Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         October, 2005

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Homecoming Sunday
This is a special invitation for you!
Central United Methodist Church
Homecoming Sunday, October 16
Theme: The apple doesn’t fall...far from the tree
Sunday, October 16
Worship 9:30 a.m.
Fellowship Time 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
Potluck Dinner 12:15 p.m.

Please bring a friend and join us for all or part of the Sunday activities!
A time for new and renewed friendships and fellowship!
If you need transportation, please contact Faye McCracken (337–0207).
Editor’s Notes
David DeVinney

I reached for my paperback New Living New Testament and picked up … the cover. The Bible was empty. The inside pages had fallen to the floor. Was it panic I felt when I realized the contents of the Bible were gone? Where’s God? How am I to know what to do, how to live?

What if there were no Bible and we didn't know about God? What if God hadn't sent his son Jesus to show us who He really is? Would there be only bleak chaos, man following man, without hope of remediation or the redemptive work of Christ? Would life be pointless, devoid of meaning, mere existence and survival?

What purpose rushes in with God! What meaning! Now, we know we are here to feed one another, even the Word of God? Am I, too, just a cover but empty inside? What desolation without this hope and redemption. How am I going to feed another the joy of Christ today?
2006 Annual Pledge Drive

During this past year, the members and friends of Central have, as usual, provided support to individuals in the Lansing community, and those in need at the state and national levels.

As the annual pledge drive begins on October 16, we now need to consider the support we will provide to our Church for its continued operation and support for its wonderful ministries.

Please give prayerful consideration to the pledge you will be able to give. There are a few times in our lives when the opportunity comes for each of us to make a difference – a chance to touch many lives. During this pledge drive, “Hand and Hand Together We Can” touch many lives.
Education Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Grow with us in Sunday School

Looking for help in becoming a better parent?

If you were among the several parents that found last spring’s parenting class on handling anger a helpful resource, then you may be more than ready to join us for the second class that will be offered in this ProActive Parenting series, “Discipline with Children and Teens.” Mike MacLaren will again lead this class, which will be held in the chapel at 11:15, on Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30. The four sessions deal with setting limits, determining consequences together, parenting as a team, and empowering your children.

Who’s who teaching Sunday School?

Nursery (ages 0-2)
Jess Pinch and Meagan DeSchuester

Pre-school (ages 3 thru kindergarten)
Pat Wangen, Leslie Prame, and Nancy O’Shea

Elementary (grades 1-5)
Kendra Skinner and Jeannie Sanders

Middle School (grades 6-8)
Dave Stinson and Deb Lynn

High School (grades 9-12)
Amee Miller and Julie Cooper

Four Adult Electives

We always have at least four interesting adult electives to choose from each Sunday. We hope you will join us whenever you see one that intrigues you. Check the bulletin for class listings.

Other classes currently meeting:
Keith Pohl’s Sunday Vesper Class: “A Comparative Study of Islam and Christianity,” at 5:30 PM each Sunday, dining room.

Tuesday Men’s Bible Study at 9:00 AM, 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays in the 2nd Floor Lounge, and recently began the book, The Purpose Driven Life.

Penny Zago’s 8–week class, “Women Speak of God,” begins Tues., Oct. 11, from 7–8:30 PM in our Library.
Women Speak of God
Penny Zago

Throughout history, women have spoken and written of their faith. Their voices have given us a rich legacy of stories about God, belief, and commitment. Join us this fall as we study the Christian writings of six such women and reflect on our own lives.

A new eight–week class entitled Women Speak of God will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning October 11. This exciting program was developed by Dr. Amy Oden, Professor of History of Christianity at Wesley Theological Seminary. Each week we will use readings, activities, conversation, reflection, and a video introduction by Dr. Oden to learn from women such as Perpetua, an early Christian martyr, Susanna Wesley, Georgia Harness, a theologian for the people, and others.

The class will meet in the Library on October 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and continue each Tuesday through November 29. Penny Zago will facilitate the class.

Please note that both men and women are invited to participate in this study of faith as told to us by women whose lives and writings speak of God.
One dollar per member

Special Offering Envelopes are often included in the Journal. This month we celebrate World Communion Sunday on Oct. 2. This special offering provides scholarships for racial– and ethnic–minority persons who desire to serve God by pursuing education to prepare them for various avenues of ministry. If every United Methodist member would contribute even ONE dollar to each special offering (there are about 10 per year) what a huge difference it would make in our world.
MusicNotes

Aimee Miller, the Chancel Choir welcomes you! It's a great pleasure to have you with us!

Gifts of music will soon be gracing our music library. We extend thanks to you, Jan Ruppert, for your generous spirit. “Gifting ” us music is one of the nicest things people can do for the Music Department.

An October 16 choral reading session will be held here at Central, sponsored by the Greater Lansing Chapter, American Guild of Organists, and led by Chancel Choir Director Trey Jacobs. You may feel free to be a member of the audience on that day. It's great to simply sing for the fun of it. A Remembrance Service will be held on November 13 at St. Mary Cathedral.
Choral groups will include Central's Chancel Choir. The worship experience will be sponsored by the GLC-AGO and the massed choir, including Central's, will be conducted by Trey Jacobs. Please join us then.

Did you know that we currently have twenty-one folks singing in Central's Youth Fine Arts Group? What a joy it is to hear (and watch) them sing, under Lindsay Kesselman's fine leadership.

Watch and listen for musical offerings that will precede Sunday morning voluntaries. In an effort to further enrich the worship experience, a variety of styles, voices, and instruments will sometimes be added into the morning's listings.

Following is a tentative schedule of when the Wesley Choristers and Youth will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday and prepare to sing in worship:

October 2 – Wesley Choristers and Youth
October 23 – Youth
October 30 – Wesley Choristers
November 6 – Youth
November 13 – Wesley Choristers
December 18 – Wesley Choristers and Youth
REMEMBER: FAITH MAKES THINGS POSSIBLE, NOT EASY!
Contemporary Service – 4th Sunday of each month

The contemporary service will be the fourth Sunday of each month at 7 pm (after Youth group and the class). It features contemporary Christian music and interactive preaching.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

October 20 - West Michigan Conference meeting in Mecosta. You'll find those registration forms on the board.

November 1 - Thank Offering Potluck
Plan to come to our UMW Thank Offering Potluck and program in Fellowship Hall at 6:15 p.m. We promise to have you on your way home by 8:30. If you need transportation, please let the church office know.

November 19 – Fundraiser
UMW is taking part in Younker's Community Day at the Meridian Mall. We'll have $5 coupon booklets for sale in October and November that can be used November 19. They include a $5 coupon, so the booklet is actually free , and we get to keep $5 for each booklet sold. That's right, we keep $5 of the $5 you spend for the booklet--can't beat that! Some of us will also be working a shift at Younker's on that day, selling coupon booklets there, which we'll get a percentage of. If you're interested in helping out that day, let Pat know.

UMW pledges
If you want to “catch up” or “pay up” on your UMW pledge, please give your check to Mary Bower or leave it at the Church Office clearly marked UMW.

Prayer
Please pray daily for UMW, the officers, programs and missionaries we support.

—If you are interested in helping at Younker’s Community Day….

—If you would you like to form a new women's group at Central...

please contact Pat Mort at the church office: 485–9477
Church Women United
Carolyn Schuurmans

Monday, October 10 at 1 p.m.
Okemos Community Church
4734 N. Okemos Road


The mission study for this year is Cuba. We are very fortunate to have the authors of the Cuba study book for our speakers, Joe and Joan Perez. They have led several CMU groups to Cuba on mission trips, and they will bring us interesting, current information. Everyone is welcome to attend. Fellowship time follows the meeting.
New Speaker Series begins October 16
Pat Bell, Church and Society Comm.

The Board of Church and Society Speaker Series based on the United Methodist Social Principles is beginning Oct. 16th, and we have a slight schedule change from the last Central Journal:

Oct. 16 – Rev. Robert Roth – Economic Community and Poverty
Oct. 23 - Mary McCartney – Nurturing Community – Homosexuality from a Christian's Perspective
Oct. 30 – Kathy Esselman – Political Community – League of Women Voters – Ballot Issues
Nov. 6 – Lynn Jondahl – Social Community – Right to Health Care
Nov. 13 – Rev. John Boley – World Community – War and Peace

These classes, open to all interested adults, will be held in the 2nd floor lounge. This series will give us a glimpse of needs and issues we care about as Christians, and offer some ways to respond as we are called to “feed my sheep.” We are starting off with a Food Collection to help support our Food Bank, and this will continue throughout the Speaker Series. More on that later.

The 2005 – 2008 book of United Methodist Social Principles will be available for $2.00
Among Friends

Remember...


At press time…


Central family members in Iraq
Mary Jacobs – hospice at Burcham Health Center
Dale Kirkby – hospice at home
Geoff Moore – hospice at home
Mary Yard – hospice at home
Ellen Lord – hospice at home
David DeVinney – at home

Please keep these individuals in your prayers.

Transitions…
Royal Reed died September 7, 2005 and
Ken Lamphere died September 12, 2005.

Our Sympathy to the families.

Thank you…

and with our sincere appreciation for all of the caring and consideration received from the members of Central during a difficult and sad time. Central made a difference in Ken's life, and he always thought of it as his spiritual home.
    —The family of Ken Lamphere

We have been blessed to be members of Central’s love and kindness during the time of Lyle’s sister Linda’s illness and passing. Thank you for your prayers and cards; it has meant so much to us.
    —Ann & Lyle Mather

….to Doug Wright who placed three gladiolas on the Mary Sabina Chapel alter August 15 to commemorate he and his wife’s wedding there 57 years ago.
Conference Adult Hostel
Frank Anderson

An adult hostel signifies a limited time of study and fellowship together with a theme for persons of a senior age. Our West Michigan Conference offered such a time off-site for senior adults from United Methodist churches in Michigan during the third week in September. Five members from Central UMC attended, out of 26 adults, at Wesley Woods Camp last month. There was a flexible schedule day by day, including four lectures on health for older a dults. Bible study and prayer, crafts, square dancing, and a closing talent show. Accommodations were quite adequate and restful, and the prepared meals tasty and nourishing. The Camp has about 138 acres of woodlands carefully planned for a variety of activities and natural beauty. A good sized outdoor heated pool give all enjoyment. There will be another United Methodist Conference Adult Hostel in the fall of 2006. For those interested in this type of camp experience, you may contact Arline Roe or Frank Anderson.
ELDERBERRYS Older Members Thrive
Frank Anderson

Central UMC may be facing the diminishing prospect of aging like the rest of the nation, but our spiritual vigor does not have to decline as the years pass by. ELDERBERRYS exists to demonstrate that. We are the older adults of the church and prefer not fading away, but keeping on track as long as we can. Thanks be to God!

“Since 1900, the percentage of Americans 65+ has more than tripled (4.1% in 1900 to 112.7% in 1998). In absolute terms, the number has increased eleven fold from 3.1 million to 34.4 million.” A profile of Older Americans: 1999 AARP & AoA.

ELDERBERRYS last met September 13 and had Ms. Penny Preston of Lansing present a pleasing program of “Laughter With a Lesson”. Ms. Preston’s repertoire included poems, stories, songs, and prayers. We have program options for our upcoming meeting on October 11 that offer interest for all. We gather at 10:30 a.m. in the dining room and have a low cost lunch. Await further notices of our meeting.
COFFEE HOUR
Alice Pifer, Fellowship Coffee Hour
Welcome back to all of you who have spent the summer months away from Lansing. While Fellowship Coffee Hour continued, there were fewer members to share our daily events with. We are glad to have you back among us.

As we head into fall, I continue to need workers for Fellowship Coffee Hour. Please check your calendars to see if your schedule will permit you to sign up for a Sunday, or two, or three. I definitely could use your help. Any takers?

You can find the sign up – sheets in the Fellowship Hall or call me at 372–9425 and I will add your name to the schedule.
Evangelism Commission & Worship Commission

Evangelism Committee News
Mary Boudreau

Homecoming Sunday
Don't forget to mark your calendars for Homecoming Sunday on October 16. Our theme is “the apple doesn't fall far from the tree” and we are hoping that many people will join us for a morning of fellowship and a potluck featuring apple desserts. You may help in several ways:
  • Bring an apple dessert to share
  • If you are able, provide transportation to those who need assistance
  • Contact everyone you know who has been a part of Central and invite them (or ask the Evangelism commission for special apple invitations)
  • Bring an item for the potluck


    • Can't wait to see you all there!
    Radio broadcast

    It's not too late to sponsor a radio broadcast. This is a wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one, while spreading the Good News. Call the church office to schedule your broadcast. The cost is $230 and can be spread amongst several people.
    Fitness opportunity

    Many Central members and friends participate in healthy activities such as biking, walking, running, etc. Some of us even participate in big events like the Dalmac and the Koman Breast Cancer Walk. Wouldn't it be great to be noticed as a “team”? If you are interested in coordinating activities or in developing a Central t–shirt or logo, please e–mail Mary Boudreau at boudrea1@msu.edu. (If someone is artistic and would like to develop a design, please let me know!) Keep moving!
    Worship Committee
    Caryn Welter, Staff Liaison

    We'd like to extend a huge thank–you to the folks who helped with summer worship by filling the pulpit in Russell's absence:  Bill Amundsen, Francis Anderson, Keith Pohl, David Draggoo, and Allen Rice. Thank you, as well, to Dale Kirkby who gave the message on September 11. We very much appreciate everyone's dedication to our Lord and Savior, and to God's people.

    Thank you, too, to all those who served as summer worship leaders:  Pat Mort, Dale Kirkby, Mary Nesman, Joi Tennant, Doug Lounsbury, Jan Keen, Cris Bobier, Jamie Zimmer, Keith Pohl, Jon Reynolds, Bill McCracken. On September 11, Shan Rice ably filled that same role. All these good people kept things moving smoothly at service time.
    Fall schedule begins

    As Central gets underway in this new program year, the following opportunities will present themselves:

    October 2 – World Communion Sunday – This unique service will be a blend of rich tradition and variety, through its scriptures, music, and participants. On that Sunday, we'll incorporate the entire service into one place, allowing worshippers the freedom of using only their bulletins.

    October 16 - Laity Sunday - Ushers will gather the offering, then take it to lay people who will pray over the gifts and deliver them up to the altar. The symbolism here is very powerful, and will truly show the spirit of community as well as the spirit of giving.

    October 23 - A Service of Healing - This will be integrated into our regular worship experience in the sanctuary. A Spirit Singers' anthem, "Lay Your Healing Hands Upon Me," will serve as an introduction to that part of the service. You may feel free to involve yourself in any way that meets your needs and is comfortable for you.

    As the Committee looks at new or expanded avenues for expressing ourselves to our God, please feel free to leave suggestions at extension 35 for Pastor McReynolds' reflection and the Committee's consideration.
    Library News
    Win Anderson and Ed Spink, Library Task Force

    Max Lucado, well–known Christian author of adult and delightful children’s books, has a new edition to add to his ever increasing credits.

    Turn, Remembering our Foundation is a small but mighty 94–page book that is the official 2005 National Day of Prayer theme book. It’s available in the church library.

    The Ralph Goodell Memorial Library has received a gift of colorful pillows and stools for use by our young library users. This gift will make the childrens’ book shelves more inviting and accessible.

    The Library Task Force always welcomes your suggestion. Do you know of titles or authors that should be considered for purchase? And let us know if you believe we should start a DVD collection.
    Centralniters
    Joanne Harvey

    Potluck and Fall Activities on Saturday, October 15, 5:30 p.m. at home of Mary and David Jessup. Outdoor games (golf, etc.) and pumpkin carving for Fellowship Lunch tables. You are invited to come with a dish to share, table service, and carving tools. Beverages are furnished. Please reserve with Mary & Dave Jessup (646–6729) or Ken & Jo Harvey (321–0945).
    Our Missionaries in Bolivia
    Carolyn Schuurmans, Co–chairperson, Mission Commission

    Pledges for the Hudy Family in Bolivia will be received in October. Even if you are not contributing to their work in the Rio Colorado School, please keep them in your prayers. They especially appreciate notes and cards.

    Hudy birthdays:

    Peter – October 28
    Estela – September 11
    Benjamin Hudy–Velasco – July 4, 1995
    Jonatan Hudy–Velasco – March 12, 1998
    Timoteo Hudy–Velasco – January 20, 2004

    Hudy Address

    Colegio Rio Colorado
    Casilla 8347
    LaPaz, Bolivia
    South America
    g>CROP WALK
    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
    Carolyn Schuurmans, Co–chairperson, Mission Commission

    CROP is the name given to community fundraising events sponsored by Church World Service (CWS), an international relief, development and refugee resettlement agency. Money raised by CROP Walks nationwide is used by CWS to provide food, medical care, disaster relief, and self-help development efforts for needy people throughout the world.

    Church World Service is helping to address hurricane Katrina’s damage to both lives and communities across the Gulf Coast. CWS has provided more than $300,000 in donated material assistance to shelters in the area, including blankets, health kits, school kits, Heart-to-Heart Kids kits, and Medical Assistance Medicine boxes. UNICEF is working with CWS providing school and recreational materials. Blankets and kits have also been sent to Fort Custer in Michigan to help the people evacuated from their homes.

    If you want to be a CROP walker or rocker, get your pledge envelope at the table in Fellowship Hall after church on Sunday. (You can get pledge cards at designated rest stops to rock on rockers loaned by Cracker Barrel restaurants.) On the next couple Sundays, you may also come to the table to make a pledge to a walker. On October 9, come to Dwight Rich Junior High School to register from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Honorary co-chairpersons, Jennifer Granholm and Daniel Mulhern, will bring opening remarks at 1:45 and the 10K walk begins at 2 p.m. There are several rest stops along the way, including one at the Governor’s residence. Walkers are given “thank you” gifts according to the amount of pledges they receive. Twenty–five percent of the money raised is given to worthy organizations in Lansing, including our Open Door Ministry!
    We Celebrated the Open Door Ministry and Central’s 25 years of serving those in need! Thanks be to God!
    David Mills, Celebration Chair

    Our party began on Saturday, September 24, with a delicious meal, beautiful music, and a successful silent auction!. The approximately 200 friends who attended had an opportunity to hear an appropriate, timely message from Former Bishop Donald Ott.

    A reminder of our program:

    In 2004, after much work and a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, we were able to form a non–profit corporation called the “Open Door Ministry of Downtown Lansing”. We hired Cris Bobier as Director. She was, and continues to be, an answer to prayer. Her nearly 20 years of experience, professional training and most importantly, her deep faith in a Savior who can heal all wounds, made her just what we needed. With her leadership, we have expanded services to include a drop–in center, hospitality lounge, access to laundry and showers, help finding emergency housing, counseling, advocacy and much more..
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