Dear Central Family,

Since 2001 Central has taken a number of specific actions in regards to its relationship to the ELCA, which began in 1988. This lengthy journey has led us to this Sunday when the people of Central will gather at 10:30 in the Sanctuary to ratify the vote taken on November 8, 2009. On November 8, 2009 the body of Central voted to "terminate its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America."  Before we gather for this vote I hope we will  pause for PRAISE and PRAYER.

PRAISE!  Today will you join me in praising God for;

• Central's decision to affiliate with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. At the congregational meeting on January 31, 2010 the people of Central voted overwhelmingly to affiliate with LCMC.  Your Church Council and Staff are excited about joining with other Lutheran congregations in working together to fulfill Christ's Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations. On a personal level your Pastoral staff will begin the process of affiliating with LCMC and we feel a renewed sense of God's call to lead this particular body.
• 84 new brothers and sisters who joined Central on Sunday, January 31. In Christ's Name, WELCOME!
• Over 500 households that are reading THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL as we anticipate our Lenten pilgrimage to the Cross.
• Central's growing generosity as evidenced by General Fund Offerings that are up $49,000 as compared to a year ago at this time. In the 2009 fiscal year Central gave away $361,825.66 to ministries beyond Central. This is an increase of 565% since the fiscal year in 2002 when we gave away $54,438.  Why do I compare to 2002?  It was at a congregational meeting in the spring of 2002 when we decided to tithe as a congregation.  God is indeed faithful!
• The WHY CHURCH and THE GATHERING as they start weekly worship on Sunday, February 14, 2010.  The seeds of Odyssey 2010 are bearing fruit so hungry people can be fed by God's Word as they gather for weekly worship.
• 668 individuals who are part of the 2020 Vision in 2010.  Do we dare dream what God is going to do in our life together when so many people are reading His Word?  One year ago 18% of the 380 Reveal respondents indicated that they read the Bible daily.  Praise God for this exponential growth in our relationship to God's Word!

PRAY!  Today will you join in praying for;

• Souper Bowl Worship at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00ish (depending upon when the Congregational Meeting is adjourned)  It's all about the Saints and Colts! And its SOUPER not SUPER.
• The Congregational Meeting at 10:30am in the Sanctuary this Sunday, February 7, 2010.

On a personal note I would like to share some thoughts as we anticipate this congregational meeting.  We know that humans don't live by bread alone but are radically dependent upon the Word of God.  This means that my personal feelings, my conscience, my convictions, my judgments, my thoughts have to be subordinate to the Word of God. Lutherans believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is our guide for faith and life.  We, as human beings, cannot stand in judgment over the Word of God.

Speaking to first century Christ-followers, the Apostle Paul says, "Stop thinking like children, In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." (I Corinthians 14:20) This challenge to combine in our lives both moral integrity and intellectual vigor is what being a member of the body of Christ is all about.  To the best of our ability we are called to live "as innocent as doves and as wise as serpents."  We are to study, examine and bind our conscience to the Scriptures.  This is one of the core values of looking at life through a Lutheran lens.  At the end of the day we never act according to our feelings, thoughts or conscience BUT every word, deed and thought is to be captive to Scripture. 

In Hebrews 5 we read these sobering words, "About this we have much to say that is hard to explain, since you have become dull in understanding. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic elements of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food; for everyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is unskilled in the word of righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil." ( Hebrews 5:11-14)  What is maturity?  I think we begin life like Narcissus, seeing pretty much me and nobody else.  I want God to bless me. But then, as we grow in our relationship to the Lordship of Jesus, we move toward caring for others, trying to be a blessing for others. Instead of saying "God, bless me," we say "God, use me." Sacrifice is understood and joyfully accepted. Instead of saying 'Lord hear my prayer,' we say 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."  And this takes a lifetime! Maturity is a skill; it is all about "practice," having our faculties trained by the Spirit and the Word!

I do want you to know the importance of this congregational meeting. I join your Church Council and Staff in strongly encouraging you to come and vote to ratify the vote of November 8, 2009, as our constitution requires that this second vote pass by a two-thirds majority.  As we anticipate our meeting we continue to pray for Pastor Cyndi-Ganzkow-Wold and the people of Elk River Lutheran. As you know the Synod has advised the members of Elk River to retain their membership at Central until after the second vote.  Some members, who have chosen to leave Central's worshipping body, are actively recruiting people to come and defeat the motion. It is our hope and prayer the people of Elk River Lutheran recognize that God is leading them forward in a new way, and that they can pray for Central Lutheran as we move forward. We welcome Pastor Cyndi to Elk River and promise our prayers and support. As I indicated last week I have welcomed Pastor Cyndi and she has responded very graciously.  Together we are seeking to act with the love and care that exemplifies Christian leaders.

You are encouraged to come early and pick up your ballot between 9:00 and 10:30am.  In addition, we ask that those who are able, park in the Lion's Park Parking Lot or across School Street at the Middle School Parking lot. We are asking that our youth sit on the floor at the front of the sanctuary so there will be ample room for us older people to sit on the pews. Lastly, this Saturday you are invited to come to the Sanctuary to pray.  The Sanctuary will be open from 8:00am - 7:00pm for individual prayer.  At 7:00pm there will be a corporate service of praise and prayer. 

It is a privilege to serve amongst you and I pray that this congregational meeting will result in a new life of radical surrender and transformation for the body of Central!

In Christ,

Paul Johansson