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Something is about to happen……
It’s never easy to wait for anything of importance – it’s hardest of all to wait for God. This Sunday we join Simeon and Anna and wait. (Read Luke 2:22-38) How do we wait for God to appear amongst us? Like Simeon and Anna of old we wait in hope and expectation. They worked and worshipped, fasted and prayed, performed acts of justice and righteousness. While they waited they defied the darkness by serving God, because it was for the light of God that they waited. They did what they could, and they waited.
So we move forward in the mission of MAKING JESUS KNOWN and the odyssey of BUILDING A SENDING CHURCH and we wait! And Luke tells us God did come! A fragile baby was brought to the temple by two young parents; too poor to afford the sacrifice of a lamb so they brought with them a pair of birds. A man, a woman, two birds, and a baby. Is this what Simeon and Anna were waiting for?
Old Anna looked and she knew! Old Simeon looked and he knew! Note what he said, “Mine eyes have seen thy salvation,” AND VERY QUICKLY he added the warning, “This child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel.” As we wait knowing that ‘something is about to happen’…..we know as Tom Long writes that;
EVERY COMING OF GOD MEETS OUR NEEDS, BUT ALSO VIOLATES OUR EXPECTATIONS AND DEMANDS OUR LIVES! Every coming of God both meets human needs and defies human expectation; God’s coming brings both salvation and demand; great hope and great cost. And until God comes, like Anna and Simeon, we do what we can……and wait.
Yes, something is about to happen….
Thanks for the privilege of waiting with you this Advent – Christmas season!
Paul Johansson
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Christmas Celebration Services
Christmas Eve Children's Services
2:00 - 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Christmas Eve Communion &
Candle Light Services
7:30 -11:00 pm
Christmas Day
10:00 am |
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Journey to Financial FreedomJanuary 12 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Why not start your new year out with a decision to change the way you manage your finances?! Central will be hosting Crown Financial’s “Journey to Financial Freedom” seminar on Saturday, January 12, 8:30-4:00. The cost is $30 and includes all resources as well as lunch and snacks.
Pre-registration is required so sign up in the church office with payment by January 6! Some scholarships are available.
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Men's Quest
Thursday evenings at 6:45 pm beginning January 10, 2008
Dr. Robert Lewis, helps men explore the critical issues they face in an ever-changing culture by helping them discover authentic manhood. In our quest, we will break the mold and not be afraid to ask questions.
Topics include:
- What every Dad needs to Know
- Dad’s Game Plan for Raising Sons and Daughters
- Maximum Parenting
- A Man and His Work
- Two Visions of Work
- Coming Alive at Work
- Making A Name For Yourself and Work
- Taking God to Work
- Launching a Lifelong Winning Streak
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Believing God for Women
Central Women’s Beth Moore Fall Study
Thursday evenings, January 10 through March 13, 6:45 -8:45 pm
Based on Isaiah 43:10, Believing God: Experiencing 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. |
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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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Tuesday Men's Prayer
Tuesdays at 6:30 am in the Sanctuary
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Winning at Work and at Home - Men's Quest
Thusday evenings at 6:45 pm beginning January 10, 2008
Dr. Robert Lewis, helps men explore the critical issues they face in an ever-changing culture by helping them discover authentic manhood. In our quest, we will break the mold and not be afraid to ask questions.
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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 . |
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. |
What Tempts you?
Come and explore the truth ...if you are a young woman in your 20's or 30's this is the perfect place for you! After service this Sunday, look for the "Y" in the lobby to find out more about temptations and this young women's group. If you have questions, contact Mandi Kattengell at 763-227-6708 or at . |
Becoming the Woman You Want to Be
Beginning Monday, January 14, 2008 through April 7 from 7:00-8:15 pm
Ninety days to renewing body, mind and spirit is back by popular demand. Join with other women interested in developing life changing habits. Sonja Dixon will facilitate this encouragement course. Please pre-register in the church office or at the welcome center. Childcare is available upon request. |
Women’s Bible Study of Proverbs
Beginning Thursday, January 10 from 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
What do Jeanne Phillips, (aka Abigail Van Buren), Dr. Laura Schlesinger, and Dr. Phil have in common? They all give advice! But are their answers really the best? How can we know? What if Dr. Phil and Dr. Laura disagree? God made Solomon wiser than any man who ever lived. God chose Solomon to record some of His supernatural wisdom in Proverbs so that we would have answers to yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s problems. Our everyday decisions really do matter to God. Join us on Thursday mornings, beginning January 10, from 11:00-12:15 for a 5-week study on how to apply Proverbs to our daily lives. Bring your favorite Bible. Additional study materials will be provided. Sign up in the Welcome Book or at the Welcome Center. |
Believing God
Central Women’s Beth Moore Fall Study
Thursday evening, January 10 through March 13, 6:45 -8:45 pm
Based on Isaiah 43:10, Believing God: Experiencing 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. |
Women with Unbelieving Husbands
Saturday, January 19, 10-11:30 am
Are you the wife of an unbelieving husband? Does your husband leave the spiritual stuff up to you? Please come together for an informal conversation about the issues for women in these situations. We will be meeting on Saturday, January 19, 10-11:30 am here at Central. If you are interested or have questions please contact Sonja Dixon in the church office, 441-2363 or . |
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NO Sophomore Confirmation Journey Groups this week
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NO Freshman Confirmation this week
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NO SNL this week
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NO Middle School Journey Groups! (7th & 8th Grade)
Monday, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Yuth Room |
NO WyldLife (7th & 8th Grade)
Wednesday 6:37pm
Yuth Room
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NO 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. |
NO GettaLife (6th Grade)
Monday, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Family Life Center
(No GettaLIfe on December 24 or December 31) |
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Planning Meetings
Anyone who is interested in helping should join us!
Children’s Minstry Team – Monday, January 21, Children’s Ministry Team meeting 7:30
Story Time Central – Monday, January 21, 11:00
VBS – Monday, January 28, 7:30
SPLASH! – Sunday, January 27, 6:00 |
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GriefShare
Watch for upcoming dates!!
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 beginning January 8 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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Mexicon Mission
Your cookie orders are due today and will be available for pickup on December 16. The shoe bags are here and available this Sunday in the lobby along with a suggested list of items for a boy or girl. In January, the Mexico Mission team will deliver the bags to the children. All bags need to be turned in by January 6. Contact Linda or Jim at 763-441-2465. On December 16, we will hold a silent auction in the lobby during all services. |
Christmas in a Basket
Sign up in Central’s lobby to sponsor a family and supply Christmas dinner and gifts for a needy family. Wish lists will be available for anonymous area families. Families or mission teams are encouraged to join together and gift a family with a special Christmas this year! Drop off wrapped purchases and groceries at Central before or on Saturday, December 22, noon-2:00 PM. If you are in need of a little Christmas help this holiday season, please contact Sonja Dixon in the church office, 441-2363, ext. 222. |
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Advent Events
Sunday, December 23
A Contemplative Christmas service
7:00 pm at Central
Already feeling the hustle and bustle of the season? Need some time to quiet your self and consider the Gift? You are invited to experience a gentle evening of scripture, music and quiet time Sunday, December 23, 7-8 PM in the sanctuary. |
Setting Limits
January 9, 16 & 23 from 6:30-7:30 pm
are you tired of temper tantrums, arguments, and power struggles? So are your kids! Do them a favor and attend “Setting Limits” at Central. In three sessions, you will learn how to set effective limits that give your child solid boundaries and a sense of love and security. Whether your children are eighteen days or eighteen years old, you’ll gain good tools to use in your parenting. Setting Limits meets Wednesdays January 9, 16 & 23 from 6:30-7:30 pm at Central. Cost of the class is $15 per household which includes a copy of the book Setting Limits. Register by calling Central’s office (763) 441-2363.
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Pictorial Directory - LAST CHANCE!!
One last date has been added because we want you to be included in this record. You are an important part of Central! Photos will be taken January 3, 2008 from 3:00-9:00 pm. Appointments will fill up fast, so please call the church office right away. |
Ski Trip
The annual Central youth and family ski trip is scheduled for Friday, February 15, departing at 5 PM, through Tuesday morning, February 19. We will be traveling by charter coach bus to Bozeman Montana for a day of skiing at Bridger Bowl and then two days at Big Sky. The ticket price for the trip, including hotel lodging, transportation, breakfast and lunch on the slopes, 3 days of lift tickets, is $365. Sign up and pay your nonrefundable deposit of $100 in the church office. Deadline for registration is February 1. (This would make for a great Christmas gift!) |
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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. |
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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