Central Lutheran

Finding Sabbath: 3 Rhythms to Remove Hurry and Embrace Rest | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgi

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In a world that never slows down, what if the key to peace isn't doing more—but doing less with more intention? In our third week of The Good Life, we explore how to find Sabbath in our lives by removing hurry, following three powerful rhythms from the life of Jesus that help us embrace rest and connection with God.

If you’re feeling weary, overwhelmed, or stretched thin, Pastor Aaron’s message will encourage you to breathe deep, slow down, and find the sacred rhythm of Sabbath again.

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How To Think Beyond Yourself? | The Good Life | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Followers of Jesus, we have a problem. We live in a culture that encourages me to put me at the center of everything. At the same time, Jesus invites us "to deny ourselves and follow him." How do we follow Jesus and put others first? It's not as easy as it seems.

Join us for week two of “The Good Life” Lent series.

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How Do You Thrive at Relationships? | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

There are winners and losers, and all our lives we're taught to "win at all costs." The problem is, when it comes to relationships, when one wins, often both of us lose.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells of a son, like many family squabbles, he’s fed up with his dad and living at home. So he asks his father for his inheritance. Before long, he squanders it recklessly and is forced to work as a hired hand for a pig farmer. He won at home, but did anyone really win? He wasn’t happy. His father wasn’t happy. Even his older brother wasn’t happy.

As we kick off our Lenten series, The Good Life, Pastor Aaron teaches us that relationships aren’t like life on the ball field: When one wins, no one wins.

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Night of Worship and Prayer | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

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How Do You Persevere Through Pain | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

If you lead anyone or anything in your life, you will experience pain. Passion is what gets you to persevere through that inevitable pain, but patient endurance is what keeps you going beyond that pain.

In this week’s message, Pastor Aaron teaches on how, with Jesus, we can persevere in life, in pain, in relationships — in anything that feels hard, with patient endurance.

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We Weren’t Meant To Do Life Alone | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In our Here & Now series, we’ve been talking about focusing our eyes on Jesus as we run the race of life. Running the race of life isn’t a singular activity, though, it’s something we need others doing alongside us.

All of Heaven is cheering for you in life, but Heaven is not enough — we need the Spirit inside of us, and people beside us. So, listen to this message as Pastor Aaron teaches about the need and importance of community, instead of comparison, in our lives.

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How Do We Focus in an Age of Distractions | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What distracts you from running the race marked out for you? In the first message in our new series called Here and Now, Pastor Aaron teaches how to stay focused on your purpose in a world full of distractions. It's never too late to get centered on your purpose with God.

://Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

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Fear and Anxiety | Central Lutheran Church | Christie Boulware

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Join Christy Boulware at Central, a renowned speaker, author, and mental health advocate dedicated to helping individuals overcome anxiety. As part of our Crafted series, Christy will share practical tools and resources to combat anxiety for all ages.

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Work Through Worry | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

We all struggle with worry to some degree or another. And if we could choose to not worry we would. Good news, Jesus offers us a way THROUGH our worry. In week four of our CRAFTED series, pastor Aaron reminds us of what Paul says in Philippians 4: that Jesus invites us to cast our anxieties on HIM and in return, receive His peace.

It really is the only way that we can allow God to form Christ in us.

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We Reflect God’s Image to The World | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

When you are at home, at work, at school, with friends – you are reflecting the image of God in who you are and how you act, and ultimately giving Him glory.

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We Are Crafted For Community | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

We all want to progress in life, to grow and take steps forwards, and see progress. But life is tough, we stumble on the journey of life, we fall back and we fall short. Maybe we weren’t meant to do life on our own?

In week two of our CRAFTED series, Pastor Aaron unpacks the power of community and its ability to craft us for the better. Together we’ll unpack another aspect of sanctification, and how we can learn from the life of Jesus.

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You Are God's Masterpiece | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

When Michelangelo sculpted the "David" statue out of a block of marble, he said, "It's simple, I just removed everything that is not David." That is how the skilled artist, God, works the process of sanctification in our own lives – with a steady, patient chisel – not a destructive hammer.

Join us as we begin a new series called "Crafted". In our first week Pastor Aaron unpacks the art of sanctification in the life of a follower of Jesus and how it starts with the practice of solitude.

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Where is God leading Central in 2025? | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Pastor Aaron sits down with three retired pastors to talk about the church of the past, the church of today, and what their hopes and dreams are for the future of Gods church. Happy new year.

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Acoustic Christmas at Central

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Pastor Aaron teaches about the hope and joy we get to experience at Christmas - and all year - because of the birth of Jesus. This message is for any of us who have ever wondered what God sees when He looks at us. The story of Christmas gives us a hopeful answer to that question.

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You Are Worth Jesus To God | Christmas At Central

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

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Special Service (Live Recording)

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

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How Can We Stay Ready For What’s Really Important? | Worthy | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

When we pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” we are literally praying for an interruption. Most of the time when God wants to do something significant in our lives, it shows up as an interruption.

While we can’t plan for those interruptions, we can plan on them and prepare for them. Let’s stay ready.

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He Is Worthy of Your Waiting? | Worthy | Aaron Sturgis

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Ever feel alone in your waiting? Ever feel like you are the only one who is waiting for something? We feel intense discomfort in waiting. In week two of our Worthy series we will talk about how, as followers of Jesus, waiting is never wasted time.

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Where Is God In Our Waiting? | Worthy | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

This time of year is stressful. Amen? Think about how we spend our days this time of year? We’re running to buy presents. There are lights to be hung. Baking to be done. We’re running to holiday concerts. Running to holiday tournaments. Running to holiday parties. Don’t forget the Elf on the Shelf. There’s that strand of lights on the house that won’t stop blinking. As your credit cards heat up your blood pressure heats up. It’s a season where there’s never enough time, never enough energy and never enough money to get it all done.

Truth be told, God was never into busy or behavior modification. In fact, Christmas isn't at all about a God who is "watching you." And God never intended for the arrival of God’s Son to lead to Christmas stress for all eternity.

Christmas… It's about a God who "comes to be with us" whatever our circumstance. A God who comes to give you “peace” any our waiting. A God who comes as the light of the world. A God who comes for all people. Christmas is about a God who comes to you…you who are worthy.

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Issues Began In The Garden | We've Got Issues | Laura Garry

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

What if our past experiences of God in Genesis 3 led us to misunderstand His love? What if distancing ourselves from God was the evil one's plan, and we fall for it over and over again?

In week three of our series, "We've Got Issues," Laura Garry walks us through the text to help us understand where our issues began and still originate today.

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Is There Such Thing As The Perfect Family | We've Got Issues | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Many people walk into our church and think: They’ve got it all together. The truth is - nothing could be further from the truth. If there’s one rule at our church it’s this: There are no perfect people and no perfect families here.

And, it’s when things happen in our families - when our lives and families are disrupted - that many of us wonder: Where are you God?

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What Matters Most? | We've Got Issues | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In week one of our brand new series, We’ve Got Issues, Pastor Aaron reminds us that family is a gift from God, because family is where God intends us to feel the security of love, whatever might come our family’s way.

But we always had that question in the back of our minds: Are we doing this right? Are we doing this family thing right? We want to be sure. We want to knock parenting and being a family out of the park! And, just when we think we might be doing it right… the seasons change for your family.

In this message we remember that one of the ways we put family first is to be peace-makers, not peace-keepers.

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Service of Prayer

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

As we all prepare for the election in our country next week, we want to provide a place for you to bring the anxiety, worry, and fear you, your family, or your friends are experiencing over the election.

As a church, we recognize how important it is to be honest with God as we struggle to believe and trust God with the division in our country. In times of anxiety, it is vital to continue to turn to God in prayer. Anxiety, worry, and fear might tempt us to stop talking to God, but our honest prayers are a path forward, which is why we want to do this corporately as a body of believers. Did you know that to pray with an anxious heart is an act of faith?

Through the season of uncertainty in our country, God’s peace awaits us in honest worship and prayer. Let’s vocalize our anxiousness together as a church and allow it to move us toward God-centered worship and trust because Jesus is our Savior, not a politician or a political party. Let's worship together in unity and return our focus to our Heavenly Father, where our focus belongs, as Psalm 121:1-2 teaches:

"I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth."

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What Legacy Will You Leave? | Heart of Gold | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered about what you’ll be remembered for? Curious about the brand you’ve built with those closest to you? Are you known as someone who is kind or generous? As we wrap up our series, Hear of Gold, Pastor Aaron teaches us that our lives will not be remembered for what we store up, but what we pour out for God and for others.

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What do we do when life feels uncertain? | Heart of Gold | Laura Garry

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Our confidence in God affects everything in our lives, especially when things are uncertain. I want to help you discover the importance of trust in our relationship with God, but I want to start today by acknowledging the truth. Sometimes, it is hard to trust God. We want to trust in God, but sometimes it is easier to say than to do.

Today, we answer the question, “What do we do when life feels uncertain?”

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How Do I Avoid Comparison | Heart of Gold | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Does scrolling through social media leave you feeling empty? Does the promise of that next car, gadget, outfit never quite deliver the fulfillment you hoped? Ever find yourself wishing the grass was greener on your side of the fence? We all feel the pull of comparison, the desire to weigh-up our success and happiness against that of others. What if the answer to this deep ache was actually unlocked through generosity?

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How Do I Grow In Generosity? | Heart of Gold | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this HEART OF GOLD series, we'll discover that generosity is at the very core of our faith. Jesus gave everything for us, so in turn, we want to give our all. We want to demonstrate His goodness in our lives, as an act of worship to Him and to be of service to those around us.

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What Are The Idols In Your Life | First Things First | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

As we wrap up our series, First Things First, we are going to look at the idols of in our lives. Why? Because we can’t worship two of anything.

Invisible in our lives idols over promise and under deliver. The enemy wants us enslaved to anything other than the freedom that Jesus brings. We can find freedom for our hearts and our lives through our trust and our faith in Him.

You have a Father in Heaven who unconditionally loves you, and if you put Him first in your life, He can give you rest.

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What Do You Worship | First Things First | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

We talked about priorities and values in our life. But what about the things that we worship? Right or wrong, we all worship something or someone. In this message, Pastor Aaron helps us to see how somethings in our lives that were once good things…can become bad things because they have replaced the Jesus on the thrones of our heard.

So how can find rest in worshiping the only one who will fulfill our longings….Jesus? Can’t wait to worship with all of you!

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What Do We Value? | First Things First | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

What is the most important thing in life? Fortune, family, fame, position, power? What do we do when the things we value are threatened, removed, or fade away?

We cannot choose our circumstances, or determine our journey through life, but we can choose what gets priority in our lives. The way we spend our money, use our time and order our priorities demonstrate what we really value.

To determine the values of Heaven, we look to the example of Jesus. When we seek God first, we align our values with His. In seeking one thing, everything else falls into place - putting the First Things First.

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How Do I Deal With Worry And Fear? | First Things First | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

We all want order in our lives, we chase after control. Often our list of concerns and cares become deep-seated worries that dominate our thoughts.

What if there was a way to convert fear into faith? Together we’ll learn that we can trade anxiety and anguish for a calm and carefree life. In seeking one thing, everything else falls into place, fixing our eyes on that which endures - putting the First Things First.

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Why Do We Compare? | In A Perfect World | Laura Garry

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Laura wants to show you how comparison reveals if we are stuck pursuing perfection and trying to “get it right.” Comparison is a red flag that helps us see how we have lost our way in following Jesus, but first, let’s discuss why we compare ourselves in the first place.

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How Good Is Good Enough | In A Perfect World | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

When it comes to our relationship with God, we all wonder: "Have I done enough? Is my life clean and tidy enough? What’s enough for God?"

And yet, because we're human, we continue hurting the people we love. There's a dilemma and we get stuck. What would it look like to measure our lives by God’s undeserved goodness to us rather than by the “good” we try to do?

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Am I Good Enough for Heaven? | In A Perfect World | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Most Americans believe in heaven or some sort of afterlife. And, if we’re honest, most of us believe we're going there. Our confidence is fueled by the belief that good people go to heaven….so we should all be good, don’t do the wrong stuff, and just try to live the “right” kind of life.

This all sounds nice on the surface – but when we hear what Jesus actually had to say, there’s a problem with the traditional logic around heaven and hell. It's a tough topic for some, but join Pastor Aaron as we dive in!

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We’re All A Mess| In A Perfect World | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like a hot mess some days? You know, when life is out of control, but you kept things looking picture perfect on the outside? There's good news - as followers of Jesus, perfection is never meant to be the goal! In fact, church is actually the one place where your messes are not only welcome, but expected.

Join us as pastor Aaron begins a brand new series focusing on what it looks like to live an imperfect life in a picture perfect kind of world.

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One Fest LIVE Worship | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

It’s Only The Beginning…| King of Hearts | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus came to earth to transform our lives. He came for everyone — there’s nothing that we’ve done that could keep us from God’s grace through Jesus. Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and raise from the dead — that’s Good News that gives us hope, both now and forever! As we wrap up our King of Hearts series, Pastor Aaron tells us that even though the resurrection is the end of Mark, it’s actually just the beginning.

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How Do I Live When Life Is Going Great? | King of Hearts | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

"At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.” Denzel Washington.

Sometimes, it's easier to depend on God when life is difficult. But what about when life is going great? Pastor Aaron discusses how to handle the mountains in life in this week's message in tour King of Hearts series.

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Does My Private Life Match My Public Life? | Central Lutheran Church | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The way we treat people is a reflection of our regard for them. Our goal should be to love others generously, not for appearances or to earn admiration, but because our actions reveal Jesus to those around us. Pastor Aaron discusses how to ensure that our private behavior aligns with our public image.

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Welcome Home | King of Hearts | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God sees you. Don’t be afraid, just believe. In week 5 of King of Hearts, we discuss a couple of miracles of faith in Mark 5 and realize the power our faith can have in our current, daily lives.

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How Do I Serve Like Jesus | King of Hearts | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Many people hesitate to follow Jesus not because of Him, but because of how they've been treated by His followers. In week 3 of our King of Hearts series Aaron discusses how we can positively impact others' perceptions of Jesus by serving them with kindness and compassion.

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Serve Like Jesus | King of Hearts | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus turned greatness upside down by serving first. In this new series, Pastor Aaron Sturgis is going through the book of Mark to show how Jesus is the King of Hearts.

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Why Read The Bible? | King of Hearts | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

This week we begin our new series, King of Hearts. Pastor Aaron starts by comparing the Bible to a compass because that's what it is... it's a tool that always points us to Jesus. But we also read the Bible because God is in it and God uses the Bible to change us.

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Worship and Prayer

Sun, 26 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Join us Live, for a worship dedicated to prayer.

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The Power Of An Invitation | Find & Follow | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 19 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

This series has been a great series….find and follow. Why? Because it is something that we are passionate about. It's our mission…as a church…we believe that we exist to help people find and follow Jesus. That is our mission. That is what we get to be a part of together. I'm so grateful that I get to serve alongside you and that together we get to fulfill and go about that mission.

So over the course of these five weeks, if you're brand new, if you're just jumping in with us, it's been a great time to jump in and hear what we're about as a church.

As we wrap up this series….I’m going to go back to where we started…the Gospel of Matthew. We centered this series on something called the Great Commission in Matthew 28. But before we get there, I want us to look again at Matthew 9. If you've got a Bible, you can turn there with me.

A little review….Matthew is the first of the four Gospels. The first of the eyewitness accounts of the life of Christ.

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What Does It Look Like To Trust Jesus? | Find & Follow | Laura Garry

Sun, 12 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

What does it look like to trust Jesus fully and to be His follower? In our Find and Follow series, we are learning that following Jesus means we learn to trust Him with our lives and help others trust Him with theirs, too.

Last week, we learned why studying the Bible is crucial to growing our relationship with Jesus. We cannot follow someone we do not know. This week, we are learning about life with Jesus through prayer. Prayer allows us to grow in our relationship with God because we grow to know Him and understand His love. Religion is always at work to change us from the outside in, but prayer brings us back to a place of God’s work inside of us to love Him and others. Prayer grows our dependence upon God and gives us strength to live His love in our broken and hurting world as His followers.

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Why Read The Bible | Find & Follow | Laura Garry

Sun, 05 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this series, Find and Follow, we are learning what it looks like to trust Jesus fully and to be His follower. To follow Jesus means we learn to trust Him with our lives and help others trust Him with theirs, too.

Pastor Aaron has been teaching us that being a disciple and helping others in their faith journey is the call of Jesus’ last words in the Gospel of Matthew. To follow Jesus means we become His students. We learn from Him and help others learn from Him. The crucial piece to remember is that we are not learning head knowledge; we are learning life with Jesus. We are learning to surrender our lives to Him in love and to participate in a growing and loving relationship with Him. Religion is trying to bring about change from the outside in, but in our relationship with Jesus, He transforms us from the inside out one day at a time so that we become like Him. We live His love into our broken and hurting world. Today, we will learn why studying the Bible is crucial to growing our relationship with Jesus.

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Make Disciples | Find & Follow | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

If we are called to love God and love others, what does that really mean? The word discipleship seems mystical, but it really means just that. Being a disciple starts with an invitation, grows into transformation and spreads into replication.

In the second week of Find & Follow, Pastor Aaron unpacks how we learn and implement discipleship into our own lives, and truly live out Jesus' last command, first. And when we live in a relationship with Him, our lives are then transformed from the inside out.

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Teach Them to Obey | Find & Follow | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

So many of us are fans of Jesus. We watch from afar, admiring Him and His people, but never actually following Him or telling others about Him. It takes a lifetime to learn how to live and obey Jesus fully, but it only takes a moment to experience new life, get a new heart, and for your desires, and affections to change in a moment of surrender.

Learn what it means and looks like to trust Jesus fully, and to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

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The Influential Church || Aaron Sturgis || Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Many people have opinions about what makes a church influential, but God’s way of influence isn’t like the world’s version, or even the version of influence we’ve deemed as important in modern-day Christianity.

As we continue in our series called, Influencers, Pastor Aaron unpacks how we can continue to be an influential church and influential people, based on the way the early church was influential for the Gospel.

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Who’s Influencing You? || Aaron Sturgis || Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

It's easy to look at people in popular culture who have influenced us. From Hollywood actors to rockstars to YouTubers, there's no shortage. But have you ever thought about Christians as influencers? Believe it or not, without influencers, there is no Christianity. God designed faith in such a way that the future of faith actually depends on the influence of Jesus’ followers. Join us!

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Good News || Aaron Sturgis || Easter at Central

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

There is so much bad news in our world. It’s easy to get caught up in the pain and suffering that bombards social media, new channels and our lives.

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Palm Sunday | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It begins with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where people shout and cheer as they acknowledge Jesus as King of Kings.

However, He was not the messiah they were expecting...

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When There’s Too Much Hurt | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

We all have hurts. Maybe something happened to you, someone did something to you or said something about you – or maybe you made that big mistake, and you don’t know how to talk about it. Have you ever experienced this?

This weekend, we’re continuing our series, Rising Waters, Steady Faith, by having an honest conversation about the ways we get hurt, and we'll share a really practical way God invites us to work through our wounds.

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What Do I Do When I'm Too Anxious? | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

We all need the reminder that it's OK to not be OK. But both God and your community want you to find healing and wholeness.

This week we’re going to talk about something 70% of teenagers say is either a problem for them or a close friend -- anxiety. When you feel too anxious, there is a way forward.

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When You're Burnt Out (Live Recording) | Laura Garry | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like you’re burnt out? Do you ever feel like you’re at the end of your rope - mentally exhausted, losing motivation, and more cynical than usual?

Of course, you do. Want to know why? Because you’re human.

So, this week in worship, we’re continuing our new series, Rising Waters, Steady Faith. And we’re going to wonder: Where do I turn when I’m burnt out?

Because busy, stressed-out, and distracted lives are not how God intended for us to live! This week is for anyone who feels like they're drowning and needs a little hope.

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When Life's Too Much | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Far too many of us live lives that are constantly busy, stressed out, and distracted. Life just seems too much. It feels like life isn’t turning out the way we had planned life to be.

It leaves us feeling like you’re treading water, but never seem to be able to keep up or stay afloat.

We are launching our new series during the season of Lent called, Rising Waters. This first week we are talking about when life’s just too much. Join us!

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You Become What You Worship | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

We are all worshipers of someone or something, whether we believe in Jesus or not. We give value and attention to people and temporary things because we long for something bigger than ourselves to fulfill our needs and desires.

While some of these things may be good, they can become idols in our lives, because any created thing we worship, other than the Creator Himself, is idolatry. In this message, Pastor Aaron helps us unpack the meaning of idols and worship, and how we can find rest in worshiping the only one who will fulfill our longings – Jesus.

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Night of Prayer | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God means for the church to be a place of transformation as people encounter His love and form a relationship with Jesus. One crucial piece of transformation occurs in our relationship with God when we become honest with Him in prayer.

"I sometimes get frustrated by the state of the world; I look at all the brokenness around me, the constant news cycle of gloom and despair. Verses 7-9 of Isaiah 33 are a reality to many people in many places. At times, I feel despair, which in and of itself is not wrong, and I lament about the state of the world. 'Lament is how you live between the poles of a hard life and trusting God's sovereignty. Lament is how we bring sorrow to God. Without lament, we won't know how to process pain. My lament fuels my prayers; it fuels my cry of 'Lord, please arise, please be lifted up, please be exalted in our time.'''

Book- Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop

What about Heaven & Hell? | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

We all have ideas about what heaven and hell look like. You may even have ideas about who’s going to one and who’s going to the other.

It will likely surprise you to find out what Jesus believed and taught about all this, and what the Biblical authors wrote about it. Join us for worship!

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Is Church and the Bible Necessary? | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Many of us have wondered at some point or another... "Can I believe in God, but not attend church? Isn’t just being a good person all that really matters? And what about the Bible - what do I do when it's confusing or makes me uncomfortable?"

One approach is to cancel the church or the Bible all together. Another approach is to take a closer look at the role of the church which connects us to one another and the way the Bible informs us and gives witness to the larger story of God's love. Have you ever asked, "Is the church and the Bible necessary?" If so, join us!

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Do All Religions Lead to the Same God? | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

At one time or another, you’ve wondered: There are over 4,000 religions in the world — could it be that all of them point to the same God? In this world of extremes, it seems as though we default to one way of relating to other religions:

"We" are right, and "they" are wrong.

But what vision might God have for all of us, living together in this great big world? Let's wonder about this together in worship. Join us!

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Am I Enough For God? | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Do you ever find yourself asking, "Am I enough for God?" Maybe you've felt like when your life has accumulated enough value for God, then God will actually love you. But - there’s the way our love works and then there’s the way God’s love works. And sometimes we get the two mixed up. Let's dive in to this commonly felt question together!

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CHRISTMAS AT CENTRAL | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas! We are so excited to celebrate with you.

This year we invite you to imagine — if God could do the unexpected by sending his son to the world as a baby who would save the world, just imagine what God could do for you today.

Let us know where you're watching from in the comments, and be sure to like & subscribe to stay updated with the latest from Central!

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CHRISTMAS AT CENTRAL | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas! We are so excited to celebrate with you.

This year we invite you to imagine — if God could do the unexpected by sending his son to the world as a baby who would save the world, just imagine what God could do for you today.

Let us know where you're watching from in the comments, and be sure to like & subscribe to stay updated with the latest from Central!

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Do I Belong?

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The guests who arrived at the stable on that first Christmas, were a strange bunch. None more odd than the “wise men.”

Honestly, they didn’t belong.

We call them “wise men,” but the actual term for them was magoi.

What’s a magoi? Good question. Get this: They were an order of astrologers from Babylon and Persia who specialized in interpreting dreams and magic - think tarot cards, crystal balls, reading palms and Ouija boards. No wonder the authors shied away from the particulars and opted for the more neutral “wise men,” or Magi.

They didn’t belong.

Not only that, they were foreigners. They didn’t speak the language, didn’t have the right paperwork, and weren’t even believers.

They just didn’t belong.

Something tells me, you’ve had moments when you’ve wondered:

How do I know I belong?

This week we wrap up our series, Make Room, as Aaron talks all about how those wisemen remind us that God makes room for every last one of us, even though we might question whether or not we belong.

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How To Deal With Those Different From Me | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Likely, you are making plans to gather with your family for Christmas. And when you get together, there will be…

…your family, and then there will be the in-laws.

…some parents in your family who are strict disciplinarians, while others who prefer “free range” parenting.

…likely, there will be a mixture of big city folk and maybe some “hicks from the sticks.”

…I’m guessing you will have at least one conservative and at least one liberal at Christmas dinner.

…some guests will be thrilled to attend Christmas Eve worship, while others tolerate it.

…and, as always, there will be those relatives. You know, the ones who seem to do everything just a little differently.

Be honest. Our families don’t see eye to eye on everything.

So, what will you do this Christmas?

This weekend we’re continuing our Christmas series, Make Room, and we’re going to wonder:

What do you do about those people who are different from you?

Believe it or not, the Christmas story has a lot to say about it!

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Is my life too messy for God? | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Is your family story a little messy?

Maybe there's divorce or alcoholism, tensions with extended family, or stresses and strains you've been avoiding for years.

I get it. My story is messy too. Well guess what?

The story of the first Christmas is the story of the messiest family we could imagine! Think about the story we tell. It's about...

An unmarried teenager gets pregnant in an ultra-conservative culture.

Her fiancé's not the father, so he's ready to divorce her.

She gives birth on the floor of a barn.

The only guests at the birth are degenerate shepherds and three foreigners that don't speak the language.

The story of the first Christmas was so messy. So, this weekend we're continuing our Christmas series, Make Room, and we're going to wonder:

Why was the first Christmas such a mess?

If you have a messy family, this will be a great message for you! It's also a great message to share with a friend who thinks their life is far too messy for God.

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The Christmas Story Makes Room For Doubt | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

It’s time to get ready for Christmas!

It’s time to make your list and check them twice.

Time to trim the tree and hang the stockings. Time for eggnog and ugly Christmas sweaters,

Chevy Chase and Christmas Vacation.

Let’s go!

We’re going to get ready for Christmas by looking at the characters in the Christmas story and asking: What are they doing there?

You see, to the ancient people of the Bible, none of the characters belonged there – not Mary or Joseph, not the shepherds or the wise men. But God chose each of them for a very specific reason: Each one points to the sort of people God is always making room for.

We’re kicking off our new series, Make Room, by looking at a guy named John. He announced Jesus was coming, yet, at one point, John wasn’t even sure he believed in Jesus! John is in the story because, for God...

The Christmas story makes room for doubt.

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We Aren’t Like “Most Christians”

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

As followers of Jesus, we are stewards of the Church for the next generation. We could, like many Christians, let personal preferences become the priority of faith. But what if turning our focus outward actually helps us reach more people?

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Don’t Give Generously

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Let it be known that your church is telling you NOT to give generously! Why? Because when we make the simple pivot to living generously instead, God can do even greater things through each of us.

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Why Can’t I Do This On My Own?

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

When it comes to giving and generosity in the church, there are a lot of ways to approach it. But over and over, the Bible makes one thing clear – we can’t go at it alone. Partnership is key in our generosity and in the future of the church.

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How do I invite someone to church? | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

If the church’s mission is to “Help all people find and follow Jesus,” how do we actually invite someone on that journey with us? Believe it or not, the story of Jesus shows that when we bear some burdens and break some rules, it's easier than we might think. Join us!

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How Do I Lead | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

People who “go to church” say things like…

“Are we going to church?” as if church is a building.

“You’ve got to join our church!” as if church is a club.

“We’re going to be late for church!” as if church is an event.

If Central is your church home, you know that church is so much more than this! We are the church when we serve record numbers of kids and students this year. We are the church when we fill bags of food to combat food insecurity in our community. We are the church when we build kids beds in our parking lot so that no child will sleep on the floor in the Chippewa County.

The church is so much more than a building, a club or an event.

So, over the next two weeks we’re launching a brand new worship series called, “Stop Going to Church” We’re going to pause, and ask…

How will I be the church?

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How Do I Live A More Selfless Life? | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

How do we choose a life that's less about ourselves and more about others? How do we choose God's way over our own preference? Are you waiting until you've got your life sorted to take a step in the right direction? Do you live with fear and anxiety over protecting what's yours? You're not alone! Pastor Aaron finishes up our series unpacking the most famous prayer; specifically the relevance of 'For thine is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory, forever'. Lean in and find deep truth as we unpack The Lords Prayer.

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Why Am I Tempted To Do The WRONG Thing? | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Do you ever make a decision, even though you know it's not the right thing to do? Do you have regrets or moments you wish you could take back? What's that one thing that you swear you won't go back to, but find yourself being tempted by over and over?You're not alone! Every single person suffered with these same questions. In this message, Pastor Aaron Sturgis continues our series unpacking the most famous prayer; specifically the relevance of 'Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one'. Lean in and find deep truth as we unpack; The Lords Prayer.

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www.centrallutheran.church/worship

Reflect on the message through song:

The Lord's Prayer Week 4 | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Ever feel like someone let you down or did you wrong? Have you ever caused someone else pain, intentionally or unintentionally? Does your future feel tarnished by what happened in your past or present? Pastor Aaron continues this series unpacking the most famous prayer; specifically the relevance of “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us” Lean in and find deep truth as we unpack; The Lords Prayer.

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The Lord's Prayer Week 3 | Justin Arnold | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In this week's sermon, Vicar Justin discusses the petition of The Lord's Prayer that is: "Give us this day our daily bread." We need two types of bread in this world. The first is the physical bread that we need to survive, whether it be actual food, water, shelter, clothing, etc. The second form of bread is spiritual bread, which forms our hearts so that we can trust in God's provision and then work with others, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to share God's love and provision with the rest of the world.

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The Lord's Prayer Week 2 | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Ever feel like life is a rollercoaster and you're simply holding on for dear life? Are you in a period of waiting or anxiety, wishing you could impact the outcome? If you love to be in control and are constantly straining to keep everything perfect, this message might just be for you! Pastor Aaron continues this series unpacking the most famous prayer; specifically the relevance of 'Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.' Lean in and find deep truth as we unpack; The Lords Prayer.

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The Lord's Prayer Week 1 | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Whether you consider yourself a Christ-follower or not, you've probably considered prayer at one time or another. If you've ever considered HOW to pray, you'll be pleased to know you're in good company. Even those closest to Jesus had the same question. The Lord's Prayer begins 'Our Father' - but how can the creator of the universe, the all knowing, omnipotent, omnipresent Supreme Being care for each and every one of us? Pastor Aaron helps us explore this, the most famous of prayers, and learn how even the first line holds deep truth for us all today.

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Emotions Week 2 | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

This week's question, "What do I do when I'm anxious?" is one we all relate to. The statistics show us that half our population struggles with anxiety. So, what do we do when we are anxious? What did Jesus do when He was anxious? In week two of our Emotions series, Pastor Aaron teaches us how Jesus' response to anxiety gives us a road map to follow in the anxiety we experience.

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Emotions Week 1 | Aaron Sturgis | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Do you realize that in the Gospels, Jesus felt 39 different emotions? The Bible shows examples of Jesus' love, compassion, righteous anger, sadness, and more. In the message this week, Pastor Aaron helps us realize the importance of feeling our emotions and learning to trust that God cares for us in all our shame, disappointment, wonder, awe, disgust, despair, contentment, boredom, unsettledness, anxiousness, stress, and feelings of grief. We tend to armor up, minimize how we feel, or maximize our feelings in a way that does not benefit us and those we interact with. What if we were honest about our emotions? What if we brought our feelings to God in prayer? What if we told one another what we were struggling with? How would our lives change? Learn more this week in our message series, "Emotions," as we ask, "Where is God when I hurt?"

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Storyteller Week 4 | Justin Arnold | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, Vicar Justin Arnold reveals how first-century listeners would have identified themselves with the younger son in the story. As the story progresses, however, first-century listeners would have distanced themselves from the younger son due to his actions. What was Jesus teaching the first-century listeners through the story? What is Jesus teaching us today? Find out more as you listen to Vicar Justin dive into different aspects of a parable you might have thought you already knew well.

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Storyteller Week 3 | Justin Arnold | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In Matthew 20:1-16, we read the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. At the time of the parable, a typical day's wage for a laborer is a denarius. In the parable, each worker received the same wage even though they did not all work the same number of hours. The vineyard owner did not deceive anyone by paying them a dishonest wage. In the parable, the vineyard's owner chose to be generous by paying them all the same wage. In the message, Vicar Justin Arnold helps us contemplate God's generosity toward us as His children.

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Storyteller Week 2 | Rick Lund | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In week two of our Storyteller message series, Pastor Rick Lund teaches us three detriments to wealth found in the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21. Pastor Lund helps us see how parables are meant to disorient us to reorient us in the way of Jesus.

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Storyteller Week 1 | Justin Arnold | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

When you read the story of the Good Samaritan, do you treat the parable as a children's story?

In week one of our Storyteller message series, Vicar Justin Arnold teaches us the parable is not for us to adopt the hero's characteristics in the story but to recognize the serious challenges posed to the listener on what a life following Jesus looks like.

Music Meditations Week 5 | Justin Arnold | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In the last Music Meditation message this week, Central's Pastoral Intern, Justin Arnold, will share the song "Carry Me, Carrie," performed by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show. You will be surprised that Shel Silverstein, best known for his children's books, The Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and A Light in the Attic, authored the entire album containing "Carry Me, Carrie."

In the message, Vicar Justin points to Matthew 17:20, "He (Jesus) replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'" Vicar Justin reminds us that if we allow Jesus to carry us, God will, one day at a time, move mountains like depression, anxiety, pain, and brokenness. As we allow Jesus to carry us, our entire life becomes a mission field because as we let Him love us, His love also works through us to love others.

Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdGnrwJ-9-g&t=1s

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Music Meditations Week 4 | Ned Lenhart | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Pastor Ned Lenhart shares this week how the two Queen songs, "We Will Rock You, and We Are The Champions," impacted him. The two songs can be played separately from each other and together as well. They were a double A-side record, meaning the royalties go together, and the radio would most likely play them together, but they are two different songs—one written by Brian May and one by Freddie Mercury.

Pastor Ned tells us how his relationship with God changed the "Loser" label he carried. He will help us see that Jesus is the only true champion of the world, and though the world crucified Him, our belief in Jesus changes us. Though we fall short of the glory of God, as Romans 3:23 states, in Jesus, we become beloved children of God.

LISTEN HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNWvNEPsilI&t=0s

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Music Meditations Week 3 | Justin Arnold | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

We are in week three of our sermon series, "Music Meditations," meditating on music that isn't specifically religious to look for God to show up in a place we might not expect to find Him.

This week's song is "That's How Strong My Love Is," written by Roosevelt Jamison and performed by Otis Redding. Vicar Justin was introduced to this song by Tom Drehmel, who asked a few years back if Justin could sing the song at Central. As Vicar Justin learned the song, he realized that God could be found in music that wouldn't usually be considered religious. The song helped Justin contemplate a deeper sense of God's love for humanity and all of creation.

Listen Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY0cpvfpdg4&t=1s

Music Meditations Week 2 | Central Lutheran Church | Justin Arnold

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Pastoral Intern, Justin Arnold, continues our worship series Music Meditations. He discusses the song Peace Train by Yusuf/Cat Stevens and how people should see what the Kingdom of Heaven looks and can look like when people look at the Christian church.

LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE: https://youtu.be/M9cJRqsKZKo

Music Meditations Week 1 | Central Lutheran Church | Justin Arnold

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

So often, songs, like other art forms, can express the thoughts, feelings, and matters of the heart that would otherwise be inexpressible in everyday human words. Many would say that the purpose of art is to give a voice where one is lacking.

Martin Luther had great praise for music and wrote several timeless, beautiful hymns. He is quoted as saying, "Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the world; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us."

Vicar Justin Arnold will begin our new sermon series, "Music Meditations," following an ancient exercise called Lectio Divina which means divine word. We will meditate on music that isn't specifically religious, looking for God to show up in a place we might not expect to find Him. Vicar Justin will start the series with one of his favorite songs, "Unfair Weather Friend," by Marla Cannon-Goodman and Ward Davis.

Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsjOiY1pNz8

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The Ripple Effect Week 3 | Ned Lenhart | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God's Word speaks of love in four very different ways. When we talk as a congregation that Central exists to Love God and Love People, we need to clarify the Bible's definition of love to understand better how to follow Jesus.

Pastor Ned Lenhart from Living Water Church in Cameron, Wisconsin, is joining us this week to share how understanding God's love changes how we think and act. Through defining the different definitions of love and sharing the story of the Good Samaritan, Pastor Ned will teach us how to love others the way God loves us, especially when loving someone is hard.

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The Ripple Effect Week 2 | Justin Arnold | Central Lutheran Church

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

How difficult is it for you to take risks in your life? When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?

If we decide to stay in our comfort zone and never take a risk in our life of faith, we will not be able to create the ripple effect God intended for us to make in this world. Immediately images of jumping on a plane and following God to a remote area enter our mind when we imagine taking a risk but taking a risk could be God asking us to knock on our neighbor's door, tell our family about Jesus, invite our co-workers to church, or pay for a stranger's groceries.

In this week's message, Justin Arnold encourages us to step out of our comfort zone, listen to God's voice, and follow God's lead.

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The Ripple Effect Week 1 | Justin Arnold

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God made you on purpose and for a purpose. And a big part of that purpose, perhaps even the biggest part of it, is to help the Kingdom of God continue to break through in this world. That is the ripple effect that you were created to make!

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Baggage Week 4 | Unfulfilled Expectations | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 28 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Do you look at your life and think, this is not where I expected to be at this point in my lifetime? I thought by now I would be at this place in my career or driving this kind of car. In fact, the home that I am living in is not the home that I expected to be in this season of my life. Unfulfilled expectations…expectations we have placed on ourselves or expectations that have been placed on us by other people…it causes baggage. If if we are not careful, this baggage will hold us back and weigh us down.

So what do we do with the baggage that comes from unfulfilled expectations? Tune in and check it out.

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Baggage Week 3 | What Do I See In The Mirror? | Aaron Sturgis

Sun, 21 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today is week three of our Baggage series. A series in which we are talking about the baggage that we carry around that God never intended for us to carry.

And today's baggage is this, and unhealthy view of yourself. This one hits close to home for many of us, in fact all of us. It's probably the one thing that connects all of us and that is how we look at ourselves, how we view ourselves... or don't love ourselves for that matter.

So the question is, what do we do with this? Or better yet, how does God view... well... you?

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