Mission Offering

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

Hospitality Apartments
Human Resources Development Foundation (HRDF)

The Hospitality Apartments provide FREE temporary housing (up to three months) and a safe, welcome, comfortable, supportive environment for families in need who must come to Houston for treatment of life-threatening illnesses in the Texas Medical Center hospitals. During the last 40 years, this 100% volunteer ministry has served more than 5,600 families from 49 U.S. states and 65 foreign countries. They designed, constructed, funded, maintained, and staffed a 4-building, 42-unit apartment complex near the Texas Medical Center. In 2007, they relocated the entire operation into an adjacent, new ADA-compliant, energy-efficient, 4-story campus.

The Hospitality Apartments started in 1968 in a small rented four-plex Army barracks building. Not only has the Hospitality Apartments never had direct government support in its history, but never has any money been spent for professional management or fundraising help. All decisions are made and operations provided by volunteers. There is no paid staff. The Resident Managers are caregivers who get paid by getting extra time over the 3 months maximum. Need is the only criterion for eligibility besides living over 50 miles from the Medical Center. Selection is based on chronological order of application.

All apartments are completely furnished, including linens with laundry rooms available at no charge. Occupancy has always been 99.9% of the available apartments. When someone leaves, the apartment is cleaned and calls are made from the waiting list to fill it again. Christ the King Lutheran Church has been one of this ministry’s supporting 20 churches for 28 years. You are welcome to visit the Hospitality apartments at 7219 Cecil, south of the Medical Center, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 or join our members and friends in providing dinner for the residents on Thursday, October 9, at 7:00 p.m.

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’.

Stewardship

Investments That Count

from Stewardship Nuggets by Herb Miller

In Luke, Chapter 16, Jesus talks about a rich man who refuses to help a poor, sick man who lies outside the door of his house begging for food. Then, the rich man wakes up in hell for misusing the wealth God had given him.

Commenting on that parable, John Killinger says, “His mistake, you see, was in not making his money work for him. A lot of it was lying around without doing any good, when it could have been taking care of the poor beggar at the gate.

“The Gospel draws a vivid contrast between this foolish man and one wise woman, who appears in chapter 21. Jesus is at the Temple and sees a poor woman, her gnarled hands clutching two tiny copper coins, come and drop both of them into the treasury. ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than anybody, for it was all she had’ (see 21:1-4).

“Talk about making your money work for you! Only two copper coins and they earned her a place in history. Here she was with her pittance, and she made it work for here as if it were millions of dollars.
“It isn’t how much you have in life, it’s what you do with it that counts. Everything we have is a trust from God. And the important thing is to learn to use it wisely by sharing it and taking care of God’s world. When we do this, we are making an investment in our own souls.

[The Abingdon Preaching Annual 1995, John Killinger]

Worship

The Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop Preaches on October 19

The Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop will preach in services on October 19. Pastor Lathrop is Emeritus Professor at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia where he served on faculty for twenty years, much of that time with Mark Mummert, church organist at Christ the King Church. Dr. Lathrop is currently visiting professor of liturgical studies and acting assistant dean for Marquand Chapel at Yale Divinity School.

Godly Play Lessons Today

Pre K - Kindergarten: 10 Best Ways
1st - 2nd Grade: Ruth
3rd Grade: Tthe Prophet Isaiah

 

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, $100, and $200 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.

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.

Music

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 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.

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.

This Wednesday's menu is:

Mexican Corn Bread
Chefs: Bette Bowers

Egg Decorating Class

Monica Hartley is leading classes on how to decorate eggs in the Ukrainian style. on Thursdays through November 13 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Learn the history and craft, and decorate the eggs. They make great presents or ornaments. 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 contact Mike Shelton .

Altar Guild Fall Luncheon

This year Bette Bowers is hosting the annual Altar Guild Fall Luncheon at her home, on Saturday, October 25 at 12 noon (rescheduled from last month due to hurricane Ike).

All interested members of Christ the King Church who would like to know more about the work of the Altar Guild are invited. RSVP to Gaelyn Lesher

Christ the King Festival Auction

The Christ the King Festival Auction is coming up on Friday, November 21, so mark your calendars! Start thinking about what you can offer for either the live or silent auction held during the festival dinner. Please contact Wendy Wiker with your ideas or offers to help with the auction.

Staff Opening in Nursery

The care of our youngest members during services and other church functions is extremely important. Currently, we are somewhat short staffed as there is an open staff position in the nursery. While volunteers continue to play a critical role in filling the current void, we are continuing to work to fill this position. The position includes coverage of worship services and associated activities on Wednesday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning in addition to special events such as Vespers and holiday services. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining the Christ the King Nursery staff please contact either Pastor Karin Liebster or Dianne Giroir
Volunteers Needed in Nursery

The nursery needs more volunteers to help out occasionally during Sunday services. Volunteers help greet children and their parents, hold babies, read stories, and play with children. Volunteers are scheduled about five times each year, for either early or late service. There is a sign up sheet in the nursery for all interested, or one many contact Diane Schoppe

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 - 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.

Luther League Halloween Party!

All 6th thru 12th grade students are invited to the annual Luther League Halloween bash on Friday, October 31 at 6:00 p.m. in the church dungeon. The evening will provide a scavenger hunt, costume contest, dancing, games, and plenty of scary treats and prizes. Adults are needed to help chaperone during the scavenger hunt. Don’t forget to dress up! For more information or to volunteer to chaperone 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:

Sundays at 9:50 - 10:40 a.m.
Wednesdays at 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Fridays at 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.     Snacks served at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.   October 21 (First and Third Tuesdays)
for Young Adults

My Spirit Refreshed

by Barbara Rozek
Sunday Forum, October 19 at 9:45 a.m.
Attendance in July at the convention of Women of the ELCA in Salt Lake City renewed my faith in God’s Word as proclaimed through the Bible. Worshipping, communing, studying the Bible, attending workshops, visiting exhibits were just some of the experiences that have helped direct my personal spiritual journey. Christ the King Foundation provided some “seed” money for this opportunity to be with over 2,000 other Lutheran women and I would like to share some of my reflections on the experience.

Connecting Communication

Often our lives seem defined by relationships, not only with family members, coworkers, friends, and strangers, but also with ourselves. On October 26 and November 2, Sunday Forum will learn through experiential exercises the method of effectively connecting in these relationships. Led by Bridget Jensen Jr., a member of Compassionate Communication Committee of the Decade of Nonviolence-Houston, class members will practice communicating with an awareness that allows for honest expression of themselves and an ability to listen empathically to others. Even people who don't struggle with difficult relationships can see the positive transformative power of these skills as they recognize the difference in their current interactions with others and the deeper level of connection that comes through this new language.

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, October 21 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
(First and Third Tuesdays)

In 2007 the ELCA churchwide assembly voted to embrace an initiative called “Book of Faith.” The initiative called for the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture. We will continue to our conversation among young adults through October on “how we may experience more fully the power of the Word and to recall or learn anew the Lutheran approaches to Scripture that have been so fruitful over the centuries.” (Preface to Book of Faith, Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2008. P. vii)

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.

Christ the King Foundation Accepts Grant Requests

The Board of Directors of the Christ the King Foundation is now accepting grant requests for projects meeting Foundation Criteria. Individuals or groups may request grants to further special projects and needs of the congregation or its mission to the community. Grant application forms are in the church office. Deadline for requests is noon, December 1.

Service & Care

Bread for the World Sunday - October 19

Join Christ the King Church members and friends after the Sunday services on Sunday, October 19 in a letter writing campaign.

Help End Poverty and Hunger

On Sunday, October 19, we will join worshipping communities across the nation in renewing our commitment to overcome hunger and poverty in God’s world. As a covenant congregation of Bread for the World and as a ONE Lutheran congregation, we join the ONE Sabbath Campaign by engaging in activities that raise awareness and urge elected officials to demonstrate leadership in addressing global poverty, hunger and disease. We encourage our members and friends to join the ONE Campaign’s commitment to ending global poverty. You can join the ONE Campaign at www.one.org. Additional information and copies of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Issue Brief on Global Poverty and Hunger are available in the narthex. Also, please stop by the The Bread for the World table after services and write a letter to your elected officials. Sample letters, writing paper, and stamps will be provided.

Vulnerabilities of Dementia

All are invited the annual Alzheimer's Association Conference on Friday, November 7, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This year's conference is entitled "The Vulnerabilities of Dementia." Christ the King Church member Diane Persson is co-chair of the event, and members Sharon Ostwald and Christina Lesher will be featured in afternoon workshops. Sharon will speak on "Elder Mistreatment: Prevention and Early Identification" and Christina will speak on "After the Dianosis: Starting Points for Long Term Care and Planning." Cost is $45 for caregivers and $80 for others if you register by October 29. More information

Food Donations Needed

Ike has depleted the shelves at Emergency Services at the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC). Food donations are needed. Current needs are: peanut butter, tuna fish, meaty soups, canned fruit and vegetables.

Please continue to bring your food donations every Sunday to church and drop off in the box in the narthex or you may take them directly to CCSC at 3224 Mercer, Houston 77027.

Feed the Homeless

The Feed the Homeless Ministry meets on Monday, October 27 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 November 19

Christ the King Lutheran Church members and friends joins members of congregation Brith Shalom on the third Wednesday of each 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 Wednesday, November 19. Anyone interested in helping with this new project, contact Beverly Davis

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

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!”

Contributions

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.