Special

Electronic Giving Now Available

Electronic Giving allows you to choose the donation frequency, one-time, weekly or monthly, and the donation amount for each fund you wish to support. Contributions will be transferred electronically from your checking or savings account directly to the church account. This new giving option will work in the same manner as mortgages, loans payments, or insurance premiums that are automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account. While away on vacation, you have peace of mind knowing that your pledge has been received and is contributing to the work of the church, especially during those otherwise low cash flow months of the year! Just click on the Easy button.

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

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

The Mission Offering on September 14, 21 and 28 is designated to the Lutheran Church of the Galilean in La Place, Louisiana, in fulfillment of our congregation’s three year commitment for continued support of their recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Pr. Kenneth Shuman’s letter of gratitude for last year’s offering and update on details can be read in the September King’s Banner.

Mission Offering Envelopes

Thank you to all our members who have been contributing generously to our monthly mission offerings. If you would like your mission offering to appear on your contribution statement, please pick up a mission offering envelope from the pew and put it in the usher’s offering baskets as you leave worship services. You may also write a check and earmark ‘mission offering’.

Worship

Godly Play Lessons Today

Pre K - 2nd Grade:
Holy Family
3rd Grade:
Nathan, the Prophet

Training for All Current and New Acolytes

All children who are currently serving as acolytes and those who wish to become acolytes will have training with Pr. Moore and Pr. Liebster on September 13 at 10:00 a.m.- 12 noon in the nave. There will be a make up session on September 20 at 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon. Generally, children who are in fourth grade are invited to become acolytes. Attending training is required before they will be allowed to serve. Please contact Pr. Liebster with questions.

Prayer Around the Cross on the first Saturday of Each Month

The congregation and friends of Christ the King Church are invited to the Taizé service onthe first Saturday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the nave with Prayer around the Cross.
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.

Offering in Sunday School

All children are invited to bring an offering to church each week. They will put their offering in “church banks” in their classrooms during Sunday school class. This way children have an opportunity to participate in the practice of congregational stewardship on a regular basis. The Mission offerings at the end of services are an opportunity for children to contribute toward our causes of outreach and help. The “church banks” are taken to the altar during worship services several times a year.

Circle of the Holy Eucharist Cards Available for Children

Sets of cards based on the Circle of the Holy Eucharist Godly Play lesson are available for young children to use during all services. The cards have simple phrases and photos that encourage children to follow the sequence of liturgical actions. They are in the chest by the nave door.

The Bible in Vibrant Colors

Members and friends are invited to join in the completion of the gallery of artwork by Chinese Christian artist He Qi. His artwork has graced the stairwell between the first and second floors in the ministry building since early this year with scenes from the Old and New Testament in styles invoking American, Asian, Latin American and European art. The series will be filled out to more fully represent the sacred stories of our faith. The pictures will continue on the second floor opposite the Sunday school classrooms. Members and friends of the congregation are invited to underwrite the cost of the prints and framing at $200 per piece. Shares of $50 and $100 are available.

A sign up sheet with thumbnails of the pictures and a book by He Qi are available on Sundays after services in the narthex.

Altar Guild Fall Luncheon

The annual Altar Guild Fall Luncheon will be hosed by Bette Bowers at 2225 Albans Rd, on Saturday, September 20 at 12 noon.
All interested members of Christ the King Church who would like to know more about the work of the Altar Guild are invited. Please RSVP by September 15 to Gaelyn Lesher

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.

Uncomfortable in the Pew?

Orthopedic seat cushions are available for use in pews and chairs in the nave.

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.

Hospitality Handout to Greet Visitors

All are invited to pick up a copy of The Rabbi’s Gift after ther services today. This story is about community building and suggests ways to offer hospitality to visitors.

Hospitality Tip

Communicate to others and through others that they are missed when absent. Knowing that we are missed when absent validates our worth to us. It says that we hold a special place in life. Our life has meaning to someone else and therefore it has meaning to us. If the husband is missing, tell the wife to let him know that you missed him. If a member brought a new person last week but the new person is not with them the next Sunday, tell the member to tell the visitor that you missed him/her. It tells the visitor that he has a place in your church. It also gives the member a new reason to invite the visitor back.

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.

Organ Vespers - POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER

September 14 • 6:00 p. FUTURE DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED.
Craig Cramer of Notre Dame (Indiana) plays works by Bach, Buxtehude, and other composers.

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 Church and fellow college students for great fellowship and a great meal.

To the college students in our midst:

Whether you are returning to campus or you’re a new student, our congregation welcomes you! We are praying for you as you begin a new school year. Our hope is that you will find Christ the King to be like home for you, and that through worship and fellowship with our congregation you may discern Christ’s presence throughout this school year.

Pr. Brad Fuerst is the Lutheran campus pastor serving Rice University, the University of Houston, and the Texas Medical Center. During the months of August and September, Pr. Fuerst will be present at our congregation’s worship services. He can tell you more about Houston Lutheran Campus Ministry. Contact him.

Help with Sunday Morning Snacks

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. Donations collected go directly to World Hunger Appeal.

Join us today! Contact Anita Bryant

Wednesday Night Dinners are for EVERYONE!

If you haven’t had a homemade dinner lovingly prepared by our food service ministry team, you’ve really missed out. Instead of cooking on Wednesday evenings, swing by the parish hall between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. and either eat-in with friends and family, or take-out a delicious and inexpensive meal. Adults $5/children $3.

Playgroup Invitation

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.
 
We meet on Mondays 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.

Life Stories Workshop
Initiates Church History Project

The Life Stories Workshop has undertaken a church history project for the fall in its first planning session. Members of the congregation will be invited to share their memories of the early history for Christ the King and their involvement in its programs at the Wednesday evening sessions.
The Life Stories Workshop is now in its fourth year and has been a part of the Wednesday Night Alive! which provides an opportunity to become acquainted in classes and over a dinner. The workshop is held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on the 3rd floor.

Anyone interested in participating in the church history project, either in recalling church events or assisting in writing up the stories, should contact Anna Fay Williams.

Members of the group will also continue with their life stories projects which have included memoirs, letters and personal essays. Last December the group gathered some of its favorite stories for a small collection, "Moments Lived from a Larger Life," to share with the congregation and their families. No special writing experience is required for participation. Just show up. See you there!

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.

Service Retreat at Lutherhill
September 19-20

All 6th thru 12th grade youth and parents are invited to a two day work retreat at Camp Lutherhill September 19-20. We will meet at the church at 5:00 p.m. and carpool to La Grange. We will work all morning on Saturday and then have opportunities for high ropes, swimming, and games before departing that evening. Parents are encouraged to participate and stay for the weekend and/or help drive one or both ways. Friends are welcome as well! Contact Tim Lenz by September 14 to reserve your spot.

Fellowship event at Edwards Greenway Palace September 21

All 6th thru 12th grade youth are invited to the Luther League fellowship event at Edwards Theatre located at 3839 Weslayan St. to see a movie TBD. Meet at the theatre at 5:00 p.m. in front of Marble Slab. The movie will not be subsidized by the Luther League, so please bring $10 for admission. For more information please contact Tim Lenz.

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:

Intergenerational Ministry to Young Adults

Pr. Brad Fuerst, Houston Lutheran Campus Pastor, will be offering a forum open to all members and friends which aims to do the following:

† To enhance participants understanding of the variety of challenges faced by adults under 40.
† To foster intergenerational approach to young adult ministry at Christ the King Church.
† To encourage economic understanding of young adults.
† To cultivate inclusion of young adults in the life, ministry, and mission of Christ the King Church.

The September 14 will be mostly lecture-based with some discussion. Two sessions following on September 21 and 28 discuss tangible ways Christ the King Church can reach out and minister to young adults.

We live and serve together as Christ’s Body during a time when, “many [college students] are actively engaged in a spiritual quest, with nearly half reporting that they consider it ‘essential’ or ‘very important’ to seek opportunities to help them grow spiritually.” With college student and young adult presence at Christ the King Church on the rise, there is no better time to discern how God is calling us over 40 to welcome and incorporate the younger generation into the Body of Christ.
Warning: This forum will be rather low on pontification and theory, and high on pragmatics and call to action in Christ’s name.

1“The Spiritual Life of College Students – A National Study of College Students’ Search for Meaning and Purpose.” Higher Education Research Institute. University of California, Los Angeles, 2003.

My Spirit Refreshed - Sunday Forum September 21

Barbara Rozek, member of Christ the King Church, will share reflections on September 21 at 9:45 at the basement classroom on her experience at the convention of the Women of the ELCA in Salt Lake City this summer. She writes, “my faith in God’s Word as proclaimed through the Bible was renewed at the convention with over 2,000 women. Worshiping, communing, studying the Bible, attending workshops, visiting exhibits were just some of the experiences that have helped direct my personal spiritual journey.” Barbara thanks the Christ the King Church Foundation for “seed money” to help go to this tri-annual national event which brings women from all over the ELCA together.

Sexuality Task Group Formed

A group of eight persons have been asked to review the draft social statement on Human Sexuality in order to give feedback to the ELCA Task Force on Studies on Sexuality by November 1 this year. Terri Bourne, Susie Crafton, Tom Ham, Robert Moore, Russell Post, John Robertson, Lynn Rosas, and Pat Swanson have accepted the assignment. The task group is responsible for

1. Reading and familiarizing themselves with the text
2. Meeting with the group as scheduled
3. Holding several public hearings in the congregation to listen to others' responses to the draft
4. Formulate our congregation's response

Copies of the draft are available in the narthex, the office or online

Pastor Moore will serve as a voting member to the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA. The final draft will be presented for approval at that meeting in August 2009. Other related materials are available online

A presentation of the draft will be presented at Sunday Forum on September 28 at 9:45 a.m. Dr. Barbara Rozek will present and guide discussion. A second session will take place on October 12.

Sunday Church School

Starts at 9:45 a.m. and ends at 10:40 a.m. Come and enter the story of God's people! See you there.

Friday Morning Bible Study

New participants are always welcome and will find that entry into the group is easy. Snacks will be served at 10:00 a.m.; class will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Young Adult Bible Study

Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the parish hall. (Note the longer duration) Tom Ham, area coordinator for the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, will serve as discussion leader for this session. Young adults will gather to watch, What Would Jesus Buy?, a documentary that addresses American consumerism during the Christmas holiday. Matthew 6: 19-20 will serve as a basis for the discussion that will follow the film.

Mentors Needed for Confirmation Class

Pr. Liebster and Tim Lenz are looking for small group leaders/mentors to help teach confirmation class in the next school year. Youth age twelve through fourteen are fun to be around for those adults who can connect to their ways of finding out about the world, themselves, faith and history. Their sense of humor and expressions of thoughtfulness can be a delightful mix which makes teaching this age group a rewarding experience for the leaders themselves. We are looking for adults who enjoy teaching and can commit to teaching a small group of three to five kids during class on Wednesday evenings. Confirmation class takes place within the Wednesday Night Alive! program and begins September 3. Class ends before 7:30 p.m. This school year we will be teaching Bible using the Augsburg Fortress curriculum Here We Stand. Small group leaders will be meeting with Pr. Liebster and Tim Lenz for lesson preparation two to three times per semester. Please contact Pr. Liebster if you’d like to help as a mentor or have recommendations .

LARGE PRINT BOOK

You will now see a cart of large print books in the narthex. These books are available to anyone who wishes to borrow one. There is no need to “check out” a book. Just select any book from the cart and then return it to the cart when you have finished with it. The cart for large print books is labeled to distinguish it from the cart carrying books available for purchase.

Questions may be directed to Susan Teich

Synod Newsletter Online

Did you know there is a monthly e newsletter from the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod? This is a great way to know what is happening in our sister congregations and facilitate the faith journey of the 126 congregations in our synod. Check it out!

And be sure to read in it A view from the pew / A view from the pulpit, an open letter dialogue about the different ways lay people and clergy see what is happening in our church. Written by Pr. Herb Palmer and Kurt Goedecke.

Service & Care

Need a Flu Shot?
October 12 at the Church

Kelsey/Seybold Clinic will sponsor an immunization clinic this fall. Influenza vaccine will be available for adults and children over 36 months. Registration is not necessary, but it would be helpful to determine the level of interest, so please contact Linda Schoene if you would like to be immunized.

Date: October 12, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Place: Council Room (2nd floor)
Cost: $25 (cash or check)

Feed the Homeless

The Feed the Homeless Ministry meets on Monday, September 22 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.

Volunteer to Serve Lunch at SEARCH on October 15

Christ the King Lutheran Church members and friends will join members of Congregation Brith Shalom in a new project one weekday a month to assist with the preparation and service of the noon meal for clients of SEARCH—Houston’s answer to homelessness. Our next outing will be on Friday, October 15. Anyone interested in helping with this new project, contact Beverly Davis

Volunteer at the Houston Food Bank on November 8

Next trip to the Houston Food Bank is the second Saturday in November which is November 8. We will leave Christ the King Church parking lot at 8:00 a.m. and return at noon. For additional information, contact Anna Stock

Fighting Poverty with Faith - A Week of Action

Background: From September 10-16 people of faith across the country will be mobilizing their communities to ask their local, state and national candidates what they will do to address the pressing issues of poverty and opportunity in America in their first 100 days in office.

Our message: Poverty in American is a moral and urgent problem. As we look across our country today, we see a nation where millions of people lack the basic necessities of life and where the futures of far too many young people are clouded by economic and social policies that have failed to promote a shared prosperity.

Our common scriptures present a vision of shared responsibility that commands that we leave the corners of our field for the poor and the stranger and mandates, “There Shall Be No Needy Among You” (Deuteronomy 15:4). Our common faith values call on us to respond.

Our task: Everyday faith organizations serve individuals in need within our communities. But our efforts to sustain our brothers and sisters living in poverty must be complemented with a serious plan from our political leaders to reduce the number of needy. By acting during this time, you can be a part of a national interfaith movement to build the political and public will to address poverty in America.

Join Us! For more information visit: www.fightingpovertywithfaith.com. !

Are You Thinking Green?

You can recycle your plastic bags by donating them to the Feed the Homeless Ministry. We reuse plastic bags to put the prepared meals into to deliver them to homeless individuals in Houston. We are running low on plastic bags and could use your extra bags to avoid spending money on purchasing new ones and keep our operating budget low.

AED Training

Cintas will provide training for those interested in learning how to operate the AED (automated external defibrillator) on Monday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m. Interested members should contact Dianne Giroir, Church Administrator

Can Openers Needed At CCSC

Can openers are “hot commodities” at the Christian Community Services Center’s Emergency Services. As soon as they come in, they go out. They are requested frequently by our clients, whether homeless or in apartments. When asked how they open the cans, the clients respond that they use a knife. Next time you see cans at grocery stores, please think of can openers! Your donations can be dropped at the food basket in the narthex.

Caring for One Another

Check out the Congregational Care Team display board in the narthex. Please consider joining our team in one or more capacities:

• Meals: Provide an occasional meal to a member or family in need or for a memorial reception
• Transportation: Provide occasional transportation for a doctor’s appointment, worship, shopping, or an emergency (as you are available, of course)
• Visiting/Phoning: Visit or phone a member who is temporarily or permanently indisposed, providing a listening ear and a compassionate presence
• Prayer Notes: Write a note to members expressing our support during times of need and to acknowledge life changes (scheduled for one month a year)
• Emergency Phone Tree: Inform a few of our members (call list) of a member’s death of other extraordinary emergencies
• Bereavement: Provide a faithful, appropriate presence to those experiencing a loss, such as death, property, divorce, or employment
• Community of Hope: become a lay chaplain through this training program and on-going support system.

For more information, contact Beverly Davis

Letting our Lights Shine

In the April Banner, we invited our members to tell us the names of the organizations you support through your volunteer efforts. We hope to compile and publish a list of these organizations in an up-coming Banner. We expect this list will serve two important purposes: (1) capture the vast scope of organizations and activities our congregation supports through our members’ service to others and (2) help members who are interested in similar types of service activities to connect. Please take a moment and let us know about your volunteer activities and the organizations you support. Thank you for you assistance in this effort and, more importantly, for your service to others in witness to Christ.

Help SEARCH Help Others

Now that summer is upon us, the Service of the Emergency Aid Resource Center of Houston (SEARCH) has a constant need for insect repellant and sunscreen. Our congregation has been asked to donate insect repellant and sunscreen. There is a collection box in the narthex for these items.

Did You Hear About the Hunger Crisis?

The world hunger crisis was all over the news this past week. In just three years, the price of staple foods like wheat, corn and rice has almost doubled. If we don’t do something soon, hundreds of thousands of people face starvation and a hundred million more could fall into extreme poverty.

Christ the King Church is a ONE Lutheran congregation. Please consider taking action with the ONE Campaign

Paper Recycling Steps Up

Our recycling container has arrived! It is located by the mechanical yard on the south end of our parking lot. Please collect and drop off ALL your paper items. The church will be reimbursed per ton of paper picked up. We need to collect at least 1.5 tons per month.

Accepted items include: newspaper, magazines, shopping catalogs, junk mail, office and school papers, envelopes with and without windows, phone books, paper bags (paper clips and staples do not have to be removed)
Items not accepted include:
cardboard, cereal/soda cartons, food wrap/containers, paper cups, tissue products, metal, trash, cans, plastics and glass.

Cancare has Urgent Need for Hospital Volunteers

Who: Cancer survivors and caregivers of survivors

* Use your cancer survivorship to encourage others facing cancer in 12 area hospitals and cancer treatment facilities.
* Short, flexible schedules
* Free parking at hospitals

Call CanCare at 713-461-0028 for additional information

St. Luke’s Needs Volunteers

The gift of blood is truly the gift of life. The St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital Auxiliary needs volunteers to assist the St. Luke’s Blood Center on community blood drives. Volunteers are needed seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Volunteers assist prospective donors with donor registration cards and distribution of snacks post donation. Transportation to the drives is provided. For more information about volunteer activities at St. Luke’s, call the hospital’s Auxiliary office at 832-355-2102 or visit St. Luke’s Web site.

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. 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!”