March, 2000
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual Growth
A Great Generation with Common Values
By Lois Myers
What is the Greatest Generation? If you don't know or aren't sure, you can
find the answer in the book, The Greatest Generation written by Tom
Brokaw.
Tom had asked himself this question, especially after visiting Normandy in
France to prepare an NBC documentary on this subject. He was there on the
40th anniversary of D-Day, the massacre, and during the invasion of Europe
that marked the beginning of the end of Adolph Hitler's third Reich. He talked
with some of the veterans who had returned for this anniversary-men in their
sixties and seventies-listened to their stories and was moved and grateful
for what they had done.
Ten years later he returned to Normandy for the fiftieth anniversary of the
invasion. Then he began to understand what this generation meant to history.
Again he appreciated what had been done. Thus he began his research to find
out what and how this generation had saved the world from the two most powerful
and ruthless military machines ever assembled. In this pursuit this generation
persevered through war. They won the war and saved the world.
This generation tells the story of a people coming of age, enduring the Great
Depression and World War II to build our modern America. Their purposes and
values were common: duty, economy, service, honor, courage, love of family
and country, and responsibility for oneself.
They were trained by war to create interesting and useful lives and to make
the America we have today. They came home to face the task of rebuilding
their lives and the world they wanted. They had many stories to tell, but
didn't tell them as everyone else was doing it for them-to create the American
family portrait of the greatest generation.
The research that Tom Brokaw did was extensive. He had help from many others.
This book, The Greatest Generation, is the result.
The chapter headings indicate some of the information he has included in
this book: The Time of Their Lives; Home Front; Heroes; Women in Uniform
and Out; Shame; Love, Marriage and Commitment; Famous People; The Arena;
Twilight of Their Lives.
Get in line in Central's library for your opportunity to read this wonderful
book.
THANK YOU
We wish to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to our friends at Central
for the love and care extended to our family at the time of Sarah's emergency
appendectomy that followed four days after Emily's birth. Your cards and
prayers went a long way! Special thanks to Rev. Boley for the visits, Colleen
Weinfeld for the TLC, and to Morts, Jaquettes, Forgraves, Holoweikos, and
Riddles for the delicious meals brought to our home. Tom & JoAnn
Klein.
To my friends at Central: It is with much appreciation that I thank you for
your prayers, cards and visits during my hospitalization and convalescence.
Special thanks to Rev. Boley and Rev. Anderson for their many hospital calls
and continued support.. Margaret
Ebersole
Births:
Emily Klein, born to Tomas and JoAnn Klein on January 28,
2000.
Deaths:
Lillian Bertoline, died January 20, 2000 in Florida.
June Arlene Ferguson, died February 22, 2000
Sympathy to the friends and family of Bill Richards on the death of his daughter,
Kelley Jean Richards, who died February 15th at age
30.
Please take note!
Help for hunger is just a click away
At www.the hungersite.com a point and a click will enable 1/4 cup of cooked
food to be distributed to the hungry through the United Nations World Food
Program. Corporate sponsors of the site contribute 1/2 cent per click. Clicks
in mid-September translated to approximately 30 tons of food weekly. It doesn't
get much easier than this!
Worship Survey result compiled
A detailed summary of our recent Worship Survey have been printed. Copies
are available at the church reception desk. Or look for a shorter summary
to be published in next month's
Journal.
Elderberrys
The next meeting is scheduled for March 14 at 10:30 a.m. The speaker will
be Leeanne Meyer on the topic of "Turning Trash into Treasures." Ms. Meyer
is from the Reuse Center for Creative Education Projects. Please join
us!
Centralniters
This group will have its next gathering on Saturday, March 18, at 7 p.m.
in the church dining room. It will be a dessert potluck with beverages furnished.
The program will be "A Trip Around the USA" presented by Frank and Marge
McKowen. Reservations are needed by March 10. Contact Andersons (323-6968)
or Westerfields (484-4948).
C.A.R.E. volunteer needed
The Lansing Police Department Network Center's South Precinct is looking
for assistance with a very important community service. Capital Area Response
Effort (CARE) is a volunteer-based program that provides support to survivors
of domestic violence through direct crisis intervention. They are looking
for volunteers to be a vital resource to victims of domestic violence. A
March training session will be held to educate volunteers. Applications for
this training session are due March 1. If you feel this is an area where
you can serve, contact the Lansing Police Department at 272-7436. The church
office has additional information on this
program.
Clothing for participants in Thursday Lunch
By Jean Fowler
We are grateful for the clothing brought to the church that we're making
available to those who attend the Thursday lunches. As you might guess, there's
not a need for dressy garments-men's or women's, high heeled shoes or any
women's clothing smaller than size 14. Children's clothing would be better
donated to Potter Park for distribution at that location. Things most in
demand include jackets, T-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, sweaters, underwear,
socks, pajamas, jeans, towels and sheets. Personal items, like Margaret Woolcocks
makes available on Thursdays, are also welcome.
Church School News
Coordinated by Janet Mort, Program Director
Scholarship Applications
Scholarship applications for next school year are now available in the church
office. If you are interested in applying, pick one up and return it to the
church office no later than April 19, 2000. If you have any questions regarding
scholarships, contact Janet Mort.
Parenting Conference at Trinity
Mark your Calendar. Lansing Trinity United Methodist Family Ministry is hosting
a Christian Parenting Conference on Saturday morning, April 8, from 9 a.m.
- noon. The theme of the conference is "Parenting by the Book" and is based
on Deuteronomy 6:5-7. A keynote address on conflict resolution will be followed
by a choice of presentations of "Spiritual Development in Children', 'Christian
Education-24 x 7' and 'Talking with Your Teens'. The conference will end
with a closing worship session. Child care is available for infants through
the 5th grade at a cost of $2.50/child. The cost of the conference is $10
per person/$15 for couples. For more information, please contact Jim Mort
at 321-2330, or you can register by calling Carla Prout ar
645-2923.
Lenten Study 2000 "The Alpha Course" Exploring the Great Doctrines
The Lenten study this year will be a 6-week program exploring the basics
of our Christian faith. For each week, choose a Sunday morning and/or Sunday
Evening Program. Each Sunday the dual sessions will address such questions
as:
Who is Jesus?
Why did Jesus die?
How can I be sure of my faith?
Why and how should I read the Bible?
Why and how should I pray?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What does the Holy Spirit do?
Why and how should we tell others?
Plan to join us each Sunday morning during Church School and/or Sunday evening
for a meal and an evening program (which is different from the morning session)
beginning at 5 p.m. Dinner will be a simple meal (in the tradition of the
meager meal). For the evening meal/class sessions, please make a prior
reservation at the church. Any questions, please contact Janet Mort at
485-9477.
Lenten Banner Day Sunday, March 12
During Sunday School time, we will be creating banners celebrating the season
of Lent.. All the supplies for the banners will be provided. Whether it's
a family, a Sunday School class or a group of friends, everyone can and is
encouraged to help create these Lenten banners. They will be hung all around
Fellowship Hall during Lent, then you may take them home if you choose. If
you have any questions, please contact Denise Kelley at 484-9109 or Janet
Mort at the church. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! (This is in place of a Lenten
Fair).
MUSIC NOTES
B. Caryn Welter, Music Director
Special Music Planned
Sunday, March 19th marks a special day at Central. The fifty-two voice Adrian
College Choir, under the direction of Dr. Tom Hodgman, will be here to sing
during the worship hour. Immediately following service time, the group will
give a brief secular concert in the dining room. Families are encouraged
to fellowship and dine with them, and may sign up anytime prior to March
12 to order a prepared lunch. Watch your Sunday service bulletins for more
details.
As a point of information, a search committee has been charged with recruiting
individuals for the 2000-2001 program year to fill the Chancel Choir Director's
position and the Children's Choir / Youth Music Director's position. If you
know anyone who's qualified, interested, and available, please leave a message
at extension 35. There is quite a shortage of church musicians, so suggested
names of potentially good candidates will be very much
appreciated.
From Michelle … Adult Volunteers Needed to Assist
Children/Youth
The children and youth need some adult volunteers for parts in the Palm Sunday
Intergenerational Program, "The Tale of the Three Trees." The music is by
well-known composer, Allen Pote. The Chancel Choir has graciously agreed
to sing with us. The Chancel Choir not only sings great, but they are also
good sports! We appreciate their good humor in helping us get the gram together.
We still need an adult narrator, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Also, we will need
some help with set-up, props, and a limited set. If you are interested, let
me know.
To all of you who take the time to give positive feedback to our children
and youth, thank you. They are the future of Central, and your positive remarks
are important. I always pass those comments along to them when many of you
stop to talk with me after church. The church family is much like a garden.
You have to tend it with love for great things to grow. Thanks for allowing
our children and youth to see the true reflection of a Christian
heart!
This year's Ash Wednesday Service will be on March 8th at 7:30 at Mt. Hope
United Methodist Church. Preaching will be Rev. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald, Grand
Traverse District Superintendent. The service is sponsored by the Lansing
Metro Union and includes most of the United Methodist Churches in the Lansing
area
THINK SUMMER THINK CAMP
Yes, it is time to think about summer and camping. The new camp brochures
are here and available just outside the education office. Camperships are
available. Contact Janet Mort for more information.
Central's Family Camp is the place to be July 14-16 at Lakeview Campground
near Edmore. Registration will begin in April. Be watching for further
details.
From the Trustees
By Jim Mort, Board of Trustees
It is a boy!! The Trustees are proud to announce the newest addition to the
Trustee family-Charlie Jennett. Charlie will be filling an existing vacancy
on the Trustees. Welcome aboard, Charlie!
For those who have wondered…
· about what happened to the money donated towards the original efforts
to raise funds for building the 'new' elevator. Those monies were placed
into an elevator maintenance fund that is used to pay for on-going maintenance
and inspections for our two elevators.
· about who is responsible for the new railing on the main stairway
down to the dining room. Our thanks to CharlieJennett for a job well
done.
· about what really goes on at a Trustees meeting. Come on and join
us sometime. We meet on the third Tuesday of months that have a vowel in
their names. Our meetings are at 6 p.m. in the Conference Room. Minutes from
previous meetings are posted in the hallway outside the Conference
Room.
· about when the redecorating project in the 2nd Floor Lounge and Conference
Room. Everything should be finished by Holy Week.
· about whether the chapel restoration project is still scheduled to
be completed in March. Yes, it is. By the way, I hope you were able to take
the time to read the note from the New Millennium company that was in the
bulletin recently.
· anything about the Trustees, ask one of us; we are always willing
to answer any questions we can!
Let us remember to keep our focus on God first!! May the Lord bless you and
keep you…
Special Request -Assistance
Needed
As most of you know, we have a very dedicated group of volunteers who assist
our church by filling the receptionist position in the office. Their role
has always been very important to the Staff, because they answer the telephone,
greet and provide information to members and visitors who come to the church
for many and diverse reasons. In addition to these very vital functions they
also assist with clerical duties. If it were not for these volunteers our
Staff would not be very efficient or effective in their many duties. With
the Education and Finance positions being changed to part-time positions
and several of our volunteers away for the winter or for medical reasons,
we find that our need for more volunteers is becoming critical. Do you have
2-4 hours per week that would enable you to fill this need? Could you volunteer
occasionally? Or might you be available for a few months during the year?
Please call our Office Manager, Pat Basgall at 485-9477, or our Volunteer
Coordinator, Lillian Rush at 482-3494, if any of the above situations would
be an option for you. One and all are welcome to join us. If you enjoy being
around people and are looking for a meaningful way to serve your church -
this is a wonderful and very fulfilling opportunity - ask any one of our
current volunteers. This request is not gender
specific.
Central's Outreach ..."Serving the Lansing Community"
By Pat Basgall
We all are aware that Central holds a unique position in the downtown community
of Lansing. Did you know that one of the reasons for that is our gym and
locker room facilities? Local business men use our Gym, Monday through Friday
during the lunch hour and some evenings during the week.We also host the
following groups(again during the week or on weekends):
· Pee-Wee Basketball - Younger Children
· Jr. Pro Basketball - Youth
· Central Men's Basketball - A League formed by Lansing Churches
· Cooley Law Students
· St. Paul's Episcopal Church
· Potter Park Outreach
· Lansing Christian School - Practice here while their facility is under
construction.
We have people call for a one time need for practice or tournament games.
A couple of church members have formed recreation teams to play occasionally
throughout the winter, as well. We are sadly put in the position of turning
people away, but we do maintain a waiting list. The Men's Locker Room was
refurbished this past summer by approval of the Trustees. We look forward
to having the Women's Locker Room refurbished this coming summer. With the
number of people using our facility, it is very easy to understand the need
for these projects. We receive many compliments, from people using the Gym,
about our Church, and the availability of our building for their use. This
is yet another ministry that we can all be proud of.
GOOD NEWS FROM OUR DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
By Rev. John Ellinger
The final figures for 1999 apportionment giving have been calculated. Central
is one of the 54 churches in the Lansing District that reached the 100% goal.
Congratulations! The total giving from all churches across our district enabled
us to reach 99.3% of the district's total apportionment obligation. That's
up from 87% in 1996. The good news does not stop with apportionments. In
a year when we have set the standard for apportionment giving, we have also
increased our district wide giving to Advance Special Giving Projects by
an unprecedented 56%. In 1999 the district gave $417,850 to Special Giving
Projects, which is an increase of $150,725 over the previous year. Your concern
for outreach to others and for the needs of the larger United Methodist Church
is enabling ministries far beyond the Lansing District. You are to be commended
for your generosity. This giving record is a measure of the underlying commitment
to making real faith, justice, and love in the name of Jesus
Christ.
Mission in the 21st Century
By Rev. Frank Anderson
If the Church is going to make a difference in the world in the new millennium,
are we the ones who will do it or will God intervene in His own time and
way? Can He? Should He? Will He? Will we? This is certain: unless "we" think
up new ways of mission and adopt them, the gospel might diminish in power
and scope. The Great Commission still applies: "All authority has been
given...Go...make disciples...baptize...teach...to the close of the age."
Central United Methodist Church is among those who serve the Christian God.
We can choose the path ahead. One way is to study and learn together the
possibilities and massive challenges at hand. Beginning Sunday, April 30,
2000, a NEW study will be offered during the regular church school morning
hour entitled, "Mission in the 21st Century". We will have five Sundays in
which to explore the matter under good leadership and full participation.
So far our visiting leaders will be Rev. and Mrs. Lynn DeMoss, plus Bill
and Rosemary Bauer, retired UMC missionaries who served in India. Rev. Frank
Anderson is coordinator and organizer.
"...mission in the new millennium must not be seen primarily as a process
of funding projects but as a call to a life-changing, life-sharing,
life-witnessing, life-bearing outreach. This challenge lies before us all-the
entire denomination-not just before those who serve the church as missionaries."
-Randolph Nugent, NOW - May/June 1999
PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESERVATION
By Jon Reynolds
Dr. Wayne Barrett will conduct a Will Clinic at Central on Saturday, March
11
INCLUDE THE CHURCH IN MY WILL? WHY?
That's a pretty big question. It's really a question concerning the place
of the church in one's life. Yet as more and more of us are learning to practice
estate planning, this is a crucial question for thoughtful Christians to
think about.. Consider these reasons for including the church in your
Will.
1. It's a matter of values. Your Will is your "testament" concerning the
persons and causes important to you. When we remember a particular ministry
in our Will, it is a powerful statement that this is something we believe
in. Conversely, omitting the church from our estate plan suggests it really
wasn't an important part of our lives.
2. It's a matter of timing. Many gifts just can't be given during our lifetime
because we still require the gift assets for our own use. Giving through
our Will enables us to give to the church when we no longer have need of
the gift. This often enables us to make a more substantial gift than we ever
could during our lifetime.
3. It's a matter of faith. Because we believe that "the Church is of God
and will be preserved until the end of time," we believe that giving to the
church through our Will is a faithful way to provide for ongoing ministry
long after we're gone. This is an outstanding way to provide endowments for
future ministries through our church.
A Christian's Will can be the instrument through which families are protected,
peace of mind is achieved and miracles happen. The distribution of your estate
can be a satisfying expression of your values, hopes, and faith; or it can
be a terrifying ordeal. It all depends upon what we do now to prepare.Still
have questions? Dr. Wayne Barrett of the West Michigan Conference will be
at Central UMC on Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m. - noon to discuss this
form of planned giving to the church. Call the church to register your attendance
or visit our web site at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc to learn
more.
Red Roses to ...
Charles and Pam Jennett for the repair, painting and installation of handrails
on the stair well from the first floor to the Dining Room.
To Richard and Beth Murley, and their volunteers, for coordinating meals
for two different groups visiting the church for meetings last
week.
Youth Fellowship News
By Jamie Tipton
Sock Hop 2000
Thank you to all who participated or supported the Sock Hop 2000! It was
so much fun to see Central's members "Twistin' the Night Away!" Great Job
Elvis! The Youth Group would like to thank you and ask that you continue
to support them in doing God's will.
Karaoke Fellowship Hour
Mark this date on your calendars: March 17th, 2000 6-9pm in the Fellowship
Hall. Come on out for the first annual Karaoke Fellowship Hour! Since the
Sock Hop was such a success, we decided to have a night for Central's members
to sing their hearts out! Here's how it works: You pay $1 to get in the door.
You can sing or listen to the talented members of Central or you can pay
to see someone else sing! Now come on who wouldn't pay to see Jeff Holoweiko
sing an Elvis song? This youth fundraiser will be full of food, fun, and
fellowship! Like all the good Irish say, "Spend St. Patrick's Day the Christian
way-supporting Central's Youth" ...(OK… you got me. The Irish may not
say this, but I do!)
Stock Sales!
The Youth are the future of Central United Methodist Church, buy stock in
them! Let them know you care about them. Support all the good they are doing
and how well they are representing your church. Money from the stocks will
be used to send 19 people on a work project this summer. Stocks will sell
for $10 a share. Buy one, or buy twenty. Thanks again for all your support!
Check your mailbox for further information.
Summer Mission Trip 2000- Fort Defiance, Arizona
In the month of July, 19 youth and young adults will represent Central United
Methodist Church as they travel to Arizona for a life-changing experience.
They will be working on the Navajo Indian Reservation. This is the biggest
group Central has sent on a mission trip in many years. The youth and young
adults group will join 45 other people from churches all over the United
States to do God's work and show God's love to those less fortunate. The
youth and young adults are very excited and grateful for the opportunity
they have been given. They've been working hard to earn the money for the
mission trip.
There will be many more fundraisers this year, and I ask that you continue
to support the youth as faithfully as you have been. Take pride in your youth;
they are using their hearts to do BIG things in the name of Jesus
Christ!
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
By Pat Mort, President
UMW members and friends, give yourself a big pat-on-the-back. With your help,
we made our budget for 1999. The Meijer Dinner in January gave us a big boost.
For every missionary you helped support; every local, state, national, and
international project you helped to continue; for every book you purchased
for our UMW Library; for the leadership training you allow to happen; for
the programs we offer at Central - thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Each year your Mission Team struggles to set our pledge to Missions and to
budget faithfully. We look at areas we have supported in the past, as well
as areas from which we have received support. These include endowments, fund
raisers, and pledges we pray will come in. Every year we spend a lot of time
in prayer. We know our membership and friends are committed to missions and
serving the Whole of God's people. We feel a keen sense of responsibility
to both challenge you and to be good stewards of the monies you entrust to
us. For 2000 we are looking at new fund raising ideas. Please look for
information in the April Journal and on the bulletin boards in the Temple
House. Our fund raising calendar is in circulation for the end of February
through March. Copies are on the bulletin board in the coatroom. Thank you
again for all the support you have shown us for God's Family and world during
the past. Your Mission Team pledges to keep you informed of important issues
before us; items which we think you would be interested in; opportunities
for growth, outreach, and the many blessings you helped bestow through your
time, talents, monies and service.
Our Lenten Lunch is April 15th in the Dining Room. We are pleased to have
the Brass Ensemble, organized by Ron Gibbs, providing our music and to have
Major Mary Corliss of the Salvation Army as our speaker. Mable Morrison Circle
will be preparing our tables and luncheon - thank you ladies. Tickets are
$5 and will be available during coffee hour April 2nd and 9th. This event
is open to all members of Central and their guests. It is important we have
reservations for this event to ensure we have enough food for all. Mark the
date - April 15th - on your calendar now. Need a ride and/or child care?
Let us know and it's yours!
Remember our idea to visit Red Bird Mission this spring? Lansing District
had the same idea! We will be joining forces for a visit before District
Annual. More details will be forthcoming as they become
available.
Generous Response to Christmas Project
At least 5 people, handicapped because of polio or the loss of legs
from land mines, will be given the precious gift of mobility and independence
because of the generosity of 15 individuals/families in our congregation
at Christmas. The PET (Personal Energy Transport) is a specially constructed
3-wheeled cart which the handicapped person operates by a hand-cranked mechanism.
It moves easily over rugged terrain and comes equipped with a large cargo
box behind the driver. Larry and Laura Hills, retired missionaries to the
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire), introduced us to this project last
summer when they spoke at a church potluck.Every PET is presented in the
name of Jesus Christ, each new owner being lifted into their "miracle" vehicle
after a prayer of dedication and thanksgiving is offered. A total of $1476
was given from Central. It is beautiful to imagine what a life-changing impact
this has had on these people who had previously no hope beyond that of a
helpless beggar. Thank you, dear compassionate brothers and sisters in Christ!
The Mission Commission.
Click here to return to previous page, or to
A Central Place.