Christ the King Lutheran Church 1

T H E K I N G ’ S BA N N E RVolume 70, Number 12

December, 20152353 Rice Blvd, Houston TX 77005

713-523-2864 ctkelc.orgChrist the King Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas

Ten Thousand Village Shopping Night - December 3All Christ the King Church members and friends are invited to Ten Thousand Villages located in Rice Village at 2424 Rice Boulevard on December 3 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. for shopping! 15% of net sales will be donated to the Luther League. Beverages and snacks will be served throughout the evening. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit, fair trade gift store that works with over 130 artisan groups in more than 38 countries to bring you fair trade jewelry, home decor, gifts and more. Find a gift for everyone this Christmas!

Second Sunday of Advent December 68:30 and 10:50 a.m. Holy Communion 12:15 p.m. Annual Meeting of the Congregation, Part 15:00 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols6:00 p.m. Advent Reception

Third Sunday of Advent December 138:30 and 10:50 a.m. Holy Communion 6:00 p.m. Bach Vespers, BWV 140, Wachet Auf at First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 208:30 a.m. Holy Communion10:00 a.m. Children’s Christmas Pageant10:50 a.m. Holy Communion

Christmas Eve December 24 4:00 p.m. Weihnachtsmesse, German-language service at First Evangelical Lutheran Church6:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols and Candlelight 8:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols and Candlelight 10:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols and Candlelight

Christmas Day December 2511:00 a.m. Carols and Communion

No Taizé service on Saturday, December 26First Sunday of Christmas December 278:30 and 10:50 a.m. Holy Communion

Lessons and Carols and Open House December 6Please join us for Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. Led by our choirs, including the Chorus, the Church Choir, and our Choristers, Lessons and Carols tells the story of God’s acts of redemption in readings, carols, and hymns. The carols include music by Mendelssohn, Warlock, Hammerschmidt and more. Don’t miss this joyous annual celebration as we prepare for Christ’s birth! A potluck Open House will immediately follow Lessons and Carols at the parsonage. All are invited to bring a savory or sweet finger food to share. (Please bring food items already plated and ready to share, so that there will be a minimum of set-up and clean-up).

Advent-Christmas

December 13, 2015 | 6:00 pm Bach Vespers for Advent JS Bach: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140 Bereitet die Wege, BWV 132Bach Choir Houston and Mercury

First Lutheran Church1311 Holman Street Houston, TX 77004No ticket required. Pre-concert Lecture 5:15pm, by musicologist Dr. Carrie Allen Tipton

See full information at www.bachsocietyhouston.org or call 713-400-0514. Bach Society Houston is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

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In July 2016 I will resign my call as senior pastor of Christ the King Church in order to accept a new call from the Global Mission Unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amer-ica (ELCA) to serve in Wit-tenberg and Leipzig for a three-year term begin-ning July 10, 2016. Kathy and I will represent the ELCA during this signifi-cant time in the history of the Lutheran Churches in the world as we observe

the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.

We will live in Leipzig in the apartments of St. Thomas Church, where I will provide occasional pastoral services. Half of our time will be spent in Wittenberg where we will represent the ELCA during this period of time in which the ELCA will exhibit our role within global Lutheranism and the Ecumenical world. The other half of our time will be spent working with the City of Leipzig interpreting to foreign visitors the significance of Leipzig among the historic sites of the Reformation in Central Germany.

Our hearts have been torn during this time of discernment. We have invested ourselves in the ministry of Christ the King Church for over twenty-four years, having joined the congrega-tion prior to my acceptance into the roster of Ministers of Word and Sacrament. For twenty-two years I have served Christ’s church in this congregation as your pastor. It has been a sacred responsibility, a labor of love, and a joy.

There is much work to be done in the coming months, and I am pleased that I will be here through the renovation work scheduled to be completed approximately April of 2016. I know, moreover, that the work of our congregation will continue unabated, and I give thanks for the spirit of community and discipleship that will inspire the congregation to move forward.

This is the 70th Anniversary of Christ the King Church. I ask your prayers for Kathy and me, for the congregation’s leadership, and for the whole congregation. Please pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran World Federation in our efforts learn about our history and to boldly share the gospel in word and deed.

Moore ThoughTs

In summer 2013, the rebel group known as Séléka overthrew the Central African Republic government, sparking retaliation by the anti-Balaka alliance. For almost two years, the country, which has a history of unrest, was affected by violence and insecurity, with thousands of people killed and almost 1 million people left without homes. When the fighting started in Bohong, Theodore, now 17 years old, and his uncle’s family fled into the bush. Theodore is the oldest of nine children, all of whom are in the care of their uncle after their father’s death. One day, Theodore was in Bohong and heard about a house reconstruction proj-ect from people in town. When he attended church the following Sunday, he learned more about a home building project being implemented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic and Lutheran Disaster Response. The project aims to assist 600 households in rebuilding their homes that were destroyed during the conflict. Theodore told his uncle about the project and decided to move back to Bohong to build a house for his family. He formed a group with four people and together they made bricks for the home. The tools and water pumps used to make the bricks were provided by the rebuilding assistance project. The project offered Theodore the opportunity to build a house large enough for his family of nine. “Soon my new house will be finished and my family can return home and my younger siblings and cousins can focus on finishing school,” says Theodore.

Rebuilding homes in the Central

African Republic

Welcome Intern from GermanyChrist the King Lutheran Church wel-comes Vicar Iris Schneider-Ungar to serve for one year. Vicar Schneider-Ungar has been sent to us by the Protestant Church of Hessen-Nassau whose territory is around Frankfurt-am-Main. Vikar Schneider-Ungar was born in Bad Schwalbach west

of Frankfurt. She completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Mainz and her master's degree from the University of Heidelberg. She is completing her first internship in Bad Ems. Her year in Houston is a Special Internship designed to give added international experi-ence. She will arrive in early December. Welcome, Vicar Schneider-Ungar.

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ELCA World Hunger Appeal

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

ELCA World Hunger AppealThe December Mission Offering is designated for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America World Hunger Appeal. The ELCA’s commitment to supporting people who live with chronic hunger, disease, and poverty around the corner and around the world is carried out by ELCA World Hunger through relief, development, education, and advocacy. Last year, we contributed $15,578 to the World Hunger Appeal and, historically, our congregation has regarded the World Hunger Appeal as one of our distinctive global mission priorities.

All money raised by the World Hunger Appeal comes through specially des-ignated offerings and donations from ELCA members, congregations, and friends. ELCA World Hunger receives no benevolence (general budget money from general ELCA member offerings); the ELCA’s world hunger ministry is based in congregations, where most of the fundraising takes place.

ELCA World Hunger improves the lives of people in need in the United States and around the world in four distinct ways:

• providing immediate relief for people affected by chronic hunger and poverty;

• assisting whole communities through long-term, sustainable development to help alleviate chronic hunger and poverty;

• advocating for justice by changing laws and systems;• educating members of the ELCA in awareness of

issues relating to hunger, poverty, and justice.

How does ELCA World Hunger carry out these functions?

ELCA World Hunger supports “partner organizations” that carry out international relief and development on the ELCA’s behalf with grants from money raised by the World Hunger Appeal. Also through grants, the program helps fund more than 200 relief and development projects in the United States. Funds raised by the World Hunger Appeal also support efforts of ELCA units and other outside partners as they: • Teach members of the ELCA about causes and solutions to

global poverty.• Carry out active projects in environmental stewardship.• Carry out hunger advocacy work in the ELCA office in Washing-

ton, D.C., and in 20 state offices as well as Bread for the World. • Examine our lifestyles through resources from Alternatives

for Simple Living.Who decides how the money is spent? While most of the funds the World Hunger Appeal collects are raised in congregations, the funds are collected at the ELCA churchwide office in Chicago. There, the work of raising and spending of funds is coordinated and sup-ported by various units of the churchwide office, including: • Development Services (World Hunger Appeal fund-raising,

hunger education, communication)• Global Mission (international relief and development, Inter-

national Disaster Response)• Church in Society

(World Hunger Program overall coordination, hunger education, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response)

• ELCA Foundation (fund-raising through major and planned gifts)

For more information on the World Hunger Appeal, visit the ELCA website at www.elca.org/hunger.

Every weekday, 120 elementary school children gather at the Help the Children Association School. While each child has a different backstory, they each share a common denominator: They all come from areas of extreme poverty around and in the ancient Incan capi-tal city of Cusco, Peru. The school, commonly known as “Huch´uy Runa,” opened more than 30 years ago to attend to the most basic needs of homeless children in Cusco. In Quechua, “Runa” means a whole, integral, important well-rounded person who contributes to the well-being of the community. “Huch´uy” means little, therefore “Huch´uy Runa” means little important person. The children carry the huch´uy runa identity with pride despite the socio-economic and family cir-cumstances against them. Not only is Huch´uy Runa a primary school, it also serves as a trade skill school for the children. For many of them, attending school past the sixth grade is not guaranteed because they may have to go to work to support their family. Huch´uy Runa has several apprentice-style workshops where all the children learn a trade skill, whether it is in carpen-try, metalwork, pottery, bakery, knitting-weaving, or art, in order to support themselves and their families and attempt to rise out of economic poverty. One of the teachers said of the school, “[It] is like a family trying to equip the children to be able to survive and succeed in life, hoping to build a solid base on which they can stand.”

Huch´uy Runa

in Peru

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Sunday ForumSundays at 9:45 a.m.

in the basement classroomMembers are invited

to suggest speakers or topics. Contact Pr. Karin at karinliebster@ctkelc.org

Sunday Forum in December“Who Do People Say That I Am?” – Jesus of Nazarethpresented by Dr. David CapesFor many people their Jesus turns out to be a smorgasbord of many of their favorite things: a little Bible, a little tradition, a little hymnody, a little Hollywood, and a little Americana. In this study we are going to strip away a few of the unhealthy layers and ask a fundamental question that is at the heart of the gospel: “Who do you say that I am?” In the end what we will (re)dis-cover is this: Jesus was a deeply polarizing figure in his day. People either loved him and wanted to fall at his feet or they hated him and would stop at nothing to silence him.

December 6: Who does Mark say that I am?December 13: Who does Matthew say that I am? December 20: Who do Muslims say that I am? December 27: Fellowship in the Courtyard

Dr. David Capes is the Academic Dean & Professor of New Testament at Houston Graduate School of Theology in Houston. He recieved his Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary. He has been an award-winning Professor of New Testament at Houston Baptist University for 25 years (including their Master of Theological Studies program) and served as Chair of the Christianity Department for six years and as the founding Interim Dean of the Honors College. Dr. Capes has authored, co-authored, or co-edited many books, and has written numerous articles, book chapters, and reviews for scholarly and popular audiences. He was the lead biblical scholar for The Voice Bible translation published by Thomas Nelson in 2012. David is active in several professional groups and known in the community for a twelve-year stint as co-host of the local radio show called “A Show of Faith.”

Dr. Capes is an advocate for stronger relationships among people of different faith traditions and is passionate about church vitality and theologi-cal education. He serves as an elder of Ecclesia Church in Houston.

Construction Corner Wow...all of a sudden we can really see progress in the nave. Steel beams are going up all over...come and look for yourself on December

6th after the Annual Meeting.

"Thyme Will Tell - The Aventures of an Old-School European Highwayman" December 19, 4:00 p.m.“Thyme Will Tell - The Aventures of an Old-School European Highway-man” is the title of the next book of Christ the King Church member Marec Béla Steffens. And guess where Robber Thyme will have his adventures? You bet. Here in Houston! Join Marec for an afternoon of delightful storytelling on December 19 at 4:00 p.m. in the second floor council room. You will get a glass of wine, provided that Marec can keep his stock safe from Robber Thyme. A $15 donation to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal is requested.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation Part 1December 6, 12:15 p.m., parish hallPart 1 of the Annual Meeting of the congregation will take place on Sunday, December 6, immediately following the 10:50 a.m. service. During this phase of construction the meeting will take place in the parish hall and no meal will be served. The meeting is usually brief with the election of three council members for the term 2016-2018. A brief update on the capital campaign and information on the draft budget proposal for 2016 will also be made available. There will be a tour of the new south end of the Nave immediately following the December 6 congregational meeting. Come see the change in the shape of support beams!Christmas Pageant on December 20The children will perform the "Quempas Carol", based on an an-cient German carol "He Who Shepherds Once Came Praising" on December 20 at 10:00 in the parish hall. All children are invited to participate: there will be the usual cast of Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus, small angels and sheep, medium-sized shepherds, and big magi. Rehearsals are in the chorus room in the basement. On Wednesdays in Advent choristers will rehearse at 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. with pizza served at 5:30 p.m. and they do welcome new singers. On Sundays there will be Godly Play at 9:45 a.m. with a short rehearsal, and on December 13 children can try on costumes and walk through a dress rehearsal.Waffle Café on December 20All are invited to enjoy waffles made by the Luther League youth before and after the Christmas Pageant. Proceeds will support the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.

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November 29/December 1:

Andreas Fullaondo-Boker

Torsten LouisGrace SahuallaKathybelle BarlowPeter BoecherLisa KruegerNancy LetnessNicholas LloydJohnny LongoriaKristina NishimuraLori StalheberWendy WentlandJan PetnerFranz LiebsterEllen LawrenceTaylor Worthey

December 6:Janning Hoenen Ron BrownleeCharles HooksSusanna SchusterMichael VollmersYanis EberhartYonas EberhartAeron HoogerwerfRaven WichelhausJack ZageDonald ChandlerPeter Winston

December 13:Ryan MorrisRick EricksonMarthe MundenCarol

SchlachtenhaufenJennifer DyerArash NoamouzAva Merie NoamouzEric ZageDaniel ZornDorothy Chesley

Celebrate your Baptismal Anniversary!

“Remember and rejoice, Renewed by floods of grace.

We bear the sign of Jesus Christ, That time cannot erase.” (ELW 454)

December 20:Bill MarksAnderson McCurdyKiersten ThompsonMatthew BolesTrey BourneRobert HooverRichard StuffEldon ThomasBill MintzHenry ThweattGaelyn LesherMary Ella OrsburnChristina Azure-

KellerStephanie

HoogerwerfSarah ThweattAlexandra UriKatie FeuilleEvren GenerNiell GormanOliver MiertschinAlexander SkorackiMarlee ThompsonAnna Fay WilliamsLouis MonroeOliver MiertschinMarlee ThompsonPeter Nikonowicz

December 27:David JurgensPenny LinsenmayerWill MallonCraig SmithCharles TurnerAndreas BeckShanna ThorvilsonLucky SahuallaMeredith MurphyEric OlafsonRachel WendtKristin West

Christ the King Foundation Grant RequestsThe Christ the King Foundation is now accepting grant requests. Individuals or groups may request grants to further special projects and needs of the congregation or its mission to the community. The Foundation makes grants based on the income from its investments. Application forms may be requested from the church office. Deadline is December 4, 2015.

Advent StarDuring Advent through Epiphany a star appears at Christ the King Lutheran Church. In the early nineteenth century special multi-pointed stars began to be used in the Moravian churches of Saxony. They are made from paper, perhaps originally as geometry projects. Soon the stars were very popular in the churches as reminders of the light of creation, of the prophecy that a star would arise out of Jacob, of the Star of Bethlehem, and of the bright and Morning Star, Jesus Christ. They also became popular in the Lutheran churches of Saxony and beyond. The star appears in Advent and remains until the Epiphany of Our Lord and sometimes even later.

Flowers for the NaveThe 2015 Altar Guild Flower Chart is on the mobile bulletin board. Flower ar-rangements for weekend services are $55. Please pay for the flowers when you sign up. Checks can be made out to Christ the King Lutheran Church with “Altar Flowers” in the memo line.

Morning Prayer Morning Prayer is said at Christ the King Church each day Monday through Friday at 8:15 a.m. in room 314 (visitor’s room) on the third floor for the 15-20 minute service. Everyone is welcome to participate as your schedule allows. We can especially use help on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please join us as we pray for the needs of body, mind, spirit, the Church and the world.

The Hanging of the GreenThis year our parish hall (temporary nave) will be decorated for Christmas Eve through Epiphany. The Altar Guild provides members with the opportunity to do-nate toward the purchase of greenery, garland, flowers and a new Crèche. Due to space constraints, we will purchase only a few poinsettias that will be taken to our home bound members. Contact the church office if you would like to contribute to this year’s “Hanging of the Green” and to designate your gift in memory of or in thanksgiving for someone. Suggested contribution per recognition is $10.00.

German Weihnachtsmesse December 24The German language Christmas Eve service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Join us to celebrate Christmas in the beautiful nave on 1311 Holman Street in midtown. Pastor Janning Hoenen from Neuendettelsau, Germany will be guest preacher. Rick Erickson and Chris Holman will play the new Pasi organ with mezzo soprano Sonja Bru-zauskas singing.

Parking: There is ample parking on the street (metered on weekdays) and on two Houston Community College lots. Accessible parking is reserved at the church.

Christ the King Church is grateful for the First Evangelical Lutheran Church’s hos-pitality for our biggest worship service of the year.

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Luther League Meetings: Sundays at 6 p.m.The Luther League is the name of the youth group at Christ the King Church and is open to all youth in 6th - 12th grade. During the month of December, we will be focusing on the themes of the Advent seasons. Meetings include fellowship, games, food, time to relax and Bible study discussions. We also need help with meals for December 6 and 13 meetings. Please contact Ben Remmert to sign up.

Luther League Christmas Party: December 20 at 4:30 p.m.All 6th – 12th grade youth and their parents are invited to help decorate the church Christmas tree at 4:30 p.m. before attending the Luther League Christmas party and gift exchange. All attend-ing should meet in the courtyard at 4:30 p.m. to decorate the tree. Afterwards, we will move to the youth room for a festive feast, fellowship, games, and a white elephant gift exchange. Please bring a gift under $10 (new or used) for the gift exchange. Gifts are typically something laying around the house that you don’t want and that is funny, tacky, or “Gag Gift.” The main entrée will be provided but side dishes and desserts are needed for our feast! Please contact Ben Remmert to volunteer or to sign up to bring a dish!

Waffle Baking Volunteers Needed:Youth and adult volunteers are needed for our Christmas Pageant Waffle Bake: December 20, 8:00 a.m. Volunteers will be making and selling waffles during the Christmas Pageant to support the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. No experience necessary.

December Dates: 2- Confirmation Class- 6 p.m.3- Ten Thousand Villages Fundraiser- 6 p.m.6- YouthWorks- 5 p.m.6- Luther League Meeting- 6 p.m.12- Deliver Seafarer Gifts- 10 a.m.13- YouthWorks- 5 p.m.13- Luther League Meeting- 6 p.m.20- Waffle Baking for Christmas Pageant- 8 a.m.20- Luther League Tree Decorating and Party- 4:30 p.m.27- No YouthWorks and Luther League Meetings

Germany Spring Break Trip Sign UpThere will be a trip to Germany during spring break March 11-120, 2016 for youth, families and members and friends of the congregation. We will be traveling all over Germany exploring and learning more about our Lutheran heritage. If you are interested in attending, we ask that you please RSVP and pay your $1,000 deposit as soon as possible. For more information, please contact Pastor Karin Liebster or Ben Remmert.

For information, contact Ben Remmert, AiM Director of Youth and Family Ministry, benremmert@ctkelc.org or 281-468-4686.

Mark your Calendars: Summer 2016Elementary Students: Camp Hope Day Camp Ministries,Faith Lutheran Church- July 11-15, July 18-22, & July 25-29, 2016Come and join us for three weeks of learning and fun as we teach 15 bible stories through art, music, crafts, snacks, and worship. This year’s theme is “Be a Hero,” where our students will learn their calling as disciples of Jesus Christ. Camp Hope is a 3-week Day Camp that is led by teenagers and mentored by adults. For all kids who complete Kindergarten – 5th Grade in May 2016. Cost is $130 per child/per week. The camp day is from 9:30 a.m.– 3:30 a.m.

Lutherhill Summer Camp, La Grange, TX- August 7-12, 2016Those who have completed 2nd-5th grade will spend a whole week at Lutherhill discovering all of the joys camp has to offer! Find new friends and fun times in God’s creation! Learn from cabin Bible studies and camp-wide worships. Enjoy afternoon activities and daily All Camp activities. Grow in community through camp songs and games. Spend an evening around the campfire making s’mores. Cost for those completed 1st grade is $235, those completed 2nd-6th grade is $390 per child. Register early for discounted price! Sign up on Lutherhill.org by March 31 to guarantee a spot.

Middle School Students:Lutherhill Confirmation Camp, La Grange, TX- July 10-15, 2016Those who have completed 6th-8th grade can experience a week at Lutherhill as a confirmation group! Our youth will grow closer as a community and develop your faith as you are challenged by new experiences. Our students will learn from cabin Bible studies and camp-wide worships, be chal-lenge yourself on the high ropes course, enjoy afternoon activities and daily All Camp activities, grow in community with fellow junior high students, and spend a night cooking over open fires and sleeping in the tree houses and hanging village. All confirmation students are expected to go one of their two years in confirmation. Cost is $415. Deposit of $150 due February 15, 2016.

Pub TheologyYoung Adults are invited on the second Sunday of the month to the Ginger Man pub, located at 5607 Morning-side Dr. On Sunday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. meet new friends, enjoy beer, and discuss faith, religion, worship, and anything in between concerning how to live faith. Pastor Fuerst will lead this session. For more information contact Brad Fuerst at pastor@lcmhouston.org.

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Prehypertension and Prediabetes“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”An article by Elizabeth Renter in US news Health (Aug. 9, 2015) offers insight into prevention as a health tool. Screening for disease has become more reliable and effective over the years. Assessing risk for cervical cancer became available in 1928 while screening for hypertension became possible in 1896 with the invention of the blood pressure cuff monitor. Using information obtained from research into genetic testing and individual health data, healthcare providers are able to identify individuals with increased potential for developing diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

A diagnosis of prehypertension or prediabetes give individuals a “heads up” and allows for the initiation of lifestyle changes that can perhaps prevent the actual dis-ease from developing and thus avoid initiation of medications. Researchers (Johns Hopkins, 2013) discovered that individuals diagnosed with prediabetes who then lost 10% of their body weight reduced their risk of Type 2 diabetes by 85%. Similar results lifestyle changes like weight loss, exercise and eating healthy reduce the risk of making the change from prehypertension to hypertension.

When receiving a diagnosis of prehypertension or prediabetes individuals can become proactive in their health promotion by asking the following questions:

How high is my risk?

Can lifestyle changes be a first step toward reversing my trajectory toward actual hypertension and/or diabetes?

If medications are offered ask, “What are the risks of the medications and would it be OK to try lifestyle changes first?”.

When the questions are asked and answered and a plan is agreed upon then the hard part begins. The lifestyle changes must become a reality. Find support from family and friends, reliable online health resources, an exercise or diet “buddy” or Linda Schoene your congregational nurse!

submitted by Linda Schoene, Congregational Nurse

Walk To Bethlehem NowIt’s not too late to join the walk. Calling all those who track their steps and everyone who would like to start tracking exercise. The goal is to combine our miles and make the trek to Bethlehem (7,489 miles) by Christmas. Start tracking your miles or use the formula 20 minutes of exercise = 1 mile. Periodically email your miles to me at lindaschoene@ctkelc.org or text to 713-416-9075. If you have a Fitness Tracker go to www.matchup.io and “Join a Chal-lenge”. The name of our challenge is “Virtual Walk to Bethlehem”. There appear to be slots for 50 people. BONUS MILES 5 miles for each day you exercise outside and 5 miles each day you use a reusable water bottle. Periodically share your miles with me as described above.

Zach Goodrow and Yonas Eberhart at the Jr. High retreat at Lutherhill in November.

High School Students: Peru Summer Trip- June 9-19, 2016Our high school youth and adults will be visiting churches in Trujillo, Peru and will be immersed into Peruvian culture. Come learn how we walk alongside our partner congregations and how we support the ministry of our Peruvian broth-ers and sisters! This cross-cultural and cross-generational spiritual experience will include intentional relationship building with the Peruvian Lutheran Church, visits to ancient Incan ruins and more. Please contact Ben Remmert or Beverly Davis at beverlydavis@ctkelc.org for more information.

Disciple Project- June 19-24, 2016This is an intentional, cross-generational leadership school for 8th graders through adults. The Disciple Project is a learning community where youth and adults can stretch their imaginations and increase their capacity as leaders. The Disciple Project offers a wide variety of learning tracks. Everyone who attends chooses any area of interest to focus on during the week. A sampling from past years include:• 21st Century Communication• Art• Camp Hope Day Camp Ministries• Follow to LEAD• Music & Worship• Photography on Purpose• Sports & FitnessPlease contact Ben Remmert for more information.

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Freewheels Houston, CTK Members Celebrate Bike Donations with Houston’s Newest ResidentsSkies cleared on November 21 as members of Christ the King Church and friends gathered with people who have recently resettled in Houston after fleeing from war and dire condi-tions in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Myan-mar, Nepal, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Festival Weekend picnic at Burnett Bayland Park in southwest Houston start-ed with distribution of 15 bicycles—from Freewheels Houston, a new ministry of Christ the King Church—to recently ar-rived refugees. Each recipient also received a helmet, lock and lights.

Reliable bicycles provide freedom of movement for refugees as they make their way in Houston to new jobs, English-language classes, shopping and other destinations.

“Refugee Services of Texas families loved meeting Christ the King and BikeHouston volunteers. Many could not believe that so many people would help them without benefit for themselves,” said Sara Kauffman, who heads the Refugee Services office in Houston. “Refugees endure immense suf-fering before arriving in the United States. It was such fun to see them smiling and laughing with new friends.”

“My favorite moment of the picnic was helping the new owners adjust their bikes,” said Alec Lawton, a BikeHouston volunteer who repaired some of the bikes and helped with fitting and orientation at the picnic. ”It was so cool to see how invested they were in getting their seats at the right height or mounting the locks; objects that were gathering dust in someone's garage a few weeks ago were suddenly worthy of attention and energy.”

“The kick-off was a great event in itself,” said CTK member Carolyn Jacobs. “Not only were the recipients thrilled to get bicycles, but the picnic gave families who have basically been cooped up for long stretches in their apartments an opportunity to get out, see some friendly faces, and meet some Americans and other refugees.

Language was no barrier between the children and Roly the Clown, a Cuban immigrant. “The activities for children were especially welcome,” Carolyn said. “One woman said that it

was the first time her children had smiled all week.”

“I loved seeing the excitement on the faces of the people who got the bikes, and on their children's faces also,” said CTK

member Donna Olson-Salas. “I liked the socializing aspect of the event and hope this will continue to be a great time for in-teraction between groups and cultures. I thought the bikes would be well-received, with the intent of using them for work, but it was so apparent that the kids were hoping to use them for recreation also!

I am looking forward to seeing the children getting some bicycles for their fun and socialization.”

Freewheels Houston is planning a follow-up drive to encour-age donation of children’s bikes. Please watch your email for details.

Pastor Karin Liebster said, “I had the opportunity to speak with Russel at length and met her husband Ali and sons Hakim and Yousef. They are from Iraq and had arrived from Jordan just seven days earlier.

“She was full of hope and aspirations and at the same time scared about all the many new things around her. They were overjoyed about the gift of the bicycle, meeting so many friendly people, and being able to play and be outdoors. I learned for myself how little I know about the situation of refugees and how they are accompanied throughout the next weeks and months,” Pastor Liebster said.

“Talking with Ahmed and Mohammed from Syria was a life-changing experience,” said Jessica Locheed. “Ahmed has been here less than three weeks and he already communicates the sense of shared humanity that I hope to cultivate in my own life. He was excited to use his bicycle to ride to his English classes. He told me that he is working on English now but when he learns it he will begin Spanish, the native language of his teacher.”

Freewheels Houston is supported by a grant from the South-west Houston Chapter of Thrivent Financial. Partners in the project include BikeHouston, Refugee Services of Texas, Rice Bikes, Houston Lutheran Campus Ministry, Bike Barn and TourDeHood.org.

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“God’s Work. Our Hands”

Three generations of volunteers

Freewheels Houston

Food Pantry at Christian Community Service Center

AniMeals on Wheels for Interfaith Ministries

Houston Food Bank

Festival Service Projects 2015

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Justice Advocacy Opportunity: Support and Protect Syrian RefugeesIn light of actions by U.S. governors and members of Congress against Syrian refuges following the tragic attacks in Paris, our faith calls us to welcome these vulnerable men, women, and children who seek safety and a future, even in the wake of fear. “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15. As people of faith, we cannot turn our backs on our Syrian brothers and sisters as they flee the same violence from which we seek to protect ourselves. The United States refugee resettlement program has a sophisti-cated and multi-layered approach to vetting any prospective refugee prior to entering our country. Indeed, refugees are the most highly screened population that enters the United States. The ELCA, together with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, asks that you contact your Governor and Members of Congress to urge them to protect and wel-come Syrian refugees (see www.lirs.org). As Christians, let us heed the words of scripture and strive to do good.

LIRS Response to Isis Attacks and Syrian Refugee ResettlementNovember 16, 2015 by Linda Hartke, President, LIRS

We are broken with grief at the senseless loss of life in Paris, as well as the deaths in Beirut, Egypt and across the Middle East – all at the hands of brutal terrorists. These actions of ISIS are the embodiment of evil, carried out by champions of death and cruelty. They are intended to cultivate fear and mistrust in our very midst.

We live in a world where there is so little time allowed for grief. Even as we mourn, and leaders of the world’s nations commit to bringing the perpetra-tors to justice, we cannot forget the new victims of ISIS, suffering under an onslaught of terror today, tomorrow and the day after.

Every day, average Syrian people, including Christians persecuted for their faith, are being tortured and murdered, bombed and traumatized. An open field, a perilous journey, separation from family, a rickety boat, a refugee camp – are their only hope for safety. And for the most vulnerable, a relatively small number, who have no chance of ever being able to go home in safety – starting life anew in a strange land is the only possibility other than death.

The protection that the United States offers to a very small percentage of the world’s refugees must not be foreclosed for Syrians who themselves are fleeing the terror of ISIS. The US refugee program has, since 9/11, built up rigorous and multilayered security screenings to ensure that those we admit as refugees do not mean us harm. To close the door on resettling Syrian refugees would be nothing less than signing a death warrant for tens of thousands of families fleeing for their very lives.

As Christians, as Americans, and as global citizens – we must choose to stand for hope and life. We must not bow to the fear that ISIS spreads, to the seeds of doubt they cast over the land, or to the test they present to our most cherished values.

We are a nation and people that stand up to those who slaughter innocents. We stand with the most vulnerable who seek safety and a future. And we stand for welcome.

Silent Nights: Grief, Stress, and Coping During the Holidays• Are you looking forward to the holidays? • Do you feel anxiety or sadness as the season approaches?• Is it difficult to share these feelings?Come to the Institute for Spirituality and Health for an evening of sharing and support on Tuesday, December 8, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Psychologist Jerry Ruhl, chaplain Virgil Fry, and Richard Turpin will share their grief experiences and offer ways they have helped others and themselves work through grief during this sentimental time of year.

For more information and to register, visit www.ish-tmc.org.

Commemorating the Virgin of GuadalupeJoin us in celebration commemorating the Virgin de Guadalupe:

Saturday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church at 1602 W 43rd St. Houston, TX 77018. Reception to follow.

Sunday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Principe de Paz Lutheran Church at 1063 Edgebrook Dr, Houston, TX 77034. Reception to follow. Bishop Michael Rinehart presiding.

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United Nations Climate Change Conference, Paris, November 30 to December 11World leaders will gather in Paris during November 30 to December 11 to negotiate a new global agreement to address climate change at the annual meeting of the United Nations Conference of the Parties. The national leaders meeting in Paris will bear not only the hopes and needs of their own people, but also those of the entire creation, suffering from the growing impacts of climate change. Representatives from businesses, environmental groups, relief and develop-ment organizations and labor unions will also be in Paris to support the negotiations in various ways. But there will also be hundreds of people of faith attending the meeting who will work and pray for an outcome that protects God’s creation from future harm and helps our global neighbors, particularly those made vulnerable by poverty, to manage the

very real impacts of climate change that are already profoundly affect-ing their homes and livelihoods. In his recent encycli-cal on caring for creation, Pope Francis called on all of humanity to concern ourselves with the fate of our common home and to “coop-erate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” People of many faiths are embracing this com-mon responsibility and calling on our leaders to negotiate an ambitious agreement in Paris that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, encourages development of low carbon technolo-gies, and assists populations most vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate.

Serve Breakfast at SEARCHChrist the King Church members and friends volun-teer on the third Wednesday of this month to serve breakfast for clients of SEARCH Homeless Services. December’s outing will be on Wednesday, December 16, 7:30 - 11:00 a.m. Contact Beverly Davis at 713-400-0517 or beverlydavis@ctkelc.org.

Feed the HomelessJoin us on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of each month at Christ the King Church to make sandwiches and prepare meals, and then deliver them to downtown homeless individuals. Members and friends of all ages are invited to join in this ministry hosted by the young adults of Christ the King Church. Volunteers are welcome to help out with meal preparation, downtown delivery, or both! We will meet on December 14, at 5:45 p.m. We will not meet on December 28. Contact Anne Morrow at 281-635-2896 or annemorrow76@gmail.com.

Montrose Grace PlaceMontrose Grace Place offers vulnerable youth ages 13-21 a hot meal and a safe, welcoming shelter from the street every Thursday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. Of course, we can always use more volunteers to cook, set up, and serve the meals. Volunteers are also welcome to help with our bimonthly meals. Christ the King Church night is the 2nd Thursday of the even months! The next date is Thursday, December 10, and servers are needed between 5:15 and 7:45 to set the tables, dish up the food, and load the dishwashers. Contact rshields63@gmail.com.

SEARCHing for a New Ministry Opportunity?Join Christ the King Church friends for Christmas Cards and Cof-fee on December 11 at 10:00 a.m., at New Hope’s 4415 Perry property in the lower Third Ward (not too far from Texas Southern University).

Our congregation will host this event at one of the housing projects for homeless individuals sponsored by SEARCH Homeless Services. You may not know, but SEARCH has been an integral factor in the success of Harris County’s Coalition for Homeless in greatly reduc-ing the numbers of homeless in the greater Houston area.

For many years, a core group of congregation members served breakfast and prepared lunch once a month at the SEARCH facil-ity on Fannin Avenue along with members of congregation B’rith Shalom. Wednesday, December 16, will be the last opportunity for Christ the King members to serve breakfast with Billy, Cynthia and Donald, the SEARCH kitchen staff.

Now, as the main focus of SEARCH shifts to housing and providing case management support at their facilities, we have chosen to explore a Coffeehouse themed event once per month, beginning December 11. In December our SEARCH clients will be invited to come together to write and address Christmas cards to their friends and family members over a cup of coffee and snacks.

Experts have noted that while most of the formerly homeless are enjoying their new efficiency apartments, many miss the experi-ence of community as they shared it on the streets. We hope to offset this sense of loneliness by establishing a monthly coffee and card writing social event at the Perry 3rd Ward location. We believe it will provide an opportunity for the residents - and for those of us committed to SEARCH - to explore our larger community.

We already possess all the Christmas cards, coffee and snacks. We just need your presence as hosts for this event. (And maybe a few of those calendars you receive in the mail this time of year. Clients love them.) Contact Beverly Davis at 713-400-0517 or beverlydavis@ctkelc.org.

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Year End Giving: Demonstrate your Thankfulness this SeasonEach holiday season, Christ the King Church anticipates and relies on a seasonal increase in contributions. It is through the donations of every individual and family in the congregation that we are able to carry on our work now and throughout the year.

If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions.

To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at ctkelc.org and locate the Online Giving button. Or if it's easier, complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church office. Thank you for your generosity and support!

Philipp Winston held a bake sale for his Eagle Scout Project on November 15 to purchase 6 to 8 car seats for the Bay Area Turning Point. The Bay Area Turning Point provides recovery services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Say "Ho Ho Ho" to Holiday CleaningDo you enjoy having special holiday events, but hate the cleaning that goes along with them? CCSC has a solution -hire a "Martha's Way" graduate! There is no task too big or small. Graduates are ready to work on one-time projects, standard weekly or bi-weekly cleanings, and other special tasks. They are also trained in polishing silver, brass, and other fine metals.

Martha's Way Residential Housekeeping Training Program prepares workers to run independent housekeeping businesses. When you hire a Martha's Way gradu-ate, you receive an outstanding service AND you make a difference in the life of a budding entrepreneur. For more information please contact Ana Tappan at 713-961-3993, extension 210 or visit www.ccschouston .com/vocational_training.

Christ the King Festival Party and Auction on November 20

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Alternative Gift Giving OpportunitiesContribute to our December Mission Offering which benefits the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA) World Hunger Appeal and pick up “gift of hope” cards in the narthex to give to your loved ones for Christmas.

Lutheran World Relief – www.lwr.orgLWR is rated at the TOP of relief organizations! Affirming God’s love for all people, LWR works with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice and human suffering.

ELCA Good Gifts – www.elca.org (search Good Gifts)ELCA Good Gifts to combat hunger which include agriculture, women and children, training and education, health care, hunger at home, water, God’s Global Barnyard, and Stand With Africa, all representing the integrated and sustainable efforts funded by the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. These gifts make a life-saving and life-changing difference around the world and close to home. You may also pick up an ELCA Good Gifts catalog in the narthex.

Heifer International – www.heifer.orgHeifer uses donations to provide livestock and training to underprivileged people around the world. Each family that receives an animal agrees to give one of the their animal’s offspring to another family, passing on the gift.

Church World Service – www.cwsglobal.orgYour generous support can provide emergency supplies for those recovering from disaster, protection for those who have been displaced or resources to help hungry families. Find a meaningful gift while changing the lives of people around the world. Go to the website and type in Best Gift Catalog in the search box. Your purchase from the Best Gift Catalog is a great way to honor a special person in your life while tackling hunger, poverty and injustice.

Christian Community Service Center – www.ccschouston.org Contribute to Christian Community Service Center at www.ccschouston.org. Click the green “I Want to Donate” button and follow the link to the secure pay-ment page. Select a donation amount. Complete the form and select “In Honor of” from the Tribute Type drop down menu. Enter your recipient’s name then select “Yes Please Send Acknowledgment to” from the Tribute Notification drop down menu. Complete your recipient’s mailing information and leave the following comment, “Christmas Card”, in the text box. Once they have received your gift(s), they will send a Christmas card to the recipient(s) you designate. Christ the King Church is a member partner of CCSC in serving the poor, hungry, disabled, and otherwise needy in our commu-nity. CCSC was created out of faith, and founded in the belief that we are called to help all God’s children heart to heart and hand in hand. CCSC outreach programs include: Emergency Services, JobNet, Martha’s Way, Jingle Bell Express, Back To School, Vision Care Program and the Sunshine Resale Shop.

Giving Gifts

Do you really want another “thing” for Christmas?

Is there someone you want to remember with a gift, but

they’re hard to shop for?

What do you give the person who already has everything?

Is gift giving at Christmas losing its sense of meaning?

Want to try something different this year?Al

tern

ative

Gift of Hope CardsA Gift of Hope

GIFT of HOPE cards are available throughout this Advent season in the foryer. Make a contribution to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal sup-ported by Christ the King Lutheran Church and you may use the GIFT of HOPE card to present to your loved one as a gift in his/her honor.

December 2015Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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8:15 am Morning Prayer6:00 pm Executive Committee

8:15 am Morning Prayer4:30 pm Writing Life Stories5:30 pm Wednesday Night Alive!5:45 pm Classes begin 6:00 pm Confirmation class6:00 pm A World of Health6:15 pm Brass Choir6:15 pm Dignity of Difference7:05 pm Evening Prayer7:30 pm Choir and Chorus

8:15 am Morning Prayer10:00 am Piecemakers

8:15 am Morning Prayer9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministryAdvent retreat at Lutherhill

Advent retreat at Lutherhill1:00 pm Yoga5:15 pm Taizé rehearsal6:00 pm Taizé Worship and

Prayer Around the Cross

8:30 am Worship9:45 am Pageant rehearsal9:45 am Sunday Forum10:50 am Worship12:15 pm Annual Meeting, Part 1 Nave tour following meeting5:00 pm Lessons and Carols6:00 pm Fellowship

Church Office Closed8:15 am Morning Prayer

8:15 am Morning Prayer7:15 pm Congregation Council7:30 pm Bach Choir

8:15 am Morning Prayer No Wednesday Night

Alive! WNA will resume on January 13

5:30 pm Pizza6:00 pm Pageant Rehearsal6:15 pm Brass Choir7:30 pm Choir and Chorus

8:15 am Morning Prayer10:00 am Piecemakers6:00 pm Dinner at Montrose

Grace Place

8:15 am Morning Prayer9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministry10:00 am Friday Morning Bible

Study10:00 am Christmas Cards and

Coffee at Perry St. New Hope Housing

1:00 pm Yoga5:15 pm Taizé rehearsal6:00 pm Taizé Worship and Healing Blessing

8:30 am Worship9:45 am Sunday Church School9:45 am Sunday Forum10:50 am Worship5:00 pm YouthWorks6:00 pm Luther League6:00 pm Bach Vespers at First

Evangelical Lutheran Church

7:30 pm Pub Theology

Church Office Closed8:15 am Morning Prayer5:45 pm Feed the Homeless

8:15 am Morning Prayer7:30 pm Bach Choir

7:30 am Breakfast at SEARCH8:15 am Morning Prayer5:30 pm Pizza6:00 pm Pageant Rehearsal No Wednesday Night

Alive!6:15 pm Brass Choir7:30 pm Choir and Chorus

8:15 am Morning Prayer10:00 am Piecemakers

8:15 am Morning Prayer9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministry10:00 am Friday Morning Bible

Study

1:00 pm Yoga5:15 pm Taizé rehearsal6:00 pm Taizé Worship

8:30 am Worship9:45 am Sunday Church School9:45 am Sunday Forum9:45 am Children’s Pageant10:50 am Worship Altar Guild 5:00 pm YouthWorks6:00 pm Luther League

Church Office Closed8:15 am Morning Prayer

8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer No Wednesday Night

Alive!

Church Office Closed4:00 pm Weihnachtsmesse at

First Evangelical Lutheran Church6:00 p.m. Holy Communion with

Carols and Candlelight8:00 p.m. Holy Communion with

Carols and Candlelight10:00 p.m. Holy Communion with

Carols and Candlelight

Church Office Closed11:00 am Carols and Communion

No Taizé Worship

8:30 am Worship9:45 am Sunday Church School9:45 am Fellowship in the courtyard 10:50 am Worship

Church Office Closed8:15 am Morning Prayer No Feed the Homeless

8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer No Wednesday Night

Alive!

8:15 am Morning PrayerLesser Festivals and Commemorations3 Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, 1552 4 John of Damascus, theologian and hymnwriter, c. 749 6 Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 342 7 Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, 397 13 Lucy, martyr, 304 14 John of the Cross, renewer of the church, 1591 20 Katharina von Bora Luther, renewer of the church, 155226 STEPHEN, DEACON AND MARTYR 27 JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST 28 THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS

Christmas Eve, December 24 4:00 p.m. Weihnachtsmesse - German-language service at First Evangelical Lutheran Church 1311 Holman St. 6:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols and Candlelight 8:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols and Candlelight 10:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols and Candlelight

Christmas Day, December 25 11:00 a.m. Carols and Communion