What is the business of the Church? Can you imagine what would happen to a community if there was 90% unemployment? What is the employment rate in Central? And what does it have to do with the business of the church?

There are numerous clues in our appointed Matthew Odyssey reading for this week. As you prepare for worship this Sunday take some time to read Matthew 9. Three clues can serve as a rudder as we hoist the sail to be moved by the wind/Spirit/breath (Pneuma in the Greek and Ruach in the Hebrew) of God.

Clue 1 - Matthew 9:9; It's all about following Jesus.
Clue 2 - Matthew 9:16-17; It's all about Jesus making all things new.
Clue 3 - Matthew 9:36-37; It's all about praying.

Come to worship! Sing, pray, listen, welcome new members and grow from the ministry of the Covenant Players. And then launch into summer by enjoying the food, fun and fellowship of Central's Block Party from 11:30am - 1:00pm. Dunk Tank will be highlighted by Joey and Phil being dunked.

And ask the Holy Spirit to help you discover the business of the Church?

Paul
paul.johansson@clcelkriver.org

Block Party is THIS SUNDAY!!!!
Sunday, June 3 from 11:00 am- 1:00 pm
Kick off summer at Central with this annual fellowship picnic and party, Activities include games, the dunk tank, a Hoagie lunch sponsored by Camp Noah, dramas by Covenant Players, and much more! Everyone is invited!

Avalanche Ranch - Come along for a Wild Ride through God’s Word
July 9-12 from 9:00-11:45 am;
$15.00 suggested donation
Three Year Olds – Second Graders
Children are grouped in multi-aged groups and follow their crew leader through different situations to learn about God’s love for them. Crafts, snacks, great music, drama, Chadder the Chipmunk, outdoor games.
Register online now or in the church office!

Music Camp: Livin' Inside Out in an Upside Down World
July 9-13, 2007 from 9:00-11:30 am
Students, grades 2-6, are invited to join director, Kristina Bjorkman.  This year we will be rehearsing, choreographing and producing the musical. Registration is $20 and includes music, CD, and T-shirt. The musical will be shared in worship on Sunday, July 15th, here at Central.
Register online now or in the church office!

Swedish Singers
...Are coming to Central as part of their US tour.  Their main task at home in Sweden is to enrich the worship of their home congregation in Hassleholm, a city in the southern Swedish province of Skane.  Mark June 17 on your calendar!

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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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

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
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.

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College-Age People
Virtual Journey Group 
Wednesday, June 6, 7:30-9:00 p.m. at Panera.  Questions?  Call Curt Hinkle at the church or Jessica Schmeckpeper (763-232-8648).

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Summer Stuff
Crooked Creek Ranch
Summer High School Camp July 21-29, Crooked Creek Ranch in Colorado - $595 (a few spots left). On-line registration and payment available.

Castaway Club
Summer Middle School Camp June 24-28, Castaway Club near Detroit Lakes - $375 (Very few spots left). On-line registration and payment available. RoadSide Service
The BEST Mystery Mission Trip for middle school kids, high school kids and adult kids for under $250. August 5-11 - $249.99.  On-line registration and payment available.

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Youth (Middle School)
L.A.M.E
Is your summer looking LAME? Join us for L.A.M.E., Tuesday, June 12! L.A.M.E.      (Lunch And Movie Excursion), kicks off at 12:00 Noon at Central Lutheran Church where we will drive to Chipotle for lunch and then to the Elk River Movie Theatre for a movie (TBD).  Don't be Lame come to L.A.M.E.! If you have any questions see Ryan Braley or call him at 763-441-2363. Other L.A.M.E. dates to follow in July and August!

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

Music Camp 
Students, grades 2-6 are invited to join director, Kristina Bjorkman, July 9-13, 9:00-11:30 a.m. for Central’s annual music camp.  This year we will be rehearsing, choreographing and producing the musical, “Livin’ Inside Out in an Upside Down World!”  Registration is $20 and includes music, CD, and T-shirt.  The musical will be shared in worship on Sunday, July 15, here at Central.  Register on-line, at the Welcome Center or in the church office.

Sports Camp
The camp dates are: August 6-9 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.  If you are interested in helping, please call Jill Pouliot at 763-441-2363.

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Seniors
June 6 at 11:30 am at the Hong Kong Buffet, 600 Dodge Street.  The cost will be approximately $6.00 per person.

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Healing Prayer
Tuesday, June 5 from 7:00-8:30 pm in the chapel. Anyone desiring an extended time for healing prayer is invited to come.

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
Takes participants through the grief process. Be sure to watch for the dates.
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DivorceCare
DivorceCare Is support for separated or divorced people. Be sure to watch for the dates.
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Out of the Shadows
For those who have had experience with abuse of have helped women who struggle with this issue.  If 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. This program meets on Thursdays, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. for eight weeks in the youth room.
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BeFriender Ministry
BeFrienders is a ministry of listening presence.  If you have a heart for helping others, people who are homebound, who are grieving or are going through a difficult  experience. 
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Special Children Special Parents
A support group for families with special needs. This group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month.
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Mission
Camp Noah Bake Sale
We have something for everyone!  Buy your mom some sweets at the bake sale and make a donation to Camp Noah.  Grab a fish from Noah’s water - each fish has a list of craft supplies needed for our day camp with children from Montegut, LA.  Bring your list of items back to Central by June 1.

Made in Minnesota
June 23 at Elk River Ford Dodge Jeep from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
This is the first phase of the building that will happen as a part of the 10 Houses in Five Day trip. You are invited to help build the framing for the homes built in Shreveport. Join Hope Filled Hands volunteers for a banquet following the build at the Sherburne County Fair Grounds from 5:00 - 9:00 pm.
Contact: Jason Beaver

If you became homeless today... Where would you go?  Many people are only one paycheck away from this situation. There are homeless people in our community needing assistance every week. As  Christians, our duty and privilege is to help those in need. If you feel called to be part of a new emergency shelter program that is currently being developed in Elk River, please contact Barb at 763-566-4991 (BWIS@charter.net), or Tami at 763-856-3032. We meet the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Central Lutheran Church at 7:00 p.m.  This is an interfaith effort, please join us! 

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Central Relay for Life 
Central is forming two teams to walk in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. August 3-4 at the ERHS track. We will camp out, walk the track, meet lots of  people, and raise funds for the fight against cancer. Alissa Peichel and Carole Eckstrom will  co-lead this event.  If you would like to purchase a luminary bag, we will have them available in the lobby TODAY and again on Sundays,  June 24 and July 22.

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers
The Elk River home is located off of Proctor Avenue, 1221 5th Street NW by the Elk River Library. For more information or to sign up, please call Dayna at 320-656-8890 ext 6 or at dadams@cmhfh.org.  Volunteer shifts are from 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.