October,
2000
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual Growth
NEWS FROM OUR MISSIONARIES-IN-TRAINING
Peter, Estela, Benjamin and Jonatan Hudy are trying to adjust to the heat and humidity of Atlanta, Georgia, along with the new names and faces and city. They are living in an apartment on the campus of Emory University. Turner Village (campus housing) has 13 separate buildings that contain between 6 and 16 apartments. Of those 13 buildings, three are for single students (or married without children), the others are geared more for families.
All the residents of Turner Village are in some way associated with the Candler School of Theology of Emory University. Some, like the Hudys, are missionaries-in-training, others are missionaries resting or recovering from medical problems, still others are students pursuing advanced degrees in divinity or theology. There are many playmates, between the ages of 1 and 14, with whom Benjamin and Jonatan can play.
One of Benjamin's favorite playmates is Hahnji (age 6), Rev. Barbara Smith-Jang's daughter, and Micah, who is the 6-year-old daughter of a pastor and his wife from Ohio. Jonathan likes to play with Gil, Barbara Smith-Jang's 3-year-old son. You may remember that Rev. Smith-Jang was a visiting minister at Central this last summer. Her family is bound for Korea once training has been completed.
Benjamin is enrolled in school and doing well. Training for Peter and Estela is going well but is sometimes frustrated for Peter because it is sometimes like "spinning wheels." Peter says he is ready to "go to the field" now!
They will be in Atlanta until December 19, Benjamin's last day of school. They plan at this time on returning to Lansing for Christmas. A short trip to Guatemala is planned for early January. Their departure to Bolivia for missionary work will likely be mid to late February.
The Hudy's current address and phone number: Peter and Estela Hudy, 1703 Clifton Road, NE Suite F-4, Atlanta, GA 30329-4037, (404) 251-9893.
We wish God's richest blessings on Central's "missionary
family".
Pastor's Pen
It's the morning after a big weekend. We have just completed a weekend filled with a large and grand wedding, our normal Sunday worship and church school, and the Bishop's Installation Service. It has been a tiring, anxious, active and glorious weekend. Everything went off "without a hitch" and much more importantly, God's presence was palpable and the Holy Spirit was with us.
I would like to thank the staff for their devotion and hard work in preparation for these events. All of us connected with our congregation, including myself, take our staff a bit for granted and could be more appreciative of the hard work they perform and the stresses they endure. Thank you staff, for everything.
And I would also like to thank the congregation for the way it pitched in to help for all these things. The weekend was a flurry of activity with many in the congregation doing their part to make it all work. From a pastoral perspective, it is extremely heartwarming to see the congregation pitch in with purpose, resolve and good cheer to accomplish these tasks. You are good people, doing important work.
I would also like to convey the thanks of Rev. Molly Turner, our Area Assistant to the Bishop, to our church for its work yesterday for the Bishop's Installation Service. She specifically wanted me to convey her thanks for the job we did hosting this event. It was great to have her in morning worship, and then she was able to observe the congregation in action. She was so pleased and impressed with how so many began teaching Sunday School, cleaning the sanctuary and setting up for coffee hour and then setting up for the Installation Service. She was delighted with how she was so warmly received and the cheerfulness with which everyone went about the day.
Thank you all for being the faithful church, through the good times and the bad, and thanks be to God for the joy and duty to be faithful disciples in our little corner of the world.
Grace and Peace, John
Directory
Our Worship Service each Sunday is at 9:30 a.m. with Church School September thru May for all ages at 11:00 a.m. The morning service is broadcast live beginning at 9:25 a.m. over WJIM-AM (1240). It is also cablecast and appears Sunday night from 9-10 p.m. on AT&T Cable Services' Channel 16.
Reminder: Central's Sunday morning service from its Sanctuary is broadcast live each week over WJIM-AM (1240) from 9:25 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. It is also delayed-telecast and appears each Sunday evening at 9:00 p.m. on Channel 16 of AT&T Cable Service
The Central Journal is a monthly publication of Central United Methodist Church, Lansing, MI. 48933. The deadline for the next (November) issue is October 20, at 5 p.m. Journal Editor is Jim Hane, Assistant Editor is Nancy O'Shea.
Take Note
Church Conference
This year's annual Church Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 18th at 7:30 p.m. All are invited. The Staff Parish Relations Committee will meet with the District Superintendent at 6:45 p.m.
Fall Stewardship
October 8th. Members will have the opportunity to place offerings on the alter on Consecration Sunday, which will be October 22nd
October 8th Crop Walk
There is still time to be a CROP Walker or sponsor. The annual 10 kilometer walk will begin at 1 p.m. at Dwight Rich Middle School and end at the same location. For more information contact Vicki Cool at 487-6106 or Justin Sleight at 482-6476.
Hunger Awareness Month
Despite our booming economy, more than 31 million Americans, including 12 million children, live in families that do not get enough to eat, even though many of them work. In Africa, Asia and Latin America, 800 million people are chronically undernourished. The first opportunity you have to help is the CROP WALK on October 8 (see note above)
Plea for Information
From time to time, church members and friends of Central Church encounter
special needs and desires for ministries that we are only too happy to offer,
if we are informed. For example: When sickness or injury comes, we want to
know about it so we can show concern and compassion. Please call the office
at 485-9477 and ask that the ministers be advised of your request. This will
mean so much to us all. Also, occasionally you might desire to have Holy
Communion served to you in your home or at the hospital bed. Kindly let your
wishes be known by calling one of your ministers at home, or leave word at
the church office. Arrangements can be made to suit you. We need to do this
at times. Thank you everyone for a sharing ministry
Rev. Francis Anderson and Rev. John Boley
Replacement Sought
Jim Hane, Editor of our Central Journal for the past 3 ½ years, has given notice that the December 2000 issue will be his last. He and Ginny have purchased a home in the mountains of North Carolina and will be moving there (Hendersonville) sometime next year. Thanks Jim for the great service you have given Central. We are looking for Jim's replacement early so that the long tradition of a monthly Central Journal will not be broken. If you have an interest in assuming Editorship, or simply wishing additional information on "what's involved," please contact Jim at 669-3306. There will be ample opportunity this fall and in early 2001 for replacement training. To facilitate an even smoother transition, Nancy O'Shea, Assistant Journal Editor for the past year, has agreed to continue on into 2001.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President
Loving Stitches Quilt Show
We said we could hold 150 quilts at our quilt show. We were sure we'd have 100 . We were privileged to showcase 178 quilted works of art! We showed everything from an Amish-crafted Christmas ornament to a photo quilt made with love for a 25th wedding anniversary, to embroidered quilts, to quilted clothing, to wall hangings and cherished family treasures. The variety and quality were astounding! We received many favorable comments on the sanctuary and the show. Several people commented on how "perfect" the setting was. I was even told the show was nicer than some of the more "professional" shows in the area! Perhaps this is because of the love evident in everything shown. To all who helped with the show and accompanying Victorian Tea, a large THANK YOU! I heard nothing but good comments about both. To the numerous people who guaranteed our success by allowing their treasurers to be shown, helping with set up and take down, hosting, providing cookies and tea sandwiches, pouring, doing dishes, decorating, and to our surprise, guest quilter, thank you from all of us.
Bake Sale and Bakeless Giving
UMW is sponsoring our second Bake Sale and Bakeless Giving Opportunity on October 15 in Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour. Bakers, buyers and donators needed. Mark the 15th of October on your calendar. Please come to buy, donate and enjoy! Watch for more details to come.
Conference Annual
West Michigan's Conference Annual is in Lansing this year. Lansing First UMC is our host on October 20 and 21. See the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall for details.
Church Women United Meeting
The next meeting of CWM will be at People's Church in East Lansing on Monday, October 9, at 10 a.m. The theme is "Operation Mission." Topics are Children of Africa and God's People in an Urban Culture.The noon lunch is $6.00. Call Marge Sleight at 482-6476) for tickets.
World Food Day
By Carolyn Schuurmans, Hunger Coordinator
World Food Day is October 16th when about 450 groups working to end hunger, hold events to evaluate progress and assess needs. The theme is "Poverty and Hunger: The Tragic Link". October 29 is Bread for the World Sunday. This is a time to rededicate ourselves to work to end hunger and poverty. There is "The November Elections: An Opportunity to End Hunger". We are encouraged to: (1) Find out whether our candidates for Congress have taken a stand on programs to help end hunger. You can write to incumbents and ask them to vote to pass the Hunger Relief Act before they adjourn in October. House members (Debbie Stabenow, Dave Camp, etc.) at U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515, and Senators Carl Levin and Spencer Abraham at U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510. Ask them also to vote to increase the minimum wage to $6.15 per hour and to support debt relief for the most impoverished countries. (2) Vote on November 7; or, if necessary, send in an absentee ballot. (Call City Clerk at 483-4131). (3) Write letters to winning candidates in our district and state urging them to work to end hunger. Remember - we can all to our bit to help; every little bit counts.
CHURCH WIDE GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7th
8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Three Big Locations
South side-Jim & Dottie Stark 's house, 2301 Wellesley, Lansing, 517-482-7834
West side-Ken & Joanne Harvey's house, 2420 Newport Drive, Lansing, 517-321-0945
Downtown-Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol, 517-485-9477
Donations of all that "good stuff" (working small appliances, sporting goods, children's clothing, toys, games, tools of all types,antiques, small furniture items such as table & chairs. Delivery of your items to one of the locations may begin on Monday, October 1. Please call and arrange for your delivery with the hosts at the location nearest you. If you need assistance with your delivery, the hosts can help arrange this for you. An ad will be run in newspapers and periodicals for the public to learn of the sales. Proceeds of the sale will be used by the church to help underwrite its many programs.
The Finance Committee
Red Roses
To Mary Boudreau & CUMC for the hard work and support of the Lansing 2000 Paint Blitz.
To all those who assisted with the Installation Service of our new Bishop, Rev. Linda Lee: Mike and Julie Cooper, Pat and Charles Bell, Bob and Pat Wangen, Mary and Doug Bowers, John and Diane Boley, Marge and Justin Sleight, Mary Nesman, and Ruthann Jaquette.
Member Deaths
George Voorhis August 31, 2000
Rena Burkett September 5, 2000
Birth Announcement
Sarah Kristine Kurtze September 13, 2000, Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park, MN.
Proud Parents are Heidi and Larry Kurtze. Proud Grandparents are Paul and Jamie Zimmer
News Notes
By B. Caryn Welter, Music Director
Meet the Chancel Choir's Section Leaders. An interview with these great young people revealed this information about them. Won't you join us in welcoming them to Central?
Soprano Meghan McKown - MSU sophomore in Vocal Performance, from Allegan, Michigan, aspires one day to be a jazz singer in New York. Her hobbies are art, participation in a cappella quintet ("Wicked Kiwi"), history and writing. Meghan's high school choir director and friend, Mr. Phillip Silvery, was an amazing musician and Christian; he inspired Miss McKown to pursue a career in music. Before her senior year, Mr. Silvery helped her to realize that God had intentionally blessed her with a special singing voice. Ella Fitzgerald's great sound, too, influenced her decision.
Alto Randi Bolding - MSU undergraduate in Vocal Music Education, from Round Rock / Austin, Texas, aspires to have at least a Master's Degree in Choral Conducting. She plans to teach choral music in either a high school or junior college setting. Her hobbies include music arranging, participation in an a cappella quintet, enjoying nature and the out-of-doors, and sports. Her parents and family supported and encouraged her goals in music. Her mother (Round Rock Community Choir Director), especially, inspired Randi to pursue music and to share her passion with others. Miss Bolding hopes one day to fully develop an understanding of her mother's passion for music, and to follow in her footsteps.
Tenor Ryan Batcheller - MSU graduate student in the Master of Music and Choral Conducting program, is from Bremerton, Washington, and aspires to a career in public music education at the middle school / high school levels. His hobbies include tennis, music, movies, travel, and reading for enjoyment. He seeks to fulfill the goals of his profession in a school district whose aim is to truly support the fine arts. He hopes to serve in a choral director's capacity within the music ministry of a church whose leaders and congregation are God-inspired. Ryan and his mother have shared the gift of music for nearly thirty years, as she followed his growth from elementary school music, through piano / voice lessons, and on to both collegiate and professional music performance experiences. Another source of inspiration to Ryan was his participation in "African Sanctus" at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Spirit Singers, Anyone? Central is exploring the possibilities for piloting a new choral group, the "Spirit Singers". It would meet on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and would be adults who especially enjoy informal music such as praise choruses. Participation in Sunday worship would be occasional (about once a month) and would never be in conflict with Chancel Choir or Bell Choir involvement. If the details can be ironed out and in place, the Singers could conceivably begin in January or before. Implementation depends on: Consistent availability of singers to readily cover vocal parts; Accessibility of adjunct components such as appropriate instrumentation, on an as-need basis; Adequate financial support oft the program. As we consider and explore the options, please leave a message at 485-9477, extension 35, if you would be interested in participating.
Wanted: A Good Keyboard Our new Music / Sunday School program would benefit considerably from the addition of a portable, versatile keyboard. Similarly, should the "Spirit Singers" idea be launched, the instrument might sometimes be useful in accompanying that group. If you know of possibilities for us to consider, please leave a message at the church, 485-9477, extension 35.
Host Families Still Needed. The Choir Society of Munster-Breloh-Soltau, Germany will visit Lansing in October as part of the Blue Lake International Exchange Program, arriving, 10/ 28, and leaving, 10/ 31. Housing is needed for 90 people, mostly adult singers who are not skilled in English.If you can help, call Cinda Eltzroth, Lansing Host Chairperson, 393-8228. E-mail is CLEltzroth@aol.com.
Elderberrys News
Fellowship for the "Nifty Over-50-Folks"
September Meeting Alert
By Marge Sleight
Elberberrys Fellowship is well underway this fall. The meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month. The gathering starts at 10 a.m. Remember, our van shuttle service from the Presbyterian parking lot helps ease that pesky problem. Windshield permit signs to identify our Central group may be picked up ahead any time at our office. A devotional time, always interesting programs, good luncheons prepared and delivered by Meals-on-Wheels at $2.00 per person, and a before 1 p.m. dismissal time all make for a pleasurable meeting. The September program was Unusual Gravestones, and the slide presentation with commentary was different and unique and enjoyed by all. October's program on the 10th will be special in that our own Pamala Phillips, Education Director, will present a piano concert, and we will get a taste of her talent and artistry in music. Do come, you "Nifty-Over-Fifty-Folks", to join us and enjoy fun and fellowship, Reservations may be made by a phone call to the office.
Safe Driving Course Being Offered
Elberberrys is happy to announce the offering of a unique 8-hour study, "55 Alive Safe Driving Course for Older Adults". This great opportunity is open to anyone 50 years old or more. It might reduce insurance rates for those who finish and become certified. We plan for two mornings, Tuesday, November 14, and Wednesday, November 15 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Details are in the making. Yes, BOTH morning sessions must be attended for us who enroll in the course. Retired Minister Rev. Keith Pohl of Mason, and a familiar UMC leader to many of us, will direct and guide the course. Registration forms and posters will appear soon. Questions? See Frank Anderson.
Trustee News
By Richard Bates, Co-chairperson, Board of Trustees
As the fall church year begins, there are some new things you may have noticed around the church that have been done. Certainly the largest and most conspicuous is the Media Center in the Library. Although it is not completely finished at this writing, you can get an idea of what it will look like. There will be some computers available. On the plain wall there will be shelving for books. There will be some music equipment for cassettes and CDs for your listening pleasure. This area is intended to be a place where one can find a lot of information or a place to spend some leisure time browsing in a very pleasant setting. A great big thank you to Ruthann Jaquette for coordinating this project. She did a fantastic job! As you can see when you walk around the church, the landscaping is very well done and kept up. There are many people responsible for keeping the grounds looking very presentable. Certain areas are individually maintained while others are assigned by the Grounds Committee. Two individuals are primarily responsible for this service (or coordinating): Dottie Stark and Bryan Halter. Our sincere thanks to them and the others who diligently and unselfishly give of their valuable time to make Central glow on the outside! This fall Jim Mort has resigned from his position on the Board of Trustees. Jim was past chairperson. He is starting classes at Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit. His classes meet on the same night as Board meetings. Our sincere thanks to Jim for all hard work and dedication to Central. Remaining trustees are Charlie Jennett, David Mills, Mary Ellen Maas, Dick Murley, Jim Stark, and co-chairpersons, Susan Grettenberger and Dick Bates. We are still looking at the plans for air condition the sanctuary still on our agenda. We will keep you updated on any future progress on this "cool" topic. May the new church year go well with you and may we be of service to you and the Lord. If you have questions or concerns or comments that we may help with, please let us know.
Wearing of the Green Dinner
Our Annual New Member Dinner will take place on Friday, October 27 at 6:15 p.m. at the church. It will feature a festive presentation from "the School of Irish Dance" as well as a traditional Irish meal. Please make reservations during coffee hours at the church, or contact the church office. Erin go braugh, and welcome new members!
Education News
Pamala Phillips, Director of Education
OCTOBER 8 IS SECOND SUNDAY BRUNCH
Over 75 people attended the September Brunch, and the food and company were second to none. While RSVP's are not required, if you are planning to attend, and could let us know, it would help with planning.
SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE
Morning Worship Service begins at 9:30 am, following the "children's sermon", children, ages 4-11, adjourn to the Library for their own time of worship, music, study, and fellowship.
10:00 - 10:30 Children's Worship
10:10 - 10:30 Music Activities ages 5,6, & 7
10:30 - 10:50 Children's Fellowship Time
10:50 - 11:20 Music Activities ages 8,9,10
10:50 - 12:15 Sunday School
Following the Worship Service, all are invited to Fellowship Hall for Coffee.
11:00 - 11:40 Middle School Class meets in the Skylight room 3rd Floor
11:00 - 11:40 Senior High Class meets in the Loft 3rd Floor
11:40 - 12:15 Middle School and Senior High Music Group - Loft
11:10 - 12:15 Adult Sunday School
E. Stanley Jones Abundant Living,- Joi Tennant- 2nd floor Conference Rm.
Coffee House Discussion Group - Centennial Room - Fellowship Hall
Current Issues for Christians- C. Jon Holmes 1st Floor Conf. Rm.
Adult Bible Study Genesis to Revelations- Dale Kirkby -2nd Fl. Conf Rm.
Looking Ahead
Fall I - September 10 - October 15
Current Issues For Christians
Coffee House Discussions
Genesis to Revelations Bible Study
Abundant Living
Fall II - October 22 - November 26
Coffee House Discussions
Genesis to Revelations Bible Study
New Member Class
Abundant Living
Winter I - December 3 - 17 & Jan 7 - 21
Humanistic vs. Christian Values
Coffee House Discussions
Special Programming Dec. 24 and 31
Genesis to Revelations Bible Study
Abundant Living
Thank You Notes
Central Family, Many thanks to the Pastors and many friends for their visits, cards, love, and prayers during my husband, George L. Voorhis, recent illness and subsequent death.
Annette Voorhis
Dear Central Members: As you may know, I left the position of Office Manager at Central UMC on Friday, September 15th to take a position with Drolett Travel Agency in Grand Ledge. This is a new area of challenge for me, but one that I am eagerly anticipating. I want to thank so many of you for the patience and many kindness that were shown to me while I worked with you at Central. I found many loving and caring members, who I will miss greatly. I appreciated being given the latitude to organize and develop many systems within the office at Central, while learning a great deal of hands-on skills at the same time. I will look forward to visiting you from time to time in your Sunday morning services and renewing our friendships. Thank you for the many cards and well wishes as well as the Open House in my honor. I am deeply touched by your expressions of gratitude. As one of the cards given to me said " I don't like good-byes, so I'll just say - see you later"! God bless and keep you until we meet again.
Pat Basgall
Help Needed
The Finance Committee is looking for people willing to count offerings on Sundays after church or on Monday mornings. If you can help, please contact Ruthann Jaquette at the church office.
Also needed are additional volunteers to assist with the Sunday morning radio and TV broadcasts from the Sanctuary. If you have an interest in these areas, please call Jim Hane or Mike McLaren.
Partners for Preservation
Financing Our Church Infrastructure
The mission of Partnership For Preservation is to develop a fund dedicated
to maintaining and preserving the structural integrity of Central United
Methodist Church and Temple House for the purpose of providing a location
for religious, cultural, recreational, and community service to the City
of Lansing. The bottom line of this campaign is financing the day to day
structure and infrastructure needs of the facility for the future. Naming
the Church as a beneficiary in your estate plan or the making of an endowment
gift can assure the preservation of our historic church facility. This can
be done using various financial instruments. The most common way to continue
to support Central Church with your support beyond your lifetime is through
your Will. Remember, if you have no Will or Living Trust, state law will
determine who will inherit your property. Call the church office for an
informational brochure or visit our web site at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc
to learn more about how you can help finance our future infrastructure
needs.
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