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Make My Life A Bethlehem
What is the Advent announcement? For at least 1,700 years, Christ-followers have observed a season of prayer and preparation leading up to Christmas. We call this season ADVENT. In the busyness, craziness and chaos of the days that follow Black Friday, we Christ-followers try to do some soul searching, some praying and some repenting.
This Sunday we gather around the word from Luke 1:26-38. The angel Gabriel makes an announcement;
- Company is coming
- A baby will be born
- The Savior of the World is coming
- The king of the World will be born
Will there be room? Can we sweep out the clutter of our lives and leave space into which God might become a reality? What does it mean to pray, ‘Make my life a Bethlehem’? We need time to calm down, to wait, to get our house in order, to prepare, to wait for your deepest wish and most fervent desire, even if its hidden from yourself – for the birth of Jesus into your life.
This past week I picked up a book from my past, “MONEY, SEX AND POWER” by Richard Foster. What would it mean for Jesus to be born into our….
- relationship to money? Our check books, bank statements, and credit card records are a great indicator of our faith.
- relationship to sex? One of the most profitable industries in our culture is the pornography industry.
- relationship to power? How do we relate to one another? When Jesus is born in our life together we become comfortable with a towel and basin.
What’s the point? Jesus’ birth is not some romantic story that creates warm fuzzies and makes us feel good. It is offensive because it is all about saving us from ourselves! And only God can do that…..hope to see you Sunday so we can eavesdrop in on God’s conversation with Mary.
Paul Johansson
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Alpha Celebration
Sunday, December 2 at 7:00 pm
Come enjoy dessert and hear the stories of people who are completing
Alpha! If you've ever wondered what Alpha is all about, this is a great
chance to hear from those who are experiencing it. The Alpha Celebration
is Sunday, December 2, at 7 pm in the Family Life Center at Central. |
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Homeless in Elk River? An Afternoon of Awareness
December 2, at 12:00 pm
How many people are homeless in America? Are there really homeless people in our community? Do you have questions, or want to hear what's going on in our own community. A light lunch will be served "Soup Kitchen" style. Afterward speakers will share the problems facing our community regarding homelessness. There will be a special benefit concert by River as well as a silent auction. Bring a pair of gloves or mittens, a hat, bedding, and toiletries for a special donation.
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Christmas Celebration Services
Christmas Eve Children's Services
2:00 - 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Christmas Eve Communion &
Candle Light Services
7:30 -11:00 pm
Christmas Day
10:00 am |
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Journey to Financial FreedomJanuary 12 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Why not start your new year out with a decision to change the way you manage your finances?! Central will be hosting Crown Financial’s “Journey to Financial Freedom” seminar on Saturday, January 12, 8:30-4:00. The cost is $30 and includes all resources as well as lunch and snacks.
Pre-registration is required so sign up in the church office with payment by January 6! Some scholarships are available. Please contact Sonja Dixon with requests.
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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.
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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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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 |
"An Ornament for Christ" - A party for all women of Central
Monday, December 3, 6:30 pm
Join in an evening of fun, food and fellowship December 3 in the family life center. Appetizers will be served at 6:30 pm.
Prayer partners for the coming year will be selected during the evening and the partners for prayer will meet at the party. Anyone who wants a prayer partner needs to fill out a sheet with their name, address, phone number and any special prayer concerns. You need not attend the party to have a prayer partner.
If you can bring an appetizer for the buffet table, please do. A free-will offering will be received. |
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Sophomore Confirmation Journey Groups
Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm
Various Locations at the Church
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Freshman Confirmation
Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm
Yüth Room
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SNL
Wednesdays at 7:07 pm in Studio 1103
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Next Bridges (Journey Group Worship)
Sunday, December 9 at 7:00 pm |
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Middle School Journey Groups! (7th & 8th Grade)
Monday, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Yuth Room |
WyldLife (7th & 8th Grade)
Wednesday 6:37pm
Yuth Room
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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. |
WyldLife Christmas Bash!
December 19 |
GettaLife (6th Grade)
Monday, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Family Life Center |
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A Birthday Party for Jesus!
Thursday, December 6, 10:00 am or 6:30 pm
You and a grown up are invited to a special birthday party for Jesus! You will get a special baby Jesus of your very own to take home to take care of through Christmas. Join us for this very special time just for two year olds and a grown up!
Sign up on line or at the Welcome Center. Please indicate which session you will be attending. Please bring a shoe box or oatmeal box to create a manger for Baby Jesus to sleep in! |
Operation Baby King - Children's Christmas Program
Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 pm |
Story Time Central
Monday, December 17 from 10:00 - 11:00 am or 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Click here to register |
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GriefShare
Wednesdays from 5:00 - 6:30 pm in the Caring Ministries lounge
GriefShare, a path through the grief process, for anyone who has lost a loved one through death. An education/support group. Jenny Stone will facilitate.
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DivorceCare
Tuesdays from 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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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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Mexico Mission Team
Please remember to pick up your cookies! We will have bags available beginning December 2 to fill up for delivery to children during our trip to Mazatlan in January. We have a list of suggested items, so stop by our table to pick up a bag for a boy or girl. Please contact Jim or Linda Sklenicka at 763-441-2465 with any questions. On December 16, stop by and check out all the items that will be available for the silent auction. |
Thanksgiving Thank you!
The first annual community Thanksgiving dinner was a huge success! We had over 60 volunteers who donated their time and efforts to make this day possible. Thank you to all the volunteers, we could not have done it without you! A special thank you goes out to Billie Evenson, Sara Holzem, Kirsten Gill, Jim Sklenicka, Denny Rondeau and Paul Bell who all went the extra mile to make our dream become a reality. We served over 100 guests and delivered several meals as well and heard nothing but positive comments. We plan on making this an annual event at Central and we truly appreciate the congregation’s prayers and support. |
Gifts Anonymous and Mitten Tree
Once again this year we will be collecting gifts for the disadvantaged in our community. A Christmas tree will be set up in front of the Family Life Center for donations of mittens, hats, and scarves. Place gifts of new toys for children under the tree! Donations can be left from Sunday, December 2 through Sunday, December 16th. God loves a cheerful giver! |
Christmas in a Basket
Sign up in Central’s lobby to sponsor a family and supply Christmas dinner and gifts for a needy family. Wish lists will be available for anonymous area families. Families or mission teams are encouraged to join together and gift a family with a special Christmas this year! Drop off wrapped purchases and groceries at Central before or on Saturday, December 22, noon-2:00 PM. If you are in need of a little Christmas help this holiday season, please contact Sonja Dixon in the church office, 441-2363, ext. 222. |
Christmas gifts in honor or in memory of a loved one
This year we are offering four different memorial opportunities, at four different gift giving levels, to be printed in our Christmas worship bulletins. Please drop off your gift with names of those to be honored, in the church office.
Poinsettia - $10 per plant
Children and Youth Bibles - $15 donation
CAER Foodshelf - $20 donation
World Hunger - $25 donation |
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River Coming to Worship
Sunday, December 2
Mark your calendars as River, the popular recording trio, will be in worship at all four services! |
Corner Bookstore and More
New items:
1. Handcrafted gifts from around the world such as nativity sets, jewelry, baskets, candle holders, ornaments
2. Christmas tapestries such as pillows and bell-pulls
3. Chocolate bars from Germany
4. An 'in-your-car' devotional book using road signs as the focus
5. Christmas gifts and ornaments in all price ranges
6. Advent wreaths, candles, calendars, and books
We are open on Sunday mornings, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. |
Guitar Player Needed
Guitar player needed for the 11:00 worship team. This is a great opportunity to use your gifts and be a part of a vital ministry at Central. Please talk with Phil Reesnes at church on Sunday morning, call 612-759-5000 or email him at phil.reesnes@clcelkriver.org. |
Ski Trip
The annual Central youth and family ski trip is scheduled for Friday, February 15, departing at 5 PM, through Tuesday morning, February 19. We will be traveling by charter coach bus to Bozeman Montana for a day of skiing at Bridger Bowl and then two days at Big Sky. The ticket price for the trip, including hotel lodging, transportation, breakfast and lunch on the slopes, 3 days of lift tickets, is $365. Sign up and pay your nonrefundable deposit of $100 in the church office. Deadline for registration is February 1. (This would make for a great Christmas gift!) |
Carolann Rosenthal and Band
Saturday, December 15 at 6:30 pm
Experience Real Hope at Christmas with Carolann Rosenthal and Band as they celebrate the CD Release of her new Christmas album "The Gift." Refreshments will be served and a freewill offering will be taken. Visit her website at www.carolannrosenthal.com. |
Advent Events
Sunday, December 9
Agora Christmas of Nations Festival
The bus will leave Central’s parking lot at 2:30 pm to attend this Christmas Festival sponsored by Agora Ministries at 4:00 pm at Central in downtown Minneapolis.
Sunday, December 16
Old Fashioned Carol Sing and Cookies
4:00 pm at Central
Sunday, December 23
A Contemplative Christmas service
7:00 pm at Central
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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.
McC's will be closed on November 21 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. A meal will be served at Central from 11:30 - 1:30 on Thanksgiving Day. All are welcome! No reservations necessary. |
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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