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Central Lutheran Church - Elk River
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.
Episodes
138 episodes
Why You Shouldn't Ask Why {Reflections}
What if the question "Why?" is the wrong question to ask when faced with life's toughest trials? Episode 60 of the Reflections podcast invites you to join Ryan and Mike as they explore this profound inquiry. Drawing from Ryan's personal experie...
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7:12
Imitating or Pretending? with Ben Carruthers
Can dressing up for Halloween teach us about our faith? Imagine your kids in their costumes, embodying different characters, and you're left wondering how this parallels with our own spiritual journey. This episode unravels the layers of imitat...
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23:17
Left Handed Power v Right Handed Power with Pastor Ryan Braley {Reflection: Special Edition}
What if there was a way of living that transcended political power and societal norms? Join us on this special edition of the Reflections Podcast as we explore the profound message of Ephesians 2:19-22, brought to life amidst the ancient street...
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28:02
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Betting on Faith: Exploring Pascal's Wager {Reflections}
Can betting on faith lead to infinite happiness? Join us on the Reflections podcast as we close out our mini-series on the arguments for God's existence with a look at Pascal's Wager, one of the most intriguing and debated theories out there. B...
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7:54
Your Crumpled Old Self with Pastor Ryan Braley
Unravel the profound connection between Reformation Sunday and its historical resonance with Martin Luther's 95 Theses while exploring its fascinating alignment with Halloween. You'll gain insights into Ephesians 4, where Paul exhorts the Ephes...
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27:53
A Journey Towards Spiritual Fulfillment {Reflections}
Can our deepest longings point us towards a divine reality? This episode promises to explore the compelling idea that our unfulfilled desires hint at a spiritual world beyond our earthly experience. Inspired by the writings of C.S. Lewis, we co...
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8:46
An Us with No Them with Pastor Ryan Braley
Picture a bustling ancient city with the vibrancy of modern-day New York, where historical divisions among its people were as tangible as its cobblestones. This episode transports us to Ephesus, where Paul's radical message of unity between Jew...
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35:47
Science and Faith: A Cosmic Dialogue {Reflections}
Is the universe finely tuned for life, or is it all just a cosmic coincidence? Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom and explore the intricate fine-tuning argument for the existence of God. Our journey through the universe's precise calib...
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11:10
Unity through Reconciliation with Sonja Knutson
Unlock the path to unity and reconciliation within the Christian faith with us, as we journey through the profound teachings of Ephesians. What if the divisions that seem insurmountable are actually hiding the true calling that lies within each...
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22:57
Philosophy Meets Science: A Journey to the Cosmic Edge {Reflections}
Unlock the secrets of the universe with our exploration of the cosmological argument for the existence of God. Ever wondered if the universe had a beginning and what that implies? Join us as we promise an enlightening journey through philosophi...
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8:12
Navigating Life's Peaks and Valleys {Reflections}
How do we gracefully ride the waves of life's highs and lows?" Join me, Ryan, on the Reflections podcast, as I unpack a heartfelt narrative centered around my son Gavin’s flourishing freshman year at North Central College. His journey isn't jus...
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7:18
You’re Going the Wrong Way! with Pastor Ryan Braley
Ever feel like the constant barrage of political news and social media is taking a toll on your mental and spiritual well-being? Join us for an insightful conversation on how to manage political anxiety with faith, where we promise you'll learn...
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33:36
How to Defend the Faith {Reflections}
Ever questioned if belief in God is a logical choice in today's world? Join us on Reflections as we tackle this and more, promising an enlightening journey through the landscape of faith and rationality. We'll debunk the myth that non-believers...
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10:42
We Are the Fullness with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if you lived in a city where magic and amulets were as commonplace as smartphones are today? Journey with us to ancient Ephesus, a vibrant metropolis akin to New York City, where citizens worshipped the goddess Artemis and believed in the ...
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31:48
The Transformative Power of Love and Righteousness {Reflections}
How often do we focus on winning arguments rather than embodying genuine kindness and love? Join us as we explore the profound impact of "The Power of Love and Righteousness" through personal stories and poignant reflections. Drawing from my ex...
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8:56
Anakephalaiossathai and Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians with Pastor Ryan Braley
Can a letter written nearly 2,000 years ago offer solutions to the divisions we face today? Discover how Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians provides timeless wisdom on unity and living as a community of believers. We'll transport you to ancient Ep...
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26:25
Awakened from Shadows {Reflections}
Have you ever wondered if the reality you perceive is just a shadow on the wall? Join us in episode 51 as we unravel the profound analogy of Plato's Cave and its implications on our understanding of reality. This idea, which I first encountered...
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8:32
Sovereignty of God in Uncertain Times with Pastor Lorraine Daley
What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty during uncertain times? Pastor Lorraine Daly, co-pastor of Restoring Lives Community Church in Zimmerman, joins us to explore this profound question. Since 2020, Pastor Lorraine has been a cherish...
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29:48
Always Restless, Never Satisfied {Reflections}
Ever found yourself wishing you were anywhere but here? Whether it’s ducking out of a party, an unending workday, or the claustrophobic confines of an airplane, we've all felt that restless urge to be somewhere else. On this landmark 50th episo...
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6:46
Over-Promise, Under-Deliver with Pastor Ryan Braley
What happens when we misdirect our worship? Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we celebrate the heartwarming generosity of Central's community, who have handcrafted and donated 52 quilts to Lutheran World Relief. We extend a special s...
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35:11
Can I Murder? {Reflections}
What would you do if faced with the ultimate decision to use violence in self-defense or to protect a loved one? This week on Reflections with Ryan Braley, we explore the unsettling moral terrain of violence and pacifism through a personal stor...
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7:44
Now Hear Me Out with Pastor Ryan Braley
Have you ever considered how the faith of early Christians might challenge today's social norms? Join me, Pastor Ryan, as we close our You Pick series with a deep exploration of the book of Philemon. I share amusing and eye-opening stories from...
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36:47
Violence in Old Testament Scripture {Reflections}
How can the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus illuminate seemingly contradictory biblical teachings? Join us as we tackle Beth's insightful question about harmonizing Old Testament laws with the transformative teachings of Jesus in the New...
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8:48
The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength with Pastor Ryan Braley
What happens when faith, hope, and joy intertwine on a journey across continents and back to the heart? Join us as we kick off this episode with a heartfelt prayer and a reflection on Nehemiah's timeless words, "The joy of the Lord is your stre...
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38:11
