Special

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.

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: The Mystery of Easter
3rd Grade: Exodus

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.

Mission Trip to the Central African Republic

Two members of our synod will participate in a tri-synodical companion synod trip to the Central African Republic February 13 to 28. Carolyn Jacobs from Christ the King and Steven Cauley, Associate Pastor at Advent, will join four North Dakota Lutherans, as well as the ELCA representative for West Africa. The group will visit the Lutheran Church of CAR (EELRCA) in Bouar, and attend the dedication of the Women’s Center (February 20), which our congregation has supported. Other activities include attending a portion of the Lutheran Women’s conference held every two years, visiting a village school, an HIV/AIDS clinic, the seminary and Bible school of the EELRCA, the State Hospital, and a water project. The group will attend worship services at churches in Baboua, and Garoua Boulai, Cameroon.

Christ the King Church will “send” Carolyn on her way from both Sunday services today.For more information on the Lutheran Church in CAR, visit the ELCA website.

Midweek Lenten Vespers and Soup Suppers on Wednesdays

5:30-7:00 p.m. Soup Supper
(served continuously)
6:45 p.m. Vespers Service

The theme for the Midweek Lenten Vespers will be “Shadows of the Cross.” Each service will focus on a particular event in Christ’s journey to the cross. This weeks readings will be: The Shadow of Betrayal, Mark 14:17-21.

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.

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 17, 2008 • 5:00 p.m.
Bach Vespers: Cantata BWV 18
Bach Choir & Orchestra
Matthew Dirst, guest conductor

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.

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.

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

During Lent, soup is served. The cost is $4.

Soup Supper is provided this Wednesday by the Service and Care Commission
Wendy Wiker (Coordinator)

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 February 13

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

February 10 - March 16 at 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall: Dr. Nickelsburg will teach six classes on the six chapters of his book Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins. Participants are invited to read the chapters ahead of class.

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.

Table Talk on Genetics Sunday

Associate member Juliette Kahle will lead a “listening post” meeting of the congregation on the theme of “Genetics” on Sunday, February 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Juliette is a graduate student at Baylor College of Medicine and is a member of the Task Force on Genetics of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The purpose of the listening post is to gather information from members in the ELCA about their concerns regarding genetics, including hopes, fears, and expectations. The results of this session and others like it will go into the formation of a social statement to be developed by the ELCA. For more information go to www.elca.org/socialstatements/genetics or contact Juliette

Literature and Faith in Jesus’ Time (Second Temple Period)

The Melanchthon Institute is pleased to welcome theologian-in-residence Professor George W.E. Nickelsburg who is offering classes on the theme of Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins in February and March. In his book by the same title he studies diversity, continuity and transformation of faith in Judaism and early Christianity in the period of the Second Temple. Dr. Nickelsburg has done pioneer work in this new scholarly field for more than thirty years. All are invited to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about the time and context of Jesus of Nazareth in a new light. Copies of the book Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins: Diversity, Continuity, and Transformation (Fortress, 2003) are available for $20 from the bookcart in the narthex.

Sunday Forum - February 10 - March 16 at 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall: Dr. Nickelsburg will teach six classes on the six chapters of his book Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins. Participants are invited to read the chapters ahead of class.

Tuesdays - February 12, 19, 26 and March 4, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Christ the King Church: Dr. Nickelsburg will present a four week course on Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins. This class is a great learning opportunity for all who are busy on Sunday mornings. Cost for the class is $30. To register via email or call 713- 523-2864 x1025.

Thursdays – February 14, 21, 28 and March 6 and 13, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Christ the King Church: Sandwiches are provided. Cost is $10 per session. To register email robertmoore@ctkelc.org or call 713- 523-2864 x1025.

George W. E. Nickelsburg is Emeritus Professor of Religion at the University of Iowa, where he taught for more than three decades. His many works include 1 Enoch (Hermeneia; 2001) and Jewish Literature between the Bible and the Mishnah (1981, 2nd ed. 2005), both from Fortress Press. Dr. Nickelsburg is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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.

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 18 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

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!”