PRAYER DISCOVERS GOD'S AGENDA

Odyssey 2010 - Building a Sending Church is all about seeking and discerning God's agenda for our life together. The more we are immersed in the Odyssey the more I realize that absolute necessity of prayer. The work and mission of God far exceeds our human imagination or comprehension. If we are going to be faithful to God's agenda we have to PRAY!

Every time Jesus faced an important decision, He Prayed. When he was tempted to do things by the world's methods instead of God's he prayed. When it was time to choose his disciples, He prayed the entire night. If the Son of God required a night of prayer in order to determine God's will, how long do we have to pray to clearly discern God's will?

At the heart of Jesus ministry is prayer;

* Prayer set the agenda for Jesus ministry (Luke 6:12)
* Prayer preceded the miracles (John 11:42-43)
* Prayer brought him encouragement at critical times (Luke 9:28-31)
* Prayer enabled him to go the Cross (Luke 22:41-42)
* Prayer kept him on the Cross despite excruciating pain (Luke 23:46)

These are just a few of the examples of the importance of prayer in the mission and ministry of Jesus. What about you? What about me? What about Central? Are we radically dependent upon prayer? If you have not yet signed up to pray for Odyssey 2010 - Building A Sending Church at a specific time each day please do so today. You can email Sonja and we will make sure you get on a prayer card. Just as importantly we are looking for additional persons to be recruiting 12 persons to pray. If you want to sign up to pray or are willing to recruit additional prayer persons please email Sonja Dixon at Sonja.Dixon@clcelkriver.org.

Thanks for your ministry!

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)

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.
more...

Maunday Thursday, April 5
12:00 Noon & 7:00 PM

Good Friday, April 6
12:00 - Childrens Program &
7:00 - Tenebrae Service

Easter Sunday, April 8
6:30 AM - Sunrise Service
8:00, 9:00 - Traditional Worship Celebration
10:00, 11:00 - Non-traditional Worship Celebration

Spring Alpha
Beginning Sunday, April 15
Everyone is welcome on an Alpha course and people attend for a wide variety of reasons. Alpha is a ten-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of opportunity for debate and discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and non-pressured.
more...

Men
Men's Morning Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:30 am - Otsego Cafe
click for more...

Men's Basketball
Thursdays at 7:00 pm in the FLC

Quest for Authentic Manhood
Thursdays at 6:45 pm
click for more...

Tuesday Men's Prayer
Tuesdays at 6:30 am in the Sanctuary

Men’s Boundary Waters Canoe Trip
click for more...

............................................

Adult Education
Beta
Sundays from 5:30 - 8:00 pm
click for more...

Crossways
Resumes April 15
click for more...

............................................

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?
click for more...

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...
click for more...

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.

............................................

Youth (High School)
Confirmation - Lent Time Change
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the Yuth Room
click for more...

Didaskalot (Bible Study)
Sundays at 9:30 am with Curt Hinkle
click for more...

Sunday Night Live - Host: Pam Black
Sunday at 7:01 pm.
click for more...

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

............................................

Youth (Middle School)
WyldLife
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the FLC
click for more...

The Studio - Returns March 28
click for more...

Road to Real
Sundays at 9:30 - 10:30 am in Room 211 with Tom-Pete and Ryan
click for more...

Journey Groups
Sunday evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.   If you’re not in a Journey Group and want to be, contact Ryan Braley.
click for more...

Food, Facts & Fun (Tutoring)
Wednesdays from 3:00 - 6:00 pm
click for more...

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

............................................

Children
SPLASH! Information Meeting
Monday, March 26 in the Yüth Room from 8-9:00 p.m. 
We are going to begin developing a program for families with little one(s) that are under three years old.  So much research shows us that the most growth that occurs in a person’s development happens before the age of three.  The name “SPLASH” refers to families raising their children “wet”, constantly aware of their baptism into God’s family. 

Women
Puttin’ on the Glitz - Women’s Night Out
Central women are encouraged to invite their friends and coworkers to the annual Women’s Night Out, Thursday, April 12, 6:30 PM, at Rockwoods in Otsego. The theme this year is “Puttin on the Glitz” so grab your rhinestones and purchase your tickets in the church office. The cost is $30 and includes a dinner (choice of salmon, chicken or pasta), doorprizes, and a program of locally produced talent! This event is usually a sell out so hurry in to the office today!

Small Group Studies  
click for more...

Jesus the One and Only
Thursdays at 6:45 pm
click for more...

Friday Night Crafts & Fellowship
April 13, 6-10 pm, rooms 210-211.
click for more...

Semi Silent Retreat
March 30-31
click for more...

............................................

Caring
GriefShare
Saturdays at 8:00AM in the Lounge. GriefShare takes participants through the grief process.
click for more...

DivorceCare
Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 in Room 126.
click for more...

Special Children, Special Parents
March 27 at 7:00 p.m
click for more...

Befriender Ministry
click for more...

............................................

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.

............................................

Missions
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
click for more...

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.
click for more...

Mission Extravaganza is now MORE!
Missions Offer Rewarding Experiences
Come see all the ways you can join in! Kick off March 25 - Soapy Sunday. Bring a bar or more of wrapped soap to fill the Big Soap Bar.

............................................

Thank You
A very heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the Valentine’s fundraiser for Abba Pregnancy Resource Center. The flower sale blessed Abba with a check for $353. We have also had miscellaneous donations coming in that have been sent to Abba, as well. These dollars came at a time when the Center was struggling to make ends meet, and your contributions directly aided the costs of maintaining and owning the Abba house.

Since the December 31 plea for Abba team volunteers, we have formed a group of 9 awesome people to help make Jesus known in our community. Thank you team, and thank you Central Lutheran for a job well done! A special thank you from Abba Center to the anonymous donor of Valentine’s roses to an Abba Mom. The excitement to share your heart is still in the air….Be on the lookout for information on the Abba team’s “April Shower” coming soon!

McC's Update
McC's will continue serving meals every Wednesday night from 5:00-6:15 pm through the summer. Currently, our funds have been depleted and any gift of money to support this ministry would be greatly appreciated. We feed approximately 100 youth every week who are unable to pay. Please note on your contribution - McC's. Thank you for supporting this ministry.