Happy New YearTHE KING’S BANNER Christ the King Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas 2353 Rice Blvd, Volume 74, Number 1 Houston TX 77005 January 2020 ctkelc.org

Epiphany Observance Sunday, January 5 Join us on the 12th day of Christ- Get Involved ! mas, January 5, to bless the nave, our “church house” with the blessing of the magi. At How Can I Get Involved the end of the 8:30 and 10:50 at Christ the King Church in 2020? a.m. services all will move to Each year the members of Christ the King Church generously the narthex for the inscription participate in the many ministries of our congregation. As we of the lintel for the 2020 year. celebrate our 75th anniversary year, we invite members and We will celebrate the occasion friends to fill out a survey indicating your interests. In January with king cake at coffee hour. A you will receive a catalog in your email in-box (in PDF format) printed prayer rite and chalk can which describes many opportunities for your involvement in be taken home to inscribe and our congregational life and community outreach in 2020. You bless one’s own house or door. will then receive a link to an online survey at SurveyMonkey. New Year’s Day Organ Recital com to indicate your interests. Of course, there will also be January 1, 6:00 p.m. paper copies available, both the catalog and response forms, in Don't miss New Year's Day organ recital with Mary Joy Silma- the narthex. We hope everyone will consider getting involved ro, flutist Kelly DeVany, trumpeter Bob Walp, and a cameo in strengthening our congregation’s mission to be a healing moment with Rick Erickson. Celebratory reception follows. place for one another, our community, and the world. Blues, Brews, and Good News Friday, January 24, 7:00 p.m. Enjoy this monthly community outreach worship again with The Healers as our house band, playing the Blues with authority and authenticity. Dif- ferent beers will be available again. AND we’ll enjoy a panel discussion on the theme: “A Lively Chat About Death and Dying.” How’s that for a party starter? Actually, we’ll very much enjoy a unique conversation with theological, medical, and legal perspectives about death, its meaning, how best to prepare and live instead of waiting and denying. It all informs an “abundant life” now. AND…we look forward to B,B,&GN on February 28 when “Free Wheels Houston celebrates its volunteers and adds BBQ burgers to the evening!

Welcome to our New Pastoral Intern Community of Hope Lay Chaplain We welcome Sergio Rodriguez as our Pastoral Intern Training begins January 27 here at Christ the King for the calendar year of 2020. Is God Calling You Sergio is a student at Wartburg Theological Seminary. His ministry with us, as well as his taking Clinical Pas- to be a Lay Chaplain? Do you want to deepen your rela- toral Education, will complete his academic require- tionship with God? Do you want to ments for a Master of Divinity degree and advance his strengthen your ability to handle candidacy for ordained ministry in the ELCA. He comes difficult circumstances in everyday life? Do you want to us having served two congregations as a licensed to be a better listener—to God, to your own heart, lay minister, and, among many other duties, will help us reinvigorate to your neighbor? Then, the Community of Hope campus ministry with Rice University. We are excited to welcome Sergio might be for you! See page 15 and his two cats! We’ll share much more about him in the next Banner. Christ the King Lutheran Church 1 Beloved Christ the King Church Members and Friends, Happy New Year and Happy 75th Birthday the whole year long! Yes, this year we will be 75 years young!

75 years ever stronger in mission. 75 years of faithfulness, no matter some challenging times. 75 years of wonderful memories (“seems like yesterday!” to many of us). 75 years of vision. Now we begin with intention- God’s call in Christ to serve “the least of these” and to grow Pastor Duane's ality to celebrate history and, in mission, we will take on challenges asked specifically even more, to celebrate and of us, all because, we so happily know down deep, Christ World rededicate ourselves to another is the King and no one else is. Because of that greatest 75 years and more. news ever, we’ll carry on what we do well and continue to We voted in August 1945 to establish ourselves as a con- invest in newer activities. And—OF COURSE!—we’ll have gregation and were chartered the next month, September. a big blowout of a party in the fall with the next Christ the Some of us remember early days. Some of us remember King Festival in November 2020. We look forward to that well coming to Christ the King from other places. Great and weekend when history and future come together in a big warm memories loom. Other struggles dot our memory way to be remembered for the next 75 years. landscape, too. The largest narrative arc, through it all, is In the meantime, as with all the time, we are even more about God’s faithfulness and our individual and collective disciplined in giving thanks and saying “yes” to God and faithfulness in return. what God intends for us. And, yes, we have a lot more to We are strong because that is the story always central to plan along the way. Want to help? Let us know your ideas. our reason for being and central to why we worship and Bring your vision into the growing vision. Be ready soon to serve in and out. God is faithful. God is good. All the time! be asked to help with particular activities that will make this septuagesimus quintus year wonderfully “platinum.” And so we will celebrate. We have some plans already well in the making. We look forward to guest preachers and Love, Pastor Duane teachers throughout the year who with us will celebrate who we have been and how we shall be. In faithfulness to A Healing Place

75 years ago Left: Pr. Kenneth Larson - The “Laying-on-of-Hands” at the Rite of Installation, Proper. During this part the Lord’s Prayer is being prayed (in Roberts School, January 27, 1946).

Right: Pr. Kenneth Larson at the door shaking hands at the conclusion of the service, January 27, 1946 in the Roberts School.

2 The King’s Banner The year was In the Beginning... 1945 first service was held June 24, 1945 in Roberts Elementary School at Greenbriar and Addison. Nine people attended: Ruth Gustafson (organ- ist), Naomi Ekman, Karen Ekman, Ellen Ekman, Gosta Birath, Elna Birath, Roland Lundelius, Harry Aurelius and Curate James M. Anderson, who 19 4 5 conducted the service. The theme of the sermon was "We Are Success- ful,” a rather insightful topic. On July 29, Enid Johnson of Assaria, Kansas reprint of an article from the King’s Banner, accepted the position of Parish Worker. On Sunday, August 12, guest March 2010, revised in the Summer of 2018, Pastor, Eric N. Hawkins (pastor of Augustana Lutheran and Deputy Home written by Christ the King member Beverly Palmer Missions Director for the Southwest), preached and conducted the first After the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on baptisms--three children were baptized: Anne Muus Eujen, Harold Bue the American naval fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Eujen and Mark Alfred Herzenberg. the U.S. was thrust into World War II, and ev- On Sunday, August 26, eryday life across the country was dramatically after the service, a con- altered. Food, gas and clothing were rationed, and gregational meeting while fear reigned supreme, Americans embraced was held to complete the sacrifices that would be necessary to attain preliminary details in victory. The country was led by President Franklin the organization of the D. Roosevelt, who in 1944 would be reelected to a congregation. Christ fourth term. The war was brutal by any standards, the King Evangelical Lu- but the year 1945 in particular has been described theran Church was ap- as the worst year in human history measured in proved as the name of terms of people killed, houses burned, buildings the new church. Then, destroyed, and high explosives set off. Amidst on September 1, mem- this darkness, a tiny light of hope and faith was bers met at the home becoming noticeable in Houston, Texas. of the Biraths for final As of the Fall of 1944, there was no Lutheran organization. They met Church in the southwest section of the city of outside under a large Houston, an area with a population of approxi- tree. At this time, Pastor mately 25,000 people. In September 1944 the Eric N. Hawkins, Deputy Board of Home Missions, through its elected Director of Home Mis- representatives granted the field to the Augustana sions of the Texas Con- Synod. The field was surveyed by members of the ference, was elected as Woman's Missionary Society of the Augustana vice-pastor, the revised Church, Houston, and by Miss Gladys Peterson, constitution of the Au- survey worker for the Board of Home Missions, gustana Synod was adopted, officers were elected, application was made in October. The survey was highly encouraging. to become a member of the Texas Conference, and a budget was set up In June 1945, a church site was purchased by for the new year. On Sunday afternoon, September 9, 1945 the pastors the Board of Home Missions on the corner of of the South District, together with Dr. Hugo B. Haterius, president of the Greenbriar and Rice Boulevards. A large cross was Texas Conference, met for a dedication service at the corner of Green- erected on the site for the future home of a new briar and Rice at 3:30 p.m. The Rev. Leslie A.F. Carlson, regional director Evangelical Lutheran Church. of the Board of Home Missions, preached the dedicatory sermon. Dr. Hugo B. Haterius, assisted by Augustana pastors of the South District Using a rather experimental method, the Board and Houston National Lutheran Council pastors, conducted the service. of Home Missions sought people to form the new church. A small group of parishioners from Augus- The charter membership roll opened with these words: "So much the tana Lutheran Church in midtown Houston agreed more they published it. Mark 7:36. Having a great desire to assist with to become a nucleus for a new church in the the extension of the Gospel of our blessed Lord and Saviour and King, rapidly growing medical center area. They were Jesus Christ, and the furtherance of His Church, we humbly subscribe given the task of seeking others who might be our names to this document for the purpose of organizing Christ the interested in joining with them in this endeavor. King Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Southgate, Southampton, West University Place of Greater Houston, whose mission shall be the preach- And thus began the life of Christ the King. The ing of the Word of God and administration of the Holy Sacraments." The Christ the King Lutheran Church 3 document was signed by sixteen adults and six baptized chil- dren and youth. Christ the King was granted financial aid and other assistance from the Board of American Missions until 1951, and thus was a "mission church" for the first six years. Christ the King Lutheran Church’s charter members were: Mr. & Mrs. Gosta Birath; Dr. & Mrs. C.J. Ivan Ekman; Mrs. H.M. Eujen; Mrs. A.J. Herzenberg; Mr. & Mrs. Severin Knutson; little bit in love with him.” [Interview conducted by the Life Mr. Roland Lundelius; Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeFoy; Mr. A.J. Stories Workshop during 2008-2010, and published in WIN- Herzenberg; Miss Naomi Ekman; Miss Lorraine Gustafson; DOW TO THE PAST: CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH, Mrs. Ruth Gustafson; Rev. & Mrs. K.C. Larson; Mr. & Mrs. HOUSTON, TEXAS] Sheldon Reynolds; Mr. & Mrs. Hilding Ahlstone; Miss Karen Ekman; Miss Ellen Ekman; Mr. Vincent H. Defoy; Mr. Walter Services were still being conducted at Roberts Elementary J. Defoy; Mr. Mark Herzenberg; Miss Ann Eujen; Mr. Harold School, and members sat in very small chairs in a classroom. Eujen; Mr. Kenneth Reynolds; Mr. & Mrs. Totushek; Mr. Texas was definitely different from Pastor’s previous experi- Thomas Totushek; Mr. & Mrs. Charles Spratling; Miss Patricia ences in Minnesota where Lutheran churches dominated the Spratling; Mr. & Mrs. W.H. Williams; Miss Sally Williams; Mr. landscape. In an interview many years later, he said that he Arthur Ahlstone. had “found that many Houstonians were not even vaguely familiar with Pastor Kenneth C. Larson of Hope Lutheranism,” and he “felt that some- Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, times he was perceived as though he Minnesota was called by the Board represented a cult.” [Interview con- of Home Missions to become pas- ducted by CTKC member, Gretchen tor of the new congregation. He Miertschin, 2003] was not quite 30 years old. He vis- ited Houston to conduct the Sun- In historical reporting, it is always day morning service on September amusing to compare then with now. 30, and his sermon title was "We Women, for example, while they had Preach Christ." He officially ac- been very instrumental in the success cepted the Christ the King's call on of Christ the King's first year, were October 21. He and his wife Elaine routinely referred to in all printed mat- and their first child, who had just ter only by Mrs. and their husband's recently been born, moved into first and last name, or if unmarried, the parsonage at 3112 Amherst, by Miss and their last name. It took which was purchased by the Board reviewing many documents to finally of American Missions, shortly discover that Pastor Larson's wife's thereafter, and he preached his name was Elaine. Another amusing first sermon as formal pastor of note, in light of today's high tech- the church on December 2, 1945. nology requirements, was Severin Pastor Larson had graduated from Knutson's loan, in December, of his Augustana College in Rock Island, mimeograph machine to be used in Illinois, and then received his the Pastor's office as long as there ministerial training in Augustana was need of it. Most people today Theological Seminary, also in Rock don’t even know what a mimeograph Island, Illinois. He was ordained machine did. into the ministry at the Augustana Pr. Kenneth Larson Meanwhile, on the international synod meeting in Jamestown, New Picture taken upon arrival in Houston for newspaper scene, the war had continued raging York in 1942, and had been at Hope publicity. November 1945 through the summer, and then on Lutheran Church in Minneapolis August 2 and August 9, the U.S. rocked for three years preceding his call to the world over when it dropped the Christ the King. A not-quite-but-almost charter member, Tod atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Less than Schenck, in an interview many years later, described CTKC’s a month later, on September 2, World War II was ended. response to calling Pastor Larson: He “was a young Swed- Millions were left dead, and millions more were left maimed ish man with unbelievable vitality, a wonderful speaker and or homeless. The European economy had nearly completely theologian. He also was very handsome…and they were all a collapsed. The world was greatly in need of healing.

4 The King’s Banner Amidst this international turmoil, in the Rice University area of Houston, this new small church would gradually be- gin to grow and flourish, and its little pinpoint of initiating light would began to shine further and further out into the community at large, bringing its hope and faith into a world badly in need of both. With the enormous faith of Pastor Larson and of every one of CTKC’s first members, and with their dedication, determination and very hard work, it was hard to imagine this church not succeeding. The average attendance since the church began meeting until the end of the year was only 17 members. But Pastor was optimistic. Besides his role as parish pastor, he was also expected to make 100 calls on people in the neighborhood each month and make a report to the Board of Home Missions, and he took this responsibility very seriously and very patiently. “I grew up in farming country and I reminded myself and others that you don’t harvest the day after you plant,” he recalled in the same 2003 interview cited earlier. And so, with this momentum, Christ the King Lutheran Church prepared to enter the new year. Revised 07/2018 Groundbreaking for nave. Gosta Birath, Rev. Larson, W.H. Williams, C.C. Spratling, Sheldon Reynolds, Severin Knutson, & Charles Malmberg (1949).

October 1949, Nave before service, with folding chairs

Christ the King Lutheran Church 5 Mission SEARCH Offering Homeless A Healing Place Services The mission offering is collected at the For a Houston without church doors at the end of worship. Homelessness Since 1989, SEARCH has been providing hope, creating opportunity, and transforming lives for thousands of men, women, and children who are trying to break free from the cycle of poverty and homelessness. At SEARCH, we maintain a vision of a Houston without homelessness. searchhomeless.org ENGAGE & STABILIZE HOUSE EDUCATION On any given day, approximately While the only way to cure homeless- The House of Tiny Treasures 3,400 individuals in Houston are ness is through housing, providing a The House of Tiny Treasures (HTT) pro- experiencing homelessness. Many home is just the first step on the path vides a high-quality early childhood edu- of these men and women are immo- toward stability and self-sufficiency. cation for children, ages 2 to 5 years of bilized by physical or mental health Even after receiving a roof over their age, who are either homeless or living in impairments and the lack of a sup- heads, many of the SEARCH clients deep poverty. SEARCH’s goal is to break port network. For many, it is virtu- need ongoing help in order to stabilize the cycle of deep poverty and homeless- ally impossible to exit homelessness their lives and maintain their housing. ness, and they know that breaking the cycle begins with the children. without some assistance. SEARCH is Once the clients have a safe place there to provide that help. to call home, they are able to focus Soon after SEARCH opened, it became SEARCH’s Mobile Outreach Team turning their lives around. Under the apparent that their adult clients needed travels to common gathering areas for Housing First approach, SEARCH first quality care for their children so that they those who are homeless and provides places their clients in a stable home could go back to work or school. Thus, on-the-spot assistance, assessments, and then provide extensive case man- SEARCH opened HTT in 1992. What began intervention, and referrals. Armed agement and wrap-around support as a traditional day care has evolved into with food, water, clothing, and blan- services to help them increase their a nationally accredited early childhood kets, they offer an important lifeline income, improve their health, rebuild education center preparing our young to people who are living on the street. their lives, and maintain their stability students for success in school and in life. over the long-term. Once connected with SEARCH, they HTT offers a full-day, year-round program help clients obtain permanent hous- SEARCH’s case managers are located at for our families. While the children are ing and qualify for benefits and other the housing sites where clients reside being cared for, their parents are able to resources that they need to stabilize to work with the formerly homeless focus on getting back on their feet and their lives and exit homelessness. residents and support them as they regaining a stable, self-sufficient life for work to regain their independence. their family. CLIENT STORIES - HOUSING George had been homeless and living on the streets for three years. During that time, George tried to get housing but was never able to complete the process on his own. Several months ago, he heard about the city’s Coordinated Access system, got assessed for housing, and was assigned to a case manager at SEARCH. Earlier this month, George was elated to move into his very own apartment. After being homeless for so long, it was an adjustment just sleeping in his own bed. George laughed about the first nights in his apartment. "It wasn't easy getting used to sleeping in my own bed again. I was used to sleeping on the ground and people waking me up all the time. This is new for me!" He is also enjoying something that he hasn't been able to do for a very long time – cooking his own food. "My family taught me how to cook, and I missed so much the food I had growing up. Now, I can make all that again." When speaking about SEARCH, George couldn't hold back the tears. "God is good, and God bless all SEARCH has done for me. They believed in me. Thank you so much."

6 The King’s Banner HOMELESSNESS IN HOUSTON - HOW WE CAN HELP SEARCH Coffee Ministry SEARCH Begins a New Wednesday, January 15, 10:00 a.m. Round of “Coming Home” Please join us in hosting our monthly coffee SEARCH Homeless Services will begin hour for SEARCH Homeless Services clients a new round of their evidence-based, at the Perry St. Apartments, 4415 Perry, a faith-based mentoring program, New Hope Housing project in the Third Ward Coming Home, in January. If you Wednesday, January 15, 10:00-11:00 a.m. would like to join Christ the King This collaboration with SEARCH takes place members in providing dinner for every third Wednesday of the month. For more participants and their mentors on 2019 Graduates of SEARCH’s Coming Home information, contact Beverly at beverlydavis@ January 21, please let Beverly know ctkelc.org. program. Several of these individuals are We continue to collect toilet paper at [email protected]. residents at Perry St. Apartments and and laundry detergent (any size) throughout participate in our monthly coffee hours. the year. Drop off in the basket in the narthex. Homelessness In Houston women, and children experiencing homelessness in our Did You Know That ... community. SEARCH helps clients obtain permanent hous- Houston used to rank in the top 10 ing, increase their income, improve their health, build com- cities for homeless populations. Today, munity, and regain stable, self-sufficient lives. we have reduced our homeless popula- • SEARCH’s work is carried out through intense, individual- tion so drastically that we have become ized case management and supportive services that help a model for the rest of the nation. Homeless Services our clients every step of the way from the streets back into • Over the past 8 years, Houston’s homeless service provid- housing, work, and independence. ers have collaborated in unprecedented ways to reduce • SEARCH also serves the youngest victims of homelessness our homeless population by 54%, and SEARCH has been a at the House of Tiny Treasures, a nationally accredited major contributor to this effort. preschool for children whose families are or have been • More than 17,000 homeless individuals have been housed homeless. While the children are being prepared to suc- since 2012, including more than 6,817 veterans and 5,216 ceed in school and beyond, their parents can go back to chronically homeless individuals. school or work and take the steps they need to get their lives back on track. • According to this year‘s annual homeless count, there are approximately 3,900 individuals experiencing homelessness • Last year, SEARCH helped more than 3,100 individuals who in Houston on a given night. Over the course of a year, more were homeless. We invite you to join with us and to be than 58,000 individuals will experience homelessness. part of the solution as we strive for our vision of a Houston without homelessness. • SEARCH pursues a mission of providing hope, creating op- portunity, and transforming lives for thousands of men, For more information, please visit SEARCH homeless.org or contact [email protected]. Luther Packs Supplies Needed - Drop off any Sunday in the Narthex The youth group of Christ the King Church has been creating “Luther Packs” for the last three Young Adults years to help combat homelessness and hunger in the city of Houston. Each kit is created by the Volunteer youth for our congregation members and friends to give out to the homeless and contains supplies Join the Young Adults as such as a snack, water, personal care items, and a handout with information on local agencies/ we volunteer at CCSC’s resources. These kits are a physical way to show Gods love in the community. Emergency Services (3434 Branard) on During the year, the Luther League creates over 300 Luther Packs. We invite donations of the Saturday, February 1 following items to help subsidize the cost of supplies: brown paper bags, applesauce tubes (indi- from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 vidual packages, no jars or cups), little water bottles, beef jerky sticks, cheese and cracker packs, noon. All are welcome mints, Bumble Bee snacks-on-the-run (tuna, chicken salad, ham, etc.), Vienna sausage, GoGo to join on the first Squeeze fruit pouches, Planters mixed snack pouches/trail mix, peanut butter or cheese cracker Saturday every other packs, dried fruit crisps packets, raisin snack boxes, granola bars (crunchier varieties like Nature month. For questions Valley Oats ‘n Honey, please), Jif to Go/Nutella to Go, Sunflower seeds, non-chocolate protein or to RSVP, please bars (chocolate melts!), Kleenex, lip balm, and rain ponchos. You can drop off items at church in contact nathan@ For more information, please contact Deacon Ben Remmert. the donation basket in the narthex. wikernet.com. Christ the King Lutheran Church 7 A New Class on “Basically Lutheran 101” Sunday Forum Sundays, January 12, 19, 26, and February 2 at 12:30 p.m. Have you ever wondered what is distinctively (or peculiarly) Lu- Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall theran about Christ the King Church? Do you want a refresher and/ Members are invited or an “update”? Are you from a different tradition and are mostly to suggest speakers or topics. new to how and why we Lutherans worship and think the way we Contact Pr. Karin at [email protected] do? And why we here at CTK are “sorta different” from even other January 5: Lutheran congregations? For that matter, how are we like the rest Intergenerational: The story of “The Glorious Impos- of Christianity? Why keep any distinctive behaviors and doctrines? sible” presented by Diane Schoppe Discover the answers to these questions and much more in a new Adults, children and youth gather to hear and see “The four-week series, with lunch, after church on Sundays at 12:30 Glorious Impossible” which is a retelling of the Christ- p.m., January 12, 19, 26, and February 2. Lunch is free to non- mas story using beautiful pictures from Madeleine member inquirers and for whatever others are inspired to donate. L’Engle’s book of the same name. All are welcome; We’ll meet for an hour each of those Sundays. room 204 on the second floor will be ready for you. The class will be introduced to Martin Luther’s life, the origin of the January 12 and 19: The Epistle to the Romans Lutheran movement, Lutheranism’s central Theology of the Cross, presented by Dr. Christian Eberhart Lutheran worship and preaching, Lutheran ethics, and Christ the January 12: King Church’s own expression of Lutheranism. This class is NOT a The History Behind Paul’s Letter to the Romans “requirement” to be a CTK member. All interested in deepening In this presentation we will explore the historical one’s understanding of who and why we are the way we are in an situation of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, specifically ecumenical and interreligious world are encouraged to check it out. the place and circumstances where he wrote it and Anyone can come, even at the last minute. But we do encourage the situation of early Jews and Christians in the city you to sign-up for the class by contacting [email protected], of Rome. calling the church office, or speaking with Pastor Duane. January 19: The Theology of Paul’s Letter to the Romans The Lutheran-Muslim In this presentation we will explore important aspects “Scriptural Reasoning” Group Continues of the message of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, specifi- Tuesday, January 21, 6:00 p.m. cally how Paul proposes and defines a new paradigm Come join this dynamic group of Lutherans and Muslims from the of faith for early Christians. Blue Mosque here at CTK, in the 2nd floor council room, beginning with a wonderful Halal meal. We’ll read and discuss parallel texts January 26: from The Bible and the Qur’an while deepening understanding of The Lancet Study, EAT presented by Steve Long our own and our neighbors’ faith. See Pastor Duane for further info. One's diet is a matter of personal concern. Often people determine what they (should) eat based on knowledge about nutrition and on their own medical The Dialogue Project Faith in Our City: Islam history. Recently, nutrition has become a public health Wednesday, January 15, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. issue, because of the environmental damage caused The Lunch & Learn for Islam will take place on Janu- by cattle grazing. This forum will present personal ary 15, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Interfaith Ministries diet, seen from the bird's eye view of global health for Greater Houston (3303 Main St.). The House of and sustainability. Can the global picture influence us Worship visit will take place at Masjid Warithud-deen in matters as personal as one's diet? Mohammed (6641 Belfort Ave.) on January 23 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Dr. Stephen Long will present findings from LANCET Registration required and refreshments will be served. Register Journal's EAT-Lancet Commission. This commission has at imgh.org. the most recent evidence about diet and sustainability, and some of the political and economic considerations Friday Morning Bible Study Resumes January 17 in creating a world with a sustainable diet. Join us for Friday Morning Study at 10:30 a.m. in the council room. It is an important time to gather for personal care, prayer, and study. Christ the King member Steve Long served from Usually we take a close look at the coming Sunday lessons, under 2001-2007 as the liaison between the Centers for the leadership of Pastor Larson or Pastor Liebster. Sometimes we Disease Control and Houston for foodborne disease. might change the format. The Spirit is lively with us! There is always His expertise is mostly in infectious disease, but he is great, and sometimes provocative conversation; all about how well informed about global concerns from his masters the Lord stimulates us into deeper faith and reasoned, respectful work at U.T. School of Public Health. growth in understanding. Everyone welcome! 8 The King’s Banner Christ the King Young Adults Young Adults Sunday, January 19, 7:00 p.m. Family Friday Volunteer February 7, 5:00-6:45 p.m. Our Young Adults-Young Profession- Join the Young Adults as we Families with babies and als return to The Volcano, corner of volunteer at CCSC’s Emer- toddlers come together Morningside and Bissonet, for their gency Services (3434 Branard) in the parish hall on the regular monthly conversation on on Saturday, February 1 from first Friday of the month Sunday, January 19, 7:00 p.m. The 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. All are when we share dinner, playtime group welcomes all the young at heart, welcome to join on the first Sat- and conversation! This is a fun, social time – the especially newcomers. For more info, urday every other month. For group is always open to new friends joining. Pizza contact Pastor Duane at duanelar- questions or to RSVP, please and salad provided. BYOB. Come join us! [email protected]. contact [email protected].

RSVP to Beverly before they fill up at Sociables [email protected] We have some fun opportunities for our members and friends to connect with each other and support our outreach ministries. Line Dancing...and a 5, 6, 7, 8. Sci-Fi Double Feature Saturday, January 25, 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25 Friday, February 28, 5:30 p.m. Cost: $20 Guys and gals, please join Bill and Join Deacon Ben and Lindsay Remmert in Dancing Tricia Chapman in the parish hall for the church courtyard for a Root Beer and some Boot Scootin’, Tush Pushin, Sci-Fi Sci-Fi Double Feature. Festivities begin at Electric Slidin’ fun. 5:30 p.m. with root beer and movie snacks. Get ready to learn some of the most The first movie, Teenagers from Outer Space (1959), will begin at popular line dances. You’ll be ready 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by Sci-Fi trivia and then continue to go to any country-western dance with the screening of our second movie, Spaceballs (1987). Dinner bar, social club, dance hall or wed- and snacks provided. ding reception! Because the steps are simple and don’t require a partner, line dancing is ideal for singles and non-dancers alike. Snacks and drinks included to help Mommies and Martinis you keep up your strength! Saturday, March 7, 5:00 p.m. Cost $40 Women of CTK: Shaken or stirred? Straight up or dirty? Women Camping Enjoy an evening of hand-crafted cocktails and

A catered camping trip for women Mommies hors d’oeuvres at the home of Kellye Burke. Past at Brazos Bend State Park “martini” favorites include Grapefruit & Rosemary and Saturday-Sunday, February 15-16 Cost: $65 Martinis and Lemon & Ginger plus the Barefoot Contessa’s Join expert Scout Caramelized Bacon. You don’t have to be a Mom- A catered camping trip Leaders Alicia my, just have/had one! Goodrow, Irmi Will- cockson, and Wambui Wa-Ngatho. Arrive by carpool early Saturday morning for a bird-watching hike around Lost Dinner in Bali Island of the Gods Lake. Enjoy lunch with the group then free time ‘til din- Saturday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. Cost: $60 ner. Explore the nature center, bike, hike one of the Join Ron and Jane Brownlee in their home other lakes, or just hang out by the fire. If you want to for an entertaining evening featuring an learn campfire skills, you may help with dutch oven cob- exotic feast from the islands of Indonesia. If bler, vegetarian chili, or other yummy offerings. we are lucky we may see a Komodo dragon! Switch on your headlamps for a night hike or perhaps From Wikipedia: A Muslim-majority country a visit to the observatory or group sing-along. Snuggle since the 16th century Indonesian Muslim into warm sleeping bags after a night cap or final cup dietary laws prohibit alcoholic beverages. of cocoa. After an early breakfast (omelets in bags or Dinner in Bali Certain regions, which are predominantly breakfast tacos), pack up and head back to church by Christian, are known for their affinity to alcohol-drinking traditions. 10:30 a.m. Tents, food, and other gear provided. Bring your own sleeping bag and warm clothes. Christ the King Lutheran Church 9 Sr. High Coffee Hour January 4 at 6:00 p.m. High school students are invited to come for an evening of fellowship and play the latest board games with the Deacon at local coffee houses in Houston. On January 4 we will meet at A 2nd Cup Coffee house in For information, contact Ben Remmert, Deacon Director of Youth and Family Ministry, the Houston Heights, at 6:00 p.m. and discuss about role of the church [email protected] or 281-468-4686. in protecting the environment. Come for a great conversation, good company, and a great cup of coffee/tea. January: Welcome Back Party 4: Sr. High Coffee Hour, 6:00 p.m. January 5 at 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 5: Welcome Back Party, 12:30 p.m. Enjoy a great afternoon of fellowship as we welcome in the New Year! 12: Confirmation Class, 9:45 a.m. This year we will be taking down the Christmas tree and packing up the Luther League and Peru Meeting, 12:30 p.m. Christmas decorations, and we will have a nerf war in the church. Please RSVP to Ben Remmert by January 3rd. Friends are welcome to attend. 18-19: Winter Lock-In, 6:00 p.m. 19: Confirmation Class, 9:45 a.m. Winter Lock-In 26: January 18 at 6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class, 9:45 a.m. On January 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m., all middle school and high school Youth and Family Luncheon, 12:30 p.m. youth are invited for an evening of fellowship and fun as we have a lock-in at the church. We will have service opportunities, large group February games, cheer on the Chevron Houston Marathon runners, and come 16: Luther League Luncheon Fundraiser, 12:30 p.m. together for devotion and prayer. RSVP by January 15 to benremmert@ ctkelc.org as spots are limited. Cost is $20 includes evening activities Luther League Meetings and meals. Sign up to sponsor a meal The Luther League is open to all youth in 6th - 12th Youth and Family Breakfast grades. We meet for a time of fellowship, fun, bible January 26 at 9:45 a.m. study, and prayer every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and Youth in 7th-12th grade and parents are invited to come together to we could use some help with lunch. If you would like share our stories of winter break. This year we have Chelsie Sargent to sponsor a meal for the coming to help us understand and unravel anxiety in constructive, Luther League during the healing ways. Chelsie Sargent is an independent Licensed Professional month of January, please Counselor who has worked with teens and has assisted people through contact Deacon Ben Rem- a wide variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, mert. parent/teen communication, grief/loss, bipolar, and anger manage- ment. All youth and parents are invited to come! Luther League Luncheon Fundraiser Shoeboxes Sunday, February 16, 12:30 p.m. filled with The youth group of Christ the King Church, Luther League, invites everyone to lunch at church! Chef Nathaniel Winston will again pull gifts for the out all the stops and create a three course luncheon. This fundraiser sailors supports the 2020 summer trip to Peru for which 11 youth have signed up. Seating is available for individuals, pairs, and small and large groups. Individual tickets are $30, $50 for two. A table is $250 (seven people). Free childcare is available. Email Ben Remmert at benremmert@ctkelc. org to RSVP.

Right: Thank you to the congregation for your generous donation of shoeboxes filled with gifts for the sailors that come into the Port of Houston. This year we collected 116 boxes which the Luther League wrapped and delivered to the International Seafarer Ministry building. 10 The King’s Banner Lutherhill Summer Camp July 12-17 Those that have completed 1st-5th grade will spend Plan for Summer a whole week at Lutherhill discovering all of the joys Lutherhill Elementary Camp and Beach Camp camp has to offer with Deacon Ben Remmert! Alpha Campers (1st Graders) are at camp from July 12-15 and Youngin’s Lutherhill Beach Camp July 19-24 Those that have completed 6th-8th grade can experience (2nd-3rd Graders) and Yearling’s (4th-6th Graders) are at camp a week at Lutherhill as a confirmation group with Deacon from July 12-17. Enjoy fun bible studies, camp-wide worships, Ben Remmert at Zion Retreat Center in Galveston Island! afternoon activities and daily All Camp activities. Spend an eve- Campers will experience the love of Christ both inside ning around the campfire making s’mores. Cost breakdowns are and outside the walls of Zion by taking advantage of the below. Sign up and register by February 15. beach and surrounding attractions by dive into Bible stud- Alpha (1st Grade) Program Cost: ies, enjoy worships on the Gulf of Mexico, cook for one Paid in Full by March 15-$290 another, experience service opportunities in the surround- Paid in Full by May 15- $325 ing communities, explore the island of Galveston, and Paid in Full after May 15- $340 grow in community with fellow junior high students. Cost Young’ns (2nd-3rdGrade) and breakdown are below. Sign up and register by February 15. Yearling’s (4th-6th Grade) Program Cost: Jr. High Beach Camp Program Cost: Paid in Full by March 15-$450 Paid in Full by March 15-$490 Paid in Full by May 15- $500 Paid in Full by May 15- $540 Paid in Full after May 15- $525 Paid in Full after May 15- $565 Camp Hope Ministry is Coming this Summer! Mark your calendars for June 8-12 Camp Hope is a day camp ministry Camp Hope Staff Applications are Out: where youth will be leading a day of This summer we are looking for middle and high camp here at church from 7:30 a.m. school students to serve on our Summer 2020 until 6:00 p.m. Children (ages 5 to Camp Hope staff. There are two ways to serve at 11) will learn bible stories through Camp Hope—both are essential to a great Day worship, games, snacks, science Camp: experiments, drama, and crafts Support Staff: Starting at age 12, people are in- throughout the day. For almost 30 vited to serve in leadership positions that require years, Camp Hope has provided new orientation and specific time commitments. curriculum and training to congrega- Paid Staff: A limited number of people between the ages of 15 and 22 will be called tions throughout the United States. to serve as small group leaders and directors. Paid staff are required to participate The vision for Camp Hope is to be the in pre-camp learning, attend the Staff Training Event, all staff meetings and to be best strategy for congregations to de- prepared each day. velop young Christian leaders doing justice, who serve God as servants in Applications can be found online at ctkelc.org or paper applications can be found their neighborhood and in the world. at Christ the King Church. Applications are due on January 15! Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church Valerie Lloyd is our Camp Hope Manager this Summer! Valerie Lloyd is a member of CtK and the Camp Manager of Camp Dates: Each day during the week, Hope. She is an undergrad biomedical engineering student at the Monday, June 8 through Friday, June University of Houston. While she plans on going into the 12 at 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. (before bionanoscience industry, she also has a passion for education and after camp options available) and working with children. She has spent her previous summers Who Can Attend: Those that have working as an administrative assistant for a children's summer finished pre-K through 6th Grade by camp and enjoyed it greatly. In high school, she was elected to May 2020 (ages 4-10) be the Youth Representative for the Gulf Coast Synod of the ELCA. Costs: $100.00 Now she serves the church as crucifer for the 8:30 a.m. service. (Before Camp- $25.00 & After Camp- You can find her most Sundays in the courtyard enjoying a cup of tea if you have $25.00) any questions or would like to chat. Christ the King Lutheran Church 11 January 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Lesser Festivals and Commemorations 1 2 3 4 1 NAME OF JESUS 2 Johann Konrad Wilhelm Loehe, The Annual 6:00 pm Organ 8:15 am 8:15 am 1:00 pm Yoga renewer of the church, 1872 Meeting Recital Morning Prayer Morning Prayer 6:00 pm 15 Martin Luther King Jr., renewer of society, martyr, 1968 17 Antony of Egypt, renewer of the church, c. 356 of the 9:00 am Prayer Contemplative Pachomius, renewer of the church, 346 Congregation Shawl ministry Worship 18 CONFESSION OF PETER Part 2 6:00 pm Sr High Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins Luther Café 19 Henry, Bishop of Uppsala, martyr, 1156 21 Agnes, martyr, c. 304 February 9 25 CONVERSION OF PAUL 12:30 p.m. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ends parish hall 26 Timothy, Titus, and Silas, missionaries 27 Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith 28 Thomas Aquinas, teacher, 1274 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 8:30 am Worship Church Office 8:15 am 8:15 am Morning 8:15 am 8:15 am 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Closed Morning Prayer Prayer Morning Prayer Morning Prayer 6:00 pm Sunday Forum 8:15 am 6:15 pm Brass 9:00 am Prayer Contemplative 9:45 am Sunday Morning Prayer Choir Shawl ministry Worship School 10:50 am Worship 12:30 pm Luther League

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Church Office 8:15 am 8:15 am Morning 8:15 am 8:15 am 10:00 am AM/ 8:30 am Worship Closed Morning Prayer Prayer Morning Prayer Morning Prayer Server training 9:45 am 10:00 am SEARCH Sunday Forum 8:15 am Coffee Hour 9:00 am Prayer 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Confirmation Morning Prayer Shawl ministry 6:00 pm 9:45 am Sunday School 6:15 pm Brass 10:00 am Contemplative 10:50 am Worship Choir Friday Morning Worship 12:30 pm Luther 7:30 pm Bible Study League/Peru meeting Choir and Chorus Luther League 12:30 pm Lutheran Lock-In Basics

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Houston Marathon Church Office 8:15 am 8:15 am Morning 8:15 am 8:15 am 1:00 pm Yoga 8:30 am Worship Closed Morning Prayer Prayer Morning Prayer Morning Prayer 6:00 pm 9:45 am 8:15 am 6:00 pm Scriptural 6:15 pm Brass 7:00 pm 9:00 am Prayer Contemplative Sunday Forum Morning Prayer Reasoning Choir Ecumenical Shawl ministry Worship 9:45 am Confirmation 9:00 am MLK SEARCH Coming 7:30 pm Prayer Service 10:00 am 9:45 am Sunday School Parade Home dinner Choir and Chorus Friday Morning 10:50 am Worship Bible Study 12:30 pm Lutheran 7:00 pm Science & Basics Religion 7:00 pm Blues, 3:00 pm Bach Concert Brews, and Good 7:00 pm Young Adults News

26 27 28 29 30 31 8:30 am Worship Church Office 8:15 am 8:15 am Morning 8:15 am 8:15 am 9:45 am Closed Morning Prayer Prayer Morning Prayer Morning Prayer Sunday Forum 8:15 am 6:15 pm Brass 9:00 am Prayer 9:45 am Confirmation Morning Prayer Choir Shawl ministry 9:45 am Sunday School 5:00 pm 7:30 pm 10:00 am 10:50 am Worship Community of Choir and Chorus Friday Morning 12:30 pm Youth/Family Luncheon Hope Bible Study 12:30 pm Lutheran Basics 6:00 Creation Care we- binar

12 The King’s Banner Music ♫ New Year's Day Organ Concert Featuring our amazing Bach Organ with organists Mary Joy Silmaro, Rick Erickson, flutist Kelly Devany, and trumpeter Bob Walp. Works to be performed include Bach, Buxtehude, Telemann, Handel and more! A festive champagne reception follows - join us Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity bachsocietyhouston.org this New Year's Day for a Houston tradition! January 18–25, 2020 They Showed Us Unusual Kindness (cf. Acts 28:2) Join violist Matthew Carrington for a Matinee Concert at CTK Sunday, January 19 at 3:00 p.m. 7th Annual Ecumenical Prayer Service Matthew, a member of CTK and a regular with January 23, 7:00 p.m. the Bach Society, will perform music written for Christ the King Lutheran Church Churches in and around Houston come together other instruments that have found their way to every year in January in vibrant prayer and witness the viola. This concert will also be given at First for Christian unity, recalling one of Jesus’ central Lutheran Church in Galveston on Saturday, Jan 18 prayers for the body of Christ, “that they may all be at 4:00 p.m. All welcome! one.” The invitation comes from the International Saturday, February 8 at 4:00 p.m. Bach Society presents a concerto Committee of the Faith and Order Commission of concert at the Museum of Fine Arts. More details to come, but this the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical concert includes the 5th Brandenburg Concerto among other works. Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Our con- (Tickets required: bachsocietyhouston.org) gregation is honored to host the Houston area’s central event, the Ecumenical Prayer Service. On another note.... This year’s theme was issued by the churches on January can be a wonderful time to consider joining the Choir the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea, the or Chorus. Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, January 15 at island where possibly the Apostle Paul landed 7:30 p.m. Please speak to Rick or Mary Joy about membership. shipwrecked and was wonderfully rescued and welcomed. Again, in recent years, the islands and coastal nations of the Mediterranean have rescued Assisting Minister and Server Training and welcomed refugees, many thousands. Combin- Training for Assisting Ministers and Servers will be conducted in the nave ing our Christian calling of welcoming the stranger, on January 18 and February 1 at 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon in the nave. If caring for the stranded, and extending our hand, you are interested in serving in one of these capacities, whether you have with our prayer for unity, churches in Houston pray experience or are a novice, attendance at one of the trainings is required. for unity and focus again on what it means to ex- tend unusual kindness to the lost and stranded in Language Milestone For Three Year Old Children our own time. The ecumenical International Hous- Baptism Of Our Lord, January 12 ton Seafarers Center will participate in the service. All 3 year old children will receive a gift edition of Luther’s Small Cat- The port of Houston is one of the world’s largest echism on January 12, Baptism of Our Lord. We celebrate the gift of ports, the busiest U.S. export port and welcomes language as a major milestone in their young lives. Parents and children thousands of seamen every year. are recognized in worship with a short rite of thanksgiving and blessing.

Sign up for Sunday Flowers Now You are invited to donate the Sunday flowers throughout the year. Here’s your chance to contribute flow- ers in honor or memory of your loved ones. The 2020 Flower Chart is on the mobile bulletin board in the cloister or the foyer (during the week). The Sunday flowers are a significant part of the Altar Guild ministry as its members deliver them after services to families and individuals to express the congregation’s support in times of joy, sadness or concern. Our cost for flower arrangements for weekend services are $65. Please pay for the flowers when you sign up. Checks and cash can be dropped in the offering baskets (made out to Christ the King Church, memo line “Altar Flowers”). For online giving please use the link found in the weekly email. If you are not getting our weekly e-news, contact Ben Remmert at [email protected]. Christ the King Lutheran Church 13 Congregational Care Team: Living the call to be a Healing Place We have been blessed as a congregation over the last 22 Home Emergency years to have many dedciated individuals willing to partici- Response helps pate in this ministry of compassion and care. We invite all of members and se- our members to participate in one or more of the following: niors with simple home repair proj- Our Visiting/Phoning team provides the ministry of presence to those who have experienced loss of health or mobility or ects or technologi- other losses, or to older members who may not have regular cal needs. contact with family. If you have a couple of hours a month, a Prayer Notes are prepared by various members of the con- gregation and are sent to members expressing our support quarter, or just once during times of need and to acknowledge life changes. a year, we can find a spot for you to serve The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on Friday mornings at 9:00 in an area of congre- a.m. in the third floor conference room. The group makes gational ministry. shawls for church members and friends who are ill or who have suffered the death of a loved one. They also donate Contact Beverly at shawls to the Hospitality Apartments for people who are ill beverlydavis@ct- and who would benefit from the receipt of a prayer shawl. kelc.org or 713-400- 0517 for more in- Transportation is provided to members to doctors’ appoint- Cathy Norberg celebrates with member formation. Through ments or to worship as we are able to fill requests. Raymond Beyer on his 94th birthday in our Congregational Meals are delivered to parishioners who are in special need December. Cathy has been a part of our Care Team, we live or are temporarily homebound. The meals committee hosts Congregational Care Visitation Team out our mission as and/or provides food for funeral and memorial service recep- since its beginning in 1997 and has served “a healing place.” as coordinator of our Lay Eucharistic tions at the church. A sub-set of the Meals Committee is our Ministry for over a decade. Meal Drops for families with newborns.

We Love a Parade! On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20, Christ the King Church members and friends along with Bishop Mike Rinehart and members of other Lutheran congragations will join the MLK Heritage Society Parade. The parade starts at City Hall at the corner of Lamar and Smith at 10:00 a.m. We will meet up at 9:00 a.m. at a nearby location to be announced. We will have a banner, a convertible, and individual signs for those who would like to walk the route of 1.5 miles (or you can make your own sign). Please contact Rebecca at [email protected] if you are interested in joining the parade walkers, representing our Lutheran commitment to the Gospel-Faith-Justice-Welcome. We need an accurate count of participants by January 14 to ensure enough signs for all. "We've Decided to Stick with Love...Hate is Too Great a Burden to Bear" - Martin Luther King, Jr.

14 The King’s Banner Choosing a Nursing Home When a family member needs to transition to a nursing house the selection of an appropriate facility can be a confusing and overwhelming task. Finding a “good fit” means taking the time to evaluate the quality of facility and having a good understanding of the individual’s needs. Location is also important if family members or The icon on the left, is given to nursing other caregivers will make frequent homes where government investigators visits. found evidence of abuse that led to resident harm. The icon remains part of the nursing A recent article in the Wall Street homes’ evaluation criterion until a year without an Journal (11-20-19) discussed chang- abuse citation has passed. Using data from this and es to the government’s database Nursing Home Compare. https:// the other categories General Information, Health www.medicare.gov/NursingHomeCompare/compare.html A study Inspections, Fire Safety, Staffing, Quality of Care and by the Health and Human Services Department shows a steady Penalties, consumers can make an informed decision increase in consumer nursing home complaints between 2011 about nursing home selection. and 2018. While nursing home citations for abuse remain rare, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid added an icon to Nursing While the website is helpful it does not replace mak- Home Compare. ing a visit to the nursing home and asking questions found at https://www.medicare.gov/sites/default/ Yoga on Saturdays files/2019-10/NursingHomeChecklist.pdf 1:00 p.m. every Saturday in the parish hall. If you need more information or have questions All welcome: novice or experienced. contact Linda Schoene, RN, Congregational Nurse Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat. at [email protected]

Community of Hope training begins in January ― Is God Calling You to be a Lay Chaplain? Monday evenings, January 27 through April 6 Registration deadline: January 10 opportunities in a community shaped by prayer and Do you want to deepen your relationship with God? Benedictine spirituality. Do you want to acquire the skills needed to handle At Christ the King Lutheran Church, we have trained different life situations in your every day journey? 119 Community of Hope Lay Chaplains (both members Do you want to be comfortable extending God’s love of our congregation and from many other congrega- to your family, friends, and neighbors? tions) who live out their call to be “holy listeners” in Then, the Community of Hope may be for you! In addition many different settings: in their families, their workplaces, to providing training to equip laypersons to serve in pasto- their neighborhoods, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, and ral care ministry as Lay Chaplains, the Community of Hope within the congregation. You are invited to consider becoming offers a journey into wholeness through spiritual growth a part of our Community of Hope. Classes will be held on Monday evenings, January 27 through April 6. Class size is limited. Registration deadline is January 10. For more information or to receive an application, contact Beverly Davis at [email protected] or 713-400-0517.

Access to Church for Early Service January 19 The Chevron Houston Marathon will be held Sunday, January 19, beginning at 7:00 a.m. The event results in numerous street closures including Bissonnet and Kirby. The disruption affects mainly 8:30 a.m. and Sunday School participants. The best route to church is from U.S. 59 to Buffalo Speedway then turning left on Rice Blvd. For a map of the course go to chevronhoustonmarathon.com. Are You a Marathon Runner? We encourage all friends and members of the congregation who will run 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 15 As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Justice Christ to serve and love our neighbor. God uses our voices, Advocacy through our advocacy efforts, to restore and reconcile our Opportunity world. Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lu- theran belief that governments can help advance the common – Advocate good. ELCA advocacy works for change in public policy on be- with the ELCA half of the following biblical values: peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern for people living The Work of the ELCA: in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease. Together, we achieve things Outdoor Ministry on a scale and scope that we could never do otherwise. See elca.org/advocacy to For many, outdoor ministry is a life- learn more about these issues and the ELCA’s advocacy work. changing experience. In partnership with congregations, outdoor minis- tries strive to strengthen, support and lift up the body of Christ by encourag- ing spiritual growth in outdoor set- tings. There are 121 ELCA-affiliated camp, retreat and conference center sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. Outdoor ministries offer a wide variety of programs that provide Advocates (including our member Lisa Brenskelle, 3rd from right) with Representative growth experiences for people of Sheila Jackson Lee. all ages, many of whom become leaders in the church and their com- Advocacy Works! In November, Lisa Brenskelle, head of CTK’s Creation Care Team & Justice Advocacy munities. Youth, in particular, can Ministry, visited her representative in the U.S. Congress, Sheila Jackson Lee, with a benefit through camp, which helps group of advocates, to discuss action on climate change. Congresswoman Jackson growth in areas such as spirituality, Lee subsequently publicly endorsed the Green New Deal. At its Advocacy Conven- self-confidence, independence, mak- ing in May, the ELCA stated “We urge Congress to enact policies that support the ing friends, exploring and learning transition to a carbon-neutral society, providing people with incentives to create new activities. To learn more about economic growth opportunities that will both protect the environment and help Outdoor Ministry, go to elca.org, click eradicate poverty. Such policies must honor the fundamental rights of workers to “Related-Ministries”, and click the workplace safety, job security, and fair remuneration so that neither employees link for “Outdoor Ministry”. nor business owners lose ground economically.” Advocacy works! Churchwide Assembly Human Trafficking Look-Back: The United States is a top source, transit and destination

country for men, women, and children subjected to forced January Immigrants & Refugees Human Trafficking At churchwide assembly in August labor, debt bondage, involuntary servitude, and sex traffick- Awareness Month 2019, a memorial was passed that ing. Texas is one of the top three states for human trafficking. asks the ELCA to recommit to ad- In fact, nearly 30% of calls to report domestic trafficking January 11 vocacy for extension of Temporary originate in Texas, and the largest population of youths at risk Human Trafficking Protected Status and Accompanying of being trafficked is centered in Houston. The recent tragic Awareness Day Minors with Protection, Representa- death of Letty Serrano in October 2019 in Houston, who was drugged and sold to sex tion & Opportunities (AMMPARO). traffickers at age 13 and committed suicide at age 15, has raised awareness of this The memorial further asks that the issue. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg stated that “Houston is ground zero ELCA reaffirm its partnership with for human trafficking”. To learn more, go to https://humantraffickinghouston.org/ Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service in calling for fair and com- Through our AMMPARO network, our com- passionate immigration policies and mittee supported the efforts of St. James practices that keep families together Lutheran Church who serves a large number and the joint work with AMMPARO. of unaccompanied migrants and migrant ELCA synods, congregations, and families. With the generous support of members are called by this memo- several church members and funds previ- rial to advocate for legislation that ously raised for AMMPARO, we have helped a mother from Honduras pay for a welcomes the stranger to this country much-needed wheelchair for her 9 year old son with Spina Bifida. and to their communities. 16 The King’s Banner Going Green in Houses of Worship – Learn from Others! Sunday, January 12, 2:30 p.m. The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites you to learn how houses of worship in Houston are going green and consider what you could do in your own house of worship. Join speakers of a variety of faith backgrounds who will discuss work in their houses of worship to go green in their building, grounds, worship services, community service projects, advocacy, educational programs, and more. After each speaker presents on their work, we will have break-out Carbon Pricing Educational sessions where you can discuss your challenges in going green in your house of Materials from the ELCA worship and get tips from others. Join us at 1st Congregational Church, 10840 Addressing climate Beinhorn Rd., for this informative event! Please register for planning purposes change requires mul- on eventbrite.com. The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston acts to tiple approaches. empower the faith community in the greater Houston area to act and advocate Emissions perfor- on behalf of the environment. For more information about this event, or the mance standards Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at and other green- [email protected]. house gas (GHG) mitigation technolo- Sunday Evening Conversations on Creation Continue… gies are moving forward, but carbon The CTK Creation Care Team invites you to a monthly environmental pricing is generally thought to have the education web meeting series. greatest potential for near-term im- United We Win – pact. Carbon fees and dividends ap- pear to be one of several possible Collaborating to Solve Houston’s Toughest Environmental Challenges policy tools to mitigate the impact of Sunday, January 26, at 6:00 p.m., online climate change, but implementing any In January, Jaime Gonzalez, Houston Urban Conservation Programs Manager such policy tools presents many chal- for The Nature Conservancy, will highlight a variety of local environmental lenges. The 2019 ELCA Churchwide issues, and how local people/organizations are coming together to address Assembly adopted the memorial “Car- them. He will explain tools used for environmental action mapping that make bon Fee (and Dividend)” and reaffirmed collective action more effective. And, he’ll speak about how all of us can work our church’s commitment to advocacy together to create positive environmental change. Please register for this talk that seeks a sufficient, sustainable on eventbrite.com. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at [email protected] with any livelihood for all. For further details, use questions about this talk. QR code below to access educational materials on this topic from the ELCA . Only wash dishes/clothes To use, activate your camera app and aim directly at code. Open web link that when the machine is full to save $/water. pops up on your screen.

Texas Interfaith Advocacy Conference Celebrate your Baptismal Anniversary! February 16 – 18, Austin January 5 January 12 January 19 In years past, TX Lutherans had their “Remember Morgan Yaege Karen Sebung Rita Carlson own advocacy event in Austin each year. and rejoice, Asher Remmert Heinz-Juergen Brink Amari Oechslin Then, in 2019, we held a joint event Renewed Elizabeth Eklof Verena Brink Doris Johnston with TX Episcopalians. This year, we will by floods of Stephanie Eklof Rob Douglass Sidney Johnston grace Angela Edelmann join with people of all faiths to: develop Bob Stone Jessica Locheed We bear the Sam Petner Philipp Winston skills to be effective advocates, network Zachary Morin sign of Jesus Jane Baehre Nicholas Cornor Paul Monroe with fellow faith-based advocates and Christ, Nathan Wiker Jessica Breitbiel January 26 meet with our representatives in the That time David Padget Mary Neberman Rodney Koenig cannot Miles Burton Capitol to discuss priority issues. Plan Terence Vinson Thomas Swindell erase.” Raymond Beyer now to join us! Registration is online at Charles Wilds Donna Vass (ELW 454) Sandy Troff https://texasimpact.org/texas-interfaith- Christopher Karohl advocacy-conference-registration-page. Ben Remmert

Christ the King Lutheran Church 17 Church Business

The 2020 church council was installed on December 15. Pictured with the pastors, l-r: Nyla Woods, Maureen Lamson, Logan Faron, Andy Winesett, Peter Boecher, Chris Bryant, Terri Koehler, and Jessica Locheed. Not pictured is Tim Vuong. Congregation Council Retreat On Friday and Saturday, January 10-11, the congregation council will hold Thank you to all its annual retreat at Lutherhill. Please pray for our congregation leaders the members and during this time of discernment and planning. friends who do- Annual Reports nated food, toys, The 2019 Annual Reports are due on January 17. See last year’s reports and money to online as a reference at ctkelc.org/about-us/how-we-work. Please email Christian Com- your report to [email protected]. munity Service Center’s Jingle Bell Express. Here are some of the results of your contribu- Annual Meeting Part II tions: Part II of the annual congregational meeting will be held on February 9 at 12:30 p.m. in the parish hall. On the agenda are the 2019 annual Program highlights for 2019: reports and the adoption of the 2020 budget and the 2020 Missional • 2,843 children (infancy through age 15) re- Emphases. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend. ceived new toys, new books, wooden toys and stocking stuffers. In addition, their 932 Eagle Scout Fundraiser - Brisket Anyone? families received holiday food packages. Sunday, February 9 • The program was offered to families living in Zach Goodrow and team are smoking brisket and chicken and preparing 33 zip codes. Heavily represented zip codes the traditional fixings and sides for a BBQ lunch on February 9 before served were located in Sharpstown/Fondren the Congregational Meeting. A free will donation is requested to fund (29%); the Gulfton area (25%); and Greater his Eagle Scout Project at CTK this spring. For his project, Zach is working Fifth Ward/Kashmere Gardens (10%). closely with Pr. Karin and with Peter Boecher to design new benches and some landscaping improvements to the Columbarium Garden. • More than 700 volunteers served at the Registration, Sort & Set Up, and Distribution Thank You phases of Jingle Bell Express! These volun- for the Staff Year End Gifts teers combined for more than 3,000 hours Christ the King Church staff were very ap- of volunteer service. preciative of the monetary gifts funded by generous members of the congrega- tion (not from budget). Lee Thweatt collected the contributions and distributed to our very grateful staff. Thanks so much to our generous members! Checks large and small added up. 18 The King’s Banner Advent and Christmas at Christ the King Church Left: Christmas Around the World Children’s Pageant December 15

Right: Advent Wreath Workshop December 1

Below Left: Luther League Christmas Party December 15

Below Right: Bach Society Houston Advent Vespers December 15

Bottom Right: Luther League Waffle Café December 15

Christ the King Lutheran Church 19