Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
March, 2004
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
With UMCOR, God uses All gifts for big purposes
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish.
But what are they among so many people?” (John 6:9)
In any given year, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responds to a heart–stopping range of emergencies: earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, cyclones and typhoons, war, civil strife, outbreaks of cholera, fire and famine. For people caught in these kinds of disasters, UMCOR becomes the face, hands, and heart of The United Methodist Church.
When an emergency ends, recovery work begins. UMCOR continues its ministry long after media attention and public interest have faded.
But such works of recovery and life–changing ministry don’t happen without the broad support of congregations and individuals. Through the One Great Hour of Sharing, March 21, United Methodists ensure that when catastrophes cause suffering, their church will be in the lead to ease the pain. United Methodists’ gifts to this special offering keep UMCOR’s lights on and its delivery system in place at home and around the world. This offering makes it possible for them to respond immediately to disasters.
Most gifts received throughout the year by UMCOR are designated for a specific crisis, such as the Iran earthquake offering. Those gifts go 100% toward helping hurting people recover. Your One Great Hour of Sharing gifts are the “gas” that goes into the “engine” that makes the rest of the mechanism of UMCOR work so well and with such efficiency. They provide the resources for structure and administration, transportation and storage, etc.; and they ensure help to less–publicized crisis situations where insufficient giving would otherwise restrict UMCOR’s participation.
We invite you to express your thanksgiving to God for the rich blessings of our comfortable life here in mid–Michigan by reaching out to the hurting of the world with a gift to One Great Hour of Sharing, March 21. Please make your checks payable to Central United Methodist Church. You may use the envelope provided here in the Journal. And thank you for your generosity!
From the magazine, New World Outlook; and Joi Tennant
HOLY WEEK
Sunday, April 4 – Palm Sunday – all choral groups process with palms
Thursday, April 8 – Maundy Thursday – our congregation worships with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, following a Seder meal
Friday, April 9 – Good Friday services at First Presbyterian Church
Sunday, April 11 – Easter Sunday – brass players and the organ herald Easter morning service
Scripture for Life
In this space we will feature a Bible verse that has had a particular impact on the life of one of our members.–Ed
Pat Mort
People often say to me, “I could never get up and talk in front of people like you do”, or “How do you do the things you do? I could never do that.” It’s not a secret. Nor is it great bravery on my part - I’m probably one of the most fear-ful people I know! Deep down inside, though, I’ve always felt protected, shielded, “watched over”. I have taken the words of Joshua 1:9 to heart - “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I was fortunate to grow up in a home where I saw faith and works in action. I was shown love that went beyond the earthly. I knew I was God’s and God was mine. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s. We all questioned everything. I never questioned God or God’s place in my life.
Right before I turned 18 I had my dad’s car out on a snowy Sunday late afternoon. I was headed to a friend’s house. On what is now southbound Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., I was just south of Holmes Rd., when a car pulled out of the gas station in front of me. I remember it like it was yesterday. I went to change lanes but there was a car in the other lane. I tried to go to the right but there was a hitchhiker in the road. I couldn’t hit the car in front of me – there were people in it. In that split second I made a conscious decision to hit the light pole. I remember my life flashing in front of me like the flip books you see in the store. And I remember a tremendous sense of calm coming over me. I was safe. God was with me.
When we started the first Shalom Center at Central our proximity to the Capital was especially important when the Ku Klux Klan made plans for their first rally on the steps there. There was a group of anti–Klan people planning to be there, also. We opened Central as a place where people could come and pray for a peaceful day. Judy Grove was working in her office that Saturday and a young Sara was with her. Sara and I decided to walk over to the Capital about the time the rally was to start.
There were State Police cruisers circling the Capital with 4 troopers in each car. Anti-Klan demonstrators had lined the steps and front walk almost to Capitol Avenue; those on the steps had 2x4s they struck on the ground in rhythm. The sound was incredible. Sara and I walked up by the steps and were headed back towards Capitol Avenue. A female Episcopal priest was talking with people, pleading for calm heads. A man in army fatigues was coming out of the police station, headed towards the Capital grounds. We almost made it to the statue in front of the Capital as the man was beginning to cross Capitol. As he got half way across and we’d made it to the statue a man on the steps yelled, “there’s one of them!”. The counter–demonstrators took off running towards the street - they ran so fast, still carrying their 2x4s, they caught the man who’d been pushed back by an LPD officer towards the east side of the street before he made it back to the police station.
I grabbed Sara, put my arms around her and we started back to Central. People were running everywhere, yelling, police whistles blowing, 2x4s banging against the ground. We hurried towards Ottawa, along with an older black woman with a young grandchild.. I saw people headed to their cars, and a gun being pulled out. God, I cried out in my mind. Help me get Sara and this lady back to Central with no one getting hurt.
At that moment a biker who’d been watching everything from under a tree stood up. He started walking towards us, hair past his shoulders, beard, all in black leather with chains. I swallowed hard. He came closer. “This is no place for women and children”, he said — and he walked us to the corner, making sure we got across safely.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
My dad was a strong man, strong in body and faith. When his cancer was diagnosed he and mom stopped for pie. They probably held hands. The next four months were not easy for any of us. At no time during that period was God absent from us.
During the time of my neck surgery and three month recuperation God was with me. When I was told the pap smear showed pre-cancerous cells and the doctor wanted to treat me with anti-cancer drugs and when that didn’t work, surgery, Joshua 1:9 was my rock. When my job was eliminated I printed Joshua 1:9 out in huge letters and hung it in my office. It was the first thing I saw when I went to work and the last thing I saw when I left for the day. When I left for the last time it was one of the last things I took down.
Does it mean I’m never scared? No. It does mean, when I get out of God’s way and let God be God, working with and through me, amazing things can happen.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Education
Rev. Rob Nystrom, Minister of Education
The new Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries at Central is Rob Nystrom. Rob grew up in Jackson and graduated from Jackson H.S. in 1982. He attended Albion College, graduating in 1986, and then went to seminary at Garrett-ETS. Rob graduated and began his ordained ministry in the West Michigan Conference in 1989.
Rob is married to Ronda, a Graphic Artist for the Capitol Area District Library. They met at Albion College and have been married 14 years.
Rob is an Elder in the United Methodist Church and has served several churches in the West Michigan Conference. Over the years he has been active in camping and youth ministry and has taught Disciple Bible Study and Stephen's Ministry.
Rob will continue to serve half time as the pastor for East Lansing Chapel Hill UMC while joining the staff of Lansing Central UMC as our half time Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries.
Always learning and growing in faith
Sunday Mornings: Adult opportunities
New for Lent: Tales From the Madhouse
Enjoy learning but don’t have time to read? During the season of Lent, Joi Tennant will offer this provocative, intriguing video series in the Chapel.
Genesis to Revelation: Thru the Bible
This class is led by Dale Kirkby and offers insight, discussion, and background on the Bible. Just beginning the book of Job.
Membership and United Methodism
Would you like to learn more about Central, its missions and ministries, our United Methodist structure, beliefs and heritage? Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds is the man.
Coffee House
An informal gathering that covers a variety of topics. Offering the Christian dialog with the casual atmosphere of a coffee house.
Sunday Afternoon: 5:30 p.m.
For thought provoking topics, resources, discussion and insights, this
class is great. Led by Rev. Keith Pohl.
Monday Evening: 7 p.m., An Ordinary Day With Jesus
A 4-week Lenten guide on the Christian life, with no book to read
Tuesday Men’s Bible Study
This group meets the first, third and fifth Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m.
The Shalom Center welcomes Centralites to a book study, “With God in the Crucible: Preaching Costly Discipleship” by Peter Storey, February 26 and March 25 at 7 p.m. in the Shalom Center. Led by Rev. Bob Roth – See Bob to order the book.
Youth Activities!
February 28 – Saturday, 2 – 5 p.m. – Baking for the bake sale next day
February 29 – Sunday, Bake Sale during Fellowship Hour Central and Chapel Hill UMC
March 3 – Wednesday, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Clowning Workshop
March 7 – Saturday, 3 – 5 p.m. “Youth Sunday” Rehearsal
5 – 7 p.m. Youth Group – Making cards and table favors for Central shut-ins
March 10 – Wednesday, 7 to 8 p.m. “Youth Sunday” Rehearsal
March 14 – 9:25 a.m. Youth Sunday
Youth lead worship;
11 a.m., youth lead worship at East Lansing Chapel Hill UMC
5 – 7 p.m. at Central – Youth Group Victory Party Celebration !
March 21 – Sunday, 5 – 7 p.m. bowling raising $$$ for missions, as sponsors make per pin pledges.
March 28 – 5 – 7 p.m. D.I.G. program (Deeper In God)
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director
Ash Wednesday found participants from at least ten churches joining us to sing in the massed choir under the capable direction of our Chancel Choir Director, Jessica Allen. What a blessing that was!
Meghan McKown, soprano section leader, has left us on account of another job that runs interference with both her Thursday evening and Sunday morning choir participation. She has served us well with her versatility, enhancing the choral style of the Chancel Choir and occasionally adding jazzy descants to Spirit Singer offerings. She will be missed.
Graciously stepping into the soprano section leader role is Lindsay Kesselman, who was already serving as Director of both the Wesley Choristers and the Youth Fine Arts Group. Having come to us with very high recommendations, Lindsay has the style, talent and leadership capabilities to graciously model what it looks like to be a fine vocalist. In Meghan's absence, sopranos viewed Miss Kesselman as leading the section even before the title became officially hers. Congratulations, Lindsay!
Saturday, March 13, marks an opportunity for clergy, musicians, and lay people to reflect on the topic, Nurturing Leadership - In Ourselves, In Those We Lead, at a Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and the Worship Arts workshop. The event will be hosted by Central UMC and poses a wonderful chance for us to fellowship, worship and study. Clinicians include Bishop Linda Lee, Rev. Dr. Thomas Truby who will examine Jesus' Parable of the Talents, Dee Gauthier who will discuss How to Maintain Good Vocal Health and How To Avoid Unnecessary Wear and Tear on your body and Rev. Debra Basham who will address Foundations for Spirituality and Health. The day begins with a continental breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by worship and plenary with Bishop Lee. The closing worship is 3:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per person and includes both the continental breakfast and lunch. For more information or for registration forms, call Caryn Welter at 485–9477, ext. 35, or email her at Caryn Welter.
Sunday, March 21, 4 p.m., our Chancel Choir will join with other community churches to present a festival at Plymouth Congregational Church, located at 2001 Grand River in Lansing. The event is sponsored by the Greater Lansing Chapter, American Guild of Organists. Dr. David Rayl, Director of MSU’s Choral Music Activities, will conduct.
Youth Orchestra rehearsal
Sunday, February 29 – 8:45 – 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, March 7 – 8:45 – 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, March 14 – 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. – play during 9:30 worship.
“Grandparents are similar to a piece of string – handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of their grandchildren.”
Hail to the Hearty Hospitality of our Potlucks!
Joi Tennant
We’re looking for people to host our Sunday “Loaves and Fishes” potlucks the last Sunday of most months.
Are you willing to serve on a potluck committee?
It’s really quite a painless responsibility, no more trouble than dinner preparation and clean–up at home, and it serves our church family and guests in such an important friendly fashion.
The concept of our Loaves and Fishes Potlucks is to allow people to bring any kind of convenient or homemade food to share; and all people who worship with us are invited to come, with or without a contribution.
Refrigerators, the microwave, and our ovens in the kitchen allow for you to bring food when you come for church and then stay for the potluck after Sunday School. Please see Joi Tennant if you might be interested in helping, or you can phone me at 989–224–8159.
The March 28 Sunday potluck, at 12:15 p.m., is sponsored by the Evangelism Commission
We will recognize new members who joined Central this past year and hope everyone will come and give a special welcome to our newest Central family members.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
Lenten Lunch
Our annual Lenten Lunch is Saturday, March 6 in the Dining Room.
We will gather from 10:30 to 11a.m., and the program will begin promptly at 11 a.m. Marie Papciak will bring history alive for us, portraying author, illustrator and naturalist Beatrix Potter and also Sarah Emma Edmonds who, as Frank Thompson, enlisted in the 2nd Michigan Infantry as a male nurse during the Civil War. She carried out a spy mission, crossing into enemy territory using many disguises including male and female slaves. This will be a special time, informing and entertaining.
Special music will be provided by our own Portia Cole and Caryn Welter. Our lunch will be served by our own United Methodist Youth Group.
This event is open to everyone. Tickets are $5 and are available from Circle Leaders or by calling the church office. Please plan to attend and begin your Lenten Journey with us.
Spring Renewal
Spring Renewal Retreat is April 2 and 3 at the Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center. This is always a special time away for members of UMW.
Information/registrations are available on the United Methodist Women Board in Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in attending and, for any reason, cannot afford to pay the cost, money is available through our Unit. Please contact any member of the Mission Team for additional information.
Social Action Day
Social Action Day, formerly Legislative Day, is April 24 at Holt UMC. Registrations are available on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
UMW Books
UMW books are available in the Ralph Goodall Library. Please check out our titles - we have a wide range of topics available. Reading for self-education is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. Check out the titles and then check out the books!
Interested in joining (or starting) a Circle?
We currently offer two day circles and two night circles – but we are always looking for new opportunities to meet the needs of the women of Central. If you'd like to start a weekend, dinner, e-mail, crafting or new day or night Circle, OR, if you'd like to join an existing Circle please contact Pat Mort, Beth Murley or Linda Towsley. We'd love to help you get started.
Why UMW?
The purpose of UMW is to grow individually and as a unit, to serve, to love and to nurture. If you are looking for an outlet for your love, service, nurturing and a chance to grow as an individual, look to UMW. Together we can do it!
Church Women United
Carolyn Schuurmans
World Day of Prayer – Friday, March 5 at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2400 E. Lake Lansing Road, East Lansing
Program: Continental Breakfast followed by World Day of Prayer program written by the women of Panama. Faye McCracken will show slides of Panama and the needlework called “molas” made by the indigenous women. Molly McCracken worked in Panama in the Peace Corps. A Board Meeting follows the program.
Hudy Birthdays
Joi Tennant
It’s March, and a little boy named Jonatan will soon be SIX! So now is a good time to remind all you Hudy fans about all of the Hudy birthday dates. You might want to cut this out and put it in a place where it will grab your attention.
Timoteo Hudy – Jan. 17, 2004
(Timothy)
Jonatan Hudy – March 12, 1998
(Jonathan)
Benjamin Hudy – July 4, 1995
Estela Hudy – Sept. 11
Peter Hudy – Oct. 28
HOW TO REACH THE HUDYS:
LANSING: 200 Shepard St.; Lansing, MI 48912–2715
BOLIVIA: Familia Hudy-Velasco; Colegio Rio Colorado; Casilla 8347; America Del Sur; La Paz, BOLIVIA
Tales From the Madhouse
Joi Tennant, Facilitator and Leader
Join us in the Chapel every Sunday morning until Easter to meet, via video, 7 people whose lives were touched by Jesus. Then they went their way, lived their lives, tried to cope, but couldn’t put away that experience, nor the thought of the opportunity they may have missed.
This is a wonderful, unique dramatic series from the British Broadcasting Company, strangely set in an old Victorian mansion/madhouse. We invite you to come any Sunday you are able. You can join in the discussion without previous preparation. Although this is certainly not your usual Lenten experience, I’m sure you will be intrigued and challenged.
A March Evening Study for Lent
An Ordinary Day With Jesus
Jesus offers us the possibilty of doing life with Him, day by day. So how hard is that, and how “holy” do you have to be to handle that kind of life? How can you be you and live your real life and also experience the life Christ offers to us as abundant living?
Join us for this 4–week course on Monday evenings and discover practical, simple, straightforward instruction for living the Christian life. This is a most refreshing, user–friendly, non–threatening guide for every Christian. It’s not conservative, it’s not liberal, it’s just plain liberating!
No major assignments. No book to read. Just come and realize a better way to live life.
Mondays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7–9 p.m., in the church library.
THE TIME HAS COME...
Win Anderson, Library Task Force
Yes, it has....to bring this to the congregations’attention. In a recent survey of our library records, we find many overdue books and audio visual materials. It is our desire that ALL MATERIALS BE AVAILABLE IN A TIMELY MANNER TO EVERYONE. So, we need your help in getting these books and audio visuals back on the shelves for someone else to enjoy.
The Library Task Force urges increased usage of the library by adults, young adults and children. Many books have been given as memorials, regular gifts, and also purchased for your reading pleasure:
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers’ Soul by Jack Canfield
The Legend of the Teddy Bear by Frank Murphy
Growing Compassionate Kids by Jan Johnson
Christmas Journey by Anne Perry
Esther’s Gift by Jan Karon
Looking forward to “checking you out” in the library! See the “Book of the Week”.
Look in Fellowship Hall
Susan Grettenberger, Board of Trustees
Check out that nice floor! The old carpet in Fellowship Hall has been removed by a group of 15 adults and youth. A decision about the final ‘look’ is under discussion.
Roof, roof
Frigid temperatures and snow has slowed the start of our roof replacement and repairs. Look for work to be under way in March.
Wednesday Lenten Luncheons with musicians and speakers
Kayla Tipton, Chair, Church and Society Commission
There will be a music prelude at each Wednesday Lenten Luncheon. Members of the Sexton Choir, under the direction of Dan Bogan, sang on February 25. Cris Bobier, Executive Director of the Open Door Ministry, was the presenter.
The luncheons will continue for the five consecutive Wednesdays in March, with the following musicians and speakers:
March 3: Caryn Welter, pianist, Michael Murphy, State Represenative.
March 10: Verna Holley, pianist/director of the Earl Nelson Singers, Lynn Jondahl, former State Represenative.
March 17: Bryce Berry, soloist, Dianne Byrum State Represenative.
March 24: Janet Geissler, flutist, Senator Virg Bernero
March 31: Bill Tennant, clarinetist, State Represenative Scott Hummel
Please join us in Fellowship Hall on the above dates. The music prelude and light lunch ($5 cost) begin at noon. Presenters will begin at 12:15 p.m. Plan to join us to hear the gifted musicians and presenters as they share how their spirituality influences their decision making.
Celebrate Central!
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Special Music, Skits
Catered Meal and Warm Fellowship
SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 9:30 Morning Worship
Featuring Dr. Peter Mitchell, President of Albion College
a Renewal Initiative event
Oops! Who Are the Pifers? Alice is Steve’s sister. Mary Beth is Steve’s wife. Alice is in charge of Fellowship Coffee Hour. We regret the error in last month’s CJ -Ed
Among Friends
Remember...
At press time
David Bednar – at Lamont, MI
Betty Corbishley – Getting around with effort
Margaret Ebersole – Great Lakes Christian Home
Ralph Gibbs – Much better, in Grandhaven Manor
Marie Gibbs – Restored, in Grandhaven Manor.
Leon Martin – Uncertain about back pain
Donald Mclaughlin – Grandhaven Manor
Homer Taylor – Timber Ridge Home
Austin Tyler – grandson of Caryn and Gene Welter
Open Door Ministry
Congratulations...
Lois Myers attained her 90th Birthday February 27.
Transitions...
Frances Large, widow of the late Rev. Dr. Dwight Large, who served Central from 1961 to 1966, died January 27.
Thank you...
Many thanks to the people who came to the Delta Retirement Center and sang carols for the residents December 14. – This note was misplaced by the editors.
Lois Myers
Capitol Loop Project begins soon
Susan Grettenberger, Chair, Board of Trustees
The State Capitol Loop project is scheduled to begin early April. Look for big holes in front of the Ottawa Street doors during the first weeks of the project; then look for the big holes to move down the street toward the Presbyterians. While the big holes are in front of our church, our Ottawa lot will be unavailable for parking. We hope to find alternative parking during the April construction, or pick up a gate card for the day from Pat Basgall for the Capitol Avenue lot.
Blankets on their way
Susan Grettenberger
Thanks to all of you who purchased Valentines or made donations. Because of your generosity, 160 blankets will soon be available to refugees and others in need. This represents a total of $800 in contributions
ELDERBERRYS...ELDERBERRYS
Francis Anderson
We are happy to report that ELDERBERRYS, our Older Adult Ministry, has existed for 5 years this March. We came to be in 1999! Over 68 persons have attended our meetings thus far. The average attendance for the past 18 months is 22. With a large proportion of our members over 60 years of age, we should like to see our numbers doubled. Why not share in our fellowship? In February a delightful Valentine Party of songs and games was enjoyed, thanks to Caryn Welter and Win Anderson.
MARCH 9, we will have as our guest, the Rev. David Draggoo, Ministerial Member of the Detroit Conference UMC. As a Church and Community Worker for the General Board of Global Ministries, he will describe his unique work in the Community Area of Laingsburg. All senior members and friends are invited Tuesday morn at 10:30 a.m. in the Dining Room.
Small donation for lunch. Reservations important. Please sign-up in Fellowship Hall, phone the church office at 485–9477, or contact Frank Anderson, 323–6968.
GLADE Action Meeting
Marcy Carter, Member, GLADE Board
The Greater Lansing Association for Development and Empowerment (GLADE) is an organization very close to my heart. We're a group of local churches, including Central, that works together for positive change in our community. This year our focus is on education and youth issues.
Your attendance at our annual meeting will mean so much. You'll prove that Central cares about our local kids. GLADE will be meeting March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Union Missionary Baptist Church, at the corner of MLK and Kalamazoo streets. Please contact me at 487–8841 for more information.
Youth loft in need of furniture
The furniture in the Loft and Skylight rooms, where the youth have their activities, has gotten pretty banged up over time. If you have a large, finished-edge piece of carpet (please, not white or light tan!), chairs or couches you would be willing to donate, please contact Susan Grettenberger to make arrangements.
Easter Lilies
It is again time to think about the Annual Floral Display of Lilies for Easter. If you would like to purchase a Lily for display on the Chancel for Easter Sunday, please cut, paste and print the form below and send it along with your check, to the church office. You may honor or memorialize someone in this manner. The cost is $8.00 per plant. The final day to order is Monday, April 5th. Please feel free to remove your plants at anytime following the Worship Service.
We are offering you another option again this year. If you would prefer not to have an actual plant, you may designate that your contribution per plant be donated to the Ministry of Kindness Fund in memory or honor of your loved ones.
My Name: _______________________________
Please reserve ________ Lilies ($8.00 per plant) or
________ Donate my offering to the Ministry of Kindness Fund.
The designation should read: ________ In memory of:__________________
________ In honor of:__________________
Name: ____________________________________
From: _____________________________________
Order deadline: April 5th
Please mark your check “Lily” and make it payable to: Central United Methodist Church
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