Sunday, Sept. 6 – 9:30 AM Worship Gathering ONLY
Sunday, Sept. 6
9:30 AM Worship Gathering ONLY
What’s happening:
What’s happening:
Backpack Blessing - Aug. 30
📅 Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
🕒 When: During both worship gatherings
Start the school year with prayer and encouragement! All school-aged kids, teachers, paras, bus drivers, lunch staff, janitors—anyone involved in education—are invited to bring their school backpacks to church.
During the service, we will:
-Pray over students and all who serve in schools
-Give each student a special backpack tag
-Bless you as you begin the year ahead
Parents, have your students bring their backpacks to worship! We have a new backpack tag for them!
Senior Seminars: Find Your Fit - Aug. 25
Senior Seminars are practical, community-focused conversations designed to help adults 65+ (and those who care about them) navigate aging with confidence. Each session features local experts sharing helpful, easy-to-understand insights on topics that matter most.
Hosted by Central Lutheran Church in partnership with Thryve.
- Date: Tuesday, August 25
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Location: Central Lutheran Church – 1103 School St. NW Elk River, MN 55330
- Presented by: Lori Resendiz, Club GA, Chelsie Vickerman, YMCA, Natalie Anderson, Elk River Senior Center
- Cost: FREE! RSVP is appreciated, walk ins are welcome
TOPIC: Find Your Fit – Meet a panel of local fitness providers and explore opportunities to stay active and well
Baptism Class - Sept. 1
Baptism Class
Date: Tuesday, September 1
Time: 6:00–6:45 PM
Location: Central Lutheran Church
Want to learn more about baptism at Central—whether for your child or for yourself? This brief class walks through what baptism means, why we practice it, and what to expect on your baptism day. It’s a friendly, welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and understand this meaningful practice.
All are welcome!
If you can’t make it to a class, reach out to ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org to meet a different time.
Faith Lessons - Wednesdays starting Sept. 16
Join us each week for an engaging Bible study led by Pastor Jeremy Baty, where we’ll dive into Scripture, share insights, and grow in faith together. Come as you are, everyone is welcome, no registration needed.
📅 When: Wednesdays at 11:00 AM starting September 16
📍 Where: Central, Student Room
👥 Who: Everyone is welcome!
Discover Central - New Member & Informational Class - Sept. 20
Are you new to Central and desire to hear more about who we are? Maybe you are ready to take the next step and become official church members? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then this session is for you!
Please join us for the next Discover Central Class, on Sunday, September 20 from at 11:15 AM
If you have any questions, please contact Kirsten Gill kirsten.gill@clcelkriver.org
Class: The Parable of Jesus - The Radical Teachings of a Young Rabbi - Sept. 22
The Parables of Jesus: The Radical Teachings of a Young Rabbi
A 6-Week Class with Dr. Ryan Braley
Jesus didn’t simply tell memorable stories—He used parables to challenge assumptions, overturn expectations, and invite people into an entirely new way of seeing God, themselves, and the world. His teachings were often surprising, unsettling, and deeply transformative.
Join Dr. Ryan Braley for this six-week journey through some of Jesus’ most powerful parables. Together, we’ll discover how this young Rabbi’s words challenged the religious and cultural norms of His day—and why they continue to challenge and transform our lives today.
- Dates: 6-week journey. Tuesdays, September 22-October 27
- Time: 6:00-9:00 PM
- Location: Student Room at Central Lutheran Church
- Cost: Free!
The Alpha Course - 11 weeks starting Sept. 28
Alpha is an evening to explore conversations about life, faith, and meaning in an open and honest way. The night will include a meal together, videos, and teachings with Peter Deusterman, followed by small group discussion.
We will explore topics such as: Who is Jesus? How Can I Have Faith? Why and How Should I Pray? Why and How Should I Read the Bible? How Does God Guide Us?
DATES: Monday Night for 11 weeks
Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9, Nov. 16, Nov. 23, Nov. 30, Dec. 7
WHEN: 5:30-7:45 PM – dinner, video, and small group discussion
COST: $20 per person (include materials)
*childcare is available upon request on the registration form
*Register by Monday, September 21
Have questions? Contact Peter Deusterman, Director of Life Groups, at peter.deusterman@clcelkriver.org