The Christ the King Stewardship Dinner a popular evening of fellowship returns to the courtyard with a Texas theme on Sunday, October 12, at 5 p.m. Assorted barbeque meats from Goode Company will be served, and members of the congregation are encouraged to bring "sides" and desserts to provide a festive Texas spread.
Professor Timothy J. Wengert, the Eric W. Gritsch theologian-in-residence, will speak on Philipp Melanchthon and stewardship with appropriate references to Martin Luther. The Lord Mayor of Bretten, the Honorable Paul Metzger, and the Director of the Melanchthon Museum, Dr. Günter Frank, will be special guests.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to combine congregational fellowship with a Texas welcome for our German visitors," said Susan Teich, chairperson of the Every Member Commitment Committee. "Christ the King Church has a strong connection to the Melanchthon Museum. The Lutheran heritage in Texas is strong as well. We should share a piece of Texas tradition as well. Of course, Philipp Melanchthon did not visit Texas, but if he could have, he would have."
The dinner serves an important purpose: kicking off the annual Stewardship Campaign, which will conclude with the blessing of pledges and time and talent forms on Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 23. Packets containing stewardship materials will be distributed at the dinner.
The 2003 Stewardship campaign comes at a time of growth but also renewed challenges and great opportunities for the congregation. While the new building has brought additional operating costs, it has also created many new ways to expand and enhance the church's ministry. All of these factors have an impact on the congregation's budget, and must be considered by every family as it considers its annual stewardship commitment.
New programming such as Wednesday Night Alive! events, food service ministry, and expanded education and service opportunities also provides new opportunities for members of the congregation to volunteer their time and talent. After a two-year hiatus that was due to the construction, the return of the Stewardship Dinner is a great time for fellowship and to reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead.