Happy Epiphany!

What, you might ask, is Epiphany? For thousands of years the Christian Church has celebrated the season of Epiphany immediately following the Christmas season. Epiphany means;

* 'to show forth'
* 'to shine'
* 'to appear'
* 'revelation'
* 'manifestation'
* 'being made visible'

Epiphany is a season of discovery. On Monday, January 8 the Daily Texts verse was Isaiah 42:16; "I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground." Epiphany is the shining forth of the light of Jesus Christ in the midst of the darkness of this world.

On Sundays during Epiphany we are considering some of the DREAMS that God has for all followers of Jesus. How will you respond to God's dream for Central? We can learn a lot from the Wise men. Minimally there are three things that I pray will characterize our life together at Central.

1. The wise men were OBSERVANT! They took notice of the star. The Spirit of God is working in many mundane, mysterious and miraculous ways. To what degree are we observant? Pray that we will have eyes of faith. Earlier this week I was privileged to introduce a blind boy to our sanctuary - we touched the Baptismal Font, the Pulpit Bible, the Table Linens, and so forth. We knelt at the rail, sat on the Organ bench, and even played the drums. More than once he said; "I see." May God give us the eyes of faith to be observant.

2. They were OPEN! They were open to God's direction through dreams and stars. As a result of their openness they took risks and went on a pilgrimage. How open are you to the leading and guiding of Jesus?

3. They were OBEDIENT! Whether the direction came through the star or in a dream - they obeyed! We can be observant; we can be open; BUT the critical question is, will we be obedient?

And where does their obedience lead them? This is the question we will consider next week!

Paul Johansson, Senior Pastor
paul.johansson@clcelkriver.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service
Monday, Jan. 15 at Central - 7:00 am
Mayor Stephanie Klinzing, Dr. Mark Ochu, past President of the St. Cloud NAACP, Professor Deborah Leigh, Co-founder of the Community Anti-Racism Education Initiative at St. Cloud State University and Pastor Bescye Burnett of Blessed Cross United Methodist in Zimmerman will be our special guests as we gather in remembrance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. The public is invited.

Crossways
Sundays 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon
This week we study The Events and Theology of the Conquest of  Canaan under Joshua.  What happens with Joshua blows on a shofar? What is a shofar? What happened at the battle of Jericho? How many military campaigns were there?  What are the cities of refuge?  Guests are always welcome at Crossways!

Building A Sending Church
Wednesdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31 & Feb. 7 at 7:00 pm
As we embark upon Odyssey 2010, Building A Sending Church, Dr. Van Gelder will help us understand trends in North America, changing contexts in which Central functions, factors contributing to the mission of Building A Sending Church, and the dynamics of change and development.
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Men
Men's Morning Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:30 am - Otsego Cafe
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Men's Basketball
Thursdays at 7:00 pm in the FLC

Quest for Authentic Manhood
Thursdays at 6:45 pm
Pastor Johansson shares a talk and then we break into small groups where no question is off limits. This week the topic is GENESIS AND MANHOOD, PART 1 – What does Genesis 1 say about Manhood? What is the Genesis Myth?
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Tuesday Men's Prayer
Tuesdays at 6:30 am in the Sanctuary

24 Hour Men's Retreat
Feb. 9 & 10, 2007
Mike Yankoski, author of “Under the Overpass,” will be our guest speaker. $50 includes overnight lodging, breakfast, lunch and unlimited coffee and an excellent speaker. Leave 5:30 pm, return 5:30 pm.

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Adult Education
Beta
Beginning Jan. 21 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Many people who have completed Alpha ask, “Now what?!” Beta is a six week experience of learning how to follow Jesus in daily life. The format is similar to Alpha – we’ll share a meal, hear a talk, and enjoy small group discussions.

Crossways
Jan. 7 at 9:30 & Jan. 9 at 11:00 am
This week we study The Events and Theology of the Conquest of  Canaan under Joshua.  What happens with Joshua blows on a shofar? What is a shofar? What happened at the battle of Jericho? How many military campaigns were there?  What are the cities of refuge?  Guests are always welcome at Crossways!
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Snapshots of the Apocalypse 
Jan. 16 from 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Brighten up your winter weeks with Tuesday evening worship!  We are working through the last book of the Bible – Revelation!  This is a book full of hope and encouragement.  Each week we will look at a different “snapshot” that helps us understand what it means to belong to Jesus when times are tough. 

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Youth (High School)
Confirmation
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the Yuth Room
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Confirmation Retreat
Jan. 15-17
Click here to register

Didaskalot (Bible Study)
NO DIDASKALOT THIS WEEK
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Sunday Night Live - Returns 1/28
Sundays at 7:01 pm
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Youth (Middle School)
WyldLife
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the FLC
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The Studio
Wednesdays after school
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Road to Real
9:30 - 10:30 am on Sundays in Room 211 with Tom-Pete and Ryan
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Journey Groups
Sunday evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.   If you’re not in a Journey Group and want to be, contact Ryan Braley.
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Food, Facts & Fun (Tutoring)
Wednesdays from 3:00 - 6:00 pm
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Children
Church School Project
We will need 200 empty frosting tubs and lids for a project in February.  If you can help, please drop them off in the church office.

Story Time Central
Monday, Jan. 15 at 10:00 am or 6:30 pm
3-4-5 -year olds. Sign up in the Welcome Center or on our website.
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Women
Women's Night Out
Hidden talents? We are looking for anyone interested in performing at the upcoming Women’s Night Out. Thursday April, 12th
If you have an idea or any interest please Contact Linda at 763-441-2465.Small Group Studies  
Three groups are studying “Hope in God in Times of Suffering:  Suffering as Becoming.”  All women are invited!  Lydia meets the second Thursday at 9:00 am at Central.  Mary Circle will meets the second Tuesday of the month at 9:00 am.  Sarah meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. 
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Jesus the One and Only
Thursdays at 6:45 pm, resuming Jan. 11/18
Even if you did not participate in the first half of Jesus the One Only, you are invited to join women in looking at the second half of Jesus’ life and ministry.
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Bible Study - 1 Peter
Thursdays, beginning Jan. 11 at 11:00 am at Central

Women's Craft Night
Friday, Jan. 12 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm
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HOOPLA!
Sunday, Jan. 14, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Look what's coming up...it's a HOOPLA....a night of card and board games with a hot sandwich and appetizers...for women and their significant others. Watch for more
information to come. All men and women welcome!

A Call to Grace
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm, beginning Jan. 15
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Caring
GriefShare
GriefShare will begin a six-week winter session on Saturday, Jan. 20, 8:00AM in the Lounge. GriefShare takes participants through the grief process.
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DivorceCare
DivorceCare, support for separated or divorced people, will begin its winter session on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7:00 to 8:30 in Room 126.
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Special Children, Special Parents
Tuesday evening, Jan. 30, 7:00 - 9:00PM in the Lounge. Speakers from ARC will be here. ARC of Minnesota is a private, non-profit, statewide voluntary organization that serves people of all ages with many kinds of developmental disabilities.  
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Befriender Ministry
Feb. 5 in Rooms 110/111, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
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Seniors
AARP Tax Aide  
Tax preparation service is available to taxpayers with middle and low income with special attention to those age 60 and older.  Please note that taxpayers with complex tax returns will be advised to seek professional tax assistance.  The Tax-Aide will be available each Wednesday at Central until April 12. Marv Ziner and Joan Lewis are AARP volunteers.  Tax forms will be E-filed.

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Missions
Mexico Mission
We have over 80 footprints just waiting to be picked up.  Visit the table in the lobby and find out how you can make a child smile in Mexico.  If you would like to fill up a bag for a child, we have  Ziploc bags with a picture of a child, a set of foot prints and a list of items that can be placed in the bag. 

Jamaica Mission Trip 
The children of Robin’s Nest would love to have your hand to hold, your lap to cuddle in and your heart to melt.  The Jamaica team will travel April 1- April 8, 2007. If you would like to join us or have questions, call leaders:  Larry, Kelby and Carol Greier-Klimek at 763-241-1024. 

Global Disciple Prayer
If you can commit to being a global disciple by praying for different nations in 2007, please be sure to sign up at the Welcome Center or call the church office.

Dr. Martin Luther King Day Memorial Service
Monday, Jan. 15 at Central - 7:00 am
Mayor Stephanie Klinzing, Dr. Mark Ochu, past President of the St. Cloud NAACP, Professor Deborah Leigh, Co-founder of the Community Anti-Racism Education Initiative at St. Cloud State University and Pastor Bescye Burnett of Blessed Cross United Methodist in Zimmerman will be our special guests as we gather in remembrance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. The public is invited.