96 episodes
Central Lutheran Church - Elk River Central Lutheran Church
-
- Religion & Spirituality
Established in 1948, Central Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith and community in Elk River, Minnesota, for more than seven decades. Led by our dedicated Lead Pastor, Ryan Braley, we are a congregation deeply rooted in family values and intergenerational connection.
Central Lutheran Church offers two services every Sunday at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, welcoming individuals and families of all ages to join us in worship and fellowship. Our services and activities are thoughtfully designed to engage, inspire, and strengthen the spiritual growth of each member of our church family, from the youngest to the eldest.
We pride ourselves on being a family-centered and family-focused church. Our intergenerational approach allows us to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives within our congregation, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Beyond the church walls, Central Lutheran Church is deeply committed to serving and uplifting the wider Elk River community. Our active involvement in local initiatives reflects our core belief in the power of faith in action, as we strive to put Christian love and compassion into practice.
At Central Lutheran Church, we don’t just attend church – we are the church. Join us as we continue to nurture faith, celebrate family, and serve our community, hand in hand.
-
Life is Not About You {Reflections}
Do today's youth think life revolves around them? That's a question we tackle head-on in the latest episode of our engaging five-part series on rites of passage in tribal cultures. I'm Ryan Braley, joined by Mike Lauer on editing. This time, we uncover the profound lesson that life isn't about you, a critical message often conveyed during traditional initiation rites. These ancient practices aimed to nurture young individuals into well-rounded adults who contribute meaningfully to their commu...
-
Why Do You Limp? with Pastor Ryan Braley
Have you ever wondered how ancient rituals and personal transformation intersect with divine encounters? In this episode, we journey through the riveting narrative of Jacob and his profound relationship with God, exploring the transformative power of rituals like baptisms and the long-lasting impact of our habits. We dive into the rich tapestry of Genesis, tracing the covenantal promises from Abraham and Sarah to the miraculous birth of Isaac, setting the stage for the sibling rivalry between...
-
You Are Not That Important {Reflections}
What if modern society's emphasis on individual specialness is actually holding us back? Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom as we uncover the profound lessons hidden within ancient tribal rites of passage. These traditions impart the humbling message, "You are not that important," helping young people transition seamlessly into adulthood. We'll explore how the absence of such rituals in Western culture leaves many drifting without direction, and discuss the adverse effects of an infla...
-
Who Do You Think You Are? with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if the story of creation held more than just ancient myths, offering us profound insights into our existence and our relationship with the divine? Join Pastor Ryan from Central as we journey through Genesis in our series "How Did We Get Here?" We'll uncover the theological richness of these narratives, from the creation of the world to Abraham’s pivotal role in shaping the lineage of major monotheistic faiths. Expect to be challenged and inspired as we reflect on God's covenant with Abra...
-
Life is Hard {Reflections}
Have you ever wondered why Western culture lacks meaningful rites of passage for our youth? Join me, Ryan Braley, as I recount a transformative experience at a youth ministry conference that highlighted this critical gap. Drawing from the wisdom of Joseph Campbell, we explore the consequences of this absence and the importance of structured, community-driven rituals in helping young people navigate life's significant milestones. I also share my passionate work at Central Church and my ongoing...
-
What Kind of a God Would Ask That? with Pastor Ryan Braley
What kind of God would ask a father to sacrifice his son? This thought-provoking question lies at the heart of our exploration into the timeless story of Abraham and Isaac from the Book of Genesis. Together, we navigate the complex terrain of this ancient narrative, emphasizing the importance of understanding its cultural and historical context rather than imposing modern interpretations. By examining the broader narrative of Abraham's journey, we aim to uncover the deeper existential questio...