October,
2004
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting
Fellowship
Contributing to Spiritual
Growth
Restoring and Renewing Historic Central
Larry Beckon, Chair, Restoration Task Force
Central United Methodist has stood, as a building and a congregation, for well over 100 years. As many of you know, the present sanctuary building was constructed in 1888-1889, and is believed to be the only church designed by Elijah E. Myers, architect of the State Capitol. To continue to support our ministry to the community it is necessary that we restore and renew our building in the same way that we continue to restore and renew ourselves.
A Restoration Task Force has been established to define the projects that need to be carried out to meet the immediate and longer term needs of our building. The task force will review existing information about the building as well as plans for restoring various portions of the building. The Trustees have continued to show leadership in dealing with our building needs. In the past year or so, the trustees have successfully faced issues from the roof, to the dining room, to the heating system, and to our parking lots. The task force will work closely with the trustees in this restoration effort. The task force is expected to hire a consultant to assist in this process. In addition to working closely with the trustees, the task force will maintain communications with the Finance Committee and the Administrative Council. It is expected that the task force will identify what is required to preserve the historical integrity of our building well into the future.
Members of the Restoration Task Force are Gene Welter, Kathy Prout, Kathy
MacLaren, Susan Hepfer, and Larry Beckon (Task Force Chair). You can look
forward to hearing more about our building needs - and potential solutions
- as the task force carries out its work.
Look for Deb Lynn and Margaret North at a table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday.
We have the materials and can answer questions. You can obtain pledges from
your neighborhood, at work, by asking your friends and relatives, or at Central.
Bring your family and friends to take a CROP Walk!
Fasting with Central
Mary Boudreau
I felt intrigued this summer when Pastor Russell invited the church to fast
with him on Tuesdays. Although my fasting has been different some weeks,
(like the week I gave blood on Tuesday for my fast), I have been doing it
ever since. I find it a really helpful exercise in self-discipline, and it
has helped me gain perspective in a number of ways:
When I am fasting, I make it a point to pray for unity every time I feel hunger. I appreciate even more how fortunate I am to live in a society where food and clean water are so plentiful. I realize how important it is to be sacrificial in our work and prayers.
I read a story in Dorothy Fredrickson’s newsletter about her work in Haiti. They needed money to help a young student, but had no money to help. She and her co-workers gave up their daily Coke to give him the money to help him finish school. That Coke must have tasted good in that hot climate, but serving God through serving others was more important!
In our society, it’s tempting to want it all, but fasting makes me realize
that there are limits. This helps me in my work as a social worker and my
role as a parent. It is hard to have limits and people often rebel, but it
is so important.
EDUCATION
For Children and Youth:
K-5 - Balcony classroom
A one room schoolhouse approach with stories, crafts and video resources.
Middle School - Skylight Room
Getting to know you, and, what’s faith got to do with it ?
Sr. High - The Loft
By popular demand, Cokesbury’s “Reel to Real” series will
set the stage for discussion of faith issues facing our youth.
For Lifelong learning:
Membership Class - Rev. Russell McReynolds-(contact the church office, 485-9477,
if interested in joining.)
Thru the Bible - Dale Kirkby - Second Floor Conference Room - The Genesis
to Revelation class is doing a 13-week study of the Psalms. Join us as we
explore these hymns of praise, thanksgiving, lament and wisdom that have
been such an important part of worship for centuries.
CoffeeHour - 1st Floor Lounge -Informal gathering and discussion
New: Showing in the Library is a video series, The Hermitage Museum, exploring
the Christian art of one of the world’s finest museums. Gain insight,
understanding, and appreciation of the works of the masters.
Sunday Vesper Class - Keith Pohl - Sunday evening 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Read, study, and discuss the book, A Layman's Guide to Protestant Theology,
an historical theological presentation of Protestant roots and its variety
of theological branches, by William E. Hordern.
We are currently looking for persons to help in this important program ministry
at Central.
Saturday, October 16, 6 p.m. - Potluck dinner at Pat and Bob Wangen’s home, 13153 Old Hickory Trail, DeWitt. Please let Pat or Bob know if you can come (669-8433).
Sunday, November 18, Central Collage will be responsible for Hanging of the Greens. Much help will also be needed by others in Central’s Church Family to decorate for the Advent Season. Pat and Bob Wangen have agreed to organize this activity.
Sunday, December 12 - Annual Christmas Caroling
More information will be forthcoming and possibly more activities will be
planned this fall.
God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.
All Central's choral groups have fun and enjoy wonderful fellowship. If you've ever been inclined to join whichever choir is appropriate for you, now is a great time to commit for the new program year and when everyone is just getting started. Or, if you've previously been part of a group but your schedule pulled you away, consider rejoining today.
Probably all of you remember the many studies that had to do with the "Mozart Effect" and how involvement in music can enhance brain function. But, did you consider the fact that music also brings into play attention, spontaneity, and physical expression? In turn, music can lead to the meaningful enhancement of a person's abilities. These kinds of activities can create feelings of fulfillment and abundance--improving a person's general sense of well-being. And that, folks, is why we feel so good while we're singing and afterward, as well. While I'm not advocating that we sing in one of the choirs ONLY to feel good, it certainly is a side benefit.
Singing with one of the choral groups is a marvelous service to your church. While singing God's praises, you can model for others--adults, children and youth--how it looks to be a dedicated and loyal group member who uses his or her gift of voice to enhance worship experiences.
Central children‘s "Church School" was designed in a way that addresses traditional "Sunday School" in combination with the musical component. Kindergartners through sixth graders are involved in music by meeting with Miss Lindsay from 11:00-11:35 a.m., Sundays. Then, from 11:40-12:15 p.m., also on Sundays, youth meet for the musical part of their church school experience.
Additionally, Spirit Singers convene on Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.; Chancel Choir members gather on Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
You can see Lindsay Kesselman if you're a child or youth, Trey Jacobs if you're interested in joining the Chancel Choir, and Caryn Welter if you'd like to sing with the Spirit Singers. Or, you can leave a voice mail at 485-9477, ext. 35. We'd like to hear from you.
Tentative schedule for Wesley Choristers' and participation in worship
10/10 - Wesley Choristers and Youth
10/24 - Youth
11/14 - Youth
11/21 - Wesley Choristers
(11/28 - No Choirs Meet Today)
12/05 - Wesley Choristers
12/19 - Wesley Choristers and
Youth (Both groups will rehearse before church, but not after).
(12/26 - No Choirs Meet Today)
On Sundays when only the Wesley Choristers or Youth sing, they will rehearse
in the sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. When both groups sing, the Youth will rehearse
at 9:00 a.m., and the Wesley Choristers will rehearse at 9:10 a.m.
Sue Neller will present a show of Women’s Fashions from 1850 to 1950, followed by tea. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall on Sunday or call the church office (485-9477) to register your attendance. There is no charge but donations will be taken. We promise you will enjoy seeing these beautiful dresses and accessories. Bring a friend or neighbor-just let us know you are coming so that we will have enough seats available.
Saturday, October 16
Conference Annual at Frankfort. Check the UMW Board for fliers.
November
Thank Offering Month. Plan now to give back in thanks and gratitude.
December 7
Christmas by Candlelight. Put it on your calendar now and plan to come. Details forthcoming!
So you see, there's lots to do and learn with UMW! Check out our books in
the Library, knit or crochet a prayer shawl, read "Response" and "New World
Outlook", also in the Library. We're 1,000,000+ strong - united in our purpose
to help women, youth and children around the world. Be proud, be active,
be involved. We're United Methodist Women. You're invited to be a part of
us in whatever way you can.
Countless obstacles were overcome with grace and patience. We are a blessed
congregation! May we continue to use our gifts and talents to be in ministry,
serving as God calls us for this time and in this place.
Edgewood United Church, 469 N. Hagadorn, East Lansing.
Program: Bob Barnhart from Church World Service - CROP will talk about their
African Initiative, Tools of Hope, Blanket programs and new Kits for Kids.
Come to learn where Church World Service is working and what they are doing.
Fellowship time follows.
-Carolyn Schuurmans
Also, it would be very helpful if you would check your schedules to see if you can work during November and December, especially over the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Holiday weekends.
Sign up for the Sunday(s) of your choice on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall or call me at 694-0686.
Thanks to all who continue to support the Fellowship Coffee hour with their
time and energy.
Remember...
At press time...
Lucy Akpabio
Dick Bates at home
Margaret Ebersole at Great Lakes Center
Maxine Jones at home
Muriel Kirby at home
Faye McCracken at home
Don Marshall at home
Lee Moore at home
Joe O’Shea at home
LaVinna Roberts at home
Lulu Smith at home
Sally Swiss at home
Thank you...
Denise and I would like to thank the church very much for all of your prayers and well wishes during my heart surgery and recovery. Special thanks to Rev. Frank Anderson, Jamie Tipton, and Dale Kirkby for going above and beyond. We are appreciative and blessed to have such a caring and loving church family around us. --Dennis and Denise Kelley
Congratulations…
Allison Thomas celebrated his 90th birthday September 21
Transitions…
Margaret Woolcocks, giver of her time and talents right to the end, was called
home to the Lord Thursday, September 2, 2004.A memorial service was held
September 4.
THIS MONTH we are privileged to have Central staff member, Rev. Bill Amundsen,
share with us his experiences on his recent three-week trip to Scandanavia.
We gather at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 12, in the Church Dining Room.
Please make reservations in advance by signing up in Fellowship Hall, or
phone the office. A tasty luncheon will follow for only a $2 donation.
IDENTITY (I.D.) THEFT is a serious problem. We must be diligent in not giving information about ourselves to incoming phone calls and anonymous persons claiming to have a good deal for us. Do NOT give your Social Security number, nor bank account number to ANYONE. Protect your credit card by never revealing the numbers except when YOU make the initial phone call or order. As older adults we are vulnerable and those who plot against us count on it.
Be ALERT.
Many books, videos and CDs available
During the summer, new books have been purchased and some books have been gifted to our shelves. Included are four large print fiction editions and a pictorial biography of Mother Teresa that is outstanding.
Additions to our videotape library are: 1) a 4-video set on Matthew, 2) one on Elderhostel, and 3) one on the heroine of the Columbine High School tragedy. Our latest CD is "The Bible", NT-KJV, read by James Earl Ray. At last count, our videotapes number nearly 200! They are hidden, so ask for them.
Since January 2004, our library has received 106 books, new and gently used. These offer our children, youth, and adults a unique opportunity to select books and videos of interest within our own church library.
Circulation and reading of these materials is essential to the ongoing mission
and vision of the Ralph Goodell Memorial Library.
Peter and Estela are making us proud by making a name for Rio Colorado School in computer education.
Remember, all those valuable computers require electricity which comes from his generator that requires fuel which equals $$$. Your regular support of the Hudys is a chief encouragement to them.
We hope many of you will prayerfully consider what amount you will contribute each quarter (January, April, July and October) throughout the year. We will be doing the easy part here, while the Hudy's daily face the challenges of their new environment and share the love of God through their work.
Postal address: Peter and Estela Hudy
Colegio Rio Colorado
Casilla 8347
La Paz, Bolivia
South America
E-mail address: hudypete@yahoo.com
Please contact Mary Boudreau at 372-4146 to sign up to be a part of this
valuable ministry. Please contact the church office if you can help with
this.
Your purchase of these spaces will help both you and Central. Funds raised
will be used to make necessary repairs to our facilities. Please contact
Pat Mort, Administrative Secretary, at 485-9477.
There are still opportunities for you to sponsor a radio broadcast this fall and winter. It only costs $230 per week and several people can combine resources. It is a great way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or to memorialize a loved one. Please call the church office today to select a week to sponsor.
YOU are an important part of evangelism! Please invite people to hear of God’s love at Sunday worship services or other events. Welcoming visitors and those we haven’t seen for a while is not only fun but also part of God’s work. Thank you for helping spread Central’s ministry.
There are so many ways to fast weekly, even giving up an occasional meal,
giving up meat, etc. Please join us as we think, fast, and pray!
Jan Keen
"….let us run with determination the race that has been set before us."- Hebrews 12:1b
Bob Wangen has said this phrase several years in a row. It is printed on the shirts which I have worn in helping with the 5k run/walk sponsored by Central for the Lansing community. The Bible verse has taken on new meaning since my mother's death in 2003.
Reflecting on my mother's life, I can see that she was purposeful and determined in her spiritual life. She sought study alone and in a group. Likewise with praising God in many settings. She was determined to share her faith and praise God. Even as her throat and mouth were raw from chemotherapy, she whispered to her visitors asking them to sing psalms for her. She encouraged them to sing louder.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians and then again to the Philippians. In both letters, Paul encouraged the people to run toward the goal of eternal life through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14, "So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the
prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above."
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
Please highlight, copy and paste this page, circle topics of interest and place this form in the collection plate, mail it or drop it off at the church office, Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933.
The Lay Leadership Committee will get in touch with you.