Special

Mission Builders

Several of the Mission Builder couples who are currently living in the RV’s at the Rose of Sharon RV Loop at Lutherhill will be joining us for worship Sunday at the 10:50 a.m. service and staying for lunch. They would love to tell you about their experiences as Mission Builders and thank members of our congregation for the on-going support to the ministry at Lutherhill. Please introduce yourself to them and learn more about this great opportunity to travel and help build up the church—literally.

Easter Celebrations

We will celebrate Easter this year during Sunday Church School in the parish hall, courtyard, and Melanchthon House lawn, weather permitting. Come join in the celebration with breakfast, the annual Flowering of the Cross, and Easter egg hunt for the younger children. You can bring flowers or purchase flowers that morning from the Luther League to decorate the cross in the parish hall. The Luther League will prepare the egg hunt with our youngest hunters (infants to 2 years) in the fenced playground area, our 3-6 year old hunters in the courtyard and our older hunters (7-11 years) across the street in the front yard of the Melanchthon House. Donations of plastic eggs and individually wrapped candies can be left at the church office or in the kitchen any time before the Good Friday service to help the Luther League defray the cost of this very popular event.

A Season for Nonviolence

Whatever you do may seem insignificant but it is most important that you do it—Gandhi

A Season for Nonviolence, January 30 - April 4, is a national 64-day educational, media, and grassroots campaign dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and our communities. Inspired by the 50th and 30th memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this international event honors their vision for an empowered, nonviolent world. For more information, visit: http://www.agnt.org.

The Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence

2005 marks the halfway point for the Decade for a Culture of Nonviolence.

The Decade for a Culture of Nonviolence originated from the work of twenty Nobel Peace Laureates, including Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama who appealed to the United Nations.

On November 10,1998, the UN General Assembly voted to designate the years 2001-2010 as “The Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World.”

The 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly commits this church to work with other churches and organizations to build a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence in the decade 2001-2010.

What can Individuals Do?

• Create a plan for peace to use at home, at school, in your neighborhood, in your congregation, and in places of work;
• List things you do each day or week that contribute to a peaceful family, community, and world;
• Plan time for confession and reconciliation with those closest to you;
• Ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness to others;
• Practice weekly affirmation of those closest to you. Focus on words and actions;

What can Individuals Do? (Joining With Others)

• Working together is key in our efforts during the Decade.
• Working ecumenically, with community groups, and with non-governmental organizations (NGOS) can enrich and enhance our efforts.
• Visit www.elca.org/nonviolence for a listing of Web sites and contact information for a variety of groups that may be helpful.

Worship

German-language Ministry

Ostermesse German-language service Easter Sunday March 27, at 2:00 p.m. in the nave. Reception to follow.

Holy Week

Eve of Palm Sunday, March 19

6:00 p.m. Taizé Eucharist Service

 

Palm Sunday, March 20

8:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. Procession of Palms (gather in the courtyard)

5:00 p.m. J.S. Bach St. John Passion

 

Holy Tuesday, March 22

7:30 p.m. J.S. Bach St. John Passion

 

Maundy Thursday, March 24

7:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Individual Absolution, and Stripping of the Altar

 

Good Friday, March 25

3:00 p.m. J.S. Bach St. John Passion

7:30 p.m. Tenebrae (Service of the Shadows)

 

Holy Saturday, March 26

Canonical Hours, Midnight-9:00 p.m. Prayer Services

6:00 p.m. Taizé Prayer Service

10:45 p.m. Candlelight Procession, Easter Vigil, and first Eucharist of Easter

 

Easter Sunday, March 27

8:30 a.m and 10:50 a.m.Festive Eucharist Services

9:45 a.m. Easter Program and Egg Hunt

2:00 p.m. Ostermesse (Geman-language service)

Reception after service

Special Sunday Café following 10:50 a.m. service.

Tré Ore

Salem Lutheran Church invites our congregation to a Tré Ore (Three Hour) Service on Good Friday, March 25 from noon to 3:00 p.m.
The service, an ancient and moving liturgy of the Church, conducted during the traditional hours before Christ’s death, is in seven parts. It focuses on Jesus’ words from the cross. Worshipers may come and go between the parts. Salem Church is located at 4930 W. Bellfort at South Post Oak. Three members of our congregation will lead in the prayers. Pr. Haueisen will lead at noon, Pr. Liebster at 12:55 p.m., and retired Pr. Peterman will lead at 1:50 p.m.

Familiar Words— Unfamiliar Meanings

“Maundy” Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum, “commandment.” The term refers to the footwashing at the Last Supper when Jesus spoke of the new commandment to love one another as he himself had loved.

Because Good Friday commemorates Christ’s death on the cross, people often wonder about the significance of the word “good.” It probably derived from the term “God’s Friday,” just as “good-by” derives from “God be with ye.”

taken from Seasons and Symbols published by the Augsburg Publishing House

Prayer Requests

To add a loved one to the prayer list please complete a prayer request card, located in the pew fronts, or on the mobile bulletin board, and give it to an usher, email the church office or call 713-523-2864. ext 21.

Wednesday Night Meditation Group

Due the Lenten Wednesday evening schedule, the Meditation Group, led by Marion Hanson, will now meet from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. in the 3rd floor conference room. This will leave participants time to eat dinner and still participate in the Lenten Vespers services.

Music

Bach Society presents the St. John Passion

Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental setting of the Passion according to the Gospel of John forms the centerpiece of the Bach Society’s 2004-5 season. Guest conductor Peter Kopp (Dresden) will lead the Bach Choir and Orchestra in three performances during Holy Week.

The congregation of Christ the King Lutheran Church is particularly encouraged to attend the performance on Tuesday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. Seating is expected to be more available that evening, although it is still advisable to arrive early to assure yourself a place. Other performances take place at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 (Palm Sunday), and at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25 (Good Friday). There is no admission charge. A freewill offering will be received.

Fellowship

Join Us After Worship

Snacks, coffee, and juice will be provided after the 8:30 and 10:50 service. Please join us in the courtyard. Donations benefit world hunger.

Special Easter Meal

The Sunday Café will offer a special Easter lunch of leg of lamb. Lunch is in the parish hall at 12:15 p.m. An adult’s lunch is $5; a child’s lunch is $3. First time visitors receive a complimentary lunch; undergraduate and graduate student lunches are always complimentary.

Sunday Café

Lunch is in the parish hall at 12:15 p.m. An adult’s lunch is $5; a child’s lunch is $3. First time visitors receive a complimentary lunch; undergraduate and graduate student lunches are always complimentary.

Houston Farmers Market at Christ the King Church

West University and Rice Village area residents may now enjoy the Houston Farmers Market on Tuesday evenings. The market is held on the parking lot of Christ the King Lutheran Church from 5 to 8:00 p.m. The market offers fresh organic produce.

Wednesday Night Alive! on Break for Holy Week

No Wednesday Night Alive! activities this week. We will be back on schedule after Easter. The kitchen will be back in service for dinner from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on March 30.

Wednesday Night Prayer Shawl Knitting Group on Break for Holy Week

Join the prayer shawl ministry this Wednesday evening in the parish hall anytime between 6 and 7:30 p.m. Martha Winston will be on hand to teach new knitters and to mentor the more experienced.

Tag Sale Scheduled for April

Only two months away until our annual Tag Sale! Please consider donating any household items for the church-wide sale, scheduled for Saturday morning, April 23. More details to come!

Lutherhill 4th Annual Golf Tournament

Lutherhill is calling all golfers to join in their annual fundraiser on Friday, April 8 at noon at the Cypresswood Golf Club. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. The cost is $100 per player.

In the three years of the tournament, they have raised over $20,000 which has enabled Lutherhill to continue to grow and provide quality programs to the many campers. For more information, contact Matt Kidsvatter or 888-266-4613.

Women’s Retreat

There are only a few spots left for the Women’s Retreat April 1 and 2. To register contact the church office at 713-523-2864, ext 21 or .email Pr. Kathy Haueisen.a.s.a.p. Cost of $105 includes three meals in the beautiful Camp Allen Dining Hall, sessions with Dr. Brad and Marion Hanson, great fellowship, and motel style accommodations. Let’s make this the beginning of an annual women’s weekend out.

Upper Elementary and Middle School Youth Retreat

Come for a day at camp at Lutherhill in La Grange. The Spring retreat will be the second weekend in April, beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 and ending at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 10. The retreat is open to all upper elementary and middle school youth. The cost is $45.00 per person. Jim and Irmi Willcockson will be chaperoning and providing transportation to any interested youth. We will gather at church at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, and expect to be back by 7 p.m. Sunday evening. Please contact Irmi at to reserve a spot.

Luther League Lock-in

We will have our annual Good Friday lock-in starting after the Good Friday service. We will prepare for Easter morning, and attend the midnight, 3 a.m. and 6a.m. canonical hours performing readings and music. We will be ready to head for home to sleep by 7:30 in the morning. Please bring snacks you want to share and candy to help fill easter eggs for the big hunt Sunday morning. We’ll have drinks and other goodies.

Education

Crossways Bible Study on Break for Holy Week

Crossways Bible Study will not meet on Ash Wednesday.

Crossways Bible Study, a survey course of the narrative and major themes of the Old and New Testaments, has started. Section Five will study The Gospels and Acts : Messianic expectations and Judaism; Mark; Matthew; Luke; John; Acts.

Class meets from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays in the council room. The workbook, which costs $20, includes a study sheet for each unit that guides one through the biblical text in preparation for class. There is still time to participate in the class. Scholarships are available. If you have questions or to register, please contact Velma Rice.

Theologian in Residence

The Rev. Dr. Bradley Hanson will be The Melanchthon Institute’s Theologian in Residence through March.

Dr. Hanson has written several books: A Graceful life: Lutheran Spirituality for Today; Teach us to Pray; Introduction to Christian Theology, and Grace that Frees. He is Professor Emeritus of Religion at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and Director of Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation.

Dr. Hanson and his wife, Marion, are both trained Spiritual Directors and will be offering times for Christ the King Lutheran Church members to visit with them about the benefits of spiritual direction as part of their ministry among us.

Adult Forum

Dr. Bradley Hanson will give a presentation on the topc of “Faith in Daily Life.” The class will address how we apply what we believe in the places we go during the week.

Adult Forum classes are on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall. There will be no Adult Forum on Easter Sunday.

Friday Morning Bible Study

Friday Morning Bible Study is taught by Pastor Moore. New participants are always welcome and will find that entry in to the group is easy. Snacks will be served at 10:00 a.m.; class will begin at 10:30.

New Member Class

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 a 2-day class on Friday, April 22, 7:00 until 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 23, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
These class, 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, 713-523-2864, ext. 21. Childcare for the 2-day class is made available when requested the Monday prior to the class.

Nursery Orientation Meeting

New parents or expecting parents are invited to a nursery orientation meeting on Sunday, April 3, in the nursery room immediately following the late service. For those of you who are rather new to the nursery, or who plan to use the nursery in the near future, we will introduce you to our nursery staff, review guidelines and answer any of your questions. Feel free to bring your children and after-church snacks. We expect this will take no more than 30 minutes. If you would, please RSVP to Michelle Beck by April 1.

Service & Care

Check your Blood Pressure?

Have your blood pressure checked after this Sunday’s morning services.

Feed the Homeless

Campus and Young Adult Ministry is excited about its Homeless Ministry program at Christ the King, and we’d love for you to join us. We meet at Christ the King Church in the parish hall at 5:45 p.m. to make sandwiches and prepare the meals, and leave for downtown at about 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. to deliver them. All are invited to help out with meal preparation, downtown delivery, or both! The next gathering in March will be on Monday, March 14. Contact Erika Soechting a if you are interested in participating and/or have any questions.

Christian Community Service Center 9th Annual Azalea Dinner

March 31, 2005 at the Westin Oaks Hotel

“25 Years of Caring & Commitment”

Come and Celebrate CCSC’s 25th Anniversary

Individual tickets are $75.00 and tickets for a couple are $140.00. The program will include dinner, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit the programs of CCSC. For information visit CCSCor email Jenna Nassif.

Christ the King Church will be donating a “restaurant gift certificate” basket to the auction. We need donations of money (to purchase gift certificates) or restaurant gift certificates. Please contact Jenna Nassif at 281-313-2630 for more information or to make a donation.

Help CCSC Feed the Hungry!

Did you know that Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) fed 17,471 persons in crisis last year? That 51% of these people were children? That the effort took nearly 113,000 pounds of food? Help collect non-perishable food items for CCSC, including:

Canned Soup, Canned Fruits, Dry Soup (ramen style), Canned Vegetables, Dry Cereal, Peanut Butter, Baby Food / Formula, Tuna.

A collection box is located in the narthex chapel on Sundays and in the church office weekdays. For more information, contact Beverly Davis

CanCare Spring Training

There are still a few spots available for CanCare’s Spring Volunteer Training Program for cancer survivors and family members. The class will meet Friday, April 1 (evening); all day Saturday, April 2; and then Sunday from 2:00-8:30 p.m. The training will be followed with a celebratory graduation dinner on Tuesday, April 5. For information about the training or about CanCare’s ministry to cancer survivors, please contact Joyce Greenfied at 713-647-9063.

Feed the Homeless

Campus and Young Adult Ministry is excited about its Homeless Ministry program at Christ the King, and we’d love for you to join us. We meet at Christ the King Church in the parish hall at 5:45 p.m. to make sandwiches and prepare the meals, and leave for downtown at about 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. to deliver them. All are invited to help out with meal preparation, downtown delivery, or both! The next gathering will be Monday, March 28. Contact Erika Soechting if you are interested in participating and/or have any questions.