Central Family and Friends,

"I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6)

When Paul thought about his friends and family in Philippi, he detected a hidden plot in their lives. He understood that God is at work in his life and theirs. God has "begun a good work in you." What is God doing in your life? What is God doing in my life? What is God doing in Central?

Following Jesus isn't one big decision, but a process. God began a work, is working, and will be working on each of us until the day of Jesus Christ. Gradually we submit our desires, time, energy, cash, talent and habits to God. Over 30 years ago I remember a little lapel pin that people wore; PBPWMGINFY - Please Be Patient With Me God Is Not Finished Yet! God is not finished! God will bring His work to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. My life is a prelude, a preparation for eternity. Until that day we are a work in progress.

What is true of you and me as individuals is also true of congregations. God is at work in Central in many different ways. What is the project God is laboring over in in Central? What would completion look like? What is God's preferred future for our life together? These are just some of the ongoing questions of Odyssey 2010. One of the specific dreams that God is laying on the hearts of many is the need for an EXTREME SUNDAY MAKE OVER!

On Sunday, March 25 from 6:00 - 8:15 pm we will be having an evening to discuss and discern a dream for Sunday mornings. Next week you (members of Central) will receive a mailing outlining some of the plans for our time together on the 25. If at all possible I hope you can participate in this discussion and discernment. Connie will be preparing and serving the meal. You can email me to RSVP or call the Church Office at 441-2363.

In the meantime ask the question; "What is God doing?"

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

Lent Worship Schedule
12:00 Noon - Worship Service (Soup Lunch to follow)
6:15 pm - Worship Service (Soup served with McCs meal)
7:00 pm - Intergenerational Education Opportunities (below)

The Five Love Languages of Parenting
Wednesdays during Lent, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Are you equipped to love your son or daughter effectively? What about your teenager? Despite significant peer pressure, it is still parents who influence teens the most. And the door to that influence is love. Love is the most functional building block of parent-son/daughter relationships. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the Five Love Languages, parents must learn to express their love in a language that makes sense. Some youth long for tender words, while others desire a gentle touch, a thoughtful gift, a kind deed or quality time spent together. What love language does your child speak?

Prayer
Wednesdays during Lent, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
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.

A Weekend to Remember
March 30 - April 1 at the Marriott City Center
Marriage is defined by memories. In the early years are memories of passion and anticipation. Later come unexpected events, challenges and disappointments. The events of life will lead either to memories of joy and fulfillment or pain and heartbreak. So much depends on the most important relationship in your life.
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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

Men’s Boundary Waters Canoe Trip Informational meeting Tuesday, March 13 at 8:00 p.m.  This is a great trip for experts or novices - we will have a variety of groups and a variety of routes.  Contact Pastor Jeff for more information. 

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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!
This week we discuss “Worship and War”. 
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Managing Your Money
Sundays, 10:45 - 11: 45
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
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Lent Opportunities
Parenting Class on the Five Love Languages
Wednesdays during Lent, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Are you equipped to love your son or daughter effectively? What about your teenager?
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Just Walk Across the Room
Wednesdays during Lent, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
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 during Lent, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
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 - Lent Time Change
Wednesdays at 7:00 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 - Host: Beth benting and Special Musical Guest: NoReply
Sunday at 7:01 pm.
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JLO (Junior Leader Orientation)
For high school Juniors interested in serving middle schoolers through WyldLife, The Studio, etc. Contact Curt Hinkle or Ryan Braley for more information.

Crooked Creek Ranch - Summer High School Camp
July 21-29, Crooked Creek Ranch in Colorado
$595 (Register by April 1, $50 discount)
On-line registration and payment available

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Youth (Middle School)
WyldLife
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the FLC
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The Studio - Cancelled until March 28
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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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Castaway Club - Summer Middle School Camp
June 24-28, Castaway Club near Detroit Lakes - $375 (Register by April 1, $50 discount)
On-line registration and payment available\

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Children
What is Worship? (Parent-Child class)
Mondays, March 12, 19, 26 from 6:30-7:30pm in the Youth Room
Have you ever wondered exactly what worship is? It is hard to understand, and even harder to explain. In this class we'll talk about what the Bible says about worship, have some time to "experience" worship, get some ideas on how to set up worship times with your family, and develop some tools to help children focus on their worship experience on Sunday mornings. Recommended for children second grade and older to come with their parents.

VBS Planning Meeting
Monday, March 12 at 8:00 pm in the Youth Room
Avalanche Ranch will be our theme this year. Anyone interested in helping out is welcome to come be a part of this fun summer event! Dates for this year’s VBS are July 9-12.

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.

Small Group Studies  
In March three groups will be studying "God is with us in Our Suffering" using the study found in Lutheran Women Today (LWT). One group will meet Thursday, March 8, 9:00 am, room 205, Roberta Takle, hostess. The other groups will meet Tuesday, March 13. Mary will meet at 9:00 am, in Rooms 210-211, Jean Holt, hostess. Sarah will meet at Barb Overbye's home at 7:30 pm. These study groups are open to all women.
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Jesus the One and Only
Thursdays at 6:45 pm
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Friday Night Crafts & Fellowship
April 13, 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
March 27 at 7:00 p.m
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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
Camp Noah Information Meeting
This Sunday at Noon
Hurricane Katrina not only damaged structures but also the sense of security and confidence of many children. The camp includes indoor and outdoor games, art, music,  journaling, small group discussions, crafts, fun and a caring staff to be Jesus with skin on for children who have experienced disaster. Come find out how you can spend a week this summer making a difference in a child’s life! 

Butter Braids
Order March 11, Pickup March 28
Have you been waiting ..... the time is here. Order your butter braids from the Mexico
Mission Team through March 11th for delivery on Wednesday March 28 just in time for all your Easter company. There will also be a sign up sheet in the office.

Mexico Mission Team Trip Presentation
Sunday, March 18 from 9:00 - 12:00
We invite you to join us as we share pictures, and stories from this years trip. Cake and Coffee will be served.

The Foreigner Dinner Show
Friday, March 16, 2007
Dinner Seating 6:00 pm - FLC
Serving at 6:15 pm  SHARP
Play: 7:30 pm Zabee Theater, ERHS
Tickets:  $20
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Cabin Fever Snack Attack
Sunday, March 18
FINAL FUNdraiser for Robin's Nest
Snacks ‘n Such, Inc. will provide us with some yummy Minnesota trail mix, soups and “girlfriend goodies” on Sunday, March 18.
No ordering, product available on the spot.  Here are just a few of the items you’ll be tempted to try.
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