 |
Reformation
In the early 1500’s in the small town of Wittenberg, Germany God was working in the heart and mind of a young man. This young scholar was asking the question; “How can a person find favor with God?”
The more he asked the question, the greater his frustration and outrage with his church grew. This young monk didn’t want to be a rebel, but he was horrified with the abuses that he saw. One terrible practice of the church was to accept payment for the forgiveness of sins. In other words, one could sin and obtain forgiveness for that sin by payment of money to the church – without repentance.
In 1508 this young man began teaching his beliefs at the University of Wittenberg. In 1517 a representative of the Pope came to Germany selling certificates presigned by the Pope, offering a pardon of all sins to whoever purchased one. A person could even buy them for relatives.
On October 31, 1517, a trembling Martin Luther marched to the front doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg where he posted 95 Theses, soon to become famous throughout the world. It was a turning point in Christian history. Over the next forty years half of the Churches in Europe became Protestant, beginning the Reformation. Social, political, and economic structures were reformed – even the Roman Catholic Church made changes.
Certainly Martin Luther had no idea of the impact his life would have. But because he was willing to study the Scriptures, let God control his life and be obedient to the Word God used him in a powerful way. This Reformation Sunday may God’s Spirit move amongst us in such a powerful way that each of us will “trust and obey.
Paul Johansson
|
|
|
 |
Mission Extravaganza and Chili Cookoff
Friday, October 26 at 5:00 pm
Chili Cookoff Details
Chili served from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Judges Choice Awards at 7:30 pm
$4/person $12/family up to 4
Mission Extravaganza
Come and experience your own little mission trip around the world as you help assemble health, midwife, school, sewing and hospice kits for global missions.
Start your journey with bowl of chili served by visiting ministry teams. The fare is at an all time low rate with the additional bonus of voting several chili pots off the island, leaving only one to receive the prized "People's Choice Award."
The trip starts at 5:00 pm and ends at 9:00 pm. Missions Offer Rewarding Experiences! |
|
|
Trash to Treasure!
Instead of throwing away your empty shoe boxes, turn them into something special for someone in need. Please participate in Central’s Operation Christmas Child project this year by filling a shoebox with toys and other presents for a child in need. There are information packets available for people who are willing to be collections points in their neighborhoods, families, etc. Shoebox collection is November 18. Brochures on what to include in your box and other important information can be picked up at the information booth or the welcome center. |
|
 |
Men's Retreat
“Wanted: Dangerous Men” on November 9 – 11
$90.00 includes two nights lodging and four meals at Timber Bay Lodge just north of Onamia, Mn. Our guest speaker is former Governor Al Quie. The first fifty men who sign up are guaranteed spots. You may email me directly or sign up at Central this Sunday. A lot of great stuff will be happening. |
|
 |
Thanksgiving Meal
Planning Meetings
Sunday, November 4 at 12:00 pm in rooms 210/211
Sunday, November 11 at 12:00 pm in rooms 210/211
We are organizing a Thanksgiving meal at Central to feed those families in our midst in need. This is an fantastic way to spend your Thanksgiving being the hands and feet of Christ.
Contact: Kristen Norby at 763-241-1198 or
Jennifer Sundt at 763-241-9125 |
|
|
|
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!
|
Men's Quest - Winning at Work and Home
Thursdays 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. |
Tuesday Men's Prayer
Tuesdays at 6:30 am in the Sanctuary
|
Men's Retreat
“Wanted: Dangerous Men” on November 9-11
$90.00 includes two nights lodging and four meals at Timber Bay Lodge just north of Onamia, Mn. Our guest speaker is former Governor Al Quie. The first fifty men who sign up are guaranteed spots. You may email me directly or sign up at Central this Sunday. A lot of great stuff will be happening. |
|
|
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 Craft and Fellowship Weekend!
Friday, November 9 from 6 - 10 pm and/or Saturday, November 10 from 9 am - 9 pmCome for just Friday, just Saturday or both days. You'll be able to leave your craft set up from Friday night to Saturday. We will meet in the Family Life Center. Bring whatever craft you’re working on: scrapbooking, rubber stamping, quilting, needlework, knitting, etc...Also bring a sack lunch or money for a food run. No charge to participate. Sign up is not required but would be appreciated so we can plan accordingly. Questions? Contact Pam Pixley, 441-5653 or Rachel Pederson, 241-2104. |
God’s Power through Prayer
Sunday, October 28 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
If you would like prayer for healing or another life situation, please stop in the chapel. There will be someone there to pray with you. Tuesday worshippers are invited to stop by on November 6, following worship, 8:00-9:00 pm. |
Mentoring Women
Women are invited to gather on Monday, October 29, 7:00-8:30 pm, to be encouraged in ministry. |
Women's Small Group Meetings
“Blessed to Follow: The Beatitudes as a Compass for Discipleship,” by Martha E. Stortz, found in Lutheran Woman Today (LWT).
Thurs., Nov. 8 (Lydia) in Room 205 at church, Marlene Stimpson, hostess.
Tues., Nov. 13 (Mary) 9:00 am in Rooms 210-211, Jean Cook, hostess.
(Sarah) 7:30 pm at Joan Campbell’s home.
Fri, Nov 16 (Hannah), 6:00 pm, contact Linda Sklenicka for location.
|
|
|
Sophomore Confirmation Journey Groups
Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm
Various Locations at the Church |
Freshman Confirmation
Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm; Note time change
Yüth Room |
SNL
Wednesdays at 7:07 pm in Studio 1103 |
Next Bridges (Journey Group Worship)
November 11, 7:00 pm |
High School Fall Camp at Castaway Club
November 2-4
Cost: $99
More information @ SNL, Confirmation & Journey Groups |
|
|
|
Middle School Journey Groups! (7th & 8th Grade)
Monday, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Yuth Room |
WyldLife (7th & 8th Grade)
Wednesdays at 6:37 pm in the Family Life Center |
GettaLife (6th Grade)
Monday, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Family Life Center |
Food, Facts & Fun (Central’s Middle School Tutoring program)
Wednesdays 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. |
WyldLife Halloween Bash! (7th & 8th Grade)
Wednesday, October 31 @ 6:37
Family Life Center
Come dressed up! |
Middle School (7th-8th Grade) Fall Camp @ Castaway Club
November 16-18. Cost: $99! |
|
|
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. |
Story Time Central
Monday, November 19 from 10:00-11:00 am or 6:30-7:30 pm
November's theme is "God Made Families." Register online or through the church office. (763) 441-2363. |
Children's Ministry Team Meeting
Monday, November 19 at 7:30-9:00 pm
Do you have a heart for children and a desire to build their love for Jesus? Please consider joining the team by attending our meeting. |
Children's Ministry Home Study Packets
Now Available
Stop by the Children's Ministry Welcome Table on Sunday to purchase a packet for $20 or try before you buy - check out a packet at home first. Available in three age groups. (Preschool through Kindergarten, 1-2 Grades, and Grades 3-5) |
|
|
GriefShare
Wednesdays beginning November 14, 5:00 - 6:30 pm in the church lounge
GriefShare, a path through the grief process, for anyone who has lost a loved one through death. An education/support group. Jenny Stone will facilitate.
|
DivorceCare
Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 in the Caring Ministry lounge, room 126.
DivorceCare is support for separated or divorced people. Be sure to watch for the dates in October.
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
|
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. |
Trash to Treasure!
Instead of throwing away your empty shoe boxes, turn them into something special for someone in need. Please participate in Central’s Operation Christmas Child project this year by filling a shoebox with toys and other presents for a child in need. There are information packets available for people who are willing to be collections points in their neighborhoods, families, etc. Shoebox collection is November 18. Brochures on what to include in your box and other important information can be picked up at the information booth or the welcome center. |
Jamaica Mission Team Is Looking For You.
We have space available for you to be part of the team traveling to Robin's Nest Children's Home March 22 to 29, 2008. The deadline for registration and your $100 deposit will be due on November 2. The early deadline is necessary for planning and better airfare rates. We will be in the lobby to answer your questions TODAY or call Carol Greier at 763-241-1024. |
Honduras Medical Mission
Sunday, November 11 at 2:00 pm
Jim and Sue Hecker will show pictures and share about their mission trip to Honduras.
|
Operation Minnesota Nice
This is a program that adopts soldiers in Iraq who receive little or no mail. We gather the Third Tuesday at 7:00 pm at the American Legion to assemble care packages. We are hosting a fundraiser November 2-4 at the Comfort Inn in Ramsey. More information can be found at www.operationminnesotanice.com. |
|
|
|
 |
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. |
River Coming to Worship
Sunday, December 2
Mark your calendars as River, the popular recording trio, will be in worship!
|
Just arrived at our Corner Bookstore & More
- The Baby Chronicles, Judy Baer's latest book. Save $1.00 with an in-store coupon.
- Many new baby gifts, perfect for baptisms
- Fair trade organic roasted almonds and pecans
- The best-selling books, 5 Love Languages, 5 Love Languages of Teen-agers, 5 Love Languages of Children.
- Several new varieties of coffee and tea
Stop by Sunday mornings or on Tuesday evenings. |
|
| Seniors |
Central Seniors Potluck Luncheon
Wednesday, November 7
Social hour begins at 11:30 am; lunch at 12:00 pm
Featuring the art of Jim and Sue Hecker |
|
|
| Community |
|
McC's Community Meal (No McCs on October 31)
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! |
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! |
|
|
|
|
