Special

Annual Reports

The 2006 Annual Reports are due on or before Monday, January 8. You may email your report to Michael Shelton or mail a hard copy to the church office at 2353 Rice Boulevard, Houston TX 77005.

Marathon on Sunday, January 14

The Houston Chevron Marathon will be held Sunday, January 14, beginning at 7:00 a.m. The event results in numerous street closures including University Boulevard. The disruption affects mainly 8:30 a.m. and Sunday Church School participants. More than 20,000 participants, 200,000 spectators and 5,000 volunteers will take to the streets of Houston. The route to church from U.S. 59 South going south on Greenbriar will be clear. For a map of the route go to www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com

Worship

Godly Play Lessons Today

3rd/4th Grades Simeon and Anna with Baby Jesus in the Temple

Children in Church

Sunday, January 7: Gift of Luther’s Small Catechism

Families with children who turned three years of age in 2006 are presented with a gift edition of Luther’s Small Catechism to mark the transition from toddlerhood to childhood, and to celebrate the child’s increased abilities with language.

Sunday, January 14: Welcome to Worship:
Children who turned five years of age in the past year and are outgrowing the nursery, are invited together with their parents to meet with Pastor Liebster in the nave during Sunday church school hour (9:50) to be welcomed to the worship space of the big people. This time of welcome affirms the abilities of the children to participate in the services of God’s house in their pre-reading development stage. Welcome to Worship is offered twice a year.

Sundays, January 21 and 28: Communion class for tots:
This class is for children (and their families) preparing them to receive first communion. In addition all families with young children who are already communing are invited to participate. The class will teach the story and meaning of Holy Communion and show how to commune. On January 21 we will meet at 9:50 a.m. in the children’s library on the second floor; on January 28 we will meet in the nave. For questions contact Pr. Liebster at 713 523 2864 ext. 1028.

Assistant Minister and Server Training

Training for Assisting Ministers and Servers will be conducted on January 20 and January 27 from 10:00 a.m.-noon in the nave. If you have been selected to serve in one of these capacities, whether you have experience or are a novice, you are expected to attend one of the trainings

Flowers for the Nave

The 2007 Altar Guild Flower Chart will be on the mobile bulletin board in December. Flower arrangements for weekend services are $40. Please pay for the flowers as you sign up.

Evangelical Lutheran Worship for your Home

Evangelical Lutheran Worship
for personal purchase

Cost: $20

Bookplate can be included with advanced request.

Contact: Cheryl Gaspard or 713-523-2864 ext. 1022

Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) Available

Copies of the now old Lutheran Book of Worship (the green book) are available in the narthex for the congregation to take home. They are organized by the names to whom they were dedicated.

Gift of Luther’s Small Catechism: Sunday, January 7

Families with children who turned three years of age in 2006 are presented with a gift edition of Luther’s Small Catechism to mark the transition from toddlerhood to childhood, and to celebrate the child’s increased abilities with language.

Invitation to Installation

The Rev. Joseph Winston will be installed as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Liberty, TX during the Sunday morning worship service - January 14, 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Liz Stein, Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership, will officiate.

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.

Prayer List Available

A complete prayer list of all the people for whom we pray can be found on the literature rack in the narthex or on the permanent bulletin board by the first floor elevators in the ministry building.

Music

Bach Society

January 7, 2007 • 5:00 p.m.
Bach Vespers

Bach: Ihr Menschen rühmet Gottes Liebe BWV 167
Buxtehude: O fröhliche Stunden BuxWV 85
Schütz: Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden SWV 363

Melissa Givens, soprano
Gerrod Pagenkopf, countertenor
Randolph Lacy, tenor
Ryan Villaverde, bass
Bach Choir & Orchestra • Matthew Dirst, guest conductor

January 14, 2007 • 5:00 p.m.
Organ Vespers

Magnus Kjellson (Göteborg)

Bach Society to Present Swedish Organist Kjellson

Magnus Kjellson of Göteborg [Gothenburg], Sweden, will be the guest organist at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 14, at Organ Vespers sponsored by the Bach Society of Christ the King Church. He will play music of J. S. Bach and Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707), whose death-anniversary is being observed this year.

Organist of the Christinae Church in Göteborg, and a frequent recitalist and teacher at international academies and festivals, Kjellson is making his first American tour. He is also the founder, artistic director, and conductor of Göteborg Baroque, which will be one of the featured ensembles in Lübeck during this year's "Buxtehude Jubileum" festival. He now teaches organ interpretation, pedagogy and liturgical organ performance at the University of Göteborg. His CDs "Gertrudenmusik: Hamburg 1607" and "Dietrich Buxtehude: Abendmusik" were recorded for the Intim label.

There is no admission charge; an offering will be received. The Swedish Club of Houston will sponsor a reception following the Vespers.

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.

Sunday Café

Sunday Café provids lunch 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.

Free Lunch for Students after Worship on Sundays

Students: Join us in the parish hall for Sunday Café after the 10:50 a.m. worship service for a FREE and delicious lunch catered by Hungry’s Bistro. Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch?!?

Young Adult Perspectives (YAP)

Young Adult Perspectives (“YAP” for short) is our Young Adults group that meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings of each month. All students and young adults are welcome! The next meeting will be on January 19.
For more info, contact Wendy Wiker

Luther League Meets with Friends on Sunday Nights

Luther League meetings include food, games, a discussion, and fun fellowship outings. The Luther League is open to youth 6th grade through high school. Some plans already include a ropes course, bowling, a fall fundraiser, Christian concerts, LYO Youth Gatherings, and weekly meetings. Come join us to meet new friends and hang out with old ones. Contact Tim Lenz or 713-523-2864 ext. 1001 for more information.

Foxtrot Lessons

David Karohl will be teaching four, 2-hour lessons on Thursday nights in February, in the basement classroom downstairs at Christ the King Church. Singles and couples are welcome. Childcare can be arranged, with shared expenses. The cost is $40 per person (covers all four lessons) and all proceeds will go to children’s ministry. Fun people, good music, and plenty of exercise!
Contact David with questions or to sign up

Egg Decorating Class

Monica Hartley will teach a class on how to decorate eggs in the Ukrainian style. The class will be held Thursday evenings, February 1- March 29 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Learn the history and craft, and decorate the eggs. They make great Easter presents or decorations. The class size will be limited so register by January 20. Cost is $10 per person. All materials will be provided. For more information and to register contact Monica.

Books and CDs for Sale

Books and CDs on the book cart are available for purchase by check. Please make checks out to Christ the King Lutheran Church and mark “book cart” with the book title in the memo line. Place the check in the money slot in the bottom right doors of the ushers’ cabinet (or give to an usher).

Fair Trade Coffee Sales Continue

Fair Trade coffee from Equal Exchange is on sale after services and through the church office.

Equal Exchange, founded in 1986, is the oldest and largest for-profit Fair Trade company in the US. They offer organic, gourmet coffee, tea, sugar, cocoa, and chocolate bars produced by democratically run farmer co-ops in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

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 4 to 7:00 p.m. The market offers fresh organic produce.

Yoga on Saturdays

Yoga classes meets on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m.

Katherine Krause and Scott Brady have been teaching yoga for many years. They teach a gentle Hatha Yoga class that is for all ages and all levels. Yoga is good for releasing stress, toning the muscles, increasing flexibility and just feeling good!!! You will be practicing yoga on a hard floor so you should bring a mat or foam for comfort. The cost is $7 per person.

Parents’ Night Out/Movies in the Hall

PNO/MITH CO-OP accepts new members year round, but our annual open enrollment period is now. All families of children ages infant through teen are encouraged to join. Expecting parents are encouraged to join and may work before their due date. The co-op not only provides the opportunity for adult interaction within families, but ministers to the children of the congregation as they play together and build lasting friendships within their spiritual community. Member families must sign the compact and pay an annual registration fee prior to using the co-op. The upcoming dates for 2006 are: January 20, 2007.

Contact Barbara Scott to sign up.

Parents’ Night Out/Movies in the Hall (PNO/MITH) is an independent co-op of parents that use the church facilities at least once a month from 5:30 to 10:30 for affordable childcare. Two adult representatives from each family commit to work together ONE NIGHT during our calendar year which runs February through January. PNO offers age-appropriate care and activities for ages 5 and under in the nursery with the average cost being $10/child. MITH offers age-appropriate activities and movies for ages 6 and up in the parish hall supervised by 2 working parents. The normal cost of MITH is $1/child. The co-op uses an RSVP system to assure appropriate adult/child ratios and may limit the number of participants for an evening.

Education

Sunday Forum

January 7 we welcome Richard Hofman to Christ the King. His presentation is titled “It Works if You Work It! A Spiritually-Based Stress Management System.” Richard Hofman is a certified clinical addictions specialist who works on alcohol and other drug abuses.

January 14 our presenter is Dr. Robert N. Weinberger, a clinical psychologist working with Weinberger, Black & Associates, which offers mental health, substance abuse and educational services. Dr. Weinberger will speak to us on “Risky Teen Behavior” What’s a Parent To Do.”

Lutheran High North Open House

Lutheran High North is hosting an Open House for prospective students and parents on Thursday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m. Lutheran High North is a co-educational college preparatory high school for students in grades 9-12, and is conveniently located at 1130 W 34th Street, just off Loop 610 North Loop between I45 and 290. Just minutes from the Galleria and close to downtown Houston! Programs offered include marching and concert band, concert choir, college-dual credit classes, award-winning athletics, a variety of technology classes, and theology classes each year. For more information please call LouAnn Webber at 713-880-3131 or by email at louannwebber@lea-hou.org. We look forward to meeting you!

No Greater News for Post-Modern Youth: How do we pass on the faith to the next generation?

Melanchthon Institute resident theologian Professor Ralph Quere will offer a course on this theme on five Thursdays, January 11-February 8, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the 3rd floor conference room. Dr. Quere is professor emeritus of history and theology, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. Passing on the faith as a critical part of daily life to children and grandchildren is an important concern for all who cherish the benefits of a living faith community. Dr. Quere who has extensive knowledge in Ecumenism, Historical Theology, and History of Doctrine, and published a history of The Lutheran Book of Worship: In the Context of Unity, has focused his research in recent years on the Theology of Evangelism, especially Youth Outreach. Dr. Quere’s class will be of great interest for all involved in our family and youth ministries, and for all who see themselves in some way as mentors of children and youth at church, at work, or in their own families. Cost for the class is $25 per person. Childcare will be available upon request.

The Scandalous God: The Use and Abuse of the Cross

On Saturday, January 27, 2:00-5:00 p.m., in the council room, Professor Vitor Westhelle will offer a seminar on the topic of his recent book, The Scandalous God: The Use and Abuse of the Cross. All are invited to join the study and discussion for the afternoon.
Drawing on Biblical studies, linguistics, historical context, an evolving understanding of the cross, and Luther’s theology of the cross Vitor Westhelle, shows how scandalous the cross and Jesus’ crucifixion is. Through poetry and literature, Westhelle concludes the book by leading the reader to new “stations of the cross” and where we get stuck as we move among the stations, to the practice of resurrection.
Prof. Vitor Westhelle is Professor of Systemic Theology at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
He will preach on Sunday, January 28 at 8:30 and 10:50 a.m.at Christ the King Lutheran Church and conduct the Sunday Forum at 9:45 a.m.

Introduction to Nonviolent Communication(tm)

Gregg Kendrick, certified NVC (Nonviolent Communication(tm)) trainer, will offer a free, two-hour introduction to NVC on Friday, January 26 as a prelude to the day-long workshop the following day, January 27.

The workshop, entitled “Developing the Skills and Consciousness of Life-Serving Communication”, teaches how to reframe the way we express ourselves and how we hear others by focusing on what we are observing, feeling, needing, and requesting.

NVC is a language model and approach for working through conflict with compassion, speed, and success. Dissemination of NVC concepts and techniques is the primary adult education project of the Decade of Nonviolence-Houston, which is sponsoring this event through its Committee for Compassionate Communication. The schedule of events is:

• Friday, January 26, 7 - 9:00 p.m., Introduction (no cost)
• Saturday, January 27, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Workshop (with fee)

Activities will be in Pecore Hall at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1805 W. Alabama corner Woodhead.

The workshop fee is $75 (deadline January 15), $85 thereafter. Make checks payable to Decade of Nonviolence-Houston and mail to Marylinn Schwantiz, 2915 Taylors Glen Ct., Katy, TX 77494. Include a phone number or email address for confirmation. For more information, and to reserve a seat on Friday night, contact Marylinn or 281-392-8125.

ELCA Alliance for Faith, Science, & Technology

Do faith and science truly contradict each other?
Mass media creates the imagery of an ongoing warfare between science and religion, but there is another way, as suggested by the current issue of Covalence, online magazine of the ELCA Alliance for Faith, Science & Technology . Through the alliance the ELCA encourages conversation about issues facing our society and church related to science and technology from a faith perspective. Ask questions of scientists and join the discussion!

Free in the Morning?
Join Friday Morning Bible Study

Next Bible Study is January 12, 2007

This class is a great and easy way for mothers and fathers of the very young to have some adult time. The group led by Pr. Moore has started a study of the book Genesis for which it is not too late to join. New participants are always welcome; entry into the group is easy. The nursery opens at 10:00 am. Snacks are served at 10:00 in the council room; the class ends at 11:30.

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 a 2-day class on Friday, February 2, 7 until 9 p.m., and Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. until 5 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 713-523-2864, ext. 21. Childcare is made available when requested the Monday prior to the class.

Introducing Jesus of Nazareth CD Available

Join gifted pastor, theologian and Grace Matters radio host Peter Marty on a journey across the Holy Land. From Nazareth and Bethlehem where it all began, to Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan Valley, the Mount of Transfiguration and finally Jerusalem. “Introducing Jesus of Nazareth” is a straightforward, concise re-telling of the Gospel story. Helping Peter Marty tell the story, are a diverse group of pastors from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

CDs are available at no charge in the narthex and the church office.

Service & Care

Feed the Homeless

The Feed the Homeless Ministry meets on Monday, January 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the kitchen at Christ the King Church.

Join us on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of each month at Christ the King Lutheran Church to make sandwiches and prepare meals, and then deliver them to downtown homeless individuals. Our schedule is as follows:

5:45 p.m. - Meet in the Kitchen and Parish Hall to set up and prepare the meals
7:00 p.m. - Leave CTK for downtown to deliver the meals

All are invited to help out with meal preparation, downtown delivery, or both! Our gatherings in January will be on Monday, January 8 and Monday, January 22. All are welcome.Contact Wendy Wiker for more information.

Houston Food Bank

Christ the King Church sends volunteers 6 times a year to the Houston Food Bank. We go on the second Saturday of each even-numbered month. Please join us on our next opportunity to go to the Houston Food Bank on January 13. We will meet in the Christ the King Church parking lot at 8:00 a.m. and depart to the food bank at 8:05 a.m., returning around noon. For more information, contact Anna Stock.

Changing the World Two by Two

Mission Offerings collected in January will continue to help change the World Two by Two! The Luther League began collecting donations in December for a Heifer Project Gift Ark. This is the second Gift Ark project we have worked on at Christ the King, and we are half way to the goal of $5000 to purchase it. To further support this project, the January Mission Offering has been designated to support Heifer Project International. The Heifer Gift Ark offers hope worldwide to families who are poor and hungry. Your donations will send animals on a voyage to where they are needed most, then each family who receives livestock will pass on one or more of the animal’s offspring to other families in need in their community. This way, your gift will multiply for years to come! What a beautiful way to bring joy to the world. Be an “Ark Angel” and drop your donations into the Mission Offering basket each Sunday in January!

Your Gift Giving this Year Can Change Someone’s World!

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Browse through 12 areas of giving, including the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and the Division for Global Mission. You may also send an E-card and print out a Tribute Notification for the honoree.

Lutheran World Relief
LWR is rated at the TOP of relief organizations! This is the webpage for the LWR Community Quilt. Click on the 12 items listed under “Gift Squares” to learn about different areas and levels of giving

Church World Service
An especially fun site for involving children in alternative giving! Click on different areas of the village map for an audio guide to various ways to give. You may also send an E-card to the gift honoree.

Heifer International
Founded in 1944. They work exclusively in the areas of livestock and agriculture to develop programs that alleviate hunger and poverty. Although the site is not specifically geared toward children, there are great visuals of animals and trees to give.

Americares
Founded in 1975 with a commitment to help Vietnamese orphans. Browse their international and domestic relief programs. For alternative giving, click on “Sitemap” at the bottom of the page, then click on “How To Help: Honor & Memorial Donations”.

The Weather Outside is Frightful...
Help Someone Stay Warm this Winter

With cooler weather upon us, Christian Community Service Center’s Emergency Services clients could benefit from your gently used clothing donations. Please search your closets for these particular items:

- Sweaters and jackets for infants, children, and adult men
- Large sizes for men are helpful for some of our clients
- Men’s slacks in all sizes

Emergency Services gladly receives donations Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Please bring donations to the facility located at 3434 Branard (near Greenway Plaza). For additional details, call 713-961-3993 or visit www.ccschouston.com
Thank you for your giving spirit! The CCSC clients benefit every day from the donations they receive all year long!

We encourage you to get connected to CCSC. There are dozens of volunteer and giving opportunities. Become part of an award-winning effort that positively impacts over 27,000 lives each year — call 713-961-3993 or visit www.ccschouston.com

ELCA Provides Funds to Support the Humanitarian Response in Darfur

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) provided $200,000 May 31 to support the humanitarian response in the Darfur region of western Sudan. A three-year conflict in Darfur has resulted in the deaths of some 200,000 to 400,000 people, and more than 2.5 million people have been displaced from their homes.

There also have been “many reports of rapes, looting, burning of homes, and other untold atrocities committed against primarily ethnic Africans living in Darfur,” said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, in a May 19 statement to members of the church.
“Similar to the genocide in Rwanda, the world has waited too long to respond in outrage and has allowed a poorly funded humanitarian response to take the place of political will and action,” said Hanson.

“There is cautious, hopeful news” about Darfur, said Hanson. “The Sudanese government and the largest rebel faction in Darfur — the Sudan Liberation Army/Movement — signed a peace agreement, and that has started a tenuous peace process that could end a tragic situation that President Bush and others have described as ‘genocide,’” he said.

For more information, see the ELCA webpage: www.elca.org/news/index.asp.

For more resources and ELCA policy on the genocide in Darfur, visit www.elca.org/advocacy/issues/peace or see the mobile bulletin board.

Snack Providers Needed

Looking for an occasional, yet extremely important ministry?! We are now recruiting snack providers for after Sunday services. The light refreshments that are set out with the coffee each Sunday provide a great opportunity for fellowship for members and visitors alike. Not only that, the donations they generate go to the World Hunger Appeal. Join this wonderful ministry of hospitality that also benefits hunger relief. You can provide snacks only once or twice a year or as often as you’d like. For more information or to sign up, contact Beverly Davis or 713-523-2864 ext. 27.

ONE Lutheran Campaign

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has been actively engaged in advocacy on hunger and justice issues for many years. Now, at a key point in history, the ELCA is joining Bread for the World, the Alliance to End Hunger, and others in a coordinated effort against the injustice of extreme poverty. ONE Lutheran is the ELCA-specific effort to promote the ONE Campaign. ONE Lutherans acting together can bring real power to this social justice movement. Check out the mobile bulletin board or visit www.elca.org/advocacy for more information.