Amazing Grace!

This Sunday our text is Matthew 5:13-20. Jesus says YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH....YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. The scriptures are clear; "If any one is in Christ he or she is a new creation for the old has passed away." Hence Jesus says; 'You are...' Not you should become or you must be but 'You are.' Jesus Christ is the one who calls us into being and creates this new identity. We are not the authors of our own existence. We are birthed by the Spirit of God into being "salt" and "light." What does it mean for you to be salt and light? What does it mean for Central to be salt and light?

In the days of Jesus there was no refrigeration so SALT was primarily a preservative. It was often rubbed into the meat to keep it from spoiling. (As a child I loved rubbing rock salt into the hides of Gazelles that my Dad had shot so the skin would be preserved until we took it to the tannery.) So when the world seems to be out of sorts and rotten the question becomes; Where is the salt? What happened to the salt? Do we dare dream that it is God's preference for us to lose our life in the structures and systems of this world so it will be preserved? We, the body of Christ, are the Salt called to preserve God's will for his creation.

This Sunday, we will join thousands of Churches in United States and sing Amazing Grace to celebrate the ministry of William Wilberforce. 2007 marks the 200th anniversary of William Wilberforce's quest to live as the salt of the earth. He spent his life working as a political social activist that resulted in the abolition of the slave trade throughout Great Brittan. On Friday, February 23, a major motion picture entitled Amazing Grace: The Story of William Wilberforce will be showing in theatres across the country. Let's consider how we can be salt of the earth and join the Amazing Grace movement to fight to abolish modern day slavery. Today over 27 million people are being trafficked as slaves around the world. This is unacceptable! Where is the salt of the earth?

Paul Johansson, Senior Pastor
paul.johansson@clcelkriver.org

Amazing Grace: The Story of William Wilberforce
Sunday, February 18
2007 marks the 200th anniversary of William Wilberforce's quest to live as the salt of the earth. He spent his life working as a political social activist that resulted in the abolition of the slave trade throughout Great Brittan.

Fat Tuesday Celebration
Tuesday, February 20
The festivities begin with a pancake & sausage supper from 5:00 to 6:30 PM followed by worship with Pastor Jeff from 6:30 to 7:00.  The evening will include great food, kids’ activities, masks and beads, photo booth, music and a few surprises!!  Don’t miss the chance to “stuff” yourself with pancakes.  Your donation to this event supports our mission of “Making Jesus Known” at Robin’s Nest Children’s Home in Jamaica.

Lent Adult Education Opportunities

• Parenting Class on the Five Love Languages
• Just Walk Across the Room
• Prayer
• Financial Freedom for the Rest of Us

more information below...

Men
Men's Morning Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:30 am - Otsego Cafe
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Men's Basketball
Thursdays at 7:00 pm in the FLC

Quest for Authentic Manhood
Thursdays at 6:45 pm
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Tuesday Men's Prayer
Tuesdays at 6:30 am in the Sanctuary

24 Hour Men's Retreat
Feb. 9 & 10, 2007
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Boot Hockey
Saturdays at 8:00 am, Handke Stadium on Main St. and Proctor.

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Adult Education
Beta
Sundays from 5:30 - 8:00 pm
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Crossways
Sundays at 9:30 & Tuesdays at 11:00 am
Guests are always welcome at Crossways!
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If Money Could Talk What Would Your's Say?
Sundays, 10:45 - 11: 45 beginning Feb. 25
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm beginning Feb. 27
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Lent Opportunities
Parenting Class on the Five Love Languages
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. beginning Feb. 28
Are you equipped to love your son or daughter effectively? What about your teenager?
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Just Walk Across the Room
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. beginning Feb. 28
Have you ever wondered how to share your faith with others? Jesus didn't force faith on anyone. He had no memorized script or set of handouts...
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Prayer
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. beginning Feb. 28
Do you feel like your spiritual life is missing something? Would you like to understand, experience and practice the many forms of prayer? Men and women are invited to join Sonja Dixon as together we delve into communing with the Creator of the universe.

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Youth (High School)
Confirmation
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the Yuth Room
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Didaskalot (Bible Study)
Sundays at 9:30 am with Curt Hinkle
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Sunday Night Live
Sunday at 7:01 pm.
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Youth (Middle School)
WyldLife
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the FLC
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The Studio
Wednesdays after school
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Road to Real
Sundays at 9:30 - 10:30 am in Room 211 with Tom-Pete and Ryan
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Journey Groups
Sunday evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.   If you’re not in a Journey Group and want to be, contact Ryan Braley.
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Food, Facts & Fun (Tutoring)
Wednesdays from 3:00 - 6:00 pm
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Children
Parent/Child First Communion Class
February 21, 6:00-7:00 pm, or
February 24, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Fifth graders will recieve more
information in the mail. Anyone else interested in attending should call or e-mail Jill Pouliot to register.

Women
Puttin’ on the Glitz - Women’s Night Out
Thursday, April 12 at the Rockwoods Event   Center.  Cost: $30/includes meal, dessert and entertainment.  Purchase your ticket in the church office.  Do you sing, dance or have an act you would like to showcase for the        program?  Leave your name and a description of the act at the office.

Women’s Brunch,“With Love from Mexico”
Saturday, February 17 at  9:30 a.m. The   Mission Mexico women will share their stories about their January trip.  Free-will offering.  Sign up at the Welcome Center or in the office by February 14. 

Small Group Studies  
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Jesus the One and Only
Thursdays at 6:45 pm
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Bible Study - 1 Peter
Thursdays at 11:00 am at Central

A Call to Grace
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm
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Friday Night Crafts & Fellowship
March 9, 6-10 pm, rooms 210-211.
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Semi Silent Retreat
March 30-31
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Caring
GriefShare
Saturdays at 8:00AM in the Lounge. GriefShare takes participants through the grief process.
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DivorceCare
Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 in Room 126.
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Special Children, Special Parents
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Befriender Ministry
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Seniors
AARP Tax Aide  
Tax preparation service is available to taxpayers with middle and low income with special attention to those age 60 and older.  Please note that taxpayers with complex tax returns will be advised to seek professional tax assistance.  The Tax-Aide will be available each Wednesday at Central until April 12. Marv Ziner and Joan Lewis are AARP volunteers.  Tax forms will be E-filed.

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Missions
Sights and Stories from Tanzania - Tanzania Mission Trip Info Meeting
Sunday, February 25 at 12:00 at 12:00 noon
Dr. Ron and Ingrid Eggert will be sharing some stories and slides about Tanzania. Stories and slides will be shared about some of the work of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania. In addition Pastor Johansson will be sharing some information about the educational mission trip to Tanzania during the last two weeks of October. Sign up in the Welcome Book, at the Welcome Center or call the Church Office(441-2363) to RSVP.

March is Minnesota Food Share Month
Saturday, March 3 there will be school buses are Coburns and Cub from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Please plan on purchasing non-perishable food items and bring to one of the buses. This is a great way to care for the hungry in our community. Let's do our part as the Central body! Let's help fill the SCHOOL BUS! Link to CWS

World Day of Prayer
Friday, March 2
A prayer service will take place on 12:00 noon at Union Congregational Church. The public is welcome!