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

Financial stewardship is like prayer. It adds so much meaning and value to my life that I would find not doing it a real sacrifice.
If the tithe could speak, I think it would say, “Do you believe in God? Believe also in me. I am one of your finest opportunities for serving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.”

Three unselfish gifts that grow strong Christians: prayer, time, and money.

2009 Time and Talent Sheets

Each year the members of our congregation generously donate their time and talent to our work in instructing, inspiring, preparing, and supporting each other to fulfill the church’s mission to be Christ’s presence in the world. It is time for us all to dedicate our time and talent again to that purpose for 2009.

This year we are conducting the Time & Talent Survey electronically. This way we expect to (1) streamline the process for completing and delivering the survey, (2) make reporting lists of responses easier, and (3) save money and resources on printing and processing in the church office. The Time & Talent Booklet, which describes all the various opportunities available, was sent as an attachment to all households in PDF format. Instead of filling out what used to be the “Time and Talent sheet,” we now will use the link provided in a separate email to fill in the areas in which we volunteer. Both booklet and link can be resent upon request

All who prefer to complete the Time and Talent sheet on paper, may help themselves to both the booklet and response forms located in the narthex. Feel free to take one. The Witness and Assimilation Commission of Christ the King Church thanks all for their participation and faithful service to our congregation, the community and the world.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day Worship

On Thursday, November 27, at 10 a.m., a Service of the Word will be held in the nave. The service will include traditional Thanksgiving hymns, a sermon, and a Litany of Thanksgiving. All are welcome. Casual attire is encouraged.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Christ the King Church

Are you unable to be with family for Thanksgiving? The Christ the King Food Ministry is preparing a Thanksgiving Day dinner for students who aren’t going home, young adults (single and otherwise) without plans, and all adults without family in town. Notify Beverly Davis if you would like to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with your brothers and sisters here at Christ the King Church. Lunch will follow the Thanksgiving Day worship service and will run from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. when the Turkey tryptophan kicks in.

Worship

Godly Play Lessons Today

Pre K - Kindergarten: Exile and Return
1st - 2nd Grade: Saul
3rd Grade: The Prophet Ezekiel

 

Children Learn to be Stewards

The offering collected in Sunday School is a great opportunity for parents to instill the meaning of stewardship in their children. Every child is invited to bring an offering to church each week. It is put in “church banks” in their classrooms. This way children 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” will be taken to the altar on Christ the King Sunday on November 23.

The Rev. Timothy J. Wengert will Preach for Christ the King Sunday, November 23

The Rev. Timothy J. Wengert returns to Christ the King Church on Festival weekend, November 21-23. Pastor Wengert will preach in Festival worship on Sunday, November 23. He will also teach an enlightening and entertaining Sunday Forum class on “Giving the Devil His Due: How Lutherans View the Evil One.”

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.

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:
Spaghetti
Candied Fall Vegies
Salad       French Bread
An Apple Dessert

Chefs: marie Monroe and Jessica Cannon

2008 Festival with Focus on Service and Care Ministries

In 2008, Christ the King Festival weekend, November 21 - 23, will focus on our work as the sent people of Christ—members of the Village Church with a Global Mission. The Festival Auction will focus on raising funds for our Service and Care Ministries, with half of the auction proceeds going directly to those ministries. The other half of the proceeds will benefit Camp Lutherhill. As a special addition to the Festival events on Friday and Sunday, we will have a Service and Care Fair, where we can learn more about our Service and Care Ministries and our ministry partners. The 2008 Service and Care Fair will have a new feature: Direct Ministry Sponsorships. Please plan to take part in Festival this year and help support our focus on Service and Care Ministries. Given the current economic climate, our neighbors will likely be in great need of our generosity and concern in the coming year.

A dinner buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvre will be provided.There will be a silent auction held during dinner starting at 7:00 p.m. and a live auction with larger items after dinner. The cost is $10.00 per person plus a bottle of wine or dessert to share. Childcare will be provided at no cost.

Please contact Wendy Wiker with anything you can offer for either the live or silent auction or any help that can be provided. You can plan a fun sociable event; offer your special talent, skills, or professional expertise to the highest bidder; or provide quality, hand-made crafts, merchandise, gift certificates or a basket of related items.

Please let the church office know if you plan to attend and if child care is needed.

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.

Fellowship Event at Edwards

Luther League will meet at Edwards Greenway Palace located at 3839 Weslayan Street at 4:30 p.m. The group reserved tickets in advance but we have two extra tickets if anyone still wants to join us. Immediately following the movie will be a discussion about the film at the Marble Slab Creamery. Please bring $10 to cover the movie and a few extra if you want ice cream. Pick up will be at 8:00 p.m. in the main lobby.

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.

An Unknown Book from the Old Testament

Dr. Matthias Henze will lead a discussion of a book in the Old Testament that is seldomly read, the Book of Ecclesiastes (also known as Qohelet). This book was written towards the end of the biblical period. It belongs to the wisdom literature of ancient Israel and, even though it is not well known, is a real gem in our Bible. Please read Ecclesiastes before you come to class, and bring your Bibles and your questions.

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.

Dr. Matthias Henze is a Watt J. and Lilly G. Jackson Chair in Biblical Studies and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Rice University.

Giving the Devil His Due: How Lutherans View the Evil One

Prof. Tim Wengert will teach an enlightening and entertaining class on "Giving the Devil His Due: How Lutherans View the Evil One." Prof. Wengert will preach at both services on Christ the King Sunday, November 23.

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.

Advent Wreath Workshop and Advent Café, Sunday, November 30

On November 30, the First Sunday in Advent, during the Sunday Church School hour, the Altar Guild will conduct an Advent wreath workshop in the parish hall. Adults, youth, and children are invited.

Greenery, candles, ribbon, and frames will be available for a suggested donation of $10. If you have your frame from last year and only need greenery and candles, a $8 donation is suggested.

The youth group opens the Advent Café with fresh baked waffles and hot chocolate. Proceeds benefit the Luther League.

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.

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 commitment to fighting global poverty remains on the agenda of the government.

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.

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 24 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.

Serving Lunch at SEARCH on November 19

Join members of the congregations of Christ the King Church and Brith Shalom, along with friends from W.R. Grace & Company, on Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. to assist with the preparation and service of the noon meal for clients of SEARCH Homeless Services. 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 includes Credit/Debit Card Donations

Members and friends now have the option of choosing how to make donations: checking account, savings account or credit/debit cards. Electronic Giving allows to choose the donation frequency, one-time, weekly or monthly, and the donation amount for different funds. Contributions will be transferred electronically from designated accounts or credit/debit cards to the church account. These giving options will work in the same manner as other automatic withdrawals. The charge for using a Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and Discover is 2.75% per transaction. American Express charges of 3.5% per transaction. For example, a $100.00 gift using a Visa card is reduced to $97.25 for the church. There is no charge for donations made through checking or savings accounts. This option gives peace of mind knowing that one’s pledge will be received and is contributing to the work of the church, especially during the low cash flow months of the year! Just click on the Easy button.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.