Central Family,

This week we gather around Matthew 16. In this chapter Jesus asks his disciples the most important question anyone can be asked. Some of the important questions that I have been asked are;

* Will you take this woman to be your wife? (Marriage)
* Will you raise your child in the Christian faith? (Parenting)
* Will you pray for the people you serve? (Pastor)

These questions birth who I am. I am a husband, father and Pastor. Important as these questions are there is still a more important question. It is the question Jesus asks his disciples; "Who do you say that I am?" It is the most important question that God asks us as human beings; Who is Jesus in your life? At Central the heartbeat of our life together is Making Jesus Known. Read Matthew 16, worship this Sunday and know Jesus in a new way through the Word.

As we grow in our mission of Making Jesus Known we recognize the need to bring on new staff persons. Please pray for wisdom as we move forward in the employment process of hiring two very important part-time positions; A Children's Ministry Administrator and an Administrative Assistant. It has been my privilege to sit down with nine qualified candidates for these two positions. It is humbling and gratifying to know that competent, compassionate and Christ-centered persons desire to join Central's leadership team. We are so blessed by the caliber of people who have made application for these positions.

So PRAY that God will open and close appropriate doors!

Thanks for staying connected to Christ's body at Central.

Paul
paul.johansson@clcelkriver.org

Roof Repair
At the Congregational Meeting on June 10, the Roof Repair Project was unanimously approved.  We need to raise $30,000 to proceed with the much needed repairs.  Please give generously !

As of July 8, we have received $17,231 and are in need of $30,000.

3RD Annual Central Lutheran Car and Bike Show
July 15
Pre-registration $5.00 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Vote for your favorite car and bike from 12:00 - 2:30 pm
Trophies awarded to Best In Show at 3:00 pm
Dash plaques given to first 50 bikes and cars to register.
All proceed go to the Shreveport Trip in September.

Dinner & Theatre - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Saturday, July 21, 2007 - Tickets $20.00 - Dinner begins at 5:30
Come enjoy dinner and the theatrical production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Please sign up at the welcome center or purchase your tickets on Sunday in the narthex. All proceeds going to the Shreveport, LA Building Blitz in September.

Crooked Creek Ranch
Summer High School Camp July 21-29,
Crooked Creek Ranch in Colorado - $595 (a few spots left).
On-line registration and payment available.

Sports Camp
August 6-9 for children 2nd - 5th Grade. 
What fun we have learning about God's awesome love for us while also gaining some sports skills. We need lots of adults and big kids to help "coach" our kids.  If you are interested in helping, please call Jill Pouliot at 763-441-2363. Click here to register.

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!
click for more...

Tuesday Men's Prayer
Tuesdays at 6:30 am in the Sanctuary

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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College-Age People
Virtual Journey Group 
Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 pm at Panera. We’re working our way through the Gospel of Mark.  Questions?  Call Curt Hinkle at the church or Jessica Schmeckpeper (763-232-8648).

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Summer Stuff
Crooked Creek Ranch - Departure
July 21 at 7:00 pm
We still might have a fewe spots open!!!

RoadSide Service
The BEST Mystery Mission Trip for middle school kids, high school kids and adult kids for under $250. August 5-11 - $249.99.  On-line registration and payment available.

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Youth (HIgh School)
Confirmation  
Is your son/daughter going to be in 9th grade this fall.  Do you have him/her registered to start Confirmation this fall?  Then PLEASE DO SO BY JUNE 24.  You can register online, in the church office or at the Welcome Center.

Journey Groups
Meeting at various times throughout the summer.  Check with your Journey Group leader.

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Middle School
ValleyFair!
Join us on July 31 for an all day trip to ValleyFair!  Meet at Central at 9:00am and return by 10:00pm. Cost: $30 (assuming 25 kids register) plus $ for lunch and dinner. 
Click here to register online

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Children
Sports Camp
August 6-9 for children 2nd - 5th Grade. 
What fun we have learning about God's awesome love for us while also gaining some sports skills. We need lots of adults and big kids to help "coach" our kids.  If you are interested in helping, please call Jill Pouliot at 763-441-2363.

Story Time Central (Ages 3-5)
Third Monday of the month, 10:00-11:00 am or 6:30-7:30 pm. Monday, July 16 – “Night Sky” -  Let’s talk about the stars that God made! ! Come and put yours to work at Story Time Central!

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Congregation
Central Relay for Life 
So you think you don’t know anyone with Cancer… think again!  Take a look around the sanctuary (it’s ok, take a peak); cancer has most likely affected someone in every pew in one-way or another.  Cancer touches so many of our friends and family and the Relay For Life is a great way to help fight this terrible disease.  Four teams from Central & friends (that’s 60+ individuals) will be “coming down the track for a cure” on Friday, August 3 as walkers from 6:30 PM to 6:30 AM - Saturday.  How can you help?  

Mentoring Women
Thursdays, beginning July 12, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm for five weeks; rooms 210/11
Women interested in being equipped to be ministry leaders, or women who sense God is calling them to come alongside others, are invited and encouraged to attend a mentoring workshop. Sonja Dixon will be leading this course. If childcare is needed, please call 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.

Friday Night Crafts and Fellowship
Friday, July 13 from 6:00-10:00 pm
Come to quilt, do needlework, scrapbook or any craft project you want to work on while enjoying fellowshipwith other women. Bring a snack to share if you'd like.

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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.
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Hiding-Hurting-Healing Ministry 
This valuable women’s program is for people who have been a part of a difficult  relationship – in the past or in the present. If you have a desire to help other women and want to know more about this ministry, please contact Betty Zehringer.

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. 
click for more...

Special Children Special Parents
A support group for families with special needs. This group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month.
click for more...

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Mission
Crossroads Dinner
Wednesday, July 25
Volunteers are needed to help serve the parking lot dinner to the homeless in the Philips neighborhood, downtown Minneapolis, on Wednesday, July 25. We arrive about 5:00 and return about 8:00 pm. If you cannot participate in a week-end or week-long mission trip, this is an opportunity to get a little taste of missions. If you are unable to serve but would be willing to donate food, that would be great, too. Please sign up for serving or food donations in the welcome folder or call the church office, 441-2363!

Mission Garage Sale  
Do you have stuff you don’t know what to do with? Donate it to the Mission garage sale.  If you have old and slightly used  household items, furniture,  knick  knacks…  we have the place for them!  Please call Linda or Jim at 763-441-2465 to make arrangements to drop items off at the trailer or we will have someone pick up the items. Please note - We cannot accept the following: Electronics, including TV’s, radios, stereo equipment, computers or exercise equipment.