Christ Connect - A Weekly Update from Central Lutheran Church, Elk River, MN
Central Lutheran Church Christ Connect
A Message from Paul

How will you be connected to our worship this Sunday? Have you prayed for our worship experiences this Sunday? During these summer months we are moving through Matthew's gospel at an accelerated pace. This week our message will be rooted in Matthew 11 & 12. Take some time to read through the two chapters and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what it means to be Making Jesus Known in and through your life.

Matthew 11:28-30 are some of the most poignant and timely promises that Jesus offers his followers. "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

What is our responsibility?

* We are to COME to Christ!
* We are TAKE the yoke of Christ upon us
* We are to LEARN from Christ

Come, take and learn! The rest is God's responsibility. I hope to see you in worship this Sunday.

Paul

 
Sunday Worship
8:15 am - Traditions
Traditional LBW (Lutheran Book of Worship)

9:30 am - Celebrations
A Variety of Styles

10:45 am - Innovations
Praise and Worship Service

Tuesday
6:30 pm - Midweek
30 minute worship service


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Swedish Singers here THIS SUNDAY!
The 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!

We are in need of homes to host some of the singers. Please contact Sonja Dixon in the church office or at .

 
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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!

My Story
What is your story? Share with others how Christ has made an eternal difference in your life. Email your story to and we will post your story in Christ Connect.
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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!

 
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Sports Camp
August 6-9 from 6:30 -8:30 pm
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.
Register online now or in the church office!

Kingdom Assignment Update
Has God given you a Kingdom Assignment? Would you like to update people on the progress? Then this is the spot for you. Email your Kingdom Assignment update to and we will post your update in Christ Connect.
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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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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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College-Age People
Virtual Journey Group 
Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 pm at Panera. We’re working our way through the Gospel of Mark.  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 (HIgh School)
Confirmation  
Is your son/daughter going to be in 9th grade this fall.  Do you have him/her registered to start Confirmation this fall?  Then PLEASE DO SO BY JUNE 24.  You can register , in the church office or at the Welcome Center.

Journey Groups
Meeting at various times throughout the summer.  Check with your Journey Group leader.

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Middle School
L.A.M.E
Is your summer looking LAME? Join us for L.A.M.E. (Lunch And Movie Excursion).    Tuesday, July 10th!   Kicks off at 12:00 Noon at Central Lutheran Church where we will drive to Subway/Taco John’s 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.

ValleyFair!
Join us on July 31st for an all day trip to ValleyFair!  Meet at Central at 9:00am and return by 10:00pm. Cost: $30 (assuming 25 kids register) plus $ for lunch and dinner. 

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Children
Story Time Central (Ages 3-5)
Monday, June 18, 10:00-11:00 am or 6:30-7:30 pm - “God gave us imaginations!  Come and put yours to work at Story Time Central!

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.

Celebrate, Dream and Embrace Children's Ministry at Central 
Sunday at 9:30 am in 210-211 or Tuesday, June 19 from 7:30-8:30 pm in 210-211.
Come to one of the following times to have a conversation about the future of Children's Ministry at Central as we move forward in Building a Sending Church and the Extreme Sunday Makeover. Who should come? Anyone who is wondering about what is happening with kids at Central.

Women
Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study at the Coborn's Deli
Tuesdays from 6:45 - 7:45 am
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
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 pm 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.
click for more...

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Mission
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:

Mexico Mission Trip Meeting Wednesday, June 20 at 7:00 pm in the Chapel.
Interested in going to Mexico in October?
If you have questions...this meetings for you.

M.O.R.E. 
Missions Offer Rewarding Experiences can use your outdated devotional booklets. You can pick up a shopping list for the items we are collecting.  Pick yours up today at the M.O.R.E. table.

Heart Bread Program
Do you know someone in of free, fresh produce and bread/bakery items? The Heart Bread Program distributes these free items every Wednesday from 9:00-12 noon at Central. We are located just inside the south entrance. Anyone in need from the community is welcome!  No questions asked and take as much food as needed. 

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Congregation
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.

Business Networking Luncheon
Wednesday, June 20 from 11:30-1:00 pm
$10 includes lunch
Meet other business professionals in the community, grow your leadership skills and grow your business. Our June speaker is Karla Heeter, author of “If You’re Too Busy To Laugh, You’re Too Busy” on Wednesday, June 20 from 11:30-1:00 p.m. $10 includes lunch, networking and the speaker.  Call Central Lutheran to register at 763-441-2363.

ALPHA Applebee’s Breakfast
Saturday, June 23 from 8:00-10:00 am.
All money collected from ticket sales goes to the Alpha ministry. Tickets will be sold in the lobby today. $5/Adults; $3/Ages 3-10 and   children under two are free.

 

 

 


SOUNDBOARD HELP!!!!
We are looking for a person who would be willing to run the soundboard during the 8:15 & 9:30 worship services. Please contact if you are interested. Training is available!


 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Community
McC's Community Meal
Wednesdays from 5:00 - 6:30 pm at Central in the Family Life Center.
1st Wed - Pizza
2nd Wed - Taco in a Bag
3rd Wed - Hot Dogs
4th Wed - Sloppy Joes
5th Wed - Connie's Choice

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.

Christ Connect is a service of
Central Lutheran Church
1103 School Street
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 441-2363
webmaster@clcelkriver.org