CENTRAL JOURNAL--May 1998, page 2

MUSIC NOTES

By Caryn Welter, Music Director

Frank McKowen to Retire

On Sunday, June 14, 1998 Frank McKowen will conduct his last beat as Director of Central's Chancel Choir. After a three-year term here, he says he's ready to resume his former activities as a retiree. While he chats happily about his tenure here, Frank looks eagerly forward enjoying new freedoms.

A dedicated professional, Mr. McKowen has always devoted a tremendous amount of time to implementing his church responsibilities, as well as attending conferences and workshops which regularly upgraded his repertoire of music, strategies, and techniques. His procedure for music selection has evolved over the entire period of his church service, and is a complex process whereby he has at his fingertips whatever is appropriate for a service or textual theme. Then, prior to each rehearsal time, he rigorously examines all the music at hand and makes notes which will enhance his work with the choristers by utilizing their every minute to the best advantage. Further professional involvement includes Frank's active membership in the Michigan Music Educators Association, the Michigan School Vocal Association, and the American Choral Directors Association.

Mr. McKowen's career in church choir directing spans fifty-two years. Right after graduating from Baylor University, he came to Michigan. His first Lansing work was at Grace United Methodist Church, followed by a long term at First Baptist Church. He gave his talent for the longest period of time to Christ UMC, and functioned in an interim capacity at University UMC and Plymouth Congregational Church, all prior to his service here.

One might think that this sounds like a rather "full plate" but, actually, these activities have been an adjunct to his original career in teaching school choral music. Additionally, he has served in a variety of capacities at Interlochen Fine Arts Camp; he directed many high school musical productions, Lansing Civic Players' productions, the Lansing Matinee Musicale Women's Chorus, the Lansing Orpheus Male Chorus, and the Lansing Choral Society's presentations.

As he retired from school work, Frank cultivated what he terms a "handy new career" as a registered tuner-technician in the Lansing Chapter of the National Piano Technicians Guild. His new work keeps him busy during those parts of the day that are unfilled by Central Church activities and preparation. He counts himself lucky to have the active retirement life that is provided by his third career!

It goes without saying that someone with Mr. McKowen's level of church and civic activity has many people behind the scenes and offering their encouragement. Marge, his wife of nearly fifty years, speaks with a new lightheartedness in her voice when asked whether she's joyful at Franks recent resignation. Her response is to say that, "For Frank's sake, I'm glad he made the decision." Herself a connoisseur of the arts and an artist in her own right, Mrs. McKowen is an occasional visitor at Central from their home church, Edgewood United Church of Christ.

Similar support of Mr. McKowen and his activities has come from their children. Scott is Arts Director for the Shaw Festival Theater at Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario and lives in Stratford. Carol lives in Lansing and is Vice President with the Altman Management Company of Okemos.

Of his own retirement, he exclaims, "Maybe I just need to be able to enjoy more time pulling our travel trailer around the South during Michigan winters." The large vehicle replaced his last sailboat, thereby ending a long-time hobby of deep water sailing. Additionally, his weekly leadership of a local guitar group and usual participation in MSU Choral Union activities ensure that he'll not be wanting for things to do.

From the time Frank began serving Central UMC in 1995, he has done a masterful job of rebuilding the Chancel Choir. As he arrived, many parishioners were going through a difficult period of time, and his ministry helped to soothe and smooth their pain.

Also to his credit, he restored the quality of music this congregation expects and brought in special musicians when the need arose.

His many, various, and elevating efforts were highlighted over the past couple of years when he conducted the Choir in singing Vivaldi's "Gloria" and the Faure "Requiem."

With sincere appreciation for his many musical offerings, and with sadness in our hearts at his leaving, we wish Frank joy and fulfillment in his retirement.

United Methodist Women

Pat Mort,President

May Assembly in Florida

It's almost May! I find it coming up quickly - almost too quickly. Of course, that's only because on May 14th I will be leaving with Linda Towsley and Lois Jenkins in the predawn hours for the UMW Assembly in Orlando, Florida. This gathering of UMW members from all over the world has come to be a very important part of my faith journey. I hope to have lots of stories to tell when we return, although I will be gone over the deadline for the next Journal.

Please look for future news briefs attached to the Mission Team Minutes in June and watch for the Central Journal.

Legislative Day Thanks

We made it through Legislative Day with flying colors!!! Many thanks to all who helped. A crew was at the church Wednesday night before the actual event to set tables, prepare food, get the coffee ready, and help the Conference Staff prepare. During that time we "shared" Fellowship Hall with the youth of St. Paul's who were preparing for a dinner theater they were having Saturday. The music really helped "pep up" the place! And one of the young men who "knew his part and didn't have to rehearse" made himself at home helping set up the coffee tables and put chairs out in the dining room.

There are always little things that crop up at the last moment for big events (like Pat forgetting people might want cream or sugar with the tea and coffee!) but then there are people like Arline Roe who see the oversight and jump right in and take care of it. The greeters were very effective, helping make our guests feel welcome! The meal; was well received - the kitchen crew did a great job! The Thursday morning Lenten Study group were great help with serving. And those who worked on the preparation and presentation deserve a huge pat on the back. Even having a leak spring forth from the first floor into the kitchen and the Health Inspector make an unscheduled visit and our weekly Fellowship Lunch served the same day practically the same time didn't seem to detract the faithful from their work!

Of course, having the heat come on full blast just added to our "tropical" feel that day (in case you do not remember, it was a gorgeous day outside - and about 90 degrees inside!). Child care was handled very aptly by Anne Mort. We had four, four-year-olds, including Hannah Boley. Thank you to all.

Patsy Coffman with the Conference has written thanks from both West Michigan and Detroit Conferences. The feedback they received on Central's role was very positive. She wanted to be sure all those involved were thanked.

Lenten Brunch, Another Success!

Lenten Brunch was, again, a lovely time. The meal was incredible (thanks Fred), the servers gracious (Dick Murley and crew - you did it again!), and the program was well done. Thank you to Judy Grove Circle for all their work and diligence, the servers, the quilt models, the kitchen staff, the readers who read beautifully even though they don't like to be in front of people that way, to Fred, and everyone I may have forgotten!

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED

Fellowship Day

Friday, May 1st 10:00 a.m.

Trinity A.M.E Church, Lansing

The theme is "Widening the Circle of Hospitality."The program begins at 10:00 a.m. and a potluck salad is at noon. Bring a dish to pass - plates etc. will be furnished. We will meet at Trinity A.M.E. Church, 3500 W. Holmes Rd, just east of Waverly Road. There will be a display of quilts, and if you have one to share, please bring it. This is a fine opportunity to be a part of an ecumenical, inter-racial group and share the hospitality of the Trinity women. Everyone is welcome.

With Your Eyes Wide Open

By Frank Anderson, Contributing writer

The first Caribbean book I remember reading in the field as a missionary was entitled, With Eyes Wide Open. It emerged from the forming conference of the Caribbean Council of churches in 1973. Today, I again had the experience of realizing what that means. The sense is not ocular vision, but emotional and inner vision. We cannot see everything there is to see with only our eyes. There are hidden truths everywhere. Missionaries endeavors are like that. The obvious is not always so clear, unless the inner meaning is appropriated too. We live with limited understanding, but once one is convinced of the good in Christian missions, life is never the same. It amounts to being convinced by the Spirit.

Read the centerfold section of the April 20th, 1998, issue of the Michigan Christian Advocate news magazine. Then check out the front page article on "Haitian Culture and Religion" by Rev. Abiade of Michigan. Next, turn to page 4 and read a Missionary Letter by Kay DeMoss. There is much more on missions in that issue. (Central Church receives a subscription through the Goodell Library.) Missions is the number one exciter in the Christian life for me. We United Methodists are incurably zealous for the work of the Lord beyond our sanctuary walls. It is exciting to think what we can do when our combined resources are put to use as Christians.

The Advance for Christ and His Church sprung into existence following WWII. Churches in the U.S.A. took interest in rebuilding a broken world. Thus, "United Methodists have given more than three million Advance gifts totaling more than 700 million dollars for thousands of ministries in more than 100 countries." The Advance began in 1948, and is still going strong! God be praised for all the help and relief and spiritual rebirth that can be attributed to the UMC. We are a part of a living legacy of doing God's work where it is most needed. Let us open wide our eyes to see the Good News of God at work today.

73rd Annual Spring Concert--Greater Lansing Orpheus Male Concert

Monday, May 18, 1998 8:00 p.m.

Gayle House, Director

Guest Artists

Lansing Matinee Musicale

Choral Ensemble,Judith Evans, Director

Margaret Ebersole, Accompanist

First Presbyterian Church,Downtown Lansing

Tickets $5.00

Fellowship Opportunities

Centralniters

May Meeting

Saturday, May 30th

Please note change of date.

We will meet at 1:00 p.m. in the church parking lot to share rides to Crystal Lake Sailing Club, a one hour trip. You can have a chilly swim, sail, and try your hand at croquet. Let us know if you have equipment for horseshoes, croquet or other games and table games. Please bring a dish to pass and meat to grill, if you want to do that. We will plan to have supper about 5:00. Please call Schuurmans if you plan to come - 321-0569

Attention: Central Young Couples (married, engaged or dating)

An exciting new young couples group is forming.

Please join us!

Saturday, May 16th - 6 p.m.

Denise Kelley's residence, Lansing

Food, Fun, and Fellowship.

If you have questions and/or need directions, please contact Dennis and Denise at 484-9109 or Bill and Faye McCracken at 337-0207. More details will follow in future Sunday bulletins.

GLOBAL MISSIONS NEWS

Bread for the World

May 17th "Offerings of Letters"

Report from Carolyn Schuurmans

Hunger and poverty touch every nation of our world. But Africa is the world's poorest continent, with nearly 40% of the population living in absolute poverty. Even though the majority of Africans are farmers, millions of them are chronically undernourished.

This year Congress is considering changes in the policies that shape U.S. trade and investment in Africa. But will Washington's policies be good for poor and hungry people of Africa? Or will they benefit mainly higher income people and business in the U.S. and Africa?

Bread for the World's 1998 Offering of Letters is called "Africa, Seed of Hope. It is designed to make sure expanding commerce also benefits African farmers (who are mostly women) and struggling rural communities. "We will have our annual Offering of Letters on May 17th in Fellowship Hall. Please stop by the table to sign a letter, or take one home and use it to help write your own letter."

Bread for the World is a non-partisan Christian citizens movement. Citizens across the country advocate public policies on behalf of hungry and poor people in the U.S. and world wide. It is part of the "Six Lanes of Giving" of the United Methodist Church. It "provides the United Methodist Church with a vehicle to speak in a united voice of faith to the pressing needs of our sisters and brothers in Africa."

From Out of Africa

Central church has received a letter from Rev. Lynn and Kay DeMoss reporting that they have now been in Africa for two months; that they are in good health, and that their classes are going well. They indicate also that we are all in their thoughts and prayers." To review the letter in its entirety, please check with the church office.

Kay DeMoss has also written about the "mission experience" . A very informative article was published in the April 20th issue of the Michigan Christian Advocate. If you don't receive this periodical at home, check the church library.

Central's Prayer Chain

A confidential, prayer chain ministry is available 24 hrs., 7 days a week. To initiate a prayer request please call one of the prayer chain leaders:

Daytime 8:00am - 5pm

Beverly Dodge 485-9477 or Janet Mort 321-2330 or Karen Holoweiko 626-798

Evening 5:00pm -8:00am

Elizabeth Gibbs 882-2635 or Kayla Tipton 669-3259

The Prayer Chain Ministry is open to anyone who would like to become a participant.

Churchyard Flowers and Shrubbery

Are you noticing a change in Central's yard? On April 18, Rita Clee, Jim Hane, Loretta Marvin, Justin Sleight, Dottie Stark, and Sally Swiss met to evaluate the inventory of our current plantings and to have an initial discussion of additional planting and yard needs. We are cleaning up winter leaves and trash, removing weeds, and trimming plants and shrubs. By fall we hope to have a master plan of what we may add or move in preparation for the 1999 spring growth.We appreciate the weeding work done April 19 by the 4th and 5th grade Sunday School class. Due to the elevator construction work this summer, the area on Capitol Ave. north of the Temple House entrance will be unavailable for geraniums. We will miss their beauty this year. We expect a dumpster to be parked in this location.We again meet May 27 at 12:30. We welcome more "helping, or learning, hands" now through late fall. Phone Dottie Stark if interested: 482-7834


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