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Do you have a prayer request? Central’s pastors and Prayer Ministry Team will pray about needs and
concerns that you raise. You can email your requests to: [email protected]
The SpiritNews about the mission of Central Lutheran ChurchDowntown Minneapolis
Celebrating, Discovering, and Sharing the Love of Christ January 3-4, 2015
Epiphany arrives in the life of the Church. God is revealed to the nations. The Magi bring their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Jesus is the revelation of God’s love for all people. Epiphany is a festival moment much like Pentecost. It is an opportunity for us to step back and see the big picture. God works in the tiny details of our lives. God is with you and me. At the same time, God is at work on a cosmic level. Each detail is also part of a greater whole. We are always tempted to overemphasize the importance of basic details within the greater whole. At the same time we are also tempted to underemphasize the importance of the basic details within the greater whole. The challenge is listening for God’s call so we see and celebrate how our unique gifts are all a part of God’s amazing work.We give thanks today that as Central Lutheran we are one part of a greater whole. We ask for God’s wisdom so that we do not overemphasize our own importance as one congregation among many around the world, and at the same time do not underemphasize the unique call that we have as God’s people in this place and at this time. It is a privilege to be a part of God’s great work in and through this particular place with you.
COME & SEE!
Congregation Council UpdateYour Congregation Council met on December 16, and welcomed Pastor Peter to his first Council meeting, as he led devotions. This past month, the Council hosted a Christmas luncheon for the church staff.In anticipation of Central’s 100th Anniversary (2019) and the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation (2017), the Council has appointed a Steering Committee to begin planning. Members include Pastor Peter, Michael Wickman, Judith Hedman, Berit Aus, and Kevin Lile.
God bless, Pastor Peter
Happy New Year!As we enter into the Epiphany Seaso--the light of God with us--the start of the New Year brings renewed energy to our hallways and classrooms. Our worship traces the movements in the life of Christ, from child in the manger to Savior of the world, and propels us toward the season of Lent. Can spring be far behind? But now, in the meantime, we carry on. Sunday faith formation activities resume:Jan. 11: Sunday School, Confirmation, and Youth GroupJan. 11: “Dwelling in the Word” Bible studySunday education-hour forums resume as well:Jan. 11: “The ELCA and You” (Clarance Smith)Jan. 18: Forum with ELCA Bishop Emeritus Mark HansonWe continue to advocate for the common good:Jan. 22-23: Trinity Institute Conference WebcastWe celebrate the installation of our new Senior Pastor Saturday/Sunday, February 7/8, during WorshipMusic continues to fill the house:Feb. 18: Downtown Churches Biennial Choral Festival on Transfiguration Sunday
Prayer Corner Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put …a right spirit within me.”We’ve been wishing everyone Happy New Year for days. Some have made resolutions. Generally, they include physical improvements: exercise more, lose weight, eat fewer carbs. But, what about our holy resolutions: those pledges for spiritual improvement? King David wrote a beautiful prayer that could form the foundation for our holy resolutions: “Create in me a clean heart…” He’s asking God to erase his sins, purify his soul and keep him from temptation by keeping the Holy Spirit near. As children, you may remember parents saying, “Goodnight, and don’t forget to say your prayers.” Our new year’s spiritual resolution could be “saying our prayers” every night. When we spend time making our hearts pure, the blessings of a deep, trusting, grace-filled relationship with God is created! Our Prayer Team wishes you Happy New Year and don’t forget to say your prayers.O God, provide a right spirit to keep our holy resolutions. Amen.
will be our guest preacher at all three worship services on Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18.On that weekend we will hear the words of Jesus that have become our public welcome: “Come and See!” Rev. Hanson served as ELCA BIshop from 2001-2012. He began his ministry
in the Twin Cities, and served as Bishop of the St. Paul Synod before being elected to the churchwide office. He is a good friend of Central, and we look forward to welcoming him!
ELCA Bishop Emeritus, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson,
A Well-Deserved Note of ThanksWe are all very grateful to the Seasonal Worship Environment Ministry Team for the work they do and for the beautiful and inspiring worship environment they create. Our sanctuary transforms in such beautiful ways with the church seasons, and while the transformation seems to magically appear, it is the work and the ministry of this team that makes all of this happen. Michael Wickman is the chairperson of the team, and he is ably supported by a dedicated group of Central members who work many hours to prepare the sanctuary for each of our seasons of the church.We are currently enjoying the season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. The greenery, lights and decorations take over 200 hours of time by this ministry team to create the beautiful experience we all have during our worship time together at Central.There is a great deal of coordination that takes place to create all of the different seasons. Michael works closely with the staff, the WorshipLife Ministry Team and the Floral Guild to make it all happen. While most of us entering the sanctuary just appreciate the end result, Michael has indicated that this could not be done without the aid of spreadsheets, and massive organization around all of it. Preparation for this season starts in October with conversations with vendors, staff, teams and others participating in the services.As this holy season comes to a close, this team will already have plans in place for the next church season of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The other seasons that follow will include Pentecost, the summer decorating, and then into autumn with All Saints, Reformation and Christ the King. We are grateful and appreciative for the work and the love that this team has provided to all of us as an inspiration and as a praise to the Glory of God.
Contributed by Diane Nimmer, for the Appreciation Team
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Behind the Scenes: Did you know...?There are many individuals and groups that work very hard all year ‘round to provide the experiences that we all appreciate at Central, in worship, fellowship, special events, in our art gallery, in the plants and flowers that surround the building, and a long list of other activities. They do this work quietly, often on weekends and in the evening, so you might not ever have reason to think about how all that you see and appreciate is created and maintained.If you discover that someone is part of one of these teams, perhaps a you could extend a heartfelt “Thank you!” to them for their work. And, if you’re so inclined, you might even offer to become part of the behind-the-scenes crews that contribute so much to our life together.Among those who contribute without much credit are our roving photographers. You might see Mark Peterson or Fred Stechmann leaning over balcony railings or kneeling in front of the chancel rail to catch great images of a Children’s Sermon, the Sunday School pageant, the Seasonal Worship Environment Ministry Team at work, or a host of other congregational activities. These two both take professional-quality photos, and share them generously with us. Karen Hielsberg seems to be everywhere with her high-resolution iPhone camera, capturing wonderful videos and photos for our Facebook and Youtube pages, and our Twitter account and website. There are many others (including some visitors!) who are out and about snapping photos from creative angles, and sharing them for our use, without credit or compensation. So, it’s time to give some credit:Thanks to Mark Peterson for the photos of the Sunday School pageant that appeared in the Christmas edition of the Spirit, and the Columbarium Dedication photo in this issue. Fred Stechmann provided the photos of the Seasonal Worship Environment Team at work. If you haven’t checked our Facebook or Youtube pages lately, go and see Karen Hielsberg’s video of the congregation on Christmas Eve, singing “Silent Night” by candlelight. Also check out the Facebook photos from the Christmas season at Central.These three and others also have provided many of the photos of life together at Central that appear on our website. Many more photos have been uploaded to Central’s Flickr account, where you can peruse them at your leisure. If you find yourself snapping pix of life at Central, we’d be glad to see and share them! You can send them via email to: [email protected]
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Christmas at Central
The Church considers a cemetery or columbarium to be a holy place and therefore asks God’s bless-ing upon the activities to be conducted there. It is appropriate that a cross be erected as a symbol of this holy purpose as a sign to all of Christian hope in the resurrection.Jesus’ life-giving presence was witnessed by Lazarus in his tomb, and the gospels remind us that Jesus’ own burial and resurrection has pre-pared all our graves for resurrection. Just as Jesus laid in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea before him, he has first laid in all these “narrow chambers” we set apart today.Our blessing of a columbarium precedes the committal of the remains of several of our assem-bly whose rites have been postponed pending the completion of this facility. These committals are planned for the coming weeks: Marcella Nelson, Ivar and Hulda Aus, and Peter Maeder. Blessed be their memory.
Blessing of Central’s Columbarium, December 28, 2014
Winter’s back! As you once again don your heavy coats, hats and gloves, remember those who are walking or even living outside without so much as a good pair of warm gloves for their hands. The Free Store needs donations of gloves, winter coats and boots, so our guests can stay warm and healthy. And don’t forget the kids! You can drop off donations any time the campus is open.
Central Lutheran ChurchThe Spirit is published weekly and distributed at worship services. It is a companion publication to Central’s website and electronic newsletter.
Prepared by Barbara VanDrasekAssisted by Karen Knox and Barb Brown
333 South 12th Street Minneapolis, MN 55404612-870-4416 www.centralmpls.org
EvangElical luthEran church in amErica Elca.org Downtown congrEgations to EnD homElEssnEss DcEh.org
Meetings, events, and opportunities just ahead. — more info and more events at www.centralmpls.org
Monday, Jan. 5 9:00 a.m. Mental and Behavioral Health Services10:00 a.m. Augsburg Central Health Commons10:00 a.m. Free Store opens11:00 a.m. Worship11:30 a.m. Community Meal12:00 p.m. Bible Study and Conversation 4:30 p.m. Building closes 5:00 p.m. Spirit editorial due
Tuesday, Jan. 6 9:30 a.m. Heritage Ministry Team10:00 a.m. Free Store opens 6:30 p.m. Start-Up Team 9:30 p.m. Building closes
Wednesday, Jan. 7 9:00 a.m. Mental and Behavioral Health Services 9:00 a.m. Resource Assistance Conversations 10:00 a.m. Free Store opens 1:00 p.m. OWLS Planning Team 1:30 p.m. God’s Word in Our Midst Bible Study 5:30 p.m. C3 Ministry Team 6:00 p.m. Bell Choir 7:15 p.m. Central Choir 9:30 p.m. Building closes
Thursday, Jan. 8 8:00 a.m. Quilting for LWR 9:00 a.m. Mental and Behavioral Health Services10:00 a.m. Free Store opens10:30 a.m. Augsburg Central Women’s Group11:30 a.m. Fiscal & Property Committee 1:30 p.m. A Different Kind of Book Club 5:00 p.m. Camp Amnicon Board 5:30 p.m. Shared Ministry Team 6:00 p.m. Worship Life Ministry Team 9:30 p.m. Building closes
Friday, Jan. 9 8:00 a.m. Quilting for LWR 4:30 p.m. Building closes
Saturday, Jan. 10 6:30 p.m. Sacred Second Saturday
Worship ScheduleSaturday Worship - 5:30 p.m.Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. “The Word in Our Midst” Weekly Bible StudyEvery Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in Fireside LoungeGather with the week’s preacher to discuss the Bible readings for the coming Sunday worship. Coffee provided. (Bible study resumes on Jan. 7).
“Dwelling in the Word”Winter Sundays, January 11-March 22, 12:15 p.m.Gather with other worshipers to discuss the Bible readings and sermon you just heard in Sunday worship.This lay-led Bible discussion meets in small groups, and is hosted by the New Member Ministry Team.
Barb VanDrasek is serving as your Communications Director during the winter months.
Stay up-to-date on the weekend happenings ahead of the weekend, with the weekly eSpirit newsletter.
Sign up at www.centralmpls.org
The Spirit deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
Please submit announcements to
Every Week
This Week
Upcoming Sunday Forums
This WeekendOWLS - “Hello Dolly”Wednesday, February 11Please note: The OWLS’ trip to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater on February 11 for “Hello Dolly!” has filled to capacity, and there is a waiting list. Watch the Spirit for news of future OWLS events!
Check in at Central on Facebook, Foursquare/Swarm or Yelp!
Looking Ahead
DatebookSunday Coffee Hosts:Shared Ministry Team
A Different Kind of Book ClubThursday, January 8, 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the Fireside LoungeThe book to be discussed is The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, by Daniel James Brown. Questions? Email Diane Stoltenberg, [email protected] or Louise Griffin, [email protected]. All readers are welcome! Did you miss the Online Directory
photo sessions in 2014? Watch the Spirit for
further opportunities in 2015. Or, feel free to submit your
own photo via email to: [email protected]
Upcoming Baptism Festivals:January 10/11 and January 31/February 1If you would like to schedule a baptism, please contact Michael Dee at the Church Office, or email [email protected]
Celebrate Your Birthday Sunday!Sunday, January 11, 9:45 a.m.The Fellowship hour will be hosted by those who share a birthday in January and February. You are invited to bring treats to share during fellowship hour at 9:45 a.m. For questions, contact Patti Brestrup, (952)893-1557 or Lilly Olson, [email protected]. Don’t forget to wear your Central name badge!
Peace with Justice Forum: A Conversation on What the ELCA Says About Gun ViolenceSunday, January 18, 12:30-2:00 p.m., Fellowship HallLeaders: Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes and Jay Thacker. Lunch will be available for $7.00.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. DayMonday, January 19Mark your calendars for an observance in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at Luther Seminary in St Paul. The program will reflect on the significance of Dr. King’s continuing influence, around the theme of learning from and living out his legacy. Panelists will include our own Pastor Melissa Pohlman, and David W. Preus, Bishop Emeritus of the American Lutheran Church.Watch the Spirit for further details in the coming weeks.
The ELCA and You: Connecting with the Larger Church BodySunday, January 11, 9:45 a.m., Community RoomHow do we connect on a personal level with the ELCA? Our own ELCA Church Council member, Clarance Smith, will explore with us different ways to become involved and better informed about our 4-million-member denominational organization. Come prepared to learn more about what is happening at the churchwide level, and to discuss ways of thoughtful engagement!
Forum with ELCA BIshop Emeritus Mark HansonSunday, January 18, 9:45 a.m., Room tbaBishop Emeritus Hanson will lead a forum between services when he is with us as our guest preacher. We don’t yet have the details, but we’re sure it will be engaging, educational, and fun! Mark your calendar, and check next week’s Spirit for details.
Correction--Downtown Grief Coalition: If you wish to talk with Joan Van Wirt about the Downtown Grief Coalition (see the Dec. 24/25 Spirit), her correct phone number is: 612-333-3272. The Coalition’s website is: http://www.mplsgriefsupport.com
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Please call the Church Office in the event of a hospitalization or pastoral care emergency.
When the building is closed, please call 612-870-4416 and follow the prompts,
touching #1 to leave a message for the pastor on call, who will call you back.
