workshop leaders gave
a thorough and compelling analysis of current corrections policies in Michigan
and around the country.
A few of the highlights are:
In Michigan, over the last 25 years, while our population has increased 6.6
%, our prison population has increased 544 %.
The Michigan Department of Corrections budget for 2001 is $ 1.7 billion,
17 % of the Michigan budget. It is expected to be up to 30 % soon due to
other budget cuts and increasing prison costs.
Many in the prison population are not violent offenders, yet they are placed
in a system that breeds and promotes violence, performing the opposite of
rehabilitation.
Many in the prison population are substance abusers and the cost for treating
the substance abuse is significantly less than the cost of
incarcerating.
Mandatory minimum sentences for low level couriers and addicts have been
counter-productive in stopping drug trafficking and have been exceedingly
expensive.
There is not a direct relationship between reduced crime rates and the increase
in the prison population. Other factors such as economic stability and education
play an important role.
This conference was well worth attending and was enlightening indeed. Perhaps
the best summation of its theme is provided by a statement by a former Deputy
Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), who said, "Under
cool appraisal we might well discover that we have more prisons than we need,
rather than too few. That is because many offenders present little risk of
further serious harm and do not require incarceration for public safety."
John Boley
Shalom Center special event.
The Shalom Center announces an event at University United Methodist Church
the morning of April 28 beginning at 9:00AM, titled,The Prison Crisis in
Michigan: The Culture of Violence and the Christian
Antidote.
Thank You!
To all of the Lord's angels at Central UMC, your prayers and get well wishes
sustained me over the many surgeries I had on my knee, and the worst time
in my life.
I felt enfolded in the arms of the whole church and that God was surely keeping
me in his heart and reminding me that He is the magnificent healer and that
if I just gave myself to Him I would be all right.
John and Frank kept me in touch with what I could hang onto when I was hardly
able to hang onto my faith. Your visits and phone calls kept me in reach
of all of you, and the flowers reminded me of the new bloom that could come
into my life. I was in and out of myself for so much of the time, but your
faces would appear to me, whether in my dreams or actually; I could feel
your touch. What can I say to adequately thank you; each and every one, for
making me a part of this wonderful body of Christ. There is one person that
I want to give special blessings to and that is my brother, Bryan Haltar,
who has been my stalwart support for the last months. Even though he whined
sometimes, he has never let me down in a heartbeat. He kept you informed
of how I was doing, which kept our hearts connected. God selected this special
person to be sent to me as a little baby to watch over me in dire times.
What a job to have! Thanks be to God.
May God bless and keep each of you next to his heart.
Gwen Bodine
I want to thank all members of Central UMC who donated personal articles
for our fellowship lunch street people.
Also, R.S.V.P. has informed me they will no longer want the decorated food
bags for Meals on Wheels. So, please no more used greeting cards.
May God love and bless all of you for thinking of those less fortunate. Thanks
again.
Margaret Woolcocks
A warm and sincere thank you goes to the family of George Voorhis for the
Triton Pro X keyboard and amplifier they have gifted to Central in George's
memory.
The instrument will be useful for the Spirit Singers, the Children's Choir,
the Wesley Choristers, and the Youth Musical Group, as well as providing
occasional alternatives to the accompaniment of live musicians where short
parts are indicated, e.g., two lines of a flute part in an
anthem.
George valued music highly, and this is a meaningful way to extend his commitment
to music in the church setting. The family's generosity is very much
appreciated.
Caryn Welter, Music Director
Thank you for all your prayers and cards while Dave and I were at Mayo Clinic.
Your support was wonderful and avoiding major surgery was truly an answer
to prayer!
Carolyn Schuurmans
DESIRES
By Joel Gillison
I want to wake up mornings and have the
desire to tell others about Christ.
I want to wake up mornings with the desire
to make a difference in some ones' life.
I want to wake up mornings with the desire
to learn better ways to serve my church,
and meet the needs of the people.
I want to wake up mornings with the desire
to live life to the fullest, without shame, remorse or regrets.
I want to wake up mornings with the desire
to serve Christ, to the fullest extent of the scripture.
I want to wake up some morning, donning the whole armor of Christ,
carrying with me all the things God freely gave;
Grace, love, hope and charity.
I will wake up some morning, ask God to take the spark,
and make it a "Hot!", burning flame of faithfulness and
servitude.
Welcome New Members!
Nine persons joined our Central family on December 10, 2000 during Sunday
morning worship. Profiles of five new members appeared in the February issue
of the Central Journal. This month we highlight four more new members. Look
for these new faces and welcome them to Central.
(CORRECTIONS: Leslie Prame spells her name Prane, and not as it appeared
in last month's Central Journal. Also, it was not mentioned that Mark Graham
was Marilyn Peterson's sponsor.)
Tom and Claudia McLellan return to Central with daughter, Alicia Cousineau,
after a time away. Tom was in sunday school here with Bill Adcock and served
in the choir and as an acolyte. Tom goes way back as part of the Central
family. He attended Everett High School and LCC, and his business is with
a medical care management company.
Claudia is a Midland High School and WMU graduate. She is a Registered Nurse
and received her training at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Claudia
has taught nursing at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is currently
head nurse of the Cardiac and Oncology Department at Ingham Regional Medical
Center. Tom and Claudia like boating, horseback riding and gardening. Claudia
also sews and quilts. Alicia attends MSU in Conservation and Sociology and
is employed at Letts Bridal Shop. Alicia's son,Jonathon, 14, attends Haslett
High School. We welcome them all to Central. Mike and Julie Cooper are their
sponsors.
Becky Walling came from Columbus, Ohio to Michigan in 1990 to attend MSU
where she earned a degree in Social Work. She and two other young women work--and
play--with 18 pre-schoolers in the morning and 18 others in the afternoon.
The school is located at Faith UMC and is under the auspices of the Child
Abuse Preventive Services. She comes home late afternoons to her happy little
dog who greets her and--guess what--wants to play!
Becky and Matt Serra, who attended the new member class together, are engaged
and plan to be married at Central on June 16. They like hiking and camping
and other outdoor summer sports. We are happy to have Becky as a new member
and together with sponsor, Bob Pena, welcome her warmly to
Central.
Are You ready to join?
If you're not a member of Central, is it time to join?
If you want to know more call Dale Kirkby, Chairperson of the Evangelism Team at 651-6302,
or Rev. Boley.
There's no obligation.
Finance Committee Report
At their January meeting, the Administrative Council accepted the 2001 budget.
At that meeting the Finance Committee requested that each committee and
commission conduct a fund raiser, the proceeds from which to be given to
support the General Budget.
For its part, the Finance Committee will be conducting two fundraising events
this year; a Church-wide Garage Sale, and a 5-kilometer run. While the date
for the Garage Sale is still to be set, the 5-K Run will be conducted on
Saturday, May 19. The run will be called, "Run With Determination" because,
as it says in the Bible, "We will run with determination the race that is
set before us."
If you wish to volunteer to help with the "Run With Determination" or have
any questions for the Finance Committee, contact Bob Wangen at 669-8433 or
at
wangenrb@grtlaketng.com.
Centralniters
This month's meeting is to be,
"Green Potluck" at the home of Lee and Nancy Dibble, with Irish music, at
6:30 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day, Saturday, March
17.
Holmes Celebrate 50th Anniversary!
A 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for Ruth and C. Jon Holmes is scheduled
for Sunday, March 25, during the coffee hour in Fellowship Hall following
the worship service. Please stop by to congratulate
them!
Deadline changes for Central Journal
The copy deadline for the Central Journal has changed to a week earlier.
Refer to page two of the printed copy for the dates each month. News from
the Ad Council will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the Friday following their
meeting.
Awarded Honorary Officer of the British Empire
By Nancy O'Shea
We remember fondly Central's long-time member, Marie Manson, who moved last
year to Hightstown, New Jersey to be near her daughter, Joyce. Marie and
her late husband, architect Elmer Manson, who has received many awards, have
bee pleased with the many accomplishments of their children. Of late, Marie
is a proud mother for yet another reason. Her son, Fred Manson, , has been
awarded an Honorary Officer of the British Empire.
According to the British publication, "Regeneration and Renewal", the London
Borough of Southwark's head of regeneration and environment, Fred Manson,
has been awarded an Honorary Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for services
to the London borough's community.
Manson has handled several high-profile schemes and the replacement of unpopular
housing estates with council and private houses as part of a partnership
initiative. Fred said the honor recognizes how regeneration can benefit every
community and praised councilors for their courage in taking projects forward
and making brave decisions. Manson said his job was about shared vision and
"doing, not saying".
The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions nominated Manson
and, as he is American, the award is honorary.
Deciding to follow in his fathers footsteps and study architecture, Fred
moved to London in 1964 to train at the Architectural Association. His first
job was with the London Boroughs of Hackney and Southwark. In 1990 Manson
became Director of development at London Borough of Southwark. He began his
current position as Director of regeneration and environment in 1994. The
Honorary OBE says, "You can never underestimate the importance of a shared
vision…Visible results encourage participation and thus the momentum
continues to build."
If you would like to send a note to Marie Manson, her address is: 121 Meadow
Lakes #6, Hightstown, NJ 08520.
Christian Education - Notes and Highlights
By Pamala Phillips, Director of Christian Education
With the Honesty of a Child
A couple of months ago, I asked our kids what place/role Christ had, or if
Christ had a place/role, in their everyday lives. They looked at me with
that "deer in the headlights" look, and rather cautiously shrugged their
shoulders. After I assured them it was not a trick question and that they
could answer honestly, they said Christ did not have a place or role in their
everyday life.
I'm humbled and grateful that they were willing to answer so candidly. They
are old enough to have concocted the answer they thought I wanted to
hear.
While at the Ministry Convention last month, I attended a seminar entitled,
"Parents are the best faith shapers(probably true of grandparents and aunts
and uncles too) and have been thinking about our kids, our parents, and our
families ever since. Perhaps a good place for each of us to start is to ask
ourselves the same question I asked our kids…"What place/role does Christ
have in our daily lives? "
UMYF Notes:
Sixteen teens attended a pool party at the Kirkby's on Feb 4, and Dale and
Carolyn are still mopping up the water.
Seventeen teens (and three very brave adults – Bob Pena, Mike Cooper,
and Dennis Kelley)- attended the February UMYF overnight. It appears a good
time was had by all, even us old people. By 3 AM I knew for certain that
I was "officially" old. Special thanks to John Boley and Dan Caulkett who
cooked breakfast: 5 dozen eggs, 3 pounds of bacon, and 40 cinnamon rolls
Summer 2001 Camp schedules are in. For more information please call the education
office or see the display in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour on Sunday
mornings.
UMYF Calendar for March
4 Shovel & Run—12:30- 4:00 PM
11 UMYF Loft
16-17 Winter Retreat—6:00 PM–10:30 AM
18 Youth Council—5 PM–NO UMYF 25 Game Night—GYM & Loft
April 1 Bowling—12:30 –4:00 PM
8 Palm Sunday—Ichthus planning
1 EasterSunday—Movie night
22 Game night
26-29 Ichthus
Getting in the Hudy Habit
By Joi Tennant, Mission Commission Co-Chair
The Mission Commission is in the process of determining how best to create
a covenant partner relationship with our very own missionaries to Bolivia,
Peter and Estela Hudy, Benjamin and Jonatan.
This will be beyond the Love Gift we collected as a personal gift for their
send-off in January. Our proposal will need to go to the Finance Committee
and Ad Council before we present it to the congregation.
Meantime, we hope many of you will begin prayerfully considering the possibility
of committing to a yearly or monthly amount toward their support. This would
be channeled through our church to the UM Board of Global Missions and count
toward our perportional giving. We will most likely be one of many churches
who will participate in their financial support. Watch for details in the
April Central Journal.
To write to the Hudys, use this address: (For security reasons, please do
not send money or packages.)
Peter and Estela Hudy / Colegio Rio Colorado,/
Casilla 8347 / La Paz, Bolivia,/ South America
SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you to our valuable volunteers. A major source of revenue for UMW over
the years has been rummage sales. When we have needed funds to meet our budget,
rummage sale fundraising has been an area we could count on.
I'm not sure how many people have been involved in the rummage sales the
size of the ones UMW has at the church. They are a tremendous amount of work.
There's sorting, pricing, laying the items out, staffing the sale and then,
when it's over, there's the take down to contend with. Hours of preparation
and clean up are involved.
We have been very fortunate to have Ginny Hane and Norma Hanson "chairing"
our rummage sales over the years. Their dedication and their volunteers have
guaranteed us success.
As many of you know, Ginny and Jim are "retiring" this year. They have a
place in North Carolina beckoning to them. Norma is "retiring" from the rummage
sale at the same time; the sale scheduled this month will be the last. United
Methodist Women wish to take this opportunity to offer our deepest thanks
and well wishes to these special ladies in our midst. The hours of work you've
put in have helped people around the world through our missions.
In your honor as a special "thank you" from all of Central's UMW, a special
gift to missions has been given in your names. Thank you, Ginny and Norma,
for all your hours of selflessness. God bless you every day in every way.
May love shine upon you everywhere you go.
NOTES
Lois Myers has also decided it's time to "retire" from her UMW offices. We
understand, Lois, and will miss your insight and dedication. A special gift
to missions in your name has been made. From all of us on Mission Team and
within our Unit of UMW--thank you and God bless. We love you!
Mission Team will meet Tuesday, March 6, at 6:30 PM in the Centennial Room.
The meeting is open to all. If you have something you would like to have
brought up but cannot attend, please contact Pat, Linda Towsley or your Circle
representative.
Interested in joining a Circle but don't know which one? Want to start a
new Circle? Please contact Pat, Linda or Beth Murley. We'd be thrilled to
help you get started!
U.M.W. Lenten Brunch
April 7, 2001, 11 a.m. in the Dining Room- $5.00
Tickets will be available at the March circle meetings or they may be purchased
in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 18 and 25, and April 1.
Everyone is invited! Watch for further information about the
program.
Church Women United
World Day of Prayer
"Informed Prayer, Prayerful Action"-Written by the women of Tonga. March
2, Friday, at 9:30 AM, Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, 501 E. Mt. Hope,
Lansing.
The Children's Closet gratefully acknowledges Central United Methodist Church
and it's Women's Sewing Group's contribution of: one quilt and five crocheted
blankets. They are beautiful, and it will be a great pleasure to give them
to our needy clients. We thank everyone who contributed to this
donation.
Marcia Elsesser and Janet Thayer Coordinators of the Children's Closet,part
of Christian Services, Love recently returned from Africa, where I was touched
by the great need I saw. Over the next few months, I will endeavor to describe
the trip in the Central Journal. Meanwhile, please consider the following
action:
On March 5, participate in a "Day of Global Action Against Drug Company
Profiteering". The South African government would like to manufacture HIV
medication at low cost for the five million citizens who have AIDS. To help,
please contact me at boudrea1@msu.edu, at 372-4146, or at
church.
— Mary Boudreau.
Music Notes
By Caryn Welter, Music Director
Spaghetti Anyone? --Everyone?
A wonderful spaghetti dinner is planned to raise funds for Central's expences
and budgetary shortfall.
Sunday, March 25, at12:15 PM, right after sunday school.
Sponsored by the Music Committee, the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids
with a cap of $25 for the whole family.
The Music Committee, the Music Department, and all the music groups will
sponsor this fund raiser dinner with proceeds to help offset Central's expenses
and the looming budgetary shortfall. You are invited to join us for a spaghetti
dinner in the dining room. Included will be spaghetti with marinara sauce,
optional meatballs, salad, rolls, beverage, and dessert.
If you would like to contribute more generously to this worthwhile endeavor,
you are encouraged to do so. We look forward to seeing you for a time of
fellowship, good food, and the opportunity to assist with this financial
matter in a positive, fun way.
Creative help requested
Is there anyone out there who has the time, expertise and inclination to
build a cart for our new keyboard amplifier? The keyboard itself is quite
portable. When I asked whether a middle-aged woman could move it, the response
was that two middle-aged women could. The amplifier, however, is another
matter.
It's my hope that a suitable cart can be constructed which would allow a
couple of sturdy, volunteer teenagers to be the amplifier's main mode of
transportation. Please give me a call at 485-9477 ext. 35 if this is a job
for you.
Chorister's Corner
By Kate DePriest, Youth, Children and Wesley Choir Director
The children and youth at Central continue to amaze and bless me as the year
goes on. Their enthusiasm for music and learning is to be
applauded!
The Children's Choir and Wesley Choristers appreciated all of your encouraging
comments after their Christmas program.
Since December, they have been learning about liturgical dance and movement,
hand bells, xylophones, and "boom whackers." They have also been singing
and will soon begin work on the Easter musical, It's Okay to be Different,
which focuses on the following verse from Mathew 5:9:
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of
God."
Important dates coming up:
March 4-
Children's liturgical movement in worship service: "We Believe in
God"
April 1-
Children's dress rehearsal, It's Okay to be Differ ent
10:45-11:45 AM, Full Costume
April 8 (Palm Sunday)-
Children present musical in worship service:
It's Okay to be Different
The Youth Choir enjoyed helping lead "Great is the Lord" in the worship service
February 4, as well as sharing the "Honoring of Love" interview results with
the congregation on February 11. Thank you again to the couples who came
and shared their love stories with us.
While the youth are most enthusiastic about performing skits in the service,
we have tried to venture out into other "art realms". They are presently
doing a lot of singing as well as learning about hand
bells.
Also...
March 4-
Youth sing benediction in worship service:
"Farewell Blessing"
April 15-
Youth ring hand bells in Easter service:
"Christ the Lord is Risen Today"
Our Calendar for March
1 Thursday
9:00 AM-Sewing Group
11:30 AM-Fellowship Lunch
1:30 PM-Worship Planning
5:30 PM-Spirit Singers Rehearsal
6:30 PM-Central Men's Basketball
6:30 PM-Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:30 PM-Chancel Choir Rehearsal
2 Friday
3 Saturday
8:00 AM-PeeWee Basketball
4 Sunday
8:30 AM-Chancel Choir Rehearsal
9:30 AM-Worship Service
10:00 AM-Children Church School
10:30 AM-Fellowship Coffee Hour
11:00 AM Youth Church School
5:00 PM UMYF
5:30 PM Historical Jesus Study
5 Monday
6:00 PM-Central Men's Basketball
6 Tuesday
9:00 AM-Men's Bible Study
12:30 PM-Well Women Bible Study 6:30 PM-UMW
7:00 PM-Beginner's Bible Study
7:00 PM-Staff-Parish Commission 7 Wednesday
9:00 AM-Food Bank
7:00 PM-Faith Quest
8 Thursday
9:00 AM-Sewing Group
11:30 AM-Fellowship Lunch
6:30 PM-Bell Choir Rehearsal
6:30 PM-Central Men's Basketball
7:30 PM-Chancel Choir Rehearsal
9 Friday
10 Saturday
8:00 AM-PeeWee Basketball
11 Sunday
8:30 AM-Chancel Choir rehearsal
9:30 AM-Worship Service
10:00-Children Church School
10:30 AM-Fellowship Coffee Hour
11:00 AM-Youth Church School
12:15 PM-Second Sunday Brunch
5:00 PM-UMYF
5:30 PM-Historical Jesus Study
12 Monday
6:00 PM-Suzanna Wesley Circle
6:00 PM-Judy Grove Circle
6:00 PM-Central men's basketball
7:15 PM-Heart to Heart
13 Tuesday
10:00 AM-Elderberry's
12:30 PM-Well Women Bible Study
7:00 PM-Beginner's Bible Study
7:00-Church and Society
14 Wednesday
9:00 AM-Food Bank
7:00 PM-Faith Quest
15 Thursday
9:00 AM-Sewing Group
11:30 AM-Fellowship Lunch
5:30-Spirit Singers Rehearsal
6:30 PM-Bell Choir Rehearsal
6:30 PM-Central Men's basketball
7:30 PM-Central Choir rehearsal
16 Friday
6:30 PM-UMYF Mid-Winter Retreat
17 Saturday
8:00 AM-PeeWee Basketball
8:00 AM-UMYF Mid-Winter Retreat
18 Sunday
8:30 AM-Chancel Choir Rehearsal
9:30 AM-Worship Service
10:00 AM-Children Church School
10:30 AM-Fellowship Coffee Hour
11:00 AM-Youth Church School
5:00 PM-UMYF
5:30 PM-Historical Jesus Study
19 Monday
9:00 AM-Rumage Sale
6:00 PM-Central Men's Basketball
20 Tuesday
9:00 AM-Men's Bible Study
9:00 AM-Mable Morrison Circle
9:00 AM-Rumage Sale
12:30 PM-Well Women Bible Study
6:00 PM-Board of Trustees
7:00 PM-Beginner's Bible Study
21 Wednesday
9:00 AM-Food Bank
9:00 AM-Rumage Sale
6:15 PM-Commission Meetings
7:00 PM-NO FaithQuest
7:30 PM-Administrative Council
22 Thursday
9:00 AM-Sewing Group
11:30 AM-Fellowship Lunch
5:30 PM-Spirit Singers Rehearsal
6:30 PM-Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:30 PM-Chancel Choir Rehearsal
23 Friday
24 Saturday
8:00 AM-PeeWee Basketball
25 Sunday
8:30 AM-Chancel Choir Rehearsal
9:30 AM-Worship Service
10:00 AM-Children Church School
10:30 AM-Fellowship Coffee Hour
11:00 AM-Youth Church School
5:00 PM-UMYF
5:30 PM-Historical Jesus Study
26 Monday
7:15 PM-Heart to Heart
27 Tuesday
8:00 AM-Alter Guild
12:30 PM-Well Women Bible Study
5:30 PM-Finance Committee
7:00 PM-Beginner's Bible Study
28 Wednesday
9:00 AM-Food Bank
7:00 PM-FaithQuest
29 Thursday
9:00 AM-Sewing Group
11:30 PM-Fellowship Lunch
5:30 PM-Spirit Singers Rehearsal
6:30 PM-Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:30 PM-Chancel Choir Rehearsal
30 Friday
31 Saturday
The forgotten majority In church
By Rev. Frank Anderson, Minister of Visitation
Such a title can be intimidating to those of us who sustain a common point
of view. Yet in my ministrations it has become increasingly clear to me that
there is a group of older adults in the congregation of Central who do, indeed,
feel to be among the forgotten ones. Not all to be sure.
It is a given fact that we have a large number of older adults in our
constituency who need Christian Ministry. To live with one's memories is
all good, but not enough for day-to-day mental and spiritual health. Contact
with what is called the real world is crucial to joy and happiness. As has
been stated before, there are very few, if any, solitary
Christians.
How can we give assurance to an aged member or friend that we think of them
and extend our love? Emergencies are a day-to-day situation for many of our
senior people. We pray, "O Lord, spare me from my infirmities and lengthen
my days."
Government and HMOs are dedicated to being sure that no one is deprived of
medical care, wherever possible, including children. But who ensures that
human contact is offered and given to each one? Out of sight out of mind,
goes the saying. If we believe in the spirit of human beings being capable
of communing with God, we also believe we can commune together though not
together.
A phone call, a light touch, a cheerful smile, a short letter or a card,
are some simple ways to minister to one another. We are all remembered by
the "Maker of Heaven and Earth". To be remembered is to be loved. To be loved
is to exist in harmony. Let us remember our elder brothers and
sisters.
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