Central

Journal . . . electronic edition

                                                                                                         September, 2005

Keeping Members and Friends Informed

                                      Promoting Fellowship                                                                                       
                                                         Contributing to Spiritual Growth

Celebrate the Open Door Ministry and Central’s 25 years of serving those in need
David Mills, Celebration Chair

You are cordially invited to celebrate the creation of the Open Door Ministry and to honor Central’s 25 years of encountering the living Christ as we have welcomed the poor at our door. Our party will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, September 24, and will feature a fine meal, special music, a silent auction and a special address by Bishop Donald Ott. All this and an evening of fellowship for only $15. Please join us to pay tribute to 25 years of service and to learn about the exciting next generation of service.

In 1980, following the example Jesus set for his disciples in freely giving to others in His name, Central United Methodist Church began offering a fellowship lunch to those in need in Lansing. Shortly after, a food bank was added. Hot meals and packaged foods were offered by friendly, loving folks who demonstrated God’s saving grace by the help they freely gave. Thousands have been helped since then. And the hearts of hundreds of helpers have been transformed in knowing that by feeding, clothing and comforting the least, the last and the lost, they have done so to Christ.

As time went on, the need increased and Central experienced more and more people coming to the church for assistance and support. It became apparent we needed help in this mission.

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.

Tickets will be available during Fellowship Coffee Hour in September, or you may contact the Church Office at 485–9477, to make your reservations at any time up to September 19.
more good news…
Rev. Dr. Russell McReynolds

I have spiritually and physically enjoyed this summer for good reasons. My vacation, as a first reason, gave me opportunity to spend time with my parents in Alabama. My father, who always loved driving and now has some incapacity, lives in a nursing home. I was able, on numerous occasions and to their delight, to drive him and my mother up and down the roads of Alabama. Those two-hour drives were sandwiched between delicious meals at the home.

Jamie Tipton, camp dean, did a great service by recruiting me for participation in the camping program at Wesley Woods, which is the second reason to celebrate. The experience put me back in touch with youth, other adults, nature and the presence of God. I was so glad to be in that place with God’s people as we were all moving where God wants us to be. I took chances on mountain skating, falling every time. Each fall, it seems, brought me closer to the youth. Central Church was well represented by youth and adult volunteers, including worship leadership from Paul and Effram Grettenberger.

My aim was to do well in the Senior Olympics at Western Michigan University in July, which is a third reason. I chose the sprints–100, 200 and 400 meters, rather than the long distances. I knew my endurance was low and I was not physically fit. I did okay with shooting baskets, making 20 out of 40. But at the last minute, I decided to drop out of everything and prepare for next year. I did enjoy trying to participate.

Reason number four is the Del Mac. I am riding the bike almost daily in preparation for the 400 mile ride from East Lansing over the straits of the Mackinac, September 1 – 5 (Labor Day). Others from Central include Mary Boudreau and Bob Pena.

Reason number five includes three significant events. Renaissance Sunday was a spiritual victory for the members and friends of Central United Methodist Church. It was an inclusive opportunity for giving and supporting the church. Everyone participated through giving, praying and caring about Central. We are current with paying our Ministry Share of Apportionments and the Cross on top of the sanctuary bell tower, we hope, will be lit at night by the time you read this.
EDUCATION
Joi Tennant, Christian Education Director

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – WHY?

LISTENING…DISCUSSION...READING…WRITING…PRACTICE
Can we learn about God and develop our faith in Christ without these actions? Can we hope to change the world on our own merit as casual Christians, unprepared disciples? Is our faith influencing our decisions and strengthening the character of our children? In the turmoil of society, can we point to anything more worthy of our mental processes than seeking after the truth of God?

Take time out of your busy schedule for Sunday School for you and your family! Or commit to join a small group weekday study. It will make a difference in your life, and it will rub off on your world!

SUNDAY CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 11
Nursery for ages 0-2, offered from 9:15 to 12:15 a.m. – Caregivers: Meagan DeShuester, Jess Pinch

Children’s Church for preschool thru grade 3 – Offered in Rainbow Room after children’s sermon in worship – Teachers: Pat Wangen, Leslie Prame

Rainbow Room SS for ages 3 thru kindergarten (11:00 after music) – Teachers: Pat Wangen, Leslie Prame

One Room Sunday School for grades 1 thru 5 – Teachers: Kendra Skinner, Dave Stinson

Middle School for grades 6 thru 8 – Teachers: TBA

High School for grades 9 thru 12 – Teachers: Julie Cooper, Amee Miller

ADULT ELECTIVES:
“From Genesis to Revelation” (on–going Bible study) – Teachers: Dale Kirkby, Leon Martin

“Getting to Better Know Your Own Worldview” (5 week study) – Teacher: Jim Stark

Chapel Video Series: “Jesus Among Other Gods” (4 week series) – Leader: Joi Tennant

Sunday Vesper Class meets at 5:30 PM in dining room – “A Comparative Study of Islam and Christianity” – Teacher: Retired pastor, Keith Pohl

Coming up in October and November will be the Social Principles Speaker Series offered by the Church and Society Commission and a parenting video series on discipline led by Mike MacLaren.

We are considering which of several good books to use for an evening book study. Watch for details.
SOME NEW TOYS FOR THE NURSERY

A bright and interesting nursery is attractive to young parents and very inviting to the little child who is not so sure about letting Mom or Dad leave them in a strange place.

We would like to begin the fall with a few “new” larger, sturdy well–made toys, especially for toddlers and babies, and we thought you might enjoy helping us. Used items in excellent condition would be great, or you may decide you’d like to shop for something new to contribute. A few suggestions: 2 or 3 riding toys (we have a new fire truck ride–on, thanks to Pat Mort), washable dolls, a sturdy toy stroller, a baby activity seat, medium size trucks, a kitchen unit with pots, pans, play food, etc. We have a nice big Fisher Price dollhouse (about 3 ft. tall), but we could use more of the furniture and dolls for it.

If you aren’t sure about giving something not listed, leave a message for Joi at the church, and she’ll call you about it.
Men find Purpose

According to Publisher’s Weekly, The Purpose Driven Life, a book by Rick Warren, was the top selling book in the world in 2003 and 2004, and it’s the best selling non-fiction hardback book in history! It's a phenomenon and now the Men's Bible Study has taken it up to study in this new church year. The men meet the first, third and fifth Tuesday at 9 A.M. in the second Floor Lounge. Join us and discover your purpose in life. Questions? Call David Schuurmans, 321–0569.
Music Notes
Caryn Welter, Music Director

Many thanks go to those who generously gave of their time and talents in order to provide summer music. People who participated include: Dave Lantz and the Men's Ecumenical Chorus; Trey Jacobs; Carolyn and Dale Kirkby; Bill Tennant and Marella Briones; Linda and Dick Bates; Janet Holoweiko; Rob Parks; Terressa Birchen; Mary Boudreau; Susan, Ashley, Antonio, Effrem, and Paul Grettenberger; Chris Carter; Dennis Kelley, and Dave Schuurmans. Last, but certainly not least, we thank Shirley and Bruce Goodrich for organizing the entire schedule. You all served well!

As we begin this program year, I'm reminded of a long-standing favorite hymn of praise:

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above...

This Fall gives us a time of worshipping in our renewed, revitalized, and expanding community. Where there were fewer numbers, there will now be a feeling of singing with the fuller chorus. Where there were one or two providing special music, there will now be choirs and instrumental groups. A marvelous attitude of oneness may envelop us all, and the Holy Spirit can show us the way to new and inspiring worship experiences.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

As you reflect on plans and schedules for the upcoming program year, won't you please join us in Christian love, fellowship, and music–making? If you're new to the music program, just leave a message at extension 35 in order that we can match you with the appropriate group. Beginning on September 8 and 11, respectively, these opportunities are available:

Preschool Music Activities – Sundays, 10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Wesley Choristers – Sundays, 11:00 – 11:35 a.m.
Youth Fine Arts Group – Sundays, 11:40 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Spirit Singers – Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Chancel Choir – Thursdays, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

We of the Music Department, as well as experienced members of the various groups, look eagerly forward to your presence and participation. Won't you please join us?

To all those who are already in the music program, WELCOME BACK!
Editor’s Notes
David DeVinney

While driving in East Lansing the other day, I missed my turn and pulled into a business lot to turn around. As I waited for traffic to clear, a pickup in the turn lane across the street stopped, holding up traffic behind him. Impatiently, I murmured, “What’s he stopping for? Come on!” Well, he was stopping for me. Apparently he had seen my situation and decided to stop and let me in. Quickly, I accepted the opportunity and was on my way. Being so wrapped up in my own agenda, I nearly missed this bit of kindness directed my way.

A couple weeks earlier, while following a service van that was signaling to change lanes, I witnessed a driver in the adjacent lane suddenly speed up to keep the van from merging in front of him.

We have the opportunity each day to bless another person, or to ignore them or to curse them. In fact, I’m learning that blessings not given, grace not extended, can become a curse, not only to the other person but especially to the one who withholds the blessing. What do you think — which driver described above was blessed by his actions toward another?
New Date!
CUMW GARAGE SALE
Friday – Saturday
September 9 – 10,

at Jim and Dottie Stark‘s; 2301 Wellesley Drive, Lansing.

Proceeds will be used for UMW's mission work and pledge.

Do not bring items to the church.Please bring priced items to the above address Tuesday, September 6 or Wednesday, September 7.
United Methodist Women
Pat Mort, President

I hope your summer went well, and you're beginning a terrific fall!

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.

New program books
The new program books are here! The 2006 program book, “Building Peace, Piece by Piece”, the geographical study, “India & Pakistan” and the spiritual study, “Children of the Bible – Twelve Stories”, are on the UMW shelf in the Library. Check them out – literally and figuratively!

September 21 – Lansing District Meeting at Mason UMC. Registration sheets are available on the UMW Board in Fellowship Hall.

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

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.

New women’s group?
Would you like to form a new women's group at Central? Talk to Pat, we'll help in any way we can.

Prayer
Please pray daily for UMW, the officers, programs and missionaries we support.
Note: We regret the late delivery of the June/July issue of the Central Journal. The church office received many calls inquiring about the newsletter and Pat Mort even ran more copies for those who needed one. As it turns out, the newsletters were temporarily lost at the bulk mailing station at their new building in DeWitt. We are sorry for any inconvenience. – The Editors
Book “Sale”
Ed Spink, Library Task Force

The Ralph Goodell Memorial Library will hold the next Book “Sale” in May 2006. Book donations will continue to be received for the “Sale.”

Video Collection

New videos are being added regularly for your viewing pleasure:

#225 – The Wacky Watermelon Break–In
#226 – She Said Yes (Columbine High School girls)
#228 – Life of Paul
#229 – Kayla: A Wild Dog Tames a Younger Boy’s Loneliness and Pain
#230 – In Harms Way
#231 – Miracle on 34th Street
#232 – Jesus in Galilee
#233 – The Fourth Wise Man
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. —C.S. Lewis
New banner for the Central Journal
David DeVinney, Editor

Maybe you noticed the new graphic image of the bell tower on the cover of this issue of the Central Journal. It shows the newly installed cross on top. Actually, the artwork comes from the Reaching for the Peak campaign of some years ago, modified and with the cross added using a new photo from Walt Priebe. We changed the type face of the nameplate to reflect the more contemporary rendering of the bell tower. We hope you like it.
Among Friends

Remember...

At press time...


Central family members in Iraq
Lillian Rush – at home
C. Jon Holmes – out of town
Mary Marshall – at home
Lee Moore – at home
Sally Swiss – at Burcham
Mary Yard – hospice care at home
Ruth Norton – at home
Mary Jacobs – hospice at Burcham Health Center
LuLu Smith – at Grand Haven
Geoff Moore – hospice at home
Hanna Boley – at Sparrow

Please keep these individuals in your prayers.

Transitions…
Betty Greenman died July 12. Our Sympathy to the family

Thank you…


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.
Evangelism
Mary Boudreau

Mark your calendar for October 16, Homecoming Sunday. This year's theme is “The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree”. Everyone who has ever been connected to Central is invited to join us in worship, an “apple” coffee hour, and a potluck. If you are available to help transport people, please contact the church office.
Help me, but …
A cartoon in the British publication Punch portrayed a man praying at his bedside. He said to the Lord, “Is there some way you could help me, but make it look like I did it all myself?”
ELDERBERRYS set for September
Frank Anderson

Later if not sooner the leaves will once again turn to brown and red. I like that and I don't. We are slow to relinquish the past and only a little more apt to welcome the present and future. But we even meet that with a touch of reluctance. Here now is opportunity to renew our adventure in life. Come to our first meeting on September 13 at 10:30 a.m. and enjoy a new approach to life: LAUGHTER WITH A LESSON.

On that Tuesday, Penny Preston will grace our gathering by sharing songs, poems, and funny stories with a positive attitude that God can use. This will help all of us. Some of Penny's themes are:

Where's your focus? Bitter or better, it's up to you.
Paralysis or Peace? Put down the binoculars.
Don't act the way you feel. Act the way you want to feel.

This program is not for the weak at heart, unless you believe something can be gained. All senior adults are invited to our fellowship on that Tuesday (the 13th) plus a low cost meal. Phone in reservations to Frank Anderson at his home (323–6968) or the church office (485–9477). The usual sign–up sheet will be in Fellowship Hall.
Loan Repaid!
Jamie Zimmer, Chair, Renaissance Task Force

Because of your continuing faithfulness and generous spirit, we are pleased to inform you that the $100,000 loan plus the accrued interest is now paid in full! The total received so far in cash and pledges now stands at $181,000.

Our thanks to all of you for your faith in the future of Central Church. This response is a true testament to the far–reaching ministry of Central and is a reminder that what happens here is much greater than any of us can really imagine.

We wish to express our great appreciation to Pat Mort, Carolyn Turner, and Marte Boot for the extra time and effort required to process the contributions.
New Speaker Series begins October 16
Pat Bell, Church and Society Commission

Church and Society is sponsoring a new Sunday School Speaker Series October 16 – November 13. The series will cover five of the six sections of the Social Principles and one of many topics within each section:

October 16 – Nurturing Community – Human Sexuality. Homosexuality from a Christian and Medical Perspective. Speaker: Mary McCartney, RN, MS, Professor Emeritus, MSU, Teacher of Sex Education in the Lansing School District, Ret.

October 23 – Economic Community – Children and Poverty. Speaker: (and preacher for the 1:30 service) TBA.

October 30 – Political Community – Political Responsibility – Elections. Speaker: Kathy Esselman, President, Lansing Area League of Women Voters.

November 6 – Social Community – Right to Health Care. Speaker: Lyn Johndahl, UMC pastor, Ret., State of Michigan Represenative, Ret.

November 13 – World Community – War and Peace (Middle East). Christians as peace makers. Speaker: (and preacher for the 9:30 service) John Boley, UMC Pastor, Chair Conference Board of Church and Society.

“The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church are a prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in the United Methodist traditions. They are a call to a “prayerful, studied dialogue of faith and practice.” The Social Principles “provide our most recent official summary of stated convictions that seek to apply the Christian vision of righteousness to social, economic, and political issues.

“The Social Principles have evolved over time in light of new information, new biblical and theological insight, and the changing face of the world.”

The above statements are found in the 2005 – 2008 book of United Methodist Social Principles which is also a part of the 2005 – 2008 Book of Discipline (both available through Cokesbury Catalog).
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