Summer Office Hours

Summer office hours including a four-day work week of 10 hours per day and go through August 14. The goal in closing the building on Fridays is to save substantially on electricity expense.

Courtyard Construction

Courtyard construction has moved along well in the past week. Phase One of this project will be finished before the end of the summer. It includes replacing the flagstone/pea gravel and the concrete east of the parish hall with new pavers. The finished courtyard level will be flush with the existing arcade walkway and the new pre-cast pavers will be a neutral buff tone color to blend with colors of the building exterior. Great care has been taken to assure proper drainage and air flow for the two oak trees. Phase Two of this project, which is not currently scheduled, will consist of more paving toward the northern end of the courtyard, installation of a trellis sitting area, and new plants and trees. The new courtyard will be “broken in” at the congregational party on August 16.

Mission Offering

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

Lutheran Social Services, Inc. (LSS)

Last Sunday to Contribute

Lutheran Social Services, Inc. is the social service arm of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. The organization annually serves nearly 35,000 children, elderly and poor in Texas and Louisiana regardless of religious beliefs, ethnicity, gender or age. The LSS ministry includes domestic and international adoption, children’s residential treatment, therapeutic foster care, health care and retirement services for seniors, adult day care, services for the poor, disaster response and emergency assistance. Lutheran Social Services has been and continues to be a prominent partner in the Hurricane Katrina and Rita disaster relief efforts. In the Houston area, the Krause Center in Katy specializes in treating abused, neglected, and troubled boys and girls, ages 11-17.

Lutheran Principles in Health Reform

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives continue important debates on health care legislation. There is a great deal of discussion and confusion circulating, so it is more critical than ever for us to educate ourselves on the issue. For a Lutheran perspective, you are invited to pick up copies in the narthex of the ELCA Social Statement on health and health care, “Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor” and of Lutheran Services in America’s paper on “Health Care Reform: Responsibility for All.” You can also go on-line and click on “health care reform” for more information on the issue from a faith perspective.

Worship

Class on Communion for Children, August 2

At Christ the King Church all the baptized are included in the Lord’s Supper. Families who have not yet begun to include their children are invited to participate in a communion instruction class meeting in the children’s library on Sunday, August 2, at 9:45 a.m. Pr. Liebster will lead the class. Please sign up with Pr. Liebster.

Summer Schola Offers Rehearsals for Service Music

The Christ the King Church Summer Schola meets Sundays at 8:00 a.m. and 10:20 a.m. in the music suite through August 9. The doors are open to all who would like to familiarize themselves more with the new musical settings for worship. The length of participation lies in the discretion of each singer. The Schola focuses on the hymns and liturgy of the day and does not prepare special anthems. While the Summer Schola does not process or wear vestments for the worship services, the group sits together by the organ in the nave to provide leadership for the congregational singing. Members and friends are invited and encouraged to join Christ the King Chorus members, Choir members, and Choristers between ages 10 and 110 in this enjoyable summer endeavor.

Those who wish to sing in the Summer Schola should email Mark Mummert. Individuals can also sign up on the bulletin board in the Music Suite.

Musical Settings in Worship

During the summer until August 23 we will sing Setting Eight from Evangelical Lutheran Worship at the 8:30 service and Setting Ten at the 10:50 service. Setting Eight will be accompanied on piano and has a uniquely contemporary feel (see ELW page 184). Setting Ten is based on Luther's own Deutsche Messe (1523), in which hymns or chorales substitute for the traditional chants (see ELW page 203).

Prayer Around the Cross on the First Saturday of Each Month the Taizé Service

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.

Prayer Around the Paschal Candle, Ministry of Healing on the Second Saturday of Each Month at the Taizé Service

An additional 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. See an expanded article.

Taking Faith Home Online

Taking Faith Home, our weekly devotional, is available online. Look for the Taking Faith Home icon.

ELCA to Engage in 50 Days of Prayer Leading to Churchwide Assembly

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has asked the church's 4.7 million members to pray and study Scripture for 50 days starting June 29, in preparation for the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The assembly is the ELCA's highest legislative authority and meets every two years. The 2009 assembly is in Minneapolis Aug. 17-23. The assembly will act on a proposed social statement on human sexuality, a recommendation on ministry policies and various churchwide program proposals. It will conduct elections and consider memorials (proposed at synod assemblies) and resolutions (proposed by voting members at the churchwide assembly). The proposed social statement and recommendation on ministry policies are sources of significant discussion within the church.

A prayer and study guide booklet prepared by the churchwide office is available in the narthex and commended to prayerful use by the congregation. The resource can also be downloaded

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.

Fellowship

Welcome Visitors

We warmly welcome all visitors to Christ the King Lutheran Church. Please join us after Sunday worship for the snacks, coffee, tea, and lemonade in the courtyard. Contributions benefit the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
We invite visitors to sign a pink worship card from the pew or the guest books at the doors.

Auf Wiedersehen!
Tot ziens
‘Til we meet again!

Pastor Liebster and Family Off to Holland

On Sunday, August 16, at 6:00 p.m. the congregation will gather in order to send Pr. Liebster and family on their 10 month leave for the Netherlands. It will also be a great occasion to celebrate homecoming after three months of summer just before school starts later in the month. We will gather in the parish hall and the newly renovated courtyard. The hamburger cookout will be catered by Goode Company ($10 per person, $40 cap for families). Chicken burgers and portobello mushroom burgers are available by advance orders only. Participants are asked to bring dessert and beverages. Please make your reservation with the church office

Yoga on Saturdays - 4:15 p.m.

The yoga class will meet on Saturdays at 4:15 p.m. in the basement classroom. Bring a mat or foam for comfort. The cost is $7 per person.

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.

Education

Summer Book Reviews

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

These interesting, educating and often fun sessions presented by members of the congregation will run through late August.

July 26: Carolyn Jacobs reviews Witnessing for Peace: In Jerusalem and the World, by Munib Younan, the Bishop of Jerusalem in the ELC of Jordan, Jerusalem

August 2: Naomi Nelson reviews Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life, by Kathleen Norris

August 9: Alan Dieter reviews AD 381: Heretics, Pagans, and the Dawn of the Monotheistic State, by Charles Freeman

Summer Sunday School for Children and Youth

During the summer, children Kindergarten age through 5th grade may meet at 9:45 in the children’s library on the 2nd floor to read, work on puzzles, watch movies or talk. An adult or youth will be there to participate with their activities. Younger children may gather in the nursery. There is a sign-up sheet in the nursery for people who would like to work with the younger children and in the library for the older children or contact Marie Monroe

Older elementary age kids and youth meet in the basement Luther League room with Tim Lenz or designated sponsors to catch up on the week and discuss topics of interest.

Service & Care

Feed the Homeless

The Feed the Homeless Ministry meets on Monday, July 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.

Shoes Needed For Orphan Souls!!

There are millions and millions of feet all over the world that belong to kids without shoes. Many of those feet belong to older children and teenagers who are the forgotten ones in orphanages. We need YOU to put shoes on their Big Feet by donating shoes, sizes youth 1 through adult 10. Due to customs regulations, shoes for the children need to be new – and we also need new, clean, white socks for those beautiful feet! Bring your shoes and socks donations to church by August 17 and we’ll get them packaged and shipped. If you’d prefer to give a cash donation, make the checks out to Christ the King Lutheran Church, memorandum Shoes for Orphan Souls. Be a Big Foot Benefactor and Bring Big Smiles to Beautiful Children! For more information please contact Tim Lenz or Cindi Scruggs

Serving Lunch at SEARCH on the Third Wednesday of Each Month

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

Helping with Hunger

The Christian Community Service Center’s Emergency Services needs your donations. Houston's needy come to the doors of Emergency Services six days a week seeking assistance. The program helps clients, who qualify, with food, clothing and possibly some financial assistance.
In 2008, CCSC attended to the immediate needs of over 15,000 individuals. In the first quarter of 2009, they saw a 67% increase in the number of people seeking assistance. Many of these individuals were woman and children.

Specific items needed are canned fruits, and meaty soups. Also, jars of peanut butter and large boxes of cereal. Please donate!

Donations may be dropped off at the food basket in the narthex on Sundays.

Check your Blood Pressure?

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

CCSC Back-to-School Program 2009

Thousands of children in Greater Houston will begin the 2009-2010 school year without the basic supplies they need to succeed in school. However, you can help! The Christian Community Service Center’s (CCSC) Back to School Program works to ensure that 6,000 underprivileged students in our community return to school well-prepared for academic success. You can help ensure that these students return to school well-prepared to learn in the fall by making a $45.00 donation to the Christian Community Service Center’s (CCSC) Back to School Program. Your donation provides one student with a new school uniform/shoes and a grade-level appropriate package of new school supplies. Please sponsor one or more students by submitting a check made out to Christ the King Church and earmarked “CCSC Back to School Project” in the offering on Sundays now though August or by donating online at www.ccschouston.com. Additionally, CCSC needs volunteers to help sort supplies on Saturday, August 1, and to distribute supplies to the children and their families on Saturday, August 8. Please contact Maureen Sahualla for more information about how you can help with this important program.

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.

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

Our Faith in Action

Every day, in a million ways, members of the ELCA are making the world a better place. In far reaches of the globe, and right here in our neighborhood, you’ll see that Lutherans aren’t folks who simply talk about their beliefs. We put them into action.

So make a meal to share. Have your opinion on government policy heard. Help a friend through their time of need. Here you’ll find stories that inspire and opportunities to get involved. Find out just how rewarding God’s work can be.

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.

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

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.