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“The Power of Story”
This week we gather around “The Power of Story,” the third emphasis of the four week series; “Just Walk Across the Room.” Bill Hybels writes, “Every person alive today has a story. And possibly the greatest realization someone can make is this: ‘My story fits into God’s greater story – and that’s the greatest story ever told.’ When people grasp the magnificent truth that the gospel has direct implications for the meaning of their stories, all sorts of light bulbs flicker to life.”
* I can be found like the lost son
* I can be cared for by a Good Shepherd
* My deepest needs – like the Widows – can actually be met
* I can receive abundant life just by having the smallest amount of faith
* And the list goes on and on.
One of the great gifts of Sunday worship is that we gather around the stories of God. Scripture gives us a new story, a new narrative account of the way the world was put together, new direction for history, new purpose for being on earth. When we read the stories of the Bible our stories are changed and redefined. One might possibly say that a congregation is Christian to the degree that it is confronted by and attempts to form its life in response to the stories of Scripture.
I hope to see you this Sunday!
Paul Johansson
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Crossways!
Tuesdays from Noon to 12:50 pm or 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
Sundays from 5:15-8:00 pm
Alpha is a ten-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of opportunity for debate and discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and non-pressured.
Free childcare is provided! or call Pastor Jeff at 441-2363. |
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Beth Moore Study - Believing God
Thursdays, 6:45-8:45 pm beginning September 20
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 |
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Men's Quest - Winning at Work and Home
Thursday evenings beginning Septemebr 27 from 6:45-8:30 pm at Central.
Join other men for a time of fun, teaching and discussion in a captivating journey for men to understand their identity. Pastor Johansson is the primary instructor for this course. The fee is $25.00 and includes the book, a graduation gift plus additional items. Scholarships are available. |
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Men's Morning Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:30 am at The Backroads Café - Nowthen
Join a great group of guys on Thursdays for breakfast and a thought-provoking Bible study. 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 Quest - Winning at Work and Home
Thursday evenings beginning September 27 from 6:45-8:30 at Central.
Join other men for a time of fun, teaching and discussion in a captivating journey for men to understand their identity. Pastor Johansson is the primary instructor for this course. The fee is $25.00 and includes the book, a graduation gift plus additional items. Scholarships are available.
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Tuesday Men's Prayer
Tuesdays at 6:30 am in the Sanctuary
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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. |
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. |
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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)
2nd Monday of the month from 6:45-9:00 pm
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 . |
Young Women’s Bible Study
Tuesdays at 8:00 pm in the lounge
Women in their 20s-30s are invited to launch this new Bible study "Living Above Worry and Stress ." Mandi Kattengell will lead this group. 763-227-6708 |
Women’s Thursday Morning
Thursdays from 11:00 am -12:15 pm in rooms 210, 211
We will study the Book of James over the next 5 weeks. |
Women’s 9-month study of the Beatitudes
Mary Group is meeting at 9:00 a.m. at Adeline Story’s home with Margaret Zanke as study leader; Sara Group will meet at Barb Overbye’s home with Arlene Wells as study leader |
Women’s 9-month study of the Beatitudes
Lydia Group is meeting at 9:00 a.m. at Central in Room 205 with Aoulene Hauschulz as hostess and Sandy Weicht as study leader.
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SNL
Starts September 19, 7:07 pm in Studio 1103 (aka Yuth Room)
SNL is a large group gathering that is part of Central’s outreach ministry to high schoolers in our community. The evening is full of laughs, skits, singing and a talk by an SNL leader focusing on the Person of Jesus Christ. |
Journey Groups
The core of the high school ministry is Journey Groups, which are designed for kids with a desire to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. Journey Groups are usually gender specific and are made up of an adult leader and 5-8 kids that meet weekly to support each other in their journey with Jesus through discussion, bible study and prayer. To join a Journey Group, call Curt Hinkle |
Freshman Confirmation
Sundays beginning September 23
Yuth Room |
Fall Camp at Castaway Club
November 2-4; Cost: $99
More information @ SNL, Confirmation & Journey Groups
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Sophomore Confirmation
Sundays at 6:00 pm
Yuth Room |
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WyldLife
Wednesdays at 6:37 pm in the Family Life Center
WyldLife, a Young Life program, is Central’s LARGE group ministry to 7th and 8th graders that is outreach in nature (Fun, active, large group stuff; talks are designed to point kids toward Jesus). |
Food, Facts & Fun (Central’s Middle School Tutoring program)
Wednesdays from 3:00-5:30 pm
Brochures / Registration forms available at Central’s Welcome Center and the Yüth Board. Questions: Bev Johnson (763) 441-6429. |
GettaLife (For sixth graders)
Mondays from 6:00 - 7:30 pm in the FLC
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.
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Middle School Journey Groups Kick Off!
(7th & 8th Grade)
Sundays from 6:00 -7:30 pm in the Yuth Room
For 7th and 8th kids who are ready to go deeper in their faith. The evening starts with a large group teaching time before kids break into Journey Groups. A Journey Group is made up of the same adult leader and 5-8 kids each week that support each other in their journey with Jesus through discussion, bible study and prayer. |
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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. |
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. |
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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.
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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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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. |
Jamaica Mission Information Meeting
Monday, October 1 at 7:00 pm
The Jamaica Mission Team invites you to an informational meeting in preparation for the third trip to Robin’s Nest Children’s Home. The trip dates are March 22 to March 29, 2008. Please join us to learn about the orphanage, share in the experience of team members and listen for the Holy Spirit as he calls you to be part of the 2008 team. For questions, please call team leaders Larry, Kelby or Carol Greier-Klimek 763-241-1024. |
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Corner Bookstore News
Corner Bookstore & More has just received several new kinds of coffee and tea as well as organic roasted almonds and pecans. All of these are Fairly Traded items from Lutheran World Relief. Stop by the store soon. |
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! |
Camp Onamia Quilt Auction
9th Annual Quilt Auction on Saturday, September 22. There will be over 100 handmade quilts and crafts. This year a quilt raffle and a silent auction has been added! |
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. |
Prayers for Healing
Sunday, September 30 from 9:00 - 11:00 am
Anyone is invited to stop by the Prayer Chapel for prayers of healing. |
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McC's Community Meal
Wednesdays from 5:15 - 6:15 pm at Central in the Family Life Center.
Pizza, Taco in a Bag, and Hot Dogs on a rotational basis. |
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! |
Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Meeting
Sunday, September 23 at 12:00 pm in Rooms 210/11
Summer is almost over and it is time to start planning the Thanksgiving dinner! At this time we are in need for many volunteers. Please prayerfully consider helping on one of the following teams:
- Kitchen volunteers
- Set up/Clean up coordinator/volunteers
- Publicity volunteers
- Volunteer coordinator
- Hospitality coordinator/volunteers
- Transportation coordinator/volunteers
- Donation coordinator/volunteers
At this time we have close to $3,000 raised towards the dinner! We are going to have a planning meeting in the next couple of weeks- watch Christ Connect and bulletin for further details!
Contact: Kristen Norby at 763-241-1198 or
Jennifer Sundt at 763-241-9125 |
Heart Bread Program
Do you know someone in need of free, fresh produce and bread/bakery items? The Heart Bread Program distributes these free items every Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m. until items are gone. Come in Central at the south entrance. Anyone in need from the community is welcome! |
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