Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         March, 2003

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Be a storyteller...share Central's story
Jamie Zimmer

Once upon a time... Those words conjure up precious memories of imagination, wonder, inspiration, and a deep feeling of connectedness to the storyteller. How often do we think back to a time when a friend, relative, favorite teacher or preacher enchanted our minds with a wonderful tale?

The power of story... Story gives insight in a way that nothing else can. Story expresses emotion in a safe or more secure venue that touches us deeply. Story penetrates our memory and stays with us longer than most other information.

Central's story... What a delight when we discover all those historical events which happened within those walls. Have you ever wondered what tales our stained glass windows could tell? The weddings, baptisms, sermons, memorial services, grand and elegant events to install bishops, the inspiring music they've heard, and yes, gloved hands and hats for women, packed pews, interior decorations changed and changed again.

Central's story... Your story, our story, my story. Each one of you is so vital to the present story, the future story. Your hours of dedicated service, your generous giving, your delightful presence and extension of fellowship, each one enhances the story of Central.

Be a storyteller... Share the story of God's redeeming grace through Jesus Christ. Share Central's story with your neighbors, friends, relatives and co-workers. Share the story of lives changed, service rendered, truths learned, friendships made. Invite others to become an integral part of our story and continue to warmly welcome them into our congregation.
Your prayerful consideration is needed
Rev. Russell McReynolds

As many of you know, Central UMC ministers to many people throughout the week, in formal and informal ways. The Fellowship Lunch serves between 60 – 100 people each week. The Food Pantry assists persons in need of emergency food. The pastors, working with Tom Towsley, assist people with emergency funding.

The Open Door Task Force has been in discussion for some time, exploring ways to expand our ministry. The ministry of the church belongs to the congregation. So the Task Force will be bringing information to you. In the meantime, please pray for the work of the church and for the Task Force's work. We need your prayers.
more good news
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds

We are pleased that The Reverend Dr. Robert Edgar from the National Council of Churches in New York City will be our guest preacher on Sunday, March 9, at the 9:30 a.m. service. What a blessing! You will remember that he was here last Fall to help us focus on homelessness, peace throughout the world, and how churches can be relevant to struggles of the people. He spent time participating in our Thursday luncheon program, and addressed a large group of people in our Fellowship Hall.

More specifically, he has been a voice and a presence for peace efforts throughout the world community, especially in Iraq, at the United Nations, and at the White House – all to impact world leaders with the collective voice of the church community.

On that same week-end, he will not only preach here at Central's Sunday 9:30 a.m. worship service, he will meet with local church leaders, both clergy and laity, as well as political leaders from the Lansing area for a prayer breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in Central UMC's dining room. Friends and members of Central are invited to join us.

Rev. Edgar comes with impressive credentials, having served as President of the Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California, as a U.S. Congressman for several years, and as pastor of various United Methodist churches. Two years ago, he accepted his position as General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. Through his leadership, the institution has been salvaged and revitalized to become, once again, a viable organization comprised of several denominations. The United Methodist Church, through its apportionment dollars, has been a key player in supporting the National Council of Churches.

Dr. Edgar will be sacrificial of his time in Lansing. (See page six for his complete schedule.) On Sunday morning, after preaching here at Central, Dr. Edgar will preach at Union Missionary Baptist Church at their 10:45 a.m. service. In the afternoon on March 9, he will speak at the 3 p.m. service being hosted by First Presbyterian Church, featuring music through the liturgical year, sponsored by the Downtown Churches and the Greater Lansing Chapter, American Guild of Organists.

A special thank you again goes to the members of Central UMC who participated in the Ecumenical Service held here at Central, in recognition of The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We had maximum numbers in the eighty-voice massed choir and many of our members were in the congregation, as well. Thank you, too, to all those who prepared and served refreshments, ushered, readied the building, and participated in any other way. We want to thank you, as well, for the over $600 that was collected for Habitat for Humanity. Central UMC is, indeed, an active partner in the struggle toward Christian unity.
EDUCATION
Bob Roth, Minister of Christian Formation

Please Pray For Our Youth Confirmation Class

Beginning March 11 and continuing through the month of May, I (and others) will be leading our youth through a confirmation experience culminating with a faith decision concerning membership in the church. As youth move toward adulthood, we refer to this as their "first adult decision." Along with weekly meetings with the class, students will make field trips to other churches and serve together in Christian service. We will use the United Methodist confirmation curriculum entitled "Claim the Name." Each confirmand will choose a mentor who will play a key role in their journey of faith.

Please pray intentionally for the youth and the confirmation experience. When is a good time to pray for them? One possibility is to pray as they meet together each Tuesday evening. The youth and their parents will receive the full schedule when we gather for a potluck at 6:00 p.m. March 11 preceding their first class from 7– 8:15 p.m. For the purpose of a church-wide call to prayer for their regular meetings, here are the Tuesday evenings when they will be together at the church: March 11, 18, and 25; April 1, 15, 22, and 29 (the 8th they are on spring break); and May 6 and 13.

The class is geared toward 8th and 9th graders, but it is open to older students who have not been confirmed. Thank-you for being a church that cares so deeply about the lives and futures of our young people.

New Adult Electives – Sundays at 11:00 a.m.

—Joi Tennant, a deeply admired, prayerful leader at Central Church, will lead a Lenten Study entitled Communing With God beginning March 9. The class will use the wonderful volume A Guide To Prayer For Ministers And Other Servants edited by Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck. The class will meet each Sunday morning in the Church Library. Please speak with Joi or Bob Roth if you would like to see a copy of this Upper Room book or have any questions.

—The Rev. Frank Anderson will teach a mission study based on the evocative book Mexico: Labyrinth of Faith for six weeks beginning March 2. Exploring the culture and history of Mexico with an eye toward the role of the church and missions, this class will meet in the Second Floor Lounge and include guests from Lansing's Mexican-American community.

Adult Classes Continuing in March

—The New Member Class continues each week in the Shalom Center with Pastor Russell McReynolds at 11:00 a.m.

—At 5:00 p.m. each Sunday in the Second Floor Lounge, the class led by the Rev. Keith Pohl continues their study of Bishop John Shelby Spongs' provocative book A New Christianity For A New World.

Also at 5:00 p.m. each Sunday, the video series, Wrestling With Angels, facilitated by Joi Tennant and others, continues in the church library. Each class session stands on its own with great discussion following a 25 minute video on some aspect of spirituality or the life of faith—stop by!!

Youth News

FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 2

Middle School Retreat: Judson Collins United Methodist Camp (full details on the permission slip)

March 2

5 – 7 p.m. High School UMYF

(No Middle School group.)

March 9 both groups:

5 – 7 p.m.

Fuuunnnn Niiiiigghhhht!

(March 6: Ichthus money due.)

March 16 both groups:

5 – 7 p.m.

Programs this night.

March 23 both groups:

5 – 7 p.m.

Middle School: Program

High School: Retreat Planning

MARCH 28 – 30

High School Retreat: Judson Collins United Methodist Camp (full details on the permission slip)

March 30

5 – 7 p.m. Middle School

(No High School group.)

April 24 – 27

ICHTHUS CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL IN WILMORE, KENTUCKY

MUSIC NOTES
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Ash Wednesday Service, will be at University United Methodist Church on South Harrison in East Lansing at 7:30 p.m., March 5. Those who are participating in the massed choir are asked to be there for rehearsal at 6:15 p.m.

Bishop Linda Lee will preach and more churches than ever before are signed up to attend. Won't you count yourself among the attendees, and show that Central values team efforts and participation at this significant service?

A Festival of the Liturgical Year, will be featured at First Presbyterian Church at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 9. This service will highlight the combined talents of Central and several other churches, in terms of music and liturgy. The worship service will be designed and implemented by a joint effort of the Downtown Churches with the American Guild of Organists.

The Rev. Dr. Robert Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, will speak about music in our lives. Also attending the service will be Moderator of the General Assembly for the Presbyterian Church, USA, Fahed Abu-Akel offering up the message melodies of peace.

This event is a Must for your family! The good news about your scheduling for it: It will be brief -- just under one hour in duration.


Have you considered joining the Chancel Choir or Spirit Singers?

This week would be a good time to come "on board" with the Spirit Singers, as they're singing a great calypso-beat number on April 6, complete with (we hope) a steel drum. Thursday, March 13, would be a perfect time to join the Chancel Choir at rehearsal as it prepares Palm Sunday and Easter music. We hope to see you at one or both.


Tentative schedule for winter and spring 2003: (Please Note: There has been a change in the orchestra schedule since the January 19 parent meeting, owing to a scheduling conflict.)

March 2 - Bell Choir rehearsal at 4:00 p.m. - sanctuary

March 9 - Bell Choir plays during worship, practices at 9:00 a.m - Sanctuary

March 16 - Children sing during worship

March 23 - Youth sing during worship

March 30 - No activities

April 6 - No activities

April 13 - Palm Sunday - no activities

April 20 - Easter - no music activities or classes

April 27 - Children sing during worship; Orchestra rehearsal 8:45 a.m. - Fellowship Hall

May 4 - Orchestra rehearsal at 8:45 a.m. - Fellowship Hall

May 11 - Youth and Children sing during worship; Orchestra Rehearsal – 8:45 a.m

May 18 - Youth and Children rehearse with Chancel Choir at 9:00 a.m. in sanctuary, then

sing during worship; last day for music classes; Youth Orchestra rehearses at 8:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, plays during worship.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Pat Mort, President

When monies are needed to "bolster" military and security budgets, other parts of the budget are cut. Traditionally, these cuts are made to programs with direct impact on women, youth and children.

Even in good times, budgets are stretched and some don't have the resources they deserve. United Methodist Women seeks to bridge the gap for women, youth and children–both domestically and internationally.

The money we as a local unit pledge to missions, through UMW, helps single parent families with vocational training, education and child care. it enables young women to have healthy pregnancies and helps them nurture their babies or find good homes for them, if they are unable to raise them.

UMW helps feed and clothe refugees from natural disasters and war. UMW supports women in the last stages of their lives with dignity and grace. We support teen programs, at-risk programs and ecumenism. We help with education, feeding programs and giving teens a place to go other than the streets. We provide day care centers and programs for seniors. We support missionaries around the world.

How can we as individuals help? We pledge to the local unit, and the money is sent on for domestic and international programs. We have fundraisers to help with our pledge to missions–that's where we all can help.


March 2 - Last chance before Lent: Bake/bakeless sale during coffee hour in Fellowship Hall.

Please come prepared to buy goodies; or, if you are "being good" and not partaking of goodies, please contribute something to help UMW help others. As usual, we won't mark prices on our items. Please give generously. All proceeds will go to missions.

Cookie Dough is coming
Cookie Dough is coming

During the entire month of March, we are holding our annual cookie dough sale. Tubs of dough are $7.00. There is a new variety this year. See order sheets on the UMW board in Fellowship Hall or see a UMW member. Cookie dough will be delivered the week of April 13. This dough freezes well. Many people freeze it in small balls and then bake them as needed. These make great cookies for Sunday morning coffee hour!


Upcoming Events

April 12, 11:30 a.m. – Central's Lenten Lunch, in Fellowship Hall. Please mark your calendars now - you won't want to miss it.

May 2 and 3 – Lansing District Spring Spiritual Retreat at the Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center, Dowling, MI. This event is for women of all ages. The theme this year is Praying with Our Eyes Open, led by Rev. Dr. Cathie Kelsey of the Center for Theology, Ministry and the Arts, Colorado. The cost for three meals, lodging and workshop materials is $45.

The flier states: "Revitalizing our Prayer Life. Join the Rev. Dr. Cathie Kelsey in exploring different Christian prayer practices that use our visual imagination. The Spirit uses many different facets of our inner life to help us receive the variety of features of divine love and grace. In safe community with other United Methodist Women and friends, you will have a chance to learn some new practices of prayer that might work especially well in your own relationship with God."

Registration forms will be coming in the March District Newsletter and will be posted on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall
Dead batteries and old eyeglasses are collected in marked boxes on the loading dock landing just outside the Fellowship Hall doors. Bring your dead batteries to be recycled by our battery supplier and protect our environment. Used eyeglasses are collected by the Lions Club and given to the needy.

If you can help out with our recycling efforts, talk to Tom Towsley.
National church leader to visit Central Church and Lansing area March 8 – 9
Bob Roth

We are delighted that the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, is going to be with us in early March. Through his recent travel to Iraq and formation of Win Without War, as well as preaching at the Washington National Cathedral on January 20, Dr. Edgar has been frequently interviewed in recent weeks on NPR, CNN, MSNBC, and elsewhere. He will bring us insights and inspiration concerning issues of war and peace and poverty and justice in these events:

Saturday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. Clergy Breakfast with Dr. Edgar, Lansing Central UMC Dining Room. (RSVP for breakfast only to Pat Basgall in the church office)

2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Win Without War event with Bob Edgar at University UMC (Copper Chimney Lounge) in East Lansing

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Building A Peace Coalition in West Michigan, dinner with Bob Edgar, sponsored by the West Michigan Conference Board of Church and Society, at the University UMC, Koinonia Room (simple meal, free will offering)

Sunday, March 9, 9:30 a.m. Dr. Edgar preaches at Lansing Central UMC: In A Dark Time, The Eye Begins To See

10:45 a.m. Dr. Edgar preaches at Lansing Union Missionary Baptist Church

3:00 p.m. Dr. Edgar speaks as a part of the Downtown Festival of the Liturgical Year at Lansing First Presbyterian Church
Do you have a painting and finishing talent awaiting use?
Mary Jessup, Chair, Memorial Committee

If you have a talent for painting and finishing, the Memorial Committee could use your expertise in April to stain and varnish, inside and out, four under counter cabinets for the reception desk-work area in the church office. This office improvement is in memory of Bernice Cairns and Alma Taylor. Please call Laveda Poyet to volunteer, 337-7148. Thank you.
Lenten Lunch
Saturday, April 12, 11:30 a.m.

Central UMC Dining Room

Marie Papciak presents a one woman-show!

She brings women alive who, through their own struggles, helped to change America.

Laura Smith Haviland Underground railroad, Adrian

Ruth Handler Creator of the Barbie Doll

Purchase Tickets for $6.00 in Fellowship Hall Sundays after church, or reserve them at the church office by April 9.

Come and bring a friend!

Loaves and Fishes Potluck
Joi Tennant

Our new last-Sunday-of-the-month potluck is for everyone. Come Sunday, March 30 and bring whatever you can contribute -- it doesn't have to be a homemade chef's delight. We put everything out on the buffet tables and share what we have brought, enjoying the fun of eating together and getting better acquainted as a church family.

Bring your own plates and silverware. But if you forget, we will be glad to provide some for you. Beverages are furnished. This month's potluck is sponsored by the Tuesday Men's Bible Study.
Lost & Found
See receptionist

6 knit hats

men's black gloves

child's gloves

gray sweater vest

navy sweat pants

men's black dress shoes

men's checkered shirt

soft plaid scarf

boa scarf

single glove-black

black gloves-brown

paper back books

tape - Unforgettable

glasses-2, glasses case

sunglasses

glitter pin

black button

butterfly clip

2 single gold earrings

angle pin

compact

thermos

2 Auto Owners umbrellas

Community College I D

C D player

Among Friends

Thank You…

Note: The note below arrived prior to Christmas. The editors are sorry for the oversight.

Thanks to Pastors Russell and Frank and to you for your cards, calls, prayers and thoughts. All are very much appreciated. May you and your families enjoy the blessing of a Happy and Joyous Christmas.

Natalie and Kenneth Lamphere


Thank you to my Central friends. Again I thank you for help in sustaining me during my almost three months in the hospital. Your visits, including Russell and Frank, your cards, and your gifts were all very much appreciated. I am happy to be back for the church service.

Betty Corbishley


Thank you so very much for the many gestures of love and caring you extended to our family after the recent loss of our beloved nephew. The prayers, cards, calls, and other acts of kindness have helped to sustain us as we move through this difficult time.

Judy and Bob Patrick


Remember…
At press time:

Betty Corbishley – at home

Carolyn Kirkby – at home

Barb & Jack Lansing– at home

Mary Yard – at home

Gwen Bodine – at home

Rex Smith – at home

Lillian Rush – at home


Transitions...

Raymond B. Light, former active member, died January 25 in Hastings. Sympathy is offered to his wife, Patricia.

Marie Manson, long time member died January 30 in Hightstown, New Jersey. Our condolences to her family.


Congratulations...

Dennis Kelley was nominated for the Bea Christy Award by the Association for Bingham Community for his efforts in helping to transform that neighborhood.

Elderberrys keep movin'
Frank Anderson

The older set of adults of CUMC enjoy their get-togethers. If you don't believe me, try it and see!

Rev. Bob Roth presented a splendid outline of, United Methodists and Peace As We March Toward War. (Onward, Christian Soldiers! Marching as to war...UMH 575). Which is to really say, We are marching in the light of God...TFWS 2235-b) Peace, that is.

On Tuesday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m., one of our own ladies, Kayla Tipton will speak on Ministering to Others In Grief. Bound to be helpful. Sign-up in Fellowship Hall starting March 2.

The older adult ministries in our church are important. Self esteem, camaraderie, being informed, confirming our faith, and keeping friendships are among the "vital statistics" that keep us moving forward. God's love never ends.
Pat Wangen, Membership Secretary
Brother (and sister), where art thou?

We are missing these Central members:

Dave Climer, Tom Climer, Edna Raby, Betty Rideout, Christina Louise Sanders, Christopher Sanders, KaZoua Lee Vang, Pao Vang, Keir VanSandt, Charlotte Wright, Chad Haines, Jameia Haines, Fredrick Garza, George Garza, Steven Hane.

We need your help! At Central, as at many churches, we continually work to keep our records up to date. Above is a list of members for whom we do not have current addresses.

If you know the address for any of these members, please let me or Pat Basgall know. You can call me (517-668-8433) or leave a note in my membership mailbox at church. Pat Basgall can be reached at the church office (517-485-9477).
Where to find them
Library Task Force

While continuing to enjoy the new look of our library, it may be confusing to find a special book.

Our library books are on new shelves on the west wall, around the corner to the south wall and on the opposite (north) wall. The children's books are in the standing bookcase. They are arranged in alphabetical order by subjects:

Art

Bibles and Translations

Bibliography

Biography Collections

Books about the Bible

Christian Doctrine

Christian Life

Church History

Church Symbols

Drama

Fiction

History

Humor

Jesus' Life and Teachings

Literature

Meditations

Missions

Moral Guidance and Marriage

Music

Nature and Science

Older Adults

Parenting

Recreation

Reference

Religion and Health

Religions of the World

Social Concerns

Spiritual Life

Teachers

Travel

UMW Reading List

United Methodism

Worship

Young Adults

We encourage you to come browse and check out our good selections.

World Day of Prayer
Arline Roe

March 7, 9:30 a.m. (continental breakfast)

St. David Episcopal Church, 1519 Elmwood Road, Delta Township

Christian women from Lebanon invite us to become better informed about their country and its needs. Through the World Day of Prayer service, Holy Spirit: Fill Us, they share their rich heritage of faith with us.

With much effort, Lebanon is slowly recovering from its long civil war. Yet with the conflicts surrounding them, peace is fragile as they strive to revive their country.

Come and join your sisters and brothers in prayer with and for Lebanon. Sponsored by Church Women United

We are on our way—stewardship and evangelism
Rev. Russell McReynolds

Central United Methodist Church is on its way in the areas of both stewardship and evangelism. Rev. Susan Bowman, Lead Pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Des Moines, Iowa, was the preacher at the worship service on February 15, where the youth were responsible for leading us in worship.

It was an inspirational service and the youth, with Rev. Bowman, took us to the mountain top. There were 212 people in church, which is a reason to celebrate. The youth were credited with inviting many of the new people. There is a real excitement and a "can do" attitude around the possibility of stewardship programming. Mr. David Mills, chair, and an unnamed group of people, had their first meeting on February 19 and are ready to work. They are prayerful and solicit your prayers, as well.

Evangelism, with Mr. Dale Kirkby as Chair, is off and doing also. It was Evangelism members providing name tags and making certain our visitors were being welcomed in last week's service.

The committee is designing a plan of action, which will be shared at the Administrative Council. We want and desire that others experience Central as a welcoming church. Retention and getting new people and existing members involved in Christian Discipleship is our aim. Every member of Central is an evangelist. Evangelism also needs your prayerful consideration.
55+ —Singles—Widowed—Divorced get together

Come for games, cards, fellowship and fun Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

This is open to all of our members and an invitation is extended to other area churches too. In January there were several denominations represented. We will enjoy having you join us. Bring a game and a snack to share. For information, call Dottie Stark (482-7834).
Sponsor a radio broadcast in honor of a loved one and support this ministry outreach. Please contact Pat Basgall at the church office, 485-9477.

If you would like an audio or video tape of a broadcast, please contact Pat prior to the date requested if possible. There is no charge for tapes but donations are accepted.
Central Collage Olympics
Saturday, March 22, 7 p.m.

Get to know those 50-65+ year olds that you see in church on Sunday.

Come dressed in very casual clothes, ready to join a team and compete in a wide assortment of creative challenges—nothing too physically demanding or too mentally embarrassing.

Great prizes for the winning team! Refreshments furnished. Just come and have a lot of fun with your Central friends. RSVP to Bill and Joi Tennant (989-224-8159) or Bill and Faye McCracken (517-337-0207) by Wednesday, March 19.
A Beacon
Dale Kirkby, Chair, Evangelism Commission

On a recent Sunday evening, after hearing a plea of support for the radio ministry of Central, I continued what has become a ritual for me since October; sorting through Dad's papers that were passed along to me.

Some would say it was coincidence, others, the Holy Spirit at work, when the first folder I picked up was labeled "radio sermons". The top one was Palm Sunday, 1948, Central Methodist Church, and titled What of the Dream? Dad interwove Luke 19:33-38 (the disciples welcoming the King who would bring peace), with Tolstoy's story of Martin the cobbler who had a dream one night that the Christ was coming to visit him. He included a quote from Edwin Markham's poem; You could not tell from the cobblers theme, if his dream were truth or his truth were dream.

I couldn't help but draw parallels to a country still trying to recover from WWII as it headed into the Korean War, and our world situation today. As I tried to imagine what was going through his mind back then, I finally realized that what was even more important, was what I held in my hand.

The brittle, yellowed pieces of paper represented a beacon that has been burning and broadcasting from Central United Methodist Church for over 54 years; a beacon that still says Christ is coming, Peace is possible, Hope is in the Lord.

Dad has gone home to be with the Lord, as has mom, my son, Carolyn's dad and many others we love. Will that beacon burn out or can I help it live on in their memory? If each were alive I have no doubt I would be spending over $220 (the cost of a radio broadcast), traveling to visit, 'do' lunch, give gifts etc., each year. What a wonderful opportunity to bless others by sponsoring a broadcast in their name!

If you'd like to help continue Central's radio ministry please call Pat Basgall and "pledge" your Sunday so the ministry of those you love can continue to be a beacon to the people of Lansing.
The Power of Prayer ——————————

We all recognize the power of prayer in our lives. One of Central's ministries of prayer is the Prayer Chain. We have several members who will pray daily for anyone who requests it. If you or someone you know would like prayers of intercession, please contact one of the people below who will pass on the request confidentially.

Daytime: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. – Karen Holoweiko, 626-6798 or Pat Basgall, Administrative Secretary, 485-9477

Evening: 5 p.m.–8 a.m. – Pat Bell, 482-4098 or Nancy O'Shea, 372-6256
Greetings to you
Mary Boudreau, Evangelism Commission

We feel very excited about our last Evangelism Commission meeting, and we would like to share the good news with all of you. Our church is a wonderful gift that should be shared with others, and we would like to invite everyone to share in this mission. There are so many individuals and families who would benefit from the fellowship, spiritual nurture, and emotional support that Central provides. Please help us get out the word.

First, you are all officially appointed as Adjunct members of the Evangelism Commission! You are welcome to attend our meetings in the second floor lounge at 5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

Even if you can't come to the meetings and help with planning, you can help by :

1) Inviting friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors to join you in church or other gatherings and

2) Calling people who you haven't seen in church recently to let them know you are thinking of and praying for them.

Secondly, think about what ministries are needed at Central, and what gifts you can share. There are many ways we can reach out to others, but we need to know what people feel passionately about, and what resources are already in place to share.

Do you have an idea for a ministry to young families? Would you like to bake items to give to visitors each week? Would you like to set up a jazz combo to play during fellowship hour? Can you offer rides to people in your neighborhood? Can you promote the church in a newsletter or computer bulletin board? The ideas are endless.

Our church has set lofty goals for the future of Evangelism at Central. We would like to double the average attendance at weekly services to 360 by 2005. We can accomplish this one step at a time if we all work together. Our first goal is to have 250 people in Sunday morning worship. When we accomplish this goal, the Evangelism Commission will purchase a cake to celebrate during the next Fellowship hour. Please join us in sharing our Christian fellowship with others through evangelism.

Lenten Series
Sponsored by The Commission on Church and Society

Come and hear fascinating speakers from our larger community speak on hot topics of social concern.

Open to the public during the lunch hour five Wednesdays in Lent

You may reserve a box lunch at the church for about $5.00, or brown bag it.

March 12--Judge Beverly Nettles-Nickerson on Alternative Sentencing; Balancing Life as a Circuit Court Judge

March 19–Father C. Peter Dougherty and Mary Zellner from Lansing Peace Team on Can There Be Peace in Today's World?

March 26–Lana Pollack, President of Michigan Environmental Council: Subject to be announced

April 2–Hugh Barrington Clarke, Jr., J.D.: Subject to be announced

April 9–(Waiting for confirmation) Ron Uken, Ingham Human Services Advisory Council on

The Power of WE –To Make a Better Life

UMCOR and the One Great Hour of Sharing
Joi Tennant

Isn't it good to know that because we are United Methodists we can be a part of bringing hope to people throughout the world who would otherwise have little if any resource for solutions to the overwhelming situations confronting them?

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) serves millions of people around the world. It responds to catastrophic disasters such as flooding, civil unrest and violence, refugee crises, landslides, earthquakes and famine and cholera outbreaks. When the emergency ends, recovery work begins. UMCOR continues its ministry long after the media attention and public interest has faded. The main source for UMCOR funding is the One Great Hour of Sharing offering traditionally collected on the 4th Sunday of Lent each year.

We will be collecting our One Great Hour of Sharing offering March 30. You may use the envelope included with the Central Journal for this offering, which ensures UMCOR has funds available to respond immediately to emergencies. Our One Great Hour of Sharing offering helps provide water for crop irrigation and livestock while focusing on soil conservation.

It also supports community health projects that reduce the rates of maternal and infant mortality. It provides skills training and assistance for women who develop micro-enterprises. It assists children with HIV/AIDS and persons with physical and mental disabilities. It provides indigenous children with soy milk from a mechanical cow. Your offering works in many different ways to assist people who strive to feed and support themselves and their families, to learn new skills, to obtain better health care and to survive and work toward a fuller life despite poverty and civil unrest.

The continued ministry of the United Methodist Committee on Relief depends on all United Methodists generously participating in One Great Hour of Sharing.

The above information came from the General Board of Global Missions website www.gbgm-umc.org, which is loaded with interesting stories from all over the world.

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