Welcome Visitors

We warmly welcome all visitors to Christ the King Lutheran Church. Please join us after Sunday worship for 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.

Pictorial Directories Available

Pictorial directories are available in the narthex and are arranged in alphabetical order for members who participated by either having their photo taken or by submitting a photo.
If you did not participate, you are still invited to pick up a directory from the box without name labels. Please place $5.00 in the offering or basket.

Mission Offering

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

Lutheran Church of the Galilean

The Mission Offering for September is designated to the Lutheran Church of the Galilean in La Place, Louisiana, in fulfillment of our congregation’s three year commitment for continued support of their relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina. A letter of gratitude for our previous two year’s offering and update on details can be read in the September King’s Banner which can be found on the literature rack in the narthex or at www.etkelc.org. This is the last year of our three year commitment to help this sister congregation.

Worship

Worship Settings

Setting One of Holy Communion from Evangelical Lutheran Worship will be used at Christ the King Church throughout the Sundays of the autumn until the festival of Christ the King on November 22. This setting was newly published in 2006 with the publication of ELW. The setting is a composite of music composed by Mark Mummert, Thomas Pavlechko (of Austin, TX) and Robert Buckley Farlee (of Minneapolis, MN).

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.

Friday Morning Bible Study Begins September 11

New participants are welcome to join the Friday Morning Bible Study. This year’s study will be based on the readings prescribed for Sunday worship. Entry into the group is easy. Snacks will be served at 10:00 a.m. Class begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 11:45 a.m.

Training for All Current and New Acolytes - September 12

All children who are currently serving as acolytes and those who wish to become acolytes will have training with Pr. Moore on September 12 at 10:00 a.m.- 12 noon in the nave. There will be a make up session on September 26 at 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon. Generally, children who are in fourth grade are invited to become acolytes. Attending training is required before they will be allowed to serve. Contact Pr. Moore with questions.

Training for All Current and New Crucifers - September 19

All youth and adults who are currently serving as crucifers and those who wish to become crucifers will have training with Pr. Moore on September 19 at 10:00 a.m.- 12 noon in the nave. Contact Pr. Moore

Streams of Living Justice
A Hymn Festival - September 13

On Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Church Organist Mark Mummert will present a hymn festival in the nave. The festival includes fourteen hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), all centered on the theme of God’s justice and our common mission in the world. Mr. Mummert first presented the festival, Streams of Living Justice, in 2005 for the Tenth Biennial Convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

To Transporationally-Challenged Rice Students:

If you are in need of a ride to worship on Sundays, please contact Pr. Brad Fuerst and he will arrange for you to be picked up at a suitable pick-up location along the inner loop of the Rice campus. Contact Pr. Fuerst

International Day of Prayer for Peace

ELCA congregations, institutions, and organizations are invited to join others from around the world in praying for peace, Monday, September 21. The World Council of Churches' International Day of Prayer for Peace offers an opportunity for church communities in all places to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, our families, communities and societies.

Taking Faith Home Online

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

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.

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

Wednesday Night Alive! Resumes on September 9

Wednesday Night Alive! is a great opportunity for members and friends of the congregation to meet over dinner, in class, in the kitchen, at the welcome table or while making music together. All members, recent and longtime, are especially invited to come and find their spot as volunteers and participants.

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.

Life Stories Workshop Resumes September 9

The Life Stories workshop will resume its Wednesday evenings on September 9 from 5:30 until 6:45 p.m. The sessions provide a continuing opportunity for those who want to record their life stories for their families or others.
We will continue to examine ways to present our life stories, either around themes or life events. Those participating pursue their own special interests and share their writings as they wish.
If you don’t know where to begin, you’ll find some helpful exercises to stir your memories and spur your creative impulses. Others pursuing writing projects such as fiction or poetry are also invited to join and share with us.
All of this takes place over the wonderful Wednesday Night Live! dinners. For more information, contact Anna Fay Williams

Calling all Cooks and Bottlewashers

Our Food Service Ministry Team will continue to delight our hungry Wednesday Night Alive! participants again this school year. We are blessed with great cooking, as well as serving and cleaning talent, in our congregation. All members who enjoy good food and good fellowship are invited to join us by volunteering one Wednesday during the fall semester. Food service will be from 5:30-7:00 p.m. each Wednesday from September 9 through December 2. We have a full range of positions available from skilled to unskilled (from cooks to servers to dishwashers). And not only do Food Service Ministry Team volunteers get the satisfaction of serving others, but they also get a free meal. How’s that for a great deal! Contact Beverly Davis

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.

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.

Tea and Crumpets with the Altar Guild

The Altar Guild will host a Saturday Tea at the parsonage on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00-noon.
Interested members of Christ the King Church who would like to know more about the work of the Altar Guild are invited. Mothers and daughters, husbands and sons are all invited. RSVP by September 15 to Bette Bowers

Campus Ministry Golf Tournament: Friday September 25

Houston Lutheran Campus Ministry is holding a golf tournament on Friday, September 25 at Sienna Plantation Golf Course at 8:00 a.m. to raise awareness and funds for its ministry to Rice University and the University of Houston. You can help us greatly by playing and/or sponsoring this event.

• Single player entry fee is $110, if you’d like to play or put together a foursome to play (includes lunch for all players)
• Or… you can be a sponsor by contributing $100, or be a Tournament Gold Sponsor for $1,000 (which includes a foursome in the tournament). Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated.

Contact Tim Redl for more information. Thank you for your support of Lutheran Campus Ministry in Houston!

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.

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.

Education

This year while Matthias Henze and family are studying in The Netherlands we will try a different format for Sunday Forum. If you have topics or speakers you would like to have let us know. Contact Susan Myres Uri with your ideas and comments. Ideas thus far include Immigration, Legislative Updates, Strategic Financial Planning in a time of reflection.

September 6 Listening Post
Russell Post and other members from Church Council will be leading a “Listening Post” to address issues facing the congregation and discuss questions or concerns from members. This is planned to be a quarterly opportunity for communication exchange.

Confirmation Classes

The new confirmation class combines youth to be confirmed in 2010 and in 2011. Ten of our members will be participating in this year’s class. This year the youth will study and memorize the Small Catechism. Confirmation class takes place on Wednesdays, beginning September 9, at 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. in the council room. Pr. Moore and Tim Lenz will lead the class.

Service & Care

Feed the Homeless

The Feed the Homeless Ministry meets on Monday, September 14 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 Tim Redl for more information.

Serving Lunch at SEARCH on September 16 (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.

Wanted: Chauffeurs

In an effort to welcome and serve our college students, we are looking for members of Christ the King Lutheran Church who would be willing to provide students transportation to and from Rice campus to the late worship service. Interested members would use their own car, drive the inner loop, and pick up students at designated pick up sites and times. If you would like to serve our college students in this capacity, please contact Pr. Fuerst

Need A Flu Shot?

Kelsey/Seybold Clinic will sponsor an immunization clinic this fall. Influenza vaccine will be available for adults and children over 36 months. The vaccine offered is only for this year’s seasonal flu, NOT the H1N1 (swine flu).

Registration is not necessary, but it would be helpful to determine the level of interest, so please contact Linda Schoene if you would like to be immunized. Contact Linda Schoene

Date: October 25, 2009
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Place: Council Room (2nd floor)
Cost: $25 (cash or check)

Check your Blood Pressure?

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

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.

 

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 church office or 713-523-2864.