Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         November, 2005

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Members and Friends,

Healing as an emphasis in the 9:30 am worship service this coming Sunday (October 23) is a pastoral challenge. I accept the challenge with excitement and rich possibilities. When the word healing is raised, there is panic on the part of some. Promises will be made and not fulfilled; people will be manipulated and feel a need to respond; and what are they getting ready to do to me now? Although I am writing this article the Friday before the service, you will receive it several days later. Some of the results from the healing experience will be known and you can join us in being “Monday morning quarterbacks.”

On the other side are the members and friends who have been waiting with patience and some anxiety for the church to offer the gift of healing. Their questions: “Why has it taken so long?” “Is the pastor afraid to deal with healing and other gifts of the Spirit?” Will people stay away because of the healing service? The challenge: How can we do the service of healing acutely aware of the death of Dale Kirkby and at the same time address these concerns in non-threatening and non–anxious ways? The approach includes these five points.

First, healing is a gift from God. God offers healing to and through the church. So we claim healing as a blessing. When I walk into a room where there is sickness, disease, pain and suffering, my prayer always is for healing and restoration. We (each of us) receive daily the gift of healing and wellness. Even when members and friends seem offended by the prayer of healing, I do it anyway, near and far. The reception of healing is an expression of faith. It says more about God than it does about you and me.

Second, healing is bigger than just the physical. It includes and goes beyond what you can see with the eye. Healing is spiritual. It touches the mind, heart, motivation and the way we approach our very beings. So it is all right to pray for relational healing between family members, neighbors, countries and world communities. The reality of peace and the need for Shalom in the midst of war and violence are expressions of the possibility of healing throughout the world community.

Racism and sexism are sin and people need to be healed and set free from these evils. Addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, greed, selfishness, an unforgiving spirit and so on, need the gift of healing. When people are able to experience their daily freedom from these addictions, that is healing

Third, healing for me is salvation. Heal me Lord Jesus. Put me in right relationship with the God of Abraham and Jesus. My life, regardless of circumstances, as I accept right relationship, is to do so for God’s praise and glory. Maybe my capacity to walk and do might be different from my neighbor’s. God is still glorified. I am aware of the presence of God in my life. That is all about healing.

Fourth, the church, the people together, is the healing station. We come to church to offer and experience our daily healing.

Lastly, what about Dale Kirkby, Royal Reed, Geoff Moore and others in our church whose death is so close and real to us? Was healing available to them? The answer is a resounding yes. They all, like you and me, are recipients of God’s gift of healing. Mary Yard, Lillian Rush, Dottie Stark, Mary Jacobs and others have shown the power of daily healing. So praise God!
Russell
Upcoming Worship / Music events
Caryn Welter, staff liaison, Worship Committee

October 30, 9:30 a.m. – All Saints' Day, with memorializing aspects of the service to be addressed in a separate part of the bulletin. One gift, the new Choirchimes, will be used to announce names of our newly departed friends and family members.

November 6, 4 p.m. – Community worship service at MASK Memorial Church, 5601 S. Waverly Rd. We are all invited. Leaders and parishioners at that church would very much enjoy our support.

November 13, 4 p.m. – Service of Remembrance to reflect on the lives that have been dedicated to service in Iraq. Worship will be in St. Mary Cathedral, at the intersection of Seymour and Ionia in Lansing. The massed choir, which includes Central's, will be under the direction of Trey Jacobs. All are invited.

Advent and Christmas opportunities

November 27, December 4, December 11, and December 18, 8:45 a.m. - Sip ’n’ Sing - A time for singing, snacking, and fellowshipping in the church Dining Room. Be there at 8:45 a.m. (or a bit earlier, in order to grab a snack), where we'll sing until 9:15 a.m.

November 27 – 11 a.m. – Hanging of the Greens service, followed by a potluck, then time to decorate the church.

December 18 – 9:30 a.m. – A service of lessons and carols.

December 24 – 7 p.m. – A service especially designed for young families, including a hands-on dressing of the creche.

December 24 – 11 p.m. – “Night of Wonder”, a service designed around the beauty of Christmas Eve, lifting up many means of creative expression and culminating in our singing “Silent Night” as we engage in the traditional candle-lighting.

December 25 – 9:30 a.m. – Regular worship, but incorporating a rich variety of Christmas music.
Give to a family in need
Mission Commission Giving Tree
Joi Tennant,Co–Chair, Mission Commission

Last year everyone who participated in our giving tree for a family in need found so much pleasure in their giving experience that we heard many requests to repeat this project again. So we are! But this year we will sponsor two families by our gift giving. And we will also have gift requests for many of our regular Open Door Ministry guests. So watch for our tree as we decorate it and hang the gift requests on it on November 27.
Education

Two New Adult Electives Begin This Month

“Faith Matters – Questions of Faith and Belief” is a 12-week course exploring some common questions, such as: “What is sin?” and “How can I make sense out of evil?”, and a variety of others between and beyond.

While not providing simplistic answers, this class allows for participants to explore together what the Bible says in regard to these questions, what we in the United Methodist Church believe, and what we as individuals have come to believe. This exploration can help increase our understanding of our faith and learn other viewpoints, thus increasing tolerance, broadening our horizons and encouraging us to think deeper about the faith we claim.

Dennis Kelley will lead this class at 11:15 AM, beginning November 20, in the 2nd Floor Lounge. This class will be interrupted by holiday breaks November 27, December 25 and January 1, and so will be continuing through to the last Sunday in February. The nature of the class allows for anyone to drop in whenever you are able to stay for Sunday School. We hope you will do just that and discover where God will lead us as we find out more about our faith.

Our Chapel Video Series Schedule through December

November 6 – The last segment of the Discipline for Children and Teens series.
November 13 – Marriage: A Two-Part Invention, by Madeleine L’Engle. She talks about her husband’s vibrant life and painful death and in doing so uncovers the mysterious workings of God’s grace.
November 20 – Faces on Faith series begins. These tapes are 30 minute interviews with a variety of well-known people. There will be discussion following each video. The first will be with Kathleen Norris, who is the author of the best-selling book, Dakota: A Spiritual Geography, a celebration of the Great Plains and the spirituality to be found in solitude.
December 4 – Gardner Taylor, pastor emeritus of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn. Time Magazine called him the Dean of the nation’s Black Preachers.
December 11 – Marian Wright Edelman, the founder of the Children’s Defense Fund and author of The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to my Children and Yours.
December 18 – Walter Brueggemann, whose professional career has been devoted to the exploration of the prophetic imagination and the power of biblical stories to transform our lives.
Book review
by Mary Jessup

Our Ralph Goodell Library is an excellent resource for leisure reading and in depth Bible study. One of the many recent acquisitions is Marek Halter's second book of The Canaan Trilogy, Zipporah, Wife of Moses. The first book, Sarah, is also available. Next year the third book of this international best selling trilogy will be published.

Based on the Bible, Exodus 2–15:21, this novel begins when Moses leaves Egypt because he killed one of the Pharaoh's cruel overseers. Moses' life as a peaceful shepherd is changed when he falls in love with Zipporah who won't let him forget his past or turn away from his destiny. The author's vivid imagination and excellent writing skills fills in the Bible story with joys and sorrows through the years until Moses and his brother Aaron lead the Israelites through the Red Sea on dry ground on the way to the Promised Land.

Eighteen questions at the end of the book would make this a good choice for a book discussion group.

Zipporah is a little known, noteworthy Old Testament woman. Her influence and determination can be felt page after page. I recommend this historical fiction novel and will look forward to the final book in The Canaan Trilogy.

P.S. Hatshepsut was Moses' foster mother. Opening March 2006 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, is an exhibition Hatshepsui: From Queen to Pharaoh. A treasure store of innovations in sculpture, the decorative arts and architecture from this period of prosperity will be displayed in this unprecedented exhibition.
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Periodically, there will be preludes prior to the announcement time. This gives an opportunity for a rich variety of music to be offered. We especially thank Chris Carter, Bill Tennant, Molli Templin, and Janet Holoweiko for their recent musical contributions during that time.

At its last meeting, the Music and Worship Committees examined the process of worship design, beginning with sermon titles and scriptures, then adding in relevant music and group participation.

Children's Time will now have a slightly different face. The children are being invited to wear name tags and to sit near the front of the sanctuary. These changes will, hopefully, promote easier interaction between the Pastor / Children's Time leader and the children.

The Memorials Committee is looking at purchase of a climate control device that the Swanson Report recommended for helping prevent further degeneration of the organ. Organ technician Brian Fowler will work with Central and Dan Jaeckel (the organ's builder), in consultation with the Trustees, as we take bids and implement this process.

Thank you very much to all Children and Youth who joined on October 16 in singing “Is There a Place in Heaven for Me?” with “Children of the World”. Thank you, too, to the youth leaders, especially Aimee Miller, who assisted with this endeavor. The music was very appropriate and sounded great.

Music Practice Schedule

Please know that new–comers are always welcome to join any of the music groups.

Preschoolers – Sundays, 10:45-11:00 a.m.
Wesley Choristers – Sundays, 11:00-11:35 a.m.
Youth Fine Arts Group – Sundays, 11:40 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Central Bell Ringers – Thursdays, 5:30-6:15 p.m.

beginning October 27
Spirit Singers – Thursdays, 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Chancel Choir – Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Contemporary Service – 4th Sunday of each month
Mary Boudreau

The contemporary service will be the fourth Sunday of each month at 7 p.m. (after Youth group and the Vespers class). It features contemporary Christian music and interactive preaching.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

November 1, Tuesday – Thank Offering Potluck
Plan to come to our UMW Thank Offering Potluck and program in Fellowship Hall at 6:15 p.m. Bring a dish to pass and table service. Beverages provided. Bring a small glass jar to decorate for next year. We promise to have you on your way home by 8:30. If you need transportation, please let the church office know.

November 13, Sunday – Annual Bake/Bakeless Sale
Plan to pick up holiday goodies to “squirrel” away for your own holiday meals or to give away as gifts! If you don't eat goodies, don't worry. . .we'll accept your donation anyway! All UMW proceeds go to missions working with women, youth and children!! Thank you for your support.

Younker’s Community Day Coupon Packets on sale by UMW for $5
UMW receives 100% of the purchase price! Begin your holiday shopping and support UMW Saturday, November 19 beginning at 6 a.m. Special values, longer hours. Packets redeemable at any Younkers on November 19! Support UMW by purchasing your packet today! The $5 coupons cost $5 and we get to keep the purchase price of each booklet!. Help even more by selling packets at your place of business and to family members and friends! Some of us will be working a shift at Younker's on that day, selling coupon booklets there, which we'll get a percentage of. If you can help that day, let Pat know.

Candles! We have candles for gift giving! In support of those attending UMW Assembly next year in California we have jar candles for sale for a mere $8. Some are in stock and others can be ordered. Look for a complete selection at the Bake/Bakeless sale in November or check out the scents on the sample order form on the UMW Board!

There doesn't seem to be much interest in Christmas by Candlelight this year so we have decided to take a year off.

RADA close out sale! Contact Arline Roe to see what's left in stock ~ your last chance for RADA is here.

Pledges
Mary Bower needs to close out our books by December 5 to get the information to the District so the District books can be closed out. Please pay all Pledges, Gift in Memory, Thank Offering and Supplemental Giving to Mary or leave it at the Church Office clearly marked UMW, by November 30! Thanks for your understanding and support.

Prayer
Please pray daily for UMW, the officers, programs and missionaries we support.
Another Noisy Sunday November 6
Joi Tennant

We hope you will grab your piggy banks and be prepared to empty your pockets and pocket books of your change so we can listen to the sweet sound of money filling our pails for this special offering.

Those quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies (and dollars) are enormously valuable to the Ministry of Kindness, which is administered through our Open Door Ministry. Your generous sharing allows us to alleviate the stress of the many people who come through our doors everyday dealing with the struggle of difficult choices because of their limited or non-existent funds.

Cris Bobier carefully and wisely considers each person’s request or need. Our hands are tied when our coffers are empty, so we come to you once again asking for your help. Thank you so much!
Church Women United World Community Day

Friday, November 4
Board meeting at 10 a.m.,
Sack lunch. Program at 1 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 3827 Delta Drive, Lansing
A Light to the Nations
Fellowship time follows meeting. Everyone welcome!
Carolyn Schuurmans
Among Friends

Remember...

At press time...

Please keep these individuals in your prayers.

Central family members in Iraq
Mary Jacobs – Burcham Health Center
Mary Yard – hospice at home
Ellen Lord – hospice at home
Audrey Holly – Ingham County Extended Care


Transitions…

Geoff Moore died October 15
Dale Kirkby died October 20


Thank you…

To a loving congregation,

I write this not with a heavy, but with a happy heart.

Over the last few months, so many of you have shared with me the memories that have made it that way. It may seem strange to receive a thank you letter from someone who has already gone home to be with the Lord. Please accept it as a humble state of confidence that I know where I am going.

What a beautiful statement of love from the youth on what they sang yesterday, (October 16). Thank you so much for that.

To the parents who supported them with love, and to a church family who can view death as just an extension of life – thank you for what may be your most important lesson ever given. I can’t thank you enough. I know support will be there for my family in the times ahead and rejoice in that fact, also.

Shalom, peace, love, all clichés meaning until we meet again. May the grace of God hold you in the palm of His hand. Love always.
—Dale Kirkby

What a great day it was on Sunday, August 28! Our children and three of our grandchildren were here to celebrate with us on our 55th wedding anniversary!

We want to thank the coffee hour team for all their help. It was greatly appreciated.

To our church family, we were so pleased to have so many come to Fellowship Hall to celebrate with us. We had lots of cake.! Thank you for your good wishes and congratulations. It was wonderful! May God bless all of you.
—Harold and Wilma Sewell
Speaker Series continues
Pat Bell, Church and society

Come and become more familiar with United Methodist Social Principles even if you missed the first three sessions.

The 2005 – 2008 book of United Methodist Social Principles will be available.
November 6 – Lynn Jondahl – Social Community – Right to Health Care
November 13 – Rev. John Boley – World Community – War and Peace

The speakers will give us a glimpse of needs and issues we care about as Christians, and offer some ways to respond as Jesus continues to call us to “Love one another.”

SPEAKER SERIES Continues

November 20, December 4 and 11 – Bob Roth, Director of the Shalom Center for Peace and Justice, has agreed to extend our look into the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church by teaching three more classes in his area of expertise.

This series is open to all interested adults and is held in the 2nd Floor Lounge Sunday mornings at 11:15.
OPEN DOOR MINISTRY BASIC NEEDS DRIVE
Church and Society

In the day proceeding Thanksgiving Day it is good to remind ourselves that we are blessed to be a blessing. This year, especially, we have watched untold suffering in the wake of two major hurricanes. As we think globally, we are encouraged to act locally. For all of those, in our midst, facing disasters, we are collecting that which may ease their suffering.

The following items will be collected during the months of October and November. There will be two collection barrels in the Fellowship Hall for your convenience.

Canned goods – vegetables, fruit, soup, stew, tuna, chili, peanut butter
Paper goods – toilet paper, tissues, paper towels
Cleaning supplies – dish soap, laundry soap, toilet bowl cleaner, scrubbers, floor cleaner
Christmas…Night of Joy

The Michigan/Ohio Concert Choir will present the finest of Christmas music at Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, Sunday, November 20, at 2:30 p.m.

Under the direction of producer/conductor Thurlow Spur the production is overflowing with a talented array of artists including The Brotherhood, The Christmas Dancers, The Three Tenors, The Thurlow Spur Singers and the CMI Brass.

Get your tickets NOW from Malcolm Cleveland (485-6743) and avoid the processing fee. Premium tickets $20, Reserved Seats $18. Or order online at cmitickets@comcast.net.
COFFEE HOUR
Alice Pifer, Fellowship Coffee Hour

Welcome back to all of you who have spent the summer months away from Lansing. While Fellowship Coffee Hour continued, there were fewer members to share our daily events with. We are glad to have you back. As we head into fall, I continue to need workers. Please check your calendars to see if your schedule will permit you to sign up for a Sunday, or two, or three. I definitely could use your help. Any takers? You can find the sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall or call me at 372–9425.
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT?
Mission Commission

Stop by the Fellowship Hall classroom nearest the stage during coffee hour on November 13 and 20 and look at some “alternative giving” catalogs. Your gift can make a big difference in the lives of many people who struggle everyday to find hope that one day they or their children will be able to do more than just survive. Our “Alternative Giving Christmas Center” will show you how you can increase your “Santa Power.”
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