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CENTRAL JOURNAL

November, 1997

WE'RE INVOLVED IN MISSIONS

Lansing Area Connections

by: Frank Anderson

From time to time we hear the modest complaint that the church is always sending its money away to other places and not benefiting us here at home. It's important to dispel this mirage and to point out the wonderful things our United Methodist connection is doing right here in the Lansing Area.

There are eight unique and special mission projects we support right here in our own back yard. And it is part of our apportionments. This means that "significant others" are depending upon us! Here they are:

Potter Park United Methodist Church

This neighborhood parish is located in a tight corridor surrounded by I-496, Pennsylvania Avenue, East Mt. Hope, and US-127. It is locked in. The area is suffering from economic depression and lacks human services. Our Potter Park UMC has a full-time appointed pastor ministering to a special congregation that is meeting spiritual needs in an area of need.

Lansing Vietnamese Ministry

In the same building, a Vietnamese speaking pastor comes in from Grand Rapids weekly to conduct a special ministry with special Methodist hymnbooks to a folk different from us yet the same.

Christian Conciliation Services

We help support this consulting agency that helps resolve community squabbles and fights out of court. Christian consolers receive volunteer clients to help them through difficult times of neighborhood relationships.

Harvest House

Most of us are familiar with Harvest House. They operate out of an old house on Hillsdale Street, meeting the needs of families and children and youth. Theirs is an outreach ministry to the surrounding communities, specializing in tutoring students. They help meet personal, social, and spiritual needs of people.

Lansing Korean United Methodist Church

This congregation located in West Mt. Hope, has their own building and facilities and are maintaining it best they can. They are working towards being self supporting. They have a Korean full time United Methodist pastor who lives in the area with his wife and children. We help support them with apportionments.

Samaritan Counseling Center

We also support a professional marital service that ministers to anyone in need. Although fees are paid to the staff, our part is included in apportionments. The staff is coordinated by United Methodist personnel.

Wesley Foundation Center

Our church has a full time United Methodist minister/chaplain who carries on a program for students at Michigan State University. It is a full scope ministry designed for the students, and is connected to University U.M.C. A critical gap is being covered here for young adults away from home in an unfriendly community when it comes to religious beliefs. We need a witness on the Campus of MSU. This too, is helped by our apportionments.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NOVEMBER CALENDAR

14th 6:15 Hawaiian Family Night

Dinner and entertainment

19th 6:15 Commissions

7:30 Administrative Council

27th Thanksgiving - Office closed

28th Office closed - Events cancelled

MONTHLY REPORT

Deaths: Lillian B. Buschlen 10-6-97

CAN YOU HELP?

Ed Bobrowski, a member of Central, has been homeless for nearly a year. He has had a difficult life, but he will be enrolling at Mott in Flint winter term. He has lined up an apartment there but has no furniture, dishes, linens, etc. If you have anything you could donate, please call Joi Tennant 517 224-8159. These furnishings will be "on loan" to Ed for as long as he remains in an apartment. Also, if you can offer to transport these things via pick-up truck, that would be a great help. He needs our prayers, too.

OOPS!

The church FAX number announced in last month's Central Journal was in error. The correct number is 485-9772.

Also, the Former Pastor Report incorrectly noted Rev. Charles Grauer's position and location. Rev. Grauer, at Central from 1970-71, is currently the Pastor of Plainwell United Methodist Church.

The Report also noted that Rev. Sidney Short, at Central from 1982-93, had recent hip surgery. Sid called the church office to express thanks for the many notes but wants to set the record straight. No surgery yet! He is scheduled for a hip replacement after December or possibly a little later.

REVITALIZING OUR MISSIONS

A series exploring mission trends

A New Mission for CUMC

By Jim Stark

Last month I illustrated the basic conflict between the Christian Church and society. OK, so the Church's core beliefs and values ought to be in and not of that society. Our moral standard should not be the same as that of society. The values promoted by the Church are supposed to be right, and many values practiced in society are seen as wrong. Thus, the perceived moral convictions of the Church are seen as being closer to the truth of what ought to be a moral order for society. The Church is supposed to lead moral changes in society.

The enemy of constructive change today is often perceived as the system or the status quo, not the individual. The attitude has become that you or the system needs to change but not me -- I'm right and you're wrong. Will just changing the status quo of that system fix that system? No! That individual is also part of the system. As Pogo told us long ago, "I have met the enemy and it is Us." To change the status quo, we must also intentionally change ourselves. The life and example of Jesus stress that we must not use force to bring about needed change, but force has remained the tool of action for essentially all societies. If I understand the teachings of Jesus, we also must work together to restructure that system so that it serves the truth of what ought to be and not the convictions of some controlling self or elite group. We all must look beyond our personal world views for God's Will.

Unfortunately, the way we have been making decisions in the Church mimics that of society. Our Church structures have become of our society and not in it. We have copied secular rules and procedures to build our decision-making structures. Vision 2000 recognizes that our structures need to change in order to practice what we should preach. Our mission is to practice following the truth.

Central United Methodist Church has been experiencing the necessary structural changes to help us to be in society rather than of it. We had to endure some painful changes, because many individuals naturally wanted to maintain the status quo in our Church structure. Intentional change was not possible, because we too had copied the methods of society. The pain is now diminishing, but our transition to being in rather than of is not finished. We are now more open to change and have the flexibility to alter how we make decisions. We can gradually rebuild our local Church structure based on the visions that we all create. Vision 2000 will be focusing on that change, and we are ready. We will need the help of every member. This is your Church. Let us become an intentional community that gives witness to how we ought to be in and not of society.

BEING IN, BUT NOT OF THE WORLD

J. Richard Foster

in Freedom of Simplicity

To know the distinction is admittedly a difficult task. This task is enormously complicated by modern media propaganda. When taken as a whole, the media commercials constitute a world view, a rival religious philosophy about what constitutes blessedness. We are told by television that the most idiotic things will make us insanely happy. They may well make us insane, but it is genuinely doubtful that they will ever make us happy

UPDATES

Michfest

Even the post office would be envious of Central's hard working members, who braved rain—sleet—and hail to deliver hot-dogs and hamburgers to hungry festival goers. 35 different parishioners signed-up and showed up despite adverse weather conditions. Some individuals and families worked 3-4-and 5 nights. The final tally is $1,280, all of which will go towards Central's apportionments. Thanks for all your hard work!!!

Ruthann Jaquette

Finance Chairperson

Work Project Circle

Arline Roe reports that the Work Project Circle is now taking over stewardship of the Friendship Ministry Funereal Lunch Program. However, there is a need for additional people to become involved by contributing their time and talent. Food also, is needed. If interested, please call Arline at 371-7832.

FROM JOURNALS PAST

5 Years ago, 1992

Journal readers are invited to purchase a share of stock in the Eastern European Work Project. Scheduled to leave for Budapest, Hungry in July are twelve youth and three adults. Profiled are three of the youth; Brian Tipton, Amy Wells, and Katie Hoyt. Additional profiles follow in later Journals.

8 Years ago, 1989

Pianist Mildred Kemler, a member of Central since the age of five will present another in a series of organ benefit recitals. Joining Mildred will be soprano Gretchen Gleason, also a Central member. Proceeds from the recital will help support remaining expenses associated with installation of the new pipe organ in 1991.

11 Years ago, 1986

Fred Stabley Jr., former member of Central returned "home" to give the main address at the Annual Sports Recognition Banquet. All team members were honored and trophies presented to members of the PeeWee and Senior Youth Basketball teams. Kristin Grove and Brian Thomas were recipients of the Warren Balmer Senior Award which is based on basketball participation.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Pat Mort, President

District Pledge

We have paid most of our 1997 District Pledge! We still need to finish it up and pay our local mission obligations. If you have not paid your pledge, please do so at November Circle meetings (before the end of November at the latest) so Gwen can turn it in before the District books close.

World Thank Offering

This offering will be taken up in November. We are looking at having a service in the Chapel during Sunday School time sometime in November. Please watch the bulletin to see which day it will be. Please be open to helping with the service if asked.

Bake Sale

At City Hall Friday, November 14. We need candy makers, cake, cookie, brownie, pie, bread, roll and muffin bakers, caramel corn poppers, "gee-that-looks-good-and-I'd-love -to-try-it-but-who will-eat-it-adventurers! Sign up sheets will be available at November Circle meetings! Remember, all proceeds go to missions!!

Bear Project

We are just discussing this for Christmas. In the Interpreter, a church wrote about bringing teddy bears to the sanctuary for several weeks during Advent where they were hugged and filled with love during services. The bears were then distributed to nursing homes and homebound members along with a note that they were loved-filled at the church and now were going to pass that love along. The church who wrote about doing this collected close to 300 bears!. If this sounds like something you would like to see us do, please contact a member of the Mission Team. The bears could also be distributed to children.

Nominations

It's November and you know what that means! Nominations Committee will be out there trying to fill Mission Team slots. Now before you decide you can't (or won't) help please give careful, prayerful consideration to any request made of you. UMW is well worth a second look. We're looking for "a few good women" to do "the hardest job you'll ever love". If you are contacted and have questions about the job, please feel free to contact any member of the Mission Team. We're all here to help where ever we can.

November Circle Meetings

Judy Grove - November 10, 7 PM in room 27, "Juggling Demands". Contact Sue. 676-4217

Mable Morrison - November 18, 9:30 AM at Beth Murley's, 2908 Woodview Dr. 1998 Planning. Contact Beth, 482-4700.

Rebekah and Ruth - November 18, The Salvation Army. Contact Arline, 371-7832 or Marge, 482-6476.

Susannah Wesley - November 10, 6 PM in the First Floor Lounge, dessert and gift wrapping for St. Lawrence - Dimondale. Please bring small gift items for men and women. Contact Maxine, 339-8741.

UMW CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Saturday, December 6th 12:00 Noon

Fellowship Hall

Tickets available at November circle meetings or

Sunday Nov. 23 and Nov. 30 in Fellowship Hall

Cost $5.00

Reservations by December 2nd please!

Christmas reading by Marion Stutes

Music by Gretchen Gleason's vocal students

Come and bring a guest!

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED WORLD COMMUNION DAY

Friday, November 7, 1997

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

549 East Mt. Hope Rd.

Lansing

10:00 am - Board meeting, sack lunch

1:00 pm - Program

Gathering Seed from a Medieval Motheroot

(for child care, please call

Carolyn Schuurmans 321-0569)

REMINDER

Central's recently established Prayer Chain Ministry is available for anyone to request prayer for themselves or someone they know by calling the first person listed on the prayer chain according to the time of day. If you cannot reach the first, please call the second.

The Commission trusts this new program will be effective and uplifting to all of us as we find ourselves in need of prayer.

Daytime - 8 am to 5 pm

Janet Mort 321-2330

K. Holoweiko 629-6798

Jill Whiteman

Leora Stutes

Agnes Gamble

Ann Mather

Eleanor Moore

Miriam Priebe

Lois Myers

Joyce Brendahl

Evening - 5 pm to 8 am

Elizabeth Gibbs 882-2635

Kayla Tipton 669-3259

Joi Tennant

Nancy O'Shea

Ruth & Fred Brazee

Rosa Houston

David DeVinney

Pat Bell

Mary Boudreaux

Pat & Ann Mort

Cheer & Leon Martin

HAWAIIAN FAMILY NIGHT

November 14. 1997

Dinner at 6:15,Church Dining Room

($4/person $10/family)

Get acquainted with our new church members!

Entertainment by the Sunshine Trio; Betty Clegg Joanne Parker, Janis Crum; accompanied by Ruth Tennant

Hawaiian Melodies plus Gospel

Exciting harmony, warmth and enthusiasm!!!

Hawaiian attire optional; Enjoy food, fun and fellowship

Make reservations at Church office by November 10th

MEMORIAL GIFT

by: Bryan Halter

A new multimedia computer has just been installed to help bring Central's communication and information needs up to date.

This new equipment was made possible through previously undesignated memorial funds. It will be formally dedicated in memory of many loved ones on All Saints Sunday, November 2, and entered in the Memorial Book at the rear of the sanctuary. Determination of the hardware and software needs was made by the Communications Committee, with input from those who will be working with it. The unit features the latest Pentium II technology, a 17 inch monitor, high capacity hard disc plus portable storage discs, read/write CD functions, high speed modem, stereo sound, etc. Internet access with e-mail capability is provided through Voyager net.

The updated technology allows us now to send and receive written materials electronically, resulting in large savings in mailing fees. For example, educational curriculum data which, in the past, incurred $4 in mailing costs per week can now be handled at zero cost! Information folders which formerly required an entire day of staff time to create can now be produced in one or

two hours! We will now be able to meet new conference requirements. Budget and member information which has lagged two or three months behind will be accessible on a timely basis, with direct on-line contact with our accounting service.

Other projects which will utilize the unit include preparation of the Sunday Bulletin and the Central Journal, allowing direct transfer of copy into these publications without laborious re-typing of each item. The "information superhighway" will now be accessible to staff and members to assist in research. Groups of children, youths and adults can participate in on-line classes. And, for the

first time, we will be able to direct and maintain our website on the church premises. Countless other uses will evolve when we get to know this new technology better, and as it helps us to expand our "Vision" as participants IN this world, not simply OF it.

CHURCH AND SOCIETY NEWS

Holiday food gift boxes

Central will be working again this year with SHARE Michigan to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas Boxes. For $15, the Thanksgiving Box will include an 8-10 pound turkey, brown serve rolls, canned pumpkin, canned cranberry sauce, canned sweet potatoes, package of turkey gravy mix, box of stuffing mix, package of instant potatoes and a package of salad mix! The order deadline for this box is November 10.

For Christmas Boxes, $15 will provide a 4 pound smoked ham, augratin potatoes, can green beans, can mushroom soup, hot roll mix, can sweet potatoes, coldslaw, coldslaw dressing mix and a cake mix. The deadline is December 8.

Central has a great history of supporting SHARE Michigan and Christian Services, Inc. Please make your checks payable to SHARE Michigan and either leave them at the church office or give them to Pat Mort.

The quality living store

The Quality Living Store will again be having a special Christmas Store, now permanently housed at the Tithe Missionary Baptist Church. This store is used by Quality Living Budgeting class families. The families earn vouchers by attending and participating in Quality Living Budget Classes.

We have the opportunity to give dignity to a family by allowing them to make purchases for Christmas with their vouchers without putting their tight budgets in jeopardy.

Needed by December 1st are toys, games and books for all ages. Also, Christmas wrapping paper, tape, ribbon and Christmas cards. The store is open Saturday, December 7th. A Box for collection will be in Fellowship Hall during November to collect Central's items. Please be generous.

SEERV craft sale

The SERRV Sale in Fellowship Hall is November 2 and 11!! This is your opportunity to purchase beautiful, handmade crafts from nearly 40 countries around the world. Items will be available for purchase or you may borrow a catalog for a "special order" shopping trip through 70+ pages! If you would like a catalog before November 2 please contact Pat Mort.

Final Note: Church and Society matched $500 in pledges to those who participated in the CROP Walk! Way to go walkers!!!

RED ROSES TO:

© Cleo Crisman for returning the "23rd Psalm" all newly painted-repaired and reframed. It looks as it did when it was first painted by Mr. Burleigh. Thank you so much for your kindness in regenerating this beautiful piece of art. It is hanging on its hanger in the office and seems to brighten the corner where it is!

NEWS NOTES

By Caryn Welter, Music Director

To all those people who contributed to the huge success of Central's recent Fred Swann concert, I extend sincere thanks. As a friend so aptly wrote, those who were in attendance are "still basking in the afterglow". In addition to the obvious things that happened in preparation for the event, there were also many behind-the-scenes efforts.

Vision 2000

The Vision 2000 Launch experience, too, was the culmination of a variety of special contributions on the part of many people. It was a first attempt at weaving state-of-the-art technology into a combination of traditional and contemporary components in order to provide a meaningful worship experience. Participants and observers were proud to be part of this new Methodist undertaking. Again, I thank those who strived toward that common goal.

Thanks to all who helped.

Central's Carillon

You may recall that this article recently credited our folks who are currently studying the carillon, and promised to give you more information in the future about the instrument:

Developed during the 15th and 16th centuries in the areas of Europe that are now Holland, Belgium and Northern France, carillons are rare even today. There are presently about 160 of them in the United States and several new ones are being installed each year. Central's instrument is one of just ten in Michigan; there are two at the University of Michigan, one at Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, and in four churches of Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe and Detroit.

The carillon consists of at least two octaves of bells; they are arranged chromatically and played from a keyboard that permits variation of touch, thereby allowing some control of expression. Owing to the fact that there are very few technical limitations on the instrument, North American composers have written a lot of new music in the past twenty-five years. This writing was primarily an effort at establishing the carillon as an instrument worthy of serious musical consideration.

Perhaps now you'll savor the Sunday morning before-and after-service musical offerings with "new ears" and even extend a word of thanks to our new carilloneurs who are giving so freely of their time.

One last note, Chancel Choir members recently elected new officers:

President - Mary Roush

Secretary - Eleanor Moore

Robe maintenance - Carolyn Kirkby

Librarian - Pat Mort

THANKS

Central Friends,

Thank you so much for all the cards, prayers, hugs, and words of comfort you gave us at the time of Sue's Dad's illness and death. It made that very difficult time easier to bear, and we appreciate your kindness.

Love, Dave and Sue Mills

Central Friends,

Many thanks to all the church members who have helped me with my walker. My hope is for their continued help

Lois Myers

Dear Central Family,

Thanks to all of our friends at Central for their thoughts, prayer cards, and other expressions of love, concern, and sympathy during Aina's illness and at her death. It was very much appreciated by both of us. It was,a comfort and a joy to belong to such a caring church family.

Louise Schulthesis

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New member Class

A new member class started on Sunday, October 26th. If you are interested in becoming a member of the church, please see John Boley.

Oberammergau

Dale Kirkby and John Boley have decided to lead a tour in the summer of 2000 that will go to the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany and then go on to the Holy Land. It is a two week tour and will leave from New York on June 20, 2000. The carrier is Educational Opportunities, an experienced tour company that specializes in pilgrimages of United Methodists across the country. If you are interested. Please see Dale or John.

Urban Ministry

John Boley, Susan Grettenberger and Mary Boudreau are a few of the many United Methodists in the West Michigan Conference that are attending the convocation for the "Holy Boldness" urban ministry initiative. "Holy Boldness" is an effort to help United Methodist Urban Ministries across the country. It is an initiative of the National Division of the General Board of Global Ministries. The convocation takes place later in November. They will be reporting back to you what they learned.

Thanksgiving gathering

There will be a Thanksgiving devotional gathering at First Presbyterian Church at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th. This is sponsored the Inner City Pastor's Alliance.

All Church Conference

The All Church Conference will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18th. The Staff Parish Relations Committee will meet with the District Superintendent, Rev. John Ellinger at 6:45 p.m. and the Conference will be held at 7:30 p.m. Rev. Ellinger will be presiding. All are invited to attend.

NOTE: SIP AND SING begins Sunday, November 30th!

EDUCATION

Dennise Fabbri, Education Director

Vision 2000

Central was host to 61 children while their parents attended the Vision 2000 at the Lansing Center. The children enjoyed the Potter Park Zoo and three great clowns. The fourth and fifth graders wrote, practiced, and performed their version of The Good Samaritan for all the other children. They played games, went to the gym, had a great lunch, and finally settled down in the afternoon to watch videos.

The children were great! Everyone was very cooperative and polite. The day was fun! Thanks to all who helped.

Family Growth

Family Growth and Early Childhood Development Preschool.

Many of you probably know that another agency houses a preschool here in our church during the week, but few people seem to know much more than that. I thought I'd fill in some of the blanks. These two programs are under an umbrella agency known as Child Abuse Prevention Services. This agency receives grant money to fund both the preschool and the drop-off center.

The preschool is designed as a school readiness program. They operate 4 days a week and have two 3 hour classes of 16 students each. This group helps children develop skills in motor, social, and academic areas. They provide parents with opportunities to learn about parenting and explain resources that are available to them in the community.

The Family Growth Center is a drop off center open each Wednesday. They receive children infant through six. They provide this service free of charge. The center uses trained volunteers and L.C.C. child development students to work with children under the supervision of professional staff. Our members are welcome to use this service by calling to make reservations at 484-2610.

Family Growth also offers a variety of parenting workshops and information. I have been very impressed with the services and programs that this group provides. The staff is excellent!

Nursery Volunteers Needed

When the Nursery has several little ones, one pair of hands is not enough. We need people to help when we have an overflow of infants and toddlers. What does this commitment mean? It requires that you check in with Tina at the nursery before worship begins and if there are more than three children to care for, you stay to help, if not, you can go to worship. What will you do with the children? Sometimes play with them, but mostly just supervise them. It does not require lifting or sitting on the floor, most of the time a soothing presence is enough. Please consider volunteering to help in this area. Call Kathy Prout or Denise.

Library

The library has recently received six volumes of the new Interpreter's Bible as a Memorial. These books are part of a complete set we will finish receiving as they are published over the next two years. We appreciate those who have contributed to the Memorial Fund to make such a purpose possible.

Block 2 Adult Classes Begin October 26 -November 23

Continuing classes: Feeding the Spirit and A whole People of God@

New classes: Paul, His Life, lead by Dave Schuurmans; and C. Jon Holmes= Great Ideas

Guest speakers for this class will include:

October 26: A panel discussion on the future of Central

November 2: Lansing Mayor, David Hollister and the Superintendent of Lansing School District, Richard Halik, discussing the new educational initiatives for the Lansing

School District

November 9: A Look at Promise Keepers

November 16

and 23: Art Boley discussing the development of the Arab-Israeli problems. Art Boley has a M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard.

UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY

November 23, 1997

On United Methodist Student Day, we dedicate ourselves to tomorrow's leaders. We leave many legacies to our children, but none as useful as an education.

The gift of knowledge builds tomorrow's leaders. It molds your character, instills generosity, disciplines the mind.One hundred percent of your United Methodist Student Day gift helps provide loans and scholarships for more than 3,200 students, many of whom attend United Methodist Schools. We give aspiring scholars the opportunity to achieve their potential. Make a difference.

Give to the United Methodist. Student Day offering.

FAVORITE GRACE

This month's favorite grace has been submitted by Arline Roe.

Come dear Lord and be my (our) guest. Bless this food which you have

provided for me (us), etc.

Pray tell, if you or someone in your family has a favorite grace, why not share it with our readers? Please contact the church office.

Our Office: (517) 485-9477

Our FAX: (517) 485-9772

Our Website: www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc

To E-mail us: centralumc@voyager.net

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