Happy Epiphany!

What does it mean to be a Wise follower of Jesus?

Last week we highlighted three attributes of the Wisemen. They were observant, open and obedient. This week I want us to consider the gifts they offered. We are told that "going into the house, the wisemen saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.."

GOLD was the gift for a KING! We would do well to remember that Jesus is the King! How does one meet a King? We gather in Jesus' presence in humility, love, surrender and submission. We are the loyal servants of King Jesus.

FRANKINCENSE is the gift for a PRIEST! Frankincense was the sweet perfume used by the priests in the temple worship and sacrifice. The latin word for priest is "Pontifes" meaning bridge builder. Jesus is the perfect priest who is the bridge to God. We, as the priesthood of all believers, are to offer our lives as 'bridge builders' to our neighbors so they may know God!

MYRRH was the gift for one who is to die. Myrrh was used to embalm the bodies of the dead. Yes, even in his infancy, Jesus was being prepared for his death as the Savior of the world. Are we prepared to offer our lives and be crucified with Christ?

In closing it is important to note that the wisemen "left by another road." We can never come face to face with Jesus and remain the same. We are always called to walk the road of repentance! We break with the Herods of this world and follow the child!

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

Crossways
Sundays 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon
This week we study the Judges:  The events and tensions of the period of the Judges.  Guests are always welcome at Crossways!

Building A Sending Church
Wednesdays, Jan. 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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Prayer Walk 
Tuesday, January 23 at 9:00 am
We will meet in the lobby and talk briefly about the practice of prayer walks and then we will pray and walk Central.  Questions? Please contact Sonja Dixon in the church office.

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
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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.

Boot Hockey
Saturdays at 8:00 am, The Pit, Handke Magnet School on Main St. and Proctor.
All experience levels welcome. Ice is hard, come prepared.

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Adult Education
Beta
Beginning Jan. 21 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm
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Crossways
Jan. 7 at 9:30 & Jan. 9 at 11:00 am
Guests are always welcome at Crossways!
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Snapshots of the Apocalypse 
Tuesdays 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! 

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Youth (High School)
Confirmation
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the Yuth Room
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Didaskalot (Bible Study)
Sundays at 9:30 am with Curt Hinkle
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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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Acolyte Training 
Tuesday, February 6 or Wednesday, February 7 from 6:00-6:45pm in the sanctuary with Kelby Klimek.
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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.

B.L.A.S.T.  Puppet Team 
Will begin to practice on Tuesday, January 23 in the Puppet Palace from 6:30-8:00 pm.

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  
In February two groups will be studying the book of Job using the study found in Lutheran Women Today.  One group will meet Tuesday, February 13, 9:00 am, in Rooms 210-211; Marlene Miller and Margaret Zanke, hostesses.  The other group will meet Thursday, February 15, 9:00 am, room 205, Rosie Glover, hostess.  These studies are open to all women.  Extra copies of LWT are available in the office.
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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.
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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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A Call to Grace
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm, beginning Jan. 15
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Friday Night Crafts & Fellowship
February 9, 6-10 pm, rooms 210-211.
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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.
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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. 

Mexico Mission Breakfast SUNDAY
Come and enjoy breakfast this morning from 8:00-12:30.  Serving:  Egg bake, Fried Wingard Potatoes, assorted breads and as always, a surprise. 

Jamaica Robin’s Nest Team 
Will be in the lobby TODAY with pictures of the children from the orphanage and the 2006 trip.  Purchase a Jamaican Smoothie at Java Central and stop by to meet your 2007 team members.  One spot is still available.  We are looking for a trailer to park in the church lot to collect aluminum cans.  If you know of one, please stop by the table or call Carol Greier at 763-241-1024.

Faith in Action-Care Give Day Out Luncheon
Join us at St. Michael Catholic Church on February 1, 10:00-2:00pm for Lunch-Learning-Laughing.  A workshop for families, friends and healthcare providers.  For more information, 763-263-4277.