September,
2001
Keeping Members and Friends Informed
Promoting Fellowship
Contributing
to Spiritual Growth
Homecoming Sunday -
"Celebrating the Past, Anticipating the Future"
By Rev. John Boley
Central United Methodist Church has been home to thousands and thousands
of people over the years. And more than that, tens of thousands of people
have been through the church for different functions and events though Central
was not necessarily their church home.
I am amazed, as I go around the greater Lansing area, at how many people
know Central as the place where they played basketball as a kid, or attended
the Madrigals or a variety of weddings, funerals or baptisms. We can rightly
be proud of our service to these people and our witness to the
community.
We last had a Homecoming Sunday in September of 1997. Its time to have one
again! So, Sunday, September 30, 2001 will be Homecoming Sunday. This Homecoming
Sunday will be sponsored by the Partnership For Preservation. It promises
to be a grand day. The theme will be "Celebrating the Past, Anticipating
the Future."
Partnership for Preservation will have several people in period costume.
We will celebrate Central's great tradition, both during the worship service
and the coffee hour. We will have news reports on some of the great events
of the past and will be grateful for those who have gone on before us. But
we will also look to the future with joy and anticipation. I will follow
up Homecoming Sunday with a message October 7 called, "The State of the
Church."
So, plan to be a part of this celebration, which will also include the
rededication of our church library. We are going to do our best to get as
many of our homebound people with us as possible. We are also going to invite
all past Pastors to be with us and take part in the service. We pray that
some of them can come.
Please mark your calendars, and please invite your friends to be with us.
And especially if you know people who have been part of Central in the past
and for whatever reason they are no longer here, they will be most
welcome.
May God be with us as we take Central from the past to the
future!
Pastor's Pen
This fall I will be doing a sermon series on the "Fruits of the Spirit."
The Biblical reference is Galatians 5:22–23, "By contrast, the fruit
of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things."
For each of these "fruits" we will look at stories and examples of how the Holy Spirit works in people's lives in powerful ways and we will look at how these "fruits" differ from corresponding human emotions. We will see the powerful ways that the Holy Spirit is working to make all things new and to bring wholeness and fulfillment to God's people.
As a prelude to this series, if you are so inclined, read and meditate on the book of Galatians and Paul's discussion about law and grace. Galatians is sometimes called the "Magna Carta of Christian liberty" because of how Paul casts the workings of the Holy Spirit in people's lives. It will be worth your investment. In the meantime, may the Holy Spirit continue to work in our lives and in our congregation.
John
GLADE update
GLADE, the Greater Lansing Association for Development and Empowerment, is
alive and thriving. We have just hired a professional community organizer,
Ms. Ashaki Robinson. There are 17 churches of all sizes, shapes and colors
involved, including Central.
GLADE is a faith-based community organizing effort wherein the congregations
that are involved will work on community issues with a preference for the
poor. We are now in the process of creating a team from each congregation
that will do one on one interviews to identify the proper issues. There will
be a training session on September 15 for each of the congregational teams.
Stay tuned!
Worship Planning Team
There will be a meeting of the Worship Planning Team on Thursday, September
13 at 10:00 a.m., at the Flap Jack Shack on Waverly Rd. All are invited to
attend.
From the Shalom Center
By Rev. John Boley
Fr. Peter Doherty will be the guest preacher on September 23. Fr. Doherty
is the Director of the Michigan Peace Team and spends his life in peacemaking
activities. We will look forward to hosting him here. Workshop information
to be supplied.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service for David and Evelyn Machtel, formerly associated with
Central's
music program, will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church, Saturday,
September 22, at 1:00
p.m.
Calendar
Winter I -December 2 - Jan 20
Coffee House Discussions
Adult Sunday School Class TBA
Genesis to Revelations Bible Study
Winter II – Jan 27- March 3
Coffee House Discussions
Adult Sunday School Class- Joi Tennant –TBA
Genesis to Revelations Bible Study
Spring I- March 10 – April 14
Coffee House Discussions
Adult Sunday School Class Joi Tennant –TBA
Genesis to Revelations Bible Study
New Member Class
Spring II – April 21 – May 19
Coffee House Discussions
Adult Sunday School Class-TBA
Genesis to Revelations Bible Study
May 19 – Graduation Sunday
Weekday Programs
Bible Studies:
Sunday evenings 5:30 – 7 p.m. John Boley
"The Powers that Be"- Walter Wink
Alternating Tuesday Mornings – 9:00 – 10 a.m. Men's Bible Study
(1st 3rd and 5th Tues)
Tuesday afternoons – 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Well Women
Tuesday evenings - 7 – 9 p.m. Joi Tennant and
Dave Stinson Bible Study
Thursday evenings- 6:30– 7:30 p.m. John Boley "Companion with
Christ"
Thursday mornings – 10 – 11 a.m. John Boley "Companion with
Christ"
Middle School Class – Grades 6-8
Sr. High Class – Grades 9 - 12
October 13, - 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
October 20, - 8:30 – 2:00 p.m.
October 27, - 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
November 3, - 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
November 10, - 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Coming in October:
A study on Hope for the Children of Africa.
Be watching for more details.
Elderberrys under motion
Hello, everyone! What are your plans for early fall? Please include one Tuesday
morning, September 11, for resuming our Elderberrys meetings.
Time: 10:30 a.m. at Central
Program: color slide show by Marjorie Sleight of scenes of Hawaii, our fiftieth
state.
Luncheon at low cost and good fellowship.
Sign-up in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 2, or September 9.
For all older adults of our congregation. See you
there.
Centralniters Picnic/Potluck
Date — Sunday, September 16
Time —1:00 p.m., eat at 1:30 p.m.
Place —David and Mary Jessup residence
9151 Windsor Highway, Dimondale
Bring your own dishes and silver.
Call —Lee Dibble for reservations by September 13
487-4451
Share your rebate
Ecumenical groups suggest that you share your rebate with the poor. The people
who need it the most do not get a rebate because they do not pay federal
income taxes. But the poorest people still pay payroll taxes and sales tax.
We who are more fortunate may like to share some or all of our rebate with
Advent House, the Volunteers of America, the Food Bank, our Fellowship Lunch,
or another group you may like to support.
Parking News
We have just received word from the Director of the Department of Management
and Budget, State of Michigan, that the State will be building a parking
ramp on the northwest corner of our block this fall. We expect to hear more
specific plans within a couple of weeks. This is good news! Stay
tuned.
Join the Crop Walk for Hunger
By Carolyn Schuurmans, Missions Commission Co-Chair
The Greater Lansing CROP Walk is Sunday, October 14. Plan now to walk to
help hungry people. Lansing groups that benefit are Advent House, the American
Red Cross food distribution center, the Garden Project, Harvest House, Potter
Park Outreach, and the Southside Community Kitchen.
A number of Lansing businesses contribute to the cost of the Crop Walk, so
all the money collected by walkers goes to CROP and the groups named
above.
Walkers receive awards based on the number of people who sign up to sponsor
them. Everyone receives a sponsor towel and other gifts, such as; a Kewpee
coupon, CROP Walk pen, video coupons, official CROP T-shirt, or dinner for
two at Hershey's. The walker with the largest number of sponsors receives
a $150 gift certificate from Farmer Jack Supermarket. The best award is the
exercise and satisfaction of helping others!
Sign up in Fellowship Hall beginning September 23 to be a walker or a sponsor.
Bring your family, dog, friends or a group-maybe the UMYF
group.
Joanne P. McCallie, Head Coach of MSU Women's basketball, is honorary chairperson
this year. Registration is at Dwight Rich Middle School beginning at 1:00
p.m. Opening remarks are at 1:45 p.m., and the walk begins at 2:00 p.m.,
rain or shine. Several churches offer rest stops along the way.
(Note: You can visit the CROP Walk on the internet at
members.aol.com/cropsite)
News From Bolivia
Peter Hudy writes that he has been very busy getting some projects started
and others finished. Estela helps at the school where there are 30 –
40 children in a one-room classroom with one teacher. Benjamin is in first
grade, and Jonaton sometimes goes with Estela to get used to
school.
Peter writes that the boys seem to get along like "ducks to water". They
have a lot of friends, but occasionally wish to be back in
Michigan.
Happy Birthday Estela and Peter!
Estela's birthday is September 11 and Peter's birthday is October 28. You can write to them and the boys at:
Peter and Estela Hudy,/ Colegio Rio Colorado,/
Casilla 8347,/ La Paz, Bolivia,/ South
America.
Please do not send gifts because import duties are high.Contact Dale Kirkby
to help with sending care packages to the Hudy's.
United Methodist Women
All-Church Potluck
UMW is sponsoring the first all-church potluck of the new program year on
Monday, September 17 at 6:15 p.m. SingSpiration will give us a chance to
sing some of our favorite music, maybe learn a new song or two and eat some
of the great food Central is known for! Mark your calendar, call your friends,
bring your tambourines, finger cymbals and rhythm sticks – let's make
the dining room rock with our joyful noise!
District Annual
Forms for District Annual are available on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
District Annual is Wednesday, September 19, at Mt. Hope UMC this year. Cris
Bobier from Potter Park UMC is our featured speaker. This is a late
afternoon/evening event to help accommodate those who work. You don't have
to attend the entire event – just come for part and see what Lansing
District UMW is involved with! The cost is $8 for the meal and program
expense.
Conference Annual
Conference Annual is Saturday, October 20, at Portage Chapel Hill UMC. Bishop
Linda Lee is the keynote speaker. If you haven't had the opportunity to hear
Bishop Lee you should try to attend. She is dynamic. The cost is $12.
Registration sheets are available on the UMW Board in Fellowship
Hall.
Christmas by Candlelight
Hostess sign up for Christmas by Candlelight will begin in October. Now's
the time to consider if this is something you'd like to do. Our program this
year is an evening with Gretchen Gleason's vocal students (accompanied by
our own Shirley Goodrich!). We will be in Fellowship Hall with the round
tables, if this makes a difference to your plans. But if you want a long
table we will do what we can to accommodate you! If you know you'd like to
hostess a table, please let Pat Mort or Linda Towsley know. We will begin
guest sign-up the first week of November. Judy Grove Circle is planning this
event.
Legislative Day
Central is hosting Legislative Day Wednesday, April 10, 2002. I know it seems
a long way off but those of us who have worked with this project before,
know it takes a great deal of planning. We are responsible for the meal,
childcare, hosting and other sundry duties. Start planning now on how you
can help make this event a success.
Every two years the Mission Coordinators for Social Action from West Michigan
Conference and Detroit Conference plan this special day for all United Methodist
Women to come together to learn about and discuss current issues concerning
women, children and youth. Central is the optimum setting for this forum
with our proximity to the Capital. There are usually displays from groups
across the state, great speakers and the opportunity to network with men
and women across the state.
Please watch the Central Journal for more details as they become
available.
16th UMW Assembly
Come join 10,000 women to "Sing a New Song" at the 2002 United Methodist
Women's Assembly, April 25-28. Among the morning speakers is Marian Wright
Edelman, founder and president of Children's Defense Fund.
Daily Bible study, music, challenges, workshops, fun, enlightenment, exhibits,
late night group activities, and integration of international guests and
young women into the total event – is a chance to see the power and
purpose of United Methodist Women. Assembly happens every four years. Those
of us who have been to one are hard put to think of a more meaningful time
spent as a United Methodist Woman.
Right now we have four - make that five - women definitely going. I'd love
to have a group of 10 or more. We'll drive to Philly and take some side trips.
Others who want to fly, drive separately or take the District buses (there
will be 2 buses going from the District) are welcome to do that.
The Conference has a block of rooms at one of the finest hotels in Philly.
Unfortunately, the pool is outside but if you don't mind an outside pool
in April, go for it! Additional information and sign up packets are available
on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.
Want a personal account of what it's like to go to Assembly? Contact Anne
or Pat Mort, Lois Jenkins or Linda Towsley.
Calendar of upcoming UMW opportunities
Just in case you need some items to add to your calendar, here are some
choices.
Mission Team
September 4, 6:30 p.m.- CUMC Cent. Rm.
UMW sponsored All-Church Potluck
September 17, 6:15 p.m.- CUMC
District Annual, It's a Small World
September 19, 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Mt. Hope UMC
Mission Team
October 2, 6:30 p.m.- CUMC Cent. Rm.
Operation Mission
October 8, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
East Lansing Eastminster Presbyterian
Conference Annual, Women Arise, Keep Marching
October 20, 8:30 a.m.--3:00 p.m.
Portage Chapel Hill UMC
Mission Team
October 30, 6:30 p.m.- CUMC Cent. Rm.
No November Mission Team – (see October 30)
C.W.U. World Community Day
November 2- Lansing First Christian Church
Christmas by Candlelight
December 4, 6:30 p.m.- CUMC
Epiphany Breakfast
January 5, 2002- Trinity UMC
Cookie Dough Sale
March 2002- CUMC
Lenten Brunch
March 23, 2002- CUMC
Legislative Day
April 10, 2002, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
UMW Assembly-Sing a New Song!
April 25-28, 2002
Pennsylvania Convention Center-Philadelphia
Check the UMW board in Fellowship Hall for details on these and other
opportunities!
GET INTO A HABIT THAT'S GOOD
By Rev. Frank F. Anderson
New issues of the September/October, The Upper Room, may be obtained at the
desk near the N. Capitol avenue entrance. These daily devotional books are
remedies for all sorts of spiritual needs.
Pick one up soon...they're on display.
Library to be re-dedicated September 30
Rev. Boley will re-dedicate the renovated and expanded Ralph Goodell Memorial
Library on September 30 immediately following Sunday morning
worship.
The Marshall endowment was a major contributor to this renovation. Plan to
attend this special event. Watch for more details coming
up.
New books ready for circulation:
By Ed Spink
The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. A #1 New York Times Bestseller. The
first in a series based on the Jabez Prayer. It teaches "how to pray this
daring prayer that God always answers".
Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson. Another New York Times Bestseller.
Explores "how to ask for a life of abundant impact and significance for
God".
Sister Wendy's Book of Meditations by Wendy Beckett. A series of meditations
of silence, peace, love, and joy. Sister Wendy explores different sacred
messages found in art. Outstanding color reproductions.
The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey.
The Meaning of Jesus: Two Versions by Marcus Borg and N.T.
Wright.
Sewers needed
By Joy Adcock, Mary Ellen Maas, Memorial Banner Committee
Co-Chairpersons
The Memorial Banner Committee has completed a design for a beautiful "Butterfly"
banner. This will be a companion for our "Easter Lily" banner and dedicated
to the memory of Clarence Mitchel.
We are very fortunate to have Marty Boot coordinate a volunteer group effort
to construct this banner. This is a great opportunity to learn the art of
banner making!
Our first meeting will be held on Monday, October 1. If you are interested,
please contact Mary Ellen Maas at 484-6711.
New Christian Education Year
By Pamala Phillips, Director of Christian Education
and Youth Ministries
The new Christian Education Year begins September 9, at 9:30 am. We are going
to continue to offer a minimum of three Adult Class electives, a comprehensive
pre-K through grade 12 Sunday morning music and education program, and a
wide variety of weekday Bible studies. All members and friends are encouraged
to be a part of one or more of these studies. They are:
1. Genesis to Revelations Bible Study- Dale Kirkby. This group meets in the
second floor conference room at 11:15 on Sunday mornings and is studying
the Bible in book by book segments. The series is one that members and friends
can join at anytime, so if you were not there for Genesis or Exodus, you
may join in for Numbers, or Psalms, or even Revelations when they get
there.
2. Church and Society will be hosting a series of presentations on current
issues such as Middle East and Israeli politics, the prison crisis in Michigan,
global warming, United Methodism and world peace, and more. This group will
meet in the Chapel at 11:15 on Sunday mornings. Look for a complete schedule
on Sunday morning, September 9.
3. The "Coffee House" discussions will continue this year. Bring your favorite
mug. We will supply the coffee, the company and the conversation. If you
would like to take part in, or suggest a specific discussion topic, please
contact Pamala Phillips, Kathy MacLaren, Anne Forgrave, or drop a note in
Pamala's church mailbox.
It is our hope and prayer that you have enjoyed your summer to the fullest.
We look forward to seeing you all again.
Igniting Ministry
By Dale Kirkby, Evangelism Chair
From the Igniting Ministry handbook:
"Our spiritual forbearers, John Wesley, Jacob Albright and William Otterbein,
shared a passion for evangelism. They worked and prayed for people to open
their souls to God's grace, to be reconciled to God and one another and to
become disciples in a community of believers. The process was understood
as a symphony in three movements. The first notes were proclamation and
invitation. The second movement crescendoed to the new believer's acceptance
of God's forgiveness and repentance. It resolved in the third movement: lifelong
dedication to spiritual growth, compassionate outreach and disciplined
living".
The Igniting Ministry advertising provides the opening notes in a new and
modern way to a world that operates on 'sound bites'. However the second
and third movement must be performed by each of us with God as our conductor.
Our music is the same as Jesus commanded in the great commission, and our
denomination has adopted as its mission, to make disciples of Jesus
Christ.
The purpose is not to grow the church. The purpose is to revitalize a
congregation that welcomes and disciples newcomers in Christ's name. When
that mission is carried out faithfully and creatively, growth often
occurs.
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