Special

Souper Bowl Sunday Collection, February 1

On February 1 thousands of young people around the country will be collecting donations for charities through the Souper Bowl of Caring program. The Luther League will collect donations in soup pots after both services (as the Mission Offering) and report the collected amount to Souper Bowl of Caring so it can be added to all the other collection amounts across the country that day so a national total can be reported to the media! All donations go to SEARCH, the designated beneficiary of February’s Mission Offering.

We Need You...for the new Church Photo Directory

We are excited to announce that we are creating a new pictorial directory of our church family. Sign-up sheets are available in the narthex for photography sessions on February 18-21 and March 5-7. For all of our computer savvy members, you may sign up on-line . Our contract number is 38740 and our password is 7135232864 (the church phone number). This new directory will serve as a valuable tool to help promote fellowship, showcase our congregation, and help us reach out to new members. Please plan now to participate. Our new pictorial directory just won’t be complete without you!

Leave of Absence for Pastor Liebster

The Church Council of Christ the King Lutheran Church has granted Pastor Liebster a leave of absence for the 2009-2010 academic year. Pastor Liebster's husband, Professor Matthias Henze of Rice University, has been invited by the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) to continue research on the book he is currently writing. Each year, NIAS invites a group of about 40 international scholars from a variety of academic backgrounds to spend one academic year in the Netherlands. The appointment is from September 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Pastor Liebster and the children will accompany Dr. Henze. The Church Council congratulates both Dr. Henze and Pastor Liebster on this tremendous opportunity and wishes them a productive year in Europe. We look forward to being enriched by their experiences upon their return.

Annual Meeting Part II

Part II of the annual congregational meeting will be held on February 1, at 12:45 p.m. in the parish hall. On the agenda is the adoption of the budget for 2009, a proposal for which was presented at Part I in December. In addition, the council will present its statement of missional emphases for the new year and the annual report for the year 2008.

A catered lunch will be provided prior to the meeting. A donation of $5 per person is suggested to help with the cost of the meal.Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend.

Mission Offering

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

SEARCH

From the President and CEO of Search Homeless Services Houston, Thao Costis

Thank you for providing your support to SEARCH. It means a lot to us. (…) Change has been and continues to be the operative word and we are all looking for positive change in these times of adversity. People who experience homelessness are all too familiar with adversity. (…) Some are recent victims of Hurricane Ike. Others came to Houston looking for jobs, but found the opportunities not working out as planned and are now without income and the means to return home. Some never had much to begin with, but nevertheless, for all of these individuals and families, the need for change is very immediate. The pressures and fears of surviving another day, another week are very real. (…)

Homelessness is not just experienced by the stereotypical man you might see on the street who’s alcoholic or simply lost in life, but it’s happening for a growing number of children and families. We all know that mental and physical disabilities, substance abuse, and domestic violence hasten the downward slide into homelessness. But now more than ever, the lack of adequate education and job skills create tremendous obstacles to maintaining a home. Thousands of Houstonians cannot afford childcare, rent…even food is out of reach. Because of these economic times, more people will face greater financial strain and more individuals and families will experience homelessness. We’re already seeing it at SEARCH where on average 18 new men, women, and children are coming to us daily for help. (…) [T]he individuals and families who experience homelessness are in our communities. They are our neighbors and they need us now more than ever.

Stewardship

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.

Lost and Found

There is a collection of backpacks, bike helmets, camaras, jackets, books, car keys, and other items that have been found on the church property. If you’re missing something, contact the church office

Worship

Ministry of Healing at the Taizé Service

A new worship opportunity has been added to the Taizé service on each second Saturday of the month. It is called Prayer Around the Paschal Candle and offers the option to receive a Healing Blessing. The Prayer Around the Paschal Candle complements the Prayer Around the Cross which is held on the first Saturday of each month. Persons who wish may come forward for a prayer with laying on of hands and anointing with oil. The congregation accompanies and supports the individuals coming forward with songs of hope and resurrection faith. The Prayers of Intercession will deliver to God petitions on various aspects of healing. Gathered by the Holy Spirit around Jesus Christ, the Word of salvation, we pray for God’s healing in all its dimensions.

Please see the January King’s Banner, for an expanded article.

Godly Play Lessons

Pre K - Kindergarten: Great Pearl
1st-2nd Grade: Great Pearl
3rd Grade: the Books of the Bible

Contemplative Prayer on Monday Evenings

Matthew 6:6 says "go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret". Contemplative prayer is a Christian spiritual formation practice in which one "goes into their room to pray." Exterior stillness helps to develop an interior silence and space where one can listen with the ear of the heart to hear the God who is always more willing to listen to us than we are to pray. Come on Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. to room 206 and pray this ancient form of prayer.

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.

Christ the King Lutheran Church Sexuality Work Group Response

The Sexuality Work Group has responded to the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality. Access the he response to that document. Those serving on the congregation’s task group were Terri Bourne, Susie Crafton, Tom Ham, Robert Moore, Russell Post, Lynn Rosas, and Pat Swanson. Thanks are due to Dr. Barbara Rozek who facilitated three forums on the document. View the draft document under Education and Enrichment section.

Flowers for the Nave

The 2009 Altar Guild Flower Chart is on the mobile bulletin board. Flower arrangements for weekend services are $45. Please pay for the flowers as you sign up.

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.

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.

Spring Egg Decorating Class

In February Monica Hartley will begin classes on how to decorate eggs in the Ukrainian style. Classes will be held Thursday evenings starting February 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Learn the history, the craft and decorate eggs. The class size will be limited so register now. Cost, $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 Monica Hartley.

Transitions Interest Group for Women

The second meeting of the Women in Transition group is scheduled for Monday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Rochelle Manske's home.   You may be interested in joining this group if you are a woman fifty or older and curious about exploring the question 'What's next in my life?' The discussion topic for February is "Transitions and Relationships:  The Ups and the Downs."  For further information  contact Naomi Nelson

Stretching for Fun and Rejuvenation

– presented by Trish Rumble, Certified Massage Therapist

Trish’s first class was lots of fun and prompted requests for future classes. Join Trish for a 6 week class beginning Wednesday, February 11, 10 – 11:00 a.m., in the basement classroom as she demonstrates the benefits of stretching to maintain healthy muscles and joint movement. Cost is $30 for the 6 classes. All movements are done sitting and/or standing – no running or jumping involved. If you have a rolling pin, bring it along. She will also show us how regular household items can help with blood circulation to the muscles. These stretches can be done at home or in the office to help maintain important flexibility that helps us keep moving strong and standing straight.

Valentine Dinner Date Set

All members and friends of Christ the King Lutheran Church are invited to the 5th annual Luther League Valentine Dinner on February 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Come enjoy a superb gourmet dinner with an elegant Casablanca theme for only $25 per person. The entrée is your choice of beef or salmon, please specify which you would like when making your reservations, but hurry, salmon and seats are limited at Rick's Cafe. Non-alcoholic beverages will be served, but please bring your favorite wine or beer. We will once again have a small silent auction to supplement our proceeds. Seating is available for couples, individuals, and small and large groups. Childcare will be available. For reservations or to donate items for the silent auction, please contact Tim Lenz

Parent's Night Out/Movies in the Hall

Interested in an evening out while your children are cared for in the church nursery? Christ the King has a baby sitting co-op that provides a monthly evening out while parents take turns working in the nursery. Want more information? Contact Mark Wolf.

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 Super Bowl Party

All 6th thru 12th grade youth are invited to the Scruggs’ house at 5 p.m. on February 1 for a Super Bowl party. Come enjoy the big game, tasty food, and fellowship. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided, please bring drinks, finger foods, or side items. Parents and friends are more than welcome! Please contact Tim Lenz for more information.

Sunday Night Meals

Families and members who enjoy supporting the Luther League are needed to help with meals for the youth on Sunday nights. Meals can range from anything home-cooked to store bought or catered. Enough food to serve 15-20 people should be provided. Feel free to team up with another family or work individually! Please contact Tim Lenz for more information or to sign up.

Coupons, Anyone?

Beginning February 15, bring your unwanted coupons to share with other “coupon clippers” of Christ the King Church. The coupons will be filed under a variety of categories and available for use by everyone. For more information contact Ann Chisholm or Peggy Johnson . Come join in the fun and the savings!

Education

Sunday - 9:45 a.m. in the basement classroom.

February 1 Church Council Forum

Council members will be present and open to discussion about the proposed budget and other current issues on the congregational agenda. This will introduce the congregation to Sunday “listening posts” facilitated by our Council Members on an on-going basis.

February 8 My Spirit Refreshed

Presented by Barbara Rozek, Christ the King Church member and conference attendee.
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 “seed” money for this opportunity to be with over 2,000 other Lutheran women. See views from the conference and hear reflections on the experience Sunday at the Adult Forum on February 8.
(Barbara graduated from Rice University in 1995 with a Ph.D. in History. She currently teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History at Memorial High School and Houston Community College.)

Sundays at 10:00 - 10:40 a.m.
Wednesdays at 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Fridays at 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Museum Visit

Persons signed up for the tour of the exhibition Birth of Christianity on February 8 will meet at the museum at 1:45 p.m. Tickets will be handed out upon arrival. In the exhibit, background information and descriptions are provided on walls and cases. Those who wish to use the audio guides ($7) may want to arrive early to avoid lines.

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.

Alzheimer's from the Inside Out by Richard Taylor on February 12

All interested members and friends are invited to join our Community of Hope lay chaplains and our Congregational Care Team members on Thursday, February 12, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the council room to hear Dr. Richard Taylor. Dr. Taylor, who has lived for six years with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, works with the National Alzheimer's Association to evaluate and provide effective support to individuals in the early stages. The retired psychologist will share his own experience with the condition and discuss some of the difficult issues faced by people with Alzheimer's, including loss of personhood, unwanted personality shifts, communication problems, and the declining ability to perform familiar tasks. Dr. Taylor and his book, Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out, were featured in the Houston Chronicle summer of 2008 and he travels throughout the country for speaking engagements.

LARGE PRINT BOOK

Large print books are available on Sundays in the foyer. These books are for 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. During the week the books are in the library.

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.

Nurse Notes

To a Healthy 2009

1. Our walk to Jerusalem will begin February 1. We must reach our goal of 7,097 miles to Jerusalem by Easter Sunday. We need EVERYONE to walk in order to make it. The guidelines remain the same as last year:

Keep track of your “miles” during the week. To make it easy, just credit yourself 1 mile for every 20 minutes of true exercise (walking, swimming, pushing a stroller, ballet class, soccer practice, etc.)
Post your miles each Sunday on the mobile bulletin board and we will track our progress on a map.
Individuals and families who reach 50 miles will receive 200 BONUS miles!

2. “Go Red for Women”, a national movement led by the American Heart Association, is raising women’s awareness of heart disease. The goal is to increase women’s understanding of this leading women’s health concern and help them lower their risk and live longer, stronger lives. Join in the fight by wearing RED on Sunday, February 8 and stopping by the Go Red Table to learn more about reducing your risk for heart disease.

3. Are you prepared to perform CPR and use the AED? Nurses from St. Luke’s hospital will be here on February 21, 2:30-5:00 p.m. to guide us through American Heart Association Heartsaver program. Medical Emergencies in children and adults will also be covered. In addition, fire safety and use of a fire extinguisher will also be covered. Sunday school teachers, ushers and worship enablers are encouraged to attend. Cost: $38. Contact Linda Schoene to register.

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.

Feed the Homeless

The Feed the Homeless Ministry meets on Monday, February 9 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

Join members of the congregations of Christ the King Church and Brith Shalom, along with friends from W.R. Grace & Company, on Wednesday, February 18 , 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

Houston Food Bank

Join the volunteers going to THE HOUSTON FOOD BANK on the second Saturdays of odd numbered months. You can perform a wonderful service, burn calories, build muscles, and make new friends all at the same time. Please mark your calendars now for the next 2009 dates: March 14, May 9, July 11, September 12, and November 14. We leave the church at 8:00 and return about noon. You will be glad you did. For more information, contact Anna Stock

Check your Blood Pressure?

Monthly blood pressure screenings are held on the last Sunday of each month.

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.