| Central Lutheran Church Christ Connect |
| A Message from Paul |
| Are we rich or poor? As we step into Holy Week consider Paul's word in Philippians 3:7-8; "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Paul lost - everything? Property, yes, potential for making money, yes, but he also lost his Jewish friends, his high status and one biblical scholar (Ben Witherington) suggests his wife. Most of the early followers of Jesus suffered financially, because they refused to broker deals at pagan temples, and no longer bent their knees to the emperor's claim to total devotion. Families were ripped apart: pagan husbands dismissed wives who converted to the faith, Christian children were disinherited by parents. Nero burned Christians as torches in his garden. All this because of the events of Holy Week? YES! We like to think of Christianity as a good investment, something that will make our life a little better. But the stakes are higher than that, it costs us something to follow Jesus. The cross is not simply a plus sign - an add on - an upgrade. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran Pastor, wrote The Cost of Discipleship. He writes how we are like vultures gathering around the carcass of cheap grace. At Central we want to do all we can to help one another experience the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord! Do we understand Isaac Watt's hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast save in the death of Christ my Lord. All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. As we enter Holy Week remember we are walking on Holy Ground! May God lead and guide our steps this week! Paul Johansson, Senior Pastor paul.johansson@clcelkriver.org |
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Sunday Worship
8:15 am - Traditions Traditional LBW (Lutheran Book of Worship) 9:30 am - Celebrations A Variety of Styles 10:45 am - Innovations Praise and Worship Service Tuesday 6:30 pm - Midweek 30 minute worship service |
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A Weekend to Remember |
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Palm/Passion Sunday, April 1 8:15, 9:30 & 10:45 AM Maunday Thursday, April 5 Good Friday, April 6 Easter Sunday, April 8 |
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Minnesota Teen Challenge Choir |
| My Story What is your story? Share with others how Christ has made an eternal difference in your life. Email your story to webmaster@clcelkriver.org and we will post your story in Christ Connect. |
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Spring Alpha |
| Kingdom Assignment Update Has God given you a Kingdom Assignment? Would you like to update people on the progress? Then this is the spot for you. Email your Kingdom Assignment update to webmaster@clcelkriver.org and we will post your update in Christ Connect. |
Men
Tuesday Men's Prayer Men’s Boundary Waters Trip Meeting Crossways - “The Preexilic and Exilic Prophets” Beginning Thursday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m. A five week course on the Mystery of Marriage. Dr. Mark Johansson will share five secrets about the meaning of marriage that will radically change your understanding of marriage resulting in a more satisfying and committed Christian relationship with your spouse. Sign up in the Welcome Book or at the Welcome Center. ............................................ Youth (High School) JLO (Junior Leader Orientation) Crooked Creek Ranch - Summer High School Camp Castaway Club - Summer Middle School Camp Monday, April 16 - "A Seed is a Promise" from 10:00-11:00 am or 6:30. - 7:30 pm
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Women Puttin’ on the Glitz - Women’s Night Out Small Group Studies Friday Night Crafts & Fellowship Semi Silent Retreat Hiding, Hurting, Healing Out of the Shadows ............................................ Church Spring Cleaning ............................................ Community Thanksgiving Meal - Meeting
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Community McC's Community Meal Wednesdays from 5:00 - 6:30 pm at Central in the Family Life Center. 1st Wed - Pizza 2nd Wed - Taco in a Bag 3rd Wed - Hot Dogs 4th Wed - Sloppy Joes 5th Wed - Connie's Choice |
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