November, 1999
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual Growth
For 38 Years, Central's Sewing Group Ministers to the Lansing Community
By Pat Basgall, Office Manager, CUMC
Central's Sewing Group, formed in September of 1963, is probably one of the
least visible outreaches of our church. During a talk given by Mrs. Francis
Large, she suggested that the talents of church women could be used to benefit
the Community. Marguerite Summerton was named the first leader after she
stated that, "all I can do is sew."
Dr. Large gave the fledgling group $30.00 from a church fund which was
supplemented by money and materials supplied by other Circles and individuals.
Five sewing machines were donated. In 1965 the Sewing Group joined the Woman's
Society (now the UMW) and was included in their budget. Currently this group
subsists through donations of money and materials.
Membership, over the years, has fluctuated from 5-12 ladies with an average
number of 8. Currently there are 6 active members: Norma Hanson, Chairperson;
Jean Fowler, Dottie Stark, Sida Garnett, Lucille Chase, and Fran Valenti.
The group meets every Thursday from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm in an area of the
Dining Room, specifically set aside for their ministry. Although they meet
weekly, much of their work is done at the homes of each of the members.
Each year, 200-600 items are donated to Potter Park Outreach and two local
elementary schools to be given to needy children. So far this year the members
have made 344 articles. The items include: pajamas, lap robes, blouses, tops,
shorts, slacks, dresses, jumpers, mittens and stocking caps. Wheelchair caddys
are also made for the Dimondale Rehabilitation Center.
The Sewing Group is providing a very meaningful ministry to our community.
Volunteers in this group are not all Central members, but rather dedicated
ladies who see a need and are contributing their skills to this effort. We
should all acknowledge their devotion to this valuable Community Outreach.
Central Christmas Cards
Central's Partnership for Preservation is making available Christmas Cards
featuring an etching of the church. They can be purchased on Sunday morning
during coffee hour or from the church office. Packages contain 15 cards and
envelopes for the price of $8. For information, call Donna Reynolds at
323-7997
Pastor's Pen
I am currently involved in a Dialogue Circle on Racism with other clergy
from the Lansing area. This is an integrated, inter-denominational group
of clergy who are meeting weekly for the purpose of breaking down barriers
and communicating with each other on issues of racism, bigotry and
discrimination.
As I have gotten to know more people of color in the Lansing area, and as
I have gotten to know my minority clergy colleagues better, I have gained
a greater appreciation for the richness that diversity brings to life. Our
interactions are honest and heartfelt, and when we focus on what we have
in common, including a love of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we find that
our differences are not as different as we might have thought.
Jesus was confronted with many challenges relating to the spread of his ministry.
In being in ministry with and to women, lepers and outcasts, and gentiles,
Jesus expanded the horizon of his Jewish world and included all in his message
of love and reconciliation. It was a huge challenge to the Jewish population
he lived with, but within one generation of his resurrection, the Gospel
was being spread to all, well beyond the boundaries of Jesus' Jewish world.
The Lansing area is becoming more diverse all the time. Refugees are still
coming into the area, and the non-white populations are growing. We can embrace
this or reject this. The choice is ours. But in the radical expansion of
the Message of Grace by Jesus, Peter and Paul, the mandate to us has been
made clear. Loving our neighbor includes all, even between Samaritans and
Jews. Thanks be to God for the Gospel Message that breaks down the barriers
that would divide us.
There is so much to tell this month! Seems like everything comes at once,
doesn't it? But, sometimes that's just the way it is
Grace and peace, John
Take Note …
Used Church Videos
Used cassettes are available for anyone interested in using them as re-treads.
Call or see Pat Basgall if you would like one.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee may be calling you! It is currently in the process
of filling positions on commissions and committees beginning with the year
2000. You may be getting a call in the near future. Please pray about where
you can be of service to our church. If you already know where you would
like to serve please don't wait for our call, we would be happy to receive
yours! Call Rev. Boley or the church office if you need the names of other
committee members to contact. Thank you.
Dinners for Nine
Something new this time: All on one day and all at one location; on Sunday,
November 14th at 12:15 p.m. in the Church Dining Room. The theme is Fall
Harvest. Sign up in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour beginning October
24. The same procedure will be used for scheduling. People need to sign up
either as a host or as a guest. After the host decides on the menu, the host
will assign each table guest a food item to bring.
Church Conference
Our conference this year will be in December. The exact date and time to
be announced.
Hanging of the Greens
This year we will hang the greens on Sunday, November 21 following Church
School and a potluck in the dining room. Please bring a dish to pass and
your place setting. Reservations please by November 19 by calling the church
office.
Pictorial Directory
Now that the photo sessions are behind us, the next step is to complete the
lay out sheets. Following this completion, a proof book will be developed
by Olin Mills and returned to us for proofreading. Once the proof book is
returned to Olin Mills, our directories will be printed. Anyone interested
in helping with either of these two tasks, please contract Denise Dunn at
the church.
House Sitting Opportunity Wanted
Bill Tennant Jr. is trying to save $$$ for school and a possible move—his
lease has ended and he doesn't want to commit to another full lease right
now. Please save him from having to move far away from work and live with
his parents---if you or any acquaintances would like a reliable house sitter
for the winter, or if you know of a room available in a house at a low rate,
please contact Bill at 886-6709 or see him or his parents in church. He is
available to move any time.
Notary Public at Central
Central's Office Manager, Pat Basgall, is a licensed Notary. She offers her
service free of charge to members. Call ahead for appointment.
Thank you Thank you Thank you
Friends,
By the time you read this, I will be with my daughter in New Jersey awaiting
the arrival of my furniture for my new home at 121 Meadow Lakes, Apt. 6,
Hightstown, NJ 08520.
The years of working with many members and staff in the church have enriched
my life. You all ave me such a warm and gracious send off on October 18 that
I have added a whole new chapter to my life—a warm and tender one that
will, I hope, sustain me when I am no longer seeing you almost every Sunday.
The many greetings I have received and the personal contacts have been far
beyond any expectations. It makes leaving very hard, but it gives so many
wonderful memories.
May God continue to bless each one of you and the work of the church.
Marie Manson
Central Friends,
The family of Harold Cantwell wish to thank our Central Church family for
the great outpouring of love and caring through prayers, notes and many cards
which have helped so much to heal our hearts since the loss of our dear one.
We appreciate very much and thank Rev. Boley and Rev. Anderson for the visits
to Harold while in assisted living, the hospital and the nursing home.
With much appreciation and love,
Carolyn Collins, Denny & Sharon Cantwell, and Ginny Cantwell
Central's Prayer Chain
A confidential, prayer chain ministry is available 24 hrs., 7 days a week.
To initiate a prayer request please call one of the following prayer chain
leaders:
Daytime 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Janet Mort at 321-2330, Karen Holoweiko at 626-6798 or Pat Basgall at
485-9477
Evening 5:00 p.m. -8:00 am
Pat Bell at 482-4098 or Nancy O'Shea at 372-6156
Recent Deaths:
October 06, 1999 …...…...…….....Harold Cantwell
October 10, 1999 .……………...….…..Bessie
Green
October 15, 1999 …………….…...Mildred Kemler
Education
By Denise Dunn,Program Director
Unit 2- Living the Story- Continues
Whole People of God – Joi Tennant- Centennial Room
New Member Class – Rev. Boley – 2nd Floor Lounge
Great Ideas- C. Jon Holmes- 1st Floor Lounge
Unit 3- In the Fullness of Time November 28-January 9, 2000
Whole People of God – Joi Tennant- Centennial Room
Advent Study –First Floor Lounge
Elderberries
Watch for announcements for the next luncheon & program.
Bulletin Boards
Many concerns have been raised over what is happening with bulletin boards.
We know that going without adequate bulletin boards has been a hardship on
many committees, however, a great deal of planning and forethought has produced
a viable and aesthetic plan.
The trustees have appropriated funds to build a complete wall unit display.
This unit will include three bulletin boards, a glass showcase, and a brochure
pocket unit for Care Notes, Scripture based counseling brochures.
Currently, quotes for two other types of bulletin board groups are being
developed.
United Methodist Women
Coordinated by Pat Mort President
World Thank Offering is due! On searching the UMW Web site I found a nice
WTO service. I'd like to share part of the information I printed from that
web site.
The first Thank Offering was observed in Lansing, MI, due to the inspiration
of Mrs. H. E. Taylor. In 1881 Mrs. Taylor recorded this account: 'The World
Thank Offering was not thought out; it was given. It was purely providential.
When I was weaker than you even thought of, by some freak I was elected District
President. In my extremity I called upon the Lord, and he helped me and blessed
me in my work. Do you remember the lessons of 1881? The subject was free
giving, and it made such a strong impression on my mind—building the
Tabernacle, then the peace offering, then God's plan of building the Kingdom
by free will offering. Soon after this we had one of our very best District
meetings where a wonderful sense of Divine power was felt. At this meeting
I was surprised by being made a Life Member. You know the real blessedness
of a meeting is when you get home and live it all over again. I did not think
that I had any special desire to become a Life Member, but when I was home
and thought that by the kindness of others, $20 in my name was sent to bless
the world with Gospel light, my heart was all broken up and I cried aloud,
"What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits?' A voice said, 'You
can make a Thank Offering.' I had just sold dried apples and had a $5 gold
piece. A once I thought of the money and said, 'Yes, Lord! I can and I will.'
I left my work—not the poetic kind, but the washtub—and told my
husband that the Lord had given me a wonderful thought, and I was going to
write Mrs. Lathrop, our District Corresponding Secretary, and tell her about
'Thank Offering.' Step by step our women were guided to make a Thank
Offering.'
At first each woman was asked to give two cents a week. Last year the amount
given through Thank Offering was around one million dollars. This beautiful
story of "Thanksgiving" shows what can happen when one woman responds to
the still, small voice.
If you haven't made your Thank Offering for 1999, please turn it in to either
your Circle or to Gwen Bodine.
Pledges are due this month, also! Gwen needs to close out her books so she
can send things on to District in time for Dottie Stark to close out their
books before the end of the year.
This year Grand Rapids Community House turns 97! They are asking each UMW
member to remember them with a special offering of 97 cents. We will send
the offering to them in February. Please keep this close to your hearts;
we will remind you of it in January.
There is a possibility of a Bake Sale on Friday, November 19, at City Hall.
Arline Roe is going to see about the date. If we do set one up, we will let
you know through our Circles and the bulletin. Start looking up those favorite
recipes now!
Arline says, "Keep the Bill Knapp's Points Coming"! We just purchased 5 dozen
soup bowls and spoons for the kitchen, requiring 14,823 points. There are
always uses for Community Points at Central!
Christmas by Candlelight is set for December 4 at 2 p.m. in the Dining Room.
This gives us a wonderful opportunity to use the new elevator and not have
to rush out of Fellowship Hall to make room for Madrigals.
This is a gift to all the women of Central from UMW and is intended as a
time together yet apart to celebrate the Advent of our Savior's birth before
we get too caught up in the commercial side of the holidays. Sign up for
hostesses will take place October 31, November 7 and 14. Sign up for guests
will occur November 14, 21 and 28. We are pleased to announce Gretchen Gleason's
vocal students will be performing for us. Please plan to make this a part
of your holiday season.
Lois Myers reminds all of us of the Reading Program. There are fine books
available on the UMW shelves in the library. If you have any questions on
the program, please see Lois.
Dates for 2000. Yes, it's true, we have 2000 dates down on the books. Tuesday,
February 29 we'll be having a Leap Year Party in the Dining Room. And, Saturday,
April 15, we will be hosting our Annual Lenten Lunch in the Dining Room.
More details was they become available.
Where do all the flowers go? …and how do they get there?
For many years members of the United Methodist Women have assumed the
responsibility of delivering the altar flowers to members of our church family
who are hospitalized, in nursing homes, or confined to their own homes. This
task is rewarding for the persons making the delivery and is also very much
appreciated by those on the receiving end.
The altar arrangements are divided into several small bouquets before being
delivered. The UMW would be pleased to have help with this task when there
are memorial flowers to be distributed. Please call Dorothy Trudgeon at
(485-6197) or let the church office know that you would be willing to be
included on a list of volunteers who serve others by making a friendly visit
with a bouquet of flowers in hand.
FOR NON-CHURCH GOERS
If you are a regular church attender, you don't need to read this. It is
a blessing to attend another church as a visitor, when you have a "church
home". But it's not half the fun if you don't belong anywhere. A saint in
the early Christian church said, "There's no such salvation outside the
church."
My wife and I have been seeing mountains and mountains. We find them awesome
and breathtaking. I climbed on an extremely hazardous path today just to
see a 200 foot waterfall and cave. They call it the Tonto Natural Bridge.
My legs felt like rubber afterwards, but I suffered no loss but physical
energy.
So when you meet one of life's imponderable moments your whole body feels
weak. Not up to it. We're out of shape. Like when I see church attendance
declining (that's the truth), I know spiritual weakness and spirit weariness
is upon us. We are becoming rubber.
To keep personal faith alive and conscious, worship is not optional. It is
imperative. No other human activity can replace a church in fellowship. We
are a gregarious people who are unaware of the power, the health, and the
joy found by attending worship.
There's a hymn that says, "Give me the faith which can remove and sink the
mountain to a plain…." If your molehills are becoming mountains, then
reconsider the path of life. Church going is not a cure-all. But it's the
best step I know of when undertaking any hazardous, or boring, style of
living.
Central should be pushing 400 in attendance every week. Worship. Prayer.
Bible reading. Doing for others. These are ingredients worth living for today.
No rubber church folk, please. Note: Shut-ins and homebound persons are
exceptions to the above.
Yours in Christ, Francis Anderson (Ret.), Minister of Visitation
Touring in Arizona
PARKING AT CENTRAL
By Pat Basgall, Office Manager, CUMC
This past year has provided many challenges and inconveniences in regard
to parking. Due to the construction of the new Legislative buildings and
our own Elevator, parking has been very limited.
We have tried to be creative in our efforts to address this issue and feel
that we have finally been able to regain our previous parking availability,
now that both construction projects are complete.
Street Parking
Parking on the streets surrounding the Church is now available evenings and
weekends. As in the past, on Sunday, we are designating the spots, on Capitol
Ave., in front of the Church for handicap usage, making accessibility to
the elevator more convenient.
North Parking Lot.
The old Board of Water & Light parking lot is now being used by the State
Legislature. This lot, on the north side of the Temple House, is available
most evenings after 6:00 p.m. and every weekend for our usage. The exception
to this would be that if the Legislative sessions go past 6:00 p.m., the
lot will remain locked.
Church Parking Lot.
The Church parking lot was reconfigured this past year and as a result we
have been able to make more spaces available. We realize that this space
is always at a premium and we ask that everyone respect the need to keep
the designated spots available for church staff and our Family Growth - preschool
guests. The unmarked spots are open for member usage. We ask that when using
the church lot that you stop at the reception desk to sign in and/or inquire
about available space if you were unable to locate a vacant spot. The staff
will usually be aware of those designated spots that would be available for
member in use on any given day due to absence of staff.
Roosevelt Property
The State has decided to demolish the Roosevelt building now that the House
of Representatives has moved into its new building. The State has yet to
determine what to do with that property after demolition. With St. Paul's
Episcopal Church and First Baptist Church we have now formed the Capitol
Churches Coalition and we have proposed to the State that we either purchase
the lot for building a parking ramp or that the State build a parking ramp
for everyone's use.
If you would like to see this lot become a parking ramp, please contact your
State Representative or Senator and make those desires known.
Common Cents
By Ruthann Jaquette, Business and Building Manager
Please note:
The last day donations can go to the West Michigan Conference for credit
in 1999 will be Monday December 20th. The last day for donations credited
to your Central UMC statement will be Monday December 27th.
Thanks to Central's volunteer group, $682 was earned by doing inventory work
at the Car Quest Company parts warehouse on Grand River Avenue in Lansing
several weeks ago.
Thank also to all members who have turned in their 2000 pledge cards. Your
financial support is essential to the ongoing ministry of Central. To date
we have received 95.Our "pledged giving" goal was $299,142. This is a 5%
increase over last years pledged amount.
If you have not made a financial commitment for next year, please prayerfully
seek God's guidance as to your role in the financial support of Central.
Memorial and Gifts Committee Report
1999 Gifts
Laminating machine in memory of Louise Otto.
Organ Music:"A Festival of Christmas" arranged by Bill Galliford and "Festival
of Carols" arranged by John Innes in memory of Orville Bacon.
Lighting improvements in Fellowship Hall in memory of Irene Beadle.
Temple House elevator in memory of Alton Ambrose.
Fax machine and calendar software in memory of Warren Snyder.
Videotapes for filming TV broadcast in memory of John Hewitt.
Guiding Christ banner in memory of Jim Mort, Sr.
Tree of Life banner in memory of Bob Walker.
Silk flower altar arrangements for summer in memory of Bea Vincent.
Children's musical instruments in memory of Warren Brintnall, Ethelmae Benedict
and Beryl Jackson.
Basketball storage cart and tape/CD player in memory of Kenneth Broward.
TV equipment cabinet in memory of Marion Stutes.
Radio broadcasts in memory of Marion Stutes, Clyde Myers, Jim Mort, Sr.,
Bob Walker, Harry and Hazel Nesman, Russell Roe, Ethelmae Benedict, Geraldine
Greene, Bruce DeMoss and Francis Clegg.
Radio broadcast in commemoration of 60th wedding anniversary of Wayne and
Wadine Abbey.
Partnership for Preservation in memory of Kenneth Templin.
Rug for office reception area and office work table from undesignated
funds.
Radio broadcast in appreciation of Carol Ingells, Rev. William Renfrew, Rev.
Heath Goodwin, Floyd Eaton, Thelma Walkington.
Christmas decorations in appreciation of church staff.
Memorial & Gifts Committee Members
Rev. John Boley, Freda Hewitt, Ruth and Herb Norton, Ruth and Duane Perry,
Laveda and Walt Poyet, Ann Snyder, and Mary Jessup, Chairperson
All Saints Sunday and Holy Communion
We will be celebrating All Saints Sunday on November 7th. During the Service
we will be reading the role of the departed saints and lighting candles for
each one. We will also be dedicating all memorials given during the year.The
Memorials and Gifts Committee is happy to work with anyone desiring to make
a gift to honor an occasion such as birth, birthday, marriage, anniversary,
graduation or other special milestone or to give a gift in memory of a loved
one. Please contact Mary Jessup (646-6729) or the church office for a brochure
or to discuss your gift idea.
Church and Society
By Joyce Joranco, Chairperson
On Providing Holiday Luncheons
For a number of years Central has been very generous in providing holiday
dinners for those whose food budgets are much less than most of ours.
For $15 per box, SHARE Michigan provided us with the food, and Christian
Services gave us names. It recently came to my attention that SHARE is no
longer in business.
In discussions I had with members of my commission and the church staff,
it was concluded that we want to continue to channel your generous gifts
toward feeding persons in need during the holiday season, but by using a
different route.
Most of you are aware that we have lunch at our church each Thursday, including
Thanksgiving for those in need. The financial resources for this area are
at present slim. Therefore, we are asking that you use this holiday time
to again give generously.
We ask that whatever amount you were giving for holiday food baskets in the
past, you would give that amount toward holiday lunches. There will be persons
to receive your gifts during coffee hour in November and December. Money
can also be turned in to the church office or placed in offering plates.
Please make checks out to Central United Methodist Church and mark them "holiday
lunches." Thank you for your anticipated generosity.
Staff Open House
Wednesday, November 17th
You are invited to the second Annual Staff Open House given as an expression
of appreciation for the support you offer staff throughout the year. Please
join the staff in Fellowship Hall anytime between the hours of 3-7 p.m. on
Wednesday, November 17, for a visit and refreshments.
Click here for page two, or to return to
A Central Place.