Wondering How Your Blood Pressure is after a Week of Christmas Feasting?

This weekend, after the Taizé service and after each Sunday morning service, blood pressure screenings are held in the narthex. Blood pressure screenings is held on the last weekend of each month.

Epiphany - See, Share, and Be the Light

On Tuesday, January 6, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., we continue the tradition of celebrating Epiphany with a fun evening for everyone. David Karohl is in charge of music and dancing and the Brass Choir is making its first appearance of the year. It is a pot luck evening in the parish hall, plus dancing, so bring your favorite food dishes to share. Beverages will be provided. If you are interested in helping, contact David Karohl or Susan Myres Uri. Even if you don’t like to dance you will want to attend.

German-language Services

The German-language service on Sunday, January 4, at 5:00 p.m. will reflect on the New Year with the theme “Mehr als drei Wünsche” (“More than 3 wishes”).

January Organ Vespers

At Organ Vespers on January 18, 5:00 p.m., organist Kristian Olesen of Roskilde, Denmark will play music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

The Melanchthon Institute to Host Visiting Student

The Melanchthon Institute welcomes visiting student, Itonde A. Kakoma, a first-year Master’s of Divinity student at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA. He will work on an independent study directed by Dr. Thomas H. Schattauer, Professor of Liturgics and Dean of the Chapel at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Itonde will reside in the Melanchthon Guest Apartment January 3 – 27.

Join Us After Worship

Snacks, coffee, and juice will be provided after the 8:30 and 10:50 service. Please join us.

New Member Classes

If you are interested in becoming a member of Christ the King Church, you are invited to attend the Adult Catechesis class.

We will offer an 8-week class on Sundays beginning February 1 through March 21 at 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. We will also offer a 2-day class on Friday, January 30, 7:00 until 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, January 31, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

These classes, based on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, are open to inquirers, those seeking membership, and members wishing to refresh their memory on the basic tenets of our faith.

You may sign up on the bulletin board or contact the church office, or call 713-523-2864, ext. 21. Childcare for the 2-day class is made available when requested the Monday prior to the class.

Fellowship

Flowers for the Nave in 2004

The 2004 Altar Guild flower chart is on the mobile bulletin board. Flower arrangements for weekend services are $40. Please pay for the flowers as you sign up.

Sunday Café

There will be no Sunday Café on December 28 or January 4. We will resume our weekly schedule on January 11.

Church Council Retreat

On Friday and Saturday, January 9 and 10, the Church Council will hold its annual retreat workshop at Camp Allen in Navasota.

Though the workshop is planned expressly for Council members, it is open to all church members at their own expense. If you are interested in participating, please contact Pr. Moore by noon on January 2.

Church Gourmet Starts the New Year with Tapas and Wine

The Church Gourmet’s first party of the new year will be on January 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Susan and Leonard Teich’s home.

This will be a tapas and wine tasting party. Each guest should bring a bottle of wine and a special dish of finger foods to share. Guests may recycle some of their favorite appetizer recipes from prior menus or try something new. Sample recipes will be posted on the web site in early January for those who want some different ideas.

It is not necessary to RSVP, but responses will be helpful so the hosts can plan on how many plates, glasses etc. to set out. This is a good event to invite newcomers and guests to attend.

Service & Care

Help Someone Stay Warm and Healthy this Winter

With the winter season upon us, Christian Community Service Center’s Emergency Services program can always use donations of blankets and warm clothing (particularly men’s slacks, jeans & jackets for all ages). During this time of year, many clients also request hygiene items including shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and bar soap.

Thanks in advance for your help! Donations of all types and sizes help our ministry in remarkable ways. Items may be brought to the facility at 3434 Branard. For more information, please contact Blair Parker or 713-993-0518.

Calling all Cooks and Bottlewashers

Wednesday Night Alive! will start up again on January 7 and the Christ the King Church food service ministry will continue to serve outstanding meals. All members who enjoy good food and good fellowship are invited to join us by volunteering one Wednesday night during the spring semester. We have a full range of volunteer positions available from skilled to unskilled (from cooks to servers to dishwashers). Even the most kitchen-phobic person will find the new dishwasher a blast! For more information or to volunteer, please contact Courtney Harper.

Annual Reports

The 2003 Annual Reports are due on or before January 12, 2004. You may email your report, send it on disc to the church office or mail a hard copy to Beverly Stanford at 2353 Rice Boulevard, Houston TX 77005.

Education

Crossways Bible Study

Crossways Bible Study, a survey course of the narrative and major themes of the Old and New Testaments, will begin on Wednesday, January 7, 2004. Section Two, “From the Conquest to the Babylonian Exile” will study the narratives in Joshua, Judges, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, Worship & Holy War. Class will meet from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays in the council room. The workbook, which costs $15, includes a study sheet for each unit that guides one through the biblical text in preparation for class. Scholarships are available. If you have questions or to register, please contact Velma Rice.

Sunday Church School On Break for Holidays

Sunday Church School will not hold formal classes until January 11. On January 4 there will be a Godly Play lesson during SCS in the Pre-K/Kindergarten room taught by Sandy Troff for any children that wish to come. If you are available to help Sandy with that lesson, please contact her. On January 11, all SCS classes will resume. We hope our teachers enjoy the much-needed rest during the Holidays and look forward to seeing everyone back on January 11!

Friday Morning Bible Study

Friday Morning Bible Study will not meet again until January 16. This class meets weekly to study the lectionary readings for the following Sunday. Snacks are served at 10:00; class begins at 10:30.

“Liturgy: History and Practice” January 3, 11, 19, & 25

The first two Sundays will involve the history of Christian worship which led to the development of the Liturgy, and the last two Sundays will deal with current uses of the Liturgy. Musical examples and other visual resources will be incorporated into the discussions. Facilitator: Ann Gebuhr.

Community of Hope Class Registration

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.

Registrations for a winter/spring semester Community of Hope Lay Chaplancy class are now being accepted. There will be a class beginning Monday evening, January 19, if there is sufficient interest. There must be at least 10 participants for the class to make. To register, contact Beverly Davis or call 713-523-2864 ext. 27. Deadline for registration is Friday, January 9.

“Talking Back to God” January 11, 19, & 25

This Bible study of Old and New Testament stories will reflect upon God’s people talking with God. Many of the men and women of the scriptures questioned God and shared their doubts and fears. Are they an appropriate model for us today? How are we to interact with a loving, caring God? Bring your Bible and a willingness to discuss your approach to prayer, decision-making, and “talking with God.” Facilitator: Barbara Rozek.