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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
162 episodes
Why You Were Created {Reflections}
Why did God create human beings? It's one of the oldest questions known to humanity, and we're tackling it head-on in our latest episode. Was it for worship, companionship, or perhaps something else entirely? Join us as we challenge these conve...
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6:54
Life Lessons are Many but Requirements are Few with Sonja Knutson
Micah, the prophet from a small town with a big message, challenges us to question: What does it truly mean to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God? Join me, Sonja Knutson, as we uncover the profound lessons from this seemingly qui...
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22:34
Understanding Existence Through Ancient Texts {Reflections}
What if a simple phrase could unlock the mysteries of existence itself? Join me, Ryan, on Reflections as we unravel the enigmatic dialogue between God and Moses in Exodus, chapter 3. Discover the profound layers of meaning behind God's response...
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6:56
Wait a Minute... with Pastor Ryan Braley
Can questioning authority be an act of faith? Join us as we explore the intriguing lives of the minor prophets in our series, "The B-Sides," and discover how their bold actions communicated divine messages. Our spotlight this week is on Habakku...
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33:06
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Awakening to the Mystical Side of Faith {Reflections}
What happens when a search for meaning takes you through atheism, Buddhism, and even witchcraft, only to find resonance in an unexpected place? Paul Kingsnorth shares his remarkable spiritual journey with us, highlighting the stark contrasts be...
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9:52
Amidst Ruins with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if the hidden gems of the Old Testament have more to teach us than we ever realized? Journey with us into the world of the minor prophets in our new series, "The B-Sides: The Minor Prophets," where we unearth the timeless wisdom hidden in ...
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36:05
Challenging Truths: Embracing the Teachings of Jesus {Reflections}
Imagine standing in a crowd, captivated by a man whose words are as challenging as they are life-altering. That's the scene I explore today as we reflect on a poignant moment in the book of John, where Jesus, instead of pandering to the masses,...
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7:08
57 Words with Pastor Ryan Braley
Unlock the profound wisdom hidden within the simplicity of the Lord’s Prayer. By dissecting its 57 Greek words, we promise you'll gain fresh insights into this ancient text and a deeper understanding of your spiritual connection. Our journey be...
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39:21
The Ripple Effect of Small Actions {Reflections}
Ever noticed how the smallest actions can ripple into significant impacts? Picture this: you're at Planet Fitness, and someone mindlessly spits gum into a urinal. Or maybe you're at Barnes & Noble, and a fellow shopper almost leaves a falle...
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9:59
Faith to Obey with Ben Carruthers
What if the secret to experiencing an extraordinary life lies in the simple act of obedience? Join me, Ben Carruthers, as we uncover the profound impact of Christmas traditions and the timeless lessons embedded within the story of Joseph. Throu...
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24:56
The Gifts of Christmas with Pastor Ryan Braley
Imagine receiving an unexpected gift from a basement scavenger hunt—sounds humorous, right? We kick things off with a lighthearted tale of re-gifting that reframes this common practice as a meaningful act of sharing and connection. This playful...
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31:39
The Light of Christmas: Unraveling Its Origins and Finding Hope {Reflections}
Ever wondered why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, despite clues that point to Jesus being born in the spring? Join us as we unravel this mystery and explore the origins of Christmas celebrations, tracing back to early Christians and t...
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9:10
Balancing Attachments: A Journey of Self-Reflection {Reflections}
As a lifelong Denver Broncos fan, I’ve experienced the exhilarating highs and crushing lows that come with sports fandom. But one Monday night game against the Dolphins became a wake-up call, highlighting the intense emotional energy I invested...
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7:16
The Joy of Advent with Ben Carruthers
Ever found yourself stuck at the DMV, feeling the seconds tick by with no sign of joy? Let's explore the often overlooked connection between waiting and joy, especially during the Advent season. Sharing personal stories, from the mundane frustr...
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23:32
Advent's Humble Beginnings {Reflections}
Anticipation and reflection mark our journey through the Advent season, a time filled with both hope and longing. Have you ever wondered how the humble beginnings of Jesus contrast with the might of rulers like King Herod and Caesar? Join me as...
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8:06
The Hope of Advent with Kaycee Stanley from The Reel Hope Project
Casey Stanley, formerly Casey Robertson, shares her inspiring journey from youth ministry to launching the Real Hope Project, a nonprofit focused on finding adoptive homes for foster children. Discover how Casey’s passion for creating a brighte...
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26:52
Rediscovering Community: From Coffee Shops to Genuine Connections {Reflections}
Imagine a world where your local café is more than just a stop for caffeine—it's a place where everybody knows your name, a sanctuary from the hustle, inspired by a stroll through Italian streets. In our latest episode, sparked by Howard Schult...
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8:46
The Peace of Advent with Pastor Ryan Braley
Imagine finding peace in the busiest season of the year, rediscovering the wonder of the Advent season in a world obsessed with data and facts. Our latest podcast episode invites you on a journey through the transformative themes of peace, hope...
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30:30
The Art of Active Listening {Reflections}
Ever been moved to tears by a simple question? Join me, Ryan, as I recount an eye-opening retreat experience where I encountered Kent Dobson, a master of transformative questioning. Spending five days in the woods with Kent and a group of fello...
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6:50
How to End with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if embracing your weaknesses could reveal your true strength? Join us as we journey through the final chapter of our series on Ephesians, where we unravel Paul's compelling message on the transformative power of prayer. We'll challenge the...
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34:56
How Does God Lead? {Reflections}
Can you really miss a divine calling, or is it more like a GPS guiding us back on track when we stray? Join me, Ryan, as we explore this idea through the story of Moses and the burning bush. We'll dig into the concept of divine guidance and how...
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9:44
No Greater Love with Pastor Ryan Braley
Can ancient texts provide the keys to solving modern relationship dilemmas? Imagine navigating the complexities of relationships by looking at age-old teachings through a fresh lens. Explore with us as we challenge the conventional interpretati...
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34:39
Just Show Up {Reflections}
What does it take to truly make an impact? Sometimes, it's as simple as showing up. Join me, Ryan, in this episode of the Reflections podcast as I recount my journey stepping into a youth ministry role, a path I was hesitant to walk. Drawing in...
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6:30
