THE KING’S BANNER Christ the King Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas 2353 Rice Blvd, Houston TX 77005 Volume 71, Number 6, 713-523-2864 ctkelc.org June/July, 2017

Pentecost Picnic June 4 Capital Campaign Phase II Come and join together for a good ol’ time at our annual Culminates June 4 Pentecost Picnic on Sunday, June 4 at 12:15 p.m. in the courtyard. On Pentecost Sunday—the celebration All are invited to bring sides to complement the entrée of fried of the beginning of the Church on chicken, like salads (potato, pasta, rice, green salads), vegetables, Earth—the members of Christ the King fruit and dessert. Vegetarian options are welcome! We ask that Lutheran Church have an opportunity individuals help with $5, and families of four and more $20. to finish the work we began more than Come dressed in your casual picnic attire and two years ago in the “Build Us Up, Send choose the color RED for Pentecost Sunday. Us Forth” capital campaign, as we celebrate our life as a church today and look forward to the years to come. Pentecost Picnic A Gift from Our Muslim Neighbors— An Iftar Dinner Friday, June 16 Sunday, June 4 12:15 p.m. A very special gift has been offered to members of Christ the King Church by our spiritual cousins of the Islamic Institute: a free and educational Iftar Dinner, here at Do You Speak a Foreign Language? Christ the King Church, on Friday, June 16, 7:45 p.m. Use it on Pentecost! “Iftar” means “breaking of the fast” during Islam’s high Each year on Pentecost Sunday (June 4), we invite those who holy days of Ramadan. We are invited to break the fast speak or read a language other than English to participate in the with our Muslim neighbors and, while so doing, learn reading from the book of Acts. We encourage wide participa- more about an Iftar’s religious meaning, as well as more tion from all who worship with us. The readings will be done from the seats, taking place simultaneously with the languages about Islam in general. filling the nave. Please contact Cheryl Gaspard in the church The meal will be limited to 35 Christ the King members; office (713-400-0519 or [email protected]) for more information 35 participants from the Turkish Shia background of the or a copy of the reading in your language. Islamic Institute and Mosque will join us. The meal will be catered and free, hosted in the parish hall. Please call Bach Vespers: On to Leipzig! or email the church office at [email protected] to reserve On Sunday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m. Bach Society your place by Friday, June 9. presents Bach Cantata 16 "Herr Gott, dich loben wir" in Vespers with the Bach Choir, soloists, Because during Ramadan Muslims must fast from sunup and Orchestra. This event marks both the con- to sunset, the program begins at 7:45 p.m. and the meal clusion of the Season, but also the sending of will be served around 8:30. For CTK members who come, our Bach Choir to the Leipzig BachFest, where we encourage you, if you are able, to show your spiritual they will be the first professional Ameri- neighborliness to our hosts by fasting that day with them can choir invited to perform as part of this international festival. until the evening festivities begin. We are grateful indeed Our Bach forces are honored to represent Christ the King, Hou- to The Islamic Institute for their great generosity! ston, and indeed, the US, as we head to Germany. The choir, ac- Summer Book Reviews companied by over 30 supporters!, will sing in Leipzig, Dresden, The summer book reviews are Berlin, Wittenburg, and Weimar, among others. Bishop Rinehard a beloved tradition as an edu- will also be our guest homilist at Vespers, so, please, join us for cational offering on Sundays at this joyous celebration! 9:45 a.m. during the summer. Summer See page 8. Book Reviews

Submit a check made out to Christ the King Church and earmarked “CCSC Back to School” in the offering on Sundays now through August 14. See page 20. $45.00 Sponsors One Student Christ the King Lutheran Church 1 Build Us Up, Send Us Forth Capital Campaign Part Two Sermon for Year A Easter 3 Based on Luke 24:13-35 has begun in the call process. Pastor’s Note: There have been many What could it look like so consciously to requests for the sermon of April 30, be sent forth as Christ the King’s Easter/ the “Kick-Off Day” for the second Pentecost people? What could that final phase of Christ the King Church’s 15% in this campaign make possible? “Build Us Up—Send Us Forth Cam- When the physical walls and mortgage is paign. That sermon is reproduced paid down according to the plan—better, here. It is commended as a catalyst, when it is all paid off—what could and not a prescription. I hope indeed that even should happen, given the premise the faithful imagination of many is that what we have in current building sparked by this. May Christ’s peace Duane’s World and program is the foundation upon and love fill you and spill over from which entirely new ministry is to be built. you to many! What can we do when $100,000 or even much more—if all is Christ is Risen! Alleluia! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! Having paid off soon--is freed for new ministry, especially when the just replied as you’ve been taught, does it feel more like unusually strong “people assets” that you are, are even more an echo now than a first excited exclamation to say that? loosed into the world with God who is loose in the world? Or worse, are we cast back into the mindset of those two I see a congregation already that supports dozens of minis- unnamed and upset disciples walking a dusty rocky road in tries, but could become better known for all it does. Without a world that again bears no promise for them? compromising those, I see this congregation also Suppose someone was to come to you on your rallying around one thing beyond our foundational walk today outside these walls and say “Christ is worship and music that clearly demonstrates that Risen!” How would you respond? Are we “built we love the neighbor as Jesus loves us and that up” enough confidently to say “indeed”? Equally, we do justice, and walk humbly with God, per are we built up and sent forth enough to bring the Micah 6:8. That one thing might be something like news that Christ is Risen to others on their roads Freewheels for Houston, which already is getting so that they with joy can answer “indeed!”? known for principled advocacy and hands-on work Today we start a five week period of more discus- for immigrants, helping them with job-training sion, perhaps like walking an Emmaus road, now named Rice and placement. I see also from amongst you a principled Blvd., about the future of Christ the King Church’s ministry. and diverse group of youth, academics, veterans, police, You have been so well-led and so inspired by God’s Spirit and legal minds coming together with other people of color to respond generously to the Build Us Up, Send Us Forth and religious difference to counter hate in ourselves, our Capital Campaign that 85% of the $3 million goal has been community, and our great city. subscribed. In the next weeks we will hear and read what These new outreaches are already happening. Nurture will the campaign thus far has enabled us here at CTK to do. This be needed. And support will be needed to see that all of the obviously centered on the physical side of “Build Us Up.” It amazing different talents and perspectives given us by God was necessary and is wonderful. We conclude the campaign would cohere together as non-partisan examples of a con- June 4, appropriately Pentecost Sunday—that very day when gregation so that God’s unusual reign of mercy with justice the church was born, empowered, and sent into the world is seen on earth as it is in heaven, rather than God’s rule just to assist people on their own roads, even to walk them onto happening to look like our own political preferences. THAT promise-filled roads. would be a distinctive sign that the church is relevant to a Having been around the block, having been your Interim current population and a Generation Z that wants to belong Pastor coming on nigh a year, and having experienced the to just such a worshipping prayerful place that brings divine wonderful and even unusual strengths you have individually mercy and healing to wherever suffering happens. and as a congregation, my role and privilege now is to share Most of you are eager, even passionate, to see such a new with you my vision of what Christ the King Church could do “branding” social ministry happen here. The eventual real and be remembered for on its road of discipleship in the thing could be something different, but equally branding. years ahead. This is the stuff of well-detailed strategic plan- And there is nothing here that would limit you in number ning, which this congregation has never actually done. Such and quality of outreaches. The point is that the support for it planning always begins with visioning, which wonderfully will be radically opened and our vision will be turned beyond 2 The King’s Banner the walls to the anxious roads too much travelled. Welcome Summer Intern But I also have a vision, a genuinely new model, for here that could enhance We welcome to our staff and and serve the cause of amplifying the experience of God’s love that could congregation this week Cas- leverage the gifts of this congregation even more. It is based on the premise sandra Nagle. Cassie joins us that we still require our own spiritual building up just as society-at-large as a senior at Pepperdine needs it and just as also we are sent forth. The very idea that God is loving University, with her family and gracious, the heart of Christian faith, is absent in most of the popular home here in greater Hou- teaching of so-called Christian mega-churches. Most Christians are even ston. She is discerning a pos- less than rudimentary in knowing how to pray, read the Bible, or in their sible call to church ministry and will use the experience of the beauty of worship. Enduring energy for doing God’s love next two months here at Christ the King as an in the world cannot be sustained without the spiritual relationship-knowl- intern, “shadowing” the pastoral staff, so to edge base. see just what the “inside” work of pastors and deacons is all about. This program is part of So I ask: what would it look like to bring faith-formation to those whose lives the LEAD (Living Everyday As Disciples) pro- are defined by traffic and beltways? gram of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. So I ask: Those are our physical Emmaus roads, Do introduce yourself to Cassie and get to what would it look like while lives of anxiety and ill-defined know her. We are excited and grateful that purpose are still quite like those un- God is raising up new leaders and that Cassie to bring faith-formation named disciples. A vision already being to those whose lives are is so responsive to God’s call as to learn from tested is to emplace tens of regular our ministry here at Christ the King Church. defined by traffic and monthly “house-meetings” all around beltways? metro-Houston to deepen relationships Synod Assembly 2017 around food, drink, study, and prayer. Gaelyn Lesher, Carolyn Phillips, Pastor Duane For those and more, live-streaming and archived digital access to our wor- Larson, Pastor Karin Liebster, Ben Remmer, ship, our education offerings, conferences, and more, could inform more and Rick Erickson attended the 2017 Synod As- people of our distinctiveness and, above all, the beauty and grace of the sembly in Houston on May 18-20. The Synod Lutheran Christian witness. Special educational accents could be developed. Assembly theme, “Who is my neighbor?” With up to 70 or more lawyers in this congregation, seems to me that we engaged participants to hear stories of mar- could learn and teach a lot more about the Lutheran take on “Law and Gos- ginalized communities and their experiences pel” and its reverberations in our own daily lives. Talk about new. Imagine with us. Additionally, we give thanks for our the example of 70 lawyers convened and agreeing about something, like member Kathy Collins who is serving as the God! I can imagine cognates with our business, academic, medical and other Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod Treasurer. significant internal constituencies. Frankly, given my own take on what is happening about church leadership training and what has been attempt- ed before here, I see no reason why with all the resources here that CTK, having learned from mistakes, could not become an important ally again in consequential training of rostered and lay leaders for the pastors, deacons, and more for the church at large. With outreach like this, we will see the ministries and membership of this great congregation grow, too, as it has already been doing so impressively in this past year. People want to be partners in God’s mission when they see the church doing something relevant for them according to God’s purposes of healing and mercy in the world! Making faith active in love beyond these walls, ironically, will indeed fill and test the inside of these walls the more. Water feature in the Meditation Garden. I could go on forever about possibilities. These come from my own biases. On Ascension Day, May 25, a small group of After all, wherever I go, there I am. But I do celebrate what I have heard and CtK worshippers made great use of the new seen here, and can imagine so much more for you in your next great chapter Meditation Garden by gathering there for an of breakout ministry when you dedicate to and complete this final 15% of early morning service in lovely sunshine. The Build Us Up, Send Us Forth. Then and after the inspiration of Pentecost, you chairs were lined along the walkways, the will have the renewed strength and vision not only to walk your Emmaus water feature was bubbling and we partook road with spring in your step, you will be accompanying untold more to of communion. Toward the end of the service break bread, lift the cup of salvation, and live lives of rejoicing that God in we made a delightful discovery there was a Christ is actually here in, with, and through us; and here welcome, purpose, dove sitting on a nest in our red maple tree...a justice, and love all together actually happen; a taste of heaven on earth. sign of new life coming. Christ the King Lutheran Church 3 June Collected at the church Lutheran Immigration doors at the end of and Refugee Services worship.

LIRS: Standing with and advocating for refugees and migrants Welcoming Neighbors Old and Reflecting American Lutherans’ immigrant roots and commitment to welcoming New: Houston to Mark World strangers, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services has been a strong voice and champion for migrants and refugees around the world for nearly 80 years. Refugee Day, Saturday, June 17 Volunteer opportunities available with LIRS will receive the proceeds of our congregation’s mission offering in June. At Freewheels Houston and Houston a time when some seek to undermine our nation’s commitment to welcoming Refugee Consortium strangers, LIRS’s advocacy and compassionate services are even more essential. For several years, Houston has welcomed Today LIRS is a leader among the agencies that help refugees and advocate for more refugees than any other city in the policies that better serve and protect refugees. United States, with thousands of men, women and children from all over the Around the world, more than 60 million people have been forced to flee their world resettling in the greater Houston homes because of war, violence and persecution—the greatest number since the area, rebuilding their lives and contribut- end of World War II. More than 20 million are refugees who had to abandon their ing to the community in many ways. home country for life in camps in neighboring countries. For that reason, we honor and celebrate LIRS recently announced a new fundraising campaign, #WelcomeOurNeighbors, their strength and perseverance on World with the goal of raising $5 million to support the urgent needs of refugee fami- Refugee Day, which will be celebrated on lies—mostly women and children—resettling in the United States. Saturday, June 17, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at “We all benefit from welcoming refugees in to our lives, our communities and our na- Levy Park, 3801 Eastside—in the Upper tion. As the world faces a vast humanitarian crisis that has forced millions from their Kirby District, south of Richmond between homes–like the Syrian families and children brutalized by their own government—we Kirby and Buffalo Speedway. have the opportunity to invest in our new neighbors and transform the lives of refugees The event will feature musicians, dancers, and their communities,” said Linda Hartke, president and CEO of LIRS. a resource/artisan fair, and Houstonians LIRS works with three groups will have the opportunity to taste food of people: from refugee and immigrant owned res- Refugees: LIRS is one of nine na- taurants. Bring the whole family to this tional organizations that resettle fun, free, and educational event! www.lirs.org refugees on behalf of the United Freewheels Houston, a ministry of Christ States government. In partnership with local organizations—including Refugee the King Lutheran Church that provides Services of Texas in Houston—and congregations, LIRS strives to create welcoming bicycles to refugees so they can get to work communities to receive refugees. and school, is recruiting volunteersto help Children: As a result of conflict and persecution around the world, children are raise awareness and promote upcoming often orphaned or torn from their parents. Others, desperate to escape violence activities.Please email info@freewheels- or poverty, risk everything to go in search of safety and opportunity. When un- houston.org if you want to help. accompanied migrant children are released to a guardian, need an advocate, or The Houston Refugee Consortium is would benefit from a loving adoptive family, LIRS is there to help, advocating for recruiting volunteers as well to help the best interests of refugee and immigrant children. LIRS promotes family unity make the event a success. Please visit and reunification when it is a viable, safe option. worldrefugeedayhouston.org for details. Migrants: Every day, the United States government incarcerates approximately 34,000 men and women for civil violations of immigration law in 250 facilities A refugee is across the country. Survivors of torture, human trafficking, and violent crimes are someone who has fled from his or among those held while their immigration cases are processed and the very real her home country and cannot return potential for deportation lingers indefinitely. Detention can be deeply re-trauma- because he or she has a well­ founded tizing, and it separates families, inflicts unnecessary suffering, and exacerbates a fear of persecution based on religion, human and economic crisis in this country. LIRS provides advocacy and services race, nationality, political opinion, or that are community-based alternatives to detention. membership in a particular social group. 4 The King’s Banner Meaningful Change, Not Spare Change Houston’s Anti-Panhandling Campaign July Imagine yourself driving down the street, and you see a person panhandling. You feel compassionate, so you Hospitality give the person some money. You drive away feeling Apartments good about your act of kindness. But did your spare change really help that person? The Hospitality Apartments provide FREE When homeless individuals can get by for another day temporary housing (up to three months) by panhandling, that’s one more day that they aren’t and a safe, welcome, comfortable, receiving meaningful change; one more day that they aren’t accessing services supportive environment for families in to help them obtain permanent housing and make more long-term changes. need who must come to Houston for Over 100 local agencies – including SEARCH and the City of Houston - have come treatment of life-threatening illnesses together to create The Way Home, which provides permanent housing and in the Texas Medical Center hospitals. supportive services for homeless individuals and families. Yet The Way Home Since 1968, this 100% volunteer ministry only works when those who are experiencing homelessness access services. has served over 7,000 families from all Houston’s new “Meaningful Change, Not Spare Change” campaign offers gener- over the world. In 2007, they designed, ous Houstonians another way to get involved in the effort to solve homelessness constructed, funded, maintained, and in our community. Meaningful Change is an anti-panhandling campaign that staffed a new ADA-compliant, energy- encourages Houstonians to donate to organizations that help those who are efficient, 4-story campus. homeless make more meaningful and permanent changes – such as SEARCH The Hospitality Apartments started in or The Way Home’s Welcome Home Fund - rather than giving to panhandlers. 1968 in a small rented four-plex Army By giving to The Way Home through the Meaningful Change campaign, you barracks building. Not only has the give homeless individuals a chance at dignity instead of perpetuating their life Hospitality Apartments never had direct on the street. Each dollar donated goes directly to remove the barriers that government support in its history, but a client faces by providing furniture, home goods, and one-time financial as- never has any money been spent for sistance for fees for individuals moving into housing. professional management or fundraising help. All decisions are made and opera- Since 2011, The Way Home, in which SEARCH serves many vital roles, has tions provided by volunteers. There is no reduced overall homelessness in paid staff. The Resident Managers are Houston by an incredible 60%. Yet compensated by getting extra time over there is still much work to be done. the three months maximum. Need is the By donating to organizations like only criterion for eligibility besides living SEARCH (www.SEARCHhomeless. over 50 miles from the Medical Center. org) or The Way Home (http:// Selection is based on chronological order www.thewayhomehouston.org/ of application. give/), rather than giving spare change to individuals on the street, All apartments are completely furnished, you are making a more meaningful including linens with laundry rooms impact and helping more indi- available at no charge. Occupancy has viduals and families escape their always been 99.9% of the available homeless condition and find their apartments. When someone leaves, the way home. apartment is cleaned and families from the waiting list are called. Christ the King For more information, please go Lutheran Church has been one of this to www.MeaningfulChange.org or ministry’s supporting 23 churches for www.TheWayHomeHouston.org. more than 30 years. You are welcome For information on SEARCH or to to visit the Hospitality apartments at make a donation to SEARCH, please 7300 Bertner. go to www.SEARCHhomeless.org. If you have questions, please contact Check out the Spare Change display Julie Giam at [email protected] in the narthex and pick up Luther or 713-443-4196. Packs to distribute to those you encounter on the streets. hospitalityapartments.org Christ the King Lutheran Church 5 SEARCH Cards and Coffee Ministry Please join us in hosting our monthly coffee hour for SEARCH Homeless Services clients at the Perry St. Apartments, 4415 Perry, a New Hope Housing project in the Third Ward on Wednesday, June 21 and July 19, 10:00-11:00 a.m. This collaboration with SEARCH takes place every third Wednesday of the month. For more information, contact Beverly at [email protected]. Bon Voyage! Summer is the traditional time for vacations. Montrose Grace Place Taking vacation time is an important factor in Christ the King volunteers will be providing and serving a meal for at-risk maintaining physical and mental health. Fatigue LGBTQ youth on Thursday, June 8 and August 10 at Kindred. Would you is more than just the perception of being tired. It like to help with this community project? For more information or to is a physical state that impacts the whole body. volunteer, contact Rebecca at [email protected]. Fatigue can cause reflexes to be slower, decrease Saturday the ability to concentrate and interfere with good houston food July 8 judgment and decision making. “Getting away” Leave the church at 7:30 relaxes and refreshes the body and helps allevi- bank Return at noon ate stress. It is also a great way to reconnect with For information, contact [email protected] family and friends and focus on those special rela- Useful info for upcoming session tionships. Yet, of all the workers in the developed When: Saturday, July 8 countries of the world, Americans come to the 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m end of the year with the most unused vacation Where: Houston Food Bank days. Here are some popular excuses: 535 Portwall St. 1. “I’m too busy at work.” A little advanced Attire: Closed-toe shoes, planning and coordination with co-workers for pants, sleeved shirt coverage may take way some of the worry about (short or long sleeves) being away. Once you book a vacation, you’ve Carpool: Will leave the CTK made the commitment to get away. Try to resist parking lot at 7:30 a.m. the urge to “check in” with work while away. Walking the Mourner’s Path – A Grief Support Program 2. “I’ll just take a long weekend.” It can take We all experience the grief that comes with losing a couple of weeks to completely unwind and someone we love and with that grief comes the journey then gear back up for return to work. This pro- of mourning. Beginning Monday, September 18 - November cess can’t usually be achieved over a weekend. 6 Christ the King will offer this eight week support However, a long weekend is better than no time program facilitated by Beverly Davis and Linda Schoene. off at all. The sessions will be held on eight consecutive Mondays from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at CTK. Participants will have the 3. “If I take time off, I’m not as effective at my opportunity to share their journey with others and discover that while job.” Actually, working without a break can cause their pain is unique, they are not alone. Christ is present with those who efficiency to decline. Time away can bring a fresh mourn and there are tools for moving forward while honoring our loved look and new ideas. ones. If you are interested in joining the group please contact Beverly, 4. “I’ll take more vacations when I retire.” Work- [email protected], or Linda, [email protected], to ing with no relief can have a negative effect on determine if this group will meet your needs. physical and mental health. People whose jobs dominate their lives sometimes have difficulty Thank you from adjusting to retirement. Ben Willcockson Using that vacation time is one of the best things Thank you so much for your support you can do for yourself, your family and even of my project! Through your contribu- your employer. Getting out of the regular routine tions I was able to convert the space allows people to use different parts of the brain. next to Neff Elementary School into Vacations don’t have to be expensive. A little -re this beautiful outdoor classroom. The search might find a special get away gem not far faculty, staff and students are very ex- from home. Taking time off is not selfish. It is an cited to start using the space and will important part of the work/life balance. So get continue to use it for years to come. out there and use those vacation days! 6 The King’s Banner Congregational Care Team Celebrates 20 Years This fall the Christ the King Lutheran Church Congregational Supporting individuals in times of crisis is a key component Care Team will celebrate 20 years of service to our congre- of caring in the context of a faith community. Meals, visits, gation. The Congregational Care Team provides special care prayers and cards keep individuals and families connected to to members during illness and other periods of need. The their faith community. Current research is looking at a model Service and Care Commission had primary responsibility for of care after hospital discharge that includes partnerships coordinating and overseeing the development of a plan, and between hospitals and faith communities. In home support in 1997, the Congregational­ Care Team became a formal provided by churches can have a positive effect on recovery ministry of CTK. and healing. Here at CTK the activities of the congregational In 2000 the church council made the intentional decision to care team continue to be a key component of health ministry. explore having a registered nurse on staff. The Service and Of course, any model of caring relies on the involvement of Care Commission formalized health ministry at Christ the King indi­vidual members willing to give of their time and talent. with the commissioning of a congregational nurse in 2001. We have been blessed as a congregation over the last 20 The congregational care team mirrors the health cabinet, years to have many dedicated individuals willing to partici- pate in this ministry of compassion and care. One example is a key piece of all health ministries. Thus the infrastructure Rose Anderson who faithfully served on the phone/visitation for caring and support was already in place and serving the committee for many years. Rose is now a recipient of care members of CTK. from the Congregational Care Team. Congregational Care Team We have been blessed as a congregation over the last 20 years to have many ded- ciated individuals willing to participate in this ministry of compassion and care. We invite all of our members to partici- pate in one or more of the following: Our Visiting/Phoningteam provides the ministry of presence to those who have experienced loss of health or mobility or Peggy Johnson and Cathy Norberg visit member Rose Anderson. other losses, or to older members who may not have regular contact with family. Shanna Thorvilson says that she coordinates our Prayer Notes are prepared by various members of the congregation meal delivery to families and are sent to members expressing our support during times of need with newborns “because and to acknowledge life changes. I love to meet and greet the newest members of The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on Friday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the our congregation as well as third floor conference room. The group makes shawls for church mem- help new parents transition bers and friends who are ill or who have suffered the death of a loved into their new routines.” one. They also donate shawls to the Hospitality Apartments for people Shanna Thorvilson delivers who are ill and who would benefit from the receipt of a prayer shawl. a meal to the LoTurco Transportationis provided to members to doctors’ appointments or to family (pictured: Shanna, worship as we are able to fill requests. Akiko, and newborn Eliana. Meals are delivered to parishioners who are in special need or are tem- porarily homebound. The meals committee hosts and/or provides food for funeral and memorial service receptions at the church. A sub-set of the Meals Committee is our Meal Drops for families with newborns. Home Emergency Response helps members and seniors with simple home repair projects or technological needs. Fleeta Lynch, a If you have a couple of hours a month, a quarter, or just once a year, we homebound friend can find a spot for you to serve in an area of congregational ministry. of CTK member Contact Beverly at [email protected] or 713-400-0517 for more Alice Oeben, wearing her information. Through our Congregational Care Team, we are remined prayer shawl. of how blessed we are to “Love one another as Christ has loved you.” Christ the King Lutheran Church 7 Pub Theologians - Young Adults Summer Book Reviews Potluck BBQ at the Parsonage Patio Sunday, June 18, 7:00 p.m. The summer Make it a summer kick-off gathering. Bring book reviews are your own meat to grill and a side dish to a beloved tradi- share. Beverages will be provided. All tion as an educa- young at heart are welcome. We’ll add Summer tional offering on some song and guided conversation to Sundays at 9:45 make it a deepening soul-care evening. And invite friends! RSVP to Pas- Book Reviews a.m. during the tor Duane, [email protected] by Friday, June 16. There will be no Sundays at 9:45 a.m. summer months. gathering in July. in the basement classroom CTK “House Church” June 4: Tony Settles, Night, by Elie Wiesel A new program has begun and it is growing well. Christ the King neighbor- June 11: Kristine Wallace, hood “House Church” is a new—still “experimental” effort to host fellow- Bach & God, by Michael Marissen ship in neighborhoods around the outer loop. The evenings include food, wine and other beverages, great fellowship, a brief Bible Study and prayer. June 18: Federico Salas-Isnardi, Delta Doctor, by Dr. Peter Boelens House Church is a wonderful way for people to be in touch with their beloved congregation and each other. We’ve been organizing this first June 25: Michelle Shonbeck, Executive Director extended test by inviting people from given zip codes to attend, but want of the Christian Community Service Center, A also to open it up to others “in the neighborhood.” Hope in the Unseen, by Ron Suskind The next House Church evening will be June 23 at the home of Church July 2: Terri Bourne, and Linda Alexander, 2927 Kismet Ln, Houston, 77043. If you are “in the Love, Henri: Letters on the Spiritual Life by Henri zip” or in the neighborhood and would like to attend, please RSVP to J.M. Nouwen. the church office, [email protected] or to the Alexanders at 713-939-7116. July 9: Bill Pelham, Burke and Demaret – The

Wit and Wisdom of Golf’s Most Colorful Duo, Backyard BBQ and Pool Party Saturday, June 10, 5:30 p.m. Start your summer off with a splash! Enjoy a casual evening of barbecue, by Bill Pelham swimming, or just plain relaxing in the beautiful backyard of Jessica and July 16: Elmer Ledesma, How Culture Shapes the Kenneth Breitbeil. Your donation of $25/adult will benefit one of Christ Climate Change Debate, by Andrew Hoffman the King’s outreach ministries, House of Tiny Treasures (SEARCH Home- July 23: Lisa Brenskelle, less Service Daycare Center). Children may accompany parents for free, Dream of the Earth, by Thomas Berry but space is limited. Please RSVP to [email protected] by June 3. July 30: Carolyn Jacobs, Science and Religion Discussion Group Making Sense of the Central African Republic, The Houston Science and Religion Discussion Group (HSRDG) meets in a collection of essays edited by Carayannis and the 2nd floor council room onMonday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. The speaker, Lombard Susan Giesecke, will discuss “Genetics, what does it mean to be human?" The HSRDG meets monthly (excluding July and August) at CTK to discuss August 6: Rabbi Kenny Weiss, subjects of interest at the interface between science and religion. Topics of a presentation on Jewish humor and MAD recent meetings included points of conflict between science and religion Magazine from an atheistic perspective, creation from the perspective of scientists August 13: Pastor Karin Leibster, presentation who are advocates of biblical inerrancy, Luther’s influence on modern and discussion on the Barmen Theological science, modern interpretation of human evolution, and climate change. Declaration The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in such discussions. August 20: Logan Faron, Our Kids: The American Fifth Sunday Musical Matinee Sunday, July 30 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Dream in Crisis, by Robert Putnam Enjoy a cool Sunday afternoon musical matinee with moments and songs from “The Jury’s Out!,” a musical by CTK member Anna Fay Williams Graduation and collaborator Diana Howie, a Houston playwright. The comedy/drama Beth Warpmaeker graduated presents a group of scurrilous jurors who’d do anything to dump their from Luther Seminary with a jury summons. Any wanna-be Broadway actors (those attending) may Doctor of Ministry Degree in be invited to read a part. Versions of this show have been performed in the Congregational Mission Houston and Minneapolis. It’s show time from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday and Leadership Program. Pastor July 30 at Briar Place near the Galleria. Mid-afternoon bon-bons and Warpmaeker was an associate pastor at Christ the drinks to keep you satisfied. Excellent front row seats, $25 each. Proceeds King Church from 1999 to 2003. benefit the Hospitality Apartments. RSVP to [email protected]. 8 The King’s Banner Pub Theologians - Young Adults Children’s Activities on Summer Sundays Jefferson, Architect of Starting June 11, there will be activities for children ─ toddler through 6th grade ─ Potluck BBQ at the Parsonage Patio Sunday, June 18, 7:00 p.m. American Liberty - Make it a summer kick-off gathering. Bring every Sunday throughout the summer at the SCS hour between worship services. your own meat to grill and a side dish to Book Signing The smorgasbord will include singing, story telling, activities and movies about Many of you will share. Beverages will be provided. All various topics, repairing and building Godly Play materials etc. Children will find remember having young at heart are welcome. We’ll add leaders for each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in the second floor children’s library. attending several some song and guided conversation to classes that Christ The summer’s activities will begin on June 11 with Neal Immega showing fossils make it a deepening soul-care evening. And invite friends! RSVP to Pas- the King Church from recent to very old to the children. He will tell about them, let the children tor Duane, [email protected] by Friday, June 16. There will be no member Professor handle some, and he usually has some for the children to take home. This will be gathering in July. John Boles of Rice followed by the telling of the story of Jonah on June 18. offered in our Parents are invited to join us or enjoy a book review in the basement classroom or adult Sunday just have a leisurely coffee hour. If you have some time and/or activities to offer John Boles School on the life this summer, please contact Marie Monroe at [email protected]. and ideas of Thomas Jefferson. His comprehensive biography was pub- Kids’ Summer Nature Education lished on April 25 by Basic Books and Sunday, June 11 at 9:45 a.m., second floor childrens library area is now available via Amazon and at The CTK Creation Care Team organizes a summer nature education series for kids Barnes and Noble. River Oaks Books during the Sunday School hour on one Sunday/month in June, July & August. The is having a book signing on June 17 June 11 session will feature Fossils Through Time, taught by Neal Immega. Kids from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. All are invited. will get to touch real fossils that range from two billion years old to ones that lived only ten thousand years ago during the last ice age. Everyone will receive a Jonathan Yardley, retired book critic twenty two million year old shark tooth to take home. Kids meet at 9:45 a.m. on of The Washing Post, May 12, 2017 the second floor in the library area for the Kids’ Summer Nature Education Series. says: Parents are welcome to join in. Boles, a professor of history at Rice University, has spent many years stud- We Need Doorpersons – ying Jefferson’s native American South Become Part of the Best in all its mysteries, contradictions, fol- Sunday School Ever! lies and outrages, as well as its unique In a Godly Play class, there are always contributions to the national culture two adults in each room: the story- and literature. This biography is the teller and the doorperson. Adults are culmination of a long, distinguished there in service to the children and career. I admire it so passionately to support the community that develops. Just as adults experience the Sanctuary as that, almost 2 1/2 years into a happy sacred space, so do the children experience the Godly Play room as sacred space. retirement, I had no choice except to One adult centers the circle and tells a story, while the other helps the children violate my pledge never again to write cross the boundary from the every-day world into this special space, assists with another book review. the art response, and enables the children in serving and sharing the feast at the To his study of this deeply controversial end of the session. From the vantage of the chair in the middle of the doorway, man, Boles brings an ample supply of the doorperson can get to know and appreciate the children as they enter, as they what has been so lamentably missing work, and as they share. And the children also appreciate the doorperson. in the discussion over the past half-cen- Being a doorperson is a deeply satisfying experience especially for those who are tury: a calm insistence on separating unaccustomed to the openness of children. In one memorable class, the storyteller truth (so far as we can know it) from greeted the children and then commented that the class was unusual in that only girls rumor and invective, and a refusal to were present, except the doorperson, and further that everyone was wearing pink, judge a man who lived more than two except the doorperson. In response, one girl jumped up and planted her pink hair- centuries ago by the moral, ethical and ribbon on the doorperson’s head. He could also wear pink and be part of the group! political standards of today. Boles ad- mires Jefferson and maintains a sym- The doorperson has the advantage of hearing the stories just as the children do and pathetic attitude toward him through can experience Godly Play as worship. While there is no preparation required for this long, immensely satisfying narra- the job, experience and training are valuable. Both informal and formal training is tive, but he does not flinch when Jef- available, so anyone who would like to help provide the space and the community in ferson’s behavior and attitudes seem, which children can learn the language to think about and talk with God is welcome according to 21st-century standards, to begin anytime. We will continue to offer classes in the summer, so it’s a good offensive at worst, inexplicable at best. time to start. For more information, please call Marie Monroe at 832-488-7696. Christ the King Lutheran Church 9 Members in Ministry Feature: Our Custodians Santiago Callejas, Arturo Ortega and Garrett Jung A monthly series about members and staff at Christ the King Church. Anyone who spends very much time at Christ the King Church knows how fortunate we are to have three dedicated custodians. The dictionary defines a custodian as 1) a person entrusted to guard or maintain a property, and 2) a person who has responsibility for or looks after something. Our custodians fit both definitions. They function as janitors, caretakers, keepers, guardians, stewards and protectors of our facility and of all our members and community guests. Santiago Callejas came onboard as our one and only custodian in September 2000. In 2003 as we moved into the new ministry building, we quadrupled our plant size, and Santiago rose to the occasion. After construction we welcomed back some of our previous com- munity groups and new ones into using the building and started Wednesday Night Alive! Santiago’s son Edwin joined us in serving as our evening watchman as well as helping with some of the overall duties, along with Santiago’s wife Ayde (who also served in our nurs- ery for many years). However, over the next decade our internal and outreach ministries to the community expanded and our needs for assistance with hospitality, outreach and maintenance exploded. Santiago works daytimes and Sunday mornings at the church and serves often as the “face” of our custodial staff. He also has a green thumb and loves the outdoors, so Santiago particularly enjoys taking care of our grounds and garden areas. After trying out many custodial candidates to work with Santiago, a temp agency sent us Arturo Ortega. We immediately fell in love with Arturo and the congregation bought out his contract from the temp agency in November 2012. Yes, he was that good! Arturo works late afternoon and evenings, Saturdays, and as needed. Our young parents have CTK Tag Sale Thank You probably met Arturo’s wife Myrna as she serves in our nursery on Sunday mornings. An- Thank you to everyone that yone who’s here on Wednesday nights will note that Arturo is a blur—he never stops cleaned out closets and donated moving—always setting up, cleaning up, and staying until the job is done. items to make the CTK 2017 Tag Sale a great success. Thank you also Garrett Jung joined our team as extra support staff in the summer of 2013 when our to the many volunteers that put building blossomed with summer camps. He started helping with Wednesday Night Alive! in many hours of work and effort in the fall of 2013 and that developed into a full time position. Garrett is our flexible to raise money for the children’s guy, willing to fill in and work the crazy hours we need him, especially with events and play areas and the House of Tiny outside groups. He also has a knack for AV stuff, so can assist with technological needs. Treasures Day Care (for homeless Next time you see one of our guys, please say thank you. They’ll probably be emptying children). We raised $2100. We one of our 150 trash cans, or setting up or taking down 40 tables or 250 chairs (like they do all had a great time visiting and every day); or they may meeting one another and shop- be cleaning one of our ping, too. The following people 15 bathrooms (multiple volunteered and we thank them times a day), or sweep- all: Edward Pennell, Gaelyn Lesh- ing our rugs, cleaning er, Mara Yupe, Tony Settles, Robin our parking lots, setting Russell, Anna Fay Williams, Beverly up for multiple special Palmer, Wambui Wa-Ngatho, Lin- events, or cleaning up da Alexander, and Cassie Nagle. that coffee one us just Special thanks to Mike Shelton, spilled---all in a day’s Santiago Callejas, Arturo Ortega, work! and Noelle and Garrett Jung for helping wherever was needed. And Pictured: Left, Santiago we especially thank our leadership Callejas; Right, Arturo Ortega. Not pictured: team: Mickie Turner, Lisa Mallon, Garrett Jung. Kristine Solberg and Ben Remmert.

10 The King’s Banner Summer Luther League All middle school and high school students are invited to join us for Summer Luther League meetings every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. beginning on June 11. This summer, we will focus on bible stories that are not For information, contact Ben Remmert, Deacon mentioned in the Common Lectionary. This will be a great time for Director of Youth and Family Ministry, [email protected] or 281-468-4686. Sabbath, conversation, food, and fun for youth during the summer months! June Germany Trip May 28-June 8 May 28-June 8: Luther 500 Germany Trip This summer six adults and eight youth from Christ the King Church 11: Summer Luther League, 9:45 a.m. will travel to Wittenberg, Germany for the Luther500 Festival and visit St. Thomas Church, our companion congregation in Leipzig Germany. 17: Trip to Galveston, 9:00 a.m. As we build on our partnership with our church family across the pond 18: Summer Luther League, 9:45 a.m. and continue to foster long-term relationships based in our faith and 25-30: Confirmation Camp at Lutherhill walk the footsteps of Martin Luther, please keep us in your prayers. The youth and adults traveling are Yonas Eberhart, Kevin Eddington, Linda Ellis, Alicia Goodrow, Haley Goodrow, Henry Goodrow, Zach July Goodrow, Anthony Lloyd, Elena Longoria, Hannah Longoria, Martina 2: Summer Luther League, 9:45 a.m. Longoria, Ben Remmert, Lindsay Remmert, and Eric Vuong. Be on 9: Summer Luther League, 9:45 a.m. the lookout in September for a special Sunday Forum presentation 10-14: Camp Hope Week One from our travelers. 15: Trip to Drive In Movie Theater, 5 :00 p.m. Open Camp Day at Lutherhill June 3 16: Summer Luther League, 9:45 a.m. Join as Lutherhill kicks off another wonderful summer. During Open 17-21: Camp Hope Week Two Camp Day on June 3, there will be an opportunity to catch up with 23: Summer Luther League, 9:45 a.m. old friends as well as celebrate summer staff both past and present. The day will include a camp-style worship, hamburger lunch, and all 24-28: Camp Hope Week Three of Lutherhill's favorite activities. All ages welcome. Please RSVP for 30: Summer Luther League, 9:45 a.m. overnight reservations at 979-249-3232. CTK Faith Camp Staff Luther League Beach Trip June 17 Congratulations to Peter Nikonowicz who will be Come and join us as the Luther League goes to the beach in Galves- working at Faith Camp at Faith Lutheran Church as ton! This is a great time to reconnect with friends and celebrate the the Snacks Director. Please pray for Peter as he will summer. We will meet at church at 9:00 a.m. to carpool to Galveston be leading faith formation of children in our neigh- Sea Wall and return back to church at 5:00 p.m. Cost will be $10.00 borhood and oversee the Snacks rotation during which covers lunch. Friends are welcome to come! camp days. Peter will be training with other Faith Camp staff members from Faith Lutheran Church Luther League Drive In Movie Trip July 15 Come and join us as we watch two movies on the big silver screen in Bellaire and Kinsmen Lutheran Church in North under the stars. We will meet at church at 5:00 p.m. to carpool to Houston in Galveston learning about age develop- Showboat Drive In located at 22422 FM 2920, Hockley, TX 77447. We ment, behavior management of children, and the will return back to church at 10:00 p.m. Cost will be $20.00 which Camp Hope curriculum. covers movies and snacks. Friends are welcome to come! Camp Hope Day Camp Ministries, 2018 Youth Gathering Volunteers Needed Faith Lutheran Church Do you live in or around Houston and want to be involved with the July 10-14, July 17-21, July 24-28 ministry of the Gathering? Sign up to be a local volunteer. Local vol- Come and join us for three weeks of learning and unteers serve in a wide variety of roles, and there are jobs for all ages fun as we teach 15 bible stories through art, music, and abilities. Applicants must be 19 years old and have graduated crafts, snacks, and worship. Camp Hope is a 3-week and been out of high school for one year by the time of the Gather- Day Camp that is led by teenagers and mentored ing. There is a $25 application fee. Application opens in May; more by adults. For all kids who complete Kindergarten information can be found online at:http://elca.org/YouthGathering/ – 6th Grade. Cost is $130 per child / per week. The registration/volunteer-opportunities. camp day is from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 a.m. Registration is found online at http://faithbellaire.org/learning/ faith-camp/. Christ the King Lutheran Church 11 June 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Lesser Festivals and Commemorations 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 1:00 pm Yoga 1 Justin, martyr at Rome, c. 165 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl 6:00 pm Contemplative 3 The Martyrs of Uganda, 1886 John XXIII, Bishop of Rome, 1963 ministry Worship 5 Boniface, Bishop of Mainz, missionary to Germany, martyr, 754 7 Seattle, chief of the Duwamish Confederacy, 1866 9 Columba, 597; Aidan, 651; Bede, 735; renewers of the church 11 BARNABAS, APOSTLE 14 Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea, 379 Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, c. 385 Church Office Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople, c. 389 Macrina, teacher, c. 379 21 Onesimos Nesib, translator, evangelist, 1931 24 JOHN THE BAPTIST Tuesday - Friday 25 Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, 1530 Philipp Melanchthon, renewer of the church, 1560 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 27 Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, 444 28 Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, c. 202 29 PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES 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 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Summer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 6:00 pm Executive 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl 5:30 pm Backyard BBQ/ Sunday School Committee Dinner at Montrose Grace ministry Pool Party 9:45 am Summer Book Place 6:00 pm Contemplative Reviews Worship 10:50 am Worship 12:15 pm Pentecost Picnic 6:00 pm Bach Vespers

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 9:00 am Luther League 9:45 am Summer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 7:15 pm Congregation 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl Beach Trip Sunday School Council ministry 10:00 am Altar Guild 9:45 am Summer Book 7:45 pm Iftar Dinner 1:00 pm Yoga Reviews 4:00 pm World Refugee 9:45 am Kids Summer Day Celebration Nature 6:00 pm Contemplative Education Worship 9:45 am Luther League 10:50 am Worship

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 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 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Summer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 10:00 am SEARCH Cards 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl 6:00 pm Contemplative Sunday School 7:00 pm Science & and Coffee ministry Worship 9:45 am Summer Book Religion “House Church” Reviews 9:45 am Luther League 10:50 am Worship 7:00 pm Pub Theology

Fast and pray for an end to hunger 25 26 27 28 29 30 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 Check 8:30 am Worship 8:15 am Morning Prayer 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl 9:45 am Summer 6:00 pm Creation Web ministry your Blood Sunday School Talk 9:45 am Summer Book Pressure Reviews Monthly blood 9:45 am Luther League 10:50 am Worship pressure screen- ings will be held in the narthex af- ter each Sunday morning service. 12 The King’s Banner July 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Lesser Festivals and Commemorations 1 Pictorial Directories Available 1:00 pm Yoga 1 Catherine Winkworth, 1878; John Mason Neale, 1866; hymn translators Our new pictorial directories are available in the 3 THOMAS, APOSTLE 6:00 pm Contemplative 6 Jan Hus, martyr, 1415 narthex and are arranged in alphabetical order for Worship 11 Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, c. 540 12 Nathan Söderblom, Bishop of Uppsala, 1931 members who participated by either having their 17 Bartolomé de Las Casas, missionary to the Indies, 1566 photo taken or by submitting a photo. 22 MARY MAGDALENE, APOSTLE 23 Birgitta of Sweden, renewer of the church, 1373 If you did not participate, you are still invited to pick 25 JAMES, APOSTLE 28 Johann Sebastian Bach, 1750; Heinrich Schütz, 1672; up a directory from the box without name labels. George Frederick Handel, 1759; musicians Please place $10.00 in the offering basket. 29 Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany and Olaf, King of Norway, martyr, 1030 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 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 7:30 pm Trip to the 9:45 am Summer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 6:00 pm Executive 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl Houston Sunday School Committee ministry Food Bank 9:45 am Summer Book 1:00 pm Yoga Reviews 6:00 pm Contemplative 9:45 am Luther League Worship 10:50 am Worship

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 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 10:00 am Altar Guild 9:45 am Summer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 7:15 pm Congregation 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl 1:00 pm Yoga Sunday School Council ministry 5:00 pm Luther League 9:45 am Summer Book Drive In Movie Reviews 6:00 pm Contemplative 9:45 am Luther League Worship 10:50 am Worship 4:00 pm Interfaith Environmental Network

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 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 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Summer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 10:00 am SEARCH Cards 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl 6:00 pm Contemplative Sunday School and Coffee ministry Worship 9:45 am Summer Book Reviews 9:45 am Luther League 10:50 am Worship

Fast and pray for an end to hunger 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 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 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Summer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl 6:00 pm Contemplative Sunday School ministry Worship 9:45 am Summer Book Reviews 9:45 am Luther League 10:50 am Worship

30 31 Blood Pressure Screenings hurch istory 8:30 am Worship Church Office Closed 9:45 am Summer 8:15 am Morning Prayer June 1951 Sunday School Announcement in the King’s Banner: “Flowers are desired for the Altar for the balance of 9:45 am Summer Book June…Perhaps some of you would like to share flowers from your garden for this purpose. Reviews The members of the Altar Guild will be happy to pick them up, yes, even cut them.” 9:45 am Luther League 10:50 am Worship 25 years ago 2:00 pm Musical Invictus sculpture unveiled at midnight during the Easter Vigil service. Sculpture weighs 600 Matinee 6:00 pm Creation Web pounds and is 8 feet high, 4 feet wide. Entitled: Christ the King of Nature. This sculpture is Talk at the Rice Boulevard entrance to the cloister. Christ the King Lutheran Church 13 Confirmands Zach Bryant Hannah Longoria Henry Thweatt What I liked from What I like The open- 2017 the past two years best about ness and ac- Six questions in confirmation is confirmation ceptance in asked the our Wednesday class is getting anything you Confirmands night classes and to really un- want to discussions we derstand the know about 1. What did you like had together. The Bible and how the Christian best during the two conversations were very interesting God works in the world. faith. years of confirmation and often times challenging. Two things that I learned in We memorized the books of class? What I have learned from confir- confirmation that will stay with the bible and the Apostles 2. Write about two mation that will stay with me is the me is the stories of the Old and Creed, these will stay with things you learned that Apostle Creed and the meaning of New Testament. I never real- me throughout my life after you think will stay with the articles. I will also remember ized how many stories there confirmation. you. the order of the books of the Old are in the Bible. Jonah with the great fish is and New Testament. 3. Which story in the I like the story of Jonah the my favorite story in the Bible Bible do you like best The story in the Bible I like best best because it teaches you because it shows God is al- and why? is the Book of Revelation and its to have faith in God through ways there. many predictions because it shows dark times. 4. In learning about the What was most interesting us God’s power and majesty. Bible, what was most What was most interesting to me about learning Bible is interesting to you? In learning about the bible, what to me about the Bible is how about who wrote each book I found most interesting to me is diverse the stories are, there in the bible? 5. Do you have open learning about the letters of Paul are stories of creation, stories I still have questions about questions concerning and the different conflicts the early of history, poetry, and songs. the Christian faith? who wrote the Bible. Why church had. I am curious about how the are there so many different 6. Do you see yourself At this time, I really do not have any Bible came to be ordered? books and why are some of as helping with leader- more questions about the Christian Who came together and de- the authors not proven to be ship in the church? faith because I have been taught termined which books would the authors of certain books well through my private school and be a part of the Old and New of the bible? confirmation class. Testament. Yes, I see myself as an usher Yes, I do think so, I will help out with I see myself continuing to help and serving in the congrega- Luther League during the year and out as an acolyte and hopefully tion as a leader. possibly help out with my mom in a crucifer soon. I also enjoy the Altar Guild. going to Luther League events.

Confirmation Sunday, May 14

14 The King’s Banner Christina van Hal Eric van Hal Michael Vollmers Eric Vuong What I liked from What I liked What I liked I liked how the past two from the from the short the time years in confir- past two past two felt working mation are the years in con- years in con- toward Con- group discus- firmation is firmation is firmation Sun- sions and the explanation the retreats, day. activities that of the stories how much What I have helped teach the lessons on our in the bible and the group fun we had, and how engag- learned from confirmation Wednesday night classes. discussions we had in class. ing the bible studies about about how much effort it took What I have learned from confir- What I have learned from baptism and communion are. Martin Luther to do his work mation that will stay with me is confirmation that will stay What I have learned from and how open our religion is the analysis of the Lord’s Prayer with me is the knowledge of confirmation that will stay and can be with others. and the history of Martin Luther. the Bible and the way God has with me is the memory work I do not have a personal favor- worked through others. The story in the Bible I like best about the Lord’s Prayer and ite, but I enjoy the stories of is David and Goliath because The story in the Bible I like the Apostle’s Creed. Jesus healing and help others of its hopeful note and the fact best is the story of Solomon The story in the Bible I like on his journey. that David doesn’t have to be because it shows how God best is Jonah because it shows In learning about the small particularly strong to be God’s can help you in your craft and how if you believe in God, you catechism and the Bible, I champion. how God makes you better. can do anything. found it interesting about the In learning about the bible, what In learning about the bible, The different Christian faith many meanings and passages I found most interesting to me what I found most interesting creeds and the readings that contain. is how the teachers told us how to me is learning about the are selected during worship. At this time, I am curious about they interpreted the bible. history of Israel. Not at the moment, but I do who wrote the different books Not really. Most of my questions At this time, I really do not find myself thinking about of the Bible? Could it have are usually answered in class. have any more questions how the creeds were devel- been written slightly different Although I occasionally wonder about the Christian faith but oped and how they were used than told? how people reconcile their faith I would be curious about in the early church. Kind of. I am currently ushering and personal life and their pro- how science and faith work Yes, possibly, I would like to and active in Luther League is fessional life. together. help with leadership in the my leadership. I would love to Sometimes. I would volunteer to Yes I do see myself as a leader church through youth group work with the music program help with service or read a bible in the church and would be or through serving in worship. here, but I just don’t have the passage and the idea of writing a happy to help out behind the time now. sermon is kind of terrifying. But I scenes of church. love to plant. May 28 June 4 June 11 June 25 July 2 July 9 July 30 Sara Miller Isabel Karohl Joanne Ashland Rose Anderson Meredith Massey Bill Pelham Rachel Zoch Linda Eklof Barbara Bridget Jensen Samuel Vollmers Ute Cezeaux Susan Turner Daniel Trapp Galen Kragas Anderson- Barbara Doty Jan Hermann Robert Doty Stephen Long Belinda Beek Chloe’ Godret- Thomas Eric Linberg Gail Schubot Bryce Linsenmayer Daniel Johnson Julie Bixby Miertschin David Thomas Rebecca Nikonowicz Daphne Hatley Post Alice Oeben Will Burgess Minush Azari Karli McGowen Melissa Santana Simpson Ian Vuong Rudolph McClellan Diane Cannon Lea Miertschin Jody Winston Connor Scaff Kathy Collins Emily Winesett Mitchell Gorman Katie Carrington Matthew Winston Chris Eklof Eric Swindell Kat Sommer Benjamin Mavis Nelson Karen Douglass Mike Thacker Janelle Hooper Doris Hanneman Elizabeth Lloyd Willcockson Gregory Petner William Fenner Joseph Allen Madeline Brannon Lloyd Tom Wilson Matthew Dylan Smith Travis Harper Charlotte Ardeel Moore August Triantaphyllis LeAnn Watson Willcockson Elmer Ledesma Patricia Butler Ralph Oeben David Stouter Tali Neumann July 16 Reggie Munden Helen Fazekas Sharon Ostwald June 18 Brad Hooper Eileen Weida Max Lesher Ellen Tillery Betsy Morris David Hollrah Marc Miller Stephen Martin Steven Stewart Joshua Tillery Lynn Rosas John Aaron Rouse Colin Burke Priscilla Breitbeil Timothy Vuong Denise Chandler Triantaphyllis Naomi Nelson Luke Lesher Fred Haman Jacquelyn McAnelly Landon Schaeffer Anneliese Kathryn Nash Stephen Wentland Rebecca Matheny Hannah Nelson Terri Bourne Williams Lindsay Remmert Marcus Hefty Amanda Schoppe Nathaniel Allen Vicki Gorman July 23 Rudy Hefty Luke Schoppe Elizabeth Smith Martina Longoria Celebrate your Robin Russell James Santana Judith Richey Kirk Hansen Elizabeth Mallon Hannah Longoria Charlotte Turner “Remember and rejoice, Baptismal Flora Roeder Adrienne Winston Renewed by floods of grace Elizabeth Schaer James Versalovic We bear the sign of Jesus Christ, Seren Winston That time cannot erase.” (ELW 454) Anniversary! Helga Aurisch

Christ the King Lutheran Church 15 Justice Sunday Evening Conversations on Creation Advocacy Continue… The CTK Creation Care Team invites you to attend Sunday Evening Opportunity Conversations on Creation, an environmental education web – Advocate meeting series whose theme in 2017 is Connections between with the People and Nature. ELCA Monday, June 26, 6:00 p.m.: As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Putting a Price on Nature – Should We? Christ to serve and love our neighbor. God uses our voices, Sunday, July 30, 6:00 p.m.: Connections between through our advocacy efforts, to restore and reconcile our People & Nature: Entering Cadillac Desert world. Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the At the June web meeting, we welcome Gregory R. common good. ELCA advocacy works for change in public Biddinger, Ph.D., Managing Director and Principle, policy on behalf of the following biblical values: peacemak- Natural Land Management. At the turn of the mil- ing, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern lennium, the United Nations Environmental Pro- for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger gram put out a call to Ecologists and Economists and disease. Together, we achieve things on a scale and to come together to create a vision of how natural scope that we could never do otherwise. When we act systems provide essential support for human communities. Over as a coordinated network of advocates and reach out to the last decade there has been an explosion of intellectual energy officials on relevant, timely issues, we effectively impact focused on refining the original concept and building an accept- public policies. See elca.org/advocacy to sign up to receive able methodology to quantify the value of nature. Some would advocacy alerts, advocate right now on a variety of justice say putting a price on nature or more broadly defining a value for issues, and learn more. natural systems is problematic. Some would even suggest it is ethically inappropriate and technically suspect. We will explore Churchwide Assembly Look-Back: both sides of this question in general and more specifically in line Human Trafficking with life in Houston. To join this online conversation, please reg- At churchwide assembly in August of 2016, a proposal ister at eventbrite.com to receive an invitation to the web meeting. entitledTime of Prayer and Worship Resources on Human At the July web meeting, we welcome Andy Ger- Trafficking was approved. This proposal calls for a dedi- hart, who holds a masters degree in history, a PhD cated time of prayer to end human trafficking & resources in environment and resources, and is pursuing a to support congregations to carry this out, such as prayers masters of divinity. Water is spiritually animate and & litanies. The proposal also calls for congregations to powerful. Whether through its abundance in incorporate attention to the issue of human trafficking in oceans and rivers, its magnificence in rain, or its their communication & resource plans, and to foster ecu- stark absence in deserts, water has been worshipped and consid- menical and interfaith cooperation on this issue, including ered sacred by different religions and cultures for millennia. It is dedicated times of prayer. See elca.org/advocacy for more fundamental to life; physically making up 60-80% of our bodies, information. and all of our blood and our tears. It is chemically miraculous, World Hunger Campaign older even than our sun. However, it is also a finite resource, often Nearly 800 million people – that’s 1 in 10 taken for granted in our world. As climate change redistributes it people in world today – struggle daily to find unpredictably through droughts and floods, new tragedies of their next meal. As members of the ELCA, we water inequities are taking shape, as documented in environmen- are called to respond. As members of this tal historian Marc Reisner's classic, Cadillac Desert. As we enter synod, we are answering that call by engaging our leaders new cadillac deserts, it is important that we reawaken a reverence and congregations on this important local and global issue. for water that pours into new laws, policies, and acts of kindness. Goal: In response to our call to care for our neighbor and To join this online conversation, please register at eventbrite.com in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, to receive an invitation to the web meeting. our Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod will raise a total of For more information about either talk, contact Lisa Brenskelle $500,000 for ELCA World Hunger. From now until the Ref- at [email protected]. ormation anniversary on October 31, 2017. As of March Note that all meetings are recorded. Contact Elmer Ledesma at 31, 2017, our total individual and congregational support [email protected] for a copy of any of the following prior for our hunger appeal is at $267,247, 53% of our goal. We conversations on Connections between People & Nature: ask that members contribute as they are able to the World The Human Microbiome Invasive Species Plastic Pollution Hunger Appeal through the various opportunities at CTK. Climate Change Endocrine Disrupters

16 The King’s Banner Green Barbecues and Picnics this Christ the King - Creation Care Summer With the right choices, you can make Interfaith Environmental sure your outdoor celebration is fun, Network of Houston: simple and as waste-free as possible. The Justice Advocacy Workshop Creation Care Team suggests: Sunday, July 9, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. PICNIC TABLE AND CHAIRS – You can complete the recycling cycle by buying The CTK Justice Advocacy Ministry Team outdoor picnic tables and chairs made from recycled plastics. invites all members to attend a Justice Advocacy Workshop organized by the STORE & STACK – It can take up to 1,000 years for a plastic sandwich bag to Interfaith Environmental Network of biodegrade in a landfill. Instead store sandwiches in reusable tins and canisters. Houston and taught by experts from DISHWARE & UTENSILS – Nonbreakable plastic dishware that is washed and re- TX Impact, an Austin-based interfaith used is the best choice environmentally, but if not available, consider disposable justice advocacy organization with dishware/utensils that are biodegradable and compostable. which our synod is affiliated. The Justice Advocacy Workshop is free, REUSABLE & RECYCLED NAPKINS – Cloth napkins are the greenest choice since and will take place on Sunday, July 9 they can be washed and used over and over. If cloth napkins are not an option, then from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the University consider paper napkins made from recycled paper. These can be composted, too. of St. Thomas, Robertson Hall. Learn PACKAGED BEVERAGES – Go for locally-brewed beers and sodas for your next how to effectively raise your voice for bash, to reduce air pollution created to transport the beverages. Be sure to recycle the voiceless. Please register at www. all packaging and look for soda in cartons, not in six-pack rings, which can trap eventbrite.com. The training will be and choke wildlife. recorded, so if you can’t make it, you can get a copy of the training recording ECO BARBECUE – If you don’t have a gas grill, use real charcoal for grilling this to review later. For more information, summer. Briquettes, made from timber waste, sawdust, cornstarch and binded please contact Lisa Brenskelle at with lighter fluid, give off carbon monoxide. For a natural firestarter, use some [email protected]. cotton lint from the lint trap of your dryer (from a load of towels or sheets) to get the fire going. Adapted from CBS News August 31, 2007 Summer Creation – Focused Book Reviews Climate March in in Washington D.C. Members Elmer Ledesma and Lisa Brenskelle attended the 2017 Climate March Sundays, July 16 & July 23, 9:45 a.m. in Washington D.C. on April 29. ELCA Advocacy co-hosted a joint Sending Prayer Members of the CTK Creation Care Service at the Lutheran Church of Reformation shortly before the March, together Team will offer two creation-focused with the United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ and Creation Justice Ministries. book reviews this summer in July. Sunday, July 16: Elmer Ledesma will Offering of Letters review How Culture Shapes the Climate and Justice Fair May 14 Change Debate by Andrew J. Hoffman. Sunday, July 23: Lisa Brenskelle will re- view Dream of the Earth by eco-theo- logian & Catholic priest Thomas Berry. Creation Care Fest – Environmental Extravaganza SAVE THE DATE – Saturday, August 12, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Mark your calendar now for this year’s Creation Care Fest – Environmental Extravaganza, a free environmental education conference. This year’s theme is Stewardship. As usual, we will have a line-up of expert speakers, fun kids’ activities, and an exhibit by local environmental non-profits. Christ the King Lutheran Church 17 Choristers Finish First Season of Sending of Chris Holman July 23 New Curriculum Chris has received a prestigious grant from the Frank Huntington Beebe Fund. The award will support him The Choristers at fully for a year (or possibly longer) of performing on Christ the King and studying historic organs throughout Europe. He Church have fin- will be based at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in ished their first Basel, Switzerland, one of the world's leading year using the centers for early music research and performance. new Royal School Chris and his wife Cynthia will be leaving Houston and Christ the King of Church Music Church at the end of July. Curriculum, and if you’ve been in The Frank Huntington Beebe Fund has provided grants for professional musician-scholars to perform and conduct musicological research worship over the around the globe since the 1920s. Many recipients go on to become past few months, leaders in their respective fields. Clearly as a young rising star, we will you’ve likely heard their marvelous singing! Over the be proud to see Chris grow into his own global stature with the help course of the year, the Choristers have learned various of this award. Christopher’s time in Europe will be primarily spent musical skills, and after taking examinations, they were performing on and researching organs built during the fifteenth to awarded different medals, and then can work toward eighteenth centuries in Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, the next level up. Congratulations to our choristers’ France, and Spain. achievements over these past two semesters: White (novice): Henry Turner The city of Basel, due to its location on the border between Germany, France, and Switzerland, is an ideal “home base” for an extended Light Blue (beginner): Peter Bryant European organ performance and study expedition, and is one of Dark Blue (intermediate): Emily Winesett the most diverse cities in Europe, with over 30% of its population Most importantly, our Choristers are now able to read consisting of expatriates. Its Schola Cantorum Basiliensis is one of music, take part and sing actively in the adult choirs in the most respected and specialized centers of music research in the worship, and act as mentors for the Junior Choristers and world. Christopher’s research will focus on two Swiss renaissance Music Explorers. Musical highlights of their season have organ collections by Hans Kotter and Fridolin Sicher. included singing significant works by Mendelssohn dur- ing December's Advent Lessons and Carols and Mozart Chris is tremendously grateful for the past few years at Christ the with string orchestra during the 8:30 worship on May 7, King Church and the Bach Society, as we are profoundly grateful to have been blessed by his presence and considerable gifts. Chris’s and presenting anthems throughout the year by Bach, last Sunday with Christ the King Church will be on July 23. We plan Elgar, Britten, Billings, and more. Bravi to our fantastic a big farewell and expect that his organ playing that morning will young church musicians! reverberate all the way to Basel. Congratulations Kellye Burke, Christ the King Church member, was recently elected to the West Welcome New Members University Place City Council!

Diana Paulsen, Christina van Hal, Erik Linberg, Valerie Lloyd, Patrick and Eeva-Maria Stayton Thai, Whitney and Winston Hoang Alara Burgess and Augustin Liebster received handmade with their children Armas, Anni-Iris “graduation pillows” from the Piecemakers on May 14. and Viena-Lilia Not pictured: Niell Gorman and Grace Vollmers. 18 The King’s Banner In the past weeks the Church remembered in her prayers: Christ the King Lutheran Church 713-523-2864 ctkelc.org Members Michael & Charlotte Hoaks Gretchen Miertschin Shirley Aarthun Robert Hoover Sally Muma Congregational Staff Rose Anderson Carolyn Jacobs & Rich Jacobs Mary Neberman August Azure The Rev. Dr. Duane Larson [email protected] Doris & Sidney Johnston Blanchard & Mavis Nelson Interim Pastor Richard & Marjorie Baker Terri Koehler & family Edward Pennell Patricia Barnard Maya Kolb Don & Velma Rice The Rev. Karin Liebster [email protected] Erna Baum Krahe family Andrea Salas Associate Pastor Raymond Beyer Maureen Lamson Wolfgang Schmidt & Angelika Beverly Davis [email protected] Clara Bruns Liz & Valerie Lloyd Schmidt-Lange Director of Congregational Care Phil Dahlberg Greg, Akiko, Annabella & Dick & Nicki Smith Barbara & Robert Doty Eliana LoTurco Carolyn Storin Noelle Jung [email protected] Denise Engle Robert Louis Susan Turner & family Church Business Administrator Mitchell Gorman Bea Welscher Thaine & Rochelle Manske Cheryl Gaspard [email protected] Fred Haman Bill Marks Stephen Wentland Administrative Assistant Houston Haymon & Sonja Terry Marks Katherine Willcockson Bruzauskas Peggy Mathis & family Michael Shelton [email protected] Receptionist and Secretary Relatives and Friends Welema & Tom Greer Ryan Olson Larry Aguirre Linda Schoene [email protected] Frances Hahn Beverley Owen Congregational Nurse Nancy Appleget Ray Hahn Milik Raynor Ayala family & Grace Marion Hanson Cyndee Remmert Ben Remmert, Deacon [email protected] Jonelle Beedle Todd Hegarty Sandra Vital Reyes Director of Youth and Family Ministy George & Barbara Bement Mary & Danny Hendley Yuliana Rinehart Rick Erickson, Deacon [email protected] Martha Beseda Mike Holden Rev. Warren & Patricia Rinehart Cantor, Director of Bach Society Houston Barbara Bormes Mary Jo Holman Ron Jeremiah Bragg Jill Hord Ernie Schmidt Robert Walp [email protected] David Brondos Taylor Howerton Jenna Scott & her families Director of the Brass Choir Steve Broome Liz & Tim Hurd Laverne Settles Vicki Gorman [email protected] Dan Brown Marci Johnson Jasper Snellings Director of the Choristers Aiden Couldry Kelsey Jung Catherina Stephan Jerry Davis Kian Tom Thornton Chris Holman [email protected] Boonie Mattern Evans & Brian Lain & family Donald & Joyce Vass Music Associate Carl Evans Victoria Limjoco Paul Velario James Evans Michael Mack Bobby & Sara Vestal Congregation Council Robert Fetterole Nancy Magee Theresa & Jorge Villanueva Carolyn Phillips [email protected] Marcus Fomby Marilyn & Barbara Maseberg Diana Wadke President Lonie Gaspard Jose Melendez Belinda & Edward Walla Lee Thweatt [email protected] Baoli Geng Mark Moon Matt Wentland Vice President Choo-Seng Giam O. J. & Jackie Murray Virginia & Zig Werlla Laura Gillespie Cathryn Myres Mark Zimmerman Andy Winesett [email protected] Sara Gomez Lelia Nasser Nick Zinni Member at Large Marietta Goscuicio Edmund Olson family Lucky Sahualla [email protected] Special Concerns Financial Secretary Death of Judy Pennell on April 12, Edward Pennell’s mother John Labuda [email protected] Death of Linda Lain on April 22, Mary Ayala’s friend Treasurer Death of Lelia Nasser on April 27, Susan Turner’s mother, David Hollrah’s mother-in-law Cheryl Pfennig [email protected] Death of Opal Green on April 29, Richard & Courtney Harper’s friend Secretary Baptism on April 30: Armas Vilho William Stayton Pastor Duane Larson [email protected] Reception of new members on April 30: Patrick McKinley Stayton, Eeva-Maria Matleena Pastor Karin Liebster [email protected] Stayton, Viena-Lilja Laverne Stayton, & Anni-Iiris Isabel Stayton Maureen Lamson [email protected] Peter Boecher [email protected] Death of Gavin Griffith on May 2, Thomas & Deana Griffith’s son, Norma & Ralf Krahe’s nephew Gaelyn Lesher [email protected] Reception of new members on May 7: Todd Balsley, Donna Beard, Gene Voss (in absentia) Meaghan Wheeler [email protected] Recognition of New Members on May 7: Whitney and Thai Hoang with Winston Death of Edmund Olson on May 7, Donna Olson Salas’ uncle We are a participating or covenant church Confirmation on May 14: Zachary Virgil Bryant, Hannah Brice Longoria, Henry Duncan Thweatt, with the following organizations: Christina Agnes van Hal, Eric Alexander van Hal, Michael Dale Timmins Vollmers, Eric Tai Vuong Bread for the World Death of Ruth Olson on May 16, Barbara & Robert Doty and Carolyn Storin’s aunt CanCare Birth of Magnolia (Maggie) Blake Doolin on May 17, Paula & Oliver Doolin’s daughter, Jack’s Christian Community Service Center Community of Hope International sister freewheels houston Marriage on May 20: Sandy Troff & Todd Andrew Balsley We are invited to fast and pray for Godly Play Foundation Prayer list for April 25 – May 25, 2017 an end to hunger one day a month Greater Houston Area Red Cross Hospitality Apartments It is a sacred privilege to pray for our members and friends. — on the 21st of each month until the close of the 115th Congress Houston Food Bank As we strive to respect all people’s privacy and confidentiality, we — because that is the day when most Houston Lutheran Campus Ministry (HLCM) ask that everyone who submits a name for our congregational Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston individuals and families run out of prayers ask the permission of that loved one or friend. Lutherhill Camping Ministry SNAP (formerly food stamps) benefits. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services The Nation Lutheran Social Services of the South Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your Lutheran World Relief Montrose Grace Place generosity and constantly do your will. Bless our land with honesty in the workplace, truth in educa- Port of Houston Seafarers’ Center Chaplaincy tion, and honor in daily life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; SEARCH Homeless Services and from every evil course of action. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, ELCA World Hunger Appeal in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. ELCA Division for Global Mission Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the ELCA Christ the King Lutheran Church 19 A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy In May, Bread for the World launched For Such a Time as This: A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy—an invitation to people across the United States to commit themselves to prayer — and one day of fasting every month — to reinforce efforts to convince members of Congress to protect poverty-focused programs. ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, along with faith leaders throughout the world have responded to the call. The fast began on May 21, the same day the World Council of Churches called for a worldwide day of prayer to end famine. We will continue to fast one day a month — on the 21st of each month until the close of the 115th Congress — because that is the day when most individuals and families run out of SNAP (formerly food stamps) benefits. You can join the fast at www.bread.org or by texting FAST to 738-674—and pick up a Fasting Guide from the literature rack in the narthex. The fast is inspired by Esther in the Hebrew Scriptures, who bravely risked her life to ask the Persian king to save the Jewish people — her people — from genocide. In the days leading up to her meeting with the king, she called for a time of national prayer and fasting. For more information and to join the fast, go to bread.org or to elca.org/advocacy. Become a Youth Since 1986 the Christian Communi- ty Service Center (CCSC) has helped Gathering Volunteer deserving and under-resourced The ELCA Youth Gathering will be students through its Back To School in Houston June 27-July 1, 2018. $45.00 Sponsors One Student program. In 2016, 6,603 children Would you like to volunteer at received grade-appropriate school the Gathering and help our young supplies, a voucher for new uniforms/shoes, and a hygiene kit. people grow in faith and encounter Christ? Serving the youth of this Sponsor A Student! church is a vocational calling that $45.00 will provide the necessary tools for one child to arrive at school on the first requires careful discernment. Every day of class – feeling well prepared and ready to learn! volunteer must agree to follow the terms of a volunteer code of con- Sponsoring A Child Is Easy! There are two convenient ways to make a donation: duct and submit to a background • Donate on-line: www.ccschouston.org check by the ELCA. The volunteer • Submit a check made out to Christ the King Church and earmarked “CCSC Back to application process is now open. School Project” in the offering on Sundays now through August 14. You can find the application on the Youth Gathering page at ELCA.org. Donate! There are four volunteer categories: Gently used or new clothing can be delivered to CCSC, 3434 Branard, 77027, 10:00 Local Volunteers, Community Life, a.m. - 2:00 p.m. weekdays or 9:00 a.m. - noon on Saturdays. Gathering Volunteer Corps, and Volunteer! Servant Companions. The respon- It takes 700 volunteers to make Back To School a success ! You can contribute your sibilities vary, and all volunteers time and energy to this worthy cause or help inspire others to volunteer. (except Local Volunteers) must commit to being in Houston for one Location: Faith Lutheran Church, 4600 Bellaire Blvd week. Volunteers arrive on Sunday, Sort and Set Up: Saturday, July 29 7:30 to 12:30 a.m. June 25, and depart Sunday, July 1, Help prepare and organize supplies! 2018. Local Volunteers may serve in a wide variety of roles anywhere Distribution: Friday, August 4 ─ 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from 2 - 12 hours for one day or Saturday, August 5 ─ 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for all five days of the Gathering. Help parents/students as they pick up supplies and more! The application is the first step. Please contact Beverly at [email protected] or 713-400-0517 for more informa- Questions? Contact Lynnae Schatz tion about how you can help with this important program. ([email protected]). 20 The King’s Banner