THE KING’S BANNER Christ the King Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas 2353 Rice Blvd, Houston TX 77005 Volume 70, Number 1, 713-523-2864 ctkelc.org January 2015

Blessing of Homes at Epiphany The festival of the Epiphany offers an occasion to bless our homes where God dwells with us in our daily living. A printed rite of blessing and chalk will be supplied to all who wish to bless their home and inscribe their entrance door with 20+CBM+15. When the magi saw the shining star stop overhead, they were filled with joy. “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother.” (Matthew 2:10-11) Festival of the Epiphany, Tuesday, January 6 Join us on Tuesday, January 6 at 6:00 p.m. to celebrate the festival of the Epiphany of Our Lord and the culmination of the season of Christmas. Worship will begin in the narthex with the blessing of the nave and inscription above the door. After the blessing, we process to the nave and celebrate Holy Communion. Following the service will be a time of fellowship with king’s cake.

First Saturdays Sunday Café January 4 New to Church? Play Date at Church Chef Nathan Winston will prepare Whether you are new to the church January 3, 4:00-6:00 p.m. delicious Sunday Café meals after the in general or this church, we invite Play Date at Church is a time for all 10:50 a.m. worship service on Janu- you to join us for lunch on the first families with babies and young chil- ary 4 and 18, February 1 and 15, and and third Sundays at 12:15 p.m. in the dren to meet at Christ the King Church March 1 and 15. College and medical council room on the second floor. Get to play, visit and chat. Simply come students eat free as our guests, the cost a plate at the serving window on the on the first Saturday of each month for all others is $10. Come join us for a first floor in the ministry building and to explore the new playground or in wonderful meal and great fellowship. come upstairs. The pastors and other leaders of Christ the King Church will bad weather find a sheltering place in- Wednesday Night Alive! side. Friends are welcome. The dates be there for conversation and inquiry. Resumes January 14 We would like to get to know you for winter and spring are January 3, Eating, learning, singing, playing instru- February 7, March 7, April 11, May 2. and hear the questions you might be ments, studying, praying, writing life exploring, like “What do I seek” or stories, and so “How can I relate my journey of faith much more. to this congregation?” All interested See page 11. are guests of the congregation. Valentine Dinner: A Night at the Oscars February 7, 6:00 p.m. Friends and members of Christ the King Church are invited New Year’s Day | 6:00 pm New Year’s Day | 6:00 pm to a fabulous evening of music, fun, and a four course meal OrganOrgan & Voice & Voice inspired by our own chef Nathan Winston on February 7! Matthias Maierhofer, organist Matthias Maierhofer,organist The parish hall will be transformed into an elegant atmo- January 18 | 6:00 pm sphere where you will meet famous movie stars (dressed Calmus up by our own youth). Seating is available for individuals, Guest choral ensemble from Leipzig pairs, and small and large groups. Tickets are $40 or $70 Events are held at Christ the King Lutheran Church | 2353 Rice Boulevard (at Greenbriar) for two. Free childcare is available. Email Ben Remmert Admission is free. A free-will offering will be accepted. at [email protected] to RSVP. Proceeds will benefit See full information at www.bachsocietyhouston.org or call 713-400-0514. the youth group at Christ the King Church. Bach Society Houston is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. Christ the King Lutheran Church 1 Ashes to ashes, dust to dust: A Columbarium for Christ the King Church

During the long-range planning conducted in 2012 at Christ that death is part of life. That we come from the earth, we the King Church many members asked whether a colum- bear the earth in our bodies, and we return to the earth. barium could be added to the church as a final resting place The work of the church is ultimately about the meaning of life in the setting of a paradise garden. A columbarium is a burial bounded by birth and death and embraced by the presence place for cremated remains inside niches in a wall. Columba of God. This is the message of the death and resurrection of means dove, and columbarium originally refers to the housing Jesus Christ. Our lives are in God’s hands. Life is filled with compartments for doves and pigeons also called dovecote. danger. We are trapped in our own worlds. God loves us The congregation approved at our Part I Annual Meeting on and in Christ not only models the divine life, but infuses the December 8 the building of a paradise garden and colum- divine life in us through the same Spirit that drove Christ into barium to be included in the 2015 Capital Campaign Appeal. conflict with every force within us and around us opposed to My first assignment as a pastor in the Lutheran Church was to God’s justice, mercy, and love. Christian burial represents a provide pulpit supply at the Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church in the complete trust in the providence of God no matter whether Berlin community on the west side of Brenham. Eben-Ezer is we are buried at sea, in the ground, or cremated. the “mother” congregation for the churches in the Brenham Now that cremation has found widespread acceptance area. The small, beautiful building is still in the countryside among Christians, we have a new opportunity to renew the with only the parsonage next door. That is why the church ancient practice of returning our sacred remains to holy yard is still there with graves of persons born as early as the ground. We can put ashes at the church either spreading 1790’s. When I presided at a funeral, it was an unusual, if them in the paradise garden or placing an urn in a niche in not beautiful experience to leave the funeral service and the wall of the garden. The city does not regulate the place- process out of the nave directly into the church yard, literally ment of ashes. The memorial to the deceased is inscribed a paradise of oak trees and Spanish moss with grass grow- on a stone plaque visible in the garden. ing all around. There the family would bury their loved one. The paradise garden will be easy to access and provide a wel- The experience was unusual because in the 20th Century come space for all for meditation, prayer, and remembrance. there are few places where church and the cemetery are on In the life of the church we as “communion of saints” will the same land. As we have become increasingly urban, we worship and carry out our calling in God’s world in the pres- find the church and cemetery separated from one another. ence of the “cloud of witnesses” in the faith whose memory Cemeteries were moved to the outskirts of town and to the we cherish. In the life of the church we as communion of frontage roads of freeways. More significantly they were saints will worship and carry out our calling in God’s world placed under the control of the funeral industry. Cemeteries in the presence of the cloud of witnesses whose memory became “landfills” full of concrete, metal, and wood mostly we cherish. underground and designed to prevent the acknowledgment Robert G. Moore, Senior Pastor

2 The King’s Banner Serve Breakfast at SEARCH Third Wednesdays of Each Month Wednesday, January 21, 7:30-11:00 a.m. Collected at the church doors Contact Beverly Davis: at the end of worship. [email protected] or 713-400-0517 Engage Stabilize Employ Educate House SEARCH’s Mobile Out- Because of the chal- Putting people back House of Tiny SEARCH works to help reach Program travels lenges that have con- to work is a signature Treasures (HTT) individuals and fami- throughout Houston tributed to home- goal of SEARCH in This nationally accred- lies who have been to common gather- lessness, the lives helping individuals ited early childhood placed in housing to ing areas for individu- of these individuals who are homeless be- education program continue their stabil- als who are homeless and families are in come independent. provides developmen- ity and on-going work and provides on-the- chaos.Their lack of a tally-appropriate early to rebuild their lives. SEARCH offers job spot assessment, as- steady income and childhood education readiness, skills train- SEARCH currently sistance, intervention security of a home for toddler and pre- ing, employment supports 71 units of and referrals. Armed intensify whatever school age children placement assistance housing for disabled with food, water, cloth- social, physical, and while their parents at- and case manage- families and indi- ing, and blankets, they psychological chal- tend classes and begin ment to more than viduals throughout offer an important life- lenges they face. working. 500 individuals each Houston and Har- line to people who year. To effectively break ris County. SEARCH care and needed help. the cycle of home- provides furnishings, SEARCH’s Resource lessness, we must rent, utilities, and the Center is a day shelter start with the chil- necessary security offering medical/den- dren. deposits to rebuild a tal and Employment home. Services.

Christ the King members and friends with SEARCH staff on December 17. She has a loving mother. A charismatic personaly. And a talent for storytelling. Our Volunteers at SEARCH in December: Pictured Mary attends SEARCH's on top are Carol and Ed Schlachtenhaufen and House of Tiny Treasures school while her mother Wambui Wa-Ngatho. Below are Maria Campos, attends college. They will both be prepared for a Peggy Simon, and Wambui Wa-Ngatho. brighter future with your help. BECAUSE KIDS LIKE MARY ARE NOT NAMELESS. They are homeless. SEARCH's House of Tiny Treasures • Provides top quality early childhood education for homeless children while parents attend classes or go to work. • Addresses the children's special needs with appropriate professional therapies. • Ensures their daily transportation, nourishment, and preparation for success in school.

Christ the King Lutheran Church 3 Pastor Ashley Hall to Preach January 11 The Rev. Dr. Ashley Hall will be guest preacher at both ser- Sunday Forum vices on Sunday, January 11, Sundays at 9:45 a.m. Baptism of Our Lord. Dr. Hall is in the basement classroom now Assistant Professor of His- Members are invited torical Theology and Chaplain to suggest speakers or topics. with Lutheran Campus Ministry Contact Pr. Karin at [email protected] at Creighton University in Oma- ha, Nebraska. He also serves as January 4: Associate Pastor for Adult Faith Drafting Your Life Story Formation at Kountze Memo- Dr. Bradley Hanson will lead a session on how to draft and rial Lutheran Church in Omaha. write one’s own life story. He uses open ended questions Prof. Hall is a delegate in Round of the “life story interview” created by Northwestern XII of the official dialogue be- University psychologist Dan McAdams. Brad Hanson tween the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the used this in most of the interviews quoted in his new Spirituality and Your Life Story. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The topic for Round XII book More information is "Teaching Authority in the Church." on Prof. Hanson’s book on page 11. Ashley joined Christ the King Lutheran Church in the mid January 11 and 18: 1990’s while doing his undergraduate degree at the Univer- Font and Table: Who is Welcome? sity of St. Thomas. After college he worked for three years at Presented by Mark Mummert. Who is welcome to re- Christ the King Lutheran Church in Houston, where he was ceive holy communion in ELCA churches? This forum will the communications director and assistant director of The engage us in a church-wide conversation about hospital- Melanchthon Institute, a center for theological education. ity and welcome to the means of grace. We will study He received his Master of Arts in theology and his Ph.D. in the church’s commended statement on sacramental historical theology from Fordham University in Bronx, N.Y., practices, The Use of the Means of Grace, and consider where he met his wife, Anne Ozar, who is assistant professor theological and practical matters of welcome and access. of philosophy at Creighton University. Mark Mummert leads the conversation. Ashley’s dissertation was published under the title, Philipp January 25, February 1 and 8: Melanchthon and the Cappadocians: a Reception of Greek Hans Hillerbrand, A Luther Anniversay – Who Cares? Patristic Sources in the Sixteenth Century as a part of the Perspectives from Germany and the ELCA series Refo500 Academic Studies (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck Visiting scholar Dr. Hans Hillerbrand and Ruprecht). We welcome Ashley back to his home con- will return to Houston to present gregation. lectures on the History of the Refor- mation for the Melanchthon Insti- tute. His three week Sunday Forum Ultimate Opera Quiz January 10 series will take place January 25, For our opera afficionados and “wannabe” opera buffs, February 1 and February 8. Dr. Hill- join Marec Bela Steffens and friends for a fun evening erbrand is professor emeritus of the playing the Ultimate Opera Quiz on Saturday, January 10, Religion Department of Duke Uni- 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the parish hall. HUMBUG stands for the versity and has widely published on the history of the Houston United Musicians’ Brotherhood, Unlimited Guild. 16th century Reformation. They need advice. Fewer and fewer people attend their marketing director, we will have Houston’s opera guru, opera performances. So their marketing director has hired Ann Thompson! a consultant to tell HUMBUG what to do. The consultant’s analysis identifies target audiences, potential sponsors, Participants will form competing teams. We will take care and cost cutting measures. To implement the consultant’s that opera pundits and acolytes will be distributed across recipes, the marketing director will need YOU – and that’s the teams so that competition will not be lopsided. where the opera quiz starts. For example: which opera has The team with the highest number of right answers will a lot of carnage so that the undertakers might sponsor the win a bottle of wine per head – in fact, even more bottles production? if they relate the wine to the right opera! If they can’t, the Our member Marec Béla Steffens, former opera critic with next team can try, until all prizes are gone. Budapester Zeitung and Warsaw Insider, has written this Please RSVP to [email protected]. Your $15 dona- hilarious opera quiz. He will act as the consultant. As the tion for this event will benefit SEARCH Homeless Services, our January mission offering. 4 The King’s Banner The Milestone of Language January 11 Walking the Mourner’s Path – In the transition from infant to toddler language plays a crucial A grief support program role. Language also is a main factor in shaping the Christian faith We all experience the grief that which proclaims God to be the Word made flesh who was born comes with losing someone we first a word-less infant. We therefore recognize the Milestone of love and with that grief comes the Language, which children reach somewhere between their sec- journey of mourning. Beginning ond and third years, on the Sunday of The Baptism of Our Lord, February 3, Christ the King Church January 11, at the 8:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. services. Families will offer an eight week support with three-year-old children (and siblings) may approach the program, Walking the Mourner’s altar rail during the liturgy to receive a copy of Luther’s Small Path. The sessions will be held on Catechism. The Catechism is a guidebook for parents to help eight consecutive Tuesdays from their child learn the beginnings of formed language such as the 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Christ the King. Lord’s Prayer, table grace, and prayers for morning and evening. The cost for materials is $75. Par- Martin Luther wrote in the language of his day: “Every father ticipants will have the opportunity of a family is a bishop in his house and the wife is a bishopess. to share their grief journey with others. They will discover Therefore remember that you in your homes are to help us that while their pain is unique, they are not alone. Christ carry on the minis-try as we do in the church.” When Luther is present with those who mourn and there are tools for wrote this in 1528, he and Katie were still new in their roles moving forward while honoring our loved ones. For infor- as bishop and bishopess of their household with their oldest mation, contact Beverly at [email protected]. son being only two years old. The members of Christ the King Lutheran Church take this annual opportunity to express their Assisting Minister and Server Training support for the important work that parents do at home and Training for Assisting Ministers and Servers will be con- at church in the formation of their children’s faith. ducted in the nave on January 24 and January 31 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. If you are interested in serving in one of Pub(lic) Theology these capacities, whether you have experience or are a Young Adults are invited to the Ginger Man pub located at 5607 novice, attendance at one of the trainings is required. Morningside Dr. on Sunday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m. to meet If the church parking lot is full, please park on the Rice new friends, enjoy beer, and discuss faith, religion, worship, Stadium lot ($1.00 paid by credit card). and anything in between concerning how to live out faith. Pr. Fuerst will lead this session of what is a monthly time to hang Time and Talent Survey out. For more information contact Pr. Brad Fuerst at pastor@ It is time again to dedicate our individual time and tal- lcmhouston.org. ent to fulfilling our congregation’s prayer: “Build Us Up, Send Us Forth.” Check out our website at ctkelc.org for Flowers for the Nave the Time & Talent Survey. The 2015 Altar Guild Flower Chart is on the mobile bulletin board. If you prefer to complete the survey on paper, both the Flower arrangements for weekend services are $55. Please pay booklets and response forms are available on the table for the flowers when you sign up. Checks can be made out to in the narthex. Feel free to take one. Thank you for your Christ the King Church with “Altar Flowers” in the memo line. faithful service to our congregation, our community and the world. January 4: January 11: January 18: January 25: Rob Douglass Harper Fuerst Sandy Troff Jessica Locheed Angela Edelmann John Buford Rita Carlson Philipp Winston Week of Prayer for Christian Mary Neberman Zachary Morin Amari Oeschlin Rodney Koenig Mary Reinhardt Samuel Petner Doris Johnston Thomas Swindell Unity Terence Vinson Peter Zage Sidney Johnston Donna Vass January 18-25 is the annual observance of Kristin West David Padget John Boles Christopher Karohl Andrew Winston Miles Burton Valentine Boving Ben Remmert the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Jessica Breitbeil Phillip Gillespie Doug Morris Jane Baehre theme chosen for 2015 is Jesus said to her: Blanchard Nelson Raymond Beyer John Newcaster Allyson Hurt “Give me to drink” Peter Segner Jason Barnes Karen Sebung Pamela Prosser (John 4:7) Elizabeth Eklof Heinz-Juergen Brink Janice Thompson Steve Wiese Stephanie Eklof Verena Brink Anja Timmerman Charles Wilds Throughout 2015, we join Christians ev- Cheri Bouldin Nathan Wiker erywhere in praying "that they may all be Kleta Gerhart Cheryl Howard one," joining our prayer with that of the Kurt Johnson Celebrate your Lord Jesus Christ. For more information go Bob Petner to www.oikoumene.org and click on Week Robert Stone Baptismal Anniversary! Colby Hutchison “Remember and rejoice, Renewed by floods of grace. of Prayer for Christian Unity. Qingfan Jiang We bear the sign of Jesus Christ, That time cannot erase.” (ELW 454) Damien Rouse Christ the King Lutheran Church 5 Sri Meenakshi Hindu Temple Tour: January 24, 5 p.m. We have our second Faith Field Trip this year to Sri Meenakshi Hindu Temple. We will meet at the temple at 5:30 p.m. for a private tour of For information, contact Ben Remmert, AiM the worship site. After the tour, you are invited to join Ben Remmert Director of Youth and Family Ministry, for dinner and conversation. Please RSVP by January 21 so we can let [email protected] or 281-468-4686. the church know how many to expect. Sri Meenakshi Hindu Temple is located at 17130 McLean Rd, Pearland, TX 77584. January Dates: Human Dignity Retreat for Junior High Youth: 4- Luther League Bowling- 3 p.m. February 6-7, 2015 11- Luther League Meeting- 6 p.m. All youth 6th – 8th grade are invited to attend the Human Dignity Retreat 17- Matthew Smith & Indelible Grace Concert, 7 p.m. conducted by the Youth Directors of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod 18- Luther League Meeting- 6 p.m. and hosted at Zion Lutheran Church in Houston, Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7. This very worthwhile retreat is designed to help 24- Sri Meenakshi Hindu Temple Tour, 5 p.m. pre-teen/ early teen youth learn about building and navigating healthy 25- Luther League Meeting- 6 p.m. relationships. Parents are welcome to be part of the retreat. The cost is $20 per youth, and adults are free. Registration deadline is February 1. Luther League Meetings: Mark your Calendars: Summer 2015 Sundays at 6 p.m. Elementary Students: The Luther League is the name of the youth Camp Hope Day Camp Ministries, Faith Lutheran Church, June 23- 26, group at Christ the King Lutheran and is open June 29-July 3, July 6-10 to all youth in 6th - 12th grade. During the Come and join us for three weeks of learning and fun as we teach 15 month of December, we will be focusing on bible stories through art, music, crafts, snacks, and worship. Camp Hope the themes of the Advent seasons. Meetings is a 3-week Day Camp that is led by teenagers and mentored by adults. include fellowship, games, food, time to relax, For all kids who complete Kindergarten – 5th Grade in May 2015. Cost Bible study discussions. We also need help with is $130 per child / per week. The camp day is from 9:30 AM – 3:30 meals for our January meetings. Please contact PM. Registration is found online at http://faithbellaire.org/learning/ Ben Remmert to sign up. faith-camp/. Luther League Bowling: Lutherhill Summer Camp, La Grange, TX, August 2-7 January 4, 3 p.m. Those completed 2nd-6th grade will spend a whole week at Lutherhill A great afternoon of fellowship and bowling as discovering all of the joys camp has to offer! Find new friends and fun we welcome in the New Year. We will meet at times in God’s creation! Learn from cabin Bible studies and camp- Palace Bowling lanes located at 4191 Bellaire wide worships. Enjoy afternoon activities and daily All Camp activities. Blvd Houston, TX at 3 p.m. Cost is $20 which Grow in community through camp songs and games. Spend an evening covers rentals and food. Please RSVP to Ben around the campfire making s’mores. Cost is $380 per child with sibling Remmert by January 3rd. Friends are welcome discounts. Sign up my March 31 to guarantee a spot. to attend Middle School Students: Matthew Smith & Indelible Grace Heifer Ranch, Perryville- July 5-10 A week of learning the value of giving service to others while experi- Concert: January 17, 7 p.m. encing the Alternative Break program; an experience that allows our Come and join us with the youth group from students to immerse themselves in the challenge of hunger and poverty. Christ Church Cathedral for the Matthew Smith A great week of service projects, tours, and fun. Sign up & deposit of and Indelible Grace concert. Matthew Smith is $150 due February 15, 2015. a Nashville based singer-songwriter who writes music inspired from centuries-old hymn texts. High School Students: The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a Q&A ses- National Youth Gathering- Detroit, MI, July 15-19, 2015 sion with Matthew followed by a dinner at 6 This is open to our 8th grade- 12th grade students and we want every- p.m. The concert is at 7 p.m. The concert is one to really consider going to this great event where our youth’s faith held at Christ Church Cathedral located on 1117 will grow in service and learning. We will be joining with Faith Lutheran Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002. Please RSVP Church and St. James Lutheran Church for a big large group. Cost is to Ben Remmert by January 9. $325 and fundraising to help cover the cost of transportation, food, and housing. For more information on the National Youth Gathering, please go to elca.org/youthgathering. Final date to sign up is January 10. 6 The King’s Banner What Will Happen When We Die: Do our loved ones know the answers? Free Workshop: Saturday, February 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the parish hall

Welcome 2015, a new year and traditionally the time for making new submitted by Linda Schoene, Congregational Nurse resolutions. One resolution to consider is the importance of addressing the frequently neglected aspects of end-of-life planning. Conveying plans, to gather, how to address frequently neglected thoughts and feelings related to end-of-life issues to family and friends aspects of end-of-life planning, and receive tips on will assist loved ones in making difficult decisions. how to fill gaps in their record keeping. The people of LaCrosse, WI, have set the bar high when it comes to Participants will receive and work through The end of life planning. Latest statistics indicate that 96% of the persons Critical Information Workbook. Upon completion who die in LaCrosse have provided clear, written instructions for their of the workbook, families and individuals will have families. This is over three times the national average of 30%. I chal- the peace of mind that their affairs are in order and lenge the members of CTK to rise above the national average as well. wishes are known in the event of an accident or Whether you are 30 or 80 take time to make sure your desires are untimely or natural passing. known to your loved ones and are in writing. Thanks to a grant received by the Texas Health CTK is partnering with the Texas Health Institute to offerOn the Road: Institute the workshop is free, but registration Advanced Planning, a workshop that provides training on advanced is required as there is room for 40 attendees. planning, record keeping and organization. Conducted by Amy Pras- Register by emailing [email protected]. kac, this important session will teach attendees how to create a road- map for their families. Participants will learn what critical documents Lighting the Way: Illuminating Dementia Care Advocating for Yourself or Family in the Hospital A conference for professionals and caregivers on Dinner Dialogue with the Congregational Nurse dementia care will be on Tuesday, January 13, Wednesday, January 14, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the parish hall from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at St. Martin’s Episcopal Come and share your thoughts. Church, 717 Sage Rd., Houston. For information & Simply look for Linda in the parish hall to join the discussion! registration visit www.alztex.org.

Spring Egg Decorating Class This will be the 10th year of Ukrainian Egg Decorating Classes and Workshops at Christ the King Church. It has been open to all com- ers, teaching the techniques, history and some of the symbolism behind the Ukrainian style Easter Eggs. Since then, countless eggs Houston Marathon to Block Access January 18 have been decorated by those with years of The Chevron Houston Marathon will be held Sunday, January 18, begin- experience as well as those who have just ning at 7:00 a.m. The event results in numerous street closures including begun. We get many of our patterns from Bissonnet and Kirby. The disruption affects mainly 8:30 a.m. and Sunday a book which is for kids, so Ukrainian eggs Church School participants. More than 25,000 spectators, 200,000 specta- really can be made by anyone. The majority tors and 7,5000 volunteers will take to the streets of Houston. For a map of eggs have been given to family, friends, of the route go to http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Upload/ colleagues and church ministries. A number documents/2015%20race%20course.pdf. have also been set aside each year to be given to those the Lay Eucharistic Ministry The route from U.S. 59 South going down Buffalo Speedway to Rice Blvd. tend. The next Egg Class/Workshop will should be clear. begin on Thursday, February 12 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and continue on Thursdays through Are You a Marathon Runner? the 2015 Lent season. Contact Marie Monroe We encourage all friends and members of the congregation who will run at [email protected]. in the Chevron Houston Marathon to let us know so we can include you in our prayers. Eat and rest well during the last weeks, and “Godspeed” to all! Christ the King Lutheran Church 7 Souper Bowl Montrose Grace Place houston Saturday of Caring Montrose Grace Place offers vulner- able youth ages 13-21 a hot meal and food January 10 February 1 Leave the church at 7:45 25 YEARS AGO, the a safe, welcoming shelter from the bank Return at noon February 1 Souper Bowl of street every Thursday evening from 6 For information, contact [email protected] to 10 p.m. Of course, we can always use Caring began with Once again we want to thank Anna more volunteers, to cook, set up, and a simple prayer from a single youth Stock (along with her husband David) serve the meals. Contact Rebecca Shields group: “O Lord, as we enjoy the Super for 11 years of great leadership ([email protected]) for information Bowl football game, help us to be of our Houston Food Bank (HFB) and she will schedule you on a Christ the mindful of those without even a bowl outings. Alas, as one era ends, a King Church night, the 2nd Thursday of of soup to eat." new begins. We are grateful and the month! Since that day, millions of dollars have excited that Justin Schneewind and been raised for local charities across Volunteers are also welcome to help Yuricel Mondragon have generously the country through Souper Bowl of with our monthly meals. This month responded to the call to lead our Caring. Please give generously on Su- the date is Thursday, January 8 and Christ the King (CTK) HFB efforts in per Bowl Sunday. Every dollar donated servers are needed between 5:15 and 2015.Please put the following 2015 goes to the Christian Community Ser- 7:45 to set the tables, dish up the food, dates on your calendar. vice Center (CCSC) Emergency Services. and load the dishwashers. Contact [email protected]. Second Saturdays Feed the Homeless of Odd Months Join us on the 2nd and 4th Monday Serve Breakfast at SEARCH 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. evenings of each month at Christ the Christ the King Church members and King Church to make sandwiches and friends volunteer on the third Wednes- 2015 DATES prepare meals, and then deliver them day of each month to serve breakfast January 10 to downtown homeless individuals. and assist with the preparation of the March 14 Members and friends of all ages are noon meal for clients of SEARCH Home- May 9 invited to join in this ministry hosted less Services. Our next outing will be on July 11 by the young adults of Christ the Wednesday, January 21, 7:30 - 11:00 September 12 King Church. Volunteers are welcome a.m. Contact Beverly Davis at 713-400- November 14 to help out with meal preparation, 0517 or [email protected]. downtown delivery, or both! We will meet on January 12 & 25 at 5:45 p.m. Christ the King Houston Food Bank volunteers in November Contact Anne Morrow at 281-635-2896 or [email protected]. After-Holiday Help After the holidays do you find yourself running in circles? Not knowing where to start? The Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) has the 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 clean- Yuricel Mondragon and Justin Schneewind Daniel Matz and Lisa Atkins ings, and other special Our new Food Bank leaders. tasks. When you hire a Martha's Way graduate, you receive outstanding service, and you make a difference in the life of a budding entrepreneur. For more information contact Ana Tappan at 713-961-3993 x210. Jon Keune Cheryl Pfennig David West Bill Pelham 8 The King’s Banner WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE!

Spirituality and Life Story Resumes January 14 The Women in Jesus' Family Tree: Wednesday Night Study Class 5:45 p.m. Classes begin Four Week Bible Study on the Old January 14, 21, and 28 6:00 p.m. Confirmation Testament 6:15 p.m. Study Classes Dr. Bradley Hanson will teach a three week 6:15 p.m. Brass Choir January 21, 28, February 4, and 11 course on the connection of spirituality 7:30 p.m. Choir, Chorus Biblical genealogies do not usually include and the individual life story. His new book women ancestors. However the gospel of Spirituality and Your Life Story with Archway Dinner served Matthew starts out with a genealogy of Jesus Publishing, Simon and Schuster (2014) will 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. including four women in addition to Mary: serve as text and structure for the study. The Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bath-sheba. We will class will take place Wednesdays, January ask about the significance of their mention and study the sto- 14, 21, and 28 at 6:15 -6:55 p.m. in the third floor confer- ries of these four women and their relation to Israel and the ence room. The book can be purchased through Archway story of salvation. Pastor Liebster will lead the class January Publishing or as e-book. A few copies will be available for 21, 28, February 4, and 11, 6:15-6:55 p.m. in the council room. $20 on the book cart in the narthex. Participants are asked to read the first three chapters before the first class. Wednesday Night Dinners Are for EVERYONE! If you haven’t had a homemade dinner lovingly prepared by our Bradley Hanson is professor emeritus of religion and co- food service ministry team, you’ve really missed out. Instead director of Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation at Luther of cooking on Wednesday evenings, swing by the parish hall College in Decorah, Iowa. between 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. and either eat-in with friends and From the back cover of the book: family, or take-out a delicious and inexpensive meal. Each of us has come to our current life stance through a Adults $5/children $3. Volunteers are always welcome. Con- journey of unique experiences - being born at this time, tact [email protected] for information. growing up in this particular social setting and culture,- ex periencing these specific successes and losses, and having Wednesday Night Alive! and Evening Prayer these significant relationships. Whether we are in the early, Christ the King Church’s Wednesday Night Alive! program re- middle or latter part of our personal faith story, the ending sumes on January 14. Programs and activities run from 4:30 is still ahead of us - and reviewing our own faith story helps p.m. through 9:00 p.m. All come together in the nave for Evening us chart our course into the future. Vespers at 7:00 p.m. Dinner is served starting at 5:30 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. Children’s regular programs end at 7:30 p.m. Using psychologist Dan McAdam’s idea that we make sense of life by composing our own life story, author Bradley Han- Following are program options by age group. Detailed sched- son explores how our personal identity and spirituality are ules can be requested from the church office. influenced by the meaning and values embedded in our Infants (0-1 yr.): Infant Music Explorers with parents childhood family life and major story lines promoted by our Toddlers (2-3 yrs.): Jr. Music Explorers with parents culture. In our most basic quest to make sense of life, he Preschool: Music Explorers with parents considers sharply contrasting answers to five fundamental Kindergarten – Grade 2: Junior Choristers questions. Grades 3-6: Choristers; Kids Club (grades 4-6) With reflection and suggested group discussion questions Grades 7-8: Confirmation, homework, chorus or choir at the end of each chapter, this study explores the idea that Youth: Lectio Divina (scripture, conversation and prayer), spirituality and one’s life story are intimately connected. homework, volunteer opportunities, chorus or choir Adults: Writing Life Stories (resumes February 4) ; Study Church History Class January 6 and 14 Classes (two tracks): a. Spirituality and Life Story, Kristine Wallace's Church History course will resume for two b. Church History; choir; chorus; brass choir; sessions in January, before she goes on "break" again (hip greeters; servers; kitchen helpers. replacement surgery, that is). Class will meet on January 6 The courtyard and playground are open for fellowship and after the Epiphany Service to study: The Rationalist Option play, as is the nursery. All children up to sixth grade will be and The Spiritualist Option (Gonzalez Chapters 22 and 23). registered for a fee of $30 per child per semester and a $60 cap On January 14 we will consider Gonzalez Chapters 24 and per family per semester. The Music Explorers classes (infants 25: The Pietist Option; The Thirteen Colonies. This concludes through preschool) carry an additional fee of $25 per child per Part II of the book. Church History class will resume after semester with a $50 cap per family per semester. Ash Wednesday (February 18), on Wednesday, February 25. Christ the King Lutheran Church 9 standards, including more than 1,000 dren has been diagnosed with asthma. new studies published since the last EPA estimates that the benefits of update. Studies indicate that exposure meeting the proposed standards will to ozone at levels below 75 ppb -- the significantly outweigh the costs. If the level of the current standard -- can standards are finalized, every dollar pose serious threats to public health, invested to meet them will return up to harm the respiratory system, cause three dollars in health benefits such as or aggravate asthma and other lung avoiding asthma attacks, heart attacks, Justice Advocacy Opportunity diseases, and is linked to premature missed school days and premature Smog Standards death from respiratory and cardio- deaths, among other health effects. In November 2014, the EPA released vascular causes. People most at risk EPA seeks public comment on the proposed new standards for ground from breathing air containing ozone proposed new standards for 90 days level ozone, also known as smog. EPA include people with asthma, children, after publication. To send comments to is proposing to strengthen air quality older adults, and those who are ac- the EPA in support of new smog stan- standards to within a range of 65 to tive or work outside. Stronger ozone dards, join the Sierra Club advocacy 70 parts per billion (ppb) to better standards will also provide an added campaign on this topic by clicking on protect Americans’ health and the en- measure of protection for low income the link at: http://www.sierraclub.org/ vironment, while taking comment on and minority families who are more compass/2014/03/smog-pollution- a level as low as 60 ppb. EPA scientists likely to suffer from asthma or to live standards-because-inhaling-ozone- examined numerous scientific studies in communities that are overburdened getting-sunburn-your-lungs. in its most recent review of the ozone by pollution. Nationally, 1 in 10 chil- Congregation Council Meet your 2015 Congregation Council Newly elected Council: and their Commission or other assignments During the December Part I Annual Meeting the following were elected Carolyn Phillips, President to Council for 2015-2017 Lee Thweatt, Vice President Gail Schubot, Peter Boecher and Meaghan Wheeler. Gaelyn Lesher, At-Large Gail has been a member since 2009 and is active in Altar Guild and has Peter Boecher, Facilities and Grounds been serving as Secretary of the Council for the last three years. She Gail Schubot, Service and Care had been active in a previous church, Messiah Lutheran serving many Meaghan Wheeler, Witness and Assimilation roles. She is a lawyer in private practice specializing in franchising and Lucky Sahualla, Financial Secretary distribution law. She is a member of the Cypress Volunteer Fire Dept. John Labuda, Treasurer and served as firefighter, EMT and Board President. Meredith Moore Pastor Karin Liebster Meaghan grew up in the Lutheran Church and joined Christ the King in Pastor Robert Moore 2010. She has been an usher and then joined the choir in 2013. She is Donna Olson-Salas , Secretary (appointed) active with the young adults and enjoys their meet-ups. She works in the oil business for Transocean as a Jill-of-all-trades as she calls it..now Annual Meeting Part II in offshore operations. She divides free time between quilting and redo- Part II of the annual congregational meeting ing her 75 year old house when not been a Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader. will be held on February 8, at 12:30 p.m. in the Peter has been a member for nearly 25 years and served on Council in the parish hall. On the agenda are the 2014 annual 90’s.He has also served as usher, bell ringer, lay Eucharist minister, name reports, update on the Capital Campaign, the tag volunteer, etc. He served on the AIDS Care Team in the 90’s. Profession- adoption of the 2015 budget and the 2015 Mis- ally, he is a licensed landscape architect and certified land planner. He sional Emphases and other regular items. has provided advice on issues around the church grounds many times. A catered lunch will be provided prior to the meet- He is Director of Planning with Houston Office of RVI, a land planning ing. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend. and architect consulting firm. He has also served as an expert witness. Annual Reports Council Retreat On Friday and Saturday, January 16 and 17, the congregation council The 2014 Annual Reports are due on Monday, will hold its annual retreat at Camp Allen in Navasota. The workshop is January 15. Please email your report to open to all church members at their own expense. If you are interested [email protected]. in participating, please contact Pr. Moore by noon on January 6. 10 The King’s Banner Creation Care Resolutions for the New Year 1. Do a creation care devotional. All good practices start with prayer. Make a com- mitment to a daily devotional in your home, or start the next meeting of your church group or committee with a creation cre devotional. A great resource to get you started is: http://www.webofcreation.org/Worship/devotions/CreationCare. pdf 2. Watch an eco-focused documentary. Netflix has quite a few to choose from, like Chasing Ice, which follows a National Geographic photographer as he battles weather and climate to take time lapse photos of the glaciers before they’re gone. Pea Soup Extra credit: host a screening with friends. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 3. Give away one of your Christmas presents. One of the easiest ways to live simpler 1 onion, chopped is to keep less stuff, and if you can give away a gift you don’t need, you’ll lighten 1 bay leaf your impact and brighten someone else’s day. (Just don’t get caught re-gifting!) 3 cloves garlic, minced 4. Put on a sweater. If you add an extra layer while you’re around the house — 2 cups dried split peas cozy up under a blanket, put on your slippers — and lower the thermostat one 1/2 cup barley degree, you’ll save energy. Our electricity use accounts for 40 percent of America’s 1 1/2 teaspoons salt climate change pollution, so every sweater counts! 7 1/2 cups water 3 carrots, chopped 5. Join the Meatless Mondays craze. Meat production is another major source 3 stalks celery, chopped of climate pollution — one-fifth of the problem, to be exact. Cutting out meat 3 potatoes, diced just once a week lowers your carbon footprint, plus it’s healthier, cheaper, and 1/2 cup chopped parsley a good excuse to try out new recipes. Extra credit: Invite friends over for dinner 1/2 teaspoon dried basil and multiply the meatless effect! 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 6. Bring a bag. Plastic bags are made from fossil fuels, and they create more trash. 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper By bringing your own bag with you on shopping trips you’ll use fewer resources Directions: and make a statement. In a large pot over medium high heat, 7. Swap your lights. Com- saute the oil, onion, pact fluorescent light bay leaf and garlic for bulbs, or CFLs, are far 5 minutes, or until on- more efficient than tradi- Occupy Our Calendars ions are translucent. tional incandescent ones, Our times are in Your hands: Add the peas, barley, plus they will save you But we count our times for us; salt and water. Bring money. They’re different we count our days and fill them with us; to a boil and reduce from standard light bulbs we count our weeks and fill them with our busyness; heat to low. Simmer in that once they are on, it we count our years and fill them with our fears. for 2 hours, stirring oc- takes very little energy to casionally. keep them that way. So use And then caught up short with your claim, Our times are in your hands! Add the carrots, celery, CFLs in places where you potatoes, parsley, ba- leave the lights on, such Take our times, times of love and times of weariness, sil, thyme and ground as entryways or church Take them all, bless them and break them, black pepper. Simmer bathrooms. give them to us again, for another hour, or 8. Keep up to date. Want to slow paced and eager, until the peas and veg- keep up with creation care fixed in your readiness for neighbor. etables are tender. news and opportunities to Occupy our calendars, From Allrecipes.com take action? Check out the Creation Care Corner of Flood us with itsy-bitsy, daily kairoi, This Week and keep read- in the name of your fleshed kairos. Amen. ing the Banner! Montreat Conference: Jubilee June 1, 2000 Modified from http://sojo. Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth net/blogs/2013/12/31 Prayers of Walter Brueggemann

Christ the King Lutheran Church 11 The pastors and staff thank the congregation for all the goodies and the special gift we received.

ELCA World Hunger acclaimed the poor and the hungry as blessed years later? That's how we know God is at work - the lowly are lifted up and the hungry are filled with good things. God's work is Christmas 2014 made tangible through our hands - all our hands, from the little hands of the smallest child in Sunday School putting a Dear friends in Christ, penny in her piggy bank, to the eager hands of the youth Your special partnership and financial support provide hope group gathering up canned goods for a food drive, to the and peace for so many families through the ministries of ELCA steady hands of the wisest members of the congregation World Hunger. I give God thanks for you as together we cel- council directing the congregation's benevolence to where ebrate the season and remember what God first gave to us. it will do the most good. God's work, carried out through our hands, all our hands. On the last Sunday of Advent this year, we are treated to the story of the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel tells We see signs of God's work in many places. We see those Mary about the miracle that God has in store for her. Won- signs in the bright face of a little boy in Malawi who is no drous as that story is, I have a particular affection for what longer hungry, thanks to your support of ELCA World Hunger. happens next. We see them in the gentle hands of the ministry worker who helped the boy's family get through a hungryseason and build Mary runs to her relative Elizabeth, who's had a miracle of resilience in case of another. We especially see signs of God's her own. Elizabeth blesses Mary joyfully, and Mary sings in work in the tender smile of that little boy's happy mother. reply: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." And when I see your steady, faithful and extraordinary gen- erosity to ELCA World Hunger, I know that I see clear signs of Mary sings of God's mercy and might, and then comes my the mercy and might of God, revealed in the loving kindness very favorite part. that inspires your giving. Thank you. "He has ... lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with In this season of joy, I pray for God's every blessing for you good things." and yours. Is it any wonder that her Son, having heard such words from Merry Christmas, the beginning of his earthly existence in his mother's womb, The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal

Honor and Congratulations Memorial Gifts Bill Mintz retired in November after 17 years in corporate public affairs and, before that, 23 years of reporting Accessions & Memorials for daily newspapers. It’s not retire- In 2014 Christ the King received gifts in honor and in ment, he explains, but a new chapter memory of many dear friends and loved ones. that will include working on nonprofit Gifts were received in memory of: projects (including Lutheran organiza- Elaine Allen Fran Moncure tions), some for-profit writing, riding Kenneth Larson Milton Morin his bicycle and working in the garden. The following remembered Christ the King in their wills: Bill is a former President of the congregation of Christ the Karen Getty Joyce Meisner King Church. We are thankful for the gifts received. We do have a wish list of projects that can be funded through memorial gifts and always appreciate hearing from our members and friends.

12 The King’s Banner Christ the King Lutheran Church In the past weeks the Church 2353 Rice Blvd, Houston TX 77005 remembered in her prayers: 713-523-2864 ctkelc.org Members Nelson Sally Muma Congregational Staff Blanchard & Mavis Nelson Rose Anderson Kleta Gerhart The Rev. Dr. Robert Moore Mary, Al & Tito Ayala Fred Haman & Peggy Sale Alice & Ralph Oeben Senior Pastor [email protected] Doris Hanneman Mel & Sharon Ostwald August Azure The Rev. Karin Liebster [email protected] Kathybelle Barlow & Steve Erling & Reinetta Hansen Esther Psomiadis & family Pastor for Faith Formation Smolko Michael Hoaks Tod Schenck Bridget Jensen Kristine Solberg & family Beverly Davis [email protected] Patricia Barnard Director of Congregational Care Raymond Beyer Johann Dick & Nicki Smith Brian Bjork Kurt, Colleen, Allegra & Luke Bob Stone Noelle Jung [email protected] Church Business Administrator Cheri & Tom Bouldin Johnson Anja Timmerman, Darrell & Mike Bradshaw Albert LeDoux Gavin Williamson Linda Schoene [email protected] Trish Cohen Luke Lesher Lise & Jim Tuttle Congregational Nurse Bill Cole Valerie Lloyd Ruth Urmy Mark Mummert [email protected] Phil Dahlberg & Naomi Terry Marks Donna Vass & Everett McNeil Director of Worship Stephen Wentland Ben Remmert, AiM [email protected] Relatives and Friends Baby Hammes Mike Mitchell Director of Youth and Family Ministy Klaus Aurisch Marion Hanson Carlton Morgan Rick Erickson, AiM [email protected] Roger Bateman, Diana & Charles & Donna Harrison Bill & Sandy Neary Director of the Church Choir and Bach Society Larry Josh Higginbotham Ryan Olson Ashley Borderlon Robert Walp [email protected] Patricia Hinojosa Joshua Palmer Director of the Brass Choir Barbara Bormes Rusty Howard William Pryor Rhonda, Jeremiah & Macy June & Sonny Hubbard Vicky Gorman [email protected] Bill Rankin Director of the Junior Chorus Bragg Janet Huggins Jenna Scott & her families Doug & Colleen Britton Rich Jacobs Rebecca Simonette Lutheran Campus Ministry Houston Jean Broska Jeaneen Barry Stiles & Amanda Paige Pastor Brad Fuerst [email protected] Bertha Castaneda Marci Johnson Bill Stephens 713-516-8573 www.lcmhouston.org Andrea Clark Nancy Jones Laurette Stovall Michelle Collins Alex Kanocz Sandra Tasch & Volker Gutzeit Congregation Council David Shirley Kennedy Grace Taylor Carolyn Phillips [email protected] President Helgi Downes Amy Krichten Patricia Taylor Carla Driskel Lee Thweatt [email protected] Brian Lain & family Steven Thompson Vice President Findley Elizabeth Eaton, Rael Lawson Gabriele & Roland Timmerman Daniel & Alexis Gene Levy & Erzsebet Tom & Jo Tucker Gaelyn Lesher [email protected] Member at Large Jordan Frese Merenyi Paul Velario Bonnie Fuerst Lucky Sahualla [email protected] Nick Lucas Lynette Vuong Financial Secretary Gayle Linda Beard Madeira Robert & Sara Vestal John Labuda [email protected] Margarete Ginder Nancy Magee Ann Wall Treasurer Marietta Goscuicio Brandon Marco Belinda & Edward Walla Donna Olson-Salas donna.olsonsalas@ Issabella Shields Grantham Eve Maulsby Gail Walla mhmraharris.org Becca Guillory family Tom & Chase McGowen Matt Wentland Secretary Frances Hahn Bob McLaughlhin Lt. Stephen Winterroth Pastor Robert Moore [email protected] Joshua Mishler Eric Zoerb Pastor Karin Liebster [email protected] Meredith Moore [email protected] Special Concerns Gail Schubot [email protected] Death of Meghan Luckenbaugh on Dec 9, Mark Mummert’s niece Peter Boecher [email protected] Death of Dieter Schaeffter on Dec 13, Cristina Kolmel’s cousin Gaelyn Lesher [email protected] Meaghan Wheeler [email protected] Birth of Luke Johnson on Dec 16, Kurt & Colleen Johnson’s son, Allegra’s brother Death of Ruby Lee Zunker on Dec 18, Debbie Seiler’s aunt We are a participating or covenant Prayer list for November 25 – December 22, 2014 church with the following organizations: It is a sacred privilege to pray for our members and friends. Bread for the World As we strive to respect all people’s privacy and confidentiality, we ask CanCare that everyone who submits a name for our congregational prayers Christian Community Service Center ask the permission of that loved one or friend. Community of Hope International Godly Play Foundation Greater Houston Area Red Cross We join with Lutheran congregations across the country in praying Habitat for Humanity for peace in Israel and Palestine. Hospitality Apartments Houston Food Bank Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston Lutherhill Camping Ministry Lutheran Social Services of the South Lutheran World Relief Montrose Grace Place Port of Houston Seafarers’ Center Chaplaincy SEARCH Homeless Services ELCA World Hunger Appeal ELCA DivisionChrist for the Global King MissionLutheran Church 13 Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the ELCA What’s Happening at Christ the King Church Things you can do this month at Christ the King Church? • Make music with babies • Learn about Church History • Play a musical instrument • Greet everyone as they arrive • Serve and help in the kitchen • Hear about women and Jesus • Feed the Homeless • Bless your home Children in the Christmas Pageant on December 21 • Play on the new playground • Eat a chef inspired meal • Serve breakfast at SEARCH • Be inspired by organ music • Meet famous authors • Play with babies Tickets $30 • Eat King’s Cake • Talk Pub(lic) Theology • Buy Flowers for the Altar • See 3 year olds get their first Small Catechism • Pray for Christian unity • Celebrate a baptism • Become an opera pundit • Hear an old friend preach • Write your life story • Take a field trip to a Hindu temple • Learn to advocate for your family in the hospital • Learn how to make your family secure after you die • Bowl a perfect game....well, almost perfect • Check your blood pressure • Sing, sing, and sing some more • Knit one....pearl two with the Prayer Shawl ministry • Transform your body and mind with yoga • Volunteer at the Houston Food Bank For information on these and other opportunities at Christ the King Church contact Beverly at [email protected].

presents East & West Transcended January 11 at 6:00 p.m. January 13 at 7:30 p.m. Christ the King Church Parish Hall 14 The King’s Banner Tickets $30 January 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Lesser Festivals and Commemorations 1 2 3 1 NAME OF JESUS 19 Henry, Bishop of Uppsala, martyr, 1156 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 1:00 pm Yoga 2 Johann Konrad Wilhelm Loehe, renewer of the church, 1872 21 Agnes, martyr, c. 304 6:00 pm Organ Recital 4:00 pm First Saturdays Play Date 15 Martin Luther King Jr., renewer of society, martyr, 1968 25 CONVERSION OF PAUL Annual at Church 17 Antony of Egypt, renewer of the church, c. 356 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ends Meeting Part II 6:00 pm Taizé Worship and Pachomius, renewer of the church, 346 26 Timothy, Titus, and Silas, missionaries Prayer Around the 18 CONFESSION OF PETER 27 Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith February 8 Cross Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins 28 Thomas Aquinas, teacher, 1274 12:30 p.m.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8:30 am Worship Church Office Closed 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Trip to the 9:45 am Sunday Church School 8:15 am Morning Prayer 6:00 pm Executive Committee 7:30 pm Choir and Chorus 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministry Houston Food Bank 9:45 am Sunday Forum 6:00 pm Epiphany Service 6:00 pm Montrose Grace Place 10:00 am Friday Morning Bible 1:00 pm Yoga 10:50 am Worship 6:45 pm Early Christian History Study 6:00 pm Taizé Worship and 6:00 pm Circle of Care Healing Blessing 12:00 pm Sunday Café 12:15 pm New to Church Lunch 3:00 pm Luther League Bowling

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 8:30 am Worship Church Office Closed 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer Congregation Council Retreat 9:45 am Sunday Church School 8:15 am Morning Prayer 7:15 pm Congregation Council 12:00 pm Godly Play network 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministry 10:00 am Altar Guild 9:45 am Sunday Forum 5:45 pm Feed the Homeless 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Alive! 7:00 pm Campus Ministry 10:00 am Friday Morning Bible 1:00 pm Yoga 5:45 pm Classes begin Study 10:50 am Worship 6:00 pm Confirmation class 6:00 pm Taizé Worship, nave 6:00 pm Luther League 6:15 pm Brass Choir Congregation Council 7:00 pm Luther League attends 7:30 pm Pub(lic) Theology 6:15 pm Spirituality and Life Retreat a Concert 6:15 pm Early Christian History 7:30 pm Choir and Chorus

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Houston Marathon Church Office Closed 8:15 am Morning Prayer 7:30 am Breakfast at SEARCH 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 1:00 pm Assisting Minister/ 8:30 am Worship 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministry Server training 9:45 am Sunday Church School 7:00 pm Science & Religion 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Alive! 10:00 am Friday Morning Bible 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Sunday Forum 5:45 pm Classes begin Study 5:00 pm Luther League visits 10:50 am Worship 5:45 pm Dinner Dialog 6:00 pm Confirmation class Temple 12:00 pm Sunday Café 6:15 pm Brass Choir 6:00 pm Taizé Worship 12:15 pm New to Church Lunch 6:15 pm Spirituality and Life 6:00 pm Luther League 6:15 pm Women in the Bible 6:00 pm Calmus Choral Ensemble 7:30 pm Choir and Chorus

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Blood Pressure Screenings Church Office Closed 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 1:00 pm Assisting Minister/ 8:30 am Worship 8:15 am Morning Prayer 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Alive! 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministry Server training 9:45 am Sunday Church School 5:45 pm Feed the Homeless 5:45 pm Classes begin 10:00 am Friday Morning Bible 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Sunday Forum 6:00 pm Confirmation class Study 10:50 am Worship 6:15 pm Brass Choir 4:00 pm Ultimate Opera Quiz 5:00 pm Luther League 6:15 pm Spirituality and Life 6:00 pm Taizé Worship 6:15 pm Women in the Bible 7:30 pm Choir and Chorus