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“then the Lord God formed ‘adam’ (man) from the ‘adamah’ (dust of the earth), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the ‘adam’ became a living being” (Genesis 2:7)
Genesis 2 is primarily about God and human beings. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in ‘Creation and Fall,’ says in Genesis 1 we see ‘man for God’ and in Genesis 2 we see ‘God for man.’ In Genesis 1 human life is depicted s a part of God’s purposes for his whole creation. In chapter 2, God acts on behalf of humanity. In chapter one God is the distant Creator and Lord; in chapter 2 we meet the near, fatherly, covenant God, ‘Yahweh Elohim.’
What are we told about human life? We notice….
- We are of the earth. There is an earthiness to our human nature. Human life is of the dust. It cannot itself break into immortality.
- God forms the human. God shapes us out of the earth with his own hands. God gets his hands dirty to mold us, shape us and define us. The picture is of the potter molding the clay, of the artist creating, or the sculptor fashioning an image. God makes us and we are inescapably his creatures. This implies God’s authority.
- And then into his clay model, God breathes life. Life is God’s gift! We are dependent upon God for life and breath and all things. When God takes away his breath, his wind, his Spirit, his creatures die and return to the dust.
- And God places us in the garden! We are not placed at the center; our life is not revolving around self! At the center are the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. There is a tree at the center which reminds that we are not to live according to our traditions, customs, habits, norms and values BUT we are to trust in the Word of God. Our responsibility in the story is to listen to the Word of God. Trust and obey for there is no other way.
Take some time to read Genesis 2 prior to worship on Sunday. As you read this story know that you are part of the story! We are there in the Garden, and the Word is addressed to us. You might consider these two questions as you taste this story;
- What does God do? Or what are the actions of God?
- What does God say? Or what are the words of God?
What does life look like in the garden of the 21st century? I hope to see you at worship on Sunday.
Paul Johansson
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Small Group Followup Discussions
Central with host a four-week Say Yes to No discussions each Tuesday
(October 9,16,23,30) at:
- 6:00-7:00 pm
Parents of infants and pre-schoolers
- 6:00-7:00 pm
Parents of kindergarten – 5th Grade
- 8:00-9:00 pm
Parents of Middle School – High School
- 6:00-7:00 pm
Parents of Children with special needs
- 8:00-9:00 pm
People who work with children.
(teachers, childcare, etc.)
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Men's Retreat
“Wanted: Dangerous Men” on November 9 – 11
$90.00 includes two nights lodging and four meals at Timber Bay Lodge just north of Onamia, Mn. Our guest speaker is former Governor Al Quie. The first fifty men who sign up are guaranteed spots. You may email me directly or sign up at Central this Sunday. A lot of great stuff will be happening. |
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Mission Extravaganza and Chili Cookoff
Friday, October 26 at 5:00 pm
Chili Cookoff Details
Chili served from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Judges Choice Awards at 7:30 pm
$4/person $12/family up to 4
Mission Extravaganza
Come and experience your own little mission trip around the world as you help assemble health, midwife, school, sewing and hospice kits for global missions.
Start your journey with bowl of chili served by visiting ministry teams. The fare is at an all time low rate with the additional bonus of voting several chili pots off the island, leaving only one to receive the prized "People's Choice Award."
The trip starts at 5:00 pm and ends at 9:00 pm. Missions Offer Rewarding Experiences! |
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Central's Business Networking Luncheon
Wednesday, October 17 from 11:30-1:00 pm
Call the church office, or click this link to register online. |
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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
Thursdays 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. |
Tuesday Men's Prayer
Tuesdays at 6:30 am in the Sanctuary
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Men's Retreat
“Wanted: Dangerous Men” on November 9 – 11
$90.00 includes two nights lodging and four meals at Timber Bay Lodge just north of Onamia, Mn. Our guest speaker is former Governor Al Quie. The first fifty men who sign up are guaranteed spots. You may email me directly or sign up at Central this Sunday. A lot of great stuff will be happening. |
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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 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 . |
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. |
Eve in 2007
Monday, October 15, 7-8:30 PM in the Youth Room
Women of all ages are encouraged to check out this very short course on what it means to be a woman in our current culture. Sonja Dixon will be sharing research and information relevant to Christian females from adolescence through adulthood. |
Friday Night Crafts
Friday, October 12 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm in rooms 210/211
Bring any project you are working on and a treat to share if you'd like. |
God’s Power through Prayer
Sunday, October 28 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
If you would like prayer for healing or another life situation, please stop in the chapel. There will be someone there to pray with you. Tuesday worshippers are invited to stop by on November 6, following worship, 8:00-9:00 pm. |
Mentoring Women
Women are invited to gather on Monday, October 29, 7:00-8:30 pm, to be encouraged in ministry. |
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Sophomore Confirmation Journey Groups
Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm
Various Locations at the Church |
Freshman Confirmation
Sunday, 6:00-7:00 pm; Note time change
Yüth Room |
SNL
NO SNL OCTOBER 17 |
Next Bridges (Journey Group Worship)
October 14, 7:00 pm |
High School Fall Camp at Castaway Club
November 2-4
Cost: $99
More information @ SNL, Confirmation & Journey Groups |
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Middle School Journey Groups! (7th & 8th Grade)
Monday, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Yuth Room |
WyldLife (7th & 8th Grade)
NO WYLDLIFE OCTOBER 17 |
GettaLife (6th Grade)
Monday, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Family Life Center |
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. |
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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 in October.
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DivorceCare
Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 7:00 to 8:30 in the Caring Ministry lounge, room 126.
DivorceCare is support for separated or divorced people. Be sure to watch for the dates in October.
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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. |
Trash to Treasure!
Instead of throwing away your empty shoe boxes, turn them into something special for someone in need. Please participate in Central’s Operation Christmas Child project this year by filling a shoebox with toys and other presents for a child in need. There are information packets available for people who are willing to be collections points in their neighborhoods, families, etc. Shoebox collection is November 18. Brochures on what to include in your box and other important information can be picked up at the information booth or the welcome center. |
The Jamaica Mission Team is looking for you.
We have space available for you to be part of the team traveling to Robin's Nest Children's Home in 2008. The dates are March 22 to March 29 and the deadline for registration and your $100 deposit will be November 2. Please contact Carol Greier 763-241-1024 with your questions. |
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Discovery 101
Mondays from 7:00-8:00 15 pm in rooms 218/219
Whether you are looking to join Central, are a new believer or have been a Christian for many years, Discovery Class 101 is designed for all who want to grow in what it means to be a servant. |
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. |
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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! |
Next Thanksgiving Dinner Meeting
Sunday, October 14 at 12:00 pm in rooms 210/211
We are organizing a Thanksgiving meal at Central to feed those families in our midst in need. This is an fantastic way to spend your Thanksgiving being the hands and feet of Christ.
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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