Life Events

Weddings | Baptisms

Live Events

Weddings | Baptisms

Baptisms at Central

BELIEFS

We believe baptism is about promises.

First and foremost, it is about God’s promise to us: Because of what Jesus has done on the cross, “I will be your God and you will be mine!” We recognize in baptism that God chooses us and promises to be our God. What a great gift!

Second, baptism is about our commitment to God. As parents, we commit to do everything in our power to help our children know Jesus in a personal way. An older person (youth or adult) being baptized proclaims in a public way, “I want to belong to Jesus!” Simply by coming to be baptized, individuals and families proclaim their faith in Jesus and their commitment to him.

Third, we believe that baptism happens in a specific community.  Being baptized at Central includes a commitment to pray for and participate in this congregation.  We recognize that people are not baptized “into Central” but rather we are baptized into Christ.  For those who have roots at Central but now live elsewhere, we are glad to celebrate your baptism here and forward the baptism information to the congregation where you are now participating.  To know Jesus is personal, but it can never be private!

CHOOSING SPONSORS

When a child is baptized, parents make promises to raise him/her knowing Jesus.  To help put those promises into practice, most parents choose sponsors, sometimes called “godparents”. Many years ago, when life was much less certain, godparents would take responsibility for a child’s spiritual (and sometimes physical) well-being if the parents died.  Today, sponsors are most often an additional resource person to help the child grow closer to Jesus. It is still important to choose sponsors who will take this duty seriously, rather than simply choosing them to honor a favorite relative.  Adults or youth being baptized may want to ask someone who knows Jesus, who has been a mentor or model for them, to be their sponsor.  If you need help choosing a sponsor, we can help you find someone to fill that role.

SEEKING BAPTISM?

Central would like to extend baptism for families desiring their children to be brought up in a Christian community. Membership with Central is encouraged. Non-member families who participate in Central’s family are also welcome.

Families seeking baptism for their infant must attend a baptism class or meet with:

Ben Carruthers
ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org

UPCOMING BAPTISM CLASS
Ben Carruthers leads our baptism class three times per year. Check out our registrations page to sign up for an upcoming class.

REGISTER

If you do not see a class, email Ben Carruthers for more information.

Ben Carruthers
ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org

Baptisms at Central

BELIEFS

We believe baptism is about promises.

First and foremost, it is about God’s promise to us: Because of what Jesus has done on the cross, “I will be your God and you will be mine!” We recognize in baptism that God chooses us and promises to be our God. What a great gift!

Second, baptism is about our commitment to God. As parents, we commit to do everything in our power to help our children know Jesus in a personal way. An older person (youth or adult) being baptized proclaims in a public way, “I want to belong to Jesus!” Simply by coming to be baptized, individuals and families proclaim their faith in Jesus and their commitment to him.

Third, we believe that baptism happens in a specific community.  Being baptized at Central includes a commitment to pray for and participate in this congregation.  We recognize that people are not baptized “into Central” but rather we are baptized into Christ.  For those who have roots at Central but now live elsewhere, we are glad to celebrate your baptism here and forward the baptism information to the congregation where you are now participating.  To know Jesus is personal, but it can never be private!

CHOOSING SPONSORS

When a child is baptized, parents make promises to raise him/her knowing Jesus.  To help put those promises into practice, most parents choose sponsors, sometimes called “godparents”. Many years ago, when life was much less certain, godparents would take responsibility for a child’s spiritual (and sometimes physical) well-being if the parents died.  Today, sponsors are most often an additional resource person to help the child grow closer to Jesus. It is still important to choose sponsors who will take this duty seriously, rather than simply choosing them to honor a favorite relative.  Adults or youth being baptized may want to ask someone who knows Jesus, who has been a mentor or model for them, to be their sponsor.  If you need help choosing a sponsor, we can help you find someone to fill that role.

SEEKING BAPTISM?

Central would like to extend baptism for families desiring their children to be brought up in a Christian community. Membership with Central is encouraged. Non-member families who participate in Central’s family are also welcome.

Families seeking baptism for their infant must attend a baptism class or meet with:

Ben Carruthers
ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org

UPCOMING BAPTISM CLASS
Ben Carruthers leads our baptism class three times per year. Check out our registrations page to sign up for an upcoming class.

REGISTER

If you do not see a class, email Ben Carruthers for more information.

Ben Carruthers
ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org

Weddings at Central

OUR WEDDING PHILOSOPHY

At Central, we’re dedicated to building marriages that grow, prosper and thrive. We value marriage and we want to come alongside you in your journey together. Whether you’re looking to get married, are newly married, or need support and practical tools to work through some tough issues, Central is here to help you foster a Jesus-centered marriage. Marriage, after all, is more than a wedding ceremony and a contract.

Weddings at Central

OUR WEDDING PHILOSOPHY

At Central, we’re dedicated to building marriages that grow, prosper and thrive. We value marriage and we want to come alongside you in your journey together. Whether you’re looking to get married, are newly married, or need support and practical tools to work through some tough issues, Central is here to help you foster a Jesus-centered marriage. Marriage, after all, is more than a wedding ceremony and a contract.

What’s Next?

^
1.

Check for availability & reserve your date.

In order to save the date for your wedding, we ask that you make a $50.00 non-refundable payment. Please call Rachel Pederson, the Administrator in Central’s Church Office at 763-441-2363 to check on dates and pastor availability.

^
2.

Meet with a Central Coordinator

A Central Coordinator is assigned and required for each wedding. They will walk with you from now through your wedding ceremony & will become your go-to for logistics for all Central logistics. Your Coordinator will also help you fill our proper paperwork before your big day. 

^
3.

Attend a Pre-Marriage Seminar & Meet with your officiating Pastor

To receive the greatest benefit from Central’s marriage preparation, please participate in the following two ways:

  1. Attend a one-day pre-marriage course led by The Center for Hope and Healing. Visit our registrations page (link to registrations page) to sign up for the most recent class. If you do not see a class, email Rachel Pederson at rachel.pederson@clcelkriver.org for more information.
  2. Schedule session(s) with the officiating Pastor for prayer, planning, and preparation.
^
4.

Wedding Day

Central Coordinator will assist you while at Central. May God bless your marriage together with lot of love and joy.

Questions?
Contact Rachel Pederson
Administrator
763-441-2363

What’s
Next?

^
1.

Check for availability & reserve your date.

In order to save the date for your wedding, we ask that you make a $50.00 non-refundable payment. Please call Rachel Pederson, the Administrator in Central’s Church Office at 763-441-2363 to check on dates and pastor availability.

^
2.

Meet with a Central Coordinator

A Central Coordinator is assigned and required for each wedding. They will walk with you from now through your wedding ceremony & will become your go-to for logistics for all Central logistics. Your Coordinator will also help you fill our proper paperwork before your big day. 

^
3.

Attend a Pre-Marriage Seminar & Meet with your officiating Pastor

To receive the greatest benefit from Central’s marriage preparation, please participate in the following two ways:

  1. Attend a one-day pre-marriage course led by The Center for Hope and Healing. Visit our registrations page (link to registrations page) to sign up for the most recent class. If you do not see a class, email Rachel Pederson at rachel.pederson@clcelkriver.org for more information.
  2. Schedule session(s) with the officiating Pastor for prayer, planning, and preparation.
^
4.

Wedding Day

Central Coordinator will assist you while at Central. May God bless your marriage together with lot of love and joy.

Questions?
Contact Rachel Pederson
Administrator
763-441-2363