Family,

This Sunday we begin a three week series looking at three incidents when Jesus healed people from a variety of conditions. You might want to read and reflect on the three texts;

* May 6; Matthew 8:1-4 'JESUS HEALS THE LEPER'
* May 13; Matthew 8:5-13 'JESUS HEALS THE CENTURION'S SERVANT'
* May 20; Matthew 8:14-17 'JESUS HEALS PETER'S MOTHER-IN-LAW'

One of the gifts of being part of the body of Christ is healing. As members of the body of we are called to be inextricably connected to one another and be the instruments of healing and wholeness. The gift of Marriage can help us understand what this might look life. Last night at the Marriage Course 24 couples began to consider the mystery of marriage. Our instructor commented that mistakes, failures, and hurts create opportunities for growth, new life and healing. The tragedy is that most people don't stay connected long enough to truly experience healing. A hurt, mistake or failure occurs and we get angry, bitter and resentful. For lack of a better term we call this the "IRRITATION STAGE." Many Counselors suggest that 90% of people never move beyond this stage. We know this to be true in the Church in North America. We are so ingrained with freedom of choice that most of us simply choose to leave when conflict occurs.

About 10% of people actually journey into the 2nd stage; "ACCEPTING AND YIELDING." Healing will never occur until we move deeper into the soil of God's sovereignty and beneath the topsoil of human irritation and anger. The genius of the Alcoholics Anonymous movement is the first step which is the acceptance of one's condition. In AA, however, this is just the first of twelve steps to healing.

The tragic truth is that only minority of people stay connected to self, neighbor and God in such a way that their lives move into the third stage of "DISCOVERY." What does God want us to discover in our mistakes, failures and brokenness? What does God want us to discover in our illness, pain and disease? Instead of fleeing, avoiding, blaming, hiding and running God wants to stand with us and teach us; "EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH YOU ARE WITH ME." (Psalm 23)

Please pray that God will bring healing to many of us these next three Sundays! What are areas in your life that need healing? What are areas in our congregation that need healing? What are areas in our community and world that need healing? As we prepare for our worship experiences these next three Sundays, consider what it might mean for Jesus to bring healing.

Paul
paul.johansson@clcelkriver.org

P.S. If you still want to come to the five week Marriage Course on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:15pm you are welcome. Upcoming topics include; "Marriage and the Forgiveness Bath," "Let Go and Emphasize Differences," "Marriage is a Relationship of Listening," "Meaning of Becoming One," and "The Marital Mission." We gather on Thursdays at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

10 Houses in Five Days Info Meeting
THIS Sunday at 6:30 pm
The results of Hurricane Katrina has had far reaching affects in the coastal Gulf region. Shreveport, LA experienced a doubling of their population as Katrina refugees moved to higher ground. This will be our second trip to Shreveport in conjunction with local ministry Hope Filled Hands led by DJ Bakken. Come and find out more about this trip and then stick around to hear Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity and The Fuller Center for Housing speak on the great need of Christians to be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need of a home.

Community: Together We Can Make A Difference with Special Guest: Millard Fuller
THIS Sunday, May 6 at 7:30 pm
Millard Fuller’s 29-year leadership forged Habitat for Humanity into a world-wide Christian housing ministry building over 200,000 homes with projects in 100 countries. The need for safe, affordable housing is great. The United Nations estimates that over a billion people around the world live in substandard housing. The Fullers founded Habitat with the simple, if audacious, goal of eliminating poverty housing.

Maximum Impact Broadcast
Friday, May 11 from 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
7:00 am - registration, 8:00 am start time; lunch included. Cost: $39.00
Contact: Sheri Merkling

Outdoor Worship Setup Team Meeting
Monday, May 14 at 7:00 pm
Outdoor worship is back beginning June 3 at the 10:45 service. We are searching for approximately 12 people to help be a part of a rotating setup team. This involves bringing our portable audio system outside and connecting wires, etc. Training will be provided. We would love to have enough people where you would only need to commit to one Sunday per month.
Contact: Jason Beaver

Men
Men's Morning Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:30 am
The Backroads Café - Nowthen Join a great group of guys on Thursdays for breakfast and a thought-provoking Bible study. We are working through the gospel of John. We meet at The Backroads Café in Nowthen at 6:30 a.m. First time you visit, your breakfast is on us!  Contact Pastor Jeff. Be sure to note the change of location!
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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 Trip
June 14-18
This trip is a great opportunity for beginners or more experienced canoers.
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Canadian Fishing Trip
July 28 - August 4; Cost: $435
We are joining the men of Zion Lutheran in Anoka for the 1st annual fishing ministries at Pasha Lake Cabins in Ontario, Canada. The $435 includes 7 nights lodging, breakfast, dinner, boats, motor, trailers, gas, bait, license and good fellowship. This is a walleye dream trip. Call the Church office for additional information. Dan Dixon from Central will be along to help all of us novices - yes he will bait your hook and clean your fish.

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Adult Education
Simply Christian
Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 pm 
Not since C.S. Lewis’s classic summary of the faith, Mere Christianity, has such a wise and thorough scholar taken the time to explain to anyone who wants to know what Christianity really is and how it is practiced.  In his book, Simply Christian, N.T. Wright walks the reader through the Christian faith step by step and question by question.  Wright challenges skeptics by offering explanations for even the toughest doubt-filled dilemmas, leaving believers with a reason for renewed faith.

Crossways - “The Preexilic and Exilic Prophets”
Sundays at 9:30 am and
Tuesdays at 11:00 am
A ten week course of the prophets; thus says the Lord! Sign up in the Welcome Book or at the Welcome Center.

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, 7:01 p.m.
Guest Host: The Late Harry Caray
Special Musical Guest: Kelli Hanson
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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

Salad Luncheon Fund-Raiser
May 20  10:30-12:30 am
SIGN-UP SUNDAY AT THE WELCOME CENTER

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Youth (Middle School)
WyldLife
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the FLC
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The Studio
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Road to Real
Sundays at 9:30 - 10:30 am in Room 211 with Tom-Pete and Ryan
We are viewing and discussing the new release One Night with the King.
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Journey Groups
Sunday evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  
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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
100 Dresses Book Club
Mondays, April 30-May 21, 4:00-5:15.
Girls in grades 3, 4 and 5 are invited to a special Book Club for four weeks, right after school. Sign up by calling the church office, in the welcome book or e-mail Jill. If you need a ride from school to church, call Jill so we can arrange one at 763-441-2363.

Sports Camp Planning Meeting   Monday, May 7 at 8:00 p.m. in the Yüth Rüm.  The camp dates are: July 30 - August 2 for children 2nd - 5th Grade.  What fun we have learning about God's awesome love for us while also gaining some sports skills. We need lots of adults and big kids to help "coach" our kids.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Mark your calendar for July 9 -12. (3 years old-2nd Grade) This years theme: “Avalanche Ranch"

Six Week Bible Study
Thursdays from 11:00 am -12:15
Join us as we study the book of 1 John.  Bible study guides are available in the office for a suggested donation of $5.00.  Sign up is available at the Welcome Center and in the church office.

Friday Night Crafts & Fellowship
May 11, 6-10 pm, rooms 210-211.
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Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)
Monday, May 14 from 6:45 – 9:00 pm
Join us for a speaker on a mom-relevant topic, discussion and fellowship with other moms of young children, and a craft.  Call Kirsten 441-4538 or Anita 241-8735 for more information.

Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study at the Coborn's Deli
Tuesdays from 6:45 - 7:45am
What a Awesome way to start your day! Great Conversation around God's Word over breakfast with a bunch of Women!! I can't think of anything better! Bring your bible and join us as we begin our journey through the New Testament beginning in Luke.

The Three Day 
The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a  60-mile walk for women, August 24-26, who want to make a personal difference in the fight against breast cancer. A couple Central women are interested in forming a team.– call  Sonja Dixon in the church office.

The Power of a Praying Woman
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm or Thursdays mornings from 11:00-12:30 pm beginning June 11/12 respectively. Sign up at the Welcome Center or by calling the church office

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Caring
GriefShare
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DivorceCare
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Special Children, Special Parents
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Befriender Ministry
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Out of the Shadows
Thursdays from 6:30 - 9:00 pm in the Youth Room.
If you have had experience with abuse of have helped women who struggle with this issue and you would like to be part of a ministry to bring Christ’s healing for painful relationships, call JoAnne 763-753-8182 or Betty at 763-441-2363.
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Mission
10 Houses in Five Days Info Meeting
THIS SUNDAY at 6:30 pm
The results of Hurricane Katrina has had far reaching affects in the coastal Gulf region. Shreveport, LA experienced a doubling of their population as Katrina refugees moved to higher ground. This will be our second trip to Shreveport in conjuction with local ministry Hope Filled Hands led by DJ Bakken. Come and find out more about this trip and then stick around to hear Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity and The Fuller Center for Housing speak on the great need of Christians to be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need of a home.

Jamaica Mission
This Sunday members of the Jamaica Mission Team will be sharing their Robin’s Nest experience with you at all three services.  We invite you to visit with us in the lobby throughout the morning to talk about the projects we worked on and delight in the smiles of the children and team members, as we share our pictures and stories of “Making Jesus Known.”  If you are interested in making this trip part of your faith journey, please talk with Kelby Klimek or Carol Greier.   GOD BLESS YOUR GIVING HEARTS!

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Quilters
Meet at 12:45 p.m. on the first and third Mondays in rooms 210, 211 to assemble quilts for  missions.  We welcome anyone who can tie a knot to help with this mission project.

Community: Together We Can Make A Difference with Special Guest: Millard Fuller
Sunday, May 6 at 7:30 pm
Millard Fuller’s 29-year leadership forged Habitat for Humanity into a world-wide Christian housing ministry building over 200,000 homes with projects in 100 countries. The need for safe, affordable housing is great. The United Nations estimates that over a billion people around the world live in substandard housing. The Fullers founded Habitat with the simple, if audacious, goal of eliminating poverty housing.

Beautiful Roses
Visit the Corner Bookstore and More to see the beautiful roses made from wood     shavings. A variety of color that will last  a lifetime for that special someone in your life.  All proceeds go to a non-profit organization that is raising funds for homes that will be built in Louisiana for pre-qualified evacuees. Visit  www.hopefilledhands.com for more information.

Prayers for Healing
The chapel will be open for those desiring a time for healing prayer or conversation from 9:00-Noon Sunday mornings, May 13 and May 20.

Annual Taste of Elk River
Saturday, May 19 from 5:00 - 9:00 pm
The festival is a food and wine tasting event held at Lions Park Center from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from any Rotary member and at the Bank of Elk River, First National, ER Area Chamber of Commerce, Northbound Liquor and Westbound Liquor stores. The Rotary Club has decided to purchase a walk-in freezer for CAER with the net proceeds from this event.  CAER will be able to store more donated frozen foods and meat in this new cooler.