November, 2001
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
And a very Hudy Holiday to you!
Joi Tennent, CoChair, Missions Commission
We are preparing a "missionary barrel" to be sent to the Hudy's for Christmas.
These barrels go through the Board of Global Missions, so they can be sent
at minimum shipping cost and free of import duty.
We want to have it full and ready to send by November 18.
You can participate by either contributing money toward the purchase of needed
items, or you may wish to sign up to shop for and purchase something specifically
on their wish list.
It is very important that any gift you may have in mind be OK'd by Elaine
Brown (349-4886) who will be responsible for determining the contents and
judging the room available in the barrel. Because the packing space is limited
by the barrel size, we must be careful not to send things they can't use
at this time.Please call Elaine when you know what you want to provide, and
she will reserve space for those items. You may bring your purchases to the
church where we will have a box to store them for Elaine to collect. If you
prefer, checks may be written to the church and marked, "Hudy
Holiday."
The Hudy wish list is as follows (these will be given first
priority):
Jiff Creamy Peanut Butter / Good books for Benjamin and Jonatan, - esp. important
/ Size 6 and 8 underwear, new, unopened packages / Size 6 and 8 sox, new
/ Stanley #78 woodworking plane / Vitamins (for kids, for adults) / Christian
videos in Spanish – apparently, "Veggie Tales" are enjoyed by everyone,
even the high school students / Spanish Christian books and
literature.
Dear Friends, this is a poem I ran across recently that seems to fit both
the Thanksgiving of November and the trouble of our times:
A Litany for Thanksgiving, by Millard Gifford
Almighty God, for whom everything has a purpose, to whom the darkness and
the light are both the same, we thank thee,
For darkness that hovers over life.
For fear and dread,
For shocks and changefulness,
For mystery and terror,
These compel us to lean hard on thee for support!
We thank thee for the knowledge granted through experience
That anger divides,
That greed kills,
That lust lives by deceit,
That pride keeps us from thee.
These convict us of our evil, apart from thee!
But, loving God, whose messengers are the whistling winds, the blazing orbs
of heaven, the inspired people of history, we thank thee for Jesus Christ
whose light purges and cleanses, glorifies the cross, penetrates the empty
tomb, plants faith in human hearts, and turns night grief into the joy of
the morning.
Truly he is the conqueror of darkness!
We thank thee for his creative, unconquerable life
Life that surges through our veins,
Life that flings our thoughts toward the stars,
Life that shares with the needy our loaf of bread,
Life that forgives those whose armor is dented,
Life that seizes the clasped hand and spurns the closed minds.
Truly he is the supplier of every need!
We thank thee for the abiding miracle of thy Son, For his mercy that forgets
our merits,
For his justice that uses the smallest whip,
For his wisdom that banishes our cares,
For his love that persuades, but does not coerce,
Truly he is the bestower of peace, even Jesus Christ, our
Lord.
Items of Interest
Rev. Sidney Short (Sid for Short), former senior pastor at Central 1982-1992,
and his wife, Alice, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on December
2, 2001. Daughter Susanna writes that she would love to hear from a few people
who remember Sid and Alice. She will gather messages together and give them
to her parents at the family party. You can send cards and notes to: Susanne
Short, 737 Aldine Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104.
Central Journal Copy Deadlines
5:00 PM
Friday, November 17 – December issue
December 14 – January issue
January 18 – February issue
Crop Walk walked
Fifteen members of the UMYF walked in the Crop Walk, October 14 . They
collectively raised over $500, and a very wet, soggy wonderful time was had
by all.
Amanda Caulkett honored
Ms Amanda Caulkett was honored by the United Methodist Church and the Girl
Scouts of America, when she was selected to receive the prestigious "Good
Samaritan" award. Amanda is in the eighth grade at Chippewa Middle School,
is a member of Central and already is a leader and mentor of Christ-centered
principles at school, youth group, and Scouts.
Boo!
The Youth Group had a gory and gruesome time Friday October 26 when they
had their Halloween Party and the first overnite of the year. Cobwebs, spiders
and skeletons were prevalent. Costumes and prizes were
horrific.
Children of Africa" class continues
Don't forget! The Mission Commission is hosting the Sunday morning class,
"The Children of Africa". This class meets in the Second Floor Lounge at
11:15 a.m. Please review the following schedule and mark your calendars
accordingly.
Nov 2 - Mary Boudreau and Marge Sleight – Children's Health and Aids
Nov 11 - Frank Anderson - Shattered Lives and The Church In Africa
Nov 18 - Dr. Peter Saama - Sudan
Nov 25 - Rosa Moss Hargrove - Decision of Nations
UMYF Calendar
November and December 2001
November 4 -- 12:30 - 4 p.m. - Bowling
November 11 -- 5 p.m.- Loft
November 18 -- 5 p.m. - Scavenger Hunt
November 25 -- No UMYF (Thanksgiving weekend)
December 2 -- 12:30 - 4 p.m. - Shovel and Run (if no snow, we'll do work
project at church)
December 9 -- 5 p.m. - Loft
December 16 – 5 - 8 p.m. - Christmas Caroling
December 23 -- No UMYF
December 30 -- No UMYF
Hanging Of The Greens November 2
There are two opportunities to participate: Friday morning, November 2 from
10 a.m.-1 p.m., and Friday evening, from 4–8 p.m. All are invited and
welcome. Lunch and dinner will be provided. This is a great time to share
community and start the season.
LEARN TO FIGHT...FAIR
Joi Tennant, CoChair, Administrative Council
Recently, people who take "leadership" positions in our church were invited
to attend a weekend retreat. One entire day was devoted to helping us learn
how to apply our new vision statement and let it empower our ministry. Naomi
Garcia, a "ministry consultant" for the West Michigan Conference, provided
the very able professional help we needed for this task. Her business card
states her purpose in her work: "Strengthening leaders to be spiritually-based,
skilled, visionary and connected."
One of our exercises showed us that we were unable to go forward as a united
team behind our vision statement because we still had some issues to work
out together. From this discovery came the revelation that we really do not
know how to dialogue constructively--we do not know how to "fight fair".
Not only did we recognize this as our leadership hang-up, we realized that
it is an entire congregation/humanity problem.
We are excited to offer to everyone in our congregation the opportunity to
become a more effective communicator in our families, work places, meetings
and in our community and world because we can learn the right way to dialogue
with people---the way to "fight fair".
Naomi Garcia will teach us these skills in a series of 3-hour classes, Saturday
mornings, 9:30-12:30, here at Central. The dates are: December 1, January
12, February 16, and March 16. Because the meetings are cumulative, it's
best to attend all four classes. This will be fun and interesting for
all.
It is our goal to involve every adult and young adult person in our church
family in this valuable training so that we can function in a more loving
atmosphere of honesty and trust in all areas of our life, especially as we
seek to be disciples of Christ.
Music Notes!
Organist Fred Swann returns to Central November 2
Friday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m. will mark Fred Swann's return to Central
where his magical touch will demonstrate the full breadth of our Jaeckel
organ's rich and varied capabilities. Leading into the concert will be a
carillon recital featuring accomplished carillonist Julia Walton.
The event is co-sponsored by the Greater Lansing Chapter, American Guild
of Organists (AGO), and Central UMC, with expenses shared by the AGO and
Central's Delamarter Fund. Following the recital, a reception will be held
in Fellowship Hall. Reception expenses will be offset by a free-will offering
to be taken at the concert.
We can be proud that Mr. Swann, former organist at California's famous Crystal
Cathedral, has chosen to include Central in this celebratory tour which marks
his retirement from a lengthy and brilliant career.
Sudanese choir to participate in worship
Sunday, November 11, marks the day when this group, comprised mainly of the
"lost boys of Sudan", will share their music with us. The choir will be
accompanied by rhythmic drumming, This promises to be an exciting
opportunity.
You are invited
Join in with any or all of the three ministry opportunities that are afforded
for adults by the music department. Each group provides weekly times of
fellowship, growth, and sharing. Won't you take a look at your schedule and
give prayerful consideration to joining us now, as the new program year is
unfolding?
Music calendar
5:30 p.m., Thursdays – Spirit Singers rehearse in the music rehearsal room.
6:30 p.m., Thursdays – Central Bell Ringers rehearse in the sanctuary.
7:30 p.m., Thursdays – Chancel Choir rehearses in the music rehearsal
room.
Music Office shows its new face
You are cordially invited to walk through the Music Office, November 4, following
Worship, as you make your way to Fellowship CoffeeHour. Memorial funds have
been combined with money from several donors, bringing to beautiful fruition
the many efforts of:
The Memorial Funds Committee, under the capable leadership of Mary Jessup
The original Ad Hoc Committee
The Décor Committee, chaired by Mary Ellen Maas
Stephanie and Bob Westerfield
The Board of Trustees
The Music Committee
Rob Forgrave, Brian Halter, and Dave Schuurmans
As you view the outcome, I hope you'll agree that the results present a warm,
professional face to the people of Central and to the
public.
Gifts and Memorials to be dedicated November 4
Mary Jessup, Chair, Gifts and Memorials Committee
During worship on All Saints Sunday, November 4, as we remember those beloved
members of Central who have preceded us to heaven, we will dedicate memorials
and gifts that have been generously given by family and friends for our
use.
Pam Jennett is creating a collage of photographs of these items which will
be displayed in the Narthex and in Fellowship Hall.
Members of the Gifts and Memorials Committee work with families and individuals
throughout the year to help them select needed additions to our furnishings
and supplies. This month we will be seeking ideas for additional needs and
will welcome your suggestions. These ideas are then approved by the Committee
and Trustees and added to the list from which memorials are selected.
Your generosity is appreciated both in your contributions and selecting Central
as recipient.
Members of the Gifts and Memorials Committee are Mary Jessup - Chairperson,
Ruth Norton, Herb Norton, Walt Poyet, LaVeda Poyet, Duane Perry, Ruth Perry,
Pam Jennett, Ann Snyder and Rev. John Boley.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
The Holidays are almost upon us. I can hardly believe it! Growing up I always
heard people say, "the years go faster and faster!" Now I know what they
mean!
Pledge and World Thank Offering
Is your pledge and World Thank Offering paid up? If not, please send both
to your circle or to Dottie Stark, UMW treasurer, by November 26. She, and
all who benefit from the mission monies we raise, say a big "Thank
you"!
Bake/Bakeless Sale - November 18
UMW is having one of our fabulous Bake/Bakeless Sales on Sunday, November
18 during Fellowship Hour. All you bakers/candy makers - now's the time to
plan what you're going to bring. Can't/won't bake or make goodies? We'll
be happy to accept your monetary donation!
We're looking for cakes, pies, candy, cookies, caramel corn, muffins, rolls,
fruit breads, loaves of bread, tarts—all sorts of good things. This
is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Think of all the wonderful things you'd
like to offer over the holidays and either make some for the sale or look
for it at our table.
Christmas by Candlelight
Our preparations are well underway for Christmas by Candlelight. It's Tuesday,
December 4, 6:30 p.m. in Central's Fellowship Hall.
To make things easier for table hostesses we are asking them to provide the
dessert. Favors, candles, beverages (coffee, tea, ice water, iced tea), table
service and table decorations will be provided. Rebekah Ruth Circle is providing
our pre-Candlelight Punch Bowl.
Sign up sheets for hostesses and guests are available on the UMW Board in
Fellowship Hall or you can call Pat or Linda Towsley. Judy Grove Circle is
hostessing Candlelight again this year.
Guests, both male and female, are always welcome at Candlelight. We do need
to know numbers by November November 26 however, to make sure we have enough
hostesses to accommodate everyone.
Legislative Day
Central is hosting Legislative Day April 10, 2002. Please put this on your
calendar. We'll need many hands (and feet) on that day and on the days prior
to the event to handle this smoothly.
UMW bulletin board
Notice anything new with the UMW Bulletin board? For one thing, we've expanded
to both sides! There's so much good information out there and so little
space/time to communicate it. Check things out and let us know what you think
of it.
Reading books
We have new reading books available in the Library. Please check them out.
Expand your horizons - expand your world
view!
Assembly
Assembly is in Philadelphia in April 2002 and four District buses are planned
for Lansing District. If you are interested in attending, information packets
are available on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall. If you know someone interested
in attending who has a concern about the cost, please let someone from Mission
Team know. This is one of the premier events in United Methodist
Women.
If there is something you'd like to see Central's UMW involved in –
and you're willing to work on it—please let us know. We are always looking
for ways to be more useful and relevant to the Women of
Central.
CWU World Community Day Program November 2
Sound the Shofar: Jubilee!-Forgive all Debts,-Set People Free
First Christian Church, 1001 Chester, Lansing
The time to pray is still upon us. Our world is hurting.
There is nothing more valuable we can do with our time. And we have nothing
more valuable than our time.
Pray in groups or pray in solitude. Seek solace in things that renew your
spirit. Look beyond self for opportunities to serve. Together we will see
this crisis through. Together we can make this a better place for all God's
Children-everywhere.
Church and Society
Kayla Tipton, CoChair, Church and Society Commission
Give for holiday meals.
Contributions will be collected Sundays November 11 and again December 9
during Fellowship Hour, for Thursday Fellowship Luncheon Thanksgiving and
Christmas meals. These contributions will be used to serve those less fortunate
than us.
Monies not used for these two holiday meals will be used for future Thursday
Luncheons. Justin Sleight, Fellowship Luncheon Volunteer Coordinator, states,
"We serve about 3600 meals a year. It costs about 60 cents a meal for a total
budget of about $2200 for the year. This means that $10 would pay for 17
meals; $25 would support 41 meals, etc." Thank you for your continued support
of this very important ministry.
UMC Social Principles available
The Church and Society Commission has purchased copies of the, 2001-2004
Social Principles--The United Methodist Church.
The Preface reads, "The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern
for social justice. Its members have often taken forthright positions on
controversial issues involving Christian principles. Early Methodists expressed
their opposition to the slave trade, to smuggling, and to the cruel treatment
of prisoners…
"The Social Principles are a prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part
of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary
world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically
demonstrated in United Methodist traditions.
"They are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic
spirit. The Social Principles are a call to all members of the United Methodist
Church to a prayerful, studied dialogue of faith and practice." (See 509,
200 Book of Discipline.)
Copies of the Social Principles can be obtained at the front desk, the Shalom
Center or from Church and Society Commission
members.
God's Loving Word by Ray C. Stedman
A book review by Joi Tennant
There's so much about the Gospel of John that inspires and teaches. It is
considered a key book of the Bible. But for me there has also always been
an especially troublesome style or baffling wording in much of the discourse
in this New Testament book. I would often sense an impatience rising within
me, as I would read some of the passages, wondering why this had to be so
difficult. So it has been especially rewarding to discover a commentary on
John's Gospel that is thorough, contemporary and easy to read.
The book, God's Loving Word, on a scale of 1 – 10, One being most
conservative and ten being most liberal, is about a five. Generally, it is
my own personal preference to lean more toward the conservative or moderate
interpretation of Scripture. I would rather allow my own reason to deduce
that an explanation is too narrow (which certainly happened occasionally
as I read this book) than to have someone attempt to influence my thought
with ideas that seem to me to dilute or diminish the power of Holy
Scripture.
This 482- page book is divided into 48 chapters, which makes for a good
one-chapter study per day. Stedman works through each verse, very often expanding
on sentences by explaining Greek and Hebrew meanings or by giving geographical
or cultural explanations or traditions that readers of that time would have
understood. Stedman also uses many examples and stories from our modern society
to help the reader get the point all along the way.
I found this study to be very satisfying and often wonderfully profound and
uplifting. Sometimes whole pages were like great spotlights of new insight
for me. This book is written for the average Christian who simply wants to
grow by digging deeper into the Word.
Holidays Grief Program
Sponsored by The Hospice of Lansing and Palmer-Bush Funeral
Homes
Topic: Help for the Holidays: "For the Grieving Heart" When: Monday, November
5 from 7-8 p.m.
Where: Best Western Midway Hotel, 7711 W. Saginaw, Lansing Cost: No charge.
Presenter: Alta Davis, M.A., LLPC, Founder and Director of Compassion Ministries.
Alta is a Christian Counselor and a Certified Bereavement Facilitator.
Registration: By Friday, November 2, call 882-4500 (Walk-in registration
dependent on available seating).
Life Support
Joanne Harvey, Evangelism Commission
We share joys and sorrows as we move through life together. In hopes of
supporting each other through some of life's particularly rocky ways, the
Evangelism Commission wants to know if any of these groups would help. Please
print out this section, indicate your interest below and leave this in the
offering plate, the church office, or phone Joanne Harvey at
321–0945.
1. ______ Immune System support group for fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies
and others. Hazel Peltier R.N. will be the convenor. First meeting in November
– you'll be called.
2. ______ Missing Someone support group for loss and grief.
3. ______ Divided Hearts support group for divorce and broken relationship
recovery.
4. ______ Touched by Cancer support
group.
Comments:—————————————————
Name: ______________________________
Telephone No: ______________________________
Ireland, Audubon, South Africa and Dessert too, November
17
Coming up
Centralniters and all Central members are invited to a Volunteer Presentation
and Dessert Feast Saturday night, 7:30, November 17 in Central's Dining
Room.
The volunteer speakers are:
Janice Martin who spent time in Ireland with Greenpeace excavating "Ireland
Before the Famine"
Ruth and Ralph Dyson who have spent several winters working on the National
Audubon Society Ranch
Bob Pena-our own-who will share his experiences in South Africa.
Come for a terrific set of presentations - bring one dessert per couple or
family and expect to be delighted mentally and bodily.
A Beautiful Morning
By Kristen May Johnson
A beautiful morning full of grace and glory
As lady liberty gazed over the sea.
Our pride swelled as well as the sails
Of the ships slowly gliding by.
The sky was as clear as our minds,
And the birds merrily sang.
We all went along,
Our hearts singing their song,
And to work everyone came.
In the early morning as the dewdrops glistened
As the shop owners opened their doors,
And everyone paused as the sun breached the towers.
How little we knew of the horrors to come.
A child stood in the shadows, staring up at the building
Erected so that it surpassed even the sky.
And wondered if he would live to see another
standing so proud and so high.
Up above--a silver bird glinted with the reflection of the sun.
He shattered the calm with his cry.
Heads went up and gasps were heard,
As they watched our economy fall.
Yet finance wasn't alone in its descent,
As our towers and government,
And finally our tears,
Kept dropping until they were spent.
While many things fell,
Many things also rose,
We raised our heads only to see another fall,
Our flag and hearts joined our heads,
Hate started this suffering,
And will always fuel it.
Yet will never bring it to an end.
Our love and compassion for one another,
Is stronger and will heal our wounds.
The loss may be vast and our pain will be infinite,
But our forgiveness is greater yet.
Let not our attackers bring us lower than they,
And may we forever stand honorable and proud.
Only show them the love that we all deserve.
Many a sermon shall preach and many a preacher shall teach,
That thou shalt be forgiven,
As we forgive those who sin against us.
For America stands strong,
And shall never turn wrong.
We will all be gone some day,
So let us leave our children the love and compassion,
That America holds proudly today.
The poem was written by Kristen May Johnson, 13, of Lubbock, Texas. Kristen
is the granddaughter of Jim and Dottie Stark, and presented this poem at
her school's Grandparent's Day program on October 12. We normally do not
print unsolicited material but believe the subject warrants this
exception.
Central members author books
Win Anderson, Library Task Force
Our recently re-dedicated church library has books written by past Central
members.
Early Christian Traditions, by Rebecca Lyman, daughter of former minister
Rev. Howard and Janyce Lyman.
Malacca Memories, Parts 1 & 2, by Fanny Shellabear Blasdell, wife of
Rev. Robert Blasdell who was an Associate minister here during
1955-1958.
Say Amen, Brother, by William H. Pipes, a member who is believed to have
been a professor at Lansing Community College.
Toads in Tank Suits, by Frances L. Jones, who, with her husband, Stanley,
were members here in the 1950's. Frances was well known as a swim coach in
Lansing's swim clubs and at the YWCA.
Humane Religion and Jacob's Ladder, by Frank Kingdon, thought to be a minister
at Central 1923-28.
Letters from Europe, 1935, authored by Central's well-known architect, Elmer
J. Manson.
To Grow An Architect, by Marie S. Manson, Elmer Manson's wife, now residing
in Lightstown, New Jersey.
These books are worthy of your interest. So stop by and check them out. Do
you know of other books authored by Central members?
The most caring
Leo Buscaglia, who lectured and wrote on the subject of love, once told about
judging a contest to discern what child among several nominees was the most
caring. The winner turned out to be a 4-year-old who had gone to visit an
elderly neighbor who had lost his wife. Seeing the old fellow crying in his
yard, the little boy went to him and lifted himself upon the grieving man's
lap. Later, when his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, he
answered, "Nothing. I just helped him cry."
Found in The Connecting Link
Used by permission
Trustees Report
Dick Bates, CoChair, Trustees
We hope all of you are pleased with the condition of our grounds and the
beautiful landscaping. Dottie Stark and Bryan Halter are leading this project,
which is called "Central Gardens". Thank you to all who are involved with
this project!
We have concerns with our current security system. A task force committee
has been formed to look into the problem. We have had many false alarms,
which have required the police and/or fire department to investigate. This
is fairly costly every time they answer a call. Hopefully, this problem should
be solved by the end of the year.
We are in the process of finding a company to fix the roof to eliminate the
leaks, which has caused damage to the ceilings inside the building. There
are several places in the sanctuary and elsewhere that have shown signs of
leakage. We would like to get this done before any bad weather arrives, making
the job that much more difficult.
It has been brought to our attention that the air conditioner in the Chapel
is not working properly. If anyone is interested in spending some time or
money to look into this problem, it would be greatly appreciated.
Our investments from endowments are holding their own. They have dropped
some but not to a danger point. We are looking at some possible
alternatives.
A new entertainment center has been added to the Library and Media Center.
It is very beautiful. This was purchased from the McCaskey Memorial. Also,
some new bookshelves have been added which completes the library project.
Take a look. It really is a very attractive area to enjoy books, videos,
or work on the computer for relaxation and enjoyment.
Thank you to Bob and Jeanne Fowler for taking the church's wheelchair in
for repairs. It received new tires and a lube job and now works great! This
wheelchair may be used by anyone to help them move about the church. It is
parked, and should be returned, next to the small elevator near the Ottawa
Street entrance.
Habitat Miracle Sunday November 18
Mary Boudreau, Church and Society Commission
Central United Methodist Church, along with eight other downtown congregations,
is preparing for a miracle! We have the opportunity to join with other local
churches in building a home downtown with Habitat for Humanity. In order
to prepare for this pro-ject, we are holding a Miracle Sunday on November
18, 2001. On that day (and in the upcoming few weeks) our church, along with
the other congregations, will be accepting pledges for our building project.
Together, we intend to generate pledges of $50,000 – miraculous indeed!
Please join us on this great adventure.
As you may know, Habitat for Humanity is a faith-based, international
organization that helps low-income families purchase affordable, safe housing
– with no-interest. These homes are built by volunteers from the community
– including the families themselves, who contribute hundreds of hours
of "sweat equity" to their new home. Our local affiliate has provided homes
to almost forty families in the past decade, and in the process has made
amazing improvements to many Lansing neighborhoods.
Recently, the local Habitat office acquired land to build a home in the downtown
area. A group of church leaders met to prepare for our new neighbors, and
invited other churches to get involved. Each church will have the opportunity
to both help fund the project and to participate in this great volunteer
opportunity. As many of us who have done Habitat builds can testify, we have
a great deal of fun on the projects and learn a tremendous amount. At the
same time, we will cooperatively work with our friends and neighbors in the
other downtown churches. This will be an exciting time for everyone in the
church, as we explore how each of us can contribute—either financially,
by building, or helping with the logistics, such as providing meals for
volunteers or office assistance.
Please prayerfully consider how you can be a part of this project on Miracle
Sunday, November 18. Think of how important home ownership is to the life
of your family and our community. Your tax-deductible pledge will help make
this possible for our new neighbors. If you have any questions, please ask
Mary Boudreau, Bob Pena or Joyce Jerenko.
Click here to return to previous page, or to
A Central Place.