Mission Offering

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

Future Seekers
A program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru
Our November mission offering will go to the Future Seekers program, a program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru. Future Seekers began in 2006 with 62 child sponsorships and grew to include 224 children last year. Future Seekers programs are conducted at congregations in Peru. Peruvian children only go to school for half a day in Peru and they are not fed by the public schools. Through Future Seekers, the children are fed, provided with school uniforms, tutored and mentored, and get to be involved in special programs (like music, traditional dance, crafts, Bible study, etc.) It is anticipated that the cost per child to go to school and be involved in the after-school programming at the churches will be almost $500 in 2009. Please consider sponsoring a child for $500. Of course, your $5.00 is equally welcome. Click here for more information on our companion synod relationship with Peru and the Future Seekers program, including pictures.

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

“I have had many things in my hands and I have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God’s hand I still possess.” [Martin Luther]

Worship

Godly Play Lessons Today

Pre K - Kindergarten: Ark and Tent
1st - 2nd Grade: Saints
3rd Grade: The Prophet Jeremiah

 

All Saints Sunday on November 2

On All Saints Sunday, November 2, Christ the King Lutheran Church will present Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem at the 10:50 a.m. service with the Church Choir and chamber orchestra under the direction of Albert LeDoux. Fauré composed the first version of the Requiem for his own church, the Madeleine in Paris, between 1887 and 1888. The text included parts of the Catholic Mass for the Dead and the Burial Service chosen with special emphasis on rest and peace, as seen in the two most popular movements, the Pie Jesu for soprano solo, and the ethereally beautiful In Paradisum. Although Fauré was later pressured by his publisher to expand his ‘petit Requiem’ for full symphonic forces, our presentation will follow Fauré’s original version of 1888 for chamber orchestra, choir, and soprano soloist, and will include the Libera me from the later 1893 version.

Candles on All Saints Sunday Weekend

On this weekend of All Saints Sunday (November 1 and 2) the church remembers in her prayers those who joined the church through the sacrament of Holy Baptism and those who completed their earthly life and entered the Church in heaven.

The congregation will have the opportunity in all services to light candles in memory and thanksgiving for loved ones.

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

Pianos & Peru

On Saturday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. at South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main St, Cynthia Blackwell and Stephen Scott will perform benefitting Operación San Andrés, South Main’s mission program in Peru. This mission program provides regular medical and dental mission trips from the USA, for children and families in Peru.

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:
Baked Penne with Sausage and Spinach*
Caesar Salad        Herbed Breadsticks
Lemon Ice Box Dessert
*Veggie selection is a meatless bean chile.
Chefs: Nancy Letness and Rochelle Manske

A Week in Another World - Heifer Ranch Presentation

All Luther Leaguers, their families and all other interested members and friends are invited to a presentation on the Luther League's summer trip to the Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas Sunday, November 9 at 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall. Trip participants will present a fun picture slide-show and share stories and experiences. Tasty snacks will be available.

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.

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!

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.

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 10:00 - 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.

Connecting Communication

Often our lives seem defined by relationships, not only with family members, coworkers, friends, and strangers, but also with ourselves. On November 2 at Sunday Forum, 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.

Two Unknown Books from the Old Testament

Matthias Henze will lead a discussion of two books in the Old Testament that are seldomly read, the Book of Daniel and Ecclesiastes (also known as Qohelet). Both of these books were written towards the end of the biblical period. They belong to the wisdom literature of ancient Israel and, even though they are not well known, are real gems in our Bible. Please read Daniel and Ecclesiastes before you come to class, and bring your Bibles and your questions.

November 9: The Book of Daniel. This book tells the story of Daniel and his three companions. The second half includes an apocalyptic vision Daniel receives from God.

November 16: Ecclesiastes. The author of this book, who has often been called a skeptic, famously exclaimed: All is vanity. But the book is far from cynical. It offers much valuable advice and insight.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The class will be on Friday, November 7, 7 - 9 p.m., and Saturday, November 8, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

These classes, based on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, are open to inquirers, those seeking membership, and members wishing to refresh their memory on the basic tenets of our faith.

You may sign up on the bulletin board or contact the church office. Childcare for the two-day class is available when requested the Monday prior to the class.

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

Make a Difference Today

Even in tough economic times, we want to make sure the next president, no matter who that is, keeps his commitment to fighting global poverty.

The total spent on all poverty-fighting programs make up less than one percent of the entire U.S. budget, yet with partners around the world, we are saving millions of lives and helping the world's poorest people break free from crippling poverty. These efforts will be even more critical as the effects of any global economic slowdown are magnified in already struggling countries. Many Christ the King Church members have joined the ONE Lutheran Campaign. You can join with ONE to remind our leaders to keep their promises to the world's poor. - www.one.org/keepourcommitments.

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, November 10 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.

Wanted:
hard working, good looking volunteers between the ages of 8 and 98.

Thirty-five Christ the King volunteers worked on two Saturdays in September to assist the Houston Food Bank with the extra demand caused by IKE. We exceeded our best previous effort in sending volunteers.

Not only were we numerous, we received compliments. The person supervising the Lucy Line, welcomed us back and said, "Christ the King sends the Houston Food Bank the best workers--fast, smart, and very careful." She forgot to mention that we are very good looking. Thanks to all of you for a job well done.

Mark your calendars; we go again Saturday, November 8. Wash and wear your green apple tee shirt so you look good. I have a few extra tee shirts for new workers. Come try one on and join us.

2nd Galveston Clean-up Day on November 8 - Meet in Galveston at Zion Lutheran Church

by Peggy Hahn (assistant to the bishop)

Please officially sign up no later than November 4:
Email to the synod office your name, number of friends you are bringing and how many already have t-shirts. (Please, one per person.) You are encouraged to bring co-workers and neighbors. The sign up deadline is important so we can do our best to get ready for you.

Complete a release form and bring it with you – even if you have served with us before. People under 18 years old will need a parent’s signature. Anyone under age 16 should be accompanied by a parent. Contact Beverly Davis for a form.

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.