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

Central Family,

* Focus (fo-kus) noun, (Latin) 1. A focal point. 2. To concentrate. 3. A center of interest or activity. 4. To sharpen or clearly define. 5. The point at which an object is most clearly seen.

At our last Church Council meeting we reflected on the importance of remaining focused. In the midst of all the 'hustle and bustle' of activity at Central we reminded ourselves of our two primary foci;

* Making Jesus Known, and
* Odyssey 2010 - Building a Sending Church

Making Jesus Known is our mission! It is our lifeblood - it is our heartbeat - it is the air we breathe! If the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing then we have to know the main thing. The main thing at Central is MAKING JESUS KNOWN! It is the reason for our existence as a Church.

Odyssey 2010 - Building a Sending Church is the way in which we are called to be Making Jesus Known these next three to five years. As we move forward we do not want to wander off course and be detoured by all the important things in life. We want to be faithful and fruitful in fulfilling Jesus' final command; "Go into all the World and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations...."

As we come to the end of the summer season and move into the fall we pray that the Holy Spirit will keep us focused on the main things! One of the most impressive qualities about Jesus is that he remain focused on his mission. Consider how he was tempted to lose sight of his mission;

* The religious authorities set traps in hopes of discrediting him
* His disciples repeatedly tried to rewrite his agenda
* His family questioned his loyalties
* Friends with whom He'd grown up were offended by him
* Even Satan took his best shot

So how did Jesus stay focused? Jesus was determined to do his Father's will. "My priority is to do the will of Him who sent me." The most important responsibility we have as humans is to do the will of God. Let's pray that Jesus will teach us the art of remaining focused on the main thing.

Peace!

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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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 fans attending will receive a FREE football.
 
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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.

 
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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.
 
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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 and after his death.

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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
click for more...

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
Thursday evenings from 6:45–8:30 pm at Central. The Quest for Authentic Manhood is original curriculum in the Men’s Fraternity series that began in 1990. Through Men’s Fraternity, Dr. Robert Lewis, helps men explore the critical   issues they face in an ever-changing culture by helping them discover authentic manhood. In our quest, we will break the mold and not be afraid to ask questions.

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

Final Call for Ninth Grade Confirmation Registration   
 Is your son/daughter going to be in 9th grade this fall.  Do you have him/her registered to start Confirmation this fall?  You can register online, in the church office or at the Welcome Center.

Confirmation Parent’s Meetings
Freshmen Parents:  September 13, 7:00 pm
Sophomore Parents:  September 13, 8:15 pm in the Yuth Room

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Middle School
WyldLife Leadership Camp Weekend For all WyldLife, Journey Group, JLO 1 and JLO 2 Leaders.
September 7th-9th Leave Central Lutheran Church Friday, 4:00 pm, return Sunday around 3:00 pm.
Return registration forms to Ryan Braley with $40 to confirm a spot!

Journey Groups
Register for Middle School Journey Groups (7th – 8th Grade), Sunday, at the table in the lobby. Middle School Journey Groups will meet Monday nights from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. We will meet together in a large group for games, fellowship and a teaching. Afterwards we will break up into smaller, gender specific groups to read the Word, digest the talk, and pray together.

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.

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
Deadline for Women’s Retreat - September 1 
 Wanted: Dangerous Women - Women’s Fall Retreat  September 14, 7:00 p.m. to September 16, late morning at Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center, Farmington. Come for a great time of fellowship and spiritual encouragement. $110 for the entire weekend. ($50 for Saturday only) Don’t let cost keep you away, scholarships are available. Contact Sonja Dixon. Registration forms are available at the office and Welcome Center. 

Believing God
Beth Moore Fall Study
Thursdays, 6:45-8:45 pm
Based on Isaiah 43:10, Believing God: Experienceing a Fresh Explosion of Faith explores what it means to believe God. Through studying the lives of Abraham, Moses, and others from     Hebrews 11 as examples of persons who believed God, Beth encourages women to deepen their own trust in God and receive a fresh word from Him. Join us for 10 life-changing weeks and learn to believe God!

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.
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...

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Mission
 Thank You Very Much 
For your support of our Honduras Medical Mission September 1-9. You donated 3175 vitamins, 3860 pain pills, 10 oz. liquid children’s pain reliever, and 7 tubes of antibiotic ointment. A generous check from the Central Missions Committee along with some individual contributions will cover all additional expenses for the medical mission. (Team members are paying their own cost for the trip.) Your prayers for our mission team are appreciated. Sue and Jim Hecker.

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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!

11th Annual Craft Show  
Calling all crafters - do you make something special and unique? We would  love to have you share it at the show! Central will be holding their 11th Annual Craft and Home Business Show on Saturday,  November 3. We still have room for more crafters.  Please stop by the office to pick up a registration form or contact Anita Gramstad at 763-241-8735 for more information.

Central Seniors Potluck
Join us September 5 for potluck lunch.  Social hour will begin at 11:30 and lunch at noon.  Program will be Georgene Genck and Connie Rosendahl and Deb Hammock.

 

 

 

 


Wednesday Food Give Away
If you have extra garden produce and are willing to give it away, each Wednesday morning here at Central food is distributed to those in need. Please drop off your extra produce Tuesday evenings or early Wednesday mornings by Java Central. Thanks for sharing!

 



Can't go to Shreveport to help build houses
but want to help?

STOP AT OUR
CORNER BOOKSTORE & MORE

We have beautiful life-long roses for $3.00 each in a large variety of vibrant colors
and high-quality "Hope-filled Hands" pins for $15.00.

ALL PROCEEDS GO THE SHREVEPORT
HOPE-FILLED HANDS PROJECT.

Also our summer clearance is now going on.
 

Flooding in SE Minnesota
As we have all heard, numerous SE Minnesota communities have been severely affected by the recent heavy rains that have caused devastating flooding and forced many residents out of their homes. Lutheran Social Services is our contact for volunteering opportunities. If you would like to volunteer your services to help in the flood clean-up, please call Joyce Pederson (612) 922-0776. If you would like to donate money, simply mark your check "Disaster Relief" and put it in the offering plate. These funds will be forwarded to Lutheran Social Services.

 
 

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.

 
 

Lutheran Social Service is in need of people to help with light moving for families in their housing services program.  This may include moving a family from their transitional housing unit to their permanent home, picking up donated furniture and delivering it to a family in need, or picking up furniture from “Bridging” a furniture storehouse where families in the housing services program can obtain household items.
Commitment:  Moves are periodic, communicated and coordinated via e-mail.  Most moves average 2 hours.

For more information contact:
Paris Dunning
Volunteer Coordinator, Housing Services
Lutheran Social Service
612-879-5233

 or

Meg Ciccateri @   651-293-2551 

 

 

 

 

 
 
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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