October, 1997

Central  Journal

From Journals past ...

7 Years ago, 1990

Carl L, Parks, who was first appointed assistant organist of Central Church at age 12, will return to Central from Troy, MI to play a recital at Central on Sunday afternoon. The recital is given as a benefit to the church's fund for a new 3-manual, 40-stop tracker action instrument.

13 Years ago, 1984

Bud Fox reports that the Recreation Committee has arranged for an all church golf outing Saturday, October 6th at the MSU Golf Course.

26 Years ago, 1971

On Tuesday afternoon, Les and Muriel Edmonds, our faithful custodians for so many years, departed Central at 2 p.m. for a one month visit to England. Our hearts go with Les and Muriel for England was their homeland until the family became a part of the family of Central some 15 years ago.

Thanks

To all the people who have been contributing toilet articles for the "soup kitchen people." Also for the greeting cards to use on food bags for RSVP. Margaret Woolocks

Suggestion:

October is Clergy Appreciation Month How about a card, baked goods or a simple phone call telling John what a great job he is doing?

Next Church Rummage Sale

October 27-29 Clean clothing items, notes on electrical and electronic items as to if they work or if not, what is wrong. Bring sale items to south end of dining room the Saturday and Sunday before the sale.

Family Night Dinner

When: November 14,1997

Where:Church Dining, 6:15 p.m.

New members will be honored

Special Entertainment

"The Sunshine Trio"

Accompaniment by Ruth Tennant McLean

Save the date - more details next month

New FAX number

Central now has a new FAX number: 485-9772.

Instrumentalists needed

If you would be interested in playing a musical instrument during the Worship Service as a soloist or as part of a group, Central's Music Committee would appreciate hearing from you. Please contact Faye McCracken at 337-0207

Quiet Moments

This month's column has been submitted by Rev. Francis Anderson, retired Minister in our congregation. "...the kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say. 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you."

Television satirist Andy Rooney once targeted the many different churches in America with his typical remarks. His point was that there is no perfect church in existence. I know that's true because I've felt for many years that when I join one of them, wherever, that church becomes imperfect de facto. You cannot go looking for the ideal situation when it comes to things of God and expect to discover it.

In Luke 16:20-21, Jesus has a run-in with Pharisees. They're looking for the real thing. Like Americans go searching for the church "suitable to our natural inclinations", as John Wesley's Covenant puts it, they thought wrongly about it all. The Pharisees wanted a clue as to where it would be.

My daughter sent me a news clipping about the Hoffmantown Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It's a mega-church, now boasting 3,824 believing members, and still growing by leaps and bounds. The temptation is to feel, "There it is!" Well, I just don't know about that.

If this alleged "kingdom of God" IS, in fact, in our midst to begin with, what's all the fuss? Worship can be done anywhere, everyone knows. Yet we beg to believe we know where the best fish are caught, like old fishermen. God is where we are AT. It is rather our perception and conceptions that impair us. Know God where you are. Feel his presence there. Understand his impartial love, mercy, and grace.

Quiet Moments is a column with devotional and spiritual focus, coordinated by Leah Kay Fitch. If you would like to contribute to this monthly feature, call Leah at (517) 394-4597.

Music

Caryn Welter, Music Director

Frederick Swann, Director of Music and Organist of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, will perform here at Central on Tuesday, October 7, at 7:30 p.m. The Cathedral's morning services are seen as "The Hour of Power" (listed as "Robert Schuller" in local TV guides); the service is the most widely watched religious program in the world, presented weekly throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and in ever major city throughout sixty European countries. Seen and heard by millions of viewers each week, Mr Swann is the most visible organist in the world today.

Mr. Swann was appointed to his first church position at age ten, and holds degrees from Northwestern University and the School of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary. He has served as Organist/Director at The Brick Presbyterian Church and St. Bartholomew's Church, as well as The Riverside Church in New York. Additionally, he was for ten years Chairman of the Organ Department at the Manhattan School of Music, and served on the faculties of both the School of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary and Teacher's College of Columbia University.

Long-term involvement with the American Guild of Organist has seen Mr. Swann holding many and varied positions. As a performer, he has been repeatedly engaged for regional and national conventions of the Guild, and was a featured recitalist at the 1996 AGO Centennial Convention in New York City.

Mr. Swann has many other accomplishments to his credit. He has played recitals in many of the major churches and cathedrals of Europe. He is also widely acclaimed as a leader for organ and church music workshops, and frequently retained as a consultant for new pipe organs, including some of the largest and

most prominent in the country. Many of his coral and organ compositions have been published; many recordings, past and present, have assisted in making his name one of the best-known throughout the music world.

We here at Central are fortunate, indeed, to have this world-renowned music master performing on our beautiful Jaeckel organ, thanks in part to the DeLamarter Organ Fund. The fund, conveyed to the Church by Louise DeLamarter Dawsen and Eric DeLamarter in honor of their parents, Dr. and Mrs. Louise DeLamarter, was established as an investment whose income might bring yearly to Central an organist of international stature and reputation. The Fund will certainly serve us well this year.

You will have an opportunity

to meet and talk with Mr. Swann after the concert at a special reception to be held in his honor. A free-will offering will help defray expenses.

Where they are now ...

For the benefit of those who were not present in the Sanctuary for Homecoming Sunday, the following "Former Pastor Status Report" was given to the congregation by Rev. Boley. (20 year history)

Howard Lyman (1967-1978)

Retired, living in Marshall, recently married

Robert Betts (1970-1972)

Pastor of Plainwell Untied Methodist Church

Charles Grauer (1970-1972)

District Superintendent of Albion District

Lloyd VanLente (1977-1982)

Living at Clark Retirement Home, Grand Rapids

Robert Roth, Jr. (1980-1983)

Pastor of Williamston United Methodist Church

Sidney Short (1982-1993)

Living in Auburn, Indiana, recent hip surgery

James Gysel (1983-1993)

Pastor of Battle Creek Chapel Hill UMC

Lynn DeMoss (1993-1997)

Retired and living in North Muskegon, going to Zaire, Africa in January

Pegg Ainsle (1993-1997)

Living in Lansing, Special Education, Lansing School District

Red roses to .......

Pauline Austin for the beautiful pink geraniums in the church yard ... and to Sally Swiss for picking them up and bringing them to the church ... and to Frank Anderson and Justin Sleight for planting them ... and to Don Ristow for trimming the bushes so the flowers would look pretty against them ... and to the Youth and Steve Lyon for cleaning up the papers and trash in the yard so that the flowers Pauline Austin sent would be appreciated!

Jim Hane, for volunteering to become Editor of the Central Journal. Jim has been compiling material and computer generating the publication for printing each month from his home in DeWitt. In addition, he has joined the many others who regularily contribute news and reports.

Norma Hanson and the Sewing Group for donating to the Sunday School to be used for bulletin board and worship centers.

Gwen Bodine, Janet Mort, and Pam Jennett for helping re-organize the Resource Room and stock the Sunday School classrooms.

Janet Mort for making Bible bags given to the third graders to carry their new Bibles in. They were made from fabric with multi cultural cultural on it!

Karen Holoweiko for cleaning and organizing the pantry in Room 27.

experienced during installation week.

Food for Thought:

There is so much good in the worst of us,

And so much bad in the best of us,

That it hardly becomes any of us,

To talk about the rest of us!!

Remember!!!

Mark your calendar

VISION 2000

Saturday October 11th, Lansing Center

9:00-10:00 Arrival and Orientation

9:00-12:00 Choir Rehearsal

10:00-12:00 "Tools for 2000" Workshops

11:45- 1:00 Boxed Lunch/Concessions

1:00- 4:00 Worship Celebration

4:15 Conclusion and Send-off

Child care will be available

A Mission Statement on Where We Are

by Jim Stark

C. Jeff Woods in Congregational Megatrends summarizes the major trends in our churches. He says that the research of Loren Mead and Paul Dietterich has shown how the relationship of the church has shifted over the years. During the early years (A.D. 30 to 311) the Early Churches were "in" society but not "of" it. From A.D. 311 to 1789 the Imperial Church was joining the secular society, in was becoming of. From A.D. 1789 to 1960 the establishment church was fully secularized. In and of were indistinguishable. From A.D. 1960 to the present a new mission has been lost in a pluralization of the in.1

Essentially all churches are struggling for their survival as members continue to leave and outsiders see no reason to join. Formerly large churches are forced to downsize. Those seeking a safe haven move to more conservative churches. Their membership is temporarily growing but at a decreasing rate. Even those who have not severed their ties place less importance upon the institutional church. During the time of the Early Churches, the people were hungry for the message of the church. Today's society no longer respects the church. Separation of church and state is a hot topic. The churches core beliefs and values are no longer held by society. Society has chosen to serve the self rather than God. They are still spiritually hungry but see the church as just one more selfish organization.

A new standard needs to be put in place that will focus on the church's intended mission and show why selfish individuals need to intentionally change. I believe that the Methodist Church's Vision 2000 will put that new standard in place, if we all work together to shape its new mission. How can we help each other to intentionally change our selfish ways and reach for the truth of what ought to be for our selves, our church and our society? Force will not work. Did not Jesus say, "I am the truth and the way"? We need to be in and not of of that society.

1. C. Jeff Woods, Congregational Megatrends (The Alban Institute, 1996), 18-19.

Oberammergau

Dale Kirkby and John Boley are planning a trip for the Year 2000 to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, followed by a visit to the Holy Land. if you think you might be interested, please contact either of them.

Our 1998 Stewardship Campaign

Now Underway

In the next few weeks we will launch our 1998 Stewardship Campaign at Central United Methodist Church.

It is a time for all of us to reflect upon our church: its proud history, service to our church family, community, and the world at large. Central is a business devoted to doing God's work. In many respects Central is like other "businesses" ... she requires dedicated people, facilities, programs, and financial resources to carry out her mission.

Central is indeed about God's work, consider that our 1997 budget is well over $400,000! Budgets are now being drafted by staff, committees, and commissions to sustain and nurture the many programs Central offers to our Church family and the community into 1998.

Concurrently through our 1998 Stewardship Campaign, our church membership will be asked to pledge continued support for God's work at Central. Letters have been sent to all members who, according to our records, have previously supported the church. The letters are an invitation to attend one of a number of small informal meetings that will be held in member homes throughout the congregation. In these settings we will have an opportunity to reflect on the blessings we have received, learn about our church's financial needs, and reflect upon how we can individually show both our appreciation and support for Central in the coming year.

Each of us will be encouraged to complete a pledge card at that time. However, there will be other opportunities to submit a pledge up to and including the closing of the Campaign on October 26.

If you did not receive a letter, and would like to learn more about our 1998 Stewardship Campaign, you are invited to attend one of these gatherings. Please call the church office for information on the schedule and locations for these meetings.

Let us all prayerfully join together in our continued support of Central as she moves toward her third century of service.

Charlie Jennett

Member, Finance Committee

FREDERICK  SWANN -- Organist, Crystal Cathedral
Garden Grove,California

in concert at Central United Methodist Church

Tuesday, October 7, 1997 7:30 p.m.

Worship Commission

Mary Ellen Maas

Processional Cross refinished

We wish to thank Pat Bell for restoring our scratched and scarred processional cross pole to it's original beauty. A new brass base has been provided by the Worship Commission.

Central's Carillon a part of the

Oldsmobile Centennial Celebration

Carillonneur Jan Keen played "In My Merry Oldsmobile" and other early 1900's tunes during opening ceremonies at the Capitol on Wednesday, August 20th. On Saturday, August 23rd, during the Birthday Parade, she played "In My Merry Oldsmobile as the "curved dashes" (1900-1907) rolled by. She then played "Happy Birthday" as the 40 ft. cake rolled by and a selection of patriotic and parade tunes following the event. The Oldsmobile Celebration Committee and all of us thank Jan for her effort and participation.

Carillon's sound amplified

for Oldsmobile Birthday Parade

To facilitate the sound of our carillon bells reaching the viewing platform at the Capitol building, Jim Hepfer dedicated his time and talent. With the use of the four new microphones, one used amplifier and two used speakers, the sound has been increased tenfold. The cost of this project was $300 and will most generously be covered by the Oldsmobile Committee. Thank you Jim!

United Methodist Women

Domestic Missionary Service

Monday, September 29th 7:00 p.m.

First Floor Lounge, Coffee and Tea

Speaker: DeDe Heffner, Mccurdy School,

New Mexico

Co-sponsor: General Board of Global Ministries

Opportunity to hear how about domestic missionary service and how we can help.

UMW Informational Evening

Wednesday, October 8th 7:00 p.m.

Fellowship Hall, Dessert

Speaker: Mary Ann Harkema,

Director of Christian Services, Lansing

Christ taught his disciples to meet people first at their point of need. Come and learn how Christian Services bridges the gap between willing hands and people in distress.

Let us stop saying we love people; let us really love them and show it by our actions. I John 3:18 (LB)

Education

Denise Fabbri, Education Director

Vision 2000

Shortly after receiving this edition of the Central Journal we will be helping to host part of the United Methodist Vision 2000. During the morning, youth from ages 11-19 will participate in a rally in our sanctuary. They will enjoy music and listen to inspirational speaker Chris Buskirk. Children infant through ten will enjoy other activities which will include the Potter Park Zoo Outreach Program, crafts, music, and games. People will be needed to provide the supervision of these activities. The day will be broken down into three hour shifts. Several people will be needed all day to provide consistent care especially with the younger children. All of the Lansing District UMC's have been approached to help us. If you can help, please call Denise.

Everyone Invited to the

All Church Halloween Party

On Friday, October 24th at 6:30 we will gather in the Dining Room to enjoy pizza. There will be a charge of $3 per person and reservations will be required by noon on the 24th so the pizza can be ordered. Afterwards, we will enjoy a fun filled party in Fellowship Hall. The activities will include music, games, crafts, and piñatas. UNICEF boxes will be handed out to collect money for this worthwhile cause. So get your costume ready!! (Read next article to see who the surprise guest will be)

Bed Rug Puppet Theater Coming To Halloween Party

Puppeteer Beth Katz will perform at 7:00 on Friday, October 24th in Fellowship Hall. "The Good Deeds for Halloween Show," a forty minute performance will promote Halloween safety, charity, and good fun. She will follow up with her "Recycled Puppets." Everyone is sure to have great fun
.

Recycling Children's Bulletins and Pockets Magazines

Did you know that Central has a literacy outreach program? Each month Central purchases Pockets, a children's magazine, and every week we make a copy of a children's bulletin to be used during our worship service by our children. The unused bulletins and the old magazines are then put together with four primary color crayons and given out to children who come to the food bank or to the Fellowship Luncheon. Since February, when we started this program, we have handed out 15 packets each month. These children go home with happy faces!

New Nursery/Toddler Staff Person

Tina Lechner will be providing child care during Worship and the Sunday School hour. She is employed during the week at a day care facility in Grand Ledge, and is currently a student at Lansing Community College working on an associates degree in child development. Tina has volunteered at Family Growth Center here at Central so she is familiar with our facility. Tina will be ready at 9:15 to receive children for care in the Toddler Room.Parents will sign in and give Tina any special instructions. Parents can pick up their child(ren) after worship for Fellowship Time or leave them until the end of Sunday School. Tina and her husband Kyle have two children, Marissa age 4 and Kyle age 2. Welcome Tina!

Whole People of God

I've been asked several questions about our new curriculum so perhaps some clarifications are needed. First, the material is based on the Lectionary. It is written and published by Logos Publications and is purchased through Cokesbury Publications. The material comes with a United Methodist Handbook which will help us to celebrate our heritage and beliefs. This material will allow us as a church body to discuss and learn together across the ages because children and adults work on the same lesson at the same time. This is important because parents can extend learning at home throughout the week. To help families extend the lessons the material supplies a "take home pack." A copy of this will be available for each family. Lastly, this adult class will run the entire year. However, it is designed to join at anytime thus allowing freedom for individuals to attend any of the other classes and then join at a later time. Because it allows for such flexibility, it is a great class for individuals who cannot attend class regularly. Joi Tenant is leading the adult class in the Centennial Room.

New Videos In Library

Memorial money was used recently to purchase videos about Christian athletes.

Chariots of Fire, a film set in the 1920's, is a true story of two runners. It contrasts the spiritual motives of one man with the more selfish goals of the other and the unity of victory in the 1924 Olympics.

The Pistol is a biography of Pete Maravich. It is an uplifting story of a father's love and support and the profound impact he had on his son's life.

Dravecky is a biography of baseball pitcher Dave Dravecky. It chronicles his faith and trust in God as he journeys through to triumph over a malignancy in his arm. These three films are now available in the library for your use.

Supply Tree Is A Big Success!

Thank you to all who contributed to the Sunday School Supply Tree. It was great to be able to fill up the supply room. The teachers were excited to see all the supplies as they have great ideas ready to use them with. We are still accepting "gifts of supplies." If you would still like to contribute, here are some things we still need: Glue sticks, watercolor paint sets, glitter-all colors, scotch tape, masking tape, and construction paper, especially purple, orange, red, and light blue. If you have any questions, please call Denise.

Crop Walk

This year's Crop Walk will be held on October 12th. This mission fund raiser is an exciting way for individuals to help others. Last year Michigan raised over $2 Million dollars. This year we

have several people walking.To date we have John and Diane Boley and family. We also have Bill Tennant Sr., Gary Patterson and family, and Arthur Boot. If you can not be a walker you can sponsor one of these people. The Church and Society Commission has promised to match pledges up to $500.

Noisy Sunday is coming October 26th

Save your coins! Our special guest is a famous pioneer evangelist. Be sure and join Central's kids in celebrating our Harvest of Commitments.

Dates to Remember

October 11 Vision 2000

October 12 Crop Walk

October 24 All Church

Halloween Party

Pizza at 6:30,

Puppet Show,

games & music

at 7:00

October 26 UMYF Hayride

October 31 Collect forUNICEF

Bring a Friend Sunday

Sunday, October 19, 1997

Over 85% of Americans who are church members visited their church for the first time because a friend or relative invited them. That is an amazing statistic! Because personal invitations are so important to the growth of our congregation, The Evangelism Outreach Commission has scheduled a Bring a Friend Sunday for October 19th.

This will be a regular Sunday service with extra emphasis on welcoming visitors. We will have a special church tour for visitors during the Sunday School period.

We hope that every member of Central Church will invite as many people in our community who do not have a church. We all know people in this category—and many are good friends of ours. Central Church is a great church. Let's ask those friends to join us on October 19th. It would be wonderful to fill our church to overflowing.

Office volunteers needed

We are desperate for volunteer at the CHURCH OFFICE. We are looking for MEN and/or WOMEN who are willing to give four hours of their time each week, twice a month, or on a relief basis. It would be great to have each day schedule full.

The front desk must be covered five days a week from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We are willing to work around the day shift that you can volunteer.

This is a great opportunity to become better acquainted with other church members, the activities of the church and to fulfill our commitment to Christian service.

We challenge you to help provide service to "CENTRAL" with a full volunteer staff in 1997. Volunteerism is soothing to the soul. Be involved!

Call Lillian at 482-3494 (afternoon and evenings) or Beverly at 485-9477 during the weekday and we will be happy to orientate you to the routine. Technical experience is not required.

Attention all Men of Central

You are invited to our first ever "This Is Not a Meeting" Gathering of men, Saturday, October 18th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30. This will be a fellowship and a second cup of coffee (or juice) before you tackle your Saturday activities.

Fellowship lunch

Margaret Woolcocks reports that the Fellowship Lunch "crowd" is growing larger every week, sometimes reaching 90 people. Needed are soap, toothpase, brushes, and used greeting cards. Please mark contributions "Fellowship Lunch" and leave at the church office.

What:

A Celebration of Central's

Harvest of Commitments

Where:

Fellowship Hall, Central United Methodist Church

When:

Noisy Sunday, October 26th, During the morning Coffee Hour

Come meet our surprise guest, a famous pioneer evangelist!

Bring your favorite apple desert to share!

(Please slice dessert and drop off in Fellowship Hall kitchen before church)

Marriage Encounter-United Methodist, November 7-9, 1997

Are you tired of watching football and TV soaps, and would like to have a weekend together that really enriches your marriage? Marriage Encounter can be an exciting adventure to focus upon each other, your marriage relationship. your communication skills, your attitudes, your hopes and your dreams as a couple. Descriptive brochures and registration forms are located at the church office. Next scheduled weekend is November 7-9 in Lansing. Call Mike and Carolyn Richards for more information (810) 887-5064.


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