| Central Lutheran Church Christ Connect |
| A Message from Paul |
| Holy Week Thoughts Last Sunday Jesus walked up the temple steps and in a spirit of anger drove out all of the money changers and overturned their tables - and some of us have reduced this act as a memo prohibiting fundraisers at Church. Jesus was less interested in tables with money on them than with the soul, passion, norms, customs, habits, and traditions of the temple system. God is judging the institution. The powerful priests had sold out and went to bed with the Roman authorities. King Herod had built the temple into one of the Wonders of the World - at the same time he placed a large golden eagle, symbol of Roman power, over its gate. Six centuries earlier the prophet Jeremiah had walked into the temple and denounced people's hypocrisy and pride. The people presumed God would bless them and protect them simply because they went through the motions of showing up at the temple and making sacrifices. Like the fig tree Jesus cursed on the way to Jerusalem, the temple failed to produce fruit. Jesus cleansing of the temple was an act of judgment. No wonder the leaders became angry! The Palm Sunday narrative ends with Jesus leaving the city and going to Bethany. We sense something terrible is going to happen. Perhaps Jesus should have stayed in Bethany where he was welcomed. BUT he doesn't! In the morning he makes the tough two mile walk up into Jerusalem. He goes right to the temple and teaches. In Matthew's gospel his teaching runs for 212 verses (chapters 21-25). Some of Jesus' most famous teaching is shared at this time. We hear it in a different way knowing the fate that awaits him. For instance, why does Jesus talk about whether to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Jesus was not joining Thomas Jefferson in endorsing the separation of Church and state. He looked at a coin with Caesar's image on it, a blasphemous coin proclaiming that Caesar was divine. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, but give to God what is God's. What does Caesar possess? Blasphemous coins and soldiers with swords. What belongs to God? Everything - even Caesar. And the people were amazed. Take some time today to read Matthew 21 - 25 and then move into the "old, old story" in Matthew 26 - 28. It is with a sense of awe, humility and reverence that walk through these three holy days; MAUNDY THURSDAY - Join the family at Central at 12:00 noon or 7:00 pm to remember Jesus new commandment on the night of his betrayal and denial. GOOD FRIDAY - Join the family at Central at 7:00 pm to remember Jesus terrible suffering and crucifixion on the Cross. In a strange paradox we call this Friday Good. EASTER - Join the family at Central at 6:30, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 to celebrate the HOLIEST DAY OF ALL - The day God raised Jesus Christ from death! And with 20-20 hindsight we know that Jesus is the temple. In and through Jesus Christ we have access to God! WOW! COME AND SEE! GO AND TELL! 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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Maundy 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 |
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Simply Christian |
| 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 |
Women Puttin’ on the Glitz - Women’s Night Out Small Group Studies Friday Night Crafts & Fellowship
The 3 Day - Info Meeting
Befriender Ministry Out of the Shadows Church Spring Cleaning ............................................ Community Thanksgiving Meal - Meeting ............................................ Central Relay for LifeSunday, April 29 Central is forming 2 teams to walk in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, August 3-4, 2007, at the ERHS track. We’ll camp out, walk the track, meet lots of people, and raise funds for the fight against cancer. Alissa Peichel is coordinating and will be available for questions in the lobby. Join our team or make a donation!
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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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