May,
2001
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
Bread for the World Offering of Letters, May 13
Africa: Hunger to Harvest
Carolyn Schuurmans, Mission Co-Chair
Nearly 800 million people around the world are under nourished. The United
States could lead an international movement to reduce world hunger by half
by 2015; a goal set by the 1996 World Food summit. Bread for the World Institute
(BFW) estimated that to cut hunger in half by 2015 would require an additional
$60 billion in poverty focused foreign assistance. The U.S. share of this
would be $1 billion. BFW believes moral obligation is reason enough to increase
foreign aid. But strengthening poor economics would open new markets for
U.S. businesses and create a far more stable world, reducing the likelihood
of costly U.S. military humanitarian intervention.
A new poll released in "Foreign Aid to End Hunger" indicates that 83% of
Americans would favor a program to reduce hunger in the developing world.
The poll shows that most Americans think the U.S. gives 20 times more in
foreign aid than it actually does. In fact, U.S. aid has de- clined steadily
since the Cold War ended, to less than 1% of the federal budget and only
1/10 of 1% of the national income. During this decade of prosperity, foreign
assistance has been at an all-time low. Twenty-one other industrial nations
devote a far greater percentage of their national income to foreign assistance
than the United States.
Much has been learned about development assistance over the years. To reduce
hunger and poverty, it must target the poorest countries and the poorest
people within these countries. "Ownership" by the recipients of the development
process is essential for success and sustainability. Donor countries are
increasingly working in partnership with recipient country governments and
citizens to provide help for the poorest people. This way they can be sure
their funds are used to address the structural causes of poverty and create
opportunities for poor people.
"Foreign Aid to End Hunger" urges President George W. Bush and Congress to
allocate an additional $1 billion a year in U.S. development aid for Africa.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 291 people (more than the entire U.S. population)
lives on less than $1 a day, and one person in three is chronically under
nourished. HIV/AIDS is causing widespread sickness and death. Two-thirds
of the 23 million people living with HIV/AIDS are in sub-Saharan Africa.
AIDS has orphaned 12 million African children.
If we can win a sustained shift in our government's priorities and increase
development resources, beginning with Africa, we could cut world hunger and
poverty in half by 2015.
The Missions Commission will have a SUPER-SIZE COOKIE SALE the day of the
Offering of Letters, May 13, to earn a monetary contribution to Bread for
the World.
Lord, Are We On Track?”
Joi Tennant, Administrative Council Co-Chair
Where are we going? Is that where we want to go? Are we sidetracked? What
fires our engine? Are we losing steam? Are we becoming a nice shiny museum
piece, or do we have the stuff to be “The engine that could”? Can
we make it over the mountain and not break down? Is this mode of transport
efficient, attractive, up-to-date? What’s our mission? Who’s on
board?
There’s a rumbling in the round house. It started with a committee of
people concerned about creating a “vision” for Central and a
“mission statement”. Through prayer, serious discussion, and
compromise, it was time to agree on a definite course, test our systems and
our determination and chug out of the station, moving forward in
ministry.
Then came “Faith Quest”, a Bible study class which has as its purpose
to re-create the church as a faithful community centered in Jesus Christ,
rather than centered in itself; intentionally seeking God’s direction
through two books of the New Testament, Luke and Acts. The class members
are challenged to fire up; to be the best church we can be. Ten people have
been a part of this class since January.
In March, nine of Central’s members attended the day long Lansing District
Leadership Training Session, led by a team of about 14 staff and lay people
from Goshen, Indiana First UMC.
We were invited to step into a plan of “being the church” that
holds up a vision of “every member a minister”. We were taught
ways to make our church worship experiences meaningful to a broad range of
people, including inquirers, seekers, believers, deeply committed Christians;
all ages and types of people.
We were taught how to invite every worshipper into a participant role, how
to create ministry ideas from the passion and gifts of the members, and how
to be more efficient by paring down the committee/commission structure of
church administration.
We heard many brand new ideas and experienced energy and excitement and the
motivation of people all around who truly desired to serve Christ’s
church.
At our March Administrative Council meeting many members purchased the book,
The Church Growth Handbook, by William M. Easum, and agreed to read it before
our April 18 meeting. This book clearly conceptualizes and communicates 20
church growth principles, pointing out ways to identify and overcome our
weaknesses and further develop strengths. This is the instruction book that
shows us how to keep our “train” in tip-top working order. We will
use it as the focus of our agenda for our April and May
meetings.
We’re stoking up, getting ready to go! Hang on to your hats, folks!
“Get on board, little Children, there’s room for many a
more!”
LOST & FOUND...
Shirt: white w/striped hood - size L,
gray M.S.U. - size M, navy hooded - size L
Pants: black nylon - size M (12-14)
Gloves: navy/white stripe (pair), black fleece (pair)
Socks: single blue, single-star print
Cosmetic bag
Finance Committee will conduct "Run With Determination" 5-K Run
May 5
The Finance Committee will be conducting two fundraising events this year;
a Church-wide Garage Sale, and a 5-kilometer run. The date for the Garage
Sale is still to be set.
The run is called, “Run With Determination” because, as it says
in the Bible, “We will run with determination the race that is set before
us.”
If you wish to volunteer to help with the “Run With Determination”
or have any questions for the Finance Committee, contact Bob Wangen at 669-8433
or at wangenrb@grtlaketng.com.
South Africa since the end of apartheid
Mary Boudreau
Until the 1990's, South Africa was one of the most oppressive societies in
recent history. A system of apartheid placed restrictions on basic human
rights, using violence and torture to maintain strict separation of the
races.
Visiting South Africa now has allowed me to witness two miracles: the fruits
of the non-violent destruction of that oppressive system, and the concerted
effort by all races in South Africa to bring reconciliation and forgiveness
to all its people.
Life is not idyllic by any means; the unemployment rate is 45%; millions
of people live in tiny shacks within view of skyscrapers and superhighways;
and violent crime is a constant threat. In the midst of all that, I felt
truly blessed to witness the efforts of South Africans to build a society
based on equal opportunity and forgiveness.
Our visit to Robbins Island was particularly poignant. It is the former prison
where Nelson Mandela; activist, attorney, and freedom fighter, was held for
treason for 27 years during apartheid. Remarkably, he later became the first
president of post-apartheid South Africa.
Robbins Island, where Mandela and thousands of others were imprisoned, is
now a national park with former guards and prisoners providing tours. It
is awe-inspiring and touching to see Mandela's tiny, unheated cell, particularly
in light of his later willingness to not only seek reconciliation with his
wardens, but to offer them full pardons.
It was so inspiring to see the results of decades of international social
action! It is easy to believe that Christian efforts to improve the world
are in vain, but being in South Africa during this time of change helped
energize me to continue these struggles. What we did to challenge apartheid
did make a difference, to the people who were oppressed and to the people
attempting to keep their power. I know more certainly that we have opportunities
to offer hope and help a world still filled with inequalities and oppression.
I invite you to participate in one of the many opportunities we have to be
change agents by offering our time, talents, and resources. It is often a
challenge to participate in these activities on a global level (this is a
great topic for ongoing debate in our coffee hour!), but international
intervention did have a large impact.
Suggested activity: During the next week, identify an issue where you see
an injustice being done to people by a government. Write a letter to the
government telling them what you believe is wrong and how to correct it.
Ask others to write letters too.
Thanks, and a Hug To...
Grounds cleaned up!
Saturday, March 31 was outside clean up day for Central volunteers, who worked
in specific areas to clean up leaves and debris leftover from the winter
thaw.
Mark Mack loaded tons of wet matted leaves into yard waste bags. Brian Halter
did his yard grooming on the east side. Janice Keen raked and bagged and
trimmed in the beds as did Loretta Marvin and Dottie Stark. David DeVinney
lent his hand at pruning the trees and hauling off the fruits of the
labor.
There are more beautiful Saturdays and other times of opportunity to help
out. Call Dottie Stark, 482-7834 to ask what you can do.
Rummage Sale Wrapped up
"Thank you" to ALL who have helped with rummage sales over the last several
years. We couldn't have done it without you. God Bless you, each
one.
Norma Hanson, Rummage Sale
Recruiter
Christian Education News
Pamala Phillips, Director of Christian
Education
Vacation Bible School 2001
"A polar expedition - where kids discover Jesus' love is cool."
June 25-29, Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Last year we had over 60 kids in the program, including Potter Park CUMC.
Ask anyone who was here, kids and adults alike. I smile and my heart is warmed
each time I remember. Specifically a couple of fifth grade boys approached
me on the last day and very diplomatically said that "we" had not planned
this very well, as with very little forethought we could have "easily" turned
VBS into a two week program.
This is not something you will want to miss if you can be here for even one
day. You will be reminded in many ways of the primary reason we are Christians
and why we at CUMC do what we do.
We currently have three volunteers. We cannot have a VBS program without
a complete and ready VBS team. If you are willing and able to be part of
what is sure to be an exhilarating, rewarding, and FUN summer experience
at Central, please let me know ASAP.
Julie Cooper is the Coordinator and we need 2 Co-Coordinators.
Karen Holoweiko is the long-standing VBS lunch and snack-time queen. Karen
needs 6-8 volunteers. Kid's food has never been so fun!!!!!!!!! or
funny.
We need a "Music Chair" and 2-3 volunteers to support these
activities.
We have a “Craft Station” Chair: JoAnne Klein, and 3-4 volunteers
to support theses activities.
We need a “Story teller/Lessons Station” Chair and 3-4 people to
support this activity.
We need a “Games Station”Chair and 2-3 people to support this
activity.
We need an "Object Lessons Station Chair" and 2-3 people to support this
activity.
We need a "Props/Set-up/Preparations" Chair and 6-8 people to support this
activity.
Dottie Stark and Justin Sleight have offered to chair the tear down and clean
up - post VBS - and will need 8-10 people to support this activity.
We need 2 age-group leaders for each of the following: pre-K & K, grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 – 14 total.
Please pray about this and call me today at
485-9477.
UMYF Summer Work Project 2001 - July 15-20
You may remember that 18 people spent the hottest week of the summer in the
Navajo Nation, at Ft. Defiance, AZ last year, painting houses, and helping
with story-telling, crafts, music, and sports at the afternoon kids
club.
This year the youth council and leadership discussed several possibilities
and identified a most worthy and appropriate work site. Missions, like charity,
sometime begin at home, and our summer work project this year is at
home.
We have identified a few much needed work projects that we can do right here
at Central. So we will be invading, and residing at Central United Methodist
Church, round the clock for four and a half days this July. We will work
hard (during the day), play hard (Lugnuts game, miniature golf, swim party,
Cedar Point on Friday) and EAT WELL (probably around the clock as well).
While not surprised, I am deeply moved by the enthusiasm and determination
of our youth in selecting Central as their site for summer
service.
Brighten up your garden with...UMYF gift certificates
By arrangement with Van Atta’s Greenhouse on old M-78 in Haslett, the
youth will be selling $10 Gift Certificates. We will make $2 on every certificate
we sell. The Certificates are good for one flat of flowers or can be applied
to the purchase of other plants or green house items. Proceeds will be used
for the UMYF Summer 2001 Work Project. Gift Certificates are available Sundays
in Fellowship Hall or from any UMYF member.
Clean up your garden with...UMYF muscle power
The youth of CUMC are available to assist parishioners with spring clean
up the afternoons of May 6 and 20. Please call Pamala Phillips to make a
reservation for the youth to help you out. A donation to the Summer Work
Project 2001 will be appreciated.
Summer 2001 Camp schedules are in. For more information please call the Education
office or see the display in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour on Sunday
mornings.
Send a kid to camp...Sponsor a summer camp
scholarship
Historically we have provided scholarships for CUMC Elementary, Jr and Sr
High age children attending West Michigan or Detroit Conference Camp.
Scholarships are $100 per camper. If you would like to help by providing
a scholarship or contributing to one, please contact Pamala Phillips or John
Boley.
"Second Sunday Brunch" is the Third Sunday in
May
Because May 13 (the second Sunday) is Mother’s Day and May 20 is the
final Sunday of the Christian Education Year, "Second Sunday Brunch" will
be on the third Sunday this month. Please make note of it and plan to attend
this very special Sunday service and brunch
celebration.
Deadline is May 13 for UMC college grant and
scholarships!
Applications are available in the Education office. Please contact Pamala
Phillips
Library back in service
Many "dirty books" were dusted and shelved on Tuesday, April 17, in our "spiffy"
renovated Library. Our thanks to the "movers and shakers": Win Anderson,
Rita Clee, Betty Corbishley, Janet Hamilton, Mary Jessup, Pamala Phillips,
Ed Spink and Jim Stark.
Any overdue library books you have been holding at home can now be returned
on any Sunday morning. We will welcome them "home".
The Library Task Force
Visioning Update
On Sunday, May 20, we will be celebrating the birth of Central's new
vision.
As you may know this has been a long labor of love. While we have not yet
discerned exactly how this vision will effect the ministry of our church,
she has been welcomed by our Administrative Council. Now we want you; her
family, to meet her and get further acquainted.
In addition to her introduction at the worship service, vision team members
will join us at brunch following Sunday School to answer questions you may
have.
There will be a time when we need to discover where she fits in the life
of our family but for now let's celebrate her arrival! Mark your calendars
for May 20.
Please call Pamala Phillips to make your brunch reservations. Can't wait
to see you there!
Attention Vision Team Members: We would like to have team members available
at brunch on May 20 to answer questions from our congregation about the labor
and birth of our vision. Please check your calendars and come if you
can.
Karen Holoweiko
Hudys Homesick — Remember the Hudy Family with your notes,
cards, a picture colored by a child or whatever can fit flat in an envelope.
They are homesick and need to hear from their church family. (They have requested
that we not send packages or money because they have to pay a large tax when
it arrives.) Their address is:
Peter & Estela Hudy and family
Colegio Rio Colorado
Casilla 8347 (no zip code)
La Paz, Bolivia, South America
Spaghetti Dinner -- May 4
UMW has agreed to spearhead the Spaghetti Dinner on May 4, the night before
the Central UMC 5K Run.
If you can help with the dinner P L E A S E let Pat know! We will be serving
spaghetti, meat and meatless sauces, salad, breadsticks and a dessert; just
the kind of meal runners and non-runners want before a big event.
If you can help with preparations, serving, clean up, shopping or would like
to provide towards the dinner, you are more than welcome! Proceeds from the
dinner will go towards Central’s budget.
Come on out and help with a good cause and have a good time with
friends.
Cookie dough delivery coming up
Delivery of Cookie Dough is set for Thursday, May 10 between 3:30 and 4:00
p.m., at Central. We will put orders together at that time and people can
begin to pick their orders up.
If you can help with delivery or putting orders together please let Pat or
Linda know. Thanks!
There’s still time to contribute
If you didn’t get a chance to contribute towards the Call to Prayer
and Self Denial Offering or the Bake/Bakeless Sale, there’s still time
to do so! Dottie Stark is happy to take your contributions or you can forward
them through your Circle, along with your pledge!
Keep on clipping Campbell’s
Ever wonder about all the Campell's soup labels you contribute to UMW? They
are used by different organizations for many different
projects.
Redbird Missionary Conference has used them to buy vans. It takes 1,400,000
labels for one van and Red Bird has purchased several! Keep on
clipping.
Spring Fashion Show
May 2 at 6:30 p.m. – Cost $5.00
We are planning a Spring Fashion Show with clothes, jewelry and accessories
for sale. Dessert will be served. Ten percent off purchases and ten $5 gift
certificates will be given away at the end of the style show.
Our fashions are coming to us from Denise's Clothes Corners based in Florida.
Denise features new, first quality, washable resort and career-related separates,
which are classic and ageless in styling.
These are available in sizes 8 to 20 and in average and tall lengths, with
sizes 4P to 3X available in some styles.
Central United Methodist Adult Softball
Spring is here and that means another season of Adult Slow Pitch Softball
will be starting. Play will start in May. Double header games will be played
on Tuesdays each week. A season ending tournament will be played on a late
July weekend.
Players need to be at least 14 years old. There is no fee for players and
uniform shirts are furnished (Although players who wish to may purchase their
shirt). Play is under modified Church League rules; all players play, bat,
and there is free substitution. There are openings at all
positions.
If you have basic softball skills or better, and are able to play all or
part of this season, please sign up in the Fellowship Hall between the Worship
service and Sunday School on Sundays. If you are interested in assisting
in coaching the team, please indicate that on the sign up sheet. If you will
only be able to play part of the season, please indicate that
also.
Watch for more details. If questions, call Ed Keen at
321-4967.
May is For Kids
We would like stories from you! Who are "kids"? Anyone of school age. If
you would like your story printed here, in the Central Journal, this is your
opportunity!
Take a sheet of paper, describe how a special person has touched your life,
given you good guidance, or is a great listener. It can be anyone. (You might
want to write about your mom since mother's day is in May.) Turn your story,
marked for the "Central Journal", in at the church office by May
18.
Click here to return to previous page, or to
A Central Place.