Central Journal - September 1997
From Frank Anderson, Journal Contributor:
As I wrote this brief piece that follows, I was sitting at a table overlooking a beautiful Lake remembering the hike that Win and I had just had in the Manistee National Forest. I read The Bible every day, for the most part, and then some. Years ago, I started to use the Daily Bible Reading Guide published annually by the American Bible Society. When I follow it, repeating favorite passages is not very likely and I get a wider exposure to the Bible. There is always something to be gained by doing so, I have learned.
Some people view The Bible as one might see a toadstool in the forest floor — odd to look at, dangerous to eat, and really not good for much of anything. Recently we visited the National Capitol Library of Congress Building in Washington, D.C. We came upon an encased version of the Gutenberg Bible. It was, of course, in German, and in the Vulgate Catholic Version. This was the first printed book dating from about 1455 A.D.
I thought, thousands have gone by that glass case and wondered at such an awesome thing. Can it be that such a Book is not much more than an odd mushroom on the ground to some people? Not far from this exhibit, we discovered copies of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights of the United States of America. They might have been originals. These all were awesome to gaze upon. But the Bible is different.
What is the Bible to you? How important is it? Can it be just a showpiece or an heirloom with the Family Record inside of it and that is all? Probably no other existing book has ever been so well known, written in as many different languages, sold so many editions, and yet remains unread in so many places today. We can say more about The Bible at another time.
Disciple
Disciple Bible Study classes begin this week, September 9, AM and PM, and there’s room for you! You’ll join other pilgrims on a quest for truth, knowledge and faith. You’ll explore your own heart. You’ll explore the Bible lands and territories within your own heart. You’ll discover new friends and be challenged about your understanding of God.
This is not something you can accomplish on your own. You’ll have the support of fellow sojourners as well as, well, God. There is, however one requirement on your part; your “yes”. God has mysterious and miraculous ways of providing the rest. The rest can include such obstacles as transportation, child care, special limitations, and time restraints.
Seek God’s will and then talk to David Bass, David DeVinney, Jim Mort or Joi Tennant. Remembering classes begin this Tuesday, September 9. Rev. John Boley, who has completed Disciple I, will join us this year as a co-leader.
Many Gifts, One God
By David Bass
God has given to me (and to all of you) a wonderful gift - the gift of Disciple Bible Study. For me, it started about five years ago, when Disciple was offered again at Central. I had decided not to sign up for Disciple because I wasn’t sure if I could handle 34 weeks of study. Well, my wife Roxi went ahead and signed me up for Disciple I.
During this period of time, Roxi would read her lesson for the week and we would talk about what she had studied. Roxi met weekly with the Disciple group where they watched a video and had discussions about new insights into what they had read during the past week and what they heard in the video. There would be some great discussions between Roxi I after her weekly meeting.
This routine went on for weeks when I finally told Roxi that I was going to sign up for Disciple next year. God had started to work in my life through Roxi.
When the next year rolled around and Disciple was offered again, Roxi signed up for Disciple II and I, still with reservations, signed up for Disciple I. I still had concerns about the time commitment, but my interest had been peaked, and I believe God wanted me there.
I had always wanted to read the Bible, and tried a few times and gave up. The Disciple Study started off for me like Peter’s storm on the water, when the boat was in a lot of turbulence. At times, I couldn’t even find the right passage to read during class sessions. I was not used to looking for the different books of the Bible. God really had His work cut out for Him and me.
As time went on, I learned parts of the Bible and where things were located. More importantly, I found out how much God really loves me. Disciple has been a blessing to me. When I hear a sermon now, I know where the story comes from and I know how that same story is relevant to my life, it isn’t just a story to listen to; it has a meaning for me - an understanding.
With God’s love and guidance, using Roxi and the Disciple Bible Study, I am now doing things that I could not accomplish on my own and probably would not even consider attempting without GOD! I have truly been blessed and Praise God for all He has given to me.
Worship Service each Sunday is 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School for all ages at 11:15 a.m. The service is broadcast live over WJIM-AM (1240). It is also cablecast and appears Sunday night from 9-10 p.m. on Channel 16 or 37 of Media One Cablevision.
The Central Journal is a monthly publication of Central United Methodist Church, Lansing, Michigan. Deadline for submittal of material is the third Monday of the month proceeding the month of publication.
Our Statement on the front page nameplate changes from month to month and is one of seventeen phrases in the Vision Statement of Central Church.
Central Journal Editor is Jim Hane (669-3306)
Remember!
Journal deadlines are always the third Monday of the month, 5 p.m.
Vision Statement
We ... will accomplish our vision by receiving Jesus Christ’s loving grace and working to honor and unify individuals in God’s family (Body of Christ)
Announcements:
Note: Any youth (ages 9-18) interested in serving as a Crucifer or Acolyte, please call Gabriel Brazee at 333-4825.
Thanks, Gabriele
We would like to thank all our Central friends for the love shown to us through cards and attendance at our 50th Anniversary Open House. You have all been a important part of our life and our family.
Bob and Lois Jenkins
MONTHLY REPORT
The following have passed away since our last publication date:
Frances W. Neller 7-31-97
Eva T. Moore 8-12-97
Central’s music team is eagerly awaiting this year’s new endeavors in worship. Several meeting have ensured that we are prepared to meet the high expectations of our large downtown church congregation as we launch this year’s new program. Our highest hopes may be realized when familiar faces return to their respective places, and new or returning faces further enhance one or more of the choirs.
The Chancel Choir, under the capable leadership of Frank McKowen, will have its first rehearsal on Thursday, September 4, at 7:30 p.m. One first line of business will be preparation for the upcoming Vision 2000 experience on October 11; seventeen of our choir members are already planning to attend; Dave Schuurmans auditioned and was chosen to ably represent our choir on the Praise Team that’s singing special selections. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to sing in the Chancel Choir or perhaps your schedule has recently precluded your participation. If either is the case, this year might mark a new beginning for you.
Director Shirley Valentine is enthusiastic about the new year and is hoping to have the Youth Choir sing during the morning worship hour on Sunday, August 24. She plans some outreach types of activities for the new year and believes that the group has already grown since June. If you’re a middle schooler or high
schooler, won’t you count yourself among her numbers? Rehearsals will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning August 19.
Central’s Bell Choir, in accordance with its members’ schedules, will first meet on Tuesday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m., and invites participation of new folks. Director Bill Tennant, Jr., is excited at the prospect of their working closely with our other musical groups during the course of the year. Word has it that the Bell Choir may this year highlight a new piece which features a well-known clarinet soloist.
It’s certain that you’ve heard the fine musical contributions of local musicians as they play Central’s Carillon. Jan Keen, Emily Mather, Diane, Meg, and Liz Ebersole have all recently completed a course of study with the University of Michigan’s Professor of Carillon, Margo Halsted. The many efforts have been directed at providing before and after service music for every worship service, and are very much appreciated as these individuals have launched what is rapidly becoming an integral part of our music program.
Children’s Choir (for kindergartners and first graders) and Wesley Choristers’ (second through fifth graders) rehearsal times will be on Tuesday at 5:45 and 6:15 p.m. respectively. Some of the music these choirs will sing relates to Sunday School themes for the 1997-98 year. All Central kids in these age groups are encouraged to come at least one time, just to see whether the activities are something they enjoy. We do a lot of singing, and have good times of fellowship and sharing.
A Central Place
Now includes on-line Central Journal
Central’s website, A Central Place, now includes an on-line edition of the Central Journal, to be updated monthly. Another new feature, Programs and Ministries, lists various groups and schedules including Sunday School classes, Bible Studies, circles, community outreach, etc. Also, the full text Bible section of Central’s website now offers an electronic concordance, in which you may enter a word or complete phrase and receive a list of all verses in which the word or phrase appears. Future plans call for adding full text sermons from our weekly services.
Vision 2000
Bringing the Church into the next Century
Just as the countdown to the year 2000 moves forward, Michigan Methodists are preparing for the new millenium with "Vision 2000".
Vision 2000 is a comprehensive, scriptural based program encouraging Methodism as a whole, and individual congregations, to seek the guidance of God in identifying needs, seeing potentials and establishing goals for the future. The program is designed to help staff as well as membership develop specific local plans tailored to their own circumstances, and is both issue and organizationally oriented.
Central Church has already begun the Vision 2000 process. Prayer groups have been established seeking direction from God. And, the Administrative Board and Council on Ministries have been merged into the new Administrative Council in order to provide a more efficient, simplified structure.
A full schedule of activities will kick off Michigan's statewide Vision 2000 effort on Saturday, October 11, at the Lansing Center.
9:00-10:00 Arrival and Orientation
9:00-12:00 Massed Choir Rehearsal
(Including members of Central's choirs)
10:00-12:00 "Tools for 2000" Workshops (see below)
11:45- 1:00 Boxed Lunch/Concessions
1:00- 4:00 Worship Celebration
(up to 1000 or more voice choir)
4:15 Conclusion and Send-off
The "Tools for 2000" Workshops, from 10 till noon, offer numerous opportunities for direction in critical areas. Advance registration is requested by September 24, and there is a $10 workshop fee. Childcare will be provided. Forms are available in the Church Office on which you may indicate the session you would like to attend. Also, check out Dense Fabbri’s excellent display on the bulletin board in the Temple House lobby.
Topics include:
Connecting the Church with the Community, Rodney Smothers, Atlanta
The Turn-Around Church/Worship Revolution, John Myers, South Bend
Ministry to Families: A Congregational Task, Lia Icaza-Willets, Nashville
Innovations for the Sunday School, Billie Fidlin, South Bend
Pastors and Lay Leadership in Church Renewal, Amos Rhee, Flushing (NY)
Small Group Ministry, Dale Galloway, Wilmore (KY)
Making New Members Feel Included/Mobilizing Volunteers, Rudy Heinzelmann, Montgomery(AL)
Evangelism with Generation Xers and Busters, Melody Hurley, Birmingham (MI)
The Pastor's Role in Visioning, Bishop Woodie White, Indianapolis, and Susan Gray, Grand Rapids
Youth Rally-Music/Teaching/Fun!, Chris Nuskirk, Houston
Joining in the Worship Celebration will be the author of the Vision 2000 program, Joe A. Harding, and Michigan's Bishop, Donald A. Ott. Worship will be led by Don Moen, Creative Director for Integrity Music, composer of praise and worship songs and nationally known contemporary Christian music personality.
Key elements of the Vision 2000 schedule will be broadcast by Satellite to a gathering at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, where an additional feed will originate. There will also be input from a site at Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Full details of the program are discussed in the book, "Vision 2000--Planning for Ministry into the Next Century", available through Discipleship Resources in Atlanta, at $8.95 plus approximately $6 shipping and handling (800-685-4370). The book is also available in Central's library.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish."--Proverbs 29:18
EVANGELISM and NURTURE
Central United Methodist Church has a newly established prayer chain ministry.
Anyone who would like to request prayer for yourself or someone you know may do so by calling the first person listed on the prayer chain according to the time of need and the prayer chain available. If you cannot reach the first person, then please call the second listed. The prayer chain leaders are Janet Mort and Karen Holoweiko for the daytime prayer chain and Elizabeth Gibbs and Kayla Tipton for the evening prayer chain. We trust this new
program will be effective and uplifting to all of us as we find ourselves in need of prayer.
Isaish 41:10 - do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Daytime Prayer Chain
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Janet Mort 321-2330
Karen Holoweiko 629-6798
Jill Whiteman
Leora Stutes
Agnes Gamble
Ann Mather
Eleanor Moore
Miriam Priebe
Lois Myers
Joyce Brendahl
Evening Prayer Chain
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Elizabeth Gibbs 882-2635
Kayla Tipton 669-3259
Joi Tennant
Nancy O’Shea
Ruth & Fred Brazee
Rosa Houston
David DeVinney
Pat Bell
Mary Boudreaux
Pat & Anne Mort
Cheer & Leon Martin
Red roses to .......
Leora Stutes for working on the computer in assembling the information and preparing the Sunday church bulletin.
Arline Roe and Justin Sleight for taking down the curtains in the first floor floor lounge and rooms 23 and 27 and cleaning them.
Justin Sleight and Wes Yard for re-corking and painting a large bulletin board for Education's use.
Judy Patrick and Sally Swiss for helping create the pieces for Education’s theme bulletin board.
Leigh Ann Maxwell, Julie Cooper, and Ruthann Jaquette who gave up a whole weekend to help themselves become better Sunday School teachers by attending Lab School.
Dorothy Trudgeon who faithfully packages our old “Pocket” magazines and Children’s Bulletins to hand out to children in the Food Bank and during the Thursday Fellowship Luncheon.
Dottie Stark who was the first person to use our new copying procedure. Ask her to let you know how easy it was!
Circle this Date
Tuesday, October 7, 1997
7:30 P.M.
World Renowned Organist
FREDERICH SWANN
Organist of the Crystal Cathedral
Coming to Central to present an Organ Recital
Help spread the word on this important event coming to our church
(More in the October Central Journal)
Please mark your calendar
October 7, 1997
Music Committee Chairperson, Bill Tennant, Sr. has arranged for world-renown Choir Director / Organist Fred Swann of the famous Crystal Cathedral to offer a concert on our beautiful Jaeckel organ. This promises to be a remarkable musical offering, one you’ll not want to miss. A reception in his honor will follow immediately afterward.
“Splendor of Ancient Egypt”
Centralniters plan trip to Detroit Institute of Arts
Saturday, October 18th, at 12 noon, we plan to leave the church parking lot for Detroit. We have tickets for the 2:00 p.m. showing of “Splendors of Ancient Egypt” — an exhibit showing over 200 treasures covering almost 4,500 years of history from Predynastic Egypt to the Roman Empire.
They include hand-painted mummy cases, jewelry, wall carvings and statues unearthed from tombs near the Great Pyramid in Giza. This is the largest exhibition of Egyptian art ever to visit the U.S and Detroit is its only Midwestern stop. The Holleys saw it in Florida.
We will leave the Art Institute at 5:00 p.m. and stop in Howell for dinner, (Optional - Also optional is to bring a snack lunch to eat at church about 11:30, before we leave.) Cost is $10 for the exhibit, plus sharing travel expenses. We must reserve by September 14th. Please pay $10 to Carolyn or Dave Schuurmans by then.
We will also need volunteers to drive. Anyone who would like to join Centralnters for this trip is most welcome!
For additional information call Dave or Carol Shuurmans at 321-0569.
Future Centralniter Plans
Nov. 14th Welcome new members with a dinner at church and entertainment by the Williams Twins presenting Hawaiian melody and featuring the “Sunshine Trio” accompanied by Ruth Tennant McLean.
Dec. 14th Christmas Caroling to church shut-ins and refreshments at Sam and Joy Adcock’s house.
Jan. 10th Pot-luck and game night at church.
Feb. 21st Belated Valentine Party.
Mar. 21st An evening in Cornwall, England - Pasty supper, Cornish song, slide show.
Apr. 19th Sunday Brunch (Give us a suggestion for a place?)
May 16th Picnic at Crystal Lake near Carson City (one hour drive) Sailing Club - sailing, lawn games etc.
A note of thanks - -
Sincere appreciation for all the support shown on my mothers recent death.
John Strolle
Evangelism and Outreach
Invite a Friend to Church?
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 two specific opportunities for you to invite a friend or relative to visit Central Church this fall:
1. Visitors Night at Central — Friday, September 26th. We plan to have all sorts of friendly activities — sports, games, and other opportunities for visitors to get to know us and our church.
2. Bring a Friend Sunday — Sunday, 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.
These dates are very important — there are 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 those dates. It would be wonderful to fill our church to overflowing!
By the way, you don’t have to wait for a special visitors day to invite a friend. Central is a very friendly place any Sunday. One other Sunday that visitors might enjoy is October 5th, when the Albion College Choir will sing at our worship service.
Our successful “Dinners For Nine” last spring will be resumed this fall during the months of October and November. These fellowship meals in a warm home setting will enable many to get to know our new pastor, John Boley and his wife, Dianne, and new members who have joined Central during the past two years.
The Boleys plan to attend as many Dinners For Nine as possible. This will be a wonderful opportunity for them to get better acquainted with all Centralites ... long time members, new members and many of our regular visitors!
We will be giving an opportunity for you to sign up to be a host in your home or to be a guest this time around. Sign-up sheets will be available at the coffee hour in Fellowship Hall Sunday, August 31st and Sunday, September 7th. Also, throughout the month of September.
We hope you will be thinking of a time in October and November to be a part of this exciting GET ACQUAINTED WITH CENTRALITES DINNERS FOR NINE, opening your home as a host or hostess. Each guest will bring one item of the menu for the evening. Details of the dinners will be mailed to all hosts and guests by our Evangelism Outreach Committee.
If you have questions, please call co-coordinators Mary Albery (882-2457) or Nancy O’Shea (372-6156)
All Church Picnic
Sunday, September, 14th
Noon: Moores Park, Lansing
Bring a dish to pass and your own table serves. Drinks will be provided.
Fun, games and fellowship for all ages!!!!!
Pastor's Pen
Friends, I was reading the other day about what makes a healthy congregation. These are the questions Lyle Schaller asks:
Do we present Jesus Christ as God’s message concerning how to find meaning in life?
Do we help people build and maintain a strong spiritual connection with God?
Do we encourage people to connect with other people in caring, loving ways?
Do we affirm the Bible’s authority for telling people about God, Jesus Christ, and how to live a meaningful life?
Are we developing a faith community whose thinking and behavior are different from its surrounding culture but interact with that culture rather than withdrawing from it?
Are we organizing small groups of many kinds, since they generate the fellowship climate that encourages spiritual growth?
Are we creating a variety of service projects, since they provide discipleship experiences that facilitate spiritual growth?
Are we encouraging participation in community betterment groups, since they positively influence the culture surrounding the faith community?
Are we selecting faith-community leaders who are willing to accept the continual changes that new members bring?
Are we building denominational structures that network with other faith communions to provide congregation-strengthening ministry ideas and methods?
How would you score our church based on these questions?
Grace and Peace,
John
Church Women United
September 8th, Monday, Board Meeting at 10:00 a.m. Sack lunch. 1:00 p.m. Program: “What’s happening with welfare reform in Michigan?” Speaker is Sharon Parks from the Michigan League for Human Services.Place: First Presbyterian in Holt, 2021 N. Aurelius Road. Everyone is welcome to come to CWU meetings. If you have been concerned about what has happened to families taken off the welfare rolls, we especially invite you to attend this meeting!
From Journals past ...
14 Years ago, 1983
Pastor Bob Roth reports that he and his wife Pat, will be leaving Central to become the new Pastor at the United Methodist Church in Otsego, MI. He praised God for the richness of lives shared at Central over the past three years.
24 Years ago, 1973
Marge and Justin Sleight write that they arrived safely in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa and were on they way to mission service at the Bo Eye Clinic, also in Sierra Leone. The Sleights thanked readers for the resounding send-off Sunday at Central prior to their flight departure.
28 Years ago, 1969
Central entered into an agreement with the newly organized St. Matthews A.M.E. church for the temporary use of the Mary Sabina Chapel for Sunday worship service and to assist in their efforts to obtain a location and building of their own. This was subsequently accomplished and the agreement was terminated in 1971.
Education (Denise Fabbri,Education DirecBegins
Hopefully when you read this section you will have already browsed the Christian Education brochure included in this Journal. I hope everyone finds something that will interest them and plan to attend. The Sunday School Offering will be designated to various interests this year. I will keep you posted during the year to amounts received and when changes in focus occur.
Third Graders to Receive Bibles
Central’s third graders will receive a New Adventure NIV Bible during Worship on September 14. This Bible is written for children and includes side bars to help them understand better. Its bright purple and silver cover make it appealing to our young
Christian readers, who will be learning how to use them this year in Sunday School.
Sunday School Material Tree
Please help yourself to the “leaves” on our “tree.” Each one is a clue to something the Sunday School can use to teach about our Lord and His love. Drop off this special giving in the office. Thanks!!
Vision 2000
Central will be the child care host for this event. (See cover story) This is a major undertaking and I will need volunteers. If you are not planning on attending the event itself , perhaps you can help with providing a safe and fun environment for the children. Activities are planned for you and three hour shifts available. If you can help, please call Denise.
Boy Scout Open House
September 30 7:00-8:00 Fellowship Hall
Central has agreed to host a Boy Scout Troop. If you have a boy who is interested in scouting, put this important date on your calendar.
Resource Room Volunteer
I am looking for an individual to help me keep the resource room organized. This position would include filing, sorting, and maintaining the shelves with supplies. Much work has been done initially, but maintaining this area to allow the best use of resources is essential. As little as two hours a week would make all the difference. Please call Denise.
Bulletin Boards
The show case is available to everyone. Anyone who is interested in putting together a bulletin board for advertisement of an upcoming event please feel free to do so. There are several other board available to be used for displays. let’s spruce up the place and let everyone know what goes on here at Central. Call Denise if you need help getting started.
Library News
Our card file has many books on cards, but they are no where to be found in the library! Do you have a book from Central’s Library that has been hanging around your house for awhile and is overdue? Fear not! Please return it, no questions asked. There will be a crate in the library for drop offs. Thanks.
Dates to Remember
September 20
Heifer Project Training
Trinity United Methodist Church
10:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
Call Denise for more information
September 14
All Church Family Picnic - after Sunday School
Moores River Park, Lansing
Potluck
Call Ruth Brazee for more information
October Event
All Church Halloween Party
7:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall
Start preparing your costume!!
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A Central Place.