Central Family,

Last Sunday two persons referred me to two different books about children;

"Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children" by Betty Hart & Todd R. Risley and "No; Why Kids of All Ages Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It" by David Walsh. How timely given text from the Matthew Odyssey for this Sunday; Matthew 18.

Matthew 18:4-5 teaches us; "Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." At the heart of the Extreme Sunday Makeover is the understanding of the role and importance of the child in the Christian movement. In fact Jesus goes on to say in Matthew 18:6; If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea."

Sobering words to say the least! This Sunday we will try to unpack some of Jesus' word on the importance of children in light of what we know about the first years of life. For instance in the book Meaningful Differences we read;

"The first years of life are overwhelmingly important because not only survival but all of an infant's experience of the world depends on other people.The first 3 years are a time when children are uniquely susceptible to the culture of adults. The helplessness of human infants makes them both particularly vulnerable and especially malleable. Research continues to demonstrate how fine are the auditory and visual discriminations infants can make in the very first months of life. We know that by age 2 the growth and mylenization of nerve cells is almost complete and that by age 4 cortical development is largely finished."

Much of the impetus for the Extreme Sunday Makeover is based in Jesus' radical inclusion of children. Jesus insisted that children be fully included and the more we learn from child development research the more sense it makes. Maybe when we learn enough we might come to the conclusion that the Lord really does know what is best!

See you on Sunday!

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 22, we have received $27,194 and are in need of $30,000.

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?  
1) Purchase a $10 luminary bag in memory or in honor of someone you know;
2) Make a donation ~ use your offering envelope; leave it at the office or stop by the table TODAY;
3) Come out and walk.....

Central Endowment Fund Scramble Golf Tournament
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Riverwood National Golf Course, Otsego

2:00 pm Shotgun Start
6:30 pm Picnic Supper

Signup and you will be placed in a foursome or singup your team! $60 includes 18 holes, cart with GPS, an excellent meal and a tax deductible gift to Central’s Endowment fund.

Mission Garage Sale
Setup: August 14/15
Pre-sale: August 15, 5:00-8:00 pm - $3
Sale: August 16-18, 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Cleanup: August 18 after sale

We are in need of people to help with setup, working the sale and for cleanup. All who work the sale can designate a mission project to share in the proceeds. Contact Jim or Linda Sklenicka for more information, including donation dropoffs. (763) 441-2465.

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.

Adult Education
Alpha
Beginning Sunday, Sept. 16, 5:15-8:00 pm.
There will be an Alpha Preview Dessert at 7:00 pm on Sept. 9. Free childcare is provided! Register online or call Pastor Jeff at 441-2363.

Crossways!
Tuesdays starting September 4 from Noon to 12:50 pm or come Tuesday evenings from 6:00-6:50 pm.
What was Jesus’ world like? What did they read, and believe, and remember? Come to Crossways this fall and learn about the years leading up to Jesus’ birth. We’ll look at those parts of the Bible written in the last few

............................................

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

Men’s Fall Events
Thursday, Sept. 20 - Men’s Quest Begins

Saturday, Sept. 22 at 8:00 am - Men’s Kick Off Breakfast

Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8:00 am - Men's Breakfast

Friday, Nov. 9 - 11 - Men’s Retreat at Timber Bay. Governor Al Quie will be our guest speaker

............................................

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).

............................................

Summer Stuff
Crooked Creek Ranch Reunion
August 13, 6:30-9:00 pm, Eric Zeigler’s Place, (Swimming, Food & other Stuff!)
19782 Lander Street NW, Elk River

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.

............................................

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.

GRFHS (Gettin’ Ready for High School) Party
August 22, 7:00-8:30 pm, Yuth Room, For all incoming Freshmen

............................................

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

GRFMS (Gettin’ Ready for Middle School) Party
August 20, 4:00-6:00 pm, Yuth Room, For all incoming Sixth Graders. WE NEED PARENTS to cook and serve pizza. Call Jill Pouliot or Ryan Braley.

............................................

Children
Extreme Sunday Makeover for Kids
Lots and lots of changes on the horizon in children's ministry are coming this fall. If you would like to get involved in building some new and exciting ministires for children, please call Jill Pouliot.

Story Time Central (Ages 3-5)
Monday, August 20 from 10:00 – 11:00 am or 6:30 - 7:30 pm
BUGS! Let's look close at God's little critters. Bring one along that we can study. Sign up on line. Anyone wishing to be a part of the planning of Story Time Central, please contact Michelle Risting at 274-0846

Children's Music Leaders
We are looking for some guitar players who would work on a team to lead music for children during their Tuesday night and Sunday morning Children's Chapel times. Most songs are so simple that very few chords are necessary to accompany the kids. Please call Jill Pouliot if you or someone you know might be able to share their gifts to help kids praise God through music.

Women
Wanted: Dangerous Women – Women’s Fall Retreat
September 14-16, 7:00 pm Friday through Sunday morning worship service
Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center, Farmington, MN
Come join us for a weekend of fellowship, relaxation and spiritual growth in a beautiful retreat setting. $110 for the weekend includes lodging, linens, four meals and activities or $50 for Saturday only, which includes three meals and activities. Enjoy Bible study, prayer, renewal, fellowship, fun, crafts and much more! Registration deadline is September 1.

Women’s Golf Outing
Tuesday, August 7, tee times beginning at 10:00 am at Pinewood in Elk River.
Central women and their friends are invited to sign up for a golf outing. We will meet at the club house at 9:45. Sign up by the foursome or as an individual and take the opportunity to get to know another Central woman! The sign up is available at the welcome center or in the church office.

Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study at the Coborn's Deli
Tuesdays from 6:45 - 7:45 am
What a Awesome way to start your day! Great Conversation around God's Word over breakfast with a bunch of Women!! I can't think of anything better! Bring your bible and join us as we begin our journey through the New Testament beginning in Luke.

Friday Night Crafts
August 10 in rooms 210/11
Come to quilt, do needlework, scrapbook, any craft or project you want to work on while enjoying fellowship with other women.
............................................

Caring
GriefShare
Takes participants through the grief process. Be sure to watch for the dates.
click for more...

DivorceCare
DivorceCare Is support for separated or divorced people. Be sure to watch for the dates.
click for more...

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.
click for more...

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...

............................................

Mission
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. 

............................................

Congregation
Healing Prayer Training
Beginning Wlednesday, August 1, 6:30-9:00 pm, in the prayer chapel.
Jan Sjostrand will be leading a training session on healing prayer through the Wednesdays in August. The Francis and Judith MacNutt video series will form the basis of the course but emphasis will also be on practicing healing prayer. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Jan at 263-8136.

Healing Prayer
Tuesday, August 14, 7:00-8:30 pm in the prayer chapel
Individuals desiring extended time for healing prayer are invited to the prayer chapel where a team of trained individuals will be available to pray with you and hear your concerns for mental, physical or spiritual healing. If you have questions or desire more information, please contact Jan Sjostrand at 263-8136. All are welcome.

Monthly Business Luncheon
Third Wednesday each month from 11:30-1:00 pm
Come for an opportunity to network with other businesses, hear from various guest speakers and have an outstanding lunch. Signup at the Welcome Center or by calling the church office at 763-441-2363.