On April 27, Christ the King commissioned its first class of lay chaplains through the Community of Hope. Community of Hope is a 42-hour, 14-week training class which equips laypersons for pastoral care ministry as lay chaplains. In addition, the Community provides ongoing spiritual growth opportunities in a community shaped by prayer and Benedictine spirituality. The Community of Hope is sponsored by St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital and supported by Episcopal Health Charities.
Congratulations to the following individuals for their successful completion of the training:
| Janice Stuff | Jerry Gosda | Beryl Mack | Jan Petner |
| Marilyn Edwards | Carolyn Jacobs | Alice Oeben | Donald Rice |
| Denise Engle | Bridget Jensen | Mel Ostwald | Velma Rice |
| Betty Gosda | Peggy Johnson | Sharon Ostwald |
Other members of Christ the King who have completed Community of Hope training at St. Luke's Hospital include Diane Persson, Peggy Sale, and Beverly Davis.
Following completion of training, our lay chaplains commit to minister in a variety of ways and settings, both within the congregation and in the community as an outreach of Christ the King. The lay chaplains continue to support each other in their varied pastoral care ministries by continuing as a community through regular Circle of Care meetings for prayer, debriefing, and building community.
The next class will begin in September and is already half full. If you would like more information about the Community of Hope or would like to register, please contact Beverly Davis at 713-523-2864 ext. 27.