Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
March,
2005
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
HOLY WEEK
Palm Sunday, March 20 - Wesley Choristers, Youth Fine Arts group, Spirit
Singers and Chancel Choir will enhance the festive atmosphere of a Palm Sunday
service.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, March 21, 22, and 23 -
Noon 30 minute services in the Mary Sabina Chapel. Monday - Rev. Dr. Melvin
Jones, Union Missionary Baptist church. Tuesday - Rev. Stephanie Crosser,
North Presbyterian Church. Wednesday - Rev. Gordon Weller, St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church.
Thursday, March 24 - Noon service incorporated into the Thursday Fellowship
Lunch, in the Dining Room. Rev. Mark Summers, First Baptist Church.
Holy (Maundy) Thursday, March 24, 5:30 p.m. - Combined Seder meal and worship
with St. Paul's Episcopal Church in their fellowship hall. We will participate
once again in this very special service. Our good neighbors will provide
the service elements for us again this year and,
they say it's their turn to prepare the dinner. Central members and guests
may sign up in our Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour to participate in this
event and to provide the desserts.
Good Friday, March 25, 12 noon - The Seven Last Words of Christ will be heard
at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in a combined service with downtown Churches.
Speakers include Rev. Russell McReynolds, Rev. Gordon Weller, Rev. Tony Patrick,
Rev. Mark Summers, Rev. Stephanie Crosser, Rev. Peter Robinson, Rev. Melvin
Jones and Rev. Kirby Smith. A fellowship meal will follow. Please invite
family and friends.
Easter Sunday, March 27, 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. - Central's youth present a
sunrise service in front of the Capitol building followed by breakfast in
our Dining Room at 8 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., the Chancel Choir presents resounding
music, incorporating the mighty sounds of brass instruments, and the new
Central Bell Ringers will add their delightful peals.
More good news…
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds
Sisters and Brothers in the Faith,
Who is my neighbor in downtown Lansing? Claudia McClellan, as a Central Trustee
Board member, had to meet with representatives of the First Baptist Church.
We are right next to each other – Baptist and United Methodist, in the
same location on Capitol Avenue. Claudia, after the meeting, proposed the
idea of the two churches working closer together. First Baptist was dealing
with some real challenges – the loss of pastoral leadership, decline
in membership, and other related problems. Couldn’t Central, with challenges
also, and First Baptist, do some things together to guarantee our desire
for faithfulness in ministry to the downtown area? She raised this possibility
about four or five months ago. Is it possible for 2 churches, which could
easily compete for membership growth, parking and other ministry opportunities,
to work together as neighbors? Again, who is my neighbor?
I am pleased to report that First Baptist Church now has an interim pastor.
His name is Mark Summers and we recently met. We like each other. He is my
neighbor. Central UMC and the First Baptist Church, along with St. Paul’s
Episcopal, First Presbyterian, Union Missionary Baptist, Westminster
Presbyterian, Plymouth Congregational, and North Presbyterian Church, came
together as neighbors to design Holy Week Services, including Good Friday.
Our aim is to please God and serve the people. Rev. Mark Summers, the newest
minister on the block, gave leadership to bring us together for unity in
the Spirit.
He and I spent additional time together trying to determine how we can help
each other in a downtown ministry. It felt good sharing our backgrounds,
differences in our denominations and our unity in serving God. I didn’t
want him to leave my office. He was refreshing to spend time with and my
heart was “strangely warmed“. We want our respective churches to
grow and be faithful in serving the people of God.
Incidentally, Mark grew up in Flint, Michigan, and we both know the same
people. He played on the Flint Northern High School basketball team. His
coach, Grover Kirkland, was an active member of the church I served. His
father was a detective with the Flint Police. Needless to say, we connected.
The period of Lent is providing us an opportunity to demonstrate the real
possibility of Christian churches, located in the downtown area, coming together
around the unity of Christ. It feels good to see this happen. We could dwell
on our differences. But we have chosen the more excellent way of unity in
Christ. I know God is pleased to see brothers and sisters, and churches,
regardless of denominational loyalty, getting along together. What a witness?!
So, please pray for our coming together and take advantage of the Holy Week
Services, publicized in the Central Journal.
EDUCATION
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director
Stop by our tent...
Now’s the time to pick up a church camp brochure at the reception desk
and discover all the great options available for campers, first grade through
adult.
Did you know that mini-camp experiences are offered for the youngest children?
Or that there’s an adult kayaking camp and an Adirondack Mountain climbing
camp? There are all kinds of theme camps for teens and elementary kids. So
many adventures in store for every lucky kid who goes! And our own Jamie
Tipton is co-dean at a middle school camp at Wesley Woods this year.
February 27 is our Camp Sunday. We encourage you to register for camp. During
Fellowship time after church drop by our tent, have a s’more and make
a contribution toward our camp scholarship fund.
Vacation Bible School plans take shape
July 18 thru 22 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Save these dates on your calendar for the kids in your life – Grand
kids, neighbors, relatives –
and come join us in the wilds of CUMC for an exciting “Serengeti
Trek”
Parenting classes will be offered simultaneously.
Confirmation Class
March 6 we will introduce this year’s confirmation class and their
teacher/mentors to our congregation during worship. This will also be the
date of the students first class as confirmands. During the following ten
weeks, these students will attend eight instructional classes and field trips.
On Pentecost Sunday, May 15, those who choose to be “confirmed”
will be welcomed as full members of the United Methodist Church during worship.
We welcome any youth, ages 12-17, to contact the church if you would like
to participate in this year’s confirmation class experience.
Peace Conference - April 9
Joyce Joranko, Chair, Church and Society
Mark your calendars for the Keep Making Peace Conference on April 9. It will
be held at East Lansing University UMC. Bishop Jonathan Keaton will be the
keynote speaker at the day-long event that begins at 9 a.m. John Hill, Director
for Environmental Justice of the General Board of Church and Society, will
also be leading part of the day.
At 2:30 p.m., The Children of Abraham Project will be presented. This drama
presents how Isaac and Ismael came together to bury their father, Abraham,
and were asked by the Archangel Raphaella to sit down and listen to each
other as they grieved. It demonstrates how reconciliation and peace are possible
among all of Abraham’s children. Watch for registration materials.
Sewing Circle Annual Report
Norma Hanson
Membership 6
Average Attendance 4
Number of Meetings 43
Expenditures
Thread, Elastic $19.38
Machine Cleaning and Repair $88.00
Items Given to:
Pilgrim Congregation Church,
Children's Closet: 65 articles of children's clothing
Sparrow - Dimondale Center: 48 lap quilts, 87 wheelchair caddies
Potter Park Outreach : 108 pieces of children's clothing
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter, Music Director
Ring Those Bells . . . On February 16, the Ad Council passed our 2005 budget,
including reinstitution of the Central Bell Ringers. Thanks for your unflagging
prayers, support, and encouragement on this matter. Want to join us? Call
Ex 35.
Preschool Choir . . . Again, thanks to Ad Council support, our 3- to 5-year-olds
will now have their own choir. This year, they've often joined with the Wesley
Choir. Truly, though, their musical interests, abilities, and developmental
needs are quite different from those of sixth graders! It's great that they'll
have their own venue.
Spirit Singers. . . This group sang on Sunday, March 6, at Mask Memorial
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Thanks go to all who participated,
with special thanks to the Kirkbys and Terressa Birchen for enhancing our
numbers. Some people even helped with rehearsals, despite their unavailability
for worship!
Chancel Choir members . . . The Ash Wednesday choir, under Trey Jacobs'
direction, sang John Ness Beck's "Offertory" and Mark Hayes' "Grace". These
are recent gifts to Central's music library, given in Don Pickard's honor
by his family.
The Faure Requiem . . . This was scheduled for Good Friday evening and has
now been canceled, owing to a scheduling conflict. We're so sorry!
Tentative schedule of Children and Youth participation in worship
March 6 - Youth
March 20 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
April 10 - Youth
April 17 - Wesley Choristers
May 8 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
May 22 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
Restoring Historic Central:
Swanson Design Studio At Work
Swanson Design Studios started its work assessing the condition of
Central’s buildings on Friday, February 4, working on the roof and in
the basement. The Swanson architectural firm was selected by the Restoration
Task Force to serve as a consultant to identify and define the projects that
need to be carried out to meet the immediate and longer term needs of our
church buildings. Those who will be working on this project include an architect,
a structural engineer, and a mechanical engineer.
A Kick-Off meeting was held with Dave Swanson and the Restoration Task Force
after the January 23 workshop service. Those who battled the snow and cold
to attend worship services had the opportunity to meet Mr. Swanson and to
ask questions.
Some points made at the January 23 meeting were:
Dave referred to our church building as “a gem” and a building
that deserves to be cared for. The role of the Swanson firm will be to help
us anticipate our needs. All individual rooms in the church buildings will
be evaluated as well as the overall structure and systems (such as the electrical
system and the heating system). In determining priorities, life safety and
code issues will be addressed first. A cooling system will be considered.
A complete report, with an executive summary, will be issued by Swanson Design
Studios. Information will continue to be shared with all at Central. It is
expected the report will be issued in April. The report will include a list
of recommended restoration projects, estimated costs for the work, and
recommended sequencing of the needed work. Restoration work will be completed
as funds become available.
Questions? If you have questions at any time, please contact any member of
the Restoration Task Force - Kathy McLaren, Gene Welter, Kathy Prout, or
Larry Beckon.
The verdict is in
As a lawyer, I have made a prolonged study of the evidence for the
events of the Resurrection. To me the evidence is conclusive, and over and
over again in the High Court, I have secured a verdict on evidence not nearly
so compelling.
—Sir Edward Clarke
UnitedMethodist Women
Pat Mort, President
Lenten Lunch is Saturday, March 19, 11:30 a.m., in Fellowship Hall.
This year’s program includes Elisabeth Wangen speaking on her time as
an English Teacher at Rio Colorado School in Bolivia, and the Sexton High
School Gospel Choir. Tickets are only $5 each and are available in Fellowship
Hall during Coffee Hour on Sundays, from circle leaders and the church office.
You can call 485-9477 to make your reservation, or you may pay at the door
if you wish.
The final Sunday to buy tickets will be March 13. Plan early to be a part
of this exciting presentation. As always, this event is open to all. If you
require child care or a ride, please contact the Church Office as soon as
possible.
SPRING SPIRITUAL RENEWAL DAY
Saturday, May 7, 2005
Lansing Central United Methodist Church
Here’s a wonderful opportunity for all women of Central and their friends
to attend Spring Renewal Day right here at Central. Rev. Rae Franke is a
retired ordained deacon from Lansing Trinity UMC, whose background is
congregational and community care with a specialty in grief and elder care.
Rae will lead us in discovering how we relate with ourselves, others and
God, incorporating Gary Chapman’s Five Languages of Love and C. S.
Lewis’ Four Loves. We will begin at 9 a.m., with our opening and finish
with worship and a send-off at 3:30 p.m. This will be a day of movement,
wonder, relating, color, music, joy, tastes, renewal and refreshing the soul.
Registration forms are available on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
If you cannot attend and are willing to help with snacks and lunch on May
7, please contact Pat at the Church Office. This is a great opportunity for
Central to shine for women from across the Lansing District.
New Member Potluck Sunday, March 20
On March 20, Central will show its traditional hospitality. This Sunday potluck
dinner is to welcome the current new members class into the church family.
Please join us after Sunday School, at 12:15 p.m., in the dining room. As
usual, in addition to a dish to pass, please bring your own table settings.
We look forward to getting to know this great group of new members!
— Bryan Halter, Evangelism Commission
Dates to Remember~
* Mission Team - Tuesday, March 1, 6:30 p.m., First Floor Lounge
* Lenten Brunch - Saturday, March 19, 11:30 a.m. $5 - All are welcome
* Spiritual Renewal Retreat - Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. location to
be announced
* School of Christian Mission - Drive-In Day - Wednesday, July 20, Big Rapids
Holiday Inn
(note change in traditional day)
* School of Christian Mission - July 21-23, Big Rapids Holiday Inn
* District Annual - September 21, Mason UMC, 3 – 9 p.m.
* United Methodist Women's Assembly - Spring 2006 (It's never too early to
plan!),
Anaheim, CA.
Central Collage Game Night
You are invited! Saturday, March 12 7:00 PM - 2nd Floor Lounge and Conference
Room.
Bring Party Food! and a Party Mood! Beverages furnished.
Planned by Joan Forgrave and Bill and Joi Tennant
RSVP by March 10 to Joan (517-641-7240) joan4grave@msn.com
Among Friends
Remember...
At press time...
Capt. Scott Wangen – in Iraq
Ralph Gibbs – hospice care at Burcham
Lillian rush – Sparrow Hospital
C. Jon Holmes – out of town
Mano Hardies – at home
Sally Swiss – at Burcham Health Center
Dale Kirkby – surgery
Please keep these individuals in your prayers.
Thank you…
....to each of you who sent cards, called, and offered your prayers during
my knee surgery and recovery. Your care and love carried me through the holidays
and the rehabilitation. It is a blessing to be a part of Central's family.
Thank you and God bless.
John Zago
I want to thank Dr. McReynolds and Pastor Anderson and the people from Central
who visited me following thoracic aorta surgery in Sparrow Hospital. In addition,
I express my gratitude to the many folks who sent cards and notes to hasten
the recovery process. At this point I have learned to walk again, and I have
outpatient physical therapy three times weekly.
Appreciatively, Mano Hardies
Transitions…
Maxine Jones died February 6. Her funeral service was held February 9 at
Central.
John Carter (Chris Carter’s father) died February 7. His funeral service
was held at Central on
February 19.
Sandra Conder, Marcy Carter’s mother, died February 11. Her funeral
service was held
February 26 at Central.
Doris West, Mary Bowers’ mother, died February 11.
ELDERBERRYS
THINK PEACE
Rev. Frank Anderson
Central's senior adult group came together in February for a profitable morning.
After the reading of Psalm 103 by Doug Lounsbury, a highly interesting program
followed as presented by Rev. Bob Roth with color slides and explanations
of his recent visit to the United Nations in New York City, along with many
N.G.O.s including some of the United Methodist Church. It was very informative
for us all. Bob is chief coordinator for our West Michigan Conference Ministry
on Peace and Social Justice. He told us that he also is Jurisdictional
Representative for the North Central Jurisdiction. Thank you Bob for your
help, and time.
For March, we are searching for a lighthearted theme for St. Patrick's Day.
We welcome outside sources and your ideas. Please speak to Frank Anderson
soon.
STIGMAS AND STEREOTYPES
Rev. Frank Anderson
In perusing life's categories of aging, occupation, and behavior, our society
in America is used to certain words and names to depict the varieties of
life styles. For instance, sometimes we have referred to retirement homes
as old peoples homes and nursing homes as a place where we go to die. Gray
hair is another example (is it white?) of the marks of maturing years. If
we resist the fact of growing older and aging, it is a cop-out. When one
makes friendships beyond or during retirement years, it is time to rejoice
and be thankful. Why do we resist the aging process? Even our longest and
best friends are no exception. Presidents, actors, doctors, and everyone
meets the limitations of gifts and graces that have helped to make our lives.
Rejoice! Celebrate life! Let aging come! We are not He who is called "The
Ancient of Days", yet all our days are precious and valuable. Rejoice! Enter
into life. Why watch it go by? Amen.
Greater Lansing Choral Festival — April 24
An annual event, this incredible blending of voices from the entire area
will leave you feeling richly blessed. Last year, 110 choristers represented
13 churches. We're aiming for even greater numbers this year. The festival
will be in the Plymouth Congregational Church sanctuary at 4 p.m., Sunday,
April 24, and will be led by MSU's newest star on the choral music staff,
Dr. Sandra Snow. The afternoon's activities are sponsored by Greater Lansing's
Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Honor someone with a radio broadcast
Bryan Halter, Evangelism Commission
The weekly radio broadcast of Central's Sunday Morning Worship Service continues
to be one of our most effective outreach ministries. With 2007 consecutive
broadcasts as of February 27, this feature ranks among the longest running
religious programs in the country!
We are especially proud to say that it was through hearing these broadcasts
that the Hudy-Velasco family came to Central and ultimately into missionary
work. Lucy Akpabio also found her way here via the radio broadcast.
With tight restrictions on our overall budget, we have come more and more
to depend on contributions and memorials to sustain this worthy effort. And,
perhaps that's just as well, as it does offer opportunities to participate
in a specific ministry on a personalized basis. A gift of $230 is the amount
normally designated to cover the expenses of one broadcast. Please contact
the church office at 485-9477 for available dates and additional information.
Contributions can be made in honor or in memory of someone and can be combined
in sponsoring a broadcast.
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2nd Annual Believers Ball. It
looked like everyone had a great time. Proceeds will go to the Red Cross'
disaster relief fund. A HUGE Thank You to Jamie Tipton for planning the event.
She did a fantastic job. Hope everyone will plan to join us next year on
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006.
Renaissance Sunday - A Miracle for Central
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Administrative Council
Mother's Day, May 8, will be a day of celebration for the funds raised on
this one-day event! We're going to do it this time! With the streets and
the parking lots around the buildings now in good repair, you have easy access
to this beautiful structure. In fact, the new cross is a focal point drawing
you and others to Central.
Resources raised on Renaissance Sunday are for the purpose of repairing your
church building. In fact, some urgent repairs have already been completed.
(You will recall the vote at the 2004 Church Conference authorizing loans
from the Michigan UMC Foundation to hire an independent architect and for
immediate and emergency building needs. $100,000 has been borrowed.) Architects
from Swanson Design Studios will submit in April a prioritized list of
repairs/projects that need to be done at CUMC. These architects tell us that
first priority items usually deal with the health and safety needs of a building.
Questions and suggestions are welcome by the following members: Bryan Halter,
Murray Brown, Leora Stutes, JoAnne Harvey, Bill McCracken, Mary Nesman, Nancy
O'Shea, Alice Pifer, Jon Reynolds, Larry Beckon, David Stinson, Jamie Zimmer,
Rev. Russell McReynolds, and Rev. Bill Amundson. Be watching for more
details!
Youth News
Jamie Tipton, Youth Director
Wesley Woods had no idea what hit them! From Feb 18-20, 29 youth and adults
from Central UMC and Wacousta UMC spent the weekend getting to know one another
and learning how to "Survive". The youth demonstrated their skills: emotionally
and physically, but more importantly, spiritually.
Thank you all for your contributions to the pop can drive that allowed the
youth to have this experience.
We explored our Diversity on Feb. 27 - we acknowledged our differences -
both inside and out. The youth made up a circle panel and discussed topics
such as: family life, race, love, friends, and faith.
This Month in S3-The growth continues as we stretch ourselves!
March 6 - Physical Weight Training - "I'm Strong enough!"
March 13 - Spiritual Training - "I'm Strong Enough - Part 2!"
March 20 - Game Night with other Youth Groups
March 27 - Easter Sunday - Sunrise Service and Easter Breakfast provided
by the Youth No Youth Fellowship at 5 p.m.
"Chicken Soup, Anyone?"
Win Anderson, Library Task Force
In yesteryear, grandmas made chicken soup as a remedy for belly aches, head
aches, colds, flu,
grief, and many more ailments. Recognizing this simple "comfort food", authors
Jack Canfield and Mark V. Hansen have written and compiled several books
in which Christian remedies for healing and rekindling the Spirit are offered.
Our Library has these titles:
Chicken Soup for the Soul, A 2nd Helping, A 3rd Helping, The Woman’s
Soul, The Christian Soul, The Pet Lover’s Soul, The Teenage Soul, The
Soul, Christmas Treasury, The Golden Soul - large print, The Teacher’s
Soul.
Perhaps reading one of these books will jog your memory of the comfort and
love expressed by steaming, delicious CHICKEN SOUP!
New author in the congregation!
James W. Stark, Jr. had his book recently published. It is titled Rebuild
Your Worldview to be Healthy, with subtitle, Your Personalized Journey to
Faith. Jim wrote it to challenge readers. He gave a copy to the Church Library,
and it is shelved with Social Concerns books. Thank you and congratulations,
Jim.
Another Day pf Sharing
i.e. One Great Hour of Sharing
Joi Tennant. Co-Chair, Mission Commission
Sunday, March 6
A great big round of applause for the impressive outpouring of support the
people of Central gave to the Tsunami relief effort through UMCOR. The total
amount our church collected as of Feb. 2 was $2,788.
And here we come again to ask for more! Yes, it’s our annual world-wide
United Methodist campaign to fill up the quickly emptying coffers for the
work of our United Methodist Committee On Relief, UMCOR. UMCOR is one of
the most important and effective ways our denomination works to alleviate
human suffering. UMCOR’s assistance may be in the form of financial
grants and/or the provision of material and human resources to local
organizations doing relief and recovery work. UMCOR personnel can offer:
Donated goods and distribution management
Assessment of repair costs
Housing repair and rebuilding, including architectural engineering
Management of volunteers
Public and press relations
Spiritual and emotional care for victims and caregivers
Trained personnel to help children recover from disaster trauma
Casework and casework supervision
In over 80 countries, UMCOR provides a ministry of compassion to save lives
and rebuild communities when disasters occur.
Your faithful contributions to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering annually
helps keep UMCOR fully ready to go to the aide of people immediately and
also work effectively in so many places where disasters occur and people
face trauma that we may never hear about. Please use the enclosed envelope
for your offering; and thank you very much!
2005 Pledge Drive
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Administrative Council
Thank you! Thank you! To all our members who share the vision of Central's
great ministry! Just three weeks ago, we were short $33,236.00 for our 2005
budget. Because of your generous faithfulness, we have received an additional
$11,710. The Administrative Council at its February 16 meeting voted to adopt
a budget of $456,206.
There is still time to contribute. Vision gift cards are available from the
church office or from our ushers on Sunday morning. You have blessed
Central’s ministry by your warm and generous spirit.
Lillies for Easter!
It’s time to think about the Annual Floral Display of Lilies for Easter.
If you are interested in purchasing a Lily for display on the Chancel for
Easter Sunday, please fill out 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 per plant. The final day to order is Monday, March
21. Please feel free to remove your plants 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.
Your 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
______________
Order deadline: March 21
Please mark your check "Lily"
Name: ______________________________________ and make it payable to:
Central United Methodist Church.
Click here to return to previous page, or to
A Central Place.