Christ Connect - A Weekly Update from Central Lutheran Church, Elk River, MN
Central Lutheran Church Christ Connect
A Message from Paul

GET CONNECTED!

This fall we are making a concerted effort to get infants, children, youth and adults connected! It is our hope that through the EXTREME SUNDAY MAKEOVER many people will get connected in a new and miraculous way. Research indicates that there are three "holy habits" that are critical in the development of faith.

1. Pray together - praying out loud with other people is important. Our faith is very personal but never private. As we pray with one another we are opening ourselves to the work and witness of the Holy Spirit. Obviously we don't pray in the spirit of the Mother of the sons of Zebedee who wanted her request granted BUT we pray in the spirit of Jesus who modeled for us; "not my will but thy will be done."

2. Read the Bible together - reading the Bible with other people is important. We need the wisdom, counsel and insight of other believers otherwise we will have tunnel vision and never know our blind spots. I am so excited about these next two years as we will read the 90 timeless stories from the Beginners Bible.

3. Worship together - worshipping with infants, children, youth and adults is important. We need to learn to live out our baptismal welcome. What does it mean to be....

* the Lord's family,
* fellow members of the body of Christ,
* children of the same heavenly father,
* and workers in the kingdom of God?

In and through worship we come together as family, receive the gift of being re-membered, know that we belong as children of the heavenly father and receive our instructions as workers in God's Kingdom.

Let's all do everything we can to GET CONNECTED ON SUNDAY MORNINGS!

Paul

 
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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Fall Children's Opportunities - REGISTER NOW

register Click to respond to the Children's Ministry worship mailer

register Click here to express interest in joining the Children's Ministry team

register Click here to sign your child up for a Children's Choir

 
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Mission Garage Sale
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.

 
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Fall Kickoff - Tailgating Party
Sunday, September 9
Game Time - 8:00, 9:00, 9:30 & 10:45 am
Tailgating from 11:30-1:00 pm

The men of Central will be grilling brats and burgers. Feel free to bring a tailgating treat (not required for admission) Join the Central team! Wear you favorite team's jersey to the big game and be connected to Team Central.

The first 1,000 people attending will receive a FREE football.

 
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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 11 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

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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 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
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Men’s Kick Off Breakfast
Saturday, Sept. 22 at 8:00 am -
Barry Ross, the former CEO of Herbergers, will be sharing his story of how Christ became real to him in the workplace. Invite another man and enjoy some excellent food, friends and fellowship.

Men's Quest
Thursdays beginning Sept. 20. More details to follow.

Men's Retreat
November 9-11 at Timber Bay
Two nights lodging, four meals for $90. Our guest speaker is former Gov. Al Quie. Signup at the Welcome Center.


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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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Youth (HIgh School)
Work Crew @ Castaway Club
August 23-26, Cost: $25
Provide Work Crew for Family Camp.
Register with Curt Hinkle, in office or at Welcome Center

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

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Middle School
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.

L.A.M.E
Tuesday, August 21 at Noon   
Is your summer looking LAME? L.A.M.E. (Lunch And Movie Excursion), kicks off at Central Lutheran Church where we will drive to BW’s (Buffalo Wild Wings) for lunch and then to the Elk River Movie Theatre for a movie (TBD).  Don't be lame; come to L.A.M.E.! If you have any questions see Ryan Braley or call him at 763-441-2363.

GettaLife (For sixth graders)
Mondays starting September 17 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm in the Family Life Center
We are starting a new program called Getta Life.  This is a transitional year for your sixth grade student both in school and here at Central.  This gives us an opportunity to come along side your child offering support and building a strong relationship with them.  A smaller group setting is key to making this work and it takes away the competition that sometimes exists with the seventh and eighth grade. It also allows us to provide better programming to meet their needs.
Click here for more information | Register online

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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 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.

Elk River MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
Beginning Sept. 10 - 2nd Monday of the month from 6:45-9:00 p.m.
MOPS is a group designed to nurture mothers with children from infancy through kindergarten. Come and enjoy a wonderful evening with other mothers of preschoolers for great conversation, learning, crafts and much more in a safe, fun, and caring environment! Childcare is available. For more information stop by the church office or contact Darbie Olofson at 274-1257 or visit the MOPS website to seek additional information at www.mops.org.

Young Women’s Bible Study 
Tuesdays beginning September 11 at 8:00 pm in the lounge
Women in their 20s-30s are invited to launch this new Bible study "Worry and Stress-Free Living." Mandi Kattengell will lead this group. 763-227-6708

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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.
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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.
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...

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Mission
Honduras Medical Mission
Central members Sue and Jim Hecker will be going to Honduras September 1-9 with a Medical Mission Team sponsored by the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of our ELCA. Chaplain Michael Wittkamper from Fairview Northland Hospital in Princeton will lead the twelve member team which includes a doctor, nurses, and several “gofers” (Jim and Sue). We will offer clinics in four locations in the area of the capital, Tegucigalpa, to provide free basic medical care for people from this very poor country. Team members will bring medications and medical supplies along from here in suitcases and crates. You can help with donations of unopened over- the- counter remedies which will be much appreciated. Vitamins are needed to improve overall health: prenatal (which help reduce birth defects); children’s chewable (no gummies please); and adult multivitamins. (Larger bottles are better for more efficient packing.)  Also needed are Tylenol and Ibuprofen type pain relievers (aspirin not needed), plain Benadryl, and triple antibiotics. Contributions can be labeled Honduras Mission and left at Central by Sunday morning, August 19, so we can pack them for the trip that afternoon. Your prayers for this important ministry will be welcomed. Call Sue or Jim with any questions at 763-441-4279.

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Choirs
Adult choirs begin in Septmber. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Brian Budahn at 763-441-4685. All adult singers are welcome!

 

 

 

 


 


Sound System Training - Class 1
Thursday, August 16 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Come and learn the basic principles and concepts to running a sound system. Our first class will cover basic equipment and their functions, cables and connectors and use of an analog sound board. All are welcome to attend! This class is a prerequisite to learning the Sanctuary Sound Board, however if you have experience running FOH, please contact Jason Beaver at 763-441-2363 or jason.beaver@clcelkriver.org.


 
 
 
Drum Lessons
Are you a novice drummer? Want to learn new techniques, improve or learn different styles?  Jared Kolles has openings for half hour drum lessons at Central.  Lessons cost $17.00 for ages 8 and up (that includes adults!) Jared has years of experience in percussion, drum set and marching band.  He has played at Central’s contemporary service and seven years of experience in music ministry with various worship groups in North Dakota and Minnesota. Currently, he plays with the Cal Ecker Band in the Twin Cities.  For more information, call Jared at 763-262-0748 or 763-242-8961.

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Community
McC's Community Meal
Wednesdays from 5:00 - 6:30 pm at Central in the Family Life Center.
Pizza, Taco in a Bag, and Hot Dogs on a rotational basis.

 

Christ Connect is a service of
Central Lutheran Church
1103 School Street
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 441-2363
webmaster@clcelkriver.org