Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         September, 2003

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

March with Bishop Lee
Pat Mort

Central has been chosen as the location of the culmination of a week of regional events attended by Bishop Linda Lee focusing on Children and Poverty. The Children and Poverty Regional Event aims to educate individuals on the theological foundation and key issues of the Bishops’ Initiative on Children and Poverty congregational study guide “Community with Children and the Poor”, and move them towards action. The event at Central begins at 3:00 p.m. and continues until 9:00 p.m.
For those involved in children’s ministry, outreach ministries, church and society issues; for parents, grandparents, teachers, and all who care about children; show you care for all God’s children by taking part in the Children’s March, starting at Central Tuesday, October 7, 2003 from 3 – 5 p.m. Stand for children. Pray and talk with Bishop Lee and government representatives. Take advantage of this opportunity to show your commitment to children the world over.

Adults and children will march with Bishop Lee from Central to the State Capitol. The Bishop would like to see lots of children and youth for this event, although the time on a Tuesday makes it difficult for after school participation. If children and youth can meet us at the Capitol after the March, along with their parents, grandparents, caregivers and teachers, we welcome them then.

Learn about children and poverty issues; find out about government decisions affecting children and their health, education and welfare. Share ideas with others on child advocacy. Pray with others who care about children in Michigan, our nation and the world. Find resources, including children advocacy information, children’s outreach programs and legislation. Displays and a book table sponsored by Cokesbury will be available at Central.

A meager meal, with an opportunity to network and visit the displays and book table will follow the March. The evening worship at 6:30 p.m. will include Bishop Linda Lee preaching on children and the poor. Plenaries on poverty in the United States and global poverty and missions will follow.

Bishop Lee is expecting people from around the state for this event. We especially want to see Centralites in attendance. We also have a need for greeters, ushers, kitchen help and registration table workers. If you can help in any of these areas, please contact either the Church office or Pat Mort. If you can attend any part of the event, please register at the Church office.

The Children’s March is co–sponsored by the Bishops’ Initiative on Children and Poverty Task Force, West Michigan Conference United Methodist Women, and Detroit Conference United Methodist Women.
more good news…
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds


THE FEAR OF REVIVAL, MIRACLE AND ALTAR PRAYER:
The Reality of RENEWAL

It is surprising how the use of traditional names for programs, projects and ideas within the church family can be frightening, intimidating and sometimes divisive. As we embrace and claim Renewal as a thrust for Central United Methodist Church, fearfulness of the known and unknown is raised. Mr. David Mills, Chair of the Renewal Movement, in reporting to the Administrative Council recently, explained carefully the use of Revival. As he jokingly stated in the meeting, while growing up as a child, people thought of revival as playing “Just As I Am,” over and over again until the people joined. We laughed. But people are deeply concerned as to what is meant by revival, miracle, altar prayer, Good News and Pentecost. All of these terms will be and are used in Renewal.

More specifically, some persons within the United Methodist Church react negatively to Pentecost. The Day of Pentecost is very significant in the Christian year. It’s biblical–Acts 2. Some of us were ashamed to be considered Pentecostal, so we threw out Pentecost with the bath water. Altar prayer might be in jeopardy, as well. What are you trying to do to us in this Renewal Movement?

Those of us in leadership are walking on egg shells to figure out what needs to happen and what is the best way to say it. We don’t want to lose anyone over a name or the content of a program. Where is the Renewal Movement trying to take us as a Church? Will we still be Central UMC in the end?

According to David, we will acknowledge that renewal is already happening! There is an excitement and energy around the ministry at Central United Methodist Church. People want to get and be involved in the life of the Church. We desire that the energy, enthusiasm and involvement be intentionally directed toward the advancement of God’s Kingdom. So it does mean getting people to do more with the resources entrusted to them, sharing their gifts and graces for God’s purposes and always finding ways to invite others to be a part of God’s Kingdom.

What does all this mean? We are identifying and recruiting members and others to be Prayer Partners with me as pastor for Central UMC and its program of Ministry. We will be constant in our prayers for one another and those beyond ourselves, including the least of these. We will design opportunities for inspirational singing and preaching the week of November 7, 8 and 9. Look forward to the Earl Nelson Singers and renowned preachers like Rev. Faith Fowler, pastor of Detroit Cass UMC. Lay people will witness to their faith journey. A Second Chance Sunday is being planned to facilitate the stewardship of giving. Our aim, which is spiritual and physical, is to pay our Apportionments and be responsible with our other programs of outreach. Also look forward to the Miracle Sunday in Spring, 2004. We planned to receive $500,000. Praise the Lord! We will do our Annual Pledge Program, which involves everyone.

So we can not throw away our traditional terms and Christian concepts. Instead, we must embrace them with fresh and relevant interpretation. Let them help us spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Education
Bob Roth, Minister of Christian Formation

Rally Day 2003! September 7 – Bring a friend

Children’s Sunday School Classes

Pre–K – 1st Grade – Colleen Weinfeld (room across from the Nursery)

2nd – 5th Grades – Leigh Ann Maxwell and JoAnn Klein (First floor classroom off Fellowship Hall)


Youth Sunday School Classes

6th – 8th Grades – Mike Cooper, Dave Stinson and Jeff Holoweiko (Skylight Room)

9th – 12th Grades – Julie Cooper and Eric Alifo (Loft)


Adult Electives on Sunday Morning

“Genesis to Revelation” Bible Study – Dale Kirkby and Leon Martin (Second Floor Conference. Room)

“Mexico” — Year Two! – Rev. Frank Anderson (Second Floor Lounge)

“New Member Class” – Dr. Russell McReynolds and others (Second floor classroom off Fellowship Hall balcony)

“Christianity 101” – Dennis Kelley, the pastors and others (Mary Sabina Chapel)

“Issues of General Conference” – sponsored by Church and Society Commission (Shalom Center)

“Coffee House” – coordinators: Ann Forgrave and Kathy MacLaren (First Floor Lounge)


5:00 p.m. Sunday Adult Elective

“Journeys With Jesus” – Keith Pohl (Second Floor Lounge)

===watch your worship bulletin on August 31 and September 7 for an insert with more details on all classes===


News for Youth
(See mailing to youth families for details.)


Sunday, August 24, we will leave the church parking lot at 4 p.m., and return at 7 p.m., for a cookout and games night at Moores River Park. We will welcome the sixth graders into UM Youth Fellowship.

Saturday, September 6, we will head (a little ways) out of town for a FALL PLANNING RETREAT. We leave our church at 9 a.m. for Williamston UMC and return at 3 p.m. No youth groups September 7.

Our first regular youth fellowship will be at the church from 5 to 7 p.m., September 14.


Spread the word:
We have a new, improved nursery

Through summertime discussions and planning (and great leadership from our children’s coordinator Mary Bowers and our education chairperson Julie Cooper), our church nursery is being cleaned, organized, and repainted – even as you read this! Our brightened and refurbished nursery tells our little ones that they are #1 in our church and the love and care of their church family is evident.

We also want to thank the Administrative Council for their leadership back in May that once again has made the nursery a priority in the life of the church. The wonderful ECD child care program that meets during the week in the church will now hang their coats (and winter boots) in the unused cloak room off the Ottawa Street entrance and use a different entrance to their supply room.

When not in use with our children, the nursery will be kept locked and clean. Please stop by and see the nursery on September 7 and spread the word to young families that we have a new beginning in this area.

Nursery Shower: September 7

During Coffee Hour on Rally Day, everyone is invited to bring a gift for our nursery and place it on a table that will be in Fellowship Hall.

Needed: juice boxes, disposable diapers, Lysol spray, paper towels, a new fan, a “diaper genie,” cookies and baby wipes.
MusicNotes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Happy New Year, everyone — new program year, that is.

I hope this finds you rested, refurbished, and restored for a new beginning in September. As you prepare to sing your faith, why don’t you plan to bring a couple of friends with you? They can enjoy the fellowship, and have the satisfaction of the group effort as we prepare for worship. The Fall always brings with it the promise of good things to come, and is an especially easy time for new folks to join with us.

Rehearsals will begin the Thursday after Labor Day, September 4 at 5:30 for the Spirit Singers and 7:30 for the Chancel Choir. Both these groups will sing on Sunday, September 7. The Chancel Choir will be under the very capable direction of returning Jessica Allen, who now has a stunning ring on her left hand and plans to be married next June.

Similarly, music activities for the Wesley Choristers and Youth Musical Group will begin on that same Sunday. The Choristers will meet at 11:15 a.m. and the Youth will convene at 11:40 a.m., both under the enthusiastic leadership of Lindsay Kesselman. Lindsay is our new Director of Youth and Children’s Music Activities.

Our terrific section leaders are all able to return this year. Won’t you welcome them to the new year as they continue to offer their exceptional talent and leadership to the Chancel Choir:

Soprano – Meghan McKown
Alto – Portia Cole
Tenor – Bryce Berry

Once again, it only seems appropriate to thank those who were responsible for this summer’s fantastic special music program. Our sincere appreciation extends to: Jessica Allen, Bryce Berry, Marella Briones, Portia Cole, Janet Geissler, Dennis Kelley, Carolyn and Dale Kirkby, Doug Lounsbury, Kathy and Suzanne MacLaren, Roger Matthies, Bob Pena, Steve Rice, Dave Schuurmans, and Bill Tennant. Your time and talent helped to enhance the meaning of worship, and touched the hearts of the people.

Watch for / consider hymn possibilities
As you reflect back on some of your favorite hymns, why don’t you leave a message at the church, ext. 35 so we can make a running list. That way, we have titles to draw from as we enjoy hymn sings before worship throughout the year. An exciting part of renewed focus on hymns will find the Rev. Keith Pohl giving us the story of some favorites, followed by an opportunity to sing them.
“OUR TOWN” at BoarsHead Theater geared to churches
Bob Roth

On Friday, October 3, at 8 p.m., the BoarsHead Professional Theater of Lansing will present a performance of Thornton Wilder's classic play “Our Town” with a special focus on—and discount tickets for—area churches. Because the play focuses on the values of a community, area churches will be able to purchase discount tickets for $15 for this one performance.

Information on how to purchase these tickets will be available in our church office after September 1. Because of the involvement of the Pastors Alliance of Greater Lansing, this performance will be preceded by an ecumenical worship service at 6:30 p.m. next door at First Baptist Church.

Central's own Carey McConkey Moreland is the public relations director at BoarsHead Theater working on this church–theater–community connection.
Join men of Central in the adventures of Paul’s missionary journeys

The 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday morning Men’s Bible Study reconvenes September 2 at 9 a.m. in the Second Floor Lounge. We begin with a video of Paul’s missionary journeys. What a great time to join this group of merry men in the adventures and teaching of this first Christian missionary. Plan to meet with us!

---- David DeVinney
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

Cookie Dough

For those who used all their cookie dough up this summer (and you know who you are) we still have some available for your fall entertaining and coffee hour commitments! We are out of some varieties but please check with us on September 7 and 14 during Fellowship Hour. For just $7.00 you can restock your freezer!

District Annual Meeting

Wednesday, September 17, the Lansing District Annual Meeting will be held at Lansing Grace United Methodist Church – making it really close to Central! The meeting begins at 3 p.m. and will end by 9 p.m. We hope everyone will be able to attend a least a part of the meeting. Our keynote speaker, Genie Bank, is the National President of Women’s Division. She will be speaking in the evening on the topic “Faith in Action”. Genie is from Michigan and is speaking at all of Michigan’s District Annual meetings this year.

An Ingathering for Community House in Grand Rapids will be taken at District Annual. The cost for the whole day, including dinner, is $8.00. For those who attend just the afternoon or evening, without the meal, the cost is $2.00. Registration forms are available on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.

Conference Annual Meeting

The Conference Annual will be held Saturday, October 18, at Marshall United Methodist Church. The event goes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the cost for the day is $14.00. Lynn and Kay DeMoss will moderate a Mission Panel during the morning session. Registration forms are available on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall. If you need a ride, please mark your request on the sign up sheet next to the registration forms.

UMW Opportunities

October 7 – Children's March on the Capitol — Lansing Central United Methodist Church

October 18 – West Michigan UMW Conference Celebration; 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Marshall United Methodist Church

October 20 – 21 –Mission School of the North – Gaylord United Methodist Church

January 3, 2004 –Epiphany Breakfast – Holt United Methodist Church

February 7, 2004 – President/Pastor Event

March 26 – 28 – North Central Jurisdictional – O’Hare Holiday Inn

April 2–3, 2004 –Spring Spiritual Renewal – Battle Creek – Outdoor Environmental

July 2004 –School of Christian Mission

September 2004 –Lansing District UMW Annual Meeting

October 16, 2004 –Conference Annual Meeting – Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church

October 18 – 19, 2004 –Mission School of the North – Gaylord United Methodist Church
New UMW books available in the Church Library:


Laughter and Life in Africa by Mildred Black. A 94 year old retired missionary (attending Mt. Hope UMC here in Lansing) writes of her 37 years of experience in Liberia.

The Virtues of Aging by Jimmy Carter. “...the virtues of aging include both the blessings that come to us as we grow older and what we have to offer that might be beneficial to others.”

Never Again a World Without Us, Voices of Mayan Women in Chiapas, Mexico by Teresa Ortiz.

Self-Nurture, Learning to Care for Yourself as Effectively as You Care for Everyone Else by Alice D. Domar, Ph.D. and Henry Dreher.

Sabbath, Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller.

For Everything a Season, Simple Musings on Living Well by Philip Gulley (Large Print Edition).

My Heart in My Mouth, Prayers for Our Lives by Ted Loder.

Mother Goose Meets a Woman Called Wisdom by Linda H. Hollies.
Motherland by Fern Schumer Chapman – Beyond the Holocaust: A mother–daughter journey to reclaim the past.
Among Friends

Remember…

Gladys Gilson – at home
Natalie Lamphere – at Ingham Hospital
Ruth Norton – Jackson, near her daughter
Agnes Gamble – living with her daughter


Transitions...

Esther Walton, former member, has passed away. A eulogy was held at Central August 13.

Jesse Cantwell, great grandson of Virginia and Harold Cantwell died tragically August 6 in Portage, MI.


Congratulations…

….to Carey Lynn McConkey and (John) Reid Moreland IV on their marriage August 8.


Baptism…

….of Grant William Richardson (born March 23, 2003) took place on August 10. Proud parents are Chad and Shelly Richardson.


Thank you...

....for all your help at and after mother’s memorial service. Central was a big part of mother’s (Marie Manson) and father’s (Elmer Manson) lives. They gave so much of their time and talents with joy and love. Mother and her persuasive way will be missed by many, as we could see from all her friends that attended the memorial service and their warm comments.
Joyce Manson Kelleher and Fred Manson

* * * * *
I want to tell every one how I especially appreciate all your cards and gifts and also your turnout for my graduation ceremony. I had the greatest turnout of guests at the lobby that day, and I was so happy that I shed tears of joy.

I now know that I have brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, cousins, nephews and nieces in my church family who will stand by me through thick and thin.

I want to also thank those who sent me cards while I was in the hospital. You have awakened in me the desire to seek God's course more than ever before.

“My Family,” you have lit a flame that is burning in me by your oneness of action.

May God bless you all.
Lucy Akpabio
Elderberrys spring to life
Frank Anderson

The new Fall Season soon approaches and bids us meet together once again. We are not getting any younger, they say!

To excite everyone at our first meeting on Tuesday morning, September 9th, 2003 at 10:30 a.m., the Justin Sleights have consented to presenting one of their Travel Programs which are always excellent. Subject to be announced.

The meetings will be held in Fellowship Hall. Luncheon will be offered through Meals on Wheels at a donation of $2.00 each. Reservations are helpful and may be given to Frank Anderson or the Church Office, phone 485-9477. Sign-up sheets will be available for the two preceding Sundays in Fellowship Hall. Bring your suggestions for a meaningful year of 2003-2004, for Elderberrys.

We will need table set-up volunteers for the 9th. If you like our group, we solicit your participation for the season. Whosoever will come is welcomed.
Update: The Shalom Center For Justice and Peace
(a ministry of the Lansing District, UM Church)
Rev. Bob Roth, Director

Upcoming Dates:

September 17–19–““Michael Moore Film Festival”
Wednesday: “Roger and Me”
Thursday: “The Big One”
Friday: “Bowling For Columbine”
All movies will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Central UMC. (Check the fall Shalom Center newsletter for details on movies and other events.)

October 18- Pat Madden-Roth and others in concert A Benefit Concert for the Shalom Center, 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Central UMC.

Shalom Center volunteers needed
If you have interest in becoming involved in peace and justice issues, maybe you have a spare hour or two each week to volunteer in the Shalom Center. Please ask me if you have questions about what this would involve.
Save for Grand Rapids UM Community House
Dottie Stark

Aluminum Tabs, no Steel Tabs
Many of the canned fruits and vegetables are now sold with STEEL pull tabs for opening the container. Pop is sold in an aluminum can with an aluminum pull tab. United Methodist House in Grand Rapids wants only the ALUMINUM tabs, as they can sell the aluminum by the pound to help them with their budget. They cannot have other metals mixed with the aluminum. Please use a magnet to insure that you do not bring steel tabs to the church.

Campbell’s soup labels; no Betty Crocker coupons
Yes, we continue to save the front of the Campbell’s soup labels for the Grand Rapids Community House. Currently, however, we have no outlet for using the Betty Crocker coupons. They are being discarded.
A Second Chance
Bob Wangen, Renewal Task Force, and Frank Joranko, Chair, Staff Parish

Dear Central Family,

Do you deserve a “Second Chance”? How many times in your life have you wished that you could do something over, to get it right, to correct a mistake? Sometimes we are given the opportunity; sometimes we simply have to live with the consequences of our actions. As Christians, God gave us the “Second Chance” we often hope and pray for in the form of His son, Jesus Christ. Christ brought us the new covenant as we are forgiven of our sins and are sent to spread His word in the world.

Our church has had its share of problems over the years, some mechanical, some emotional, some financial, some spiritual. However, with God's help and guidance, we have been able to overcome these challenges and continue to be a spiritual center in our downtown and Greater Lansing community. Once again, we are faced with a challenge. We have experienced financial difficulties and this year, we have not paid most of our apportionments and face the possible cancellation of our long time radio ministry. It's at times like this we wish and pray that we could have a “Second Chance”.

As He did at the Last Supper in the Upper Room, God again gives us a “Second Chance”. We have an opportunity for a renewal of our Christian Spirit and to redefine the journey that lay before us. It is our message that attracts people to our church to discover or rediscover Christ in their life. As a connectional church our apportionments provide for the spiritual growth and relief to people who live both near and far beyond our borders. With our radio broadcast ministry, we reach out and touch the lives of people who are unable to attend Sunday worship with us. Central United Methodist Church is a voice in our community, the cross and flame of the Christian Spirit.

On Sunday, September 21, following Sunday School, a potluck dinner will kick off our “Second Chance”. The next milestone will take place October 5, which is “Second Chance Sunday”. Your spiritual and financial support is critical to the success of our “Second Chance”. We need to have you look deeply at yourself and your baptismal commitment to support the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service.

We have a second chance – what we do with this opportunity, whether we take advantage of it or not – is up to us; the congregation of Central United Methodist Church. We may disagree on some issues, but we can agree on the importance of doing God's work in Lansing, in Michigan and around the world. Please participate fully in this program and let us all use our “Second Chance” to continue God's work.
Central softball sets record
Edward Keen, Coach

The 2003 Season has ended for the Central Adult Softball team. The regular season record was 14–6; winning the Division II Championship in the Lansing Methodist Metro Cluster Adult Softball League.

In the season end tournament August 1 and 2, the team finished fourth with a 2–2 record. Central Softball history was made in game 1 when Central exploded with their bats to beat Christ UMC 44–7 in a 5 inning Mercy Rule game. This number of runs in a single game is a record which will stand for quite a few years.

Everyone who played on the team this year had part in the success of the season; the best in the last seven years.

Member players: Mike Cooper, Malcolm Cleveland, Steve Ezop, Chris Ezop, Antonio Grettenberg, Jeff Holoweiko, Sam Holoweiko, Carey McConkey, Reid Moreland, Toan Nyugen, Russell McReynolds, Daniel Schneider and Bill Tennant.

Friends from other churches who did not have a team in the league helped fill out the complete roster of this year's team: Roger Schwab (Trinity UMC), Barney Penoyer, Chris Lieb, Don Havens, Justin Evans, Jeff McCann, Jim Wilgis and Steve Burton.
Fellowship Hour help wanted!

Sign–up sheets for Coffee Hour volunteers are posted on the large bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. There is a sheet for each month through December 2003. Please choose a time when you can set–up and serve or bring cookies. When you sign–up remember to note it on your own calendar. You will get a reminder call from Ginny Cantwell.

Please volunteer so that those who have been providing this service for a long time will have some help. This is not a difficult task, but more people need to make a commitment to help with refreshments if we are to continue it as part of our Fellowship Hour. If you have questions, contact Beth Murley, 482–4700.
Cemetery Lots for Sale
Charlie Bell, Board of Trustees

Central is selling a number of cemetery spaces, vaults and memorials received over time as gifts. We are offering these to Central members at a discounted price.

Located in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 West Grand River, there are four spaces in the Last Supper Garden; four spaces in the Masonic Garden; two in the Apostles Garden and one in the Victory Garden. Also available are four vaults and two companion memorials.

Your purchase of these lots will help both you and Central. Funds raised from the sale of these assets will be used to make much needed repairs and improvements to our facilities. Please contact Pat Basgall at the church office, 485–9477.
Firewood...

Byron Pershing needs to sell a large stack of firewood. He also needs to sell a pickup cap. Call 316–0917.
Scripture for Life

In this space each month, we will feature a Bible verse that has had a particular impact on the life of one of our members.–Editors

Mary Jessup

When Dave DeVinney gave me the assignment to write about my favorite Bible verse and why it is important to me, I responded that I didn’t have a favorite verse or one that has guided me through life. What came to mind was a sentence Caryn Welter e-mailed me before I was hospitalized last fall for knee replacement surgery. “If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.”

That sentence came to mind over and over during the weeks I spent at Sparrow facing new challenges and more surgeries than I’d expected. Just repeating it again and again in my mind helped me feel God’s presence at the bedside, holding my hand when it hurt and rejoicing with me when a difficult procedure was completed. The cards, visits, prayers, family love and thoughtful gifts were all part of God bringing me through it. His presence was very real each time I said “If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.”

Then I began to think of so many times in my life when it had been true: breast cancer, parenting, the illness and death of beloved family members, during adventurous rafting, canoeing and hiking vacations, traveling at home and abroad, sharing difficult times with friends and family – I know it will be true in the future as it has been in the past. “If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” I know it will be true for you as it has been for me.
Trustees progress
Susan Gretengerger and David DeVinney, Board of Trustees

Good news from the parking front:
(1) The new State House parking ramp is open and the churches can now use the ramp all day Sundays. Soon, perhaps by the time you read this, we will have access to the ramp for the entire weekend and weekday evenings after 6 p.m. THE RAMP IS LOCKED EVERYDAY AT 10 P.M. with no entry or exit after that time. If there is a chance you will be here past 9:45 p.m., DO NOT PARK IN THE RAMP. The ramp is well lit and has surveillance cameras for security. Only very occasionally does the State House meet in an evening weekday session and when it does, the ramp will be unavailable to us. The state will monitor this open door policy and if problems occur may restrict the use of the ramp after hours.

(2) The Capitol Church Coalition (Central UMC, St. Paul Episcopal, First Baptist) now has control of the whole north parking lot (between Central and First Baptist). This lot will be opened at 5 p.m. weekday evenings and for the entire weekend just as it has been, thanks to the state who had operated it.

The Church Coalition now operates the north lot. Day time entry is limited to assigned spaces with electronic card entry. Central has use of approximately half the spaces (15). The spaces are divided up according to need and each church will pay lease and maintenance costs based on the number of spaces they reserve. The monthly cost per space is estimated to be about $30. This compares to the nearby city ramp of $64 - $119 per month. An important consideration in the Trustees decision to acquire the lot is that if we did not, it would be re-developed and lost to our use altogether, a death knell to any downtown church with limited parking.

The Department of Management and Budget of the State of Michigan did their utmost to work with us in creating a satisfactory solution to both of our needs, not the least of which was to design an attractive parking structure that blends in with the church buildings that surround it.

No ballroom dancing for the foreseeable future:
For those of you who have not been in the dining room recently, you should know that there will not be much ballroom dancing for a bit (or contra dancing either). Water seepage under the floor has caused considerable damage, warping and buckling the hardwood maple floor. Because we believe that the damage was caused by a soaker hose left on too long at the state sidewalk construction site, the trustees have contacted the Department of Management and Budget and project contractors and subcontractors about the situation. Apparently we will need to replace the floor. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to restore the dining room to our use. Pat Basgall has done a wonderful job in finding alternatives for rental events.

We want to acknowledge here, too, that because of the number of serious building and equipment failures occurring these past several months, both Pat Basgall and Tom Towsley, have had a huge amount of extra work to do in responding to these emergencies while trying to keep up with their regular duties. While they continue to respond to the crisis of the moment, a thank you is in order, and a hug probably wouldn’t hurt either.

About our investments:
Trustees continue to monitor the investments funds, and have dramatically reduced the amount taken from any funds. In general, our investments are doing better as dividends are being kept to rebuild the funds and the market is improving.

I have heard a few rumors and questions about the investments and decisions of the trustees regarding the funds. The trustees intend for our work to be transparent and honest. Some members feel we have overspent from funds and others feel we are stingy in releasing money that is entrusted to us for support of particular ministry areas. Both may be right! PLEASE, let us know if you have questions or concerns. It is not possible to make things right with you unless we hear from you directly. We are considering a Question and Answer session in the fall.

Steam and Heating System will save money:
The steam and heating system work was completed in the spring. We expect these repairs and upgrades will make the system more efficient and cost effective. The project was funded with Partners for Preservation funds as discussed in an earlier article. This does not reflect a decision to begin tapping the fund generally. Rather, the trustees determined that this project was a major and immediate building need that was beyond the funding available either in trustee funds or the general operating budget. We continue to hold to the intent of this fund: it is to be developed to the goal of reaching $1 million.
Ed Spink, Library Task Force

Welcome to the start of a new school year and the fall season, from the Ralph Goodell Memorial Library...

The Library Task Force has been busy this summer processing new materials in anticipation of expanded library usage. All videotapes are now cataloged alphabetically by title in the card catalog. The tapes are arranged numerically in the cupboard next to the TV. No limit on check-out.

Need a book or videotape from the library during the week? It’s easy. The directions are posted on the library desk. Date, sign name on the card, place the card in the file box and you are finished. The check-out period is two weeks and may be renewed.

Book Mini Sale coming up this Fall. Look for it.

Dark cherry children’s chair missing from library. Look for it.
CROP Walk/Rock - October 12
Carolyn Schuurmans

It’s time to plan to walk or rock in the annual CROP Walk Sunday, October 12. During September we will have a table each Sunday in Fellowship Hall for sign up for the Walk/Rock. You can pick up an envelope and start getting pledges for your walk or rock, or you may make a pledge to someone. If you are not up to the walking, join the rockers at Grace UMC or Trinity A.M.E.

Twenty-five percent of the CROP walk funds are used locally for Advent House, the Food Bank and Garden Project, Harvest House, Potter Park Outreach, Southside Community Kitchen and Volunteers of America. The balance is used by Church World Service for international relief and development efforts, medical care and refugee resettlement. A current campaign by Church World Service and other groups is called All Our Children. They are working together to aid the children of Iraq who have suffered through war and international sanctions. Estimates of the number of children who have died range from 500,000 to more than 1 million. All Our Children is providing medicine, anesthesia and medical equipment, first aid, personal hygiene kits and blankets.

You can help by being a CROP walker, rocker, or pledger! There are “thank you” gifts for participants.
Cemetery lots for sale:

Elsewhere in the Journal, you will see a small notice for church-owned cemetery lots. The church has received a number of lots over time and a decision was made recently to release the lots for sale. Proceeds from the sale of these property assets will be used for repairs and improvements to the church facilities. If you would like additional information on the lots, please don’t hesitate to talk to Charlie Bell or call Pat Basgall at the church office.
GO - SEE - DO
Carolyn Schuurmans

Midwest Mission Tour coming up – October 13–18

The West Michigan Conference Hunger Committee of the United Methodist Church is organizing a trip to Indiana, Illinois, and Arkansas from October 13–18.

The tour includes visits to to Church World Service, Midwest Heifer Project, Mid–West UMC Mission Distribution Center and a tour of Lincoln historical sites.

The cost is $475 which includes transportation, lodging, all meals, and activity fees. Call Carolyn Schuurmans, 321–0569.
“Second Chance” Potluck Dinner

Sunday, September 21 following Sunday School Hour

Sign up
We want everyone to be here. Call the Church Office or Put your Reservation(name and number of attendees) in the Collection Plate by September 16.

Bring
Table service and a dish to pass.

Enjoy the Fellowship of Others and Learn about Central’s “Second Chance” Sunday, October 5.
Spiritual Renewal Weekend at Central

November 7,8 and 9

Mark your calendar!
We want everyone to attend. Be part of Lansing Central’s weekend of celebration, inspiration, and renewal.

With the Earl Nelson Singers, Rev. Faith Fowler, workshops and other special activities.

Ask your neighbors and friends to join you for this special event.
Details will follow in the October Central Journal.
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