Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         May, 2005

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Renaissance Sunday, May 8, and the inclusiveness of giving
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds

One of the strongest points being emphasized by the Renaissance Committee is the inclusiveness of the total Central church family in financially giving toward the $500,000 goal. We want full participation by all members and friends - babies through seniors-- on that Sunday. Our faith reason: Christian stewardship is meant to be inclusive of everyone. No one is to be left out in the support of God’s program of ministry. God created the giving opportunity that way and we as the Renaissance Committee have chosen to honor it.

We were reminded at a recent meeting of our commitment to the idea of involving everyone, regardless of circumstances, in the discussion of asking certain members directly for their support. Do we ask only people who appear to have more resources entrusted to them? The question gave opportunity for us to think of the true meaning of giving and stewardship. The widow’s mite story, where the woman gave all she had - two coins, received this comment from Jesus: “She gave more than all the others”. It is not about the amount of money. It is about an attitude in giving.

The experience of the widow’s mite, however, is not exclusive of the participation of those with possessions and other resources. Many people do not give because we do not ask directly for their support. The prophet Elijah was told by God to ask a poverty stricken woman for water and bread. He did. It was a direct appeal. Although she had only enough for her son and herself, she did what she was asked by Elijah. According to Scripture, because of her faithfulness, she and her household never ran out of a meal.

The point is that we must ask people directly to give toward the $500,000 goal, regardless of financial status. We appeal in all kinds of ways-skits, public announcements, letters, telephone calls and word of mouth. Inclusive giving is always an opportunity that must be presented. We are doing you and ourselves a favor by presenting the opportunity to give what we have received from God.

Giving is inclusive because God wants us to give both from our resources (assets) and from our poverty (what we need for ourselves). Christian giving is sacrificial.

What will determine the faithfulness of Renaissance Sunday? Will the receipt of $500,000 or more be the determining factor? No! The determining factor will be the full and total involvement of every member and friend in Renaissance Sunday. Everybody must come forward with a financial gift-regardless of amount. We want people to give according to their ability to give. “To whom much is given, much is required”

Our attitude: we are glad to be able to give back to a giving and loving God - God loves a cheerful giver. Be prayerful in your giving to and through the church. Your gift is needed.
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Renaissance Task Force

Confessions: Most probably, I am one of the least likely persons to chair a major fund-raising effort. When Rev. McReynolds and I discussed my chairing the Renaissance Task Force, I confessed to him that I was no fund-raising expert, no “mover and shaker” and no close friend of the rich and famous. My ability to ask others for money is so insecure that when our daughters were supposed to sell items for school, I would buy them myself.

But I accepted Russell’s request because I began to realize that I didn’t matter. When our task force members were recruited, not one person turned us down! I received the assurance that we are in God’s providence. I believe that if we as a church are genuinely doing what God would call us to do, if our Christianity is truly authentic, then our means would be there to continue in ministry through this building.

We are asking for $500,000 to begin a restoration process that may take several years. Our consultant, Dave Swanson, has suggested priority items that can be accomplished through the implementation of a long range master plan. Truthfully, because of the age and constant use of the building, that job has to be ongoing.

> $500,000 to begin to refurbish buildings insured for $10,000,000. Actually, these structures are irreplaceable and could not be duplicated for any amount of money. We truly have been gifted by those who came before.

>$500,000 when economic woes are creat- ing concern among our membership.

>$500,000 when we haven’t hit it big in the Lotto (we United Methodists frown on gambling), neither Oprah Winfrey nor Bill Gates is among our membership and none of us are CEO’s of major corporations.

It is very tempting for us to believe that someone out there with much deeper pockets than ours will surely step forward to give a large sum to reach our goal. Maybe that is possible. But how much better it is for us to know that this congregation is full of dedicated and generous people who have given so beautifully in the past, and who support the ongoing ministry of the church.

So, what is God calling us to do? Only to do our own individual best. The Gospels tell the story of the widow’s mite for this reason. It is only through our collective giving and faithfulness that we can take ownership of the future. We have an opportunity to gift to the next generations, just as those one hundred years ago have gifted us. I’ve had to give over to the Lord the realities that I see and hear. Yes, we have fewer members than in past years. Yes, we don’t all always agree on spending priorities. Yes, these are troublesome economic times.

But each generation of Central Christians has faced its own set of challenges. Perhaps the Task Force should be more aggressive in our fund-raising. After all, we are asking on behalf of this congregation. However, our prayer has been that God would pour out his great Spirit into our hearts and minds to grant each of us wisdom for what is feasible and honest for us to give. We will trust for the future.

If you have any questions regarding the fundraising for May 8, please notify the church office and a member of our calling team will contact you as soon as possible. Bless each one of you for your faithfulness!
Education
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

May Sunday morning adult electives

Chapel Video Series:

“ProActive Parenting” is a series of DVDs featuring a teaching style similar to the popular “Seven Habits” courses. We are offering, Handling Anger, one of the 4-week DVD studies. Mike MacLaren is facilitating this class which began April 17.
And Thou Shalt Honor, a warm and caring PBS documentary, will be showing May 15 and 24. The program examines the various aspects of caregiving and is an outstanding guide for family caregivers present and future. And it is an important source of solace and comfort to those who provided caregiving to now-deceased spouses, parents and friends. We would like to begin showing this video each Sunday at 11:05 so there will be time at the end of each class for a short discussion.
Cuba Mission Study
There are still four Sundays left in this very interesting study. Please join our enthusiastic teacher, Patsy Coffman, in the classroom at the north end of the dining room at 11:10.

Learning From Jesus Series: A New and Living Way.
Basic Christian concepts are discussed with the help of this video, featuring Jamie Buckingham, and other resources. Meet in the Library at 11:10. Joi Tennant is leading.

Genesis to Revelation Bible Study with Dale Kirkby. Now studying the book of Proverbs. Meet in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at 11:10.

Coffee House Conversations in the 1st Floor Lounge at 11:15.

CAMPERS! NOW IS THE HOUR!

Bring your registration forms to the church for Pastor Russell to sign. Then stop by the reception desk and ask the volunteer there to copy your form and put it in our campership file so that you can receive your $100 campership from the church. We will mail one check to the registrars of the West Michigan Conference and the Detroit Conference. Our church campership money has to be in the registrars’ hands by May 15! That means you must leave a copy of your registration form with us by May 10! We will not be writing individual checks for late-comers because computer check-writing is very time-consuming for our bookkeeper. Don’t miss out! Please call Joi if you have questions.

Celebrate our Confirmands May 15

I am hearing from many sources that the confirmation class experience has been wonderful in every respect for the students and the mentor-teachers alike. Both Pastor Russell and Pastor Bill tell me they have been richly blessed by their involvement with these thoughtful, beautiful young people.

Our pastors also are so very impressed with the leadership and relational skills displayed by Jamie Tipton and Steve Lyons, who have been working with the confirmation class in addition to their S3 (youth fellowship) responsibilities. God has certainly been very present in the midst of this group since their first class on March 6. I am grateful to Linda Thompson for her ideas and encouragement when we started planning for confirmation in January. I also want to thank Laurie Bates for making the arrangements with the families who contributed the Sunday lunches before each of the 8 classes.

I hope you will make a special effort to show your support of these 12 young people as we welcome them into full membership at Central on May 15.

Our confirmands are:
Addie Forgrave, Ashley Grettenberger, Caroline MacLaren, Effrem Grettenberger, Katie Kline, Katie Jo Knechtel, Kelsey Cooper, Linda Akono, Sarah Kline, Sarah Sanders, Seth Holoweiko, Suzanne MacLaren.

Got a Lion Lyin’ Around?

Or a giraffe or zebra somewhere? How about some old safari clothes tucked away in a closet? An old canvas tent? Well, listen up! We need them for Vacation Bible School! Our theme is Serengeti Trek, “where kids are wild about God.”

We will be turning the stage and Fellowship Hall into the plains of Africa. We have lots of ideas, but maybe you have even better ideas you would share with us. Or even better, we’d be thrilled if you’d help us create this scene. Do you have some old drop cloths that you wouldn’t mind us covering with spray paint? And if you haven’t already disposed of your dry decorative tall grasses in your landscaping from last year, we really would love to have them, too. Large pieces of foam insulation or cardboard would be put to good use. Joi will be happy to stop by and pick up any of these items.

We’re getting ready to make a week of great fun and learning about God for all the kids in our “neighborhood.” We need lots of helpers for all kinds of jobs. Please volunteer before Joi has to twist your arm!

Soon you’ll see a tree in Fellowship Hall loaded with “paws” that name all the things we will be needing for scenery, art projects, snacks, games. We hope you will check it out and help our budget by donating or loaning the requested items. Thank you in advance for your contributions!

Serengeti Trek is July 18 - 22, 6:00 to 8:30 PM. Pre-registration forms will be available in just a couple weeks for you to give to any kids you’d like to bring.
New Adult Elective September 11 to October 9

Led by Jim Stark, Getting to Better Know your own Worldview. Do you know that YOU are the designer of your worldview and the object of design? That worldview is YOUR personal identity. It represents who you are and what you want to be. When you make decisions, it is your standard of reference for truth and morality.
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Many thanks go to Darlene and Ben Banks for their help in getting Central's handbells to and from Mt. Pleasant on April 15 and 16 for a workshop that was sponsored by the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and the Worship Arts. Thanks, too, for their attendance on our behalf at the handbell portions of the event, which were under the direction of noted handbell clinician Janet Van Valey. Thanks go to all the Central Chancel Choir members who prepared for and participated in the Greater Lansing Choral Fest at Plymouth Congregational Church on April 24. The event, under the direction of Michigan State University's Dr. Sandra Snow, featured a rich variety of church anthems for the liturgical year. It's always heart-warming to see such fine representation from our own members. Section leaders Lindsay Kesselman and Rob Parks, along with Chancel Choir member Colleen Papas and former alto section leader Corey Rivera, have been selected as part of an eight-person MSU team that will combine with eight Chinese students in an intriguing choral endeavor. The group from China will work here for a week with their U.S. counterparts; then, our group will go with them back to China for a week's work in their country. What an honor this is! Congratulations!

Summer music invitations will be extended soon. From a preliminary list of those who have sung or played in recent years, or have expressed interest in doing so in the future, names were drawn from a hat to determine the order in which individuals or families would be invited for summer, 2005. The Music Committee viewed this as the fairest way to proceed. Shirley and Bruce Goodrich will organize and implement the plan.

As the program year winds down, Wesley Choristers and the Youth Fine Arts Group are scheduled to sing on both May 8 and May 22. The Spirit Singers will also sing on May 8 and May 22; the Central Bell Ringers will ring in worship on May 8; the Chancel Choir will sing May 1, 8, 15, and 22. On June 5, its final day of participation in worship for this program year, the Chancel Choir will sing Robert Ray's "Gospel Mass," a work that promises to be exciting and inspirational.
Spring Book “Sale”

Ed Spink, Library Task Force

The Ralph Goodell Memorial library will hold its Spring Book “Sale” (by donation) on Sunday, May 8, and Sunday, May 15 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 or CDs for your reading enjoyment.

United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

Chalice Chicks will meet again June 6 at 6 p.m., for dinner and a discussion of The DaVinici Code. All are welcome! The church library has a copy of the book, which is an interesting read. This group is open to all. Our last meeting, to discuss The Red Tent, was spirited. Our next book is The Secret Life of Bees, which we will discuss in the fall.

Spring Spiritual Renewal is here at Central Saturday, May 7. Our program will be presented by Rev. Rae Franke from Lansing Trinity UMC. It is a wonderful opportunity to be with women across the district and feed your soul. We'll be singing, laughing, praying and studying the Bible. In short, we'll be United Methodist Women. Registration sheets are on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall. I hope you can come and participate with us that day.

There will be an in-gathering of arts and crafts supplies for Community House in Grand Rapids that day, also. They have requested fabric paints, white t-shirts (XXX), yarns, fabric, stitchery kits, etc. They like to paint ceramics too, so if you have ceramics that don't need to be fired, and the paints to paint them with, they would be appreciated.

If you will not be able to fully participate that day, please consider helping with lunch, coffee, etc. Call the church office if you can help Saturday with coffee, lunch and clean up or Friday afternoon with set up.

May Mission Team will meet Thursday, May 5 at 10 a.m., in the Grove Multipurpose Room.

Dates to Remember~
Spiritual Renewal Retreat - Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lansing Central UMC

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.
Alice Pifer, Chair, Fellowship Coffee Hour

Spring has finally sprung and if you’re like me, you are enjoying the warm weather and watching the Spring flowers come up. And it is always a joy to share our garden planting experiences with each other during Fellowship Coffee Hour. But to keep this very enjoyable fellowship time going, I need volunteers. If you could spare a Sunday or two during May, June and/or July, please sign up on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or call me at 694-0686.
ELDERBERRYS STRIKE IT RICH!
Frank Anderson

There is a time when we are "rich in things and poor in soul". But older adults who met last Tuesday the 12th of April, became rich in soul as Louise Thomas of Kentwood MI challenged us to sure ways to grow spiritually, regardless. Thanks to Louise it was time well spent.

In the Month of May we have an exciting excursion under way to visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. By all indications, we will have volunteer drivers. However, we must have 12 paid reservations to confirm our reservations in Grand Rapids on May 10. We'll confirm admission fee later, but plan on $6 each. Furthermore, we each purchase our own snack or light lunch for perhaps $5 to $7. This will be topped off with a share of travel expense of about $2, depending. That brings the total for the day to $15. Please look for a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall every Sunday and give your deposit of $5 to Rev. Frank Anderson, the self appointed coordinator for that entire Day. Thank you. Note: If you require special food, please bring it with you.

Central is getting Power Point and Publisher software! While Publisher has been available in the publishing office, it will now be available to our program staff too. To take full advantage of this "new" (to us) technology, we are looking for a lap top and a projector. If you know of anyone who is upgrading (or looking for a place to donate new), please keep Central in mind. Thank you.
- Pat Mort
Among Friends

Remember...

At press time...
Central family members in Iraq
Lillian Rush - at home
C. Jon Holmes - out of town
Mary Marshall - at home
Harold Leeman - at home
Jewell Cook - at home
Dale Kirkby - at home
Mary Yard - hospice care at home
Maxcene Fitch - at home
Georgia Mead - at home
Mary Jacobs - at Burcham Health Center
Please keep these individuals in your prayers.
Thank you…
....to our Central Family during this new battle with cancer. You have surrounded us with your love and prayers, showered us with cards and calls, and blessed us with your visits. You, as the hands of God, have sustained us when nothing else could. Thank you for your permission and support as we begin this next phase of our journey. A special thanks to the youth whose Sunday night “card and cookie blitz” was a delightful surprise. Both were enjoyed as they nourished our body and our soul.
Dale & Carolyn Kirkby

On behalf of the Ralph Gibbs family, I would like to express sincere thanks for the thoughtfulness of church members, friends, and pastors during Dad's stay at Burcham Hills Retirement Center and during our time of sorrow. We received many wonderful cards and expressions of sympathy. They have meant so much to us.
Marie Gibbs, Ron and Jerrie Lynn Gibbs

Transitions…

Ralph Gibbs, died March 30, 2005

THANK YOU ...

….to each one who bought Valentines and /or contributed to the Blanket Project in February and to those who helped make the Valentines. We were able to purchase 222 blankets with your help. As you snuggle down under your blanket tonight think of the others who can do the same because of your caring. God bless each one of you.
- Sue Grettenberger, Cathy Amundsen
Large delivery on its way to the Hudy family in Bolivia Dale Kirkby

By the time you read this, 200 students at Rio Colorado School in Bolivia will be enjoying gifts from many United Methodist Churches in Michigan and Alabama, including Central.

A much talked about container left Lansing on February 25, sailed from Miami on March 24, and was due to arrive in Africa, Chile on April 21. Special prayers were said as it was shipped on the MSC Tasmania. Once through customs in Chile, it will travel by land to La Paz, Bolivia where it will go through customs again. There it will be unloaded and taken by smaller trucks to the school-17 hours away.

A second container will be shipped shortly from Traverse City First UMC with a Kubota tractor, a corn planter, a corn picker, a potato digger, 8-ton wagon gear and additional farm equipment. Donations were too great to fit everything in one container, but cash is still appreciated to help with shipping costs.

Thanks to the men’s Fourth Day group and youth who helped palletize things at Kitchens & Interiors warehouse, Kurt’s Delivery Service who moved the pallets to Lansing, All Tech Automotive who moved the van and Mike Cooper who got it ready. Also thanks to Friedland Industries who staged the container, received everything and loaded it. Special thanks to all the helpers who “came out of the woodwork” and made this happen while I was in the hospital. I wondered how long God had been standing there saying “Dale, relax, this is My job and it will happen”. Thanks Be To God!!

And please continue to support our hard-working, faithful Central family missionaries, Peter and Estela, with your gifts and prayers. Look for special envelopes in the pews this month. And Thank You!
Central’s Adult Softball Team prepares for the 2005 season
Ed Keen

You are invited to be a part of this team of men and women. The league members are other Lansing area Methodist Churches.

The first practice, weather permitting, will be May 3 (location to be announced). All regular season games will be played on Tuesday evenings starting at 6:30 PM. These are double headers and if you can't make the first game but can 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: fastedd3@comcast.net). The season schedule will be published soon. The tentative first game is May 10 (locations to be set). The dates for the season-end tournament are July 22-23
Restoration Report available on line at Central’s website:
Restoring Historic Central:
Making the Report Come Alive!
Larry Beckson, Chair, Restoration Task Force

The October 2004 Central Journal announced that a Restoration Task Force had been established “to define the projects that need to be carried out to meet the immediate and longer term needs of our building”. The article called attention to the need for Central to continue our ministry to the community and the need to restore and renew our building in the same way that we continue to restore and renew ourselves.

This is the eighth monthly Central Journal report from the task force to you. In our last report, it was stated that “you will not be disappointed” with the restoration report. The long awaited Restoration Report has been issued, and we know that many of you have taken the opportunity to learn about what is included in the report. We encourage you to continue to learn more about the potentials for restoration that are found in the report. Copies of the complete report from Swanson Design Studios continue to be available in the church office. Most of it is also found on Central’s website. A summary report was distributed to those attending the April 10 and April 17 meetings that were held in Fellowship Hall. Extra copies of the report can be borrowed from the church office. The report includes:

The report provides an overall assessment of the building systems (architectural, mechanical, electrical, etc.), an assessment of the condi- tion of each part of the buildings, estimated restoration costs and priorities.

Persons reading the report are attracted to different things. Some see the potential of a morning worship service in the summer with a comfortable temperature in the sanctuary. Others see restoration potentials of the Fellowship Hall. Others see the need for actions to make our facilities more barrier free. Still others rejoice in the good physical condition of our buildings. The structural integrity of the buildings is indeed good news. The cup is both full and empty.

Those at Central who have been saying for years that we need to look at our buildings on a long range basis and that we need a master plan for the restoration and preservation of Central, now have the basis for the establishment of that master plan.

There are items listed in the report that are high priorities that need our attention in the next 1-2 years, as well as items that are crucial for the continued use of our buildings. When restoration has occurred, the use of the building and our ministries will be enhanced.

The Restoration Report will come alive as projects are identified, funding provided and the projects implemented. As you know, the Renaissance Task Force has been communicating with all of us about the financial needs and opportunities, and plans for Renaissance Sunday, May 8.

As always, If you have questions at any time about anything regarding the restoration of Central, including the Restoration Report, please contact any member of the Restoration Task Force - Kathy MacLaren, Kathy Prout, Gene Welter, or Larry Beckon.
Inserted in this newsletter is the Peace with Justice Sunday offering envelope for May 22. This annual offering supports ministries of peace and justice across the West Michigan Conference including our own Shalom Center housed here at Central Church. Make your check payable to West Michigan Conference Treasurer and earmark it "Peace with Justice Sunday." Thank You! -Bob Roth
Renaissance Sunday - A Miracle for Central Mother's Day, May 8, will be a day of celebration!

We thank God for our many blessings. As an expression of thanks, I/we wish to contribute to the Renaissance Sunday Fund Drive as follows:


$__________________ Cash Gift (Cash or Check attached)


$__________________ Short Term Pledge Gift


Length of Time: ___________________________________


$__________________ Other Gift Contribution(s)


Description of Gift: ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

(The church cannot be directly involved in the disposal of items that must be sold except for financial instruments and certain real estate property)


Name: _______________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________

Bring this completed form to the May 8 worship service or mail to, or drop off at the church office. (Note: You may highlight copy and paste this section into your word processing program. Then print it out and fill it out.)
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