Central
Journal . . . electronic edition
November, 2003
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
Spiritual Renewal Weekend at Central
Friday, November 7, 7:30–9:00 PM
Rev. Faith Fowler, Detroit Cass UMC, Preaching
Music by the Earl Nelson Singers, and more!
Saturday, November 8, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Learn about the spiritual Disciplines
Worship with Rev. Faith Fowler
Sunday, November 9, 9:30 AM
Worship with Rev. Terry Eupes,
Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, Michigan area
Come. Take time out. Bring a friend, a neighbor or a co–worker. Take time out for yourself. Worship, praise, experience spiritual renewal. Are you hungry for something more and wonder what it is? Do you ever think back to a time when you felt more connected to God and want to experience that again? Do you wonder how you can offer more of yourself to God? Come. Join us during this weekend of spiritual renewal.
We, like the apostles, are experiencing a sense of waiting for something anticipated and longed for, but unknown. Many of us desire a better understanding of what God calls us to, individually and as a church. There is also a sense of fear at times, as the call may be difficult or something that challenges who we are right now or where we need to go.
Join us and invite your friends to come share in our Renewal and Revival weekend. This weekend will be a step in our faith journey as we explore our spiritual life together.
Child care available for all events.
more good news…
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds
Members and Friends:
We at Central Church have a compelling and inspirational weekend scheduled for all our members and friends starting Friday, November 7, and climaxing Sunday, November 9. We need your support. Demonstrate through invitation, our enthusiasm for hospitality and spiritual revival. Y’all Come!! There is a mission Central in downtown Lansing. Witness to our faith, tell the story and make disciples for Jesus Christ.
This will be a defining moment for us. We are publicly claiming and acknowledging our commitment to Jesus Christ. We want the greater Lansing Community to know it. The Earl Nelson Singers, a racially integrated singing group, will give us outstanding inspirational and spirit–filled songs on Friday, followed by the Rev. Faith Fowler preaching. She is known for her relevant ministry and ability to preach and tell the story. God will use her in a mighty way to convict and compel us in our walk with Jesus. It will be an excellent opportunity for greater commitment and motivation to be disciples of Jesus Christ. It will be revival like, but it will be more than that. There will be individual spiritual growth and church development. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Workshops, to help cultivate the growth, will happen on Saturday, starting at 2 p.m., led by Rev. Faith Fowler on Outward Responsibility; Rev. McReynolds on Inward Growth; and Mrs. Diane Grettenberger on Corporate Responsibility through worship and music. Everyone will benefit from this weekend.
So we are encouraging every member and friend to come and be a part of the Spiritual Revival and invite and bring others. Central UMC will be revitalized and composed of people being made new in Christ. I personally will be inspired for greater ministry as a pastor. I am already beginning to dream about all the different ways of being more effective as a child of God – visitation, program development and outreach. How we can better serve the community and each other, is the challenge.
Continue praying daily for the weekend and see the full impact of what it means to be in partnership with God and each other.
Education
Bob Roth, Minister of Christian Formation
First, this: thank–you dear people of Central Church for your supportive, open and affirming way of including me in your ministry team over these last 16 months. As you know, at the end of October, my (second!) time on your church staff will come to an end. I will stay on as the ¼ time director of the Shalom Center housed at Central as I return to my ministry of writing. I especially want to thank Pastor Russell McReynolds, Staff/Parish chair Frank Joranko, and lay leader Bill McCracken for all of the personal and professional support they have given me. I leave the staff with continued admiration for their Christ–centered, prophetic vision for Central. Thanks also to Pat Basgall, Frank Anderson, Caryn Welter, and Tom Towsley for their untold kindnesses and all the fun we have had working together.
Over the next couple of months before a new Christian Education staff person is named, it will be most important for the congregation to be aware of, and stay in contact with, the lay leadership in the areas of education and youth. Their responsibilities will all increase in the short run. They are gifted, faithful people whose decisions are always worthy of your support. Your Education chair is Julie Cooper; your adult coordinator is Pat Bell; and your children’s coordinator is Mary Bowers. The senior high youth counselors are Bob Pena and Codee Kirkby and the middle school youth counselors are Nancy O’Shea and Mike Cooper. You have their phone numbers and they like to hear from you!
I will continue to support the vision and people of Central through my work at the Shalom Center. I ask you to hold my writing, the Shalom Center, and of course my family in your prayers. The peace of Christ be with each of you. And Russell–let’s go find good meal!
Youth News
See the Youth Newsletter for details on the following...
November 2 – 5 – 7 p.m.
Both groups: “District & Conference Youth Activities”
November 9 – 5 – 7 p.m.
Both groups: “Fun Night” Basketball, games and celebration of November birthdays
November 16 – 5 – 7 p.m.
Both groups: Estela Hudy – Learning about a global world view
November 23 – 5 – 7 p.m.
Both groups: “Christian–Jewish–Muslim dialogue”
November 30 – (time: see Youth Newsletter)
Hanging of the Greens and/or decorating youth rooms for the season.
Cemetery Lots for Sale
Charlie Bell, Board of Trustees
Central is selling a number of cemetery spaces, vaults and memorials received over time as gifts. We are offering these at a discounted price.
Located in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 West Grand River, there are a total of 11 spaces. Also available are four vaults and two companion memorials.
Your purchase of these lots will help both you and Central church. Funds raised from the sale of these assets will be used to make much needed repairs and improvements to our facilities. Please contact Pat Basgall at the church office, 485–9477
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter,Music Director
Would you agree that our music program for this year has had a really great beginning? The groups are nearly all in progress, and wonderful things are happening with each of them. Thanks to all who participate; we can look forward to even more of these fine musical offerings.
On Thanksgiving Sunday, the Youth Orchestra will play in service for the very first time this year. Bill Tennant, Sr., and the youth all deserve a lot of credit for their dedication, time, talent, and energy.
As we prepare for Advent and Christmas, watch for the Chancel Choir’s rendition of R.Vaughan Williams’ delightful,“Fantasia on Christmas Carols”, to be sung on December 7, during worship. As we work through the piece, these traditional English carols are apparent: The Truth sent from above (Herefordshire) words and tune; Come all you worthy gentlemen (Somerset) words and tune; On Christmas night (Sussex) words and tune; There is a fountain (Herefordshire) tune only. An MSU baritone will launch the work, which quickly evolves into a lovely murmuring of softly humming voices. We’ll look forward to seeing you then.
Watch next Spring for an enlightening worship experience with the Wesley Choristers, mixed with some youth and perhaps a few adults. Fly, Pretty Angels, Fly! depicts a group of children who happen to be sitting, having a dull and boring time, and come up with the idea of playing heaven. They all transform themselves into angels. They need someone to be God, and choose Holly the cleaning lady because she has a godly name, which the children equate with “holy”. Listen in the winter for parts of this as Lindsay Kesselman prepares the groups for a culminating activity.
Remember March 21, 2004, date of the choral fest in which our Chancel Choir will participate. The event will be held in the sanctuary of Plymouth Congregational Church at 4 p.m. This is an AGO–sponsored event; a free–will offering will help to offset expenses incurred for literature and for the learning experiences offered by MSU’s Dr. David Rayl, conductor of rehearsals and the concert.
Worship / Rehearsal schedules for children and youth:
November 2 – 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. – Youth Orchestra rehearsal #1
November 9 – 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. – Youth Orchestra rehearsal #2
November 16 – 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. – Youth Orchestra rehearsal #3
November 16 – Youth Musical Group in worship; 9:00 a.m. rehearsal
November 23 – Youth Orchestra in worship; 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. rehearsal
November 23 – Wesley Choristers in worship; 9:00 a.m. rehearsal
December 14 – Wesley Choristers & Youth in worship; 9:00 a.m. rehearsal
Scripture for Life
In this space we will feature a Bible verse that has had a particular impact on the life of one of our members.–Ed
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it,
—2 Timothy 3:14 NRSV
Mike Cooper
When I was asked to write about my favorite Bible verse, I wasn’t sure what to write. I feel that I have just started my walk of life since going on my Walk to Emmaus in April of 2000. That is when I really felt the touch of Jesus Christ in my life and finally had some understanding of where my life is going and a direction for my family.
With that said, the verse that has meant something to me is 2nd Timothy 3:14. This verse says that I must be grateful to God with a clear conscience because if I don't the devil intervenes and clouds all judgements for the future. I now have a better picture of how to live my life according to the way Jesus Christ would want me to. GOD gave us the spirit of power and of love and of self–discipline to make it possible for us to get through the long hard days. I have also learned not to be ashamed of being a follower of Jesus Christ and to try to “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” to any non–believers whom I may encounter in my journey in life. This verse also has taught me to stop looking or thinking so hard about what GOD has in store for the future of my family and me.
For me, life would not be the same without JESUS CHRIST in my life. Knowing this I can live my life as though it was not mine to live but to share with others in any way possible. If it is meant to be, it is not up to me.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
We are an active, responsive, responsible, loving, supportive, empathetic, energetic Unit of United Methodist Women! Check out this schedule of activities and this is just what is being done in the Unit as a whole. You'd be surprised what we have going on at the Circle and one–to–one level. Just ask a United Methodist Woman. But don't expect to get away quickly once you get her started!
Baby Shower for Estela Hudy – Monday, November 10, 2003 at
7 p.m. in Central’s Dining Room
Come join us in “showering” the Hudy Baby with the little necessities a baby needs. Estela will use disposable diapers while here in the US but beginning March 30, 2004, she will need cloth diapers when the family returns to Bolivia. The Hudy’s have a bassinet for the baby but are in need of all manner of baby items – clothes, powder, blankets, lotion, cash so the family can get what they need both here and in Bolivia. We invite ALL of CENTRAL’S FAMILY to enjoy this time of laughter, cake, punch, coffee and community. No RSVP required, feel free to come and help us welcome this new life into our Family of Faith.
Mission Team for November will be at 6 p.m. THURSDAY, November 6. This move is necessitated by Election Day and Central’s Church Conference. It didn’t make it into the calendar.
World Thank Offering and Pledges are due in November. Please remit your offering and pledges to either your Circle Treasurer or Mary Bowers, our Unit Treasurer. All moneys go to programs across the globe, from areas as diverse as Nepal to Community House in Grand Rapids. Moneys go to help train rural and indigenous women to be Bible Women, taking the news of the Gospel to their villages and beyond.
You help children and youth find safe havens after school at UMW sponsored programs. Senior citizens find a kind word, purpose, food and fellowship at drop–in centers. Young mothers find solace; battered women find strength; addicted women, children and youth find treatment and hope.
United Methodist Women provide 27% of mission moneys to the church, while we comprise 13% of the total membership. And we do this on top of the money we give through our regular church pledges. Pat yourself on the back, ladies. You are the backbone of mission giving. Think of all the good we do; think of those involved in programs we support, and think what would happen to those programs if we weren’t there to offer our support. Please prayerfully consider this special opportunity we have to spread the Love of God to others.
Speaking of the holidays – were we speaking of the holidays? – well, we are now! If you are planning on buying cookie dough from UMW for your holiday baking needs please know we have very, very little left. First come, first served! Let one of the Mission Team members know what you’d like. When I last checked, we were down to four varieties: peanut butter, candy, coconut krispees and white chocolate macadamia.
Christmas by Candlelight is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9. Put it on your calendar now!!
Epiphany Breakfast will be Saturday, January 3, 2004, at Holt United Methodist Church. Our speaker is Kay DeMoss. More details will be available as they are received on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
Have a blessed, meaningful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends
David Mills speaks at World Community Day for Church Women United
Carolyn Schuurmans
Friday, November 7 at 1 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 2021 N. Aurelius Rd. at Holt Rd., Holt. (Enter at the north entrance of the church)
The program is titled, Circles of Love, and concerns peace. Dave Mills, from our Shalom Peace Center, is the speaker. Everyone is welcome to attend, and we hope you will!
Board members will meet at 10 a.m. Bring a sack lunch. Fellowship time follows the meeting.
Among Friends
Remember…
Donna Reynolds – Sparrow Hospital
David Bednar – Lamont, MI
Special prayers for...
Margaret Ebersole – at home
Natalie Lamphere – at home
Orpha VerPlanck – at home
Dave Jessup – at home
Ruth Norton – Highland Home, Jackson
Baby Joy Lynn Chamberlain – home
Transitions...
Pauline Kies, long term member, passed away October 17.
Thank you...
...and I want to extend my deep appreciation to all who sent me expressions of sympathy with calls and cards at the time of the death of my dear and special brother, Charles “Bud” Strahan in September. Your kindness meant so very much to me. God’s blessings to you all. Ginny Cantwell
Celebrate the Christmas season by attending Central’s
“Christmas by Candlelight”
Enjoy hearing the choral performance of the Okemos High School Somebo Singers
The program will be held in Fellowship Hall, Tuesday, December 9.
Punch will be served at 6:15 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. followed by dessert
Tickets are $2.50 and may be purchased during Coffee Hour in
Fellowship Hall on November 16, 23, and 30
For more information call Nancy Dibble – 487–4451
Elderberrys in science
Frank Anderson
WE HAD A GOOD SESSION on October 14 from Gladys Beckwith of the Lansing Women's Hall of Fame. We learned about Metta Woodward Olds, Gertrude Howe (the first female Methodist Missionary to China in 1872), and E. Genevieve Gillette who was responsible for many of Michigan's State Parks being established. Indeed, we had an interesting time.
THE NOVEMBER PROGRAM of ELDERBERRYS for our older adult ministry will be on Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day, at 10:30 a.m. We meet in order to lift up the need for Central UMC to recognize the value of its senior citizens as assets and not liabilities. We have a part in the world.
For our NEXT meeting on a Tuesday morning, we will enjoy the presentation of Impression 5 Science Center of Lansing which is located on Museum Drive by the river. Come and see and hear about where science is and what it looks like today. Luncheon follows the program for a donation of $2.00. Please make reservations as the day approaches by calling the Church Office or signing up the Sundays before in Fellowship Hall.
Keep up the good work!
A recent visitor to Central from Inkster wrote this note on the attendance registration:
“I cannot believe how beautiful and awesome your building and sanctuary are. What is more awesome is the ministry you do here for the people! May God bless you and may you have the strength of Jesus to keep you continuing your work. Thank you. This was the best part of my mini vacation. Since I do not live all that far away, I will come back to visit again. Sometimes you need to hear what a good job you do!!”
This is a set–up
To enable our staff to assist you efficiently, please remember that when you are reserving space in the church for any function, a “Function Set–up Sheet” must be filled out with Pat Basgall, Administrative Secretary. Both the scheduling and set–up will be handled by Pat who will coordinate this information with Tom Towsley, Facilities Manager.
50 Year Member
Nancy O’Shea, Assistant Editor
Jess E. Pinch feels at home at Central UMC and is currently helping in the infants and toddlers room Sunday mornings . Jess–E says it is wonderful to have not only our senior pastor, Russell McReynolds, but also Bob Roth, Frank Anderson and Keith Pohl.
You never know what can happen at a PTA meeting. That is where Dorothy Forgrave spoke with Jess–E. Pinch about a program called CRP (Character Research Program). Jess–E was so impressed with the program that she started coming to church at Central in 1952 and eventually made it her home.
The CRP was based on the Beatitudes. Dr. Earnest Ligon from Union College in New York wrote this program. He believed if a person followed the curriculum series, one would lead a Christian life. It included persons from nursery school age through high school. Popular as it was, it ran the course at Central from 1949 through 1972. Rev. Kearney Kirkby (then an associate pastor at Central) often coordinated his sermons with the weekly topic of the CRP
Although too numerous to mention, some familiar faces around Central today attended the CRP: Pat Bell, Mary Bowers, David DeVinney, Joan Forgrave, Jan Ruppert and Dale Kirkby. Those who helped teach CRP and/or Sunday School with Mrs. Pinch are Rosa Houston and Lois Myers. Some of the lesson topics have very catchy titles and are practical for daily use yet today.
You Can Do (based on The Little Engine That Could)
Respecting Tools (how important are tools: hammer, saw, drill, to daily life; learning respect for “things”)
Rules (learning why they are set and why their use is important)
I Don't Want to, but I Will (following directions)
Cooperation (getting things done with other people)
Making Friends With a Bully
Leora Stutes reminded Jess–E of an amusing incident that occurred in one of their “can do conventions” where each student was to tell what he/she could do as a result of the CRP program. One child got up to tell her story and, overcome with shyness said, “I can't do it!”
Now, a little more about this 50–year Central member:
Jess–E graduated from Cornell College*, in Mt. Vernon, IA, with a degree in geology and history. Because of an over supply of social studies teachers, the teacher’s agency informed her of a need for some economics and commerce teachers. She chose to get credits in teaching commerce. They were faster to obtain by taking a four–month course offered by a Chicago business school and then getting accredited by taking exams at the University of Chicago. On passing the exams Jess–E immediately was engaged as a lab assistant in the social department of Hertzl Junior College in Chicago.
At the end of the school year she accepted a position teaching science and commerce in the Potterville, MI high school where she met her husband Raymond. Because Raymond had enlisted in the air force and was stationed at Chanute Field near Rantoul, IL, they were married in the Methodist church there in 1942.
After the war Raymond resumed his job as yard conductor for the Michigan Central Railroad (later Conrail). With his little family, Raymond moved to Lansing. The oldest child, Raymond, was born in Montreal. Two more children were born after moving to Lansing.
Jess–E. was a lady before her time! She earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Child Development and Curriculum at MSU. And she juggled a teaching career at Lansing Community College with raising a family.
Ohio Wesleyan – her grandfather went there before enlisting in the Civil War; Illinois Wesleyan – her father taught there in the early 1920s – her brother attended there before enlisting in the Marines in the early 1940s; Northwestern University – her sister graduated there in flute in the late 1940’s. Iowa, Cornell College – Jess–E. graduated there in 1936. Nebraska Wesleyan – her parents met and graduated there in 1912.
Book Review
by Pat Mort
I am thrilled to review Self–Nurture; Learning to Care for Yourself as Effectively as You Care for Everyone Else which I bought for Central’s library from the UMW Reading Program.
Doctor Domar and Henry Dreher help us explore the mind-body connection in a book designed as either a year–long study or a one or two week read. The Contents include an “Introduction” on the importance of self–nurture, seasonal sections on “Primal Self-Care“, “A Time for Renewal“, “Free Time for the Soul” and “Auspicious Beginnings.” We are invited to examine ourselves, the circumstances we find ourselves in and why we feel we need to provide for others before ourselves. We are then given skills to help us on the path to better self–nurture.
This book offers spiritual and practical advice that can be used by anyone. It also grants women permission to record over those old, negative voices we hear playing in our mind with fresh, healthy, life–affirming ones. There is a wonderful Appendix filled with meditations, a list of relaxation tapes available through the Mind/Body Medical Clinic and a Selected Bibliography at the end of the book.
If you are looking for ways to feed the corners of your soul or you just need validation that it’s okay to care for yourself first sometimes, I recommend this book to you. You’ll find it on the UMW shelf in Central’s Ralph Goodell Memorial Library.
Opportunities To Serve YOUR Church
Will you attend to volunteering?
Bob Wangen
As a part of the Renewal Initiative we have established a system for tracking attendance at Sunday Worship. This will help us know when someone has not attended for several Sundays. We will be able to get in touch with them to make sure they are okay, not ill or have problems we can help with, and just to let them know they are missed.
For this system to work effectively, we need volunteers to assist Pat Basgall in recording attendance from the Ritual of Friendship pads. If you are willing to volunteer 1–2 hours a week performing this critical service, please contact Pat at the Church office (485-9477).
“Getting to Know You”
Administrative Secretary, Pat Basgall, likes to keep church records up to date. Please help her do this by completing the enclosed “Getting to Know You” form and dropping it in the offering plate, leave it at the reception desk or mail it to Pat Basgall at Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. Thank you for your kind cooperation.
“Who is our neighbor?”
Pat Bell, Church and Society Commission
One of our members said she was drawn to this church because “Central cares for people beyond their own membership.” There are a number of ways for us to be a part of that caring. One of them is buying, preparing and serving the holiday dinners for families and individuals who attend our Thursday Fellowship Lunch here at Central.
Over the next few weeks, we will collect donations for the Thanksgiving meal as well as the Thursday Fellowship meals we serve throughout the year. Look for a table during Fellowship Coffee Hour, drop an envelope marked “Thanksgiving Meal” in the offering plate, or mail it to the church office. Be a part of our tradition of caring, and know your generosity is appreciated.
Fellowship coffee hour
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Ad Council
A cup of coffee...perhaps a cookie...and precious fellowship with church friends and visitors.
Your efforts to help us continue this important part of our Sunday morning are greatly appreciated.
Sign–up sheets are posted on the large bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. Servers and cookies are needed for each week.
Detailed instructions are posted on the bulletin board in the kitchenette and copies are available at the reception desk if you wish to take one home.
Mentors are available if you want assistance. Please write your request beside your name on the posted sign–up sheet.
Many hands and the leadership of Beth Murley make this a cheerful service to our membership. Blessings!
Trustees Progress...
David DeVinney, Board of Trustees
The trustees meet two or three times a month to address the many challenges we face and are spending twenty hours a week working on several urgent projects. We seek to keep in mind that we welcome people into Christ’s family here at this historical spot, in these two unique old buildings. We know we must keep these buildings in good repair to keep the doors open. We seek to be good stewards of these gifts of property and maintain them faithfully so they will serve us in welcoming others and continue to serve those who follow. Here is a brief summation of our current work:
- Our insurer will cover the depreciated value of the water damaged Dining Room floor. They are pursuing claims to the state’s contractors. We expect to hire consultants to find all the sources of excessive moisture in the room so these can be corrected before a new floor is installed. As it is now, we will be responsible for additional costs to fully repair the floor and walls which won’t be completed for several months. In the meantime, the old floor has been repaired sufficiently so it can be used.
- The termite damage to the buildings is being accessed by a structural engineer and a comprehensive clean up and treatment program has begun. The initial intensive phase of termite control will take a year and treatment will continue for ten years and probably indefinitely. Our insurance does not cover this damage and we are exploring any responsibility by our former pest control service.
- The Temple House roof must be torn off and replaced because leaks have damaged many interior walls. Contractors have submitted recommendations and we expect to begin the work very soon.
- The Sanctuary roof has lost slate tiles and a ridge cap, and has damaged rain gutters. We must take care of these repairs before winter.
- Steam valves and connections throughout the buildings are being repaired to stop damage to surrounding walls, floors and ceilings, to stabilize the temperatures and reduce heating costs.
- We have begun asbestos abatement for broken insulation around steam pipes as required by law to protect users and staff in the buildings, as well as our service providers as they work in confined areas.
- Additional steam pipe insulation has been installed in the basement of the Sanctuary building to reduce the heat build up there and lower our steam bills. The reduced heat will also benefit our termite control efforts.
- We will consider the repair of many damaged areas of plaster walls and ceilings, especially if roof drains are replaced.
- The new storage building will be up and in service in November which will allow us to store all our outdoor equipment and supplies, now being stored at St. Paul’s, the parsonage and on our stairwell landings.
- The apartment and bathroom need extensive repair.
- A chandelier in Fellowship Hall will be repaired and a short in electrical wiring has been fixed.
- Improving sanctuary ventilation for summer use is being explored.
- Building and van use policies have been developed in conjunction with staff to improve the quality of the use of the building and the safe use of the van.
- We continue to work with the Capitol Churches Coalition on possible re–grading of the north parking lot and setting up parking and maintenance procedures.
- We consistently monitor our endowments and their use.
- We are negotiating with the state regarding the Capitol Loop project slated to begin in 2004.
And there is more. We welcome your participation in supporting the efforts to fix up our buildings. There are certain volunteers who quietly go about our buildings, under trustee’s direction, and make necessary repairs and improvements, saving us hundreds of dollars and encouraging us to no end! Please do not hesitate to stop a trustee and ask any question about our work. Thanks!
Elected clergy and laity conference delegates to speak during church school hour
Sponsored by Church and Society Commission
Presentations on “The General Process and Issues of General Conference 2004 and the North Central Jurisdictional Conference” are being held through November 23 in Mary Sabina Chapel during the church school hour. Presenters are:
Rev. Russell McReynolds, General Conference Delegate, Rev. Bob Roth, Cris Bobier, General Conference Laity Delegate, Joel Pier–Fitzgerald (youth), General Conference Laity Delegate, Patsy Coffman, N.C.J.C. Laity–Alternate.
This is an exceptional opportunity to learn more about the workings of these conferences from knowledgeable persons: our denominational representative
Did you know:
Annual conferences are composed of equal numbers of clergy and lay persons from 62 geographical areas in the United States. Each body elects delegates to General Conference and votes on constitutional amendments proposed by that assembly.
A provisional annual conference is a group of fewer than 50 clergy and churches that, because of its limited membership, does not qualify for annual conference status.
A missionary conference is formed by General Conference when there are limited members and resources with special considerations and ministerial needs. There are three missionary conferences in the U.S. Church (Alaska, Oklahoma Indian, and Red Bird)
A central conference is a group of annual, provisional or missionary conferences outside the United States. There are 1.38 million lay members and 3,181 clergy members in seven central conferences in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
Only the General Conference, the 1,000 member assembly of elected delegates that meets every four years, can speak for the denomination; no single person serves as the leader.
The Council of Bishops annually elects a president and that person is elected on a rotating basis among the five U.S. jurisdictions and central (outside the U.S.) conferences. The Council of Bishops is now considering a proposal that would allow electing a president to a four–year term. That president would not serve an episcopal area. The council has asked Judicial Council to rule on the legality of this proposal.
Carolyn Schuurmans, Chair, Missions Commission
Apartment, jobs needed
Eric Alifo, from Ghana, has been receiving non-monetary support from the Mission Commission. He has been an excellent student at Cooley Law School and has been named to the Dean’s List. Cooley is also offering him scholarship help to continue his studies. Eric now has the necessary government approval to be able to get a job. Eric’s wife, Edinam, has completed her studies (M.A. in Tourism) in England and has arrived in the U.S. to be with Eric.
Eric and Edinam are looking for jobs and their own apartment. YOU CAN HELP these fine young people if you know of an apartment available to rent or of a possible job for either Eric or Edinam. Please call Carolyn Schuurmans, 321-0569, if you have any suggestions.
Mission letter from the Congo
David and Lori Persons are missionaries in the Congo supported in part by our apportionments. The Persons write that they have been busy with many visitors, including two Danish work teams that came to lay new electric cable. The job involved 30 people digging ditches for days in rocky soil. They also had visitors from the Board of Global Ministries and the Deans and Presidents of Theological schools in French-speaking Central Africa. They traveled by canoe, bicycle, trucks or by foot. Food was prepared for all these people by teams of women who worked hours cleaning and sorting rice and beans, pounding greens, cutting vegetables and cooking over charcoal fires. They cooked corn meal mush in a 24” pot, stirring with a four foot paddle. All water comes from barrels which collect water as it is pumped three times a week. When the pump broke, they hauled water from nearby villages.
In spite of the war and chaos in the Congo, six people graduated from the college with masters degrees. The Persons closed their letter saying, “Many of the visitors are standing in the line of fire in this horrible war.” PRAY!
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