Special

Annual Meeting Part II on Sunday, February 3

Part II of the annual congre-gational meeting will be held on February 3, at 12:45 p.m. in the parish hall. On the agenda is the adoption of the budget for 2008, a proposal for which was presented at Part I in December. In addition, the council will present its statement of missional emphases for the new year and the annual report for the year 2007.

A catered lunch will be provided prior to the meeting. Typically this meeting takes an hour. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend.

Souper Bowl Sunday Collection, February 3

On February 3 thousands of young people around the country will be collecting donations for charities through the Souper Bowl of Caring program.The Luther League will collect donations after both services (as the Mission Offering) and report the collected amount to Souper Bowl of Caring so it can be added to all the other collection amounts across the country that day so a national total can be reported to the media! All donations go to SEARCH, the designated beneficiary of February’s Mission Offering.

Do you Forget to Bring your Offering Envelopes to Sunday Service?

How often do you arrive to church on Sunday with your check book but forget your offering envelope?

Here are 2 ways you can simplify your life:

forget the envelopes, just bring the check book.
subscribe to Simply Giving, the automatic withdrawal program.

Both ways eliminate the expense of mail-order envelopes and help the church to spend your contributions more effectively.
To unsubscribe to the mail-order offering envelopes, contact the church office or 713-523-2864

Save Time and Money by Switching from Paper to Online

Would you rather receive the Banner electronically and eliminate mailing? Contact the chuch office or 713-523-2864.

Mission Offering for February - SEARCH

The mission offering is collected at the church doors at the end of worship.

Mission Offering for February

SEARCH will be the recipient for all of February’s Mission Offerings. SEARCH is a private, nonprofit organization helping homeless men, women and children get off the streets and into jobs and affordable housing. SEARCH serves more than 10,000 homeless people annually, providing them with the tools to work and achieve self sufficiency. SEARCH’s core focus is employment, education and job training. So, please continue to fill the baskets as you exit the nave after worship each Sunday in February to support our long-standing mission partner SEARCH.

Towel Drive

To supplement our Mission-Offering donations to SEARCH, Christ the King Lutheran is hosting a towel drive during the month of February. Please encourage your students, friends, and family to drop off a new or gently used bath towel in the donation box located in the narthex. SEARCH is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless people get off the streets and into jobs and affordable housing.

Special

Time and Talent!

It is not too late to turn in your Time and Talent sheet. There are many ways you can minister within our congregation, in our community, and in the world. Look through your 2008 Time and Talent catalog for a myriad of ways you can serve. For more information about any of the opportunities, please contact either the person listed in the catalog for the activity or contact Beverly Davis

Worship

Godly Play Lessons Today

Pre K - 2nd Grade: Mustard Seed
3rd Grade: Moses before Pharaoh - The Plagues

Sunday Church School Offering during Lent

My Parents Taught Me To Tithe
During Lent parents are encouraged to discuss and practice stewardship with their children. The children and youth are invited to bring their offering to their Sunday Church School class. They will get to drop their coins into the “church” banks in each classroom each week. On Palm Sunday the churches will be brought to the altar during offering. Please join us in this Lenten response to what God has done for us.

Prayer Around the Cross at Taizé Service

The congregation and friends of Christ the King Church are invited to a special Taizé service on the first Saturday of each month in the nave. The Ethnos String Quartet will lead the congregation in song and meditative silence.

The Taizé service provides a unique worship experience focusing on silence and reflection. The music is simple yet uplifting. Worshipers come from all over the Houston area. This week’s service includes the Prayer around the Cross and the Eucharist.

Ash Wednesday - February 6

7:10 a.m. Imposition of Ashes

12:15 p.m. Service with the Imposition of Ashes
This service at lunch time invites our neighbors the Rice area and Medical enter. Sandwiches will be served after the service.

7:30 p.m. Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist

Ash Wednesday for Children

Families with young children are invited to gather in the courtyard for a special presentation of “Making of the Ashes” on Ash Wednesday evening, February 6, at 7:00 p.m. Those attending will learn the secrets how members of the Altar Guild prepare the ashes that the pastors use at Ash Wednesday services. The evening service begins at 7:30 p.m. in the nave. It will last about 75 minutes. Childcare is provided in the nursery.

Flowers for the Nave

The 2008 Altar Guild Flower Chart will be on the mobile bulletin board in December. Flower arrangements for weekend services have increased to $45. Please pay for the flowers as you sign up.

Altar Guild Vases

Members who have received the altar flowers in the past are kindly asked to return the vases to the Altar Guild sacristy.

Morning Prayer

Each weekday morning at 8:15 a.m. Morning Prayer is said in the narthex. All are welcome to participate.

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

February 3, 2008 • 7:30 p.m.
Chamber Music: Barrett Sills
Works for violoncello and viola da gamba
parish hall

For more information visit our website at www.bachsocietyhouston.org or call (713) 523-2864.
The Bach Society is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.

Piano Concert on February 9

On Saturday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall, pianist and a composer Loreta Kovacic will be performing works of Mozart Fantasy and Sonata in C Minor, Moussorgsky Pictures, and her own compositions Cantabile. She is currently preparing for her second solo concert at Carnegie Hall, booked for June 28 of 2008.

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.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - February 5

The annual Pancake Supper will be February 5 in the parish hall. Come and eat all the pancakes and sausage you can and enjoy the music of the Carnival. Traditionally, this is the day people eat up all the food they can’t have during Lent - butter, meat, eggs, and wine - and have a big party to last them the six weeks until Easter. There will be projects for the kids, dancing for everyone, and we’ll sing our last “Alleluia.” Supper will be served from 5:15 until 6:45 p.m. If you can help shop, prepare or cook, please contact Marie Monroe. Come and have the most fun you’ll have until Easter.

Wednesday Night Alive!

Children and adults alike will fill every room and corner of the ministry building: eating, learning, singing, playing instruments, studying, praying, writing life stories, and so much more. The Wednesday Night Alive! program has grown from an exclusively children orientated ministry in its early years to a weekly congregational event spanning all generations from infant to those reflecting on their life stories. All members and friends are invited to come and see the building up of strong bones for the body of Christ.

The offerings are very similar to previous years. The schedule, detailed class descriptions, and registration packet are available in the narthex.

We need volunteers and leaders willing to commit to two or three Wednesdays a semester in the following areas:

Kitchen Help – cooking, cleaning, serving. Here is your opportunity to Praise God with a Spoon and Pot! We are especially looking for chefs and assistant cooks.
Welcome Table – we need smiling faces to greet, help with registration, and sell dinner tickets.
Godly Play – both those certified as teachers and those who can quietly assist as Door Persons are needed for the Godly Play class. No experience is required for Door Persons. We especially need volunteers who are not parents of young children for this role.
Kids Club and World Explorers – these special groups are led by Tim Lenz and Irmi Willcockson respectively. They need creative and patient volunteers who are called to work with elementary age children in games, crafts, science studies, and similar areas.

If you would like to serve as a volunteer in a position this year, please let Pastor Liebster and/or Alicia Goodrow know.

Wednesday Night Dinners

Ash Wednesday - Pizza only, served at 5:30 p.m.

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall
Instead of cooking on Wednesday evenings, swing by the parish hall and either eat-in with friends and family, or take-out a delicious and inexpensive meal. Adult dinners are $5 and children’s plates are $3.

Life Stories Writing Workshop Resumes In February

The Life Stories Workshop will resume on February 13 from 5:00—6:45 p.m. in the council room. Weekly workshops will be held through April 2. The workshops are held for those who want to capture some of their life stories, explore story telling or tackle some personal essays. No previous writing experience is necessary.

No previous writing experience is necessary. For information contact Anna Fay Williams

Cha Cha in February

David Karohl will be teaching four, 2-hour lessons on Tuesday nights in February, in the basement classroom.  Singles and couples are welcome, and feel free to invite your friends. Ages of previous participants ranged from 16 to 80+.  The cost is $45 per person for all four lessons. All proceeds will go the church’s children’s programs. Fun people, good music, and plenty of exercise!

The lessons will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, February 5,12,19, and 26. Dress is casual, and ladies should wear flats. Childcare can be arranged, with shared expenses - let David know ahead of time so he can coordinate. Please contact David if you have any questions.

Grocery Shopping Coop?

Are you interested in becoming part of a group who will benefit from equally sharing fresh fruits and vegetables twice a month? Also to share coupons for local stores in the area? Contact Ann Chisholm, Peggy Johnson or the church office.

Sunday Snack Providers!

Are you looking for a way to help out that will make a big impact without a big time commitment?
Please consider becoming a snack provider!
Most of our volunteers are asked to provide snacks for either service (your choice) twice per year. The snacks can be as simple or as complicated as you wish - no culinary degree required!
Becoming a snack provider is a great way to help make our Sunday mornings more hospitable for guests and more fun for our members. All the money raised goes directly to World Hunger Appeal.
Join us today! Contact Anita Bryant

Playgroup Invitation

We are looking forward to a wonderful year in 2008, and hope you will join us for fellowship in Christ the King's playgroup.  This is a great way to visit with other parents who have babies and young children.  It also provides an opportunity for young children to play and interact with each other, developing their social skills in a small group setting.  The playgroup is open to all parents and their small children.  We meet in the church nursery one morning each week.
 
Wwe will meet on Mondasy from 10:00 to 11:30 each week.
Stop by and visit!  Bring a friend!

If you have any questions about the playgroup or the field trip, please contact Diane Schoppe at or Franziska Fischer

Parents’ Online Group

Log in to an online parent support group for quick answers to quick questions. Join the group of Christ the King Church members who take advantage of the accumulated wisdom and knowledge shared by parents of the youngest members.

To join the group, send an email to Penny Linsenmayer. Include your name and email address in the body of the message.

Luther League

The Luther League is for all 6th grade through 12th grade youth Meetings are generally held in the youth room. Food, games, discussions, and new friends can be found during the 90 minute meetings. The meetings are led by youth director Tim Lenz along with other young adults and parents. Please contact Tim Lenz for more information. Click here to view the Luther League website.

Rio de Fevereiro Valentine Dinner

All members and friends of Christ the King Church are invited to the 4th annual Valentine Dinner on February 16 at 7:00 pm in the parish hall hosted by the Luther League youth group. Come enjoy a superb gourmet dinner complemented by romantic and elegant ambience for only $40 a couple. A new addition to our dinner this year will be a silent auction to raise funds for the Luther League. Donations for the silent auction are now being accepted. Seating is available for couples, individuals and small and large groups. Childcare will be available. Please contact Tim Lenz at to donate an item to the silent auction or to make reservations.

Sunday Café

Sunday Café provides 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.

Hey College Students! FREE MEALS! Woohoo…Oh Yeah!

Every Sunday after the late service, Sunday Café happens in the church fellowship area. Hungry's caters, and college students eat for free. Life simply doesn't get better than this! Come join members of Christ the King and fellow college students for great fellowship and a great meal.

Egg Decorating Class

In February Monica Hartley will begin classes on how to decorate eggs in the Ukrainian style. Classes will be held Thursday evenings February 7 through March 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Learn the history and craft, and decorate the eggs. They make great presents or ornaments. The class size will be limited so register NOW! Cost is $10 per new student; past students will pay a lab fee. The majority of materials will be provided by the instructor. For more information and to register call Monica.

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.

Yoga on Saturdays - 1:00 p.m.

The yoga class will meet on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. in the basement classroom. Bring a mat or foam for comfort. The cost is $7 per person.

Parent's Night Out

Parents’ Night Out/Movies in the Hall (PNO/MITH) operates as an independent co-op of parents to provide affordable childcare in a safe and nurturing environment at Christ the King Church. The co-op is open to members and non-members. PNO/MITH usually occurs once a month. Two adult representatives from each family commit to work together ONCE in return for at least 10 nights of childcare during our calendar year. Our calendar year runs February through January. The Co-op offers age-appropriate care and activities for ages 5 and under in the nursery and age-appropriate activities and movies for ages 6 and up. The co-op accepts members throughout the year and offers prospective members one trial evening with no obligation to join.

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

Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall

Today Dr. John Boles will review and discuss the book entitled Science, Evolution, and Creationism, published in 2007 by the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine. The book is intended to provide the educated layperson with an up-to-date understanding of what science is and how it works, the present status of evolution, showing the wide range of evidence underlying its almost universal acceptance by scientists, and a description and critique of creationism (and intelligent design creationism) on the grounds that it is not science.
One of the purposes of the book is to argue that science and religion are different realms of thought, and that they are not necessarily antagonistic. It is fully possible for Christians to be scientists and accept completely the theory of evolution.

February 10 - March 16
Dr. Nickelsburg will teach six sessions of Sunday Forum on the theme, “Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins.” Books are available from the bookcart in the narthex. The cost is $20.

Friday Morning Bible Study

New participants are always welcome to the Friday Morning Bible Study and will find that entry into the group is easy. Snacks are served at 10:00 a.m.; the class begins at 10:30.

Baptized into Christ - Luther’s Small Catechism

Persons wanting to deepen their understanding of faith or wanting to prepare for baptism are invited to this study of the most significant text for the Lutheran understanding of faith.  The class is on Wednesday, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the council room and will be taught by Pastor Moore. The series is scheduled through April.

George Nickelsburg - The Melanchthon Institute Theologian in Residence for the Winter 2008 Semester

The New Year will bring a new Theologian in Residence to The Melanchthon Institute: Dr. George Nickelsburg. Dr. Nickelsburg is Emeritus Professor of Religion at the University of Iowa where he taught for over 30 years. Among his many books are Enoch, Jewish Literature between the Bible and the Mishnah, and Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins: Diversity, Continuity, and Transformation. He is considered one of America’s finest interpreters of Christian beginnings in the context of Judaism. Dr. Nickelsburg, who is also an ordained pastor in the ELCA, will present his research and thoughts in a Sunday Forum class. He will also teach a course on the text of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion which will be presented by the Bach Society during Holy Week 2008.

Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins
Tuesdays - February 12, 19 and 26

Dr. Nickelsburg will present a three week course on “Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins”. The class will meet three times on Tuesday evenings, February 12, 19 and 26, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Christ the King Church. Cost is $30. To register email Robert Moore or call 713- 523-2864 x1025.

The book by Dr. Nickelsburg, Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins: Diversity, Continuity, and Transformation (Fortress, 2003) is available for purchase for $20. A study guide prepared by Dr. Nickelsburg will also be available to the class.

Interfaith Dialogue
Thursdays - February 7 throught March 13

An Interfaith Dialogue with lunch (kosher ) will be held February 7 thru March 13 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at Christ the King Church.
This lunch will provide an opportunity for Jews, Christians, and Muslims to gather in order to understand more adequately the Jewish and Christian faiths in their differences. To register email Robert Moore or call 713- 523-2864 x1025.

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, February 29, 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 1, 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. Childcare is available when requested the Monday prior to the class.

Young Adult Bible Study on First And Third Mondays

Campus pastor Brad Fuerst is offering a Bible study specifically for young adults on first and third Monday nights of each month. The next meeting is February 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the second floor council room at Christ the King Lutheran Church. The meeting ends at 7:30 p.m.; participants go out afterwards for fellowship.

The Bible study complements the ministry of service through “Feed the Homeless” which happens every second and fourth Monday of the month. The focus of the Bible study is on Christian ethics and discipleship. Our liturgical worship together will serve as a framework for this study. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks to share…oh, and do bring your Bible as well. Preferably, the New Revised Standard Version.

Service & Care

Walk to Jerusalem

Our “Walk to Jerusalem” began February 1. Compared to “walking to Bethlehem”, we have half the time to reach our goal of 7,097 miles to Jerusalem. We need EVERYONE to walk in order to make it. Remember, you can track your actual miles or use the formula: 20 minutes of exercise equals 1 mile. Post your miles on the mobile bulletin board or email them to Linda Schoene.  Let’s keep walking!

Volunteer at the Houston Food Bank

Please resolve to join the volunteers going to THE HOUSTON FOOD BANK on the second Saturdays of odd numbered months. You can perform a wonderful service, burn calories, build muscles, and make new friends all at the same time. Please mark your calendars now for these 2008 dates: March 8, May 10, July 12, September 13, and November 8. 

We leave the church at 8:00 and return about noon. You will be glad you did.
For more information, contact Anna Stock

Feed the Homeless

The Feed the Homeless Ministry meets on Monday, February 11 at 5:45 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! All are welcome.Contact Wendy Wiker for more information.

Psychological First Aid

On February 14, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., Beverly Davis will present a session on Psychological First Aid: Helping Others in Times of Stress. Psychological First Aid is to mental health what Medical First Aid is to physical health. Beverly is a volunteer with the American Red Cross and will present an overview of the principles of Psychological First Aid to those interested in providing comfort, care and support to those experiencing disaster, stress and loss. While designed for our Community of Hope lay chaplains and our members involved in areas of Congregational Care, everyone interested in learning these principles is invited to attend. Valentine refreshments will be served. The group will meet in the basement classroom.

Go Red For Women Today

Go Red For Women, a national movement led by the American Heart Association, is raising women’s awareness of heart disease. The goal is to increase women’s understanding of this leading health concern and help them lower their risk and live longer, stronger lives. Join in the fight by wearing RED on today and stop by the Go Red table to learn more about reducing your risk for heart disease.

Fair Trade Coffee Sales Continue

Fair Trade coffee from Equal Exchange is on sale after services and during the week in 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, hot cocoa and baking cocoa, and chocolate bars produced by democratically run farmer co-ops in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Order these items online

Printer/Ink Cartridges Needed!

Luther League needs your ink cartridges! The youth of Christ the King urge you not to throw away that printer cartridge when it’s empty – recycle it! The youth group is starting a recycle drive in cooperation with Cartridge World in West University. Cartridge World will make a donation to CTK for the benefit of Luther League for each cartridge we recycle. That can add up to big bucks for programming, youth gatherings and mission trips. If you are already refilling your cartridges, please consider taking them to Cartridge World (located at 4036 Bellaire Blvd, next to Whole Foods) and telling them “Christ the King sent me!”