Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
March, 2002
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
Sharing in a big way on March 10
Joi Tennant, Co-Chair, Mission Commission
The Mission Commission seems to be in the business of asking for money all
the time. The issue of making folks uncomfortable or weary with our regular
requests for donations manages to come up in one way or another as we approach
every small or large special offering campaign.
Recently, Frank Anderson handed me a Prayer Calendar from the General Board
of Global Missions. My initial response to the pages of officially appointed
missionaries and staff and the enormous scope and variety of our United Methodist
involvement in the world is pure astonishment!
To consider the numbers of people who give all or a significant part of their
lives to the full-time work of living with and helping the poor, despondent,
oppressed peoples of the world so that they will know the love of God is
in itself humbling. But then to read the stories (two per week) that tell
the passion and pain and promise that these people experience as they face
the challenges of their work is like a giant wake-up call.
"What are WE sacrificing; truly sacrificing?"
This is the month when we will receive the "One Great Hour of Sharing" offering.
This money is first and foremost a fund used for the immediate relief of
suffering from all kinds of disasters, everywhere in the world, even in the
United States. This is only one big way that the United Methodist Church
reaches out into the world, and it is only one of the seemingly limitless
opportunities that we are given to share our resources.
The word share makes me think of splitting up a handful of candy equally
between the waiting friends whose hands are extended. It suggests the idea
of two people wrapped up in a beach towel, one person slightly less warm
than if they had kept it all to themselves. It reminds me that if we can
find $40 to have a Valentine dinner, we should be able to find another $40
to share with a mission project where blankets and tents and cooking utensils
keep people alive when their lives have been literally turned upside down.
Will you consider really sharing some of the luxury of your life, by foregoing
something you love for the sake of giving someone in the world a little bit
of relief from their misery; a little piece of your countless wealth of blessing
for which God has given you the even more awesome privilege of giving away?
Pastor's Pen
Holy Week is fast approaching. Thanks be to God! Here is the tentative schedule
of events and a few tidbits:
Palm Sunday. We will have our Palm Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. Included will
be a children’s palm processional to Hosanna, Blessed is the King.
Mid-Week Services. The Pastor’s Alliance of Greater Lansing will once
again host services here at Central in the Mary Sabina Chapel from 12:15
to 1:00 p.m., Monday through
Thursday.
Maundy Thursday. This year we will once again go over to St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church for a Seder Meal followed by a Maundy Thursday service.
Good Friday. Again we will participate with the Pastor’s Alliance of
Greater Lansing in a service from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the Last Words of
Christ. This year’s service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian
Church at MLK and Oakland.
Easter Sunday. Our Service of the Resurrection will be at 9:30 am. The service
will focus on our chancel choir with brass accompaniment, and the Proclamation
of the Resurrection Word. There will be no Church School.
John
New Child Care Provider joins Central's staff
Pamala Phillips, Director of Education and Youth
If you have not yet met our new Child Care Provider in the Nursery on Sunday
mornings, you will certainly want to!!
Nicole Fernandes is now the full-time Nursery attendant. Nicole is Master's
prepared in Humanistic and Clinical Psychology and has a B.S. in Child
Development with a Minor in Chemistry from MSU. She currently works in the
Pre-School that is operated here in our Church during the week. Please welcome
Nicole warmly whether or not you rely upon child care on Sundays. She is
an absolute delight and we are so blessed to have her on our staff!!
Education News
Pamala Phuillips, Director of Education and Youth
Ichthus is coming!
Ichthus is coming!
Ichthus 2002
April 24-28
Ichthus, a mega-concert in Wilmore, KY, is a CUMC tradition. Music and speakers
nearly round the clock. I think they had stopped by 1 a.m. last year. As
we shared with you upon our return, it was quite an experience for us all.
I can’t wait to go this year. Never thought I’d hear myself saying
that. Four days and three nights: camping (and I do mean camping); no
electricity, traveling by foot to bring water to the campsite, 65-70 degrees
during the day and low 40’s at night, in a tent, no heat. Over a hundred
acres of field and 20,000 teens and youth workers. Seeing our youth, being
with our youth (24 hrs a day for four days using port-a-potty’s along
with 20,000 other people).
No, seriously, being with our kids, watching and experiencing them in this
setting is the most significant thing we do to build community and spiritual
development with our youth. TICKETS are $52 when purchased by March 28.
This is a significant expense for our church families; even more so if they
have more that one teen. If you feel led to help offset some of the expenses
for our youth group families, please call me at the church office, 485-9477,
or contact Bob Pena or Dennis Kelley.
Ichthus 2002 is on the internet at Ichthus.org, and the 2002 festival is
available online. Have a peek!!!
It’s time to start thinking about church camp too!!!
Please see the display and brochure in fellowship hall. Our kids are already
talking about it. And we are so very blessed in the West Michigan Conference
with beautiful facilities and people.
Some of you have mentioned in the past that you would like to contribute
to the expense of church camp. Typically, we have given “camperships”
to every camper from CUMC to the tune of $100 a piece. That leaves a balance
of a little over $100 for parents to pay per camper. Due to financial
constraints/budget cuts we have had to eliminate part of the funding for
campers, as well as for VBS. If either of these programs appeal to your heart,
please see me or call me so we can discuss the possibilities.
Elementary church school classes are preparing something very, very
special for May 5.
Please mark your calendar now so that you will make certain to be here for
these children. They are working very hard and taking great pride in their
project.
We cannot be at peace with others until we are at peace with
ourselves.
from NewsletterNewsletter
UMYF calendar of events
April
April 6 - Jr. High Overnight
5 p.m. - 9 a.m.
April 7 - Sr High Only UMYF
Loft - 5-7 p.m.
April 14 - Loft - 5-7 p.m.
Sunday 28 - 6 p.m.
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director
Our fantastic children and youth have exciting plans for this semester!
Their talent, spirit, and dedication will show through as the Youth Musical
Group prepares What a Day for a Daydream, arranged by Dan Goeller, for the
April 14 Sunday morning worship service.
"Daydream" is a 70's-style comedy which examines the many choices of life,
as well as making a personal choice of faith in God. Bring your whole family
and as many friends as possible to this delightful worship experience.
On Sunday May 12, Mothers' Day, the Children's Choir and Wesley Choristers
will present a wonderfully varied tribute to mothers. A medley of rich, diverse,
appropriate music will touch the heart of everyone who's in worship that
day. This is a day you'll certainly want to attend our Sunday morning service,
with an eye to supporting and encouraging these young people and their marvelous
enthusiasm. We can all learn from observing their joyful music-making and
hearing the sincerity in their messages.
You may remember Pentecost for all it represents. If you're a child, you
may think of it as the day we all wear red. In order to bring together the
meaning of Pentecost and its symbols, the two younger choral groups will
bring a special creative movement endeavor to the sanctuary on Sunday May
19. May its representation deeply enrich the day for you and the other
worshippers.
Mountains, Rivers and 80 Million People!
Francis Anderson, Mission Commission
What comes into your mind when these countries are mentioned? ...Vietnam,
Cambodia, and Laos. Most likely we think of war and lives lost. Our hope
is that by sharing in a mission study for six sessions, beginning April 14,
on Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour at Central, we will have
a chance to change our perspective.
"When Vietnamese hear it, they think of their country with its long history
and culture. On the other hand, to Vietnamese, the word 'America', once
associated with a war, today brings to mind images of consumer goods, cars,
pop music and the latest fashions of what is often called 'the American way
of life'. As the Vietnamese look to their future, they see it related to
the United States.
Vietnamese probably know more about America than people in the U.S. know
about Vietnam. Americans need a better understanding of Vietnam, its culture,
and its peoples, both for developing productive relationships and for their
own internal healing…"
True missions means to think more about others than one's self. To have a
high degree of tolerance and understanding as we believe God loves all
peoples.
"...Originating in Tibet, far to the north, the Mekong winds for 2700 miles
to the South China Sea. Following the course of this great river one soon
discovers that new life is emerging in the lands along its banks."
(Rev. Anderson will lead a study of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos beginning
April 14.)
Elderberrys March on
Francis Anderson
Our adult ministry for those over 60 (or so) is continuing in good fashion.
We were nicely entertained by our own Director of Music, Caryn Welter, who
played a delightful set of pop music and songs and hymns for our Valentine's
Day Party on February 12. There were 19 in attendance and there was a very
good luncheon and lovely decorations.
In March we will meet on Tuesday morning, March 12, at 10:30 a.m. in the
church dining room.
The program will be presented by Janetta and Loran Graham, speaking and showing
slides on "Mission Vision" to Ghana, Africa. They went on tour on behalf
of the Lion's Club of Lansing. Please sign up now in Fellowship Hall.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
This month is full of opportunities to participate in many ways. Some take
more time and resources than others. Please check them all out —
See where you can “plug in” to be the hands and feet of Christ
on Earth — Say a prayer, pay on your UMW pledge, make a pledge or one-time
gift to UMW, commit to helping with Legislative Day, write the Hudys, help
at Central or elsewhere. Do something. Make a difference. Smile at a stranger,
talk with a child, talk with a senior. Remember, always in all circumstances,
who you are and Who’s you are.
Frances Keith, past-president of the Los Angeles District UMW, is behind
a prayer vigil for peace around the world and the end of violence in our
own country. Every Friday at noon, whether alone or in a group, please pray
for peace – in our homes, our neighborhoods, our schools, our places
of worship, our state, our country, our world. Pray for shalom in our lives
and the lives of those we know – and don’t know. Prayer can make
a difference.
Remember, noon on Fridays. Pray for all God’s Creation. May we learn
to be a credit to our Creator.
Walk or…
stood up in church on Sunday and said I was hoping to walk in the Avon 3-Day,
May 31 through June 2. I’ve decided I cannot do the actual walk this
year, but I am hoping to “crew” along with Deb Nourse. Interested
in finding out more about the walk and opportunities therein? Check out
“www.bethepeople.com”.
Check the UMW Board
Fund Raising Calendars are back by popular demand! The calendars were handed
out in February and are also available on the UMW BOARD in Fellowship Hall.
Although they are dated from February 20 through March 31 they can be
“used” at any time. Please pick one up and start it when you can.
Thanks!
Cookie Dough orders will be taken during March with delivery sometime during
the beginning of April. Definite dates have not been set as of this date
(February 15, 2002) but will be. Please check for freezer space and put your
orders in for cookie dough during Coffee Hour, at Circle Meetings or on the
Order Blank that will be on the UMW BOARD in Fellowship Hall.
Legislative Day sign up sheets are on the UMW BOARD, also. Please, please,
please consider helping on April 10, (or with preparation on April 9). Many
hands make light work – which we will all be appreciative of.
Spring Renewal fliers are also available on the UMW BOARD. It’s at Wesley
Woods Camp on April 19 and 20. The theme this year is “Your, Mine, Ours:
Spirited Sisters of the Bible”, featuring celebrated storytellers Barbara
McBride-Smith and Corinne Stavish.
Lansing District “Heartline” Newsletter is available on the UMW
BOARD. Check out what’s going on in the District.
Want to know more? Want to get involved in new and wonderous ways? Check
the UMW BOARD in Fellowship Hall! There’s even a place for suggestions.
. .please make use of it!
Habitat for Humanity/Downtown Ecumenical Build presents the Earl Nelson
Singers Company Benefit Concert
Sunday, March 10, 3:00 p.m. Central United Methodist Church
By Mary Boudreau, Habitat for Humanity
As you may know, the Earl Nelson Singers are an integrated ensemble that
has performed traditional African-American spirituals and gospel music since
1963.
The concert provides an opportunity to hear a fine musical group and to also
support the upcoming Downtown Ecumenical Build.
The Downtown Ecumenical Build is a project sponsored by eight downtown churches
that are working together to build a Habitat for Humanity house in downtown
Lansing. All donations from the concert will be used to help local volunteers
from the churches build a home for a family.
The Earl Nelson Singers will perform to raise funds to assist in the building
of the house, and donations of all sizes will be welcomed at the concert.
Refreshments will be served following the performance.
Donations may also be sent to Habitat for Humanity/ Lansing, 1137 Haco Drive,
Suite 1, Lansing, MI 48912-1659. Please add “concert” to the memo
portion of the check.
NOTE...Building security system active
David Schuurmans, Board of Trustees
The electronic security system in the church building is now in operation.
It will be turned on at night when the building is closed. If you wish to
enter the building at special times, other than during the day or early evening,
contact the church office (485-9477) ahead of time.
Among Friends
Remember…
At publication time:
Maxine Jones – At U of M hospital
Dale Kirkby – recovering from surgery at home
Ruth Norton – recovering at her daughter's
Transitions…
A memorial service will be held for:
Marion Spackman – March 1, 11 a.m., CUMC
Thank you, Sally Swiss
Mary Ellen Maas, Design and Décor Committee
The Library Task Force, the Design and Décor Committee, and the Gifts
and Memorials Committee wish to thank noted artist, Sally Swiss for her gift
of an original water color painting for the Media Room in the Library.
The theme of the painting, “Flowers from the Bible”, is shown in
a format of a stained glass window.
Symbols you can look for in the painting are: The Christmas Rose, central
in the design, represents the Virgin Mary, hence the names “Rosary”
and “Rose Window”; The Poinsettia is identified with Christmas;
the symbol of the Fleur-de-lis, at the bottom of the painting, represents
the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost; The Iris, associated with the
fleur-de-lis, connects parts of the design; The Easter Lily, at the bottom,
represents the resurrection of Christ; Other garden flowers framing the painting
are added for color.
Sally has been a member of Central church for 48 years and has gifted us
with several other beautiful paintings.
UMW Lenten Lunch
March 23, 11:30 a.m. – Dining Room
Speaker: Rev. Bob Roth – Shalom – a Deeper Peace
Everyone invited! Bring a friend! - Donation: $5.00
Purchase tickets in Fellowship Hall March 3,10 or 17
Reservations needed by March 19.
Win Anderson Reports for the Library Task Force
A Circulating Library
If books are not checked out for reading enjoyment and returned promptly,
then our Library is not a true “circulating” library. The books
listed here have recently been given or purchased for our Library. We appreciate
this greatly.
Children’s Books
Children’s Prayer Calendar 2002 – General Board of Global
Missions
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day – Viorst
The Polar Express – Van Allsburg
Adopted by an Owl – Wargin
The Legend of the Lady’s Slipper – Wargin
Grownup’s Books
Prayer Calendar 2002 – GBGM
John Adams – McCullough – Biograph
Leah – Shott – Fiction
The Mitford Snowmen – Karon – Ficton
Handbook for the Heart – Carlson –
Meditations
Meditations is a new section with books useful for personal or group devotionals.
It can be found on the shelf by the UMW books.
Please take a little time to peruse the Library shelves.
LENT is a time for repentance
Repentance is the process by which we see ourselves, day by day, as we really
are: sinful, needy, dependent people. It is the process by which we see God
as He is: awesome, majestic and holy.
Charles Colson from, Against the Night:Living in the New Dark Ages
Ecumenical Compassion
Pat Bell, Church and Society Commission
Twenty eight people from United Methodist, Roman Catholic, Assembly of God
and Episcopal Churches and the Church of all Nations gathered on January
26 to envision and plan toward a ministry with Lansing area families of the
incarcerated. The key resource person was Carol Burton of the Mott Children's
Health Center who was the founding program coordinator for the SEEK Project
with the families of the incarcerated.
The two primary groups organizing for this day were the Restorative Justice
Office of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and the Shalom Center for Justice
and Peace, a ministry of the Lansing District of the United Methodist Church.
(Housed at Lansing Central.) The gathered faithful set the next meeting date
for this new Coalition for the Families of the Incarcerated as March 23.
Interested persons may contact Bob Roth at the Shalom Center, 267-8710.
Centralniters to explore Costa Rica
Centralniters will explore Costa Rica via a travelogue Friday, March 22,
at 6:30 p.m., at Chippewa Middle School. The school is located at the corner
of Okemos Road and Kinawa Drive. The ticket price is $6.00 and can be purchased
at the door. Reservations will not be needed. Please call the Dibbles with
any questions. 487-4451.
The next Centralniters event will be Saturday, April 13 when we will attend
a musical comedy performed by the Lansing Civic Players.
Central Collage Breakfast at Snow's Sugar Bush
Saturday, March 16
8:30 a.m. meet at the church or
9:00 a.m. at Snow's Sugar Bush
Price $6.75
RSVP:
to Mary Nesman – 321-4153
or Joan Forgrave – 641-7240
Someone who is for you (not against you)
Some years ago, David Seamands, a UMC pastor from Kentucky, told a group
of ministers how he had counseled a young woman who was dying. She was not
a church member. In fact she had lived rather loosely, even shamefully, and
she knew it. Now that death was staring her in the face, she was feeling
guilty.
Dr. Seamands listened for awhile as she sobbingly confessed to him. When
it appeared that she was finished, the pastor said to her in a very gentle
manner, "I want you to know that God is not against you for your sins. God
is for you against your sins."
From NewsletterNewsletter
Trustees considering a plan to improve parking
Susan Grettenberger, Chair, Board of Trustees
Introduction
A proposal developed by the three churches on our block and the State of
Michigan holds the potential to provide Central UMC with needed parking as
we grow as a church and expand our ministries. The Trustees have been reviewing
this proposal and hope to make an initial recommendation concerning the plan
soon after the beginning of March. We share this information so you are aware
of the possible changes. More information will be made available as it becomes
available. Final decisions of this type are made through a special church
conference, which will be scheduled soon.
Please read this summary of the proposal carefully and with an open mind.
We believe the proposal will benefit everyone. Remember that the final decision
must be made by you, the congregation.
Rationale
The State of Michigan is going to build a new parking structure on the empty
lot west of First Baptist Church. It is ideal for the employees of the Capitol
and the House of Representatives to get to their offices as directly as possible.
That route is through what is currently the playground and part of our parking
lot west of the church. Using that space would require our giving up that
piece of property to the State of Michigan.
However, the churches still need parking. Acquisition of the parking lot
between Central and First Baptist and use of the new parking structure during
evenings and weekends will assist all three churches with current parking
problems. This appears to be a win-win situation for the churches and the
State.
What we would have to do
1. Give to the State of Michigan the parcel along the west side of the church,
beginning about six feet out from the edge of the building. This includes
the play area, garage and a strip of our parking lot. There would then be
enough space for one row of parking on either side of the lot entrance, but
not double parking.
2. Purchase from the state, in partnership with First Baptist and St. Paul,
the parking lot north of Central. This would be paid in two parts. The parcel
from the play area and parking lot would partially compensate for the north
lot. The remainder of the value will be cash; a total to be sharred among
the churches participating.
How Central UMC will benefit if we move ahead
Most importantly, Central will gain a share of the parking spaces in the
current north lot which will increase daytime parking. Specifics are being
negotiated. Further, we will be assured of adequate parking for the ministry
of the church on weekends and evenings in the state parking structure.
If you have questions or comments, contact Susan Grettenberger, chair of
trustees, at 372-4146 or gretten2@msu.edu, or talk to any trustee. Trustees
will also be providing information, drawings and artist’s sketches of
the project during upcoming Fellowship Hours.
Prayer poem read in worship Sunday, January 27.
by Suzanne MacLaren
Forest of Wonder
The forest is of woods,
Maples, saps, and oaks.
The forest is of water,
Streams, brooks, and puddles.
Sometimes you will find a willow near,
It dipping to the water.
They all mean something.
The willow, beauty
The sapling, sweetness
Oaks, wiseness
Maples, peace.
But there is a tree not known to others
In the forest of wonder it lives and dwells.
It is the tree of love, hope, joy,
family and friend.
It is called the tree of many wonderful things.
It is of great beauty.
"But how will I be able to find this tree?", you ask.
This is what I tell you.
"It will always have a dove in it. And it will glow like nothing ever seen
before."
"Yes, but where is this forest of wonder?", you ask again.
The forest of wonder is a place of great beauty, and it has many birds and
animals.
It is life.
But where is it?
Oh, that is simple enough.
It belongs to God
It is his home.
It is heaven.
A picture is worth a thousand words
Dorothy Brooks, Shalom Center
What do you think of when you hear, "The Shalom Center"? A dove, perhaps?
The reason for that may be that now our newsletters carry our new, official
logo which, during our first year of existence, was only a dream. But thanks
to generous contributions from Cathy and Leonard Clarkson and Dr. Jack Clarkson,
that dream has now become a reality.
A stylized dove figure, surrounded by a shaded olive wreath, was especially
designed for the Center by Williamston High School art teacher, Paul Nilsson,
and his son, Aaron Nilsson of usgolfer.net. It is wonderful to have our own
unique, strong, visual symbol of peace and justice.
Upcoming Church Visits:
March 1 –
Annual gathering of the Church Women United of Lansing — Lansing Grace
United Methodist Church
March 23 –
"Shalom, A Deeper Peace" - At Lansing Central UMC — United Methodist
Women's Lenten Luncheon
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