The Hospitality Apartments provide FREE temporary housing (up to three months) and a safe, welcome, comfortable, supportive environment for families in need who must come to Houston for treatment of life-threatening illnesses in the Texas Medical Center hospitals. During the last 40 years, this 100% volunteer ministry has served more than 5,600 families from 49 U.S. states and 65 foreign countries. They designed, constructed, funded, maintained, and staffed a 4-building, 42-unit apartment complex near the Texas Medical Center. In 2007, they relocated the entire operation into an adjacent, new ADA-compliant, energy-efficient, 4-story campus.

The Hospitality Apartments started in 1968 in a small rented four-plex Army barracks building. Not only has the Hospitality Apartments never had direct government support in its history, but never has any money been spent for professional management or fundraising help. All decisions are made and operations provided by volunteers. There is no paid staff. The Resident Managers are compensated by getting extra time over the three months maximum. Need is the only criterion for eligibility besides living over 50 miles from the Medical Center. Selection is based on chronological order of application.

All apartments are completely furnished, including linens with laundry rooms available at no charge. Occupancy has always been 99.9% of the available apartments. When someone leaves, the apartment is cleaned and calls are made from the waiting list to fill it again. You are welcome to visit the Hospitality apartments at 7300 Bertner, south of the Medical Center, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

www.hospitalityapartments.org

Godly Play Lessons

Toddlers: The Boy who Left (Prodigal Son)
Pre K and K: Symbols of the Eucharist
1st-2nd Grade: Symbols of the Eucharist
3rd Grade: Jonah, the Backward Prophet

Christ the King Church Member to be Ordained

Sabine Lamar will be ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament and rostered as an ELCA pastor on Saturday, May 29 at 3:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, with Bishop Michael Rinehart presiding.
We are delighted to share Sabine’s good news as she invites her church family in Houston to attend the ordination.
Sabine will move to Beaumont following ordination and will be installed as a pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in June. Congratulations, Sabine!

Taking Faith Home

Looking for a way to link Sunday worship with family faith formation Monday to Saturday? Taking Faith Home offers scripture readings, prayers, devotions and rituals to use all week!

Click on our homepage to view individual weeks.Look for the Taking Faith Home icon on the left side.

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.

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

The Prayer Around the Cross at Christ the King Church is held at the 6:00 p.m. Taizé Eucharist on the first Saturday of each month. A wooden cross on the floor of the altar sanctuary confronts worshipers with the suffering of Christ on behalf of humanity. In its presence the suffering of the world and our own burdens come to light. Christ gave salvation to all on the tree of the cross. It is the tree where life might be restored. Worshipers may choose to meditate on the cross from the pew or may enter the altar sanctuary and kneel at the cross.

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

A Ministry of Healing service is 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. The next Prayer Around the Paschal Candle will be held January 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the nave of Christ the King Church. 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.

Morning Prayer

Each weekday morning at 8:15 a.m. Morning Prayer is said in the narthex. All are welcome to participate.

Contemplative Prayer on Tuesday 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 Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. to room 210 and pray this ancient form of prayer.

A Place for All People

A place for retreat, renewal, a change of perspective…..

A place for swimming, laughing, toasting marshmallows, singing God’s Praises LOUDLY

A place for prayer, quiet walks under 400 year old Live Oaks, and time beside still waters

A place for you

Lutherhill Capital Campaign

This week we welcome Evan Moilan, Executive Director of Lutherhill Ministries, to preach and to share his vision for Lutherhill between services and at lunch. Please greet him and share your stories, questions, and challenges for the Camp with him today.
Christ the King Members have a long and dedicated history of supporting Lutherhill’s operations and long-term growth. Each year, we commit a portion of the funds raised in the Festival Auction to underwrite operational expenses and provide camper subsidies to the Camp. Many of our members have contributed substantial time and money to the Camp; and various cabins, windows, buildings and other facilities celebrate those gifts by name.
Our congregation is committed to raise between $60,000 and $100,000 through gifts over the next three years. The capital campaigns of many other congregations have successfully raised $1.94 million out of the $3 million needed to completely fund the necessary improvements. If we add our funds to those of approximately 12 other congregations also just beginning their campaigns, the Place for All People Campaign will pay for all improvements without adding debt to the Camp.
Next week we will ask for your pledge. Please consider prayerfully how you can participate.

Lutherhill on youtube

Lutherhill Movie

To launch our Lutherhill – A Place for All People capital campaign, Alicia Goodrow will be showing a short Lutherhill Movie (come look for your child in the video) and providing information about what’s new with Lutherhill and how Christ the King Church is using it as our “West Campus” these days. Come and see….9:45 a.m. in the parish hall; 12:15 p.m. in the council room; 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night in the council room; and at Parent’s Night Out!

Nursery Graduation on May 16

Five and six year olds are invited to a special Welcome to Church class and nursery graduation during Sunday Church School on Sunday, May 16. Children and parents will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the narthex. (Teachers will be notified.) Mark Mummert, Church Organist, will take the group on a tour of the nave. Children can explore the organ inside and out and visit the altar guild sacristy and learn how the altar guild prepares for worship. We will also help the children learn more about what occurs during worship, including what the worship leaders do and what the people do. At the end of the class, the five and six year olds will be presented with nursery graduation certificates and celebrate their nursery graduation with a special treat. We hope you can join us!

Free Lunch Today for Teachers, Doorpersons, and Assistants

All SCS and Wednesday Night Alive! teachers, doorpersons, and assistants are invited to share Sunday Café today together and go over the year and begin planning for next year. Lunches are free.

Ceviche, Pisco, and Peru, Oh My!

Members and friends of Christ the King Church are invited to join the Luther League on May 22 for an evening of fellowship and South American treats in the parsonage! The Luther League will host a party featuring Peruvian-themed cocktails and hors d'ouevres. Tickets for the event will cost $35, with all proceeds going to defray the cost of the Luther League's July immersion trip to Peru. For more information contact Tim Lenz

Pentecost Picnic on May 23

Come and join together for a good ol’ time at our annual Pentecost Picnic on May 23 at 12:15 p.m. in the courtyard of Christ the King Church. All are invited to don their casual red attire in celebration of Pentecost Sunday.

Wanted: Altar Flowers for Pentecost Sunday

The 2010 Altar Guild Flower Chart is almost full. The remaining available dates for Sunday Flowers are: Pentecost Sunday May 23, May 30, August 8, October 3 and November 21. Flower arrangements for weekend services are $45 and should be paid for at the time you sign up by placing a check in the offering and mark it for “Altar Guild.” Please contact Cheryl Gaspard

Teachers’ Recognition on Pentecost Sunday

All teachers and assistants in Sunday and Wednesday programs will be recognized on Pentecost Sunday, May 23 in the 8:30 and 10:50 a.m. worship services.

End of Year Pool Party

The Luther League is invited to a pool party on June 2 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the commons area at Tim Lenz’s apartment complex located at 3323 McCue Rd. We will enjoy hamburgers, swimming, and fellowship. Please RSVP by May 28.

Faith Camp this Summer!

Children in grades K- 6 are invited to Faith Camp this summer at Faith Lutheran Church in Bellaire. Faith Camp is a summer camp ministry program that has been going for over 15 years. Faith Camp offers action-packed weeks of music, games, arts & crafts, kitchen time, splash days, small groups and bible study for children. The camp also offers childcare before and after camp each day. For more information please visit Faith Lutheran Church or contact Pr Tom Glasoe at 713-664-3048.

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.

Help Send a Youth to Peru    

The seven youth traveling to Peru this summer are in need of sponsors to help subsidize travel expenses. While in Peru the group hopes to develop a multi-cultural experience and grow in their faith and leadership skills through relationships with Peruvian youth and adults at a Lutheran church in Trujillo, Peru. The youth have fundraised and received some scholarships, but still need additional funds. Please contact Tim Lenz for more information or to make a donation.

Nursery Volunteers

Do you like babies? Or watching young children play with trains and other toys? Our church's families are growing, and we need your help. We are looking for more volunteers to help out in the nursery a few times a year, for either the early service or the late service. Babies need to be held, and there are small children to be read to. If interested, please contact Diane Schoppe or sign up in the nursery. See you there!

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

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 Diane Schoppe. 

Christ the King Lutheran Church
Annual Report 2010
is online

Members are invited to suggest speakers or topics to be addressed during Sunday Forum.
Contact Susan Myres Uri with your ideas and comments.

May 16 Confirmands at Sunday Forum

Do you remember confirmation as only memorization and the fear of reciting, with trepidation, the Small Catechism in front of your congregation? Luckily for our confirmands some things have changed with time. All members and friends of Christ the King Church are invited to listen to the voices of the young adults who have endured this 24-month journey in their faith formation. Come and help celebrate with them as you are entertained and educated.

May 23 Lincoln’s Divided Backyard: Maryland in the Civil War Era

presented by Jessica Cannon
Maryland in the mid-nineteenth century was a state trying to balance its regional ties to both an agrarian culture based on the institution of slavery and an industrializing, urban culture. Caught in between two warring societies, Marylanders themselves were unsure of their identity given the rapid changes of the late antebellum decades.

May 30 Memorial Day weekend - No Sunday Forum

In Search of Belief

The discussion continues on Joan Chittister’s book, In Search of Belief facilitated by Barbara Rozek. Popularity of this discussion group has encouraged us to continue the dialogue of this challenging look at the Apostles Creed.
Come, read together, and discuss the new perspectives on the Apostles Creed suggested in Joan Chittister’s book. Drop by and share in the reading and discussion. Books are provided.
Newcomers welcome.
This discussion group meets in the council room on 2nd floor.

Recognition of 2010 Graduates

There will be a rite of milestone observance of graduation in both services on May 23. High school seniors will receive a gift from the Piecemakers.
If you are receiving a degree from high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs, we would like to know! Email the church office at with details about your graduation date and any plans you have for your future.

Class for New Members and Inquirers

If you are interested in becoming a member of Christ the King Church, you are invited to attend the Adult Catechesis class.
We will offer a two day class. Future dates to be announced.

These classes, based on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, are open to inquirers, those seeking membership, and members wishing to refresh their memory on the basic tenets of our faith.
You may sign up on the bulletin board or contact the church office, Childcare for the two-day class is available when requested the Monday prior to the class.

Serve Lunch at SEARCH

Christ the King Church members and friends join members of congregation Brith Shalom on the third Wednesday of each month to assist with the preparation and service of the noon meal for clients of SEARCH Homeless Services. Our next outing will be on Wednesday, May 19, 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. Contact Beverly Davis

Feed the Homeless Ministry Celebrates its 6th Anniversary!

submitted by Tim Redl

“I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink… I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me.” - Matthew 25:35-40

Since April 2004, members and friends of Christ the King Lutheran Church have gathered on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month for fellowship and to volunteer to feed the homeless of downtown Houston. Last month, Christ the King’s Feed the Homeless Ministry celebrated its 6th year of preparing meals and delivering them to Houston’s homeless community downtown. Over the course of these past six years, our ministry has grown, due to the increased help of volunteers of all ages from Christ the King Lutheran Church, young adult volunteers of Saint Anne’s Catholic Church, and other organizations and friends. We are very thankful for all volunteers as well as the Houston Food Bank, which supplies us with most of the food we use to prepare the lunches.

Join us on Monday, May 24 at 5:45 p.m. in the kitchen to make sandwiches and prepare meals, and then deliver them to downtown homeless individuals. Contact Tim Redl

Check your Blood Pressure

The next blood pressure screening will be on May 30 between the morning services in the narthex. Monthly blood pressure screenings are held on the last Sunday of each month

Blood Drive for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center – June 6

The MD Anderson Blood Mobile will be here on Sunday, June 6 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Encourage your family and friends to donate

Christ the King Church members and friends support M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and its patients’ fight against cancer through blood donation. The blood we donate is an essential aid to their work. Join our recurring donors in this simple act of service. The M.D. Anderson Mobile Coach will be parked in the Rice Animal Hospital Clinic parking lot from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  It’s convenient, it’s easy, they give you snacks and gifts, and you get to save three lives through one donation.  Please consider becoming a lifesaver! 
More information on blood donation

National Cancer Survivors Day - June 6

Sunday, June 6, we will offer prayers of thanksgiving and support for cancer patients and survivors everywhere, especially within our own congregational family.

Volunteer Training
CanCare has an urgent need for cancer survivors and their family members to volunteer. Training class will be June 11-13. Contact CanCare or 713-461-0028.

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 2009, Emergency Services responded to a highly increased demand for basic needs by providing food, clothing, financial assistance and referrals to 22,365 persons in crisis. This effort included helping 1,160 families avoid homelessness or substandard living conditions by assisting with electricity, water, natural gas, and rent payments. More than 243,700 pounds of food was provided to hungry neighbors and 11,913 clients benefitted from gently-used clothing. The Community Garden harvested 2,059 pounds of fresh produce, aiding clients’ nutritional well-being. 
The Gethsemane Food Pantry expanded to three days of operation, working to address hunger in the southwest portion of our service area. The pantry fed 18,380 persons from 4,723 households, tripling results from the prior year. Of those served, 51% of client households included one or more employed adults. A Community Garden was established on site, and three Food Fairs were held to augment on-going services.
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.

Feed the Homeless

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

Christ the King Church is a ONE Lutheran congregation

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. Please consider taking action with the ONE Campaign

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.

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

Food Donations Needed

Help fill the shelves at Emergency Services of the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC). Food donations are needed. Current needs are: peanut butter, tuna fish, meaty soups, canned fruit and vegetables. Please bring your food donations to the drop off box in the narthex.