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This Sunday we will gather around the call to Abraham. Consider some of the lessons from God’s Word.
- Gen 11:30 “Sarah is barren” THE MARVEL OF BIBLICAL FAITH IS THAT BARRENESS IS THE ARENA OF GOD’S LIFE-GIVING ACTION. It is situations of human helplessness that provide occasions for God’s power to be demonstrated and recognized.
- Gen 12:1 “Now the Lord said…” THE SPEECH OF GOD OVERCOMES AND OVERPOWERS THE BARRENNESS OF HUMAN REALITY. Inexplicably God speaks his powerful word directly into the situation of barrenness. So our primary responsibility is to listen to and learn from the Word of God!
- Gen 12:1 “Go from your country and your kindred and your Father’s house to the land I will show you.” THE SPEECH OF GOD, TO THIS BARREN FAMILY, IS TO ABANDONMENT, RENUNCIATION AND RELINQUISHMENT. It is a departure from the presumed world of norms and security.
- Gen 12:2 “And I will bless you….so that you will be a blessing” WE ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING! Life in Christ always comes to us on its way to someone else.
- Gen 12:1-3; “I will!” Five first-person statements! THE FUTURE NOW TO BE RECEIVED BY ABRAHAM IS NO ACCOMPLISHMENT OR ACHIEVMENT OF ABRAHAM. It is a gift by the one who is able to give good gifts. This will be strange to those who believe in the claims of our managed world.
- Gen 12:4 “So Abraham went….” THE METAPHOR OF JOURNEY OR SOJOURN IS A RADICAL ONE! Trust and obey for there is no other way! We are always called to move beyond ourselves. Jesus spoke very forthrightly, “If you seek to save your life you will lose it BUT if you lose your life for my sake you will save it.”
Thanks for your prayers and partnership in Making Jesus Known!
Paul Johansson
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Thanksgiving Meal
Planning Meetings
Sunday, November 18 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 |
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Trash to Treasure!
November 18 is the final day to collect shoe boxes for children. Please be sure to bring your boxes to worship on Sunday, November 18. |
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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. |
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Thanksgiving Eve Community Service
Wednesday, November 21 at 7:00 pm
Central Lutheran Church
To be followed by PieFest. Bring your favorite pie to share immediately following the service and enjoy a time of fellowship with other worshipping communities in the Elk River area. |
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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.
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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
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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.
(Monday, November 12)
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 |
"An Ornament for Christ" - A party for all women of Central
Monday, December 3, 6:30 pm
Join in an evening of fun, food and fellowship December 3 in the family life center. Appetizers will be served at 6:30 pm.
Prayer partners for the coming year will be selected during the evening and the partners for prayer will meet at the party. Anyone who wants a prayer partner needs to fill out a sheet with their name, address, phone number and any special prayer concerns. You need not attend the party to have a prayer partner.
If you can bring an appetizer for the buffet table, please do. A free-will offering will be received.
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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).
Fri, Nov 16 (Hannah), 6:00 pm, contact Linda Sklenicka for location. |
Thank you . . .
Thank you to everyone who worked at the Lunch Counter and Women's sale table at the Nov. 3 Craft Sale Day. And, another big Thank You to everyone who helped make and sell lefse. Profits from these two projects are split between women's activities at Central and ABBA Crisis Pregnancy Resource Center. These two activities received matching funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. |
Mentoring Women
Monday, November 26 from 7:00-8:30 pm
All women are invited to an informal gathering of women. We will be talking about emotional health and wholeness; especially as the Christmas season approaches. |
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Sophomore Confirmation Journey Groups
Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm
Various Locations at the Church
No Confirmation this Week for the Thanksgiving holiday |
Freshman Confirmation
Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm
Yüth Room
No Confirmation this Week for the Thanksgiving holiday |
SNL
Wednesdays at 7:07 pm in Studio 1103
No SNL this Week for the Thanksgiving holiday |
Next Bridges (Journey Group Worship)
Sunday, December 9 at 7:00 pm |
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Middle School Journey Groups! (7th & 8th Grade)
Monday, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Yuth Room |
WyldLife (7th & 8th Grade)
No WyldLife this Week for the Thanksgiving holiday |
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 - No FFF this week
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 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) |
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. |
A Birthday Party for Jesus!
Thursday, December 6, 10:00 am or 6:30 pm
You and a grown up are invited to a special birthday party for Jesus! You will get a special baby Jesus of your very own to take home to take care of through Christmas. Join us for this very special time just for two year olds and a grown up!
Sign up on line or at the Welcome Center. Please indicate which session you will be attending. Please bring a shoe box or oatmeal box to create a manger for Baby Jesus to sleep in! |
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GriefShare
Wednesdays from 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.
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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.
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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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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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Local Missionaries
Matt & Angie and their children will be with us on Sunday, November 25 to share their story and tell how God has called them into missions. |
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. |
Homeless in Elk River? An Afternoon of Awareness
December 2, at 12:00 pm
How many people are homeless in America? Are there really homeless people in our community? Do you have questions, or want to hear what's going on in our own community. A light lunch will be served "Soup Kitchen" style. Afterward speakers will share the problems facing our community regarding homelessness. There will be a special benefit concert by River as well as a silent auction. Bring a pair of gloves or mittens, a hat, bedding, and toiletries for a special donation. |
Tanzania Mission Trip
Sunday, November 25 at 12:00 pm
Join us for a report on our recent mission trip. Lunch will be served in the Family Life Center followed by slides and stories in the Sanctuary. |
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River Coming to Worship
Sunday, December 2
Mark your calendars as River, the popular recording trio, will be in worship! |
Visual Artists
Central is looking to expand the role of the visual arts in worship and in other arenas. If you are interested in sharing talents or skills that God has given you in this area, please contact Joan Ruprecht at jruprecht@charter.net or sign up in the welcome folder. |
Guitar Player Needed
Guitar player needed for the 11:00 worship team. This is a great opportunity to use your gifts and be a part of a vital ministry at Central. Please talk with Phil Reesnes at church on Sunday morning, call 612-759-5000 or email him at phil.reesnes@clcelkriver.org. |
Monthly Business Networking Luncheon
Wednesday, November 21 at 11:30 am
Visit their webpage to learn more about this networking opportunity, including upcoming speakers. |
ATTENTION: Sewers
Use your hand-sewing skills to make Baby Jesus dolls from socks to give to two-year olds at the Birthday Party for Jesus. We will gather Monday, November 19 from 1:00-3:00 pm and 7:00-8:30 pm. If you would like to see an example of this simple project, please stop by the Children's Ministry table. |
Wanted...pictures for the Archives from events at Central including Mission Extravaganza, Sunday events scheduled for December (tree trimming, family event, etc.), Christmas Program, etc., etc. If you have any pictures from these events please contact Roberta Takle, Historian, so we can get copies for the Picture boards and for the Archives. Thanks. |
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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.
McC's will be closed on November 21 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. A meal will be served at Central from 11:30 - 1:30 on Thanksgiving Day. All are welcome! No reservations necessary. |
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!
We are also in need of volunteers to help distribute the food from 8:00-9:00 am on Wednesdays. Call the church office or speak with someone at the Welcome Center. |
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! |
Little Lambs Daycare
Is in need of high-schoolers to work as daycare aides with school aged children from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Contact Jill Swerdfiger in the church office or via email at jill.swerdfiger@clcelkriver.org. |
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