Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         March, 2006

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Lenten Schedule

Ash Wednesday, March 1, ~ 7 p.m., UMC District
Service at People's Church in East Lansing


1st Sunday in Lent, March 5 ~ 9:30 a.m., Worship Celebration: “Be Ready for Anything” by Rev. Russell McReynolds

7:00 p.m. - Taize Service in Chapel


2nd Sunday in Lent, March 12, ~ 9:30 a.m., Worship Celebration: “Laughing at God's Promises”
by Rev. Russell McReynolds

7:00 p.m.- Taize Service in Chapel


3nd Sunday in Lent, March 19 ~ 9:30 a.m., Worship Celebration: “Housecleaning and the 10 Commandments“
by Rev. Russell McReynolds

7:00 p.m.- Taize Service in Chapel

7:00 p.m.- Contemporary Service in Fellowship Hall


4th Sunday in Lent, March 26 ~ 9:30 a.m., Worship Celebration: “Keep Your Curiosity”
by Rev. Robert Roth, Jr.

7:00 p.m.- Taize Service in Chapel


5th Sunday in Lent, April 2 ~ 9:30 a.m., Worship Celebration: “The Good in the Bad”
by Rev. Russell McReynolds

7:00 pm - Taize Service in Chapel


Palm Sunday, April 9 - 9:30 a.m., Worship Celebration, “God is Coming”
by Rev. Russell McReynolds

7:00 p.m., Taize Service in Chapel


Noon Services at Central UMC Chapel - All are welcome
April 10 ~ Rev Zachary Bartels, Judson Memorial Baptist Church
April 11 ~ Rev. Melvin Jones, Union Missionary Baptist Church
April 12 ~ Rev. Tony Patrick, First Presbyterian Church
April 13 ~ Rev. Mark Sommers, Christ Community Church (1st Baptist)


Noon Good Friday Service, April 14 ~ At Christ Community Church (Formerly 1st Baptist),
Dr. Jeffrey O'Neill, 1st Presbyterian Church, mass choir of all churches.


Easter, April 16 - 9:30 a.m., Worship Celebration: “Back to the Ordinary”
by Rev. Russell McReynolds
Mary Boudreau, Evangelism Commission

Thank you to all of you who do such a wonderful job of inviting people to our church, and who nurture all of us who are already a part of our congregation. You are truly a company of angels. Continue to prayerfully seek ways to extend your hospitality. It doesn't take much time, but the rewards are eternal.

Traveling communion
As you may know, many of our seniors and shut-ins are unable to join our congregation for communion and worship in person. A wonderful group of volunteers has been taking communion to a number of our members following Communion Services (the first Sunday of each month). If you would like a visitor to bring you communion or would like to share this ministry, please call 372-4146 or the church office.

Radio ministry blessing
The blessings of our radio ministry continue to pour in! As we visit many of the shut-ins, they discuss how vital this ministry is to their lives and spirits. Please prayerfully consider sponsoring a broadcast. This ministry costs $230 per week but the rewards are endless.

New church directory needed
With all the new members (and the growing beauty of past members) we are in need of a new Pictorial Directory. We will be working with professional photographers to take pictures of all of the church families and then develop a directory of names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. Families will receive a free photo and directory and can purchase some pictures for gifts! Through the miracle of modern technology, we will be able to update the directory as addresses and phone numbers change. However, this is a big project and we need help!!! We need a team of 6 to 10 people with a variety of talents, including the willingness to make phone calls to schedule appointments, computer skills to help in layout and coordination of busy people. Please call the church at 485-9477 or me at 372-4146 (email boudrea1@msu.edu) for more information.
E-mail addresses for social justice
Judy Chandler, Church and Society Committee

The Church and Society Committee will be collecting e-mail addresses from persons who would be interested in receiving notices about political or social action initiatives. We will be setting up a table during Fellowship Coffee Hour on Sunday, March 12, for those who wish to have their e-mail addresses included. Addresses can be removed from the list at any time and inclusion on the list does not mean that any responsibility for action is required. We are simply trying to find ways to keep membership informed of ongoing efforts for social justice.
Education Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

Living with an awareness of this season of Lent…

Here are 4 opportunities to intentionally take time to draw closer to God during these 42 days of Lent.

1. Join the class being taught Sunday mornings at 11:15 by Keith Pohl: The Last Hours of Jesus' Life. Keith has created an 8-week study comparing and con- sidering the message of the 4 gospel stories of Jesus' last days. Meet in the 2nd floor Conference Room.

2. Experience the meditative worship services in the style of Taize in the chapel each Sunday evening beginning March 5 at 7 p.m. You can read more about this kind of worship elsewhere in this issue of the Central Journal.

3. Purchase a Lenten Devotional book in Fellowship Hall for only $1.00.

4. Attend a 6-week evening study on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., in our library. This will be similar in content to the Sunday morning class which Keith Pohl is teaching. We will be using a video series from Dr. James Efird from Duke University called The Passion Narratives. This is especially for people who cannot attend Keith's Sunday morning class. Joi Tennant will lead the discussion.

"Kid to Kids" Heifer Project
Here is a mission project especially for our kids. We want to encourage them to find ways to raise enough money to collectively purchase a goat (or two!) for a child in another part of the world to raise. Heifer has created a beautiful system of sharing that continues the pattern of giving the offspring of the goats to other needy families so that countless lives are impacted for the good of the whole world community. Through this project we are raising the awareness of our children and youth to the responsibility we have to help all people of the world have healthy, hopeful, productive lives. We will be collecting these contributions weekly in Sunday School. Will you help your kids think of ways to earn and purposefully set aside some of their own money toward this project each week through to the end of May?

New Adult Elective:

“Loving, Lasting Relationships”
We all possess a deep desire for loving, fulfilling relationships, but so many of us never experience enduring relationships that reflect the deep love, understanding and commitment that we seek. Here is an 8-week video series by two Christian psychologists who are well-known across the country for their seminars on relationship skills. In this class you will learn to improve communication, increase understanding and enhance interpersonal relationships through insights into personality blending, the role of forgiveness, and conveying unconditional love. This class will meet in the church library at 11:15 February 19 through Palm Sunday. Mike MacLaren will lead the discussion following each video segment. Come any Sunday you can!

Family Camp, Anyone?
We are working on possibly organizing a church family weekend camping experience this summer at Lakeview UMC Camp near Pentwater. This would be a totally intergenerational camp for anyone, single or married, who is part of our church. We should have all dates and details in April's Journal.

Send your kids to Church Camp!
There is nothing more valuable for your kids to do this summer than spend a week at church camp. It's a life-changing experience! Thanks to generous folks like you, we have camperships available to help with the cost. See Joi for reservation and camp information.
Central Bikers: Would you like to train together for summer tours? Please call or email Mary Boudreau at 372-4146 or email at boudrea1@msu.edu
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Central's Orchestra did a fantastic job with an adaptation of the Schwartz “Godspell”. It was clearly evident that everyone had worked very hard in order to do their very best at playing the unique worship offering. Many of the rhythm patterns required a high degree of focus, and a rapid “switching of gears.” Everyone carefully watched Director Bill Tennant, who had labored lovingly to create an arrangement that matched with Central's instrumentalists. Thanks go to all for this uplifting, inspiring, musical gift!

On Saturday, March 18, the Lansing Chapter, American Guild of Organists, will sponsor an organ crawl. The event will begin at First UMC, then proceed to St. Mary Cathedral and Central. After a lunch break, the group will travel to St. Paul's and then to one East Lansing church. Observers are welcome to join the group and may indicate their interest by leaving a message at Central's extension 35.

March 12 marks the day when the Orpheus Men's Choir will sing during Central's 9:30 Sunday morning worship service. They are singing as a thank-you for our allowing them to rehearse in Fellowship Hall. Several Central folks count themselves among the group's members. Remember to bring families and friends for what promises to be an awe-inspiring worship experience.

Jordan Montiye recently sang a “City Called Heaven” solo with the Chancel Choir. Many of you have commented on his voice, and this seems the proper forum for giving you a little background information.

Jordan studied Music Education at MSU for three years, then joined a group called “The Young Americans.” Created by the musical director of CBS, a man named Milton Anderson, the group's purpose was to demonstrate that there are plenty of great young people in the nation. They don't fall into stereotypical drug-using, irresponsible teenager roles.

The YA's appeared with many stars and include members from all over the world, as well as every state of the USA. Recently, they have focused on International Music Outreach Tours, which go to a region of the world, teach kids to have fun with music and dance. They live in home stay houses and do workshops with fourth through twelfth graders. Jordan has been on a total of four outreach tours, covering our Midwest and west coast, Canada, England, Ireland and Wales. This past summer, Jordan sang, played trombone and keyboard at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs as part of The Young Americans' Dinner Theater. What a blessing he was to our service!
Taize-Style Worship in Lent
Jana Jirak

Needing time with God? Feeling empty inside? Have a dry and thirsty spirit? Looking for a new spiritual discipline for Lent? We have an opportunity for you! Join us in a new Taize-style corporate worship experience. This year, as an aid to our time of self-reflection and strengthening our relationships with God, Central is hosting a series of Lenten worship services on Sunday nights beginning March 5th at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. The weekly worship themes highlight six stages of movement our spirits experience as we come to God. They are entitled:

Just As I Am
Going Within
Surrendering to Spirit
Resting in Darkness
Illumined by Fire
Alive in Love

What will people who attend find in these services patterned after the ecumenical worship services in Taize, France? There will be familiar hymns. Added to this will be new songs that are sung in a repetitive manner. The repetition is described as singing "to infinity." It is similar to an ancient way of praying that penetrates the whole being and becomes a way of listening to God.

The services will also include the reading of scripture and other writings. Periods of silence after each reading will help us wait for the Spirit of God to write a sermon upon our hearts.

Individual and corporate prayer will be woven throughout the time of worship. Many of the services will include rituals to assist us in expressing the prayer of our hearts.

Come and be blessed!
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial An offering is received annually in connection with the observance of A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial in local units. In each of three years of a 4-year cycle, gifts are divided equally between U.S. and overseas mission work for programs related to the annual theme, and are awarded in grants. This year's theme is: Preserving Property; Serving People. These grants are reported annually in Response magazine. Every fourth year, funds are used for pensions and health care for retired missionaries and deaconesses for whom the Women's Division is responsible. Begun in 1887, a Call to Prayer and Self-Denial is one way United Methodist Women support women, youth and children around the world. Please give your offering to your Circle treasurer or you may leave it at the church office, clearly marked "UMW Call to Prayer".
Keep Making Peace Workshop April 1

The workshop, jointly sponsored by the Boards of Church and Society in the Detroit and West Michigan Conferences is Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. here at Central UMC. The keynote speakers are Arun Gandhi (9:30 a.m.) and Dr. David Myers (10:40 a.m.). For more information:
revsteve75@hotmail.com
True Lenten Discipline
Lent is more than a time of fasting. It is also a joyous season of feasting. Lent is a time to fast from certain things and feast on others. It is a season to:

Fast from judging others;
Feast on Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from accenting differences;
Feast on the unity of all life.

Fast from apparent darkness;
Feast on the reality of the light.

Fast from thoughts of illness;
Feast on the power of God.

Fast from words that pollute;
Feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism;
Feast on optimism.

Fast from worry;
Feast on God's providence.

Fast from complaining;
Feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives;
Feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures;
Feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility;
Feast on nonresistance.

Fast from bitterness;
Feast on forgiveness.
Youth News

Amanda Caulkett, president of our Youth Group, S3, earns Gold Award

From the February 7, Lansing State Journal:

“The Girl Scouts of Michigan Capital Council announces that Amanda Caulkett of Okemos has successfully completed the requirements for the Gold Award, the highest award given by the Girl Scouts.

“Amanda's project was a Bicycle Safety Village, which she designed for children 4 to 8 years old. The children participated in a miniature bicycle course set up to look like a town, which included small buildings, road signs and street markings. The project was part of the East Lansing Kiwanis Club's annual Children's Safety Carnival.

“Amanda has received her Silver Award and Leadership Award for Girl Scouts. She has also received an academic achievement award from Central Michigan University, the Music Patron Award and the Good Samaritan Award.

“Amanda is a senior at Okemos High School and is the daughter of Dan and Gail Caulkett. She plans to attend Central Michigan University in the fall, where she will major in social work and study world religions and psychology.

“She will be honored at the council's annual “All That Glitters” awards banquet May 3 in East Lansing." Way to go, Amanda!
Remember...

At press time…
Please keep these individuals in your prayers.

Central family members in Iraq
Birdsall Holly - at home
Audrey Holly - Ingham County Extended Care
Joyce Joranko - at home
Betty Ward - Dimondale Center
Dan Bolden - at home
Gladys Gilson - at home
LaVinnia Roberts - at home
Erin Cooper - surgery March 7
Ed Keen - outpatient surgery
Dottie & family - the loss of Jim

Thank you...

Thank you Central family for your cards, calls, and kind words that have supported us as we mourn the passing of our father, friend, and papa. Your expression of Christ's love has lightened our load. Shalom.
Karen, Jana, Sam, Simon and Seth

Thank you Central family for your cards, calls, prayers and visits during my rehabilitation at Sparrow - Dimondale. They are very much appreciated.
Betty Ward

Transitions...

James W. Stark Jr., died suddenly February 4, 2006, while in a hospital in Lubbock, Texas. A memorial service will be held at Central, Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. There will be a reception (visitation) in the Second Floor Lounge on Friday, 7- 9 p.m.
Coffee Hour
Alice Pifer, Coordinator

I want to thank all of you who have generously offered your time and energy to work during Fellowship Coffee Hour over the next few months.

More volunteers to work and/or bring goodies are always welcome. In the past we have had a few members who have signed up in advance to work one Sunday each month for several months in a row. Would your schedule permit the same kind of commitment? Or maybe every other month?

You can sign up to work a Sunday(s) of your choice in the Fellowship Hall or call me at 372-9425, and I will add your name to the schedule.
Elberberrys inching forward Frank Anderson

We are fortunate to have one another, and some of us for a long long time. People remark that they don't know how folks get along without a church to call “their own”. There are those who say they could not manage without their car. I think we can say with more realism, we could not manage without a church fellowship to belong to. You can always get around somehow without a car. But, without a church, what have you?

ELDERBERRYS is the church in action. Think of it: older adults. There are lots of us! Less than 2% of residents of Lesotho in South Africa are over 65. Expected maximum age: 48 years. Phyllis Gloden explained what it was like for her to live in Lesotho for two years as an American Peace Corps Worker helping in marketing. We had only 16 present at the Valentines Day meeting, and we would like to see additional older adults at our monthly meetings.

NEXT MONTH we will recognize St. Patrick's Day when we gather on Tuesday, March 14. We will arrange a program of interest to all.
Look'A Here, Now!
Win Anderson, Library Task Force

The PARENTING section in our library has 42 books with subjects ranging from pre-natal through college. Also, two volumes of the "Chicken Soup" series are included. One of the three recent editions has the amusing (but maybe, true) title of Get Out of My Life, But First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?, a Parent's Guide to the New Teenager by Anthony E. Wolf, Ph.D. It might be a helpful book!

Thanks for the return of a few more long over due books. Now “Mission Control” is awaiting the “re-entry” of the other 39+ books that seem to be "lost in space."

The SPRING BOOK “SALE” will be Sundays, May 7 and May 14, in the Library. Many books have already been donated, and the Library is now willing to receive appropriate books for the sale. They can be given to a librarian on Sundays or left behind the library desk with your name on them. Thanks.
Order your Easter Lilies
If you are interested in purchasing a Lily for our annual 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 $8.00 per plant. The final day to order is Monday, April 10. Please feel free to remove your plants at anytime following the Worship Service.

We are offering you another option again this year. If you prefer not to have a lily, you may designate that your contribution per plant be donated to the Ministry of Kindness Fund in memory or honor of your loved ones.

You may highlight, print, fill in and bring this form into church to place your order.

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.

Order deadline: April 10

Please mark your check “Lily” and make it payable to Central United Methodist Church

Holy Thursday April 13

Combined dinner and worship experience at St. Paul's Episcopal Church will begin at 6 p.m. (The slightly later start time is to facilitate our parking in the adjacent ramp). Central will provide the dinner; Christ Community Church (formerly First Baptist) will provide the dessert; St. Paul's will provide the elements, and will lead us in the worship experience. All are welcome to attend and to bring friends.

Sign-up sheets for attendance and furnishing will be posted in Fellowship Hall, starting the second Sunday of March. They will remain through coffee fellowship time on Sunday, April 9.
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