Central United Methodist Church   



Founded
1850

           C e n t r a l   J o u r n a l

       Informing Members and Friends - Encouraging Fellowship and Spiritual Growth      

      A monthly publication of Central United Methodist Church, Lansing, Michigan

                     e L E C T R O N I C  e D I T I O N

           May 2008         
Spring is for Transformation

The buds on the trees are swelling more each day, their color changing from red to green. Spring flowers are in bloom. Lawns are beginning to "green up." After a long winter it really looks like spring may be here. Freshness and new life are all around. People feel it too. As you walk in your neighborhood or take a drive you see folks out in their yards doing spring clean-up, raking lawns and preparing flower beds. It is an annual season of transformation.

At the Keep Making Peace rally hosted by our church, April 12, the Rev. Bob Edgar, United Methodist minister and immediate past president of the National Council of Churches spoke powerfully on pressing issues which the entire world faces: Peace and War, Poverty and Planet Earth. He talked about the challenges and about the tremendous possibilities there are for change when people become aware of the issues and then begin to do something about them. He talked about transformation.

All around there are signs of transformation. Just a few days ago, April 22 was Earth Day. On or near that date countless people all around the globe turned out for projects or events which were designed to help improve our environment and to raise awareness of environmental issues. On Sunday, May 4, we will celebrate Peace with Justice Sunday. Our own Rev. Bob Roth, a long time advocate for peace will bring the message. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5: 25, NRSV). Witnessing and working for peace in a world which suffers so much from war is transforming work.

The challenges are huge, but God calls us to face the challenges. Now, here is the amazing thing. We do not face the challenges alone. God is about transformation. In the book of Isaiah God says, "Behold I am doing a new thing". In Revelation the message is the same, "Behold, I make all things new". God always provides the resources and power to accomplish the things God calls us to do. As we become informed about the issues, as we study God's word, as we pray for God's direction, as we work together to take specific action, God gives us what we need to take the next step, and transformation begins to take place.

All around we can see the transformation of spring. All around there is a yearning for transformation in our world; a transformation from war to peace, from poverty to sustainable plenty for all, and to a way of life which supports our precious planet earth. May we, as God's children, work for this transformation.
Christ's Grace and Peace,
Joe
Trustees Restoration Report
Larry Beckon, Chair, Board of Trustees

As reported in earlier issues of the Central Journal, the Board of Trustees has selected five restoration projects to be mainly financed by the Renaissance Fund. These projects were approved by the Administrative Council on March 19. Additional funds will be provided from Memorial Funds.

Capitol Avenue entry vestibule, including outside doors.
Capitol Avenue entry lobby
Fellowship Hall pre-function area (between lobby & Fellowship Hall)
Ottawa Street entry vestibule, including outside doors.
Family barrier-free restroom

The trustees have tentatively selected a location for the family barrier-free restroom, which will be near the SE corner of Fellowship Hall.

In addition to the five restoration projects listed above, the trustees plan to use part of the Estes Restoration Fund to focus on protecting Central's buildings by installing a comprehensive fire alarm system. Work on developing the details for this protection project are not as far along as the work on the five restoration projects, but it is expected that actual construction work on all of these projects will be done in the same time period.

The trustees have contracted with Swanson Design Studios to develop schematic plans and construction documents, handle the bidding for the restoration, and represent Central during the construction work. Several special meetings have been held with Swanson Design Studio to make more detailed decisions about each of the restoration projects. Additional meetings will be held before we are ready to seek bids on the projects.

Tentative plans are to have the work on all of these projects completed by contractors during the time period of June 16 through about Labor Day. We expect there will need to be some times when some areas of the church will not be available for normal activities. For example, when the Capitol Street entry vestibule is "under construction", there will need to be a "detour" to get into the church. There are no details at this time as to what will be "under construction" when.

Please continue to read the Central Journal and the Sunday bulletins to keep up with the planning for the construction work and for the detour plans.
Education
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Ministries
Your Niche at Central

A place for you at Central on Sunday morning after Coffee Hour.

This is my goal for all the adults in our congregation. This goal is forming my vision for next fall. Small Groups are places where people are comfortable together and are drawn to a similar interest because of age or spiritual longing or driving social passion or life experience.

Would you be more inclined to come regularly to a Sunday morning Small Group where you interact with the same people weekly, help choose your study material, get more closely connected as friends, and occasionally share in some act of service together? Three of our current Sunday School Classes are already shaping up as "Small Groups". They only need a little tweaking to make the switch to become a true "Small Group". What kind of group would draw you into regular participation? If you have an idea for a new Small Group that might attract others, I am very interested in talking with you.

"Coffee House" lives
Rumor has it that there is lively discussion and interaction among the participants in this newest version of the class that is now meeting in the 1st Floor Lounge. Greg Ross, who with his wife, Diane, is fairly new to our congregation, is the enthusiastic moderator. Here is Greg's invitation to you!
COFFEEHOUSE CONVERSATIONS: The doors to the Coffeehouse are always open for adults of all ages. Choose a topic close to your heart and present it in an informal, small group setting. We will discuss the topic in light of scripture. Our purpose is to grow in the knowledge of God and learn how to better love one another. Feel welcome to interact, or, come just to listen. We are located in the first floor lounge, 11:00 a.m. "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Col 2:8.

Senior Sunday & Potluck Brunch, June 8
Celebrate our graduating seniors! Save Sunday, June 8, for our Potluck Brunch immediately following worship. Egg casseroles and beverages furnished. The rest is up to your creative classic culinary cuisine! Either breakfast or lunch foods are appropriate for this potluck. No need to cook - donuts, bananas, or a bowl of fresh yogurt will be fine! The seniors and their families are our guests, so please bring a generous dish for our buffet table, and join us for this church family get-together.

"Praying in Color" class continues
Come to the Dining Room in the basement for three more Sundays in May and join in this new, freeing prayer experience where we use markers, colored pencils and gel pens. I have been asked to keep the class going so that more can actually learn and practice this kind of praying. So now you can come and find out what this is all about! If you tend to be a doodler (no art talents necessary), you might really discover this is a wonderful way to spend time with God.
Endless possibilities

It may well be that the world is denied miracle after miracle and triumph after triumph because we will not bring Christ what we have and what we are. If, just as we are, we would lay ourselves on the altar of service of Jesus Christ, there is no saying what Christ could do with us and through us. -William Barclay
Worship and Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Good-bye, Rebecca and Rob Parks! We've been blessed to have Rob serve in the Chancel Choir as a section leader for the past five years. His incredible talent and kind, generous spirit have combined with a remarkable ability to lead in quiet, calm, positive ways. As Rob has led his section, he also has done many, many things above and beyond the call of his immediate responsibilities. He has sung for countless church and community events, oftentimes sliding in between his MSU classes.

A recent graduate of Michigan State University, where he majored in Music Education, Rob's future looks promising and exciting. Rob awaits word from Riverdance producers in Ireland about a possible part with one of its troupes, following the audition-based recommendation of the The North American Tour's Music Director. He and Rebecca have moved to New York City, where she will be a Manhattan senior interior design project manager for Group 2112.

Not surprisingly, Rob gave generously of his time while at MSU. He starred as Don Giovanni in the presentation of "Don Giovanni" and played a key role in the University's premiere of "Florencia". He traveled to China as part of an opera exchange program, and performed with the Chorale that went to Miami for an ACDA conference. He sang with the Accafellas, an eight-part male a cappella ensemble with a pop repertoire. Outside the University setting, Rob was a featured soloist with the Earl Nelson Singers.

Rob wishes to thank the church, particularly the Choir, for providing him with a family for the past five years - a "very stable environment in an unstable time of my life". He lauds the group as being caring, not "cutthroat". Further, he says to all, "Thank you very much. We'll be back!" We, the friends and church family of Rob and Rebecca, are happy to know that.

Choir member Megan Stieg shared her talent in our choirs when she came to MSU to further her work in English, with a focus on contemporary popular fiction. She has now moved back to Winter Park, Florida, where she will continue with her editing and writing efforts. Then, two summers ago when she interned for Scholastic Books, her long-time goal of becoming an editor was realized. The internship also gave her an opportunity to write children's books, a passion of hers. This summer, she will again be interning for Tangerine Press, while looking for editing positions outside the realm of children's literature. She plans to spend three weeks in Spain with her sister who will be studying there, and to take a mission trip to Mexico with her dad. Thanks, Megan!

Do you remember the Jean-Baptist Robin concert? An additional benefit to our church took the form of the organ's being totally gone over by our technician, Brian Fowler, at no expense to us. That was a huge gift to Central. We sincerely thank Brian.

Upcoming on May 18 - The Celebration of Music in Worship will incorporate talents of all our groups. The service will begin with a difficult solo by trumpeter Simon Holoweiko. It will be the last day of the program year for Preschoolers, Wesley Choristers, Youth, and the Spirit Singers. Come and experience the blessings of music in this part of your spiritual life. Bring your family and friends to this joyful, reflective, and prayerful celebration.

The Sunday, June 1, Chancel Choir "work" has been transformed into a medley of favorite anthems. Hopefully, one of them will touch each and every person's head or heart in a special way. The Choir looks very much forward to this opportunity. We hope you do, as well.

Sunday, June 8, will be our beloved Trey Jacobs' last day. Come and share the occasion of his final service in what has been a rich, memorable, marvelous ministry to our Chancel Choir and the people of Central. A reception in Trey's honor will follow worship, in Fellowship Hall
A History of Central's Outreach Program
Justin Sleight, Chair, Open Door

In 1922 the Scott Temple House was built as an addition to Central Methodist Church. Its intent was to serve the community. It has a gym with locker rooms and showers, a bowling alley and auditorium, lounges and meeting rooms and a large dining room with full kitchen.

For many years there has been a Ministry of Kindness fund administered by the Senior Pastor to give financial assistance for emergency needs for members and non-members of the church.

In 1980, a new dimension was added to our community service to the homeless, hungry and needy of Lansing. We offered the use of our hall phone and restrooms every day and a Thursday noon meal every week. We started the distribution of used clothing and articles left over from rummage sales and we opened a Food Bank outlet.

In 2000 we started using the first floor lounge on Thursday mornings before our Fellowship Lunch for refreshments and conversation. The use of these services grew to the point that it involved so much of the pastor's and the church staff's time, as well as the expense of providing these services, that changes needed to be made.

In late 2003 we formed an independent 501(C)3 charitable corporation as the Open Door Ministry of Downtown Lansing. The intent was to have this a community ministry with a broad base of financial and personnel support. We were given a start-up grant for the first two years of $91,000 by the Kellogg Foundation to organize our corporation and develop the base of support needed to sustain it. We also received a pledge from the Granger Foundation for an annual commitment of at least $25,000. Open Door was officially approved as an affiliate of CUMC in 2006.

In January 2004, Cris Bobier, formally director of Potter Park Outreach, became the Executive Director. She immediately strengthened our ministry with her ability to relate to and counsel those in need, as well as knowing where to refer them for additional help.

In 2005, we were given a used Ford Explorer which is used for food pick up and as a moving van, taxi, etc. Shortly after Cris started working, we expanded the collecting and distributing of new and used clothing and added personal needs as well as household items. Because of this increase, in the summer of 2006 we upgraded the storage room at the south end of our dining room. This upgrade was a donation of time and materials by the Bath United Methodist Church. New storage shelves for the area were another gift. We also expanded the use of the First Floor Lounge to every week day 8:30 am-4 pm, and we developed our Ministry of Presence program which requires at least two people helping in the lounge at all times.

In January 2006 we began offering the use of our laundry and shower facilities on a regular basis. The laundry was in the corner room at the north end of the dining room. Later that year, with grants from the Granger Foundation and the Capital Region Community Foundation, plus an individual gift, we changed a storage room near the men's restroom in the basement into a shower room and laundry room. The dryers are in the old laundry area. We purchased two new front load washers and a new dryer. The Food Bank has recently added the last Friday morning of the month to its regular Wednesday morning distribution time.

The arrangements we have with Central United Methodist Church regarding the use of their facilities to house the ministry is based on the principal that the church will not make any profit from our presence nor that we cost the church more than they would have to pay for utilities, supplies, etc., if we were not here. At present we pay a fixed percentage of the gas, electric, water and sewage bills, plus a fixed amount for the phone, steam heat, certain supplies, the cost of use of the copy machine, postage and long-distance calls.

I hope this gives a better understanding of the background of this ministry. What the future holds and how we get there is up to us.
How Are We Going Green?
Joyce Joranko, Church and Society

My son is turning into his grandfather. For all the years I lived with my parents, my father would constantly be reminding us to turn lights off. He was conscious of what the cost was, and we couldn't afford to be burning lights that we weren't using. My son is currently involved with an environmental group who seeks to make us all aware of what energy use is costing us, both in terms of affecting climate change and in depleting Earth's resources. So now he tells me to turn lights off!

Over the last several years, we have all read or heard about many energy saving ideas and are implanting some of them. Church and Society would like for members and friends of Central to make lists of what you are currently doing and send them in. We will compile and display these so you can see that we are making a difference, and we can get ideas from each other. Send your list to joranko@sbcglobal.net (subject Going Green) or give it to Joyce, Pat Bell, Joanne Harvey or Kendra Skinner.

Also, if you are having trouble finding a size or type of Compact Florescent Light Bulb go to Michigan Interfaith Power and Light site, www.miipl.org click on: Buy Now and Save. Central is a member church. If you would like to know your carbon footprint go to: www.natureconservancy.org and scroll to bottom of left column on the first page. You can also learn about carbon offsets at that site.

Below are some of the ways Church and Society members are going green:
> Switched most bulbs in house to CFL.
> Using old dish towels for cleaning instead of paper towels.
> Using biodegradable cleaning and washing products or just vinegar. >Purchased energy star dishwasher and TV.
> Purchased Meijer fabric shopping bags for 99c, carry bags in car, use every grocery day
> Recycle all office paper, newspapers, magazines, styrofoam, box-board.
> Turn off lights in un-used rooms in the evening
> Keep heat source turned off in un-used rooms
> Run dishwasher only when full - on energy saving cycle
> Use, good one/side paper, to print e-mail copies
Peace with Justice
Sunday, May 4
Cathy Amundsen, Missions, Penny Zago, Shalom Center

This offering is used through out the United Methodist Church in ministries which work for social justice and peace within our communities and around the world. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of various ministries which work to share the LOVE of the one who is called the "PRINCE OF PEACE". The mission commission will be dividing this offering with the West Michigan Conference and the Shalom Center for Justice and Peace which is housed here at Central UMC.

Central's support of the Shalom Center has been greatly appreciated. Through your continued contributions, you enable the Shalom Center to address issues of poverty, war, violence, injustice, and the de-gradation of our earth. You enable the Shalom Center to hold conferences, classes, film festivals, and concerts-to write, lobby, preach, teach, and organize-all in the service of justice and peace.

The Shalom Center is funded in large part by the United Methodist West Michigan Conference and the Lansing District. Donations and fundraisers are also critical resources. Since 2006, the Shalom Center has been an all-volunteer organization, with 80% of its budget used for programming. Please visit the Center's website at
It's a great resource for peace and justice articles, updates, web links and program notices.
The Central Family Cookbook - A Collection of Recipes from Members & Friends

….will go on sale Sunday, May 4! Books are $10 each! The book will feature recipes from the First Annual Men's Cooking Challenge and also drawings by our very own Central kids! Make sure you pick up a copy or two!! Proceeds from the sale of the cookbooks will go towards the Marriage Conference that FOCUS will sponsor this fall. - Jamie Young

Do you find yourself tapping your toes even when there's no music playing?
Do you sing so loud at stop signs that people look at you funny?
How about dancing while you push your cart through Meijer?
It sounds like you need to get…

CENTERED

Come worship with us and experience God in a whole new way!

Sunday, May 18 - Centered Worship Service moves to a new time! Meet us at 12:15 pm in the sanctuary! All are welcome!

Although this service has been going for nearly 2 ˝ years, it is still in the early stages of development and we need your help! We would like to invite those who are interested in contemporary worship to come on May 18 and worship with us. Afterwards we would love for you to fill out a short survey about the worship experience. We are looking for ideas and suggestions to make this service better.

If you have a gift or talent that you would like to share, please contact Jamie Young by phone at: 517-882-0179 or e-mail at: jamie_tipton@yahoo.com.
Here is what we need:
· Musicians (guitar, drums, bass, etc.)
· Back-up Vocalists (female and male)
· Worship Leaders
· People willing to share a Message
· Greeters/Ushers

If you don't fit into any of these categories but would still like to help out we can find something for you to do that will utilize your gifts and talents!
Central Softball 2008 begins
Ed Keen

I am going to have a series of surgeries starting in mid-April that will not allow me to manage the Central UMC team this year. Two of the players, Steve Ezop and Justin Evans, have agreed to be co-Managers in 2008. You should contact them about the upcoming season if you have not already confirmed with Ed Keen that you are returning. If you haven't played before and would like to play in 2008, contact Steve or Justin. The team has men and women players; the minimum age is 14.

Contact: Justin Evans jrock03@yahoo.com C-517-485-8131 or Steve Ezop ezop_as@yahoo.com C-517-282-4960.

There will be a pre season "tournament" on the afternoon of May 4. This will be a round robin tournament and should be a more relaxed atmosphere; focused on shaking the rust off, trying out players at various positions, and connecting with friends from other teams you haven't seen since last season (a spring training type event). The results of the "tournament" will have no bearing on league standings or post-season seedings. All teams will be guaranteed a minimum of 3 or 4 games. Please contact Steve or Justin if you will be able to play in all or some of the games on this date. Because of the lack of available practice fields during the week, this "tournament" will allow the team to have pre-season practice scrimmages that may not otherwise occur.

The first regular season game is scheduled for May 6, field to be announced. All games will be doubleheaders on Tuesdays. The first game will start at 6:30 PM.

The season-end tournament is currently scheduled for August 1 and 2.
Church Women United
Carolyn Schuurmans

Friday, May 2 - May Friendship Days
Place: Grace United Methodist Church, 1900 Boston Blvd., Lansing
Theme: God's Wisdom Inspires Hospitality
Bible Study at 11 am, Potluck and salad luncheon at noon, Program at 1 pm
Everyone welcome!
Among Friends
Remember...

At press time…

Linda Bates - Home, Arizona
Janet Hamilton - Home
Ed Keen - Surgery
Georgia Mead - Ingham Regional Center

Transitions…

Birdsill Holly - died April 8. His funeral service was April 15.

Thank you…

to all the Central people who have been supportive as I finished the RN program at LCC. I know your prayers and love have helped sustain me in this quest to become a nurse. With your help, I'll be able to do a better job of serving God by serving others! My graduation will be May 9, but unfortunately I only get 5 tickets, so I'd like to thank you all by serving a special desert during coffee hour on May 11.
--Mary Boudreau, soon to be RN.

to our church family. Jamie and I express our heartfelt thanks to you for your acts of kindness during the recent sudden death of my dad and Jamie's grandpa. We appreciate Joe and others who attended the visitation and service and everyone who shared their thoughts of sympathy personally or through cards. During times of deep sadness, it is so very helpful to know others care. In God's Love,
--Kayla Tipton and Jamie Young
Economic Stimulus
Joe Huston

Many will receive an Economic Stimulus check from the Federal Government. This is an unexpected blessing. Scripture tells us that we are blessed so that we may be a blessing to others (Gen. 12: 1 & 2). Here is an opportunity to suit action to words. Consider giving a portion, a tithe (10%), or even all of this unexpected blessing to the ministries of your church. Your blessing will then bless others in wonderful ways. We are blessed to be a blessing.
Lois Perkins, Library Task Force

April Showers Bring May Flowers
....AND the annual Ralph Goodell Memorial Library spring book sale on May 11 and 18.

Please support your library by donating your gently used books. Proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase new books, video tapes and CD's. Children, youth and adults are encouraged to browse among the many interesting books in this fine facility...y'all
We Want Babies!

Peek into our nursery on Sunday morning and see the inviting space, and also the smiling face of Ruth Olsen or JoAnn Klein or Mary Beth Pifer just waiting to embrace the little children who they keep hoping will bring their parents to worship in our wonderful church. Be sure to invite the young families you know into the friendly fellowship waiting for them here!
CENTRALNITERS to visit Times Past
Frank & Win Anderson

We invite you on an outing to Tamarack Valley Christian Center, Hickory Corners, MI on Saturday, May 10. It will be a "Memory Voyage to Times Past". The $10.50 cost includes a living drama, interpretations, hands-on experiences, and a delicious home cooked lunch. Our Group MUST have 20 or more persons. We will car-pool from the Church. Frank and Win Anderson are hosts, so call them for more information at 323-6968.
Blue Cross Senate Health Policy
Joyce Joranko, Church & Society

Senator Harry George has proposed reform to counter a House package supporting Blue Cross. Write or call your state senator as this comes up for full vote. According to Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, the Blue Cross proposal will permit a medical form of "red-lining" (which has been declared illegal in real estate.)
EVANGELISM
Mary Boudreau, Chair

An energized and enthusiastic group met to discuss Evangelism at Central on Palm Sunday. People shared many good ideas for making Central a growing, spirit-filled congregation. This commission is truly open to the Spirit and to the input of all of those around us. Please check the announcements for future meetings, and feel free to share your ideas and efforts with others by contacting Mary Boudreau at 372-4146 or boudrea1@msu.edu.

The Radio Ministry has been on the air for decades, and it needs your help to continue. As you know, it now costs $250 a week for Central to reach people who can't make it to church for various reasons. We hear from many community members about how important this ministry is! If you are unable to sponsor the entire amount, would you be willing to assemble a group of friends to share the broadcast cost? For example, if five people in a class or group share the cost, it would be $50 each.

Central's "Bikers" are already assembling to enjoy the nice weather and get some exercise for fun and fellowship. People from Central of all ages get together for short and longer bike trips. If you are interested, please e-mail Mary at boudrea1@msu.edu to get connected. Also, several people have had bikes stolen this year. If you know of anyone with a gently used bike they no longer want, please let me know and we can get the bike back on the road.

Central's gardens will soon be in bloom! If you would like to help with this lovely ministry that brightens the lives of the thousands of people who travel by the church daily, please contact Larry Beckon or Mary Boudreau.
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