November,
2000
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
Shalom Center Celebration
Join with us as we gather together to celebrate the beginning of a new Lansing
District ministry of peace and justice! It is a Shalom Center Celebration!
November 19 at 7 p.m. at Central UMC. See poster on page 5 for
details.
The new Lansing District ministry for Justice and Peace, the Shalom Center,
reflects United Methodist "connectional ministry" that is both vital and
prophetic. Since the early 1980s, there have been peace-with-justice centers
around the West Michigan Conference, all working on a variety of human rights,
civil rights, economic justice, and world peace issues. As the Spirit of
God has been moving this year, several people have come together with
wide-ranging experiences from diverse centers.
Shalom Center Guiding Committee member, Jean Stine and husband, Wendell,
were active organizers in the Grand Rapids Swords Into Plowshares Center,
housed at the Conference Center in the early '80s. This center played a role
in the beginning of the "West Michigan Peacemaker of the Year" and "Peace
Sermon of the Year" awards, which continue yet today. Even earlier, from
the late '60s to the mid-'70s, Jean had been involved in the ecumenical,
community-wide Kalamazoo Peace Center.
The Conference initiative to establish peace-with-justice centers also inspired
activity in Traverse City and Lansing. The Traverse City Swords Into Plowshares
Center has been the one center to "stay in business" to the present day,
where John Boley played a leadership part. The Lansing Swords Into Plowshares
(housed at Lansing Central UMC) ended in the late '80s. However, two of its
organizers, Pat Mort and Bob Roth, are now onboard with the Shalom
Center.
Knowledge of justice-and-peace-making also stands out in the experiences
of David Kidd and Keith Pohl from beyond the West Michigan Conference. Dave
was previously pastor of Detroit Central UMC that houses a Swords Into Plowshares
Peace Center. Keith was the executive director of the Cumberland Center for
Justice and Peace in Tennessee and back in the '60s a participant in the
founding of the East Lansing Peace Education Center.
The Lansing District Shalom Center for Justice and Peace starts out with
a sizeable amount of enthusiasm and experience. For additional information,
please feel free to contact Bob Roth, the Center's director, at our church
office, or by e-mail at BOBZAZZRR@AOL.COM.
Pastor's Pen
In this election year, there have been many questions about the role of religion
in politics. And with me doing "Hot Potato" sermons on controversial topics,
the questions seem to hit close to home. Here is my understanding of the
proper role of the church in the discussion of political issues. If you disagree,
please let me know.
There is a fuzzy line between religion and politics. All religious faith
has political overtones and all political questions have faith implications.
Therefore, it is impossible to completely separate religion and
politics.
It is permissible and expected for churches, clergy, and groups within the
church, such as a Church and Society Commission, to take a stance on particular
issues, even when they become ballot proposals. For instance, the United
Methodist Church has for a long time taken a stance against capital punishment;
against gambling; in favor of environmental protection; and now has taken
a stand against vouchers. This is what our Social Principles are all
about.
The discussion of political issues is appropriate in the church and from
the pulpit when they affect our lives and relate to issues of faith, provided
that they are presented fairly and in a non-partisan fashion.
It is unethical, and also a violation of the IRS Code relating to tax exempt
organizations, to endorse from the church or the pulpit a particular candidate
or a particular party.
I am now a member of the Interfaith Alliance, a non-partisan, faith-based
organization that is dedicated to promoting the positive role of religion
as a healing and constructive force in politics and all of public life. It
attempts to organize people of faith to promote shared religious values of
compassion, civility, and mutual respect for diversity and human dignity.
And it encourages all people, from all parties and groups, to become informed
voters and get out and exercise their civic right and duty to
vote.
May God be with all of us during this election year.
John Boley
Member Deaths
Russell Davis died October 1, 2000. A memorial service will be held here
at Central on November 9th, 2000 at 2:30 p.m.
Journal Data
The Central Journal is a monthly publication of Central United Methodist
Church, 215 North Capitol Avenue, Lansing, MI. 48933. The deadline for the
next (December) issue is November 17, at 5 p.m. Journal Editor is Jim Hane,
Home: (517) 669-3306 / Email: jim338@MSN.com. Assistant Editor is Nancy
O'Shea.
Please Take Note …
Thanksgiving Service
The Pastor's Alliance of Greater Lansing is once again hosting a Thanksgiving
Service, to be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23rd at First
Baptist Church of Lansing. The service will begin at 9:30
a.m.
Church Wide Garage Sale a Success
Reported by Finance Committee
Our multi-location garage sale was held on October 7. Thank you to all who
contributed items for sale. Over $1383 was raised for programs at the church..
Special thanks go to the workers at the three sites: Jim & Dottie Stark,
Dick & Beth Murley, Murray & Elaine Brown, Paul & Jamie Zimmer,
Ruthann Jaquette, Dorothy Good, Peg Stebbins, Walt & Leveda Poyet, Annette
Voorhis, and Ken & Joanne Harvey. We appreciate the assistance of our
building custodians, Joel Gillison and Kerry Brussell, who picked up, delivered
and set up at the select locations. Sally Swiss donated several water color
prints which raised $425 at the sale. Thank you!
From the Trustees
Our Board of Trustees report that, for a change, no new projects were started
this month!
Parking News
The State of Michigan has now made a decision with respect to the Roosevelt
property; it plans to keep the property and build a parking ramp. In recent
meetings with the Department of Management & Budget (DMB) we were shown
an artist's rendition of the possible ramp, and the attempts to match the
architecture of the three adjacent churches. Financing and details are still
emerging, but the DMB has been very communicative and cooperative with the
three churches. More information to follow.
Sally Swiss Art Exhibit
The Opening Reception for Sally's Art Exhibit will be Sunday, November 19th
at the Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame, 213 West Main
Street, Lansing. Gallery hours: Wed - Fri 12 - 5 p.m.; Sat 12 - 4 p.m.; Sunday
2 - 4 p.m. The Exhibit runs through February 24th.
Hudy Family Update
From our Missionaries-in-Training ...
Greetings from Atlanta!
We hope this letter finds everyone doing well and enjoying the changing weather
that indicates the end of summer and the upcoming fall and winter.
I don't know if there is any way to express adequate thanks for all the support
that we have received from everyone. The letters, cards, calls and e-mails
that have been sent to us make us realize that we are not alone, even if
we are in a 'foreign' state (Georgia) and are somewhere we were and where
we will be. Keep those cards coming!
This "Times & Journal" is a draft of a newsletter that we hope to continue
the whole time we are missionaries with the United Methodist Church. Its
goal is to provide a regular means of keeping people in touch with the work
that we are doing (or will be doing in Bolivia), as well as to let people
know about the events of our life and times. We hope that it proves useful
to you. Since this is really our first attempt at writing a newsletter, feel
free to pass on suggestions of how to make it better and easier to read.
We welcome any and all comments!
Ideally, we will publish the newsletter about four times a year. However,
in the beginning, we hope to be able to write a little more frequently because
of all the events that are happening to us and around us. If you do not wish
to continue receiving this newsletter, please contact us and we will remove
your name from the list.
We are approximately half way through our training now. Although at first
I wondered how it was possible to give 14 weeks of training provided us the
following description of the school and our jobs:
"The school in Rio Colorado is a bright spot. A small technical/high school
in the rain forest where children of homesteaders (from other parts of the
country) graduate with a high school diploma, a technical certificate, and
computer skills, something that almost no other school in the country
does!"
"However, in order to accomplish this little miracle, it requires a
jack-of-all-trades who knows how to say 'NO' over and over, who has U.S.
connections and language skills (to raise money [to support the school])
and who is immune to national church politics."
"The jack-of-all-trades is probably the most important part, it means keeping
the computers going, the generator functioning, and the buildings from falling
down, as well as administrating the school. The humid environment is not
kind to machines and structures."
Dakin also wrote, "It's a beautiful location, and the kids can be a real
blessing." There will be a lot for us to learn before we can be fully productive
in our new jobs at the school. It probably won't be until our second year
that we will begin to feel useful and capable in our jobs. So please have
patience with us and be sure to offer lots of prayers to sustain
us!
And Estela wrote:
I send you a cordial greeting in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
wishing all class of blessings to everyone.
I would like to take this opportunity to write a little about what Atlanta
is for me, and also, a little bit about what we are learning here in our
training.
For me, Atlanta is a beautiful city because of the wonderful architectural
details seen on buildings. With the trees and parks everywhere, it looks
like we are in a suburb, but it is really a very large city--a city where
someone like me can easily get lost! Atlanta is beautiful.
Because it IS a large city, I haven't dared to drive around to different
places far from our apartment. The only places that I have dared to drive
are to the supermarket--about one mile away, and to Benjamin's school--three
miles away. It isn't easy getting used to a place this large. When I go to
class that I am taking at getting physical exercise at the same time I get
out to exercise my brain.
We are among a good group of people. In our training class, there are people
from many countries. Over half are ordained clergy or married to clergy but
there are others who are nurses, community workers, generalists, or an
agriculturalist. It is a large group and very interesting that we represent
every continent, and we are going to every
continent.
MUSIC NOTES
By Caryn Welter, Director of Music
Spirit Singers Organizational Meeting
WHO: Singers who like praise and worship music
WHEN: Sunday, December 3, at 10:45 a.m.
WHERE: Central's sanctuary
At its October 19 meeting, the Music Committee approved our piloting this
program in the beginning of 2001. The decision was largely in response to
an earlier letter from several parishioners who asked us to start a contemporary
choral group. Additionally, the decision was based on positive feedback about
last year's "second Sunday" worship style from the folks who enjoyed it.
The Education Commission and Music Committee will share the costs of a new
keyboard to be used with this group, should it be viable. Additionally, the
keyboard will be used Sunday mornings with Music / Education activities.
After the brief December 3 meeting, we'll determine whether we have the numbers
and voices needed to proceed with this exciting new
adventure.
Lynne Davis will return to Central
Sunday, November 12, will be a red-letter day in the life of Central United
Methodist Church. Internationally renowned organist Lynne Davis will play
for the morning service here in her home church. The gift of music will be
offered up in memory of her parents, Russell A. and Louise M. Davis. We thank
Lynne for the generous offer to share her talents with
us.
Worship Planning Opportunities
Did you ever sit in the pew on a Sunday morning and think to yourself, "This
is pretty good. In fact, this is a great place to worship. It'd be even better
if just once in a while 'they' would try ____________?" We've probably all
had this experience at one time or another, either here at Central or in
another setting. The truth of the matter is that our "druthers" in worship
are largely a product of our church history (experience) and those events
that have touched our hearts in a very special way (perhaps a much loved
hymn).
Many of you are very generous about sharing new or revitalized ideas with
our worship planners. It's especially inspiring to hear what's happening
in other churches as you folks travel around the USA or abroad. Some of you,
however, are shy about coming forward with your ideas. If you're in either
of these categories, this comes to extend an invitation for your participation
in the next worship planning session, scheduled for:
Thursday, November 16, at 9:30 a.m.,--Church Centennial Room
Please feel welcome to join us then.
The Chorister Corner
By Kate DePriest, Director of Youth, Children, and Wesley Choirs
Let me begin by saying that the children and youth at Central United Methodist
Church are a joy to work with! Their eager attitudes and lively spirits are
such an inspiration to me. Over the summer the music and education staff,
along with the help of several other committees, modified the "music curriculum"
for the children at Central. I am happy to report that our efforts were not
in vain. By aiming for a more well-rounded, "music class" approach, we have
successfully been able to include all children and youth in their pursuits
for musical enrichment. The elementary children have been kept busy experimenting
with various rhythm instruments, learning a Jewish circle dance, moving with
actions to different songs, and singing, singing, singing! The youth enjoy
sharing their own recordings of Christian music with one another and we discuss
the meaning, different musical aspects involved etc. They are also preparing
a Thanksgiving song, which will be sung with the children, and have selected
three short Christmas skits to share in the worship service. As the year
moves steadily along it becomes apparent that things could get busy. To avoid
confusion, please mark the following important dates on your
calendar:
Sunday, November 12: Children and Youth sing "God Has Been So Good To Me"
in the morning worship service. Please arrive for warm-ups and rehearsal
at 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, December 10: Rehearsal for all participants involved in "The World
Sings Noel" on December 17th (excluding youth). This will run from 10:45-11:45
a.m.
Saturday, December 16:Rehearsal for "The World Sings Noel" for all participants
from 10-12 a.m. (youth please come for second hour: 11-12
noon.
Sunday, December 17: "The World Sings Noel" - please arrive at 8:40 a.m.
for warm-ups and rehearsal (this excludes youth). Come in
costume.
Sunday, December 3 – Youth: "While You Were Out"
Sunday, December 10 – Youth: "The Night Before Pageant"
Sunday, December 17 – Youth: "Echoes of Prophecy, Announcement,
Acceptance"
Central's Prayer Chain
Daytime 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Karen Holoweiko at 626-6798 or Patrick
Martin at 485-9477
Evening 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.: Pat Bell at 482-4098, or Nancy O'Shea
at 372-6156
You are Cordially Invited To a CELEBRATION!
Sunday, November 19, 2000 7 p.m. in Lansing Central's Fellowship
Hall!
Come and Celebrate The Shalom Center for Justice and Peace, A Ministry of
the Lansing District. We'll have Cake, Ice Cream, Singing, Greetings, Movement
JOY!
Among other Celebrants, Pat Madden-Roth will be Sharing her gift of Song;
District Superintendent John Ellinger will offer Greetings and Director Bob
Roth will keep things moving right along!
Come rain, snow, sleet or shine, the place to be is The Shalom Center, 215
N. Capitol,
Lansing, MI 48933
EDUCATION NEWS
From Pamala Phillips, Director of Christian Education
The leaves are not the only things rustling in the wind this fall. Our 2000-2001
Sunday school year is underway, and if you and/or your family have not yet
found your place in Church School, you are missing out on a lot. Dale Kirkby's
bible study class – Genesis to Revelations, is averaging 18 participants,
Joi Tennant's study of E. Stanley Jones' Abundant Living is also regularly
attended, averaging 8 participants, and the coffee house is averaging 15
regulars (no pun intended- they also serve decaf). Our elementary grade church
school is averaging 16 students, and our Jr. and Sr. High classes are well
attended too, with upwards of 15 students.
We have enjoyed two Second Sunday Brunches together, and 50- 60 adults and
15 plus children are feasting on the fellowship and fabulous cuisine. If
you have not yet made it to brunch, your next chance will soon be here. Second
Sunday of November is the twelfth. Plan now to attend.
We Are Invited!!!
As part of the Capital Churches Coalition, I attended a meeting earlier this
week which resulted in another meeting later this week, but in the process
I met two completely dynamic, delightful people; Tony Patrick, Associate
Pastor, First Presbyterian, and Shannon Coleman of St. Paul's. We spent about
three hours all totalled this week, sharing activities, events, and programming
that is currently going on in our respective churches. We began by discussing
and exploring youth activities and programs, either ongoing or potential,
and discovered we have opportunities for joint fellowship and ministry that
encompass almost every age group.
As a result, we identified the following: Please read and consider each
carefully. If any of these ideas and/or activities appeal to you or generate
additional ideas please call me so that we may discuss them
further.
1st and 3rd SAT PRAISE AND WORSHIP SERVICE
time – 6 – 7 p.m. (refreshments provided), place- First
Presbyterian.
Who & what – all ages, live music, dramas, etc. (we are invited
to attend, play, and/or perform).
FRIDAY FLICKS – 3RD FRIDAY EACH MONTH time – 7 p.m., place- St.
Paul's Episcopal Church. Who & what – Jr. and Sr. High Youth
Group.
Harvest Party- October 28 time – 11 a.m.- 3:15 p.m. meet @ St. Paul's
place – Harvest House
Who & what - youth group, help and participate in a fall costume party
( PLEASE NO GHOSTS, WITCHES, VAMPIRES, or spooky stuff .)
RAKE AND RUN 2 – NOVEMBER 5 time – 12:15 p.m. – 4 p.m., place
– meet at Central.
Who & what- youth group, bring rakes and gardening gloves, leaf bags
provided.
SCAVENGER HUNT FOR FOOD DONATIONS - NOVEMBER 12 time – 4:30 p.m.
place – meet at Central. Who & what – youth group, gather food
donations for thanksgiving dinner for Success Place.
DELIVER DINNER FOR SUCCESS PLACE - NOVEMBER 19 time – 5 p.m., place-
meet @ Central. Who & what – youth group to deliver thanksgiving
dinner food stuffs to Success Place.
ADVENT HOUSE DINNER– NOVEMBER 26 time – 12:15 p.m., place –
Advent House.
Who & what – members of First Presbyterian prepare food @10 a.m.
on Sat. Nov. 25, and deliver and serve Dinner at Advent house on Sunday November
26.
As I look at this list, I am moved at the involvement, activity, and opportunity
to become involved with one another of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I hope to hear from many of you very soon.
Love, Grace, and Peace of Christ,
Pamala
WANTED
A "busy" person who: "has NEVER done that"
*likes a challenge
* likes a pleasant work site
* likes fantastic co-workers
* likes the excitement of bringing information
to our members and the public
* likes the satisfaction of contributing to the
successful operation of the office
Any information leading to the apprehension
of men and women described above,
should immediately contact:
Patrick Martin (485-9477) or Lillian Rush
(482-3494)
Thank You Notes
To all our Lansing Friends,
Thanks for all your prayers and cards. Marian came through surgery just fine
and there is no further involvement. She will be on radiation treatment for
6 weeks and everything should be in good shape. Our Lansing friends have
been just wonderful.
Lloyd and Marion VanLente, Grand Rapids, MI
To our Central Family,
Many thanks to Pastor Boley and the many friends for their cards, prayers
and loving visits during the recent death of my brother,
Roger.
Georgia Mead
To CUMC,
Thank you Lansing Central for your great hospitality.
Lansing Area Emmaus Community
Dear Central Family,
It is with sincere thanks that both of us thank you so much for the cards
and visits in the hospital and at home. Linda hopes to get her collar brace
off and the ankle pins removed as soon as possible. Seems like it has been
a long time since the July 26 accident. But, hopefully, recovery won't be
far away. You have helped so very much by your caring and concern. Nothing
can take the place of a church family and great pastors!!
Linda and Dick Bates
To all who helped,
Thanks to all who helped make the Loving Stitches Quilt Show a success. We
appreciate those who shared quilts, set up and took down the displays. Thank
you to Mary Nesman for organizing the volunteers, and to Pat Mort for her
support and ability to do what needed to get done.
Ann Mather
United Methodist Women
From Pat Mort, President
Bake/Bakeless Sale Update
We held our 2nd Bake/Bakeless Sale Sunday, October 15 during Coffee Hour.
And again, Central responded with love and support. So far, we've raised
over $200 for Missions! If, for any reason, you were unable to participate
and would still like the opportunity to do so, monies can be forwarded to
Gwen Bodine, our Treasurer. If you don't see Gwen, Arline Roe, Anne Mort
or Pat Mort will also be more than happy to accept your contribution on Gwen's
behalf! Our next scheduled Bake/Bakeless Sale is February 11,
2001.
World Thank Offering
Each year, UMW takes a World Thank Offering. This tradition was started at
Lansing Central during the late 1800's. The tradition took hold and is now
worldwide. Each UMW member is asked to give a "special" offering in thanks
for all God has done in their life. The monies go towards the Missions supported
by UMW. This year we are asking World Thank Offering monies be turned in
to Gwen Bodine no later than November 22 so she has time to close out our
books for the District Treasurer. Please take time to consider all the good
and wondrous people, places, experiences and things in your life, thank God
and as an expression of your thanks extend God's love and mercy to others
through your World Thank Offering.
Pledges
Year 2000 Pledges are due to Gwen Bodine by November 22. We try very hard
to make careful use of the money entrusted to us by our membership. You support
women, children and youth worldwide through your generosity. Please pay your
pledge as soon as you can.Gwen – and missionaries, women in treatment,
children in daycare, youth with activities other than the streets, families
allowed to be families, elders and caregivers, deaconesses, job training
programs, and others - thank you for all you give in the honor and glory
of God.
UMW Officers
It's that time again! Do you feel the call to serve God through UMW involvement?
We are looking for officers and Circle leaders. Are you looking for a Circle?
Please contact Beth Murley, Pat Mort, Arline Roe or Lois Myers. We would
be pleased to tell you more!
UMW's Christmas Party
You are Cordially Invited. . .
Tuesday, December 5, Central's UMW is hosting a Christmas Dessert in our
Fellowship Hall. This event is open to all – men and guests included.
We do need an accurate count of those planning to attend, however, to make
sure there is plenty of dessert, coffee, tea and punch available!
A sign up sheet is available on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall; you can
also sign up through Circle or with the Church office. We will be using the
round tables. If you have people you wish to sit with, please let us know
how many are in your group when you sign up. If childcare makes it easier
for you to attend, please let us know that, also, and we will arrange for
its availability. If you need a ride, please contact the Church and we will
try to arrange one.
We'll have a punchbowl beginning at 6:30 p.m. The dessert and program will
begin at 7 p.m. We'll sing carols, enjoy stories and begin our Advent Season
together in love and joy. We plan to be done between 8:30 p.m. and 9
p.m.
While there is no "monetary" cost to our guests for this event, we are collecting
unwrapped toys and books, which will be donated to Community House in Grand
Rapids for their gift giving. Carolyn Schuurmans will deliver our gifts to
Grand Rapids. Copies of information on Community House are available on the
UMW Board; please pick up a copy.
Judy Grove Circle is hosting this event. Again, make your
reservations.
December 5th in Fellowship Hall
Punch Bowl at 6:30,
Dessert and Program at 7:00
TAX PLANNING AS A CHARITABLE GIFT TOOL
Additional Sessions Scheduled
Two more months left in the current tax year. Now is the time to be thinking
about charitable giving that can benefit you, your family and the church.
Where does the Church fit into your tax planning? Dr. Wayne Barrett will
be available to meet with church members at Central November 9, from 7 to
8:30 p.m., to discuss how careful charitable gift planning can be a valuable
tax planning tool and play a major role in the future of Central Church.
Appointments may be arranged by calling the Church. Dr. Barrett visits Central
Church to assist members who wish to discuss individual gifts to Central's
Partnership for Preservation. Appointments with Dr. Barrett may also be arranged
for those who can not make the November 9 date.
The mission of Partnership For Preservation, is to develop a fund dedicated
to maintaining and preserving the structural integrity of Central United
Methodist Church and Temple House for the purpose of providing a location
for religious, cultural, recreational and community service to the City of
Lansing. To date almost $400,000, toward the million dollar goal, has been
pledged for this purpose. The bottom line of this campaign is financing the
day to day structural and infrastructure needs of the facility for the
future.
Naming the Church as a beneficiary in your estate plan or the making of an
endowment gift can assure the preservation of our historic church facility
as well as have favorable tax implications for your estate. This can be done;
using various financial instruments. The most common way to continue to support
Central Church beyond your lifetime, is through your Will. Remember, if you
have no Will or Living Trust, state laws will determine who will inherit
your property. With the recent change in probate laws (effective April 1,
2000) the time might be right to review your current Will with your
attorney.
You must take the initiative to prevent the state from being your beneficiary.
It is estimated that eight of every ten Americans are without even the simplest
financial planning tool -- the Will. The pledging of your assets through
your will can be a vital part of this effort. Dr. Wayne Barrett of the West
Michigan Conference will be available Thursday, November 9, for those who
wish to discuss plans for pledging assets for preservation of Central Church.
Call the Church office to schedule your time. Partnership for Preservation
provides ways in which you can use your charitable giving as well as your
Will and Trust to benefit Central United Methodist Church. Call the church
or visit our web site at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc to learn
more.
Going Grocery Shopping?
Holbrook Elementary School in Grand Ledge has donated to Central all of its
Campbell's Soup labels for our mission project. To date they have given us
2,500 labels. They will continue to collect labels and give them to us throughout
the year. (Last year they collected over 22,000 labels). In kind, we are
going to collect General Mills box tops for education to donate back to the
school. These labels can be found on all General Mills and Betty Crocker
products (not the Betty Crocker points). It's a separate label that says
"Box tops for Education". If you are not already saving for your children
or grandchildren, please bring the labels to the church and drop them in
the box next to the library entrance. If you have further questions, contact
Ruthann Jaquette.
Fellowship Opportunities at Central
Young Adult Fellowship
The Young Adults are starting up again! Mark your calendars! This group is
a good way to get to know Christian singles and married couples in the age
bracket 20-40. Most of the activities will be held on the third Saturday
of the month. Come join us.
Schedule of activities:
November 18 Thanksgiving service project and potluck; contact Kimber Wilson 485-1268
December 28 Caroling to Central shut-ins; contact Bob Pena
482-7358
Elderberry Group
For its November meeting, the Elderberry's are happy to announce the offering
of a unique 8-hour study, "55 Alive Safe Driving Course for Older Adults".
This great opportunity is open to anyone 50 years old or more. It might reduce
insurance rates for those who finish and become certified.
It is open to up to a maximum of 35 persons. We plan for two mornings, Tuesday,
November 14, and Wednesday, November 15 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Beverages and light food will be served during a recess. Advanced reservations
are required. Make your reservation by calling the church office
today.
Yes, BOTH morning sessions must be attended. Retired Minister of the West
Michigan Conference UMC, Rev. Keith Pohl of Mason, a familiar UMC leader
to many of us, will direct and guide the course. As in Elderberry's meetings,
we will arrange parking and a shuttle van through the courtesy of the First
Presbyterian Church at the corner of Pine and Ottawa. Permit sheets must
be placed in cars using their lot. If you have further questions, you may
call either Pamala at 485-9477 or Frank Anderson at 323-6968, or Rev. Pohl
at 244-0389.
Centralniters
Centralniters--the group for maturing adults--will go to "Silverbells in
the City" on the evening of Friday, November 17. Many attractions are being
presented that night through the Art Council of Greater Lansing. Cars can
be parked in the lot just south of the Michigan Historical Museum and catch
the free shuttle bus.
It all begins at 5 p.m. and includes the Light Parade at 6:10 p.m., starting
from the corner of Lenawee and Washington Square, followed by the lighting
of the City's Christmas tree in front of Lansing City Hall.
More details are to be announced as the time draws near. For "reservations"
phone the Harveys at 321-0945 or the Andersons at
323-6968.
Church and Society Commission News
By Susan Grettenberger
Holiday Meal Opportunities!!!
The time of year is here again to consider giving towards holiday meals.
As was done last year, Church and Society will collect contributions for
the Fellowship Luncheon. Food baskets are no longer available for distribution.
However, contributions will be used for special Thanksgiving and Christmas
meals. Contributions will also support these meals throughout the year. Last
year's contributions totaled over $800, which we hope to exceed this
year.
The Fellowship Lunch provides a hot meal for persons in attendance. Perhaps
more importantly, it also provides homeless, mentally ill, and isolated persons
support and caring. During the holidays, that can be especially
important.
Please look for Church and Society Commission members in the Fellowship Hall
after worship on November 12 & 19 and December 10.
Click here for page two, or to return to
A Central Place.