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BACK TO BASICS
This week the Church Council and the Staff spent some time reading and reflecting on Bill Easum’s article, “Back to Basics.” What is the basic reason we exist as Central Lutheran Church? Bill Easum writes; “local congregations must return to the basics of the Christian faith, namely the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Nothing could be more basic yet profound than these two mandates from our Lord.”
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT
“Our churches once again need to return to the basic ministry of loving one another.”
We are in the midst a four week series on Just Walk Across the Room. One important aspect of this emphasis is learning to love one another. At Central we want to do all we can to walk beyond ourselves into the lives of others. We want to be a congregation that loves one another! Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples by the way you love one another.”
THE GREAT COMMISSION
“Our Churches once again need to return to the basic ministry of reaching out to the stranger.”
The Church is a lost and found box. We exist for the sole purpose of reaching out to the lost and helping them come to faith in Jesus Christ. We exist for the purpose of reaching out to all those who are estranged from God and neighbor. Bill Easum rightly says, “Evangelism is the rock bottom reason the church exists on earth.”
As we move forward with the Just Walk Across the Room series let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will help us return to the BASICS of the Christian movement!
Hope to see you Sunday as we get connected!
Paul Johansson
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Crossways!
Tuesdays from Noon to 12:50 pm or 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. |
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Alpha
Beginning Sunday, Sept. 16, 5:15-8:00 pm.
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.
Free childcare is provided! or call Pastor Jeff at 441-2363. |
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Beth Moore Study - Believing God
Thursdays, 6:45-8:45 pm beginning September 20
Based on Isaiah 43:10, Believing God: Experienceing a Fresh Explosion of Faith explores what it means to believe God. Through studying the lives of Abraham, Moses, and others from Hebrews 11 as examples of persons who believed God, Beth encourages women to deepen their own trust in God and receive a fresh word from Him. Join us for 10 life-changing weeks and learn to believe God |
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Men's Quest - Winning at Work and Home
Thursday evenings beginning September 27 from 6:45-8:30 pm at Central.
Join other men for a time of fun, teaching and discussion in a captivating journey for men to understand their identity. Pastor Johansson is the primary instructor for this course. The fee is $25.00 and includes the book, a graduation gift plus additional items. Scholarships are available. |
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Men's Morning Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:30 am at The Backroads Café - Nowthen
Join a great group of guys on Thursdays for breakfast and a thought-provoking Bible study. 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 Quest - Winning at Work and Home
Thursday evenings from 6:45-8:30 p.m. at Central. Join other men for a time of fun, teaching and discussion in a captivating journey for men to understand their identity. Pastor Johansson is the primary instructor for this course. Begins, September 27. The fee is $25.00 and includes the book, a graduation gift plus additional items. Scholarships are available.
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Tuesday Men's Prayer
Tuesdays at 6:30 am in the Sanctuary
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Men's Retreat
November 9-11 at Timber Bay
Two nights lodging, four meals for $90. Our guest speaker is former Gov. Al Quie. Signup at the Welcome Center. |
Men’s Kick Off Breakfast
Saturday, Sept. 22 at 8:00 am
Barry Ross, the former CEO of Herbergers, will be sharing his story of how Christ became real to him in the workplace. Invite another man and enjoy some excellent food, friends and fellowship. |
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Believing God - Beth Moore Fall Study
Thursdays, 6:45-8:45 pm
Based on Isaiah 43:10, Believing God: Experienceing a Fresh Explosion of Faith explores what it means to believe God. Through studying the lives of Abraham, Moses, and others from Hebrews 11 as examples of persons who believed God, Beth encourages women to deepen their own trust in God and receive a fresh word from Him. Join us for 10 life-changing weeks and learn to believe God! |
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. |
Elk River MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
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 . |
Young Women’s Bible Study
Tuesdays at 8:00 pm in the lounge
Women in their 20s-30s are invited to launch this new Bible study "Living Above Worry and Stress ." Mandi Kattengell will lead this group. 763-227-6708 |
Women’s Thursday Morning
Thursdays from 11:00 am -12:15 pm in rooms 210, 211
We will study the Book of James over the next 5 weeks. |
Women’s 9-month study of the Beatitudes
Mary Group is meeting at 9:00 a.m. at Adeline Story’s home with Margaret Zanke as study leader; Sara Group will meet at Barb Overbye’s home with Arlene Wells as study leader |
Women’s 9-month study of the Beatitudes
Lydia Group is meeting at 9:00 a.m. at Central in Room 205 with Aoulene Hauschulz as hostess and Sandy Weicht as study leader.
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Confirmation Parent’s Meetings
Freshmen Parents: September 13, 7:00 pm
Sophomore Parents: September 13, 8:15 pm in the Yuth Room |
Freshman Confirmation
Starts September 23
Yuth Room |
Bridges: An evening of worship for Journey Groups
Sunday, September 16, 7:00 pm
Bridges is a monthly high school worship service held on the second Sunday of each month. It’s main purpose is to gather (bridge) together all the high school Journey Groups on a regular basis for worship and teaching. Björk Ostrom will be leading singing at Bridges. |
SNL
Starts September 19, 7:07 pm in Studio 1103 (aka Yuth Room)
SNL is a large group gathering that is part of Central’s outreach ministry to high schoolers in our community. The evening is full of laughs, skits, singing and a talk by an SNL leader focusing on the Person of Jesus Christ. |
Sophomore Confirmation
Starts September 16, 6:00 pm
Yuth Room |
Fall Camp at Castaway Club
November 2-4; Cost: $99
More information @ SNL, Confirmation & Journey Groups
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Middle School Journey Groups Kick Off!
(7th & 8th Grade)
September 17, 6:00 -7:30 pm in the Yuth Room
For 7th and 8th kids who are ready to go deeper in their faith. The evening starts with a large group teaching time before kids break into Journey Groups. A Journey Group is made up of the same adult leader and 5-8 kids each week that support each other in their journey with Jesus through discussion, bible study and prayer. |
WyldLife Begins
September 19, 6:37 pm in the Family Life Center
WyldLife, a Young Life program, is Central’s LARGE group ministry to 7th and 8th graders that is outreach in nature (Fun, active, large group stuff; talks are designed to point kids toward Jesus). |
GettaLife (For sixth graders)
Mondays starting September 17 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm in the FLC
We are starting a new program called Getta Life. This is a transitional year for your sixth grade student both in school and here at Central. This gives us an opportunity to come along side your child offering support and building a strong relationship with them. A smaller group setting is key to making this work and it takes away the competition that sometimes exists with the seventh and eighth grade. It also allows us to provide better programming to meet their needs.
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JLO (1 & 2) Meeting
Moved to September 18 at 7:00 am (morning!) in Yuth Room
Small breakfast snacks will be served |
Food, Facts & Fun (Central’s Middle School Tutoring program)
Wednesdays beginning September 19 from 3:00-5:30 pm
Brochures / Registration forms available at Central’s Welcome Center and the Yüth Board. Questions: Bev Johnson (763) 441-6429. |
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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. |
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. |
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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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Mexico Mission 2008 Trip Meeting
Monday, September 20 at 7:00 pm in the lounge.
Plans are being made for the 2008 Mexico Mission trip. Deposits are due by the end of September. If you have any questions, contact Linda Sklenicka at 763-441-2465. |
Flooding in SE Minnesota
As we have all heard, numerous SE Minnesota communities have been severely affected by the recent heavy rains that have caused devastating flooding and forced many residents out of their homes. Lutheran Social Services is our contact for volunteering opportunities. If you would like to volunteer your services to help in the flood clean-up, please call Joyce Pederson (612) 922-0776. If you would like to donate money, simply mark your check "Disaster Relief" and put it in the offering plate. These funds will be forwarded to Lutheran Social Services. |
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Corner Bookstore News
Corner Bookstore & More has just received several new kinds of coffee and tea as well as organic roasted almonds and pecans. All of these are Fairly Traded items from Lutheran World Relief. Stop by the store soon. |
Choirs
Adult choirs begin in Septmber. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Brian Budahn at 763-441-4685. All adult singers are welcome! |
Camp Onamia Quilt Auction
9th Annual Quilt Auction on Saturday, September 22. There will be over 100 handmade quilts and crafts. This year a quilt raffle and a silent auction has been added! |
11th Annual Craft Show
Calling all crafters - do you make something special and unique? We would love to have you share it at the show! Central will be holding their 11th Annual Craft and Home Business Show on Saturday, November 3. We still have room for more crafters. Please stop by the office to pick up a registration form or contact Anita Gramstad at 763-241-8735 for more information. |
Business Networking Luncheon
Wednesday, September 19 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Guest speaker is Jeremie Kubicek, President and CEO of Giant Impact - The Atlanta based company that produces the Maximum Impact Seminars. Cost is $10.00. Call 763-441-2363 to register.
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Prayers for Healing
Sunday, September 30 from 9:00 - 11:00 am
Anyone is invited to stop by the Prayer Chapel for prayers of healing. |
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McC's Community Meal
Wednesdays from 5:15 - 6:15 pm at Central in the Family Life Center.
Pizza, Taco in a Bag, and Hot Dogs on a rotational basis. |
Wednesday Food Give Away
If you have extra garden produce and are willing to give it away, each Wednesday morning here at Central food is distributed to those in need. Please drop off your extra produce Tuesday evenings or early Wednesday mornings by Java Central. Thanks for sharing! |
Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Meeting
Sunday, September 23 at 12:00 pm in Rooms 210/11
Summer is almost over and it is time to start planning the Thanksgiving dinner! At this time we are in need for many volunteers. Please prayerfully consider helping on one of the following teams:
- Kitchen volunteers
- Set up/Clean up coordinator/volunteers
- Publicity volunteers
- Volunteer coordinator
- Hospitality coordinator/volunteers
- Transportation coordinator/volunteers
- Donation coordinator/volunteers
At this time we have close to $3,000 raised towards the dinner! We are going to have a planning meeting in the next couple of weeks- watch Christ Connect and bulletin for further details!
Contact: Kristen Norby at 763-241-1198 or
Jennifer Sundt at 763-241-9125 |
Heart Bread Program
Do you know someone in need of free, fresh produce and bread/bakery items? The Heart Bread Program distributes these free items every Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m. until items are gone. Come in Central at the south entrance. Anyone in need from the community is welcome! |
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