Central Lutheran marked its 100th anniversary in the spring of 2019. Celebratory events were held beginning autumn 2018, with the main anniversary celebration over the weekend of May 4, 5 and 6, 2019.
October 2018
6/7/8: Anniversary Year Oktoberfest Kickoff
13/14: Celebrating 100 Years of Global Mission
28: Minnesota Symphonic Winds Concert
November 2018
10/11/12: Guest Preacher: Rev. Wolfgang Laudert and potluck
17/18: Stewardship Weekend
December 2018
Nov. 30-Dec. 1: Augsburg Advent Vespers
January 2019
12/13/14: Guest Preacher: Rev. Kristine Stedje and potluck
February 2019
10: Annual Meeting
17: Central Reminisces: A Centennial Celebration
2:00 p.m., sanctuary
An hour long program of audio and video recordings, photographic montages, choral music and hymns. Come, hear snippets of some of Central’s former preachers, the 1957 Lutheran World Federation meeting at Central, the Central Choir under Fred Hilary, John Ferguson and Chuck Parsons, radio broadcast recordings of the “old” organ played by Marion Hutchinson and many more treasures from Central’s archival vault. The current Central Choir will sing some old favorites and we’ll all sing some hymns that have been a part of our hundred-year history.
March 2019
3: Family Fun Event – 2 Defy Gravity
3:00 p.m., sanctuary
As part of our 100th Anniversary celebration, 2 Defy Gravity will come and perform in our sanctuary. 2 Defy Gravity is a beautiful and death defying circus-based performance duo founded in Saint Paul and have been wowing audiences since 2009. They combine the circus arts of silks, lyra, acro-balancing, trapeze, chains and fire with dance and aerial dance. Bring your friends and family to watch this high flying duo in Central’s sanctuary. Tickets are $10 for adults purchased in advance and $12 purchased at the door. Youth 18 and under are free. Get your tickets at the welcome desk before or after worship.
April 2019
6/7/8: Guest Preacher: Rev. David Wangaard and potluck
We welcome the Rev. David Wangaard on the weekend of April 6/7/8. Rev. Wangaard serves as senior advisor for church and congregational relations for Lutheran World Relief. Fun fact: David is related to one of our founding members, Christian Wangaard. He will preach for all the services and join us for a potluck on Sunday, April 7.
For the potluck, if you are coming with a crock pot, please drive up to the loading dock and volunteers will take them into the kitchen. Please don’t forget to label your crock pot or serving dish, and cut your food beforehand. Our new kitchen has warming ovens if you need to keep your food warm and no need to bring serving utensils. We have enough.
Please bring a food item according to your last name: A-K: Main Dish; L-R: Salad or Sides; S-Z: Dessert
13/14: Palm Sunday
20/21: Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday
27/28: Confirmation
May 2019
4/5/6: Anniversary Weekend; Celebratory Worship and Anniversary Banquets on Saturday and Sunday; National Lutheran Choir Concert Sunday afternoon
Central’s 100th Anniversary celebration will reach its peak over the weekend of May 4, 5, and 6. There will be a festive worship celebration at each of the weekend services, along with a pair of catered anniversary banquets on Saturday evening (5/4) and Sunday noon (5/5). The Saturday service and the 10:30 Sunday service will be the same “10:30 style” order of service.
Both banquets will be held in our new great room, and D’Amico Catering will cater both events. The menus and entertainment are different at each event, so you can pick the one that best suits your schedule and style, or attend both!
The elegant Saturday event features a reception with passed appetizers, a champagne toast to Central and a delicious meal served family style. Central member and Augsburg University President Dr. Paul Pribbenow will give a keynote message. A jazz quartet will provide musical entertainment, and a dance floor will be available.
Former Central member and published author Greg Bancroft will speak at the family-friendly banquet at noon on Sunday. A violin/harp duo provides live music.
The banquets are sponsored by a generous gift from the Central Lutheran Foundation. Seating capacity for both events is limited, and advance tickets are essential. Thanks to the foundation gift, tickets are just $15 for adults and kids 12 and under eat free. Tickets will be available at the welcome desk beginning March 23.
12: Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra 25th Anniversary Concert
30: Ascension Day: “Beating the Bounds” Virtual Event
Although Central Lutheran has been rooted in its downtown Minneapolis location for 100 years, it doesn’t have geographic parish boundaries in a traditional sense. There are members and friends of Central who hail from all parts of the Twin Cities, across the US, and from distant corners of the world. Thus, it is fitting that we conclude our year of Anniversary celebrations with a Virtual Beating of the Bounds. Learn more>
