Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
May,2004
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
A New Ministry of Prayer
Joi Tennant
Cris Bobier, who is our Open Door Ministry director, Pastor Russell and Bill McCracken, have been working toward a plan that would open our chapel doors to passers-by as a part of our welcoming street ministry, so that anyone can stop in to meditate and pray. You may have read about lunchtime chapel hours in the April Central Journal. In addition, we also sincerely desire an organized ministry of prayer for our church, for the Open Door Ministry and for all individuals who have prayer requests and desire the support of praying people. We hope people will begin to think of our chapel as a place to be alone with God and a place where caring people pray for them.
Would you consider joining a group of people who will commit to come to the Mary Sabina Chapel at Central once a week to pray? The chapel will be open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for quiet meditation and prayer. It is our hope that we can interest enough people to create a small group for each day. The plan at this time is to ask willing persons to choose the day they prefer, then when we have at least three people signed up for that day we can try to coordinate the time frame they would prefer so that we can have group prayer. We also need to recruit people willing to be chapel “hosts” during the hours when the chapel is open when our “prayer partners” are not present. This is necessary in order to insure a secure environment and to prevent people from entering the library area when the childcare center is open. If you would be willing to quietly occupy a pew as a host and read or meditate or pray, or even knit or do crosswords, etc., this would be a valuable contribution toward the success of this endeavor.
For people who stop by the chapel on an individual basis we are planning to use a system that has been used successfully in other churches for prayer requests and for providing simple prepared meditation materials in the chapel. With this plan, people can enter the chapel and write a prayer request on a file card and place it in a box. Then, when other people come to the chapel to pray, they can pick up a few of the prayer request cards from the front of the box. They will then pray for the concerns listed and date the cards, which will become a record of times prayers have been offered for that need. The cards will then be placed in the back of the box. People who have written the requests will actually be able to see that their requests are being prayed for regularly. We will also prepare a weekly page of readings, scripture, hymns, and prayers for people to use to focus their thoughts if they want.
We hope you will be interested in participating on a regular basis. Please tell either Joi Tennant or Cris Bobier if this is something you would like to try. Would you please suggest other people who you might think would be interested? We are very hopeful about what good things will happen when we commit to praying together!
Members and friends:
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds
“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair” are the words of Langston Hughes, the renowned African American poet from the Harlem Renaissance. It was in his “Mother To Son” poem, written in the 1940s. It had reference to the adversity and difficulties of living in a world of trouble. The mother appeals to the son, who wants to give up, to keep on climbing and choosing life, rather than death. As the mother shares her hopeful attitude toward struggle “…because life has not been a crystal stair for me either. There are tacs and splinters and floors torn up. But I’s still climbing and going in the dark.” The appeal is to hang in there. Be hopeful. Regardless of difficulties, give it your best effort.
So for us as Christians who have chosen the more excellent way of life in Christ, we accept the challenges of living. I do look forward with hope to General Conference (G.C.) April 26–May 5, and the Run/Walk With Determination May 22. Both are gigantic challenges. I’m getting in shape for both events. I have received materials to be read before I go to Pittsburgh. Chris Bobier, Lay Delegate, and I, along with 1000 others from across the US and the larger world community, are expected to understand the many issues facing the General Church and make decisions.
My prayer for G.C. is that we all struggle with trying to see where God is taking us as a Church. Be still and hear the voice of God. Don’t presume to know God’s will and way. I believe it can be revealed and experienced in the context of conferencing and discernment. We simply need to talk and listen to one another. Pray that we can be faithful to the task before and the resources entrusted to us. We can be the church which is always making Christian disciples.
My other challenge, which is important, is our participation in the Run/Walk With Determination. I am determined to be ready for that experience. I am pleased to report that I am getting myself in shape physically. I go to the Family Y three or four times a week. I am riding my bike on a regular basis. Last week was the first time I was able to complete a 3–mile run around the indoor track. Before that, I was having difficulty running (jogging) a mile. It was painfully difficult.
I am not out there to win the 5 K. I want to run my race, rather than someone else’s. I will set my own pace. I run as an expression of praise and thanksgiving. God gets all the credit. My preparation is painful for me at the beginning of my workout. But it begins to feel good. When it is over, I feel victorious. The Run/Walk With Determination is an opportunity for getting to know each other and building fellowship.
The setting of G.C. will be used to keep me developing for my run with determination. There are some people who claim that delegates should be too busy to have time to work out. But caring for one’s self is as important as arguing over the many issues confronting the Church. The Church is a temple and so are our physical bodies. My prayer is that we all come out in big numbers on May 22; and that G.C. prove we can be the Temple of the Holy Spirit and demonstrate Christian unity within and outside the Church.
Education
Rev. Rob Nystrom, Minister of Education
Learning and Growing at Central
Greetings in the name of our risen Lord! Yes, Easter has arrived, and, incredibly, there’s less than two months left in the school year. As the end of this program year draws near, we’re planning our Christian Education program at Central for next fall, and we’d like your help. Please print out and complete this survey and return it to us by May 23; drop in the collection plate or leave at the office. And, why not check our church library for your summer reading ?
1. Do you currently attend a Sunday morning class?
___ Yes ___ No ___ Occasionally
2. We are considering adding a new Sunday morning class. Rate your interest on the following scale of 1-5:
1 = mild 2 = fair 3 = average 4 = solid 5 = strong
___ Parenting skills
___ Marriage/Relationship enrichment
___ General devotional study: Lectionary based, emphasis on life application
___ A video smorgasbord - miscellaneous series, various topical interests
___ Other: ___________________________________________
3. Would you prefer a class at a time other than Sunday morning?
___ Yes ___ No When _____________________
4. Please check if you have interest in any of the following:
___ A young adult fellowship/book study, i.e. “The Case For Christ”
___ A Disciple Bible Study
___ Stephen Ministry Training
5. Any additional comments or information you would like us to know:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________
Name:_________________________________________________
Optional (To help us follow up on your expressed interests)
Youth News
May 2 – Sunday – 5–7 p.m. – Both Groups –
Program: Parent/Teen Problems
Bring: 50 cents for mission project
Snacks: Chapel Hill Youth
Celebrate May and August birthdays!
May 9 –Mother’s Day –Both Groups – Meet During Coffee Hour Only
Youth Auction sign-up -
Youth will commit two hours of their time next Saturday to help others with yard work, washing cars, cleaning houses, etc.
(No Sunday evening meeting this week)
May 15 –Saturday –Both Groups –Meet at the church at 1:30 p.m.
Transportation provided to the various work locations to complete the work obligations committed to last Sunday morning.
May 23 –Sunday –Both Groups –Baked Goods Auction –
Mission work project fund–raiser during coffee hour.
To all who read this: We need your help! We are asking for food donations for this auction. Types of food to be auctioned: loaves of bread (sweet breads and regular bread), coffee cakes, plates of cookies or brownies, a whole cake, a pie...use your imagination! Thank you.
Youth Group is done for the school year BUT they will meet once each month during the summer. See page seven for schedule.
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter, Music Director
Thanks, musicians, for the fine job you did on March 28, Palm Sunday, and Easter. The Youth’s “Awesome God” was so uplifting! The Wesley Choristers joined with the congregation, Chancel Choir, and Spirit Singers in the April 4 presentation of “Hosanna, Hosanna”; it was the perfect beginning to Palm Sunday worship. Liz and Diane Ebersole’s expertise on the carillon provided the ideal arbor for folks’ entry into the church on Easter Sunday. During our service hour, the Chancel Choir’s talent was prefaced and underscored by competent brass players Liz Ebersole, Ron Gibbs, John Madden, Mitch Gabel, and Ryan Beene.
Yea, Meghan! It was great that Meghan McKown, former soprano section leader, chose Central’s Fellowship Hall as the site for her Monday, April 19, senior recital. She thanks all who helped with preparing the room and establishing appropriate sound. She’s appreciative of the parishioners whose schedules allowed their attendance at this special life event.
About the organ: Builder Dan Jaeckel recently underwrote the full cost for our technician to remove and send pipes to the East coast for repair. The process included the restoring and restructuring of pipes that had tipped and had a domino effect on other pipes. The foundational structures that were constructed in the beginning had, of course, been built in a way that would optimize the pipes’ intended sound. Now, added to that, the bases were “beefed up” a bit, in order to ensure maximum stability and, hence, more consistent function over time. We are truly blessed that Mr. Jaeckel’s integrity continues to follow this instrument forward into time.
Watch for the Celebration of Music in Worship that will happen on May 23. Wesley Choristers, the Youth Orchestra, the Youth Fine Arts Group, the Spirit Singers and Chancel Choir will all participate, providing enhancements for a pertinent message and liturgy. We hope everyone can be with us that day!
Pentecost Sunday, May 30, will provide opportunities for musicians and others who have limitations to demonstrate their special accommodations. A committee is beginning to examine possibilities for this worship time. If you have suggestions or wish to share personal experiences, please see Pastor McReynolds.
Summer Music Schedule Invitations will be extended very soon. Look at your calendar and watch for further information.
You are invited: Jessica Allen will be awarded the degree of Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, May 7 at 7 p.m. in the Breslin Student Events Center
In-worship schedule for Wesley Choristers and Youth:
May 2 –Youth skit “What Would Jesus Do”
May 9 –Wesley Choristers (9:00 a.m. rehearsal, the sanctuary)
May 16 –Youth Orchestra rehearsal only (8:30 –9:20 a.m. in Fellowship Hall)
May 23 –Youth Orchestra (rehearsal 8:30 –9:00);
Youth Fine Arts Group (rehearsal 9:00 –9:10, sanctuary);
Wesley Choristers (rehearsal 9:10 –9:20 –music rehearsal room)
Church Women United
May Friendship Day
Carolyn Schuurmans
Friday, May 7
Grace United Methodist Church, 1900 Boston Blvd., Lansing.
9:30 a.m. Board meeting
11:00 a.m. Bible study
12:00 p.m. Salad lunch –$5:00 (Purchase tickets from Marge Sleight)
1:00 p.m. Program: “In Faith, Women Shape the World Through Friendship”
This is one of the three annual celebrations held by Church Women United. The offering this day is kept by the local unit and used for mobile meals expenses, prevention of child abuse, C.R.O.P., and mailing of our newsletters.
UnitedMethodist Women
Pat Mort, President
During this Easter Season, while the flowers are blooming and the songbirds have returned, it’s hard not to think of new life, new goals, new projects. Maybe its seeing new things all around - or maybe it’s the challenge of the Risen Christ nudging us, reminding us what is important in this life we lead. I’m not sure - but the question is worth the asking.
I know lots of you are thinking ahead to the summer - time away at the lake or on vacation. Just a reminder that the missions we support don’t go on vacation. If you are able to pay your pledge before you go it will help us through the traditional summer “lean” times. You can turn your pledge in at any Circle meeting or to Mary Bowers, Linda Towsley or Pat Mort. Also, it isn’t too late to turn in your Call to Prayer and Self-Denial monies.
Dottie Stark has graciously agreed to host a rummage sale to benefit UMW at her home, 2301 Wellesley Dr. The dates for the sale are May 21 and 22. You can deliver salable, pre-priced items to Dottie and Jim’s on Saturday, May 15 or Thursday, May 20. Helpers are also needed on these dates. If you can help, please contact Dottie or sign-up in Fellowship Hall.
A Prayer Shawl session will be held in late May/early June for those who would like to know more about this ministry. A sign up sheet is on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall to see what time would be best for those interested. There is also a place to sign if you can teach knitting and/or crocheting and if you’d like to learn how to knit and crochet! This is a wonderful activity - creating a shawl filled with your prayers for the recipient - while keeping your hands busy while you’re at the cottage, riding in a car for vacation or watching TV! Please sign up soon so we can get our session in before summer vacations! This project is open to all - men, women, teens and children.
Announcing Chalice Chicks –a literary group for women who enjoy a good book, good soup and excellent conversation! We intend to meet every 6 - 8 weeks beginning in September. Our first three books have been chosen so you can start reading now!
Our first book is The Red Tent by Anita Diamond. An excellent read on Old Testament life from the women’s point of view.
Our second book will be The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown, a thriller from cover to cover.
Our third selection is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
We plan on coming together over a soup meal to discuss the already read book, so you will need to pick up a copy before we meet. Is there a best time for you –a Chalice Chick –to meet? Sign up on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall! We’re aiming for September, which gives you an entire summer to read The Red Tent. (A hint –make a copy of the genealogy at the front of the book - it will come in handy later!)
Baked Goods Auction
Sunday, May 23
Fellowship Hour
Will you make a pie, a cake or some cookies?
Youth Mission Project fund–raiser
We need your help! We are asking for food donations such as loaves of bread (sweet breads and regular bread), coffee cakes, plates of cookies or brownies, a whole cake, a pie…use your imagination!
Please let us know what you can bring. Your donation can be brought to church by 9 a.m. on May 23 or left at the church office on Friday, May 21.
Thank you for your help!
If questions, contact Nancy O’Shea (372-6156 or 974-7279).
Do you have a need for a final resting place here on earth?
Central has 10 cemetery spaces available located in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at 4444 West Grand River Avenue in Lansing. These spaces have been received over time as gifts and we are offering them now at half their retail price. Some have already taken advantage of this opportunity.
Your purchase of these spaces will help both you and Central. Funds raised from the sale of these assets will be used to make necessary repairs to our facilities. Please contact Pat Basgall, Administrative Secretary, at 485-9477, with any questions. Thank you
Among Friends
Remember...
At press time
David Bednar - Grand Rapids
David Jessup - At home under treatment
Maxine Jones - At home - more surgery
Glades Templin - Rehab at Ingham Medical Center
Lulu Smith - At home under treatment
Transitions…
Elaine Woolcocks, daughter of Margaret Woolcocks died April 10. A funeral service was held April 13.
Pauline Austin, 99, died April 3. A funeral service was held April 18.
HomerTaylor’s memorial service was held April 30 with Rev. Frank Anderson and Steve Ezop officiating.
Agnes Gamble, 87, died April 6. A memorial service was held April 12.
Baptism...
Jessica Eileen Johnson, born April 4, is the granddaughter of Nancy and Bob Johnson
Congratulations…
Royal Reed and Leitta Elliott were married April 24 in the Mary Sabina Chapel.
Thank you…
...for the cards and prayers during my recovery from surgery for a broken shoulder and ankle problems. Your thoughts are very much appreciated.
Judy Patrick
...rings out from me for your prayers and cards during my recovery from foot surgery. And a special thanks to our recent guest carilloneurs, Patricia Johannes and Sally Harwood from MSU.
Jan Keen
When morning comes
An unknown author has written: “There are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, ‘Good morning, Lord’; then there are those who wake up in the morning and say, ‘Good Lord, it’s morning.’”
Eric Alifo - High Achiever
Joi Tennant
Wednesday, April 21, at the Cooley Center at Cooley Law School, a group from Central looked on with pride as Eric Alifo received the 2004 Capitol Area Higher Education Network Outstanding Adult Learner Award. “This award is given to recognize the one student who truly stands out among their peers and has overcome extraordinary obstacles to reach their goals.”
Eric’s saga of overcoming difficult circumstances began with the challenge of making special arrangements with Law Services and U.S. authorities in his home country of Ghana to take the Law School Admission Test at the American Embassy. He was the first person in Ghana to ever take this test, and he scored well enough on his first attempt to be accepted to Cooley.
However, as you may recall, after he made it to Lansing his financial sponsor backed out on him. In the midst of this crisis his academic advisor, Professor Bauer, recognized in Eric something special, and he began to try to help him. Bob Roth was introduced to Eric and his plight, and through Bob’s efforts Eric found housing in our church apartment while volunteering for us as an evening attendant. Bob also solicited contributions toward Eric’s expenses. Although Eric was forced to take a term off from school due to lack of money, after his return in the summer of 2003 he earned an academic scholarship based on his class rank, and he has made both the Dean’s List and Honor Roll.
Eric’s wife, Edinam, who completed her Master’s Degree in London, is now here with him and they have their own apartment. They have both become members of our church. Eric is working in the admissions office at Cooley and continues to work evenings at Central, while he burns the midnight oil keeping his high academic standing at Cooley. Edinam is looking for a job.
Eric says when he graduates he will return to his homeland in Ghana to help as many as he can. He has not forgotten where he came from or where he is destined to be. Eric wrote this in his personal statement: “To me, once a goal is set, it is not over until all of it is achieved; all impediments, problems and hardships are considered as challenges, which must be overcome. It is a battle ground; and it’s not over until it’s over.”
All of us who have been privileged to know Eric well have been inspired by his strong Christian faith, his integrity and character. We are proud to have had a part in helping him achieve his goals.
Summer Youth Schedule
Saturday –June 12 at 11:45 a.m. at Central for a BBQ
Thursday –July 17 at 10 a.m. at Central for a car wash
August –Habitat for Humanity building project (date and time to be determined by Habitat)
Serve as an Acolyte or Crucifer
Mary Boudreau
Thank you to all of the young people who have already participated in this ministry this year! It is inspiring to all of us for you to lead our church services carrying the cross and flame of Jesus Christ. It reminds all of us to carry His Light into the world as we leave the church services.
Please contact Mary Boudreau at 372–4146 to sign up to be a part of this valuable ministry. You do not need to be a regular church member (grandparents – you can encourage your grandchildren to be a part of the service when they visit!). It would be helpful to have donations for this ministry, such as for liturgical colored cinctures. Please contact the church office if you can help with this.
Radio Ministry
Mary Boudreau, Evangelism Commission
This is a wonderful way to remember or honor loved ones. Very few of us have the need for more “material” gifts, so give the gift of faith! Contact Pat Basgall in the church office to select a Sunday to sponsor. The cost is just $230 per week, and several people can join together to sponsor a week. Keep God’s word going out over the airwaves!
Fellowship Coffee Hour – Thanks for your help
Alice Pifer, Chair, Fellowship Coffee Hour
I want to thank all of you who have generously offered your time and energy to work during the Fellowship Coffee Hour.
We still need volunteers; three to four workers (who also bring cookies) for each Coffee Hour and two people to just bring cookies.
To volunteer: Please sign up on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall or call me at 694–0686.
In the meantime, I will make calls to ask for your help on a Sunday of your choice. This enjoyable fellowship can only go on with your help. I look forward to working with you.
Totes and backpacks hauled to Bolivia
Dottie Stark
One hundred totes and backpacks will be sent to Bolivia with the Hudy family as they return to their mission work. Thank you to Cathy Amundsen, Marte Boot, Sue Mills, Ann Snyder, Dottie Stark, Peg Stebbins, Pat Wangen, and Stephanie Westerfield for their fine sewing.
The Shalom Center presents “Middle East Peace Possibilities”
7:00 - 8:30 p.m., May 16
Excellent, up–to–date speaker, The Rev. John Boley, in the library at Central UMC
Bread for the World Offering of Letters + Cookie Sale
Carolyn Schuurmans, Co-Chair, Mission Commission
This Mother’s Day we will again have tables in fellowship hall with letters concerning hunger issues for our senators and representatives. The Mission Commission hopes you will take a few minutes to sign a letter and address an envelope in your handwriting. Also, please buy some delicious cookies. You may prefer to take a letter home and write it in your own words - even more effective.
The Bread for the World theme for the letters is “Keep the Promise on Hunger and Health.” The “promise” was made by President Bush in March of 2002 at the United Nations Development Conference in Monterey, Mexico: We fight against poverty because hope is an answer to terror. We fight against poverty because opportunity is a fundamental right to human dignity. We fight against poverty because faith requires it. And we fight against poverty with a growing conviction that major progress is within our reach. This led to the establishment of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).
The MCA is intended to markedly increase the amount of development assistance given to countries already making progress toward the goals. They must demonstrate good governance practices, investment in their citizens, and sound economic policies. Secretary of State Colin Powell said, “The war against terrorism is bound up in the war against poverty.”
Bread for the World also works for the millennium development goal to halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and to reverse the incidence of malaria and other diseases. President Bush asked Congress to commit $15 billion over the next five years to turn the tide against AIDS in the most afflicted nations.
Congress has authorized $3 billion for 2004 but appears likely to make only $2 billion available. Similarly, of the $1.3 billion Bread for the World has been advocating for the Millennium Challenge Account, the House has approved just $800 million, and the Senate Appropriations Committee, $1 billion. The administration has promised to commit $5 billion per year to MCA starting in 2006.
We will again have a cookie sale (2 delicious cookies for $2) to earn money for Bread for the World work. Bread for the World has been following Jesus’ call to serve the poor and hungry for 30 years. The 2003 letter signing was especially successful in maintaining U.S. funding for hungry people.
UMW Rummage Sale
Dottie Stark
A rummage sale to earn money for UMW mission pledge will be held on May 21 and 22 at the home of Dottie and Jim Stark, 2301 Wellesley Drive, Lansing.
Your saleable, pre-priced items may be delivered to our home Saturday, May 15 or Thursday, May 20. Workers will be needed to set up, sell, and to deliver unsold items to other help organizations. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall if you can help.
Life Transformed
Rev. Jim McDonald, a Presbyterian pastor, is V.P. for programs and policy at Bread for the World
For Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus, Easter morning began before dawn. With tears not yet dry, brought low by the death of the one they loved (who seemed to be Love itself), the two women visited the tomb. That’s how Easter began: in grief and darkness of a shattered world.
Both were convinced that death had dominion and was once again working its will-invading the human spirit, capturing the vulnerable, compromising the innocent. They must have thought evil was on the rampage: fostering prejudice and fanning the flames of hate; breeding indifference and encouraging blind allegiance and unyielding authority; masking horrors and distorting truth; justifying violence among the powerful while feeding the fears of the weak...They thought the world had gone to hell.
Events of recent years, in our country and around the world, have reminded us about the fragility of life. Hungry and poor people know this fragility. Well. But of course, so do we all. Deep down, each of us is aware of just how vulnerable we are. Sometimes we too think the world has gone to hell.
We protect ourselves in whatever ways we can. Sometimes-oftentimes-we become fearful people, afraid of life itself because of its fragility and vulnerability...When we live in this way, we live without hope. Indeed we’ve been defeated.
But Easter reveals a mystery: Love is stronger than death. Love never ends. Easter confronts our fears and shakes us with the power of God’s life-giving love. Resurrected life is not the old life resuscitated. It’s life transformed. Easter calls us to act in hope because we see the world and ourselves afresh, in the light of God’s powerful redeeming love...
You are invited to be a part of a miracle
Mary Boudreau
Central has been invited to participate in a wonderful opportunity! A group of churches are building a home for a local family this spring! In a very short time, many aspects of this “Build” have come together. You are invited to be a part of a miracle.
As you may know, Habitat for Humanity is an international, faith-based organization that seeks to build affordable, decent housing for people in need. Home-owners put “sweat-equity” into the home for their down payment. Volunteers and home owners together build the homes. Many of us learn “as we go” how to build homes - no experience necessary!
Habitat volunteers have acquired the building site, chosen a family, and selected the plan! Now it’s time to build a home! Along with the other churches, we need to raise $32,000 toward the house cost. We will start the home on May 13 and do a 5 day “Blitz Build”. Volunteers are needed to both work on the home AND provide food for the builders. As before, in-kind donations of building materials, appliances and services (plumbing, electrical, etc.) are always needed.
This is a great opportunity to build our Christian fellowship as we build a home for a family in need. If you have never volunteered for Habitat before, please attend an orientation session, either April 28 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, or May 13 at Calvary Lutheran, 6301 W. St. Joseph Hwy. Please contact Mary Boudreau at 372-4146 for more information.
Remember, you can help with this ecumenical build through:
Your prayers
Your financial contributions (please put “Habitat” in the ledger space)
Your materials and skills contributions (please contact Habitat at 374-1717)
Your participation as builders and supporters (especially cooking)
Central’s Adult Softball Team is preparing to start the 2004 season in mid-May.
Ed Keen
You are invited to be a part of this team of men and women. All regular season games will be played on Tuesday evenings starting at 6:30 p.m. (These are double headers.) The tentative dates for the season-end tournament are August 7–8.
The first practice, weather permitting, will be May 4 (location to be announced). If you can't make the first game but could make the second game which normally starts at about 7:40 p.m., that’s okay. If you can play only part of the season, such as early May to mid–June, that’s okay also. The only qualifications for team membership are that you are age 14 or older, have some softball/baseball experience, and are willing to enjoy the GAME and be part of the TEAM. There is no individual player fee. Jerseys are supplied by the Church. All players get to play and bat in each game they attend.
You can sign up using the sign up sheet in Fellowship Hall or by calling Ed Keen, 321–4967, evenings (e–mail is fastedd3@comcast.net). The season schedule will be published soon.
Spring planting time?
Mary Boudreau
Will Spring ever come? Will the road construction ever end? (These are two mutually exclusive issues in Michigan!) However, we as Christians must remain ever hopeful. Therefore, let us do some outdoor improvements at the church! It would be great to have some flowers in before Mother’s Day (May 9) so please join a group of your friends at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, to work on the gardens and grounds at Central. Please call Mary Boudreau at 372-4146
to R.S.V.P.
Thanks to members
Kayla Tipton, Co-Chair, Church and Society Commission
Members of the Church and Society Commission wish to express sincere appreciation to Central’s family members for their participation in recent events:
Thank you panel members Murray Brown, Joyce Joranko, Keith Pohl and Leora Stutes, and panel moderator, Pastor Russell, for sharing your experiences related to civil rights and race relations in February for Black History Month. We very much appreciate your time and stories.
Thank you to Bryce Berry, Janet Geisler, Bill Tennant and Caryn Welter for providing music preludes for the Lenten Luncheons. We are so fortunate to have gifted musicians here at Central. Thank you for giving time out of your busy schedules.
Book Review:
The Five People You Meet in Heaven, By Mitch Albom
Jess-Elizabeth Pinch
This is a most unusual book and an excellent read, too. The “you” in the title is not a generic term but rather it refers specifically to the principal character, the “hero” Eddie, around whom the story is centered. The unusual aspect of the book is that it begins with the last few moments of Eddie's life. Instead of ending with his accidental death, it proceeds with his adventures in heaven and the lessons he learns about his life that each of the five people he meets there have to teach him. It is only after he has understood what these lessons have resolved about the events in his life that he finally achieves the peace that heaven has for him.
Eddie, as a maintenance man for an amusement park, dies at the beginning of the book trying to save the life of a child who falls from a malfunctioning ride. His last memory is what he believes he is holding--the two hands of the little girl he is trying to save. All through the rest of the book he wonders if he did save her as he meets with each of the five people he had known or heard of before his death. He actually asks some of them, “Did I save her?”
The last resolution that the book finally brings for Eddie is that his life, which he believes had little meaning in being “just” a maintenance man in an amusement park, was in reality a fundamental success. Each of the five people help him to understand more clearly what each of them and each episode in his life has meant to him. Some encourage him to forgive as well as to seek the forgiveness he didn't realize he needed as the turn of his life's events impinged upon him.
Here's a book worth owning for ready reference from time to time.
Church Conference “makes statement”
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Administrative Council
Much gratitude and praise go to the members who attended the Church Conference on April 18th. The proposals presented by the Administrative Council in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and the Renewal Initiative Committee are challenging for us all. Those in attendance asked excellent questions and gave helpful suggestions to enhance those proposals. Each of you is cherished for your input in this process. Many prayers have been going up for the church, its vision and ministry, and for those in leadership positions.
We are indebted to the many individuals who have been giving enormous amounts of time to grapple with the present circumstances of our building and to plan for the future.
The Church Conference voted to approve the formation of a Restoration Task Force with an agenda limited in scope that will concentrate primarily on future building needs. The hiring of a consulting firm was approved and it will work with the Task Force to develop a list of building priorities that will be presented to the church membership prior to a “Miracle Sunday” in May 2005.
“Central Church is stepping into the future with faith...”
In order to accommodate our immediate needs, the Conference approved a line of credit, not to exceed $300,000. This line of credit will pay for the consultant, legal fees we might incur in the recovery of funds for termite and flooding damage, and immediate and necessary building repairs. The “Miracle Sunday” funds will be used to repay any indebtedness incurred, consultant fees, and the completion of as many of the building priorities developed with the consulting firm as is possible. Your continued prayers and support will be necessary for the successful completion of these projects.
Our Church Conference made a significant statement in support of maintaining the wonderful legacy which we have inherited. Central Church is stepping into the future with faith and sincerity of purpose.
Spring Book “Sale”
Ed Spink, Library Task Force
The Ralph Goodell Memorial Library will hold its Spring Book “Sale”
(by donation) Sunday, May 9, and Sunday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to noon
in the library.
Support the library by contributing your gently used books appropriate
for inclusion in the “sale.” Books may be left at the library desk or
at the Capitol Avenue reception desk. Include your name if you would
like a receipt.
Proceeds from the “sale” will be used to purchase new books, video tapes, and CDs.Find your summer reading at the “sale.”
RUN WITH DETERMINATION
MAY 22, 2004 AT 9 A.M.
Registration fees:
Individuals: $15 through May 21 – $20 on race day
Family fee: $35 through May 21,– $45 on race day
Central United Methodist Church is pleased to host the fourth annual Run With Determination, a special event highlighting Michigan’s Capitol and the Lansing River Trail. The proceeds of this event will support the outreach activities of Central United Methodist Church, such as the Food Bank, Thursday Fellowship Luncheon, Shalom Center for Peace and Justice, Sunday Radio Broadcast, and missions in Bolivia and Arizona.
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