Are you connected to ODYSSEY 2010?

How are you connected to Odyssey 2010? It seems to me that we need to be connected to Odyssey 2010 in three distinct ways;

PRAYING - This Spring and Summer we are hoping ALL MEMBERS AND FRIENDS will be connected to the mission and ministry of Central through prayer. What time during the day do you pray for Central? We know that Central is God's church and prayer is the way in which we surrender and submit our will to God's will. Billy Graham said, "To know the will of God is the highest of all wisdom." If you have not yet done so please call the office and sign up to pray for a specific time each day.

CARING - In the Fall we are hoping that ALL MEMBERS AND FRIENDS of Central will sign up to be part of the new Pictorial Directory. More information will be forthcoming but please make plans to have your picture taken for the Directory. A pictorial directory is a helpful tool to pray and care for one another.

SHARING - Next Winter and Spring ALL MEMBERS AND FRIENDS of Central will be asked to grow their giving through the sharing of their financial resources. Specific and concrete plans for BUILDING A SENDING CHURCH will unfold in the months to come and we will have the opportunity to share our gifts so we can move forward with the Odyssey action plans.

It is such a privilege to be part of a community of followers of Jesus who are PRAYING, CARING AND SHARING! In the months to come let's make a concerted effort to stay connected! I hope to see you at worship this Sunday.

In Christ,

Paul Johansson
Senior Pastor
paul.johansson@clcelkriver.org

Senior Recognition
Sunday, May 20 at 8:15, 9:30 & 10:45 am
Join us as we celebrate our graduating seniors at each of our Sunday morning services. Please be sure to keep these grads in your prayers as they take their next steps in life.

Block Party
Sunday, June 3 from 11:00 am- 1:00 pm
Kick off summer at Central with this annual fellowship picnic and party, Activities include games, the dunk tank, a Hoagie lunch sponsored by Camp Noah, dramas by Covenant Players, and much more! Everyone is invited!

Avalanche Ranch - Come along for a Wild Ride through God’s Word
July 9-12 from 9:00-11:45 am;
$15.00 suggested donation
Three Year Olds – Second Graders
Children are grouped in multi-aged groups and follow their crew leader through different situations to learn about God’s love for them. Crafts, snacks, great music, drama, Chadder the Chipmunk, outdoor games.
Register online now or in the church office!

Music Camp: Livin' Inside Out in an Upside Down World
July 9-13, 2007 from 9:00-11:30 am
Students, grades 2-6, are invited to join director, Kristine Bjorklund.  This year we will be rehearsing, choreographing and producing the musical. Registration is $20 and includes music, CD, and T-shirt. The musical will be shared in worship on Sunday, July 15th, here at Central.
Register online now or in the church office!

Men
Men's Morning Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:30 am
The Backroads Café - Nowthen Join a great group of guys on Thursdays for breakfast and a thought-provoking Bible study. We are working through the gospel of John. We meet at The Backroads Café in Nowthen at 6:30 a.m. First time you visit, your breakfast is on us!  Contact Pastor Jeff. Be sure to note the change of location!
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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

Men’s Boundary Waters Trip
June 14-18
This trip is a great opportunity for beginners or more experienced canoers.
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Canadian Fishing Trip
July 28 - August 4; Cost: $435
We are joining the men of Zion Lutheran in Anoka for the 1st annual fishing ministries at Pasha Lake Cabins in Ontario, Canada. The $435 includes 7 nights lodging, breakfast, dinner, boats, motor, trailers, gas, bait, license and good fellowship. This is a walleye dream trip. Call the Church office for additional information. Dan Dixon from Central will be along to help all of us novices - yes he will bait your hook and clean your fish.

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Adult Education
Crossways - “The Preexilic and Exilic Prophets”
Sundays at 9:30 am and
Tuesdays at 11:00 am
A ten week course of the prophets; thus says the Lord! Sign up in the Welcome Book or at the Welcome Center.

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Youth (High School)
SNL  (Sunday Night Live)
Sunday at 7:01 pm in the Yüth Rüm. 
Guest Host: ???????? 
Musical Guest: Becky Shaheen

Confirmation (Grade 9)
Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 pm.  Open Gym 8:00-8:30 pm. (Last gathering for the year)

Salad Luncheon Fund-Raiser
May 20  10:30-12:30 am
SIGN-UP SUNDAY AT THE WELCOME CENTER
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Youth (Middle School)
WyldLife
JELL-O Jam! Bring clothes that can get stained and messy! Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 pm.  No Open Gym.

Middle School Journey Groups 
Sundays from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
If you’re not in a Journey Group and want to be, contact Ryan Braley or Pete Stanley.

Road to Real for Middle School kids. 
Sundays at 9:30-10:30 am in Room 211 with Tom-Pete and Ryan.
We are viewing and discussing the new release One Night with the King.

Music Camp 
Students, grades 2-6 are invited to join director, Kristin Bjorklund, July 9-13, 9:00-11:30 a.m. for Central’s annual music camp.  This year we will be rehearsing, choreographing and producing the musical, “Livin’ Inside Out in an Upside Down World!”  Registration is $20 and includes music, CD, and T-shirt.  The musical will be shared in worship on Sunday, July 15, here at Central.  Register on-line, at the Welcome Center or in the church office.

Parent’s Day Out
Take advantage of a morning off and do what you want!  Three opportunities!! Saturdays May 19, June 23 and July 14.  Sign up is available at the Welcome Center or register by calling the church office at 763-441-2363.

The Three Day 
The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a  60-mile walk for women, August 24-26, who want to make a personal difference in the fight against breast cancer. A couple Central women are interested in forming a team.– call  Sonja Dixon in the church office.

The Power of a Praying Woman
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm or Thursdays mornings from 11:00-12:30 pm beginning June 11/12 respectively. Sign up at the Welcome Center or by calling the church office

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Caring
GriefShare
Takes participants through the grief process. Be sure to watch for the dates.
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DivorceCare
DivorceCare Is support for separated or divorced people. Be sure to watch for the dates.
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Out of the Shadows
For those who have had experience with abuse of have helped women who struggle with this issue.  If you would like to be part of a ministry to bring Christ’s healing for painful relationships. call JoAnne 763-753-8182 or Betty at 763-441-2363. This program meets on Thursdays, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. for eight weeks in the youth room.
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BeFriender Ministry
BeFrienders is a ministry of listening presence.  If you have a heart for helping others, people who are homebound, who are grieving or are going through a difficult  experience. 
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Special Children Special Parents
A support group for families with special needs. This group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month.
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Mission
Camp Noah Bake Sale
We have something for everyone!  Buy your mom some sweets at the bake sale and make a donation to Camp Noah.  Grab a fish from Noah’s water - each fish has a list of craft supplies needed for our day camp with children from Montegut, LA.  Bring your list of items back to Central by June 1.

Made in Minnesota
June 23 at Elk River Ford Dodge Jeep from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
This is the first phase of the building that will happen as a part of the 10 Houses in Five Day trip. You are invited to help build the framing for the homes built in Shreveport. Join Hope Filled Hands volunteers for a banquet following the build at the Sherburne County Fair Grounds from 5:00 - 9:00 pm.
Contact: Jason Beaver

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Service Board 
We would like to include a “small” photo to go along with the names of the  service men and women  which is located in the church lobby.  Please drop off the small photo, including name at the church office.

Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at Guiding Hands Preschool, Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  (Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Sherburne County Chapter 30098 will match funds up to $400.00)

Musical Thanks
Many thanks to the music staff who worked with the children’s and adult choirs, both vocal and handbells, this past year.  Know your ministry is appreciated!

Central Relay for Life 
Central is forming two teams to walk in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. August 3-4 at the ERHS track. We will camp out, walk the track, meet lots of  people, and raise funds for the fight against cancer. Alissa Peichel and Carole Eckstrom will  co-lead this event.  If you would like to purchase a luminary bag, we will have them available in the lobby TODAY and again on Sundays,  June 24 and July 22.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 
Auditions will be held on Monday, May 21-May 23 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Little Theatre, Elk River High School.  (enter Door H)   Please bring a prepared song and dress for movement. Callbacks will be held on Thursday, May 24 and Friday, May 25.  We need children ages 7-12 to sing and act in the children’s chorus.  We need actors, singers, and dancers of all ages for the adult cast.  Rehearsals begin June 4.  Performances begin, July 20 and run for two weekends.  Not all actors/singers need to be at all rehearsals.  Have fun and meet new people!