News

The New Website is Here!

After a year and a half of hard work by the staff and the Website Redesign Team, the new website is here! The incredible design team worked hard to make a site that is appealing, informative, easy to use, and tells Central’s story. Here are some things to know about the new website: It is not done! All of the main pages are complete and functioning. But there are many second-level information pages that will remain in development over the summer. We are releasing an incomplete website over the slower…

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Beef Stew

In the Gospel lesson, Jesus prays that we all be one. Jesus prays for unity. Here is where the food image is helpful. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is about the complexity, interdependence, and complementary nature of unity, yes, like beef stew.

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Nature for Good Health

We have heard many reasons why we should protect our woodlands, meadows, lakes, and forests. One of the main reasons is to preserve habitats for birds, animals, and insects. Another is to have clean consumable water and clean air to breathe. But did you know that being in nature also is a “prescription” for mental and physical healing? According to an article in Reader’s Digest, there is a growing trend among doctors to prescribe time in nature to their patients for a variety of physical and mental concerns. Scott Kaiser,…

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Memorial Day

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, first observed in 1868. It was a day set aside to remember and honor those who died serving in the armed forces. It was the day for visiting cemeteries and memorials to remember those who died in the line of duty. The official observance of Memorial Day on the last Monday in May was set aside in 1971, so relatively recent in our history. Over the years, I have been invited to offer an opening prayer or benediction at a local cemetery on Memorial…

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Wherever the Spirit Leads Them

This week, six middle and high school students will affirm their baptisms. Commonly known as “Confirmation Sunday,” these students have wondered, questioned, explored, and embraced the many elements of faith. Piper, Eloise, Braxton, Lily, Claire, and Erick are ready to assume the promises of their baptisms for themselves, the first of many thresholds they will cross in the years to come. Some of the students have been nurtured in faith since they were baptized here at Central over 10 years ago. Some of them are brand new to faith, recently…

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God’s Nurturing Grace

As we celebrate Mother’s Day weekend, we take time to pause and reflect on the gift of mothering in all of its forms. We acknowledge biological mothers, women who offer a mothering care, along with those who shepherd the maternal spirit everywhere.

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Beautiful Neighborhood

I keep a little book on my desk called Life’s Journeys According to Mr. Rogers; Things to Remember Along the Way. If you’re not familiar with Mr. Rogers, he hosted a children’s program on PBS for over 30 years, teaching about everything from being kind to good eating habits to surviving the behavior of bullies. One of my favorite things about watching Fred Rogers was the intentional change of his jacket for a sweater and his wingtip shoes for sneakers as he entered and invited us into his home for…

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Global Mission Weekend

Accompaniment is the key principle to remember as we gather to celebrate Global Mission Weekend. This guiding principle comes as a gift from Central American pastors and communities who invite us into the image of walking together, accompanying one another on the journey of faith and life. When we walk with brothers, sisters, and siblings there is mutual conversation, learning, and support. We all have something to offer and to learn along the way. Accompaniment is the official model for Global Mission of the ELCA. You are invited to visit…

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Align Central HDotH Legislative Priority One

Speak up for housing justice at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 12! Join advocates from Align and Street Voices of Change for the annual Day on the Hill sponsored by the MN Coalition for the Homeless. Hear testimonies from people who have lived the experience of homelessness, meet with your state legislators, and attend committee hearings on bills that seek to address the housing crisis in our state. Each year, Align names three top priorities for the legislative session. We will share one those priorities each week leading up…

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