A BRIDGE COLLAPSES

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46)

This morning I received an email from Bishop Craig Johnson. He wrote, "When a tragedy of this magnitude occurs in a metropolitan area, people's confidence in the stability of daily life is shaken. As Christian people, our confidence is built upon the the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord, and a God whom we know rushes to the aid of those that suffer."

What can we do as the Lord's family at Central?

PRAY! Let each of us pray for all those who have been touched by this terrible event.

HELP! What can you do?

* You might consider donating blood for the first time.
* Financial gifts are always needed during times of crisis.
* Or what about writing a note of encouragement to the many civil servants who do so much to help us live in an orderly and safe environment.

REMEMBER EACH DAY IS A GIFT! Do you recall the words of Jesus when he talked about such disasters. In Luke 13 we read,

"At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them - do you think they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

Jesus took terrible accidents and tragic events and instructed people to consider their own lives.

If you need any support or help from your Central family, please email me. If you have friends, family members or co-workers in need of prayer, let us know and we will pray.

Paul
paul.johansson@clcelkriver.org

Sports Camp
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. Click here to register.

Central Endowment Fund Scramble Golf Tournament
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Riverwood National Golf Course, Otsego

2:00 pm Shotgun Start
6:30 pm Picnic Supper

Signup and you will be placed in a foursome or singup your team! $60 includes 18 holes, cart with GPS, an excellent meal and a tax deductible gift to Central’s Endowment fund.

Mission Garage Sale
Setup: August 14/15
Pre-sale: August 15, 5:00-8:00 pm - $3
Sale: August 16-18, 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Cleanup: August 18 after sale

We are in need of people to help with setup, working the sale and for cleanup. All who work the sale can designate a mission project to share in the proceeds. Contact Jim or Linda Sklenicka for more information, including donation dropoffs. (763) 441-2465.

Fall Kickoff - Tailgating Party
Sunday, September 9
Game Time - 8:00, 9:00, 9:30 & 10:45 am
Tailgating from 11:30-1:00 pm

The men of Central will be grilling brats and burgers. Feel free to bring a tailgating treat (not required for admission)

Join the Central team! Wear you favorite team's jersey to the big game.

Adult Education
Alpha
Beginning Sunday, Sept. 16, 5:15-8:00 pm.
There will be an Alpha Preview Dessert at 7:00 pm on Sept. 9. Free childcare is provided! Register online or call Pastor Jeff at 441-2363.

Crossways!
Tuesdays starting September 11 from Noon to 12:50 pm or come Tuesday evenings from 6:00-6:50 pm.
What was Jesus’ world like? What did they read, and believe, and remember? Come to Crossways this fall and learn about the years leading up to Jesus’ birth. We’ll look at those parts of the Bible written in the last few

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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

Men’s Fall Events
Thursday, Sept. 20 - Men’s Quest Begins

Saturday, Sept. 22 at 8:00 am - Men’s Kick Off Breakfast

Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8:00 am - Men's Breakfast

Friday, Nov. 9 - 11 - Men’s Retreat at Timber Bay. Governor Al Quie will be our guest speaker

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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 Reunion
August 13, 6:30-9:00 pm, Eric Zeigler’s Place, (Swimming, Food & other Stuff!)
19782 Lander Street NW, Elk River

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 online, in the church office or at the Welcome Center.

GRFHS (Gettin’ Ready for High School) Party
August 22, 7:00-8:30 pm, Yuth Room, For all incoming Freshmen

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Middle School
GRFMS (Gettin’ Ready for Middle School) Party
August 20, 4:00-6:00 pm, Yuth Room, For all incoming Sixth Graders. WE NEED PARENTS to cook and serve pizza. Call Jill Pouliot or Ryan Braley.

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Children
Extreme Sunday Makeover for Kids
Lots and lots of changes on the horizon in children's ministry are coming this fall. If you would like to get involved in building some new and exciting ministires for children, please call Jill Pouliot.

Story Time Central (Ages 3-5)
Monday, August 20 from 10:00 – 11:00 am or 6:30 - 7:30 pm
BUGS! Let's look close at God's little critters. Bring one along that we can study. Sign up on line. Anyone wishing to be a part of the planning of Story Time Central, please contact Michelle Risting at 274-0846

Children's Music Leaders
We are looking for some guitar players who would work on a team to lead music for children during their Tuesday night and Sunday morning Children's Chapel times. Most songs are so simple that very few chords are necessary to accompany the kids. Please call Jill Pouliot if you or someone you know might be able to share their gifts to help kids praise God through music.

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Congregation
Healing Prayer
Tuesday, August 14, 7:00-8:30 pm in the prayer chapel
Individuals desiring extended time for healing prayer are invited to the prayer chapel where a team of trained individuals will be available to pray with you and hear your concerns for mental, physical or spiritual healing. If you have questions or desire more information, please contact Jan Sjostrand at 263-8136. All are welcome.

Monthly Business Luncheon
Third Wednesday each month from 11:30-1:00 pm
Come for an opportunity to network with other businesses, hear from various guest speakers and have an outstanding lunch. Signup at the Welcome Center or by calling the church office at 763-441-2363.

Women
Wanted: Dangerous Women – Women’s Fall Retreat
September 14-16, 7:00 pm Friday through Sunday morning worship service
Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center, Farmington, MN
Come join us for a weekend of fellowship, relaxation and spiritual growth in a beautiful retreat setting. $110 for the weekend includes lodging, linens, four meals and activities or $50 for Saturday only, which includes three meals and activities. Enjoy Bible study, prayer, renewal, fellowship, fun, crafts and much more! Registration deadline is September 1.

Women’s Golf Outing
Tuesday, August 7, tee times beginning at 10:00 am at Pinewood in Elk River.
Central women and their friends are invited to sign up for a golf outing. We will meet at the club house at 9:45. Sign up by the foursome or as an individual and take the opportunity to get to know another Central woman! The sign up is available at the welcome center or in the church office.

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.

Friday Night Crafts
August 10 in rooms 210/11 from 6:30-10:00 pm
Come to quilt, do needlework, scrapbook, any craft or project you want to work on while enjoying fellowship with other women.

Elk River MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
Beginning Sept. 10 - 2nd Monday of the month from 6:45-9:00 p.m.
MOPS is a group designed to nurture mothers with children from infancy through kindergarten. Come and enjoy a wonderful evening with other mothers of preschoolers for great conversation, learning, crafts and much more in a safe, fun, and caring environment! Childcare is available. For more information stop by the church office or contact Darbie Olofson at 274-1257 or visit the MOPS website to seek additional information at www.mops.org.
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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.
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Hiding-Hurting-Healing Ministry 
This valuable women’s program is for people who have been a part of a difficult  relationship – in the past or in the present. If you have a desire to help other women and want to know more about this ministry, please contact Betty Zehringer.

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
Mission Garage Sale  
Do you have stuff you don’t know what to do with? Donate it to the Mission garage sale.  If you have old and slightly used  household items, furniture,  knick  knacks…  we have the place for them!  Please call Linda or Jim at 763-441-2465 to make arrangements to drop items off at the trailer or we will have someone pick up the items. Please note - We cannot accept the following: Electronics, including TV’s, radios, stereo equipment, computers or exercise equipment. 

Honduras Medical Mission
Central members Sue and Jim Hecker will be going to Honduras September 1-9 with a Medical Mission Team sponsored by the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of our ELCA. Chaplain Michael Wittkamper from Fairview Northland Hospital in Princeton will lead the twelve member team which includes a doctor, nurses, and several “gofers” (Jim and Sue). We will offer clinics in four locations in the area of the capital, Tegucigalpa, to provide free basic medical care for people from this very poor country. Team members will bring medications and medical supplies along from here in suitcases and crates. You can help with donations of unopened over- the- counter remedies which will be much appreciated. Vitamins are needed to improve overall health: prenatal (which help reduce birth defects); children’s chewable (no gummies please); and adult multivitamins. (Larger bottles are better for more efficient packing.)  Also needed are Tylenol and Ibuprofen type pain relievers (aspirin not needed), plain Benadryl, and triple antibiotics. Contributions can be labeled Honduras Mission and left at Central by Sunday morning, August 19, so we can pack them for the trip that afternoon. Your prayers for this important ministry will be welcomed. Call Sue or Jim with any questions at 763-441-4279.