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Dear Faithful People of Christ the King Lutheran Church:

With the conclusion of our Annual Congregation Meeting (Part 1) at 10:50 this morning, we also concluded a major season at Christ the King Church. What season? The season of meetings, negotiations, and occasional assertions of needs and rights that characterizes every congregation from late August until the annual meeting. At this point, we have a 2026 spending plan, and we have a new council to get up and running for next year. I am grateful for what to me is your amazing attention and participation in three congregation meetings within one week! As I write this, I am thanking God for each of you.

As we enter the upcoming weeks—from our Christ the King festival and 80th anniversary celebration through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany—our focus shifts primarily  to worship; unencumbered by all these “business” matters. This season is a highlight of our church year, and I look forward to celebrating it with you.

On Epiphany, we will bless and dedicate the work completed at our Rice campus. The following Sunday, as we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus and renew our baptismal promises, we will also recognize the many contributions made by our congregation leaders and servants this year. Your efforts in areas such as leases, community relationships, facility improvements, committee work, budgeting, and music ministry are deeply appreciated.

As we move into this time of hope and joyous celebration, I invite you to use the prayer I borrow from the late, great (and Lutheran!) peacemaker, Dag Hammarskjöld, as a fitting way to end this season, celebrate the anniversary of our congregation’s founding, and look ahead.

For all that has been, thanks!

     For all that will be, YES!

Peace and Joy – and Courage!

Mandy

Amandus J. Derr

Interim Senior Pastor