Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         November, 2004

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Silver Bells in the City

Silver Bells will soon be ringing! It's time again for Central's 3rd annual Open House during Lansing's Silver Bells in the City, Friday, November 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Claudia McLellan, trustee

Season's Greetings! Our caroline bells will be ringing too, with instrumentalists from the area taking turns at the console. This event has turned out to be a great fund-raiser for Central sponsored by the trustees.

We are looking for volunteers who would like to be part of an evening with fun and fellowship with our community. What better way to invite our neighbors into the church? If you would like to volunteer passing out hotdogs, pizza, hot drinks, etc., please contact Alicia Ingram at 367-0610 or Claudia McLellan at 339-8490. We will also be available during coffee hour. We hope to see you all there!

Central's First Annual Craft Show will take place Friday during Silver Bells from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, November 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come browse!

Tom Roiser

Last year 80,000 people attended Silver Bells in the City. There should be plenty of opportunity for crafters to sell their products! To make this first craft show a success, we are looking for crafters with quality items to sell. For $60, each crafter will have a 6' x 6' space, which includes a 6' table. Each crafter may bring additional tables or shelves to fit into their space. This price also includes the cost of radio advertising, newspaper ads and a banner to be hung outside the building. Income from space rentals will go to the Evangelism Commission here at Central. If you are interested, or know someone who is, please contact Tom Roiser at (517) 372-0238 or e-mail: dinoden1951@yahoo.com. Help us make this first year of the craft show a success!
Education Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

Iam truly excited about my new job as Christian Education Director. The invitation to accept this position came as a total surprise, but deep down inside, the opportunity sparked an immediate response because of a passion I've always had for Christian Education. Although I was also somewhat nervous about the responsibility and how it would impact my life, I could feel an energy and excitement building, and I knew this was exactly what God was calling me to do now. So I want to say "thank you" for this new opportunity to work for my church family and for God. I'm having fun, and I love being with all the folks that come and go from this building. By the way, this is only a part-time position. I can do many things from my home, but I will usually be at the church Mondays and Wednesdays if you need to talk to me. Please feel free to call me about any concerns you may have regarding our education program.

News from the Infant/Toddler Nursery and the Rainbow Room
Thank-you to Frank Joranko and the Staff/Parish Relations Committee for finding and hiring two excellent young women to care for our young children during church and Sunday School. Megan DeShetler is working in the nursery, and Miranda (Mandy) Eads is in the Rainbow Room. I am very impressed with them both, and you can be fully confident in their ability. This is a great opportunity for young families to attend the entire Sunday morning worship, coffee fellowship and adult classes, knowing that your children are also having a positive Christian play-and-learn experience. "Grandma" Jess Pinch continues to faithfully serve in her honored position. She's devoted to the little ones. We are hoping, as our program grows, to establish regular rotating volunteers to assist Mandy and Megan and Jess.

New Chapel Adult Elective Video Series Throughout the year we will be continually offering in the chapel at 11 a.m., a variety of interesting video classes. Topics will range from traditional Bible study to drama, parenting, Christian history, world issues, growing in faith, etc. Some classes will be one or two Sundays in length, and others may be 4-8 weeks. Several people have agreed to lead these various classes. Currently we are showing the wonderful series, "Coping as Christians," by Maxie Dunnam. This 6-week series will continue through December 5. In this Bible-teaching study you are challenged to grow in your understanding of some of life's thorniest issues and problems and to grow in your resources to cope with these in healthy, Christian ways. Maxie Dunnam is a highly respected United Methodist preacher/theologian who was instrumental in creating the popular Disciple Bible Study. The topics covered in November will be: Fear and Stress; Loneliness, Loss, Grief and Death; Resentment and Depression; Compassion Fatigue and Everyday Demands.
Youth News
The New Vision of UMYF
Jamie Tipton, Youth Director

What an exciting year we have planned! I've been working on a new vision for the youth group. We have renamed the group S³, which stands for, "SPRITIUAL growth through SERVICE and SOCIALIZING". We are well under way and have seen growth already. My staff, Mike Cooper, Dennis Kelley, Steve Lyon, Amanda Stevens, and Jay Young are pumped up and ready to take this group to the next level! So get ready to be Cubed!

Questions, Comments, or Concerns? Contact:
Jamie Tipton - Youth Director Home: 517-669-3259
Cell: 517-896-6606
E-mail: JamieT1979@aol.com

Activities Planned
The youth group has come up with many ideas for the coming year to help guide them to grow spiritually while doing service in God's name. Some of these activities include: Fundraising Opportunities
To help fund these activities, the youth have brainstormed and come up with a couple fundraising efforts:
Activities scheduled through December!

Sunday, November 7 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - "Lean on Me"

Sunday, November 14 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Thanksgiving Food Scavenger Hunt

Sunday, November 21- 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Game Night

Sunday, November 28 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Youth Gather Together - "FearFactor Challenge"* Meeting w/ another Church youth group

Sunday, December 5 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Cards & cookies for shut-ins

Sunday, December 12 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - "CHRISTmas: The Real Story"

Sunday, December 19 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Christmas Party

Sunday, December 26 - NO Youth Fellowship
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Thanks to all who helped with the Saturday, October 16, FUMMWA workshop. Participants in the "Awake! Sing!" activity were pleased with Central's hospitality and were very appreciative. Special thanks goes to Rev. Russell McReynolds for serving as officiant of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, which was served as part of the afternoon worship service.

For his orchestration of the day's food and for his tireless efforts throughout the day, we thank Justin Sleight. Additionally, sincere thanks for their efforts go to Laurie Bates, Pat and Charlie Bell, Joyce Brendahl, Elaine and Murray Brown, Jan Keen, Faye and Bill McCracken, Don Pickard, Arline Roe, Marge Sleight, Leora Stutes, and Gene Welter.

Sip 'n' Sing begins November 28 and wehope to see everyone there. We'll sing Christmas carols from 8:45 - 9:15 a.m., but you may feel free to come a bit earlier for refreshments. If you've not been a part of this marvelous time of Advent fellowship, please join us this year.

Special thanks go to families who've dedicated memorial monies toward the music program. What a lovely way it is to memorialize a loved one, through gifts that will be valued and appreciated way into the future. Their benefits will be realized by the entire congregation. An additional benefit is that these generous gifts can help ease the burden on Central's budget.

December 19, Christmas Sunday in the church, will find all the music groups participating in a special service that's being designed by Trey Jacobs, following a model he's used in other churches. This worship experience will borrow some of the traditional "Lessons and Carols" pieces, but put them in a little different context. We hope you'll enjoy the experience.

This year's Christmas Eve service is now being designed and the committee would very much encourage and appreciate input from the congregation. Should you have suggestions for their consideration, feel free to leave them on the voice mail at Central's ext. 35.

On the date of our Church Conference, November 7, all children and youth are invited to the music rehearsal room. Lindsay Kesselman will be showing them a movie, as adults are involved with the Church Conference in Fellowship Hall. There will be no adult Sunday School that day.

Calendar dates for Wesley Choristers and the Youth Fine Arts Group as they participate in morning worship:

November 14 - Wesley Choristers at 9:00 a.m.

November 21 - Youth Fine Arts Group at 9:00 a.m.

December 5 - Wesley Choristers at 9:00 a.m.

December 19 - Youth Fine Arts Group at 9:00 a.m., Wesley Choristers at 9:10 a.m.

A reminder about music dates for children and youth tells us that there are no music classes on November 28, December 26, January 2, or March 27. This was part of the music cut that changed the Director's position from 38 down to 34 weeks per year, and seems also to be in keeping with family commitments on those special days. Worship Commission recommendations are helping us to further refine the worship experience. Among other adjustments, friendship books are being handed to worshippers, worship leaders are (in many cases) serving for a full month, and communion experiences are being fine-tuned. We hope these adjustments will serve the congregation well. Please mark April 24 on your calendars as being the day when Central's Chancel Choir will participate in a Lansing-area choral festival. The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, and will be under the direction of MSU's Sandra Snow. Dr. Snow's marvelous talent and experience will serve the event well; you can look forward to an exceptional concert!
UnitedMethodist Women
Pat Mort, President

World Thank Offering envelopes are available at the November Circle meetings. If you are not involved in a Circle and would still like to participate, checks may be made out to Central UMW and given to Mary Bowers. Thank you.

I get lots of questions about pledges and what they are for. The monies we take in on our pledge go to the local, national and international projects that work with women, youth and children. These range from schools to community centers, senior centers, mid-wives, Bible women, feeding programs, anti-violence programs and clothing banks. The national budget equals what was taken in two years ago through pledges. Our unit also supports local agencies - which we do after we pay our pledge. In other words, if we don't fulfill our pledge we don't pay towards local agencies that do good things right here in Lansing. If you haven't paid your pledge to UMW for 2004, please do so before December first. Mary has to close our books and send our funds off so the District can close their books. Just thought you'd want to know.

Central United Methodist Church will present Christmas by Candlelight Tuesday, December 7, at 6:15 p.m. Punch will be served followed by the program and dessert. The East Lansing High Choristers will present a variety of Christmas Music. Tickets are $2.50 and will be sold after church in Fellowship Hall beginning November 7.
Support our Thanksgiving and Christmas Fellowship Lunch
Pat Bell, Church and Society Commission

Each year, Church and Society collects money for the Fellowship Lunch Program. Contributions are used for special Thanksgiving and Christmas meals as well as throughout the year.

Please join us in providing support, caring and a hot lunch to homeless, isolated and otherwise challenged persons in our community during this holiday season and beyond.

Members of our Board of Church and Society will be in Fellowship Hall November 7 and 14 for the Thanksgiving meal collection, and December 5 and 12 for the Christmas meal collection. You may choose to send in your contribution marked for "Holiday Lunches" to the church office.
Church Women United

Everyone is welcome on Friday, November 5, 1 p.m. at Trinity AME Church, 3500 W. Holmes Road, Lansing. Program: "In Faith, Women Shape the Future".
-Carolyn Schuurmans
Alice Pifer,
Chair, Fellowship Coffee Hour

I want to thank the many members of the church who have so generously given of their time and energy to work during Fellowship Coffee Hour.

November needs only a few volunteers and Thanksgiving Sunday is covered. December, however, needs more workers for all Sundays, especially Christmas Sunday and New Year's Sunday. Any volunteers?

Please check the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall and sign up for the Sunday(s) of your choice or call me at 694-0686.
Elizabeth and Jamie at Rio Colorado
Carolyn Schuurmans, Co-Chair, Missions Commission

Elizabeth Wangen is completing her volunteer mission time at Rio Colorado School in Bolivia. She is working with the Hudys and teaching English, in spite of the difficulty of not knowing Spanish. Jamie Tipton visited her for two weeks and took supplies to the Hudys. We look forward to welcoming them back to Central and hearing about their experiences.
Among Friends

Remember...

At press time...

Lucy Akpabio
Margaret Ebersole at Great Lakes Center
Nancy Johnson at home
Charles & Mary Jacobs at home
Maxine Jones at home
Muriel Kirkby at home
Joe O'Shea at home
LaVinna Roberts at home
Lulu Smith at home
LeeAnn Stutes at home
Sally Swiss at home

Thank you…

….to friends in the church who sent cards, offered prayers and expressed concern during the time of my surgery. It was appreciated. Doug Bowers

….for the cards and notes I have received since my surgery. They have been very supportive and helpful during my recovery. Thank you again. LaVinna Roberts

….from Linda and I for the many cards, prayers, and concerns about my recent surgery and following emergency stay in the hospital. Frank Anderson helped greatly with a couple of visits. We would especially like to thank Russell for being there on both occasions and using me as a "topic" for one of his sermons. I'm doing very well now and hope and pray my health continues to get better and better. Dick Bates

Congratulations…

Allison Thomas celebrated his 90th birthday September 21

Transitions…

Margaret Woolcocks, giver of her time and talents right to the end, was called home to the Lord Thursday, September 2, 2004.A memorial service was held September 4.
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE NOVEMBER 2!
CROP Walk-ed
Carolyn Schuurmans

Thank you to all who contributed to the CROP Walk. It was a lovely day, and Rev. Russell McReynolds and Carolyn Schuurmans turned in pledges of about $400.
"Adventures with Elderhostel" coming up
Frank Anderson

ELDERBERRYS is our older adult group that convenes every second Tuesday of the month in the morning in the church dining room. Of course, there are several groups of older adults in our church since we have many "gray heads" in the congregation. (Mine is white). But we come together in a very loosely-organized fashion. October's meeting consisted of a presentation by Rev. Bill Amundsen of our Central staff who recently led a small group on a Scandinavian tour. Thank you, Bill, for an interesting program. We appreciate your coming to Elderberrys.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 9, at 10:30 a.m. Please plan to come. Our program will be offered by Mary Jessup on the topic of, "Adventures with Elderhostel" with a short Video. The Elderhostel experience "offers you a multitude of opportunities to explore stimulating ideas and fascinating places across the U.S. and around the world. Learning is at the core of every program. Knowledgeable, engaging faculty and local experts set the stage for discovery with background lectures and discussions..." You're invited to come to hear about Elderhostels. Reservations needed by November 7. Sign-up in Fellowship Hall or phone the church office at 485-9477. A tasty luncheon will follow for only a $2 donation for Meals-on-Wheels.
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY Anyone?
Bill Amundsen

Disciple Bible study was begun about 10 years ago and transformed The United Methodist Church. The study doubles as a learning experience and a support group for its participants. You are asked to read about 45 minutes per day and answer some questions before coming to class. The class begins at 7 p.m. and ends slightly after 9 p.m. A time for prayer and brief worship is included. Video clips will bring us professional comments about the texts which are assigned for that week. During Disciple I (the first course), approximately 75% of the Bible will be read by each participant. It will change your life. You will be glad you said "YES!" Contact Bill Amundsen or Wendy Roiser to sign up. An orientation session will be held on Wednesday, November 17, from 7 - 8 p.m.
Thanks for books and donations at the fall book "sale"
Ed Spink, Library Task Force

Thank you for the excellent response to the recent book "sale". Your generous donations, both books and money, will purchase new books and videos to expand and enhance the library collection and your reading pleasure.

Recent arrivals to the library include:
The Red Tent by Anita Diamont
A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer
Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul by Jack Canfield
Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul by Jack Canfield
God Has a Dream by Desmond Tutu
The Gospel According to Harry Potter by Connie Neal
The Gospel According to Tolkien by Ralph Wood

Check out these and other new books.
Ad Council approves fund raising policy
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Administrative Council

The Administrative Council voted at its October 13 meeting to require that all requests to conduct fund-raising events and appeals be approved by and coordinated by the Ad Council. Most of our special requests for funds are made yearly and are anticipated by the congregation and are routinely approved. Those requests made for the first time must be brought to the Council to insure that the members will be well informed and events are coordinated appropriately.
2005 Pledge Drive under way

The 2005 Pledge Drive is well under way and the hope is to complete our opportunity to fully support the wonderful ministries of the church in time for the December Ad/Council meeting which will finalize the 2005 budget.

We've been focusing on the theme, "I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together." Join our Central members in giving generously to support the important work of our church!
Dear friends,

As we continue this school year, I am amazed at how a little change can bring big differences to the work we do. I invite you to read about one way our work here has been effected due to a little change we introduced this year.

For 50 miles in every direction, the Rio Colorado High School is known as a place where students receive computer education as well as the other typical high school subjects. Many of our students come to our school because of the computer classes--something not offered in almost any other school around.

This year, our sophomores, juniors, and seniors share the computers we have as they hone their skills. Classes are held in the evenings, making longer a typical day already filled with eight other classes. And they love it!

However, one area where we have not put as much emphasis is on providing computers for our teachers. Many of our teachers arrive at our school without any knowledge of how to use a computer, and leave without having learned any more.

Through support offered by many individuals, this year we have been able to loan laptops to the pastor and secretary, as well as one for the technical staff. The laptops offer greater flexibility than the desktops that the students use. The staff is able to use their computer during the evening, charge the battery, and work during daylight hours when our generator is not on.

Our pastor, Erasmo Ayala, uses a computer donated by members from Lansing Central UMC (Michigan). He has found the laptop ideal for preparing song sheets for our Wednesday worship service, handouts on Methodism and Christian education for the students, and letters which allow him to keep in contact with friends throughout Bolivia and the world.

Rosalia Medina, our school secretary and librarian, manages many school documents and the computer inventory on her laptop. Although she can only print the documents when our lights are turned on (6:30 - 9:30 p.m.), the flexibility that a laptop offers is invaluable for taking full advantage of her work schedule during the day. Her computer was acquired through donations of churches in the West Michigan Conference.

Our technicians have another laptop that came from members of Marcellus UMC in Michigan who heard of the need for laptops as well as other computer equipment. Although only a Pentium II, it is more than adequate for reports, documents, and data management.

We hope to continue loaning computers to all of our teachers so that they can use this technology to better their teaching ability. It is truly a technology that is necessary and accessible for everybody.

We invite you to be part of our future by helping us acquire these laptops. It is easier to buy used laptops in the United States than in Bolivia since a used computer market does not really exist here.

With your help, little by little, we will extend our teaching, not just to our students, but to our teachers and staff.

Contact us if you want to lend a hand!

Peter

Postal address:
Peter and Estela Hudy
Colegio Rio Colorado
Casilla 8347
Paz, Bolivia
South America
E-mail address:Peter Hudy
Parking will improve--after a time of inconvenience
David DeVinney, Board of Trustees
As you know, the Capitol Avenue parking lot is being excavated to lower the grade so it will be easier and safer to walk and drive on, especially in the winter. There will be steps added leading to the lot from our small driveway next to the lot. And the parking spaces will be wider to make it easier to get in and out. The lot is expected to reopen by Thanksgiving.

Also, the west half of our Ottawa Street parking lot will be under construction for about three weeks. To comply with a state mandate, Central must separate our sewer lines just as Lansing is doing throughout the city. An engineer has designed the plans and construction will be in progress as you read this. It, too, is scheduled to be completed by Thanksgiving, if not before. The state has graciously provided us with parking spaces for our staff in the new ramp next door which will free up all other available spaces for our volunteers. Nevertheless, that means that some of us will have to find parking on the street or in the city ramp just one block north on Capitol Avenue.

This will be inconvenient for us all and shows us just how important parking is for us. Though we were unable to schedule these projects at different times, a benefit of doing them simultaneously is that we will save money by having the same contractor do the paving on both projects at the same time.

Your understanding is appreciated as we cope with this disruption to our routines. Both lots are scheduled to be fully operational by Thanksgiving. And the Capitol Avenue lot will be much improved for our use this winter. (Remember, a compelling reason for reconstructing the Capitol avenue lot at this time is the substantial resources available from the state ramp project for re-grading, resources that will not be available later.)

If you plan to drive to the church during weekday business hours, please do not hesitate to call Pat Mort at the office to inquire about the current parking conditions. And don't forget we can use the new state parking ramp on weekends and evenings during the week until 10 p.m. Thanks for your patience.
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