September, 1999
Bob Pena delivers car to Belize, Central America
By Rev. Francis F. Anderson, Ret.
Mr. Bob Pena of Lansing is a recent new member of our church, through the
friendship of Dottie and Jim Stark. Bob has had a most unique experience.
He had a dream, he says, about taking an automobile to Central America and
leaving it there. This came to Dottie's attention, and she referred him to
Frank Anderson.
It so happens that Frank had received a request for a used vehicle in September
of 1997 from the superintendent of the Corozal Methodist Circuit where he
once served. None was to be found until Bob Pena came forth. In discussing
the plan and the request, it became apparent that Bob's plan might be just
the answer. Bob and Frank proceeded to negotiate and talk with the pastors
in Belize to see whether it was feasible. The Corozal Church welcomed the
offer! Frank and Win were last in Belize on a personal visit in February
of 1996. This had given them an updated view of situation in that mission
station.
Mr. Pena is 36 and unmarried. He works for the State of Michigan and had
time to pursue this project which is more aptly called, "a mission of the
church". He had a 1988 2-door Mustang hatchback and began to recondition
it for the trip. Full inquiries were made about how to take a car into and
through Mexico and deposit it in Belize for a new owner. The trip would be
about 3800 miles to Corozal Town from Lansing.
Everything opened up for Bob. All systems were go. With his adventuresome
spirit and commitment to deliver the car in good shape, he prepared the car
and himself for the long trek. On May 18, 1999, or thereabouts, he left Lansing
as the sole passenger/driver to reach Corozal, the northern most town in
the country of Belize. He was prepared for tire or mechanical breakdowns,
should they come, and made his way to Brownsville, Texas by the 20th. At
the border, he was delayed so that papers could be verified and a hologram
issued for car identity and insurance. Only with patience was he to achieve
his goal!
Bob followed the eastern coastline of Mexico through Tampico and Veracruz,
on to Villahermosa, and into the subtropical area of the states of Campeche
and Quinta Roo. There was an exhaust system breakdown along the way, and
Bob sought the help of villagers and was able to resume his journey. Many
times during the trip Bob felt the prayers of Central's folks.
On May 27, he reached the Mexican border at Santa Elena near Chetumal. Another
delay. It took a day for them to clear the car, and he entered Belize on
the 30th, Memorial Day weekend. The Methodist Manse was only 10 minutes further
down the road! The Rev. Stephen Mullings, son of a Jamaican pastor known
to Frank, welcomed him. He stayed with the Mullings' family for several nights.
He also experienced a fast round-trip ride to Belize City on the Northern
Highway (a one-lane road in the 70s, taking 5 to 6 hours travel
time).
The transfer of ownership to Rev. Mullings was made in good order. On June
1 Bob flew home by way of a bus north to the airport of Cancun, Mexico. Since
Bob's return, we received an acknowledgement letter of gratitude (dated June
23) from Rev. C. David Goff. Copies of Goff's letter may be perused on the
bulletin board at Central UMC on the second floor in the Temple
House.
We thank and honor you, Bob Pena, for your sacrifice and courage to have
donated a car to the Belize/Honduras District Methodist Conference. This
selfless action will long be remembered and surely will benefit the Corozal
Circuit minister, as well as the people of the Methodist churches in that
circuit, for several years. WELL DONE, FAITHFUL SERVANT OF
GOD
Thank you
Many thanks for the lovely birthday cards and to those who attended my party.
The presence of Rev. Boley and Rev. Anderson was much appreciated. The management
of Delta Retirement Center contributed to the success of the party by providing
the dining room and other services. Hosting the party were Barbara Marsh,
Eleanor Moore, Arline Roe, Dorothy Good, Shirley Ambrose, Hazel Trebilcock,
and Mary and Wes Yard. Over 100 attended and 137 cards have been received.
I am very thankful for such a blessing.
Pauline Austin
Red Roses
To Pam Jennett and Denise Kelley for cleaning and organizing the Resource
Room.
To Audrey Holly and Marge Sleight for helping to organize the callers and
hostesses for the new pictorial directory.
To all the callers & hostesses who worked with the directory
project.
To Dottie Stark for the letters to ALL of our summer campers.
To Bryan Halter for his continuing work in the church garden and in particular,
to his efforts in making our lawn look great!
Central's Prayer Chain
A confidential, prayer chain ministry is available 24 hours,7 days a week.
To initiate a prayer request please call one of the following prayer chain
leaders:
Daytime 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Janet Mort at 321-2330
Karen Holoweiko at 626-6798
Pat Basgall at 485-9477
Evening 5:00 p.m. -8:00 a.m.
Pat Bell at 482-4098
Nancy O'Shea at 372-6156
Our Prayer Chain Ministry is open to anyone who would like to become a
participant.
With Sympathy to the family and friends of the following Central
members who have recently died.
Loney Gordon, July 16, 1999
Hilma McCaskey, August 7, 1999
Kenneth Templin, August 10, 1999
Take Note ….
Food Bank in need of supplies
By Dave Schuurmans
The Food Bank is very much in need of large paper grocery bags. Please save
them and drop them off at Central's Food Bank.
Youth need winterized cottage
By Jamie Tipton
The youth are in need of a winterized cottage. They would like to take a
Winter Weekend Retreat sometime in January or February. Please let Jamie
Tipton or the church office know if you have one or know someone who has
a cottage available.
Ice Cream Social September 12
Following the first day of Church School we will enjoy an Ice Cream Social
in Fellowship Hall. Everyone invited! Volunteer scoopers needed. Call
Denise.
Calling all musicians!!!
By Caryn Welter
If you are a vocalist or someone who just likes to sing, why don't you join
the chancel choir at its first rehearsal on Thursday, September 9, in the
choir rehearsal room? The fellowship is great, and this is a fun way to serve
your God through serving your church.
If you are a bell ringer, feel free to join our ongoing Thursday night rehearsals
at 6:30 p.m. In the
sanctuary. Never will you feel more part of the team effort than when your
ringing is critical to what goes before and after in the bell music.
If you are a parent, please see the welcome flyer to learn about children's
choral groups. If your child hasn't participated in the past, encourage him
or her to give it a try.
Yard care volunteers are needed
By Dottie Stark
The shrubs and flowers around the church are one of the first signs of an
active, caring congregation--and an invitation to come to Central. The upkeep
can be an overwhelming task for a few people, OR it can be an opportunity
for your family or church group to take an active part in service to your
own church. We now have a chart dividing the area into various size spots.
Can you Adopt a Spot or Share a Spot with a friend?
Weeds need to be pulled. Dead flower blooms need to be cut off. Shrubs need
to be trimmed. Ivy needs to be continually removed to preserve our church
walls. Flowers need to be watered. Flower beds by the sidewalks, along the
churchyard, need to be weeded. Trash needs to be picked up.
See Bryan Halter or Dottie Stark in Fellowship Hall to learn more about this
need and to sign up. You can also call Dottie Stark at 482-7834. Looking
forward to your sharing of a gift/talent.
Trustee Notes
By Jim Mort, Chairperson of Trustee Committee
It's hard to believe that summer is almost over. The Trustees have taken
a break from meeting during the months of July and August and will be back
in full swing starting with our meeting in September.
Several months ago I wrote that part of the Trustees mandate was to see that
there are adequate facilities for the missions and ministry of our congregation.
My questions to you are, "What do you see are the primary missions and ministries
of the congregation of Central United Methodist Church? What do we need to
do to further these missions and ministries?" As Trustees we need this
information from you to do our job properly. It is easy to sit in meetings
and get wrapped up in taking care of the building and equipment and the busy
work of the church. But that is not what we as a church should be about.
We need to be about the ministry of Jesus Christ. Be thinking about what
our missions and ministries are or should be. Talk about it with each other
and with us. I look forward to hearing from you.
I just received a note from Mary Jessup and the Gifts and Memorials Committee
reporting that they have finished putting together their brochure of suggestions
for memorial gifts. I wanted to mention this for two reasons. The first is
to recognize the Gifts and Memorials Committee for the good job they do.
The Gifts and Memorials Committee has two responsibilities—the first,
to help people who desire to give a gift to Central, possibly to honor the
memory of someone.
Their second responsibility is to ensure that these memorial gifts that are
given are appropriate and fill an existing need at Central. I believe that
the Gifts and Memorials Committee takes these responsibilities seriously
and that Central is benefiting from their stewardship. A big THANK YOU to
the members of the committee. The members of the committee are: Rev. John
Boley, Freda Hewitt, Ruth and Herb Norton, Ruth and Duane Perry, Laveda and
Walt Poyet and Mary Jessup.
The second reason I wanted to mention this is for anyone who is considering
a memorial gift to check with Mary and the Gifts and Memorials Committee.
I am sure they will be happy to work with you. Remember the Trustees meetings
are open for anyone to attend. We meet on the third Tuesday of the month
at 6:00 p.m. In room 23. Minutes from previous meetings are posted in the
hallway outside of room 23.
May you be aware of God's many blessings.
Partnership For Preservation Christmas Cards
Let the hallmark of your Christmas season be a Christmas card purchased to
support Partnership for Preservation.
Cards are packaged in groups of 15 for $8. Beginning in September, they will
be available for purchase each Sunday during coffee hour or at the church
office during business hours.
The proceeds from the sale go to Partnership for Preservation, a fund dedicated
to maintaining and preserving the structural integrity of Central United
Methodist Church and Temple House for the purpose of providing a location
for religious, cultural, recreational and community service to the city of
Lansing.
Visit our web site at www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc to learn more about the card
and Partnership for Preservation.
1999 Crop Walk
Sunday, October 10, is the 23rd Greater Lansing CROP Walk to help fight hunger.
The route starts at Dwight Rich Middle School at 2 p.m. registration beginning
at 1 p.m.).
Last year 57 organizations (mostly churches) participated. The 687 walkers
raised over $67,000. About $18,000 of that amount came from the 14 participating
Methodist churches. There were 143 CROP Walk events in Michigan in 1988,
and they raised nearly $2 million. Twenty-five percent of the money raised
stays in each local area, and 75% goes to provide food, medical care, and
disaster relief throughout the world. All the money raised by a walker goes
for these purposes because the cost of putting on each walk is covered by
other means.
Central's nine walkers raised $1,307 last year, and their participation is
greatly appreciated. Because of the increase in the "hunger needs" in our
world, we are hoping that more Central members will participate in this year's
event. Consider a leisurely 5-mile walk on a beautiful fall afternoon; this
is not very difficult. It's a worthy cause and a walk will do you good! Sign
up on any September Sunday morning to be a walker and get a big list of
supporting sponsors. To non-walkers, if you don't do the walk, at least you
can be generous in your support of those who do.
If you have any questions, call this year's Central CROP Chairman, John Zago
(487-3013) or talk to him at the sign-up table in the Fellowship
Hall.
United Methodist Women
By Pat Mort
How can the summer be "over" already? It's hard to shift gears from summer
thinking to fall planning, but UMW is up to the challenge! Fall is upon us,
and we have a full schedule of events planned to encourage, challenge and
enlighten one and all!
Circles begin anew this month. Judy Grove and Susannah Wesley Circles meet
September 13. Judy Grove is having a planning potluck at Linda Towsley's
house. Come between 6 and 6:30….Hot tub available! Susannah Wesley is
meeting at the Church at 6. Mable Morrison and Rebekah/Ruth Circles meet
September 21.
September 16 is District Annual at Grand Ledge UMC. This is a wonderful time
of finding out more about UMW in general and Lansing District in particular.
Fliers will be available for this event on one of the billboards in Fellowship
Hall.
September 22 is our UMW sponsored All-Church Parent/Child Potluck! Come with
your child and help us celebrate the beginning of the school year! Our own
Central Bells will be providing our musical entertainment -- and who knows?
We may have a trick or two up our sleeve! Bring your own table service and
a dish to share. Beverages will be provided. We hope to start at 6:15
sharp!
Reservations are not necessary but would be appreciated. Want child care?
Contact Pat Mort.
Looking ahead to October for early planners, the Conference Annual is October
23 in Reed City. Like our District Annual, this is a wonderful
opportunity.
On Wednesday, October 13, UMW is sponsoring an All-Church Potluck as a part
of the District Mission Saturation. Bring your own table service and a dish
to share. Beverages will be provided. Come share in fellowship and hear from
one of our representatives in the Mission Field. We hope to start at 6:15
sharp! Reservations are not necessary but would be appreciated. Want child
care? Contact Pat Mort.
October 10 is the Lansing Crop Walk. Interested in being part of a UMW group
of walkers? Check those calendars! Let your circle leader know so she can
get with the Mission Team on this!
And, speaking of Mission Team, we meet again, ladies. This time the Mission
Team will meet September 7 at 6:30 in the Centennial Room. Not on the Team
but interested in what's going on? Come on down and join us!
A plea to Nominating Committee members: Do you know who you are? It's time
to start planning for leadership for next year! And, to those of you who
would like to be actively involved in UMW, let someone on the Mission Team
know, we'll get you in touch with the right people!
Christmas by Candlelight is December 4 at 2 p.m. in the Dining room. Please
mark your calendar.
Elderberries group news
The newest group to Central is the Elderberries. This group of seniors, who
have been meeting since the March kick off to the "International Year of
the Older Person," has named themselves the Elderberries.
The next luncheon and presentation will be on Tuesday, September 28, beginning
at 10:30 a.m. in the dining room. Charlene Ezell will present "The Power
of Reminiscing." Lunch will be provided by Tri-County Office on Aging, at
$2.00. Please call the office to make luncheon reservations by September
21st. Transportation is available and parking will be at First Presbyterian
with shuttle service to Central.
Church school to begin
Unit 1 Theme: We Too Are Your People
Sunday, September 12th at 11:00.
Grade levels are as follows:
Pre-school- off the library
Kindergarten- Balcony
1st & 2nd- Balcony
3rd – Fellowship Hall, right side
4th & 5th – Fellowship Hall, left side
Jr. High – 6th, 7th, & 8th Skylight Room at 10:45-11:30
Sr. High – Loft at 10:45-11:30 Note: Jr. High and Sr. High attend at
10:45 to accommodate the new Youth Musical Group rehearsal at
11.30.
Adult Whole People of God –Centennial Room
Social Principles – 1st Floor.Lounge
Central's Youth Director
By Pat Wangen
Jamie Tipton will fill the position of Director of Youth Ministries at Central
for the coming year. Jamie stepped into this job upon the resignation of
Steve Lyon last year, first sharing the position with Karen Stefl, and then
taking over on her own for the summer months.
Jamie has done an excellent job in working with the youth and in directing
them on their summer work project in Kentucky. Jamie says that she's "learned
that this position takes a lot of creativity, new ideas, relating to the
youth, a good attitude (if you're not happy, they aren't happy), understanding,
patience, energy, planning, and organizing. I've learned that youth can be
honest about their feelings, self-sacrificing about their wants, blunt about
their needs, and helpless about tough situations. But as much as they need
guidance, youth are scholars, they can teach you a lot if you let them."
The Youth Council was impressed with these thoughts and with her concept
that the youth director needs to "act as a guide, to help the youth make
their own choices about religion, beliefs, and their relationship with
God."
Jamie has been a part of our Central family since 1988. She has been involved
in virtually all of the youth programs at Central and has attended UM Camps
for many years including 4 years at Lake Louise Senior High Camp. Jamie has
been a member of Central's Administrative Board for 2 years, and on the Education
Commission for 1 year. Jamie graduated from DeWitt High School in 1998 and
is in her second year of attending Lansing Community College as a full-time
student. She was a volunteer youth counselor before being hired as youth
director.
We hope everyone will support Jamie and our youth in all their projects and
activities in the coming year.
Lessons from the Holy Land (New class begins September
14th)
Looking for a different kind of Bible study? This new series should appeal
to just about anyone who wants to know more about the Bible. That the World
May Know, by Raynard VanderLaan, studies the people and events of the Bible
in their geographical and historical contexts. Once we know the who, what
and where of a Bible story, we are better able to understand the why; leading,
then, to a stronger relationship with God.
Ten Old Testament lessons and 15 New Testament lessons are taught by VanderLaan
as we visit the Biblical locations via 20-25 min. video sessions. The rest
of each lesson will involve guided discussion, Bible references and general
digging deeper, with the help of full-color overhead
transparencies.
Each class will last 90 minutes. An optional 15-30 min. time for sharing,
prayer and socializing will follow. The starting time of the class can be
at 6:00, 6:30 or 7:00 PM, depending on class preference. Our first class
will start at 7:00. We will decide that evening if an earlier time would
appeal to our group.
For the sake of group bonding, we encourage class members to commit to regular
attendance. If you cannot join until later in the year, that's not a problem;
but once you start we will count on you each week. There will be a break
between the O.T. and N.T. sections (mid Nov. to Jan.).
No preparation is required! Hand-outs encourage reflection on the completed
lesson each week. There's nothing to purchase! No fees, either. The following
quote is taken from the "Introduction to the Study" in the Leader's
Guide:
"The message of the Scriptures is, of course, eternal and unchanging—but
the circumstances and conditions of the people of the Bible are unique to
their times. Consequently, we must clearly understand God's truth when we
know the cultural context within which He spoke and acted and the perception
of the people with whom He communicated. This does not mean that God's revelation
is unclear if we don't know the cultural context. Rather, by learning how
to think and approach life as Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Esther and Paul did,
modern Christians will deepen their appreciation of God's Word. To fully
apply the message of the Bible to our lives, we must enter the world of the
Hebrews and familiarize ourselves with their culture. That is the curriculum's
purpose."
Class begins Tuesday, September 14 at 7:00 PM in the Tea Room. (take the
elevator to the basement) Please contact co-leaders Joi Tennant at 224-8159
or Dave DeVinney at 372-6761, or call the church office if you are planning
to attend.
Musical Notes
By B. Caryn Welter, Music Director
The following was written by Terry MacArthur for use as a Kent '82 worship
service sermon, and it is from the text of 1 Cor 12. I brought it back from
this summer's Convocation for the Fellowship of United Methodists in Worship,
Music and the Arts. To fit the Journal's format, I arranged it in paragraph
rather than skit form. Otherwise, it's unedited. Perhaps you will find it
worthwhile and meaningful.
The organist was fantastic! He could play Bach, Brahms, Franck, Mendelssohn.
He knew he was talented, so he played only the best quality music. Whether
anyone else liked it or not, he was giving his best to the Lord. Whether
anyone knew it or not, he was improving the culture of the church. Whether
anyone wanted it or not, this was his gift. So he took it upon himself to
protect the church and God from inferior sound.
The singer was great at country, gospel hymns. She knew how to reach the
hearts of the people, to bring them back to Christ, to make them feel religious
again. Except the organist wouldn't accompany her. It was beneath his dignity
to play such trash. So she sang without the organ. This was her gift. She
would move the people. She did a good job; a few were moved; some felt religious.
But no one was saved.
The choir director could pull the choir together. Even amateurs could sound
good. Good enunciation, fine tone, great blend. The sopranos never screeched,
the basses never rumbled, the tenors never cracked, the altos never mumbled.
Except the gospel singer didn't like the pieces. They were too difficult.
They weren't her style. The organist hated sitting through all those rehearsals,
especially when they worked a capella. But the choir director knew that this
was her gift. The choir sang well, but few heard. They enunciated clearly,
but few caught the message. They did well, but no one cared.
The dancer was strong and agile. He could make dashing leaps and swirling
turns. His whole body could burst with joy or mourn with sadness. Except
the singer still could not accept that kind of thing in church. The organist
hated the music he picked. The choir director resented all the attention
he got. She felt upstaged. But, dancing was his gift. He would dance for
joy, but no one was joyful. He would bring new awareness about life, but
they were contented in their security. He would bring them freedom for their
bodies, but they didn't want to have free bodies.
The preacher was powerful and expressive. The Psalms would vibrate. The liturgy
would flow. The gospel would come alive. Her voice became the trumpet of
God, the whisper of the Spirit, the call of the Son. Except, while she was
preaching the organist was waiting to play, the singer was waiting to sing,
the choir director was waiting to direct, the dancer was waiting to dance.
But preaching was her gift. She preached with authority, but no one obeyed.
She preached with power, but no one trembled. She preached with emotion,
but no one cried.
The organist, the singer, the choir director, the dancer, the preacher, each
with a gift all his own, each failing to the source, each missing the creative
course, each waiting for her gift divine.
Then entered a word. It whispered through fabric. It called through empty
space: "Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Lord."
Many gifts, but one giver. Many talents, but one God to be praised. Many
parts, but one body. For out of an organ can come music, but out of a
congregation comes hymn. Out of a dancer can come movement, but out of a
community comes the rhythm of the kingdom. Out of a preacher can come a sermon,
but out of a church comes the living embodiment of the Spirit of
Christ.
Out of the combined talents of the people of God comes a festival of
joy.
Summer Mission Potluck a Success
By Joi Tennant
Nearly 50 of our church family chose to spend a hot Monday evening on July
19th sharing the fellowship of a fine potluck feast in our dining room. The
food filled our bodies, but the program fed our spirits in a most inspiring,
memorable way.
Larry and Laura Hills left a lucrative farming career in Western Michigan
to answer a call to be "God's missionaries" in Africa. The Hills, missionaries
to 3 different areas of Africa over their 32 years of service, presented
an overview of their life's work. What an awesome privilege it was to see
and hear a modern day witness of the power of God at work when a man and
woman completely give their talents and life to serve Him. It was a story
of down-to-earth, resourceful people fully alive and effective because of
their partnership with the Source of all life and all resource. At the end
of their presentation an offering of $435 was collected to be used for their
most recent project, the hand-pedaled tricycle for the many polio victims
in the Congo.
Antonio Jordan, one of Susan Grettenberger's and Mary Boudreau's foster children,
wrote the following essay after attending the potluck. We hope you will remember
his concluding request when the Mission Commission Giving Tree is in the
library during Advent.
Life in Africa
By Antonio Jordan
Life here is different than in Africa. Some things they do are fish in Mountain
streams, and canoeing. People who have no legs and things like that are given
a P.E.T. A PET is a way of transportation. This way they will be able to
get married and things like that. They also have many fruits and vegetables.
They are also living their lives almost like ours.There are many things in
Africa such as birds, like birds we have never seen. I am asking you to help
them live like us by giving donations.As we go about our very fine, comfortable
lives, what can we claim as true sacrifices offered because we are desiring
to be instruments of God's love and order in the
world?
On repairing church roofs
By Msgr. Murphy, Saint Mary's Cathedral, Lansing
"I believe it is one of my crosses in life to repair and re-roof church and
school buildings. When I was first sent to St. Thomas Aquinas, I noticed
the expansive nature of that roof with its mansards. I thought, 'I sure hope
I never have to replace that roof and its mansards. Guess what? I did, and
it was a pain..."
Then I came to St. Mary's Cathedral and shortly thereafter we sprung a leak
in the sacristy. We had to replace part of the roof over the original sacristy
area. Now I just received the rotten news that we have a leak in the main
sacristy roof and that many of the flashings and gutter areas on the high
roof are in need of repair. We will have to do some tuck pointing and caulking
around windows and joints. 'Ain't it wonderful.
I tell you all this news because 'we' pay for it. You'll hear more about
that in the weeks to come. But there is the bad news, the good news, and
the bad news. The bad news is there are leaks in the roof and re-caulking
is needed. The good news is that we have the money to pay for it. The bad
news is that the money is in your wallets.
I think I'll end this article on that 'holy and pious
thought..."
Garage sale a success
By Dottie Stark
The UMW garage sale, July 28-30, at the home of Jim & Dottie Stark profited
$273.15 for missions projects.
In spite of the record high temperatures, they were able to sell much of
the rummage from the church storage area. The church has very little storage
space available. The UMW is unable to receive any items between its advertised
sale dates. The United Methodist Women appreciate receiving your good, saleable
items as each sale date approaches.
Thank you to the workers: Agnes Gamble, Audrey Holly, Lois Jenkins, JoAnn
Knechtel, Loretta Marvin, Royal Reed, Earl Shirtum, Ruth & Rex Smith,
and Mary & Wes Yard.
Special thanks to: JoEllyn Roe for the loan of her truck, Justin Sleight
for transporting sale items and clothing racks from the church to the Stark's
garage, Joe O'Shea for the loan (plus delivery and pick up) of 3 long tables,
Arline Roe and Don Pickard for the loan of a table and for providing handmade
baby quilts and Norma Hanson for her many hours (and days) of transporting
sale items, setting up, and working on the sale.
Dr. Barrett to be available for financial planning
By Jon H. Reynolds
It has been a busy summer for many of us. Vacationing and visiting with children
and grandchildren has kept us busy. Maybe you even got a few things done
on that "need to do list" that you have been putting off so long. Did you
work on your financial plan?
Several members of the congregation spent the summer making an important
decision regarding where the Church fits into their financial plan. In their
meetings with Dr. Wayne Barrett they put many key parts of their financial
plan together. They took the initiative in their planning and designated
Central United Methodist Church as a benefactor in their plan. Just as these
members of Central, you must take the initiative to prevent the State from
being your beneficiary. It is estimated that many Americans are without even
the simplest financial planning tool—the Will. The pledging of your
assets through your Will can be a vital part of this effort. The Will is
only one of many financial tools that can be used to your financial advantage
to benefit you, your family and the Church.
Dr. Wayne Barrett, of the West Michigan Conference, will be available this
fall for those who wish to discuss plans for pledging assets for preservation
of Central Church. A schedule of Dr. Barrett's visits will be announced.
Call the Church office to schedule your time. Partnership for Preservation
provides ways in which you can use your financial plan to benefit Central
United Methodist Church.
The mission of Partnership For Preservation is to develop a fund dedicated
to maintaining and preserving the structural integrity of Central United
Methodist Church and Temple House for the purpose of providing a location
for religious, cultural, recreational and community service to the City of
Lansing. The bottom line of this campaign is financing the day to day structure
and infrastructure needs of the facility for the future. Naming the Church
as a beneficiary in your estate plan or the making of an endowment gift can
assure the preservation of our historic church facility. This can be done;
using various financial instruments.
Call the Church or visit our web site at http://www.gbgm-umc.org/centumc
to learn more.
Missions Commission Notes
By Rev. Francis F. Anderson, Ret
The Missions Commission worked hard on the recent mission potluck dinner
and their labors were not in vain. We are grateful that Central is sponsoring
through Covenant, a National UMC Missionary couple now assigned to the Red
Bird Mission in Kentucky. Their names are Mark and Rebecca Smallwood. They
are from the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist
Church.
This is to say that the Lansing District is having a Mission Saturation Event
for all local churches in the District, October 9-14, 1999. Its purpose is
to alert congregations through visiting interpreters to the current work
of Church Missions in Ministry. Although we are all ministers of Central
Church, we are also all missionaries as well. That week to come in October
can have a positive and informing affect on us all. We look ahead to the
Mission Event! As missions go, so does the church.
Return to previous page, or to
A Central Place.