Central Journal
November, 1998
UMW at Central: Active as Usual
By Pat Mort, President, United Methodist Women
Hasn't the color this year been exceptionally beautiful? God does such good work. Autumn is one of my personal favorites, followed closely by spring, winter and summer. I'm constantly amazed by the scope of God's care for us.
November in the USA, is traditionally a time for thanksgiving and praise.
I am truly thankful for each day, for a God who so graciously shares in the
bounty of Creation, my family and friends, the gifts of education and work,
the chance to share in the lives of others around me, books to read, laughs
to share, and tears to shed. To each and everyone of you, I wish the joy
of knowing you are loved; the strength to share your love with others; and
the grace to accept all that life has to offer.
World Thank Offering and 1998 Pledge
The "official" Offering and Pledge breakoff time was in October, but we will
accept monies this month, also. Please see Gwen Bodine or your Circle Leader
soon. Remember, all monies go to support the missions of the Women's Division,
with Women, Youth and Children the main emphasis.
RADA Cutlery and 2-Year Planners on Sale
We have a new supply of RADA Cutlery and exceptionally nice 2-year planners
for sale. The planners are only $3 and the cutlery prices have not increased
over the last shipment. Remember, the holidays are just around the corner.
Need extra stocking stuffers or hostess gifts? See Arline or Pat. If you'd
like to have an assortment for your Circle Meeting, please let us
know.
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Christmas by Candlelight Sign Up Time
Christmas by Candlelight is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th. We are hoping the new elevator will be operational and we can have it in the Dining Room. The candles will sparkle beautifully there and we won't have to "rush" through for the Madrigals. We will be taking sign ups for hostesses for Christmas by Candlelight on November 1 and November 2. We will sign up guests on November 15 and 22. Look for sign up sheets before Worship Service in the Library and during Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall. We hope to have a full house. Additional details will be available in the November 8th church bulletin. Judy Grove Circle is hosting this year's event. Information for those contemplating being a hostess will be available on the UMW Board in the Temple House entrance.
Community House
The Lansing District Mission project is the Community House in Grand Rapids.
They are in need of large print word/game books and small prizes for bingo
games for seniors, aged 60 and over. We will have an in-gathering of these
items at this year's Christmas by Candlelight. These gifts mean a great deal
to those who receive them are another way we, as Methodist Women, impact
the lives of others through the connectional church.
Church and Society
By Joyce Joranyco
Give Thanks by Giving
Holiday Boxes will once again be provided by SHARE. The Church and Society
Commission will coordinate the purchasing and distribution.
Recipients are generally persons designated by our church and others whose names are provided by Christian Services. The cost is $15 per Holiday Box, which will include a turkey and other items for a complete meal. We ask that you once again be generous. Please make checks out to Central - marked for SHARE. It can be turned in to the church office, put in the church offering, or at a table set up in Fellowship Hall November 1st and 8th.
Thank you for helping others celebrate.
The best gift is one that helps people not once or twice, but throughout the year. The families who receive holiday packages purchased through SHARE will learn how they can stretch their food dollars and have food at the end of the month when they need it most. SHARE is a self help food program. For $14 in cash or food stamps and two hours of community service for each package purchased, people receive a grocery package with a value of 30-50% below retail supermarket prices.
Success Place
The mission of Success Place is to provide homeless teen parents a safe place
to live, while working to strengthen skills needed to maintain a healthy
life style, achieve self sufficiency, and attain financial independence.
It is an eight-unit apartment building located in the heart of Lansing, where
24 hour on-site supervision will be provided. All participants in the program
will be required to go through a job training program if they are not currently
employed or in an educational program.
Success Place needs are: baby bed mattress; bunk bed mattress; twin bed mattress with box springs; end tables; lamps and shades; portable play pens; smoke detectors; mattress pads; kitchen and bedroom trash cans. If you can help please call Michelle Beard at 371-5485.
Pastor's Pen
This year's Stewardship Campaign is called Give to Live. It is based on the
reality that life is lived to its fullest when giving is at its center. This
is the way God set up the universe. Here is the opening statement of the
GIVE TO LIVE CAMPAIGN.
"What Do We Want From Life?"
Stewardship is not about money. Stewardship is about our growth as Christians: growth in love, in peace, in joy. We find serenity and happiness in giving to others. We find fulfillment in spending our energy on behalf of a worthwhile cause. We find life in sharing life with people who need us.
Our annual Stewardship Campaign can be a time to see how God is at work in and through this congregation, a time to inspire enthusiasm for the gifts we've been given, to celebrate the role of our church in the wider community.
Our Give to Live Campaign is a time to share dreams, to tell stories and
to bear witness to the presence of Jesus Christ in our midst.
Thank you Central United Methodist Church for your faithfulness through the
years.
Rev. John Boley
Thank You ...
..... for being a caring Church Family during my surgery and
recovery.
Patricia Bell
Worship/Journal
Our Worship Service each Sunday is at 9:30 a.m. with Church School for all
ages at 11:00 a.m. The 9:30 a.m. service is broadcast live over WJIM-AM (1240).
It is also cablecast and appears Sunday night from 9-10 p.m. on Channel 16/37
of Media One Cablevision.
The Central Journal is a monthly publication of Central United Methodist Church, Lansing, MI. 48933. Deadline for submittal of material is the third Monday of the month preceding the month of publication. Journals are scheduled to arrive at mailing destinations by the first of the month.
Weddings in October
Sara Martin & Bruce Worthington
October 10, 1998
Jill Lansing & Curtis Hahn
October 17, 1998
Red Roses to ...
All the people who regularly attend our Visioning meetings.
Nancy O'Shea for the many hours
spent in preparing, typing and editing the October Journal during the time
Jim Hane was out-of-state.
All the people who have helped with the God's Good Gift Program.
Edward Spink for helping with research on new church equipment.
Church Women United
World Communion Day
Friday, November 6, 1998 1:00 p.m.
Delta Presbyterian Church 6100 W. Michigan
Theme: World Within Our Neighborhood
Prelude by Central UMC "Drumming Group"
Education
Denise Fabbri, Program Director
Church Directory Update
Our layout sheets have been returned to us along with the previously produced
photograph's contact rolls. These contact rolls will enable us to produce
a directory with another company. We are expecting to hear soon concerning
the undeveloped photographs, as there was a court date set for the hearing
concerning asset allocation. We thank you for your patience in this matter.
We will continue to keep you updated, as information becomes available to
us.
Hanging of the Greens
Come help us "Gather 'Round the Child," as we prepare for the Advent Season
by hanging the church decorations on Monday, November 23rd. We will begin
with a short worship program in the Sanctuary at 9:00 am and finish with
a luncheon at noon.
Fall Harvest Party
On Friday, November 13th we will gather in the Dining Room for a Fall Harvest
Party. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. Minimal cost and donations are
going to the project goal. Reservations are required by Wednesday, November
11th. Afterwards, we will gather in Fellowship Hall for a special guest
appearance (read the next article to see who is coming). The Heifer Project
"ARK" banks will be collected as we celebrate "harvesting God's
gifts."
Magic Show Comes to Central
Sheldon Rhodes, an experienced magician, will be entertaining everyone at the Fall Harvest Party. Sheldon uses magic, juggling, and storytelling to teach Christian stories. He says this makes coming to church fun for people of all ages. Sheldon has been teaching and entertaining this way since 1973. Everyone is welcome!
UMYF News
Thanksgiving Baskets will be prepared and delivered by the youth group this
year. They will have an overnight on Saturday, November 14th when they will
go on a scavenger hunt to collect basket items. To complete the baskets,
the youth will set up a table in Fellowship Hall for members to sign up for
specific items needed. These items will be added to the baskets on Sunday,
November 22nd and delivered that evening to the families in the Quality Living
Program and other families.
Bethlehem Marketplace
The congregation of Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson, Michigan has extended an invitation to attend their "walk through drama of Christ's birth." The program will be held on December 5 and 6 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. A free will offering will be collected. For more information, call the office.
Church School Offerings
Unit 2 "Whole People of God"
New Member Class
Conflict Resolution
Great Ideas:
Nov. 1 –Kaye Olson, "Life Lessons to Lower Stress"
Nov. 8 – Eva Evans, "Public Schools-Good or Bad, Sink or Swim"
Nov. 22 –To be announced
Church Librarian to Retire
Janet Hamilton has worked in Central's library for the past twenty years
and has been the sole librarian for the past four years. She has worked very
hard to update and keep the library functional. This has been a big undertaking
and we owe her a great debt of gratitude. She has decided to step down and
enjoy some other activities around Central. Janet has agreed to be a consultant
and help with the transition. Her knowledge in this area is invaluable. Thanks
Janet for all your time and energy. We'll miss you!
Library Needs Volunteers
People interested in helping to create a library team may contact me. We are attempting to spread the various activities needed by creating a library team. With Janet's retirement, the library will need new people to maintain it.
Advent Fair
On Sun., November 29th there will be no regular Sunday School. Rather, there will be an intergenerational event. Fellowship Hall will be brimming with activities to help us "Gather 'Round the Child." Come join us.
Great News!
This fall's Stewardship Campaign is sponsoring three dinners to spotlight
our church's ministry. At each dinner, held at 12:15 p.m. on three different
Sundays, there will be a catered meal, great musical entertainment and a
brief presentation about our church and the GIVE TO LIVE STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN.
All are invited to based on the following schedule.
November 8 - Last names beginning A through H.
November 15 - Last names beginning I through P.
November 22 - Last names beginning Q through Z.
You should have already received a letter concerning the GIVE TO LIVE STEWARDSHIP
CAMPAIGN and an invitation to one of these dinners. Kindly return the reservation
card as quickly as possible for dinner reservations. If you are unable to
attend the dinner to which you are assigned, you may change dates by so
indicating on the reservation card or calling the church office.
We thank God for the opportunity to serve Christ's church and be faithful
Stewards of God's creation.
C. Jon Holmes, Chair
Give to Live Stewardship Campaign
Common Cents
By Ruthann Jaquette,
Business and Building Manager
Below you will find a snap shot of the year to date income and expenditures
at the completion of the 3rd quarter.
You may notice that we have collected more money than we have spent, however
spending in the 4th quarter is usually heavy and generally equals out from
the lesser spending over the summer months. At this point, it looks as though
we will finish the year just about on target.
If you are interested in more details, financial statements are available
on a monthly basis. If you would like to have one sent to you please contact
the church office. In addition, if you have any other specific questions
or comments please feel free to contact me.
Income (as of 9/30/98)
$322,500* Budgeted
$316,000* Actual
1. Member giving .......................................... 70%
2. Endowment giving ............................ ...... 20%
3. URC Building usage fees ........................... 7%
4. Misc. income ............................................. 3%
Expenditures (as of 9/30/98)
$326,500* Budgeted
$307,500* Actual
1. Staffing ..................................................... 49%
2. Building & Administration ........................ 21%
3. Apportionments **..................................... 20%
4. Programming ............................................ 8%
5. URC-costs ................................................ 2%
* Rounded off figures **100% paid to date
Please take note!
The monthly Journal deadline is being changed to coordinate more closely
with the monthly meetings of our many committees, boards, and
commissions.
Therefore, beginning next month, the deadline will always be 5 p.m. the Friday
following the third Wednesday monthly meetings.
Revised deadlines: Nov. 20, Dec. 18, Jan. 22
Christmas Carol Sip-N-Sing
Each Sunday in Advent
8:45 to 9:15 a.m.,Church Dining Room
November 29th, December 6th, 13th, 20th
Ruth Norton will lead you and Ruth Tennant McLean will provide piano accompaniment. The Don Knechtel family will host a mini breakfast. A small donation will help offset the cost.
We will be looking for you!
WHY NOT INVITE A FRIEND?
November Reminders
1 All Saints Day
and Bring a Friend to Church Sunday
8 First of three Stewardship Lunch dates
11 Visioning Meeting at the church
13 Family Fall Harvest Night and Magic Show
18 Church Staff Thanksgiving Open House
18 Meeting night for Committees,
Commissions, and the Ad Council
22 Thanksgiving Service at Missionary Baptist
Church - 7 p.m, Rev. Boley preaching
29 First Sunday in Advent - "Sip-N-Sing"
and Advent Fair
Announcements
Thanksgiving Service
The Inner City Pastors Alliance is once again sponsoring a Thanksgiving Service.
The service will be held on Sunday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at Union
Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Boley will be preaching.
ARK Project Update
Our ARK/Heifer Project got off to a roaring (or MOOing) start Sunday October
18th. We will be collecting money until November 15th. Our goal is to fill
an Arc, which is $5,000. On November 13th, the Education and Missions Committees
will be sponsoring a church night featuring food and activities related to
the Heifer project. Contact the church office (485-9477) to make your
reservation.
New Class Announcement
History/Herstory/Yourstory ...A look at insights and methods of the masters
as well as an opportunity to begin or continue your own journal will be offered
beginning in Jan. during the Church School hour. This lively hour will be
led by Maggi Wallin and Pat Mort.
Capitol Avenue Construction
Due to new Legislature Building construction, Capitol Avenue will soon be
reduced to two lanes. During this time won't you please consider the Ottawa
St. entrance for Sunday morning pedestrian drop offs.
GLADE Workshop
On November 21st from 9 - 11 a.m., there will be a workshop at St. Therese
Roman Catholic Church sponsored by GLADE (Greater Lansing Association for
Development and Empowerment).The workshop is for all who are interested in
working on an ecumenical and interfaith problem solving team. Rev. Boley
plans to attend. GLADE is a growing group of concerned church citizens. Please
see Rev. Boley's column from the October issue of the Central Journal for
more details about GLADE.
Central Men's Basketball
Who: ........................ Men from Central UMC
What: ....................... Basketball League
When: ....................... Mondays, beginning Oct. 19
Where: ...................... Central UMC Gym
Time: ........................ 6:30 p.m. (practice)
Come and join the fun. The league starts in January and finishes in March.
The games are played on Monday nights. If you have questions, call Keith
Leeman at 371-4177.
Church Staff Open House
We, the church staff would like to invite all members to a Thanksgiving Open
House as an expression of our gratitude for the support you offer us.
Please stop in to Fellowship Hall Wednesday, November 18th anytime between
1:00 - 7:00 p.m. for a visit and refreshments.
Visioning Update
By Jim Stark
On October 14, 1998 Central's visioning task group continued its work on
establishing a New Central Vision for the future. Rev. Joe Bistayi divided
us into three groups to discuss three concepts taken from a review sheet
of the June 3, 1998 meeting. Those concepts, that we has been drawn to,
were:
Servants of God/Christ in service
A spiritually growing congregation
Focused in accepting and diversity.
Much discussion led to many concerns. Here are the three key items for each
area:
Servant in Service
1. Stephen Ministry
2. More service opportunities, small group
studies and service
3. Multiple layers of service combined with
spiritual growth in small groups
Spiritual Growing
1. Leadership training and nurture
2. Stephen Ministry
3. In depth small group Bible study-spiritual
Acceptance & Diversity
1. Saturday alternative service
2. Ministry "with" not "to"
3. Serve others outside of our building as a group
from our church
We did not have time for creating a common focusing vision. If you have any comment or additions please give them to our Pastor, Rev. John Boley. This is a church-wide endeavor.
The next Visioning meeting will be on Wednesday, November 11th at at the
church. This will again be led by Rev. Joe Bistayi.
Lovely Lanes In Methodism
By Rev. Francis F. Anderson, Minister of Visitation
The Mother Church of American Methodism is located in a mid-north urban
neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland. The congregation is not big in size,
but the value of the church is beyond measure and gains prestige not so much
from architecture, etc., but rather from the early life of Methodists in
our Nation. The name of the church is, "Lovely Lane Memorial Methodist Church."
It is indeed a tourist spot worth seeing. The 1784 forming Conference of
Methodism was held in this church. The plaques on the wall show that the
first minister was the Rev. Francis Asbury.
The only reason this edifice is still standing and in pretty good condition
is due to its supporters all over the world. There is a spirit to be felt
by visiting Lovely Lane Church and sitting in its wooden bucket seats a
moment.
In London, is located another foundation church of Methodists—the British!
It is called Wesley's Chapel. The interior of this historic church in London
is beyond description; it is so beautiful. A veritable storehouse of memorabilia
awaits the curious. They call the place, "The Cathedral of Methodism." It,
too, has many faithful supporters throughout the world who have helped sustain
the spot. The Tomb of Rev. John Wesley may be seen there.
And then there is Wesley Methodist Church in Kingston, Jamaica. In early
years, lavish horse drawn carriages arrived at its door carrying the gentry
to its morning prayer services. One day a few years back, the dwindling
congregation came to the church only to find the ceiling had caved in on
the pews. Following that, vandals raided the building and carried off some
of the interior fixtures and weather began to destroy the edifice altogether.
But local Methodist people awakened to the scene, and set forth a program
of restoration of the chapel and established a community center in its
educational sections. Now it serves people of this day, although not with
the flair of yesteryears.
These "lovely lanes of Methodism" thrill the heart and soul, just like many
folks are endeared to Central. Saving souls for Christ has no alternative.
At this point, we either do or we don't. Milestones of Faith exists all over
America attesting to the faith of (United) Methodists. The individual believer
is behind it all. Who will be noticing our cornerstone that reads 1898, in
the next 50 or 100 years? Let us hope that no wrecking ball ever knocks it
down.
Meanwhile, the people of God, known as United Methodists move on and move
forward to outer boundaries not yet reached.
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