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Dear faithful People of Christ the King Church:

Yesterday was a turning point kind of day and it is impossible for me or anyone else to deny their significance for both of our Christ the King Lutheran campuses. The Holy Spirit was powerfully present in our decisions and in our decision-making. The incredibly arduous work of our congregation’s lay leadership was powerfully affirmed. Both meetings created 10-year leases, each of which, on the surface, appear mundane, both of which hold great promise for our future.

Ninety-one members signed in to participate in these meetings.

At the first meeting, our congregation voted 81 yes, 1 no, with 5 abstentions for a new contract with Crossing Borders, the school that on weekdays uses much of our educational building space as well as all our Chaucer House space. This contract not only provides stability to both Crossing Borders and Christ the King Church’s long-term relationship but also provides both of us with better ways to share space and handle conflicts. It stipulates a much more equitable financial arrangement and arranges a regular process for resolving the conflicts which often arise between those who share space. It will be up to participants from each partner to resolve conflicts in a way that honors our relationship and at the same time does not impinge on our congregation’s values nor our ongoing ministry, especially regarding our ministry with and for children.

What was mundane at our second meeting was the approval of a lease agreement with the Norwegian Seamen’s Church, a ministry of our fellow Lutherans in the Church of Norway. This decision was unanimous, with 81 voting yes, no one voting no, and one abstention.

What is not mundane is the promise of partnership this relationship holds. As the first positive movement for renewed mission at our Memorial Drive campus since September 2021, and with a partner church is 100% aligned with our mission and ministry values, there are endless opportunities for us to create a vibrant re-birth for this marvelous property. In every respect, this decision is a “game changer!”

Finally, there was our congregation President’s announcement that the cloud of theft and our part in the resultant civil litigation which has hung over Christ the King Lutheran Church for seven long years is being dispersed by the signing and court filing of an agreement to restore, with interest, the funds stolen from this congregation. While there must still be a process put in place to obtain those funds, and the criminal case filed by the district attorney’s office must still go forward, our formal part in this litigation is near a positive end. Again, a gamechanger!

There are many lay leaders whom we need to thank for getting us to this point and we will celebrate them and their work at an appropriate time. Our prayers, our patience, and their work, guided by the Holy Spirit, has put our congregation on a positive track for the months and years to come. Rejoice!

Peace and Joy – and Courage

Pastor Mandy

Amandus J. Derr

Interim Senior Pastor