Central United Methodist Church

Let’s celebrate! May 11th marks the fiftieth anniversary of the consecration of our sanctuary by Bishop Richard Raines. It was the official “opening” of the sanctuary for worship...a Grand Opening! On Sunday, May 11th, this year when we worship we will use some of same liturgy, scripture, and hymns from that consecration day. Some of our members will share their memories of the move from the old sanctuary to the new.
Another way we can celebrate is to enjoy talking with some of our members who were here at that time. There are over fifty of them still with us. Between services we will hold a reception in their honor in the fellowship hall. There will be a display of Central UMC memorabilia from that era. Come and join us. Remember the past...and dream of the future.

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
IN PLANNING STAGES

An exciting project has begun! A contemporary worship service is being planned as an addition to our existing schedule of Sunday morning services. It is intended as an alternative worship choice in addition to our two traditional services each Sunday. Many details will need to be worked out, but a team of church members has been working on it for several weeks now.

What is a contemporary worship service?
There are many ideas about that. Here is our team’s working definition: Contemporary worship honors God and celebrates the good news of Jesus Christ in a freeing atmosphere that is personal and participatory, and expresses music, scripture, message, and prayer in the style of the current culture of the worshippers.

Why do contemporary worship?
Here is our team’s working mission statement: We will have contemporary worship in order to support individual spiritual growth and promote more inclusive Christian community by providing an alternative for our current members and assisting persons not now participating in Christian worship to find themselves able to worship God.
Our team’s vision is of a style of worship with special appeal to teens, twenties, singles, young families and many others. It will be offered on Sunday morning, but not in competition with our existing services. It will be very participatory, and both joyful and reverent. Intimacy with God and with each other will be encouraged.
Do you have a passion for this project? Would you like to help in some way? I would love to hear from you in person, by phone, or email me at phil@richmondcumc.com.

CLERGY RENEWAL LEAVE

Our Staff Parish Relations Committee and our Administrative Board have graciously allowed me to apply for a three-month Clergy Renewal Leave grant through the Lilly Endowment. Scott, Eldon, and other staff members have stepped forward to say they would carry on the ministry during my brief absence. If Lilly Endowment awards us this grant, we will be notified by the end of June and the leave would take place next August through October. My time would be spent in a focused study on preaching and would include activities for personal spiritual growth and intentional family time as well. Some exciting activities for congregational renewal are planned also. Some of you have been kind enough to ask me about this project. We have copies of my application document available in the church office for anyone who would like to know more. And please ask me any questions you may have.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

WE PLAN TO BEGIN A NEW CLASS FOR STEPHEN MINISTERS THIS FALL
If you think you might be interested or would like more information, fill out this form and put it in the collection plate.
Please send information about Stephen Minister training to:

Name:______________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________

Or contact: Rena Dilworth 962-8214 or Phil Dorrell 962-8543.

MAY PSALM SERVICE

Our May PSALM service will be held on Saturday, May 17th, at 6:00 p.m. This month Pat Heiny will be our featured speaker. April’s service was very well attended and was a blessing for everyone there. Those attending in May are sure to be blessed again with this time of song, praise, prayer and sharing. Afterwards, browse for a few minutes and share some snacks as we spend some time in fellowship. Mark your calendar TODAY. (Nursery service is provided).

2008 GRADUATING SENIORS

If you will be graduating from high school or college in May or June of this year, please turn in your name and the name of your school to the church office. We would like to recognize these seniors on graduation Sunday, June 8th.

ALTAR GUILD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are currently working on the 2009 Altar Guild schedule and are in need of additional volunteers to help fill candles, check pews for pencils, cards, etc. It takes about 60-90 minutes each week for 1 month. We need 1 additional volunteer for the months of March and April, and 2 volunteers for May. If you would like to volunteer some of your time, please call the church office at 962-8543.

A WALK IN THE GORGE

Dig those walking shoes out of the closet, put on comfy clothes, grab a water bottle and join us for a mid-day walk at the Gorge. Weather permitting, we will meet at the Test Road entrance at 1:00 p.m., April 17th. Walk at your own pace. We usually walk 40-60 minutes.

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“Do all the good you can,
in all the ways you can,
to all the souls you can,
in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can,
as long as ever you can.”
~John Wesley
For one way to heed this advice scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on ARKALMIGHTY.

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CHILDREN’S CHURCH IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS

If you are currently volunteering to help with Children’s Church THANK YOU for your time and dedication. We are in need of additional volunteers. If you would interested in volunteering to help in this important ministry, please contact Charlie Black at 962-8543.

Question of the Month

" WHEN HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED AN ANSWER TO PRAYER THAT SEEMED TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?"

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PRIMETIMERS-meet at noon on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays in Fellowship Hall. Reservations are very much appreciated. On Wednesday, May 21st, Dick Anderson will present the program on “ A Christian Magician?” Persons interested in attending are asked to callthe church office at 962-8543 to sign up.

MEIJER COMMUNITY REWARDS

Central United Methodist Church is now enrolled in Meijer Community Rewards, a program designed for schools and religious groups.
If you shop at Meijer, we can automatically receive cash rewards from your purchases! First, you have to join Meijer Community Rewards. It’s free and can be done on-line at Meijer.com/rewards or by mailing in an application. We have some available in the church office. When you enroll, simply designate Central UMC as the organization you want to receive your Meijer Community Rewards using Central’s 6-digit code number 730422. Enrolled members then pay for their Meijer purchase with cash or a PIN-debit card and their Meijer 1 Cards, or with their linked Meijer Credit Card.
This program has proven to make a significant impact in serving other nonprofit organizations—ours will be no different. Purchases with a Meijer Credit Card earn 1% for the church. Purchases by cash or PIN-debit card along with your Meijer 1 Card earn 0.5% for the church. If you have any questions, please call us at the office or visit Meijer.com/rewards. Thank you for your support.

CHILDCARE WORKERS NEEDED!
Do you love to rock babies, read to toddlers, sing nursery rhymes? Are you a high school student, a stay at home mom, or a retiree in need of some extra cash? We are in need of paid babysitters for:1. Our committee night meetings, scheduled events and
Sunday morning services. If you feel led to help with
this very important ministry, please contact the church
office at 962-8543.

2. Parents Morning Out is seeking loving caregivers for
Wednesdays and Thursdays. Substitutes & regular (paid) positions are available. Please contact Kim
Shively at 965-7416. Parents Morning Out meets on
Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-12:00 at
Central.*Mission Statement: Parents Morning Out seeks to provide respite for the parent and a loving
environment for the child that encourages
independence and social development.

Volunteers are needed before both services to smile and warmly greet those attending our services. If you would be willing to greet before one of our services, please call the church office at 962-8543. While you are at it, let them know which of the two morning services you prefer to volunteer. Thank you.

THE FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We have lost a few of our volunteers and would be so happy if you know of anyone who would like to help out a few times a year. We work the 2nd Monday and the 4th Friday of each month from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Thank you!

COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY

COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY is the second Sunday of the month. The pantry needs our contributions of food and other necessities. Spaghetti sauce, canned tuna, canned meats, and other high protein items are always needed and appreciated. Cash contributions may also be made using the envelopes in the pew racks. Simply mark them for “FOOD PANTRY” and place in the offering plate.

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Contact Central United Methodist Church
Last Updated: May 2, 2008