THE KING’S BANNER Christ the King Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas 2353 Rice Blvd, Houston TX 77005 Volume 70, Number 11, 713-523-2864 ctkelc.org November, 2015 Friday, November 20 Festival Party and Auction 7:00 p.m. Christ the King Join us for this annual evening of fun, fellowship and fundraising for our outreach ministries. Tickets will be on sale at Wednesday Night Alive! and after Sunday Festival services in November. Don’t miss this year’s raffle for the highly sought after Piecemaker’s quilt. Be first in line to sign up for our fun and fabulous Sociables, and be ready to shout out bids for our special live auction items. Donations are needed for Sociables and Live Auction items; contact Beverly at [email protected]. Opportunities to help (before, during and at the end of the evening) are plentiful; contact Meaghan atmeaghanwheeler@ yahoo.com. See more on Sociables page 2. Saturday, November 21 Day of Service: “God’s Work. Our Hands” Join together as Christ the King Lutheran Church for a Day of Service under the festival motto: God’s Work. Our Hands Morning 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Christian Community Service Center: Sorting items in preparation for the holidays Location: 3230 Mercer St., one block east of Edloe (Greenway/Upper Kirby area) Interfaith Ministries: Meals on Wheels and AniMeals prepare for Thanksgiving “God’s Work. Our Hands” Location: 3202 San Jacinto St. (midtown) Community Garden: Gardening with the EcoTone Community Location: 3616 St. Charles St. (Third Ward). See page 2. Midday 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. Celebrating Freewheels Houston: Kickoff event for our newest ministry with a potluck lunch th the 70 anniversary of and celebration of the bicycle donation program Location: Burnett Bayland Park Christ the King at 6000 Chimney Rock (Gulfton area). See page 2. November 14, 8:00 a.m. - noon Lutheran Church Alternate service opportunity: Houston Food Bank, see page 10. Contact Beverly at [email protected] to sign up for a volunteer project. Sunday, November 22 Festival Worship 8:30 and 10:50 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert will be our guest preacher for the 70th Anniversary Christ the King Festival weekend. Christ the King Lutheran Church was officially founded on October 24, 1945. The celebration of our anniversary has for decades been observed on the liturgical weekend for Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Dr. Wengert is professor emeritus at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia where he taught Reformation history and the Lutheran Confessions for over twenty-four years while holding the Ministe- rium of Pennsylvania Chair of Church History. Dr. Wengert is the co-editor of the most recent publication of The Book of Concord, the Lutheran Church’s collection of definitive confessional documents from the 16th Century. He also is the translator of the current version of Luther’s Small Catechism. Professor Wengert served as theologian-in-residence at Christ the King Church in the fall of 2003. Since then he has been a frequent guest lecturer and preacher. He will offer a class on Catholic-Lutheran relations leading up to the 500th Anniversary observance of the Reformation on Thursday evening, November 19. See page 4. Festival Party Tickets for November 20 $15 per person: advance purchase after early/late services on November 8 and 15 or at Wednesday Night Alive! on November 4 and 11. Late sales $20 per person: by RSVP to [email protected] until Wednesday November 18; pick up and pay at Will Call table the night of the Party. Christ the King Lutheran Church 1 ... Festival Weekend continued Celebrate Bike Donations with We are Looking for Hosts for Sociables Refugee Families, freewheels What’s a Sociable, you ask? It’s simple…. houston • Plan a party, a shindig, a dinner, a get-together---whatever group activity Make plans to at- you like tend freewheels • Guests purchase tickets, silent auction-style at the Festival Party houston’s inaugu- • 100% of ticket sales are donated to Service & Care Ministries ral celebration pic- • Have that party! nic when used bicycles donated by members Email your sociable idea and a date to Beverly Davis at beverlydavis@ of the congregation are distributed to recently ctkelc.org. (Tax receipts can be requested for hosts’ expenses for Sociables.) resettled refugees on Saturday, November 21, Community Garden Volunteer Opportunity November 21 from noon to 2 p.m. at Burnett Bayland Park Have a green thumb? Come work from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Eco- at 6000 Chimney Rock. Tone Community Garden located in the heart of the historic Third Ward The picnic—part of the Christ the King Festival at 3616 St. Charles St. EcoTone Community Garden serves a historically weekend—is an opportunity for members of the African American residential area of Houston. You will be joined by stu- congregation to meet and develop friendships dents involved with Houston Lutheran Campus Ministry and you will get to with some of the refugees who have arrived in meet the garden's founder, Chef Tarsha Gary, recipient of the 2010 Texas Houston this year. Burnett Bayland Park is in the Blazing Star Award from The Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas. Gulfton neighborhood where many refugees Come equipped with gloves, a good work ethic, and dressed in clothes and immigrants reside. that can get dirty. We will meet at Christ the King at 9:30 a.m. and depart for the garden as a group. If you have questions, contact Pr. Brad Fuerst, Lunch entrees will be provided. Members of the [email protected]. congregation and refugee families are encouraged to bring a side dish. Piecemakers 2015 Quilt Last year was such a success that the Piecemakers will again hold a drawing freewheels houston is a new ministry of the for their large queen size quilt at our annual Festival Party on November congregation—a program to help refugees 20. Everyone will have a chance to own one of these beautiful handmade gain more freedom of movement to new jobs, quilts. The tickets are $10 .00 for each ticket or a donation of $25.00 for English-language classes, shopping and other three tickets if you prefer. There is no limit on the purchase of tickets. destinations. Tickets are offered after each Sunday worship service and on Wednesday Refugee Services of Texas (RST), an affiliate of evenings during November. Drawing will be at the Festival Auction and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, is you do not need to be present to win. identifying people among its clients who would Don’t miss this year’s raffle for the always beautiful and sought after benefit from having a bicycle. The bicycle proj- Piecemakers’ quilt. As a special bonus this year we will add four matching ect will provide practical assistance and the pillows along with the quilt. picnic is a way to introduce refugees to new people and places in Houston. Each recipient will receive a helmet, a lock, lights and a flat-tire changing kit. Volunteers from BikeHouston, the city’s bicycle advocacy organization, will provide safety orientations and route planning. freewheels houston is grateful for the support of members of the congregation who donated bicycles and other resources as well as the Southwest Houston Chapter of Thrivent Finan- cial, which made a generous grant. Rice Bikes, Bike Barn, BikeHouston and Tour De Hood also have provided resources for the project. If you have questions, please contact Bill Mintz Pictured left: Janice Thompson, Ruth Dittmar, Rose Anderson, Gail Glass, Jill Bailer. Holding the quilt at the top of the picture is Carolyn Hokanson and Mary Jane by email at [email protected]. Orsburn. Not pictured are Gretchen Miertschin, Rebecca Shields, Dorry Shaddock, 2 The King’s Banner and Dorothy Chesley. Lutheran Bright Stars of Port Ministry Bethlehem November 1, 8, 15 November 22 and 29 The Houston International Seafar- Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a ers’ Center is a “home away from program of Christmas Lutheran home” for seafarers visiting the Church in Bethlehem, Palestine, Port of Houston. Chartered in the The mission offering is collected promotes the many outreach at the church doors late 1960’s and early 1970’s as at the end of worship. ministries that are serving the a non-profit organization under educational, medical, profes- the laws of the State of Texas, the Center has served over a million sional and spiritual development needs of people visiting seafarers. The Center exists as the result of a deep desire and living in Palestine. concern within the local maritime industry, followed by active support They do this by supporting the health, education- and involvement of the community and local churches, to provide a al, cultural and spiritual development of people in safe and welcoming recreational and spiritual environment on land Palestine through the outreach ministries. for those who have chosen the sea as their livelihood. From the first breath of life to the last, Bright Stars Recognizing that all human persons are a gift of God, the mission of Bethlehem partners to grow hope in Palestine of the chaplains and Committee for Ministry to the Port of Houston by connecting people in the United States through is to carry out a ministry of presence, outreach, witness, worship, awareness-raising and fund-raising, to these min- service, and advocacy to, with, and for seafarers and their families istry efforts in the Holy Land: from around the world. • Diyar Academy for Children and Youth You can also help the seafarers by filling a shoebox with personal items • Dar al-Kalima College and small gifts which will be distributed for Christmas by the chaplains. • Azwaj Young Families Program • Ajyal Senior Care Program These shoeboxes are almost always their only Christmas present, and For more information, they delight to receive them (often safely tucked away until Christmas see http://brightstarsbethlehem.org. Day feasts aboard ship). We have witnessed over and over again the As we celebrate the anniversary of Christ the King true joy and excitement in the seafarer’s faces when we board their Lutheran Church on November 22 and we begin ships with these gifts you so graciously provide. It doesn’t matter what our Advent journey toward Bethlehem on Novem- country they are from or how they say “Merry Christmas,” the love ber 29, we have this opportunity to partner with of Christ is with them through your kindness, love and support. It is Christians in the Holy Land. Make a donation to our mission to be the hands and feet of Christ and to extend to each Bright Stars and pick up a “gift of hope” card to and every seafarer we meet the loving hospitality of Jesus. give to your loved ones for Christmas.

Fill a Shoebox and Delight a Seafarer by December 6 Christ the King Lutheran Church is collecting shoeboxes filled with gifts to give to seafar- ers who visit the Port of Houston during the holiday season. The gifts will be distributed by the Seafarers’ ecumenical ministry. Crew sizes vary between 8 and 30, with an average number of 22 seafarers to gift per ship. In 2014, chaplains placed 11,392 gifts on board 512 ships which had seafarers from 69 different countries! These gifts were donated to the seafarers by 233 churches and organizations! Delight a Seafarer We encourage members and friends to fill a shoe-box FULL with items such as: combs, soap, shaving cream, disposable razors, lip balm, toothbrushes and toothpaste, pads, pens, pencils, puzzles, envelopes, needles and thread, deodorant, heavy socks (no ankle socks), shoe laces, work gloves, knit caps, flashlights, calendars, bottle openers, nail clippers, aspirin, band-aids, key chains, small photo albums, USB Memory sticks, Texas souvenirs, playing cards, magazines, hard candy (no chocolate) or something fun. (These are items we take for granted but they are appreciated tremendously by the seafarers. There are very few women on the ships. Please pack boxes primarily for men). Please bring your filled shoebox to church by Sunday, December 6. The Luther League will wrap the gifts, but all are invited to help deliver them to the port on Saturday, December 12. Contact Ben at [email protected] if you’d like to help deliver.

Christ the King Lutheran Church 3 of St. Thomas. She also holds a joint appointment in The- Sunday Forum ology. Her areas of research include environmental pollu- Sundays at 9:45 a.m. tion, social-ecological resilience, urban environmental in the basement classroom issues, ecology and theology, and science and theology. Members are invited to suggest speakers or topics. November 15: Dr. Gavin Dillingham, a Contact Pr. Karin at [email protected] Clean Energy Policy Research Scientist at the Houston Advanced Research Center in Confronting Racism The Woodlands, will speak on Policy Op- November 1: Lessons from the Apostle Paul tions for Addressing Climate Change. Dr. presented by Pr. Brad Fuerst Dillingham’s work consists largely of iden- Sunday Forum Series on Climate Change tifying and overcoming barriers to the November 8-22, 9:45 a.m. in the basement classroom deployment of clean energy. He is engaged at the federal, The Christ the King Church Creation Care Team invites you state and local level working with public and private sector to attend a lecture series on climate change in advance of partners to improve opportunities for the adoption and the United Nations Climate Conference in Paris that begins implementation of clean energy policies. He holds a PhD on November 30. For more information, see details below from Rice University in political science. or contact Lisa Brenskelle at [email protected]. November 22: Dr. Daniel Cohan, an As- November 8: Sr. Damien Marie Savino will sociate Professor of Civil and Environmen- speak on Laudato Si, On Care for Our Com- tal Engineering at Rice University, will ad- mon Home, the encyclical by Pope Francis dress the Science of Climate Change. published in June of this year. The encycli- Professor Cohan’s research specializes in cal critiques consumerism and irrespon- the development of atmospheric models sible development, laments environmental and their application to air quality manage- degradation and global warming, and calls ment and health studies; the integration of satellite data all the people of the world to take swift and unified action. with atmospheric models; and the impacts of energy use Sr. Damien is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the on air quality and climate. Dr. Cohan is a recipient of a Eucharist and an Associate Professor and Chair of the National Science Foundation CAREER award and a member Environmental Science & Studies Dept. at the University of the NASA Air Quality Applied Sciences Team. Professor Timothy Wengert on From Conflict to Communion November 19 The Melanchthon Institute presents Professor Timothy Wengert on Thursday, November 19 from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm in the 2nd floor council room. Professor Wengert will introduce the document, From Conflict to Communion, authorized by the Vatican and the Lutheran World Federation as a guide to observing the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. The booklet is easily accessible on the internet as pdf document by searching under its title. The 500th Anniversary Observance of the Reformation will be different from the past. The Ro- man Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) have made significant advances through careful dialogue. Dr. Wengert and Professor Ashley Hall serve on the Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue in the United States. These dialogues have resulted, among other things, in the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification by which the two bodies have declared that the controversies of the Sixteenth Century over justification no longer constitute a basis for division. In 2014 the Vatican and the Lutheran World Federation developed jointly a new guide for both communions by which to observe the 500th Anniversary in 2017. Entitled From Conflict to Communion, this document corrects common misperceptions on both sides of what actually happened in Germany in the first half of the Sixteenth Century. Advent Wreath Workshop November 29 9:30-10:30 in the cloister The Altar Guild will set up for wreath making on the first Sunday of Advent in the cloister and courtyard. The supplies provided include two different styles of wire wreaths, blue and purple advent candle sets, ribbon, bows and greenery. A donation of $10 is suggested to cover the Altar Guild’s cost of supplies. All ages are invited to join in this communal craft activity to start the Advent season in your homes. If you have a purchased wreath that you would like to decorate, please bring it and join the fun. Altar Guild will also have cookies and hot cider to add to the festive spirit.

4 The King’s Banner All Saints November 1 Celebrate your On the weekend of All Saints Sunday, Baptismal November 1, the church remem- bers those who joined the church Anniversary! through the sacrament of Holy Bap- November 1: November 15: tism and those who completed their Larry Baehre Lannie Lesher earthly life and entered the Church Thanksgiving Day Melody Braun-Wilds Justin Schneewind in heaven. Christian Bruns Irene Lueckemeyer Service of the Word Phil Cezeaux Jeff Hartley Lutherhill at Christ the Thursday, November 26, 10:00 a.m. Alicia Goodrow Jacob Eddington King Church November 8 The service will include traditional Ian Kragas Kennedy Wolf Thanksgiving hymns, a sermon, and a On Sunday, November 8 Matt Kinds- Greg LoTurco Ulf Henningsen Litany of Thanksgiving. All are welcome. Rochelle Manske Christine Wagener vatter, executive director of the syn- Casual attire is encouraged. Gary Miertschin od’s outdoor camp Lutherhill of La Sandra Mork November 22: Grange, Texas will worship at Christ Janeen Powell Nancy Boles It's a Moveable Feast! Kevin Eddington Alp Gener the King Church. Together with staff For the past several years, Christ the King Isabella Carolyn Phillips representatives he will present the Church has had a potluck Thanksgiving Kolmel-Vieira Zonorah Buckalew camp program to parents, youth dinner for empty-nesters and people Nicholas Kolb Maria Edna Campos and adults. allergic to washing dishes. This year, wor- Linda Schoene Leonard Faucher Blake Bourne Carolyn Jacobs At 9:45 a.m. parents of school age ship arrangements mean the feast won't Jeffrey Smith Kevin Simson children and youth will meet for be at Christ the King Church, so it's been Chase Hooks Luke Winston breakfast in the council room on the moved to Grace ELC, at Waugh and Mis- Alyce Shields Rasmus Hoenen souri (two blocks north of Westheimer, Hilda Boyce second floor to learn about summer Carmen Reisdorf in the Montrose area). David Reisdorf camp and weekend programs for November 8: Cindy Scruggs children and youth. All confirma- As usual, it's at noon. In addition to Cason Nishimura Patricia Barnard tion students (including rising 7th the usual turkey and ham there will be Emily Norboge Gerald Gibson Zachary Bryant Eliska Good graders) will participate in a week enchiladas (cheese and chicken mole). Ingar Mork Aaron Schaer of confirmation camp at Lutherhill. Top it off with smashed taters, and Lola Graham Eric van Hal At 12:30 p.m. all adults interested sweet potato casserole, and maybe Annabel Thorvilson some rolls - the rest is up to you! It's a Elliot Harlan November 29 in retreat programs are invited to Kirby Lesher Andreas Fullaondo- a light lunch in the council room to potluck, remember? If you're planning Alan Luedemann Boker learn about adult offerings at Luther- to come, email [email protected] or Christian Segner Torsten Louis hill and the new campus on Galves- [email protected] so we can make Elisabeth Rouse Grace Sahualla our plans. Kathybelle Barlow ton Island, Zion Lutheran. Lutherhill “Remember and Peter Boecher offers a variety of programmed Pub Theology rejoice, Renewed Lisa Krueger retreat weekends and also simply Young Adults are invited on the second by floods of grace. Nancy Letness space for church groups. We bear the sign Nicholas Lloyd Sunday of the month to the Ginger Man of Jesus Christ, Johnny Longoria Want to Start Your Day in a pub, located at 5607 Morningside Dr. On That time cannot Kristina Nishimura erase.” (ELW 454) Sunday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. meet Lori Stalheber Special Way? new friends, enjoy beer, and discuss Wendy Wentland Morning Prayer is said at Christ faith, religion, worship, and anything in Jan Petner the King Church each day Monday between concerning how to live faith. Richard Oeschlin through Friday at 8:15 a.m. in Franz Liebster Pastor Fuerst will lead this session. For room 314 (visitor’s room) on the Ellen Lawrence more information contact Brad Fuerst at Taylor Worthey third floor for the 15-20 minute [email protected]. service. Everyone is welcome to par- Friday Morning Bible Study ticipate as your schedule allows. All Flowers for the Nave New participants are welcome to join you have to do is show up. We can The 2015 Altar Guild Flower Chart will soon the Friday Morning Bible Study. This especially use help on Tuesdays and be on the mobile bulletin board. Flower ar- year’s study is based on the readings Thursdays. Please join us as we pray rangements for weekend services are $55. prescribed for Sunday worship. Entry for the needs of body, mind, spirit, Please pay for the flowers when you sign into the group is easy. Snacks are the Church and the world. up. Checks can be made out to Christ the served at 10:00 a.m. Class begins at King Lutheran Church with “Altar Flowers” 10:30 a.m. and ends at 11:45 a.m. in the memo line. Christ the King Lutheran Church 5 Luther League Meetings Sundays at 6 p.m. The Luther League is the name of the youth group at Christ the King Lutheran and is open to all youth in 6th - 12th grade. During the month of November, we will be focusing on justice and social issues. Meetings include fellowship, games, food, time to relax, Bible study For information, contact Ben Remmert, AiM discussions. The middle school and high school youth will divide up Director of Youth and Family Ministry, [email protected] or 281-468-4686. during discussion time to allow more in depth and age-appropriate November conversations to develop. 1 YouthWorks- 5 p.m. Remind 101 Messaging for Youth Ministry Luther League Meeting - 6 p.m. “Remind 101” service sends text messages to groups without having to 4 Confirmation- 6 p.m. create text messaging groups. To participate please choose the groups 8 YouthWorks- 5 p.m. from which you would like to receive text message reminders: Luther League Meeting - 6 p.m. 1. For Jr. High Ministry- Text 832-981-2483 with the message: 11 Confirmation- 6 p.m. @jrhighmi 13-15 Jr. High Retreat at Lutherhill 2. For Confirmation- Text 832-981-2483 with the message: 15 YouthWorks- 5 p.m. @confirmctk Luther League Meeting - 6 p.m. 3. For High School Ministry- Text 832-981-2483 with the message: 18 Confirmation- 6 p.m. @srhighmi 20 Christ the King Festival Germany Trip Spring 2016 21 Christ the King Festival Service Day The 2016 spring trip to sites of the Reformation in Germany will take 22 Luther League- Turkey Olympics- 6 p.m. place March 11 - March 20. No school days will be missed. The trip is 29 No YouthWorks and Luther League Meetings open to adults, youth and families. Everyone interested in traveling is asked to secure participation with a $500 deposit by November 15. December The cost of the trip is $1,500 plus your airfare (which is usually about 3 Ten Thousand Villages Fundraiser- 6 p.m. $1,200-$1,300 if purchased asap). This money will cover most meals, 4-5 Advent Retreat at Lutherhill housing, transportation, and events we will attend in Germany. For more information, please contact Pastor Karin Liebster or Ben Remmert. YouthWorks Sundays at 5:00 p.m. All youth grades 6-12 are invited to YouthWorks Jr. High Retreat at Lutherhill November 13-15 on Sundays at 5 p.m. YouthWorks is an hour’s Students in 6th-8th grade are invited to grow in their faith during an time to do what needs to be done on Sunday awesome, fun-filled weekend of inspiring worships, small group discus- afternoons: homework for school, Confirmation sions, and fellowship. This is a weekend you don’t want to miss as all memorization or make up lesson, study Spanish our middle school students from around the synod are invited to attend. for the Peru Trip, German or German history for Cost is $130 which covers food, transportation, housing, and activities. the spring break trip, or for high school students Spots are limited so RSVP to Ben Remmert asap. engage in Luther’s Small Catechism. At 6:00 p.m. all share dinner with the Luther League and youth Advent Retreat at Lutherhill December 4-5 Awaken to the Advent season as we await for the coming of Christ. can decide whether to go home after that or stay Campers in 1st through 6th grade are invited to spend a packed 24 for youth group activities until 7:45 p.m. hours worshiping, learning in Bible study, and experiencing fun camp Ten Thousand Village Shopping Night activities like the giant swing, archery, and arts and crafts. We will navi- December 3 gate the day largely as a community but we will break into small groups All Christ the King Church members and friends for age specific Bible studies. This retreat will begin on Friday evening are invited to Ten Thousand Villages located in with welcoming games, activities, and a devotion. On Saturday, we will Rice Village at 2424 Rice Boulevard on December have an action packed day including learning more about our theme, 3 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. for shopping! 15% of net experiencing fun camp activities, and being sent out to go in peace and sales will be donated to the Luther League. Bever- serve the Lord through closing worship. Cost is $55 per person. Register ages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and snacks will at Lutherhill.org. be served throughout the evening. Ten Thousand Meals for Luther League Villages is a nonprofit, fair trade gift store that The Luther League youth group starts out every Sunday night with a works with over 130 artisan groups in more than meal. These meals are not part of the Luther League budget and are 38 countries to bring you fair trade jewelry, home supplied by volunteers from the congregation. If you can cook, or order, decor, gifts and more. Find a gift for everyone this or buy food at the store, please help feeding our hungry youth on Sunday Christmas! nights at 6:00 p.m. We currently need meals for November 1, 8, and 6 The King’s Banner 15. Please contact Ben Remmert at [email protected] to sign up. Walk to Bethlehem If you have an IPhone you can down- Begins November 1, 2015 load the Fitbit app http://help.fitbit. com or simply use the step tracker Calling all those who track their steps already on your health dashboard. and everyone who would like to start Periodically email your miles to me submitted by Linda Schoene, Congregational Nurse tracking exercise. We were able to at [email protected] or text to meet this goal a few years ago. So give If you have an Android you can down- 713-416-9075. yourself an early Christmas gift and load the Fitbit app http://help.fitbit. start or continue an exercise plan to com. Periodically share your miles with hold off those extra holiday pounds. me as described above. The goal is to combine our miles and Track your exercise using the formula make the trek to Bethlehem (7,489 Walk 20 minutes of exercise = 1 mile. Peri- miles) during Advent. This is my first to Bethlehem odically share your miles with me as adventure into electronic tracking and described above. I offer the following options: Begins November 1 BONUS MILES 5 miles for each day If you have a Fitness Tracker go to you exercise outside and 5 miles each www.matchup.io and Join a Challenge. Walk to Bethlehem day you use a reusable water bottle. Track your steps The name of our challenge is “Virtual Periodically share your miles with me Walk to Bethlehem”. There appear to The goal is to combine our miles as described above. be slots for 20 people. and make the trek to Bethlehem (7,489 miles) during Advent. See you in “Bethlehem” on Christmas Day!

Tristyn and Chloë Henningsen Chloë’s faith chest was delivered by Congregational Nurse Linda Schoene. Congratulations to Sharon and Mel Ost- wald for publishing a book of Mel’s stories and poetry in time for his 83rd birthday in September. The 270 page book is named "Railroad Tracks.... Winding Paths....Home at Last." It is published by an educational press and can be purchased or read for free at www.bookemon.com. Congratulations to Ben and Christ the King Church’s quilting Lindsay Remmert (Ben is the group, the Piecemakers, surprised Mel, a prolific writer and poet, has long been ac- Christ the King Church Director member Ruth Dittmar with tive in our Wednesday evening Life Stories Workshop of Youth and Family Ministry). birthday cake on Sunday, October and has shared his many stories with the group and Married at Trinity Lutheran Church 18, in celebration of her 90th the Caring Bridge website. In recent years, he has in Spring, TX on October 10, 2015. birthday. Congratulations, Ruth — undergone treatment for both lung and brain cancers. and husband Ray! Film I Dream Too Much Making its Houston Premier at MFAH Alicia Goodrow’s Pantheon of Women film, I Dream Too Much, is making its Houston Premier at the Houston Cinema Arts Festival at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH). You may buy tickets to the November 15: 7:30 p.m. show. See houstoncinemaartsfestival.org/films/i-dream-too-much. Christ the King Lutheran Church 7 Service & Care “God’s Work. Our Hands” Feed the Homeless Serve Breakfast at SEARCH Join us on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of Christ the King Church members and friends volunteer on the third each month at Christ the King Church to make Wednesday of each month to serve breakfast and assist with the prepara- sandwiches and prepare meals, and then deliver tion of the noon meal for clients of SEARCH Homeless Services. Our next them to downtown homeless individuals. Mem- outing will be onWednesday, November 18, 7:30 - 11:00 a.m. Contact bers and friends of all ages are invited to join in Beverly Davis at 713-400-0517 or [email protected]. this ministry hosted by the young adults of Christ the King Church. Volunteers are welcome to help Montrose Grace Place out with meal preparation, downtown delivery, or Montrose Grace Place offers vulnerable youth ages 13-21 a hot meal and both! We will meet on November 9 and 23 at 5:45 a safe, welcoming shelter from the street every Thursday evening from p.m. Contact Anne Morrow at 281-635-2896 or 6 to 10 p.m. Of course, we can always use more volunteers to cook, set [email protected]. up, and serve the meals. Volunteers are also welcome to help with our bimonthly meals. Christ the King Church night is the 2nd Thursday of the Deliver Meals on Wheels on even months! The next date is Thursday, December 10, and servers are needed between 5:15 and 7:45 to set the tables, dish up the food, and Thanksgiving Day load the dishwashers. Contact [email protected]. Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston will hold a large volunteer event on Thanksgiving day in order to deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors across Houston. Every day they serve meals to Saturday around 4,000 seniors, but on Thanksgiving they give their drivers the day off and volunteers November 14 from all over Houston come together to deliver 8:00 a.m. to noon. holiday meals to seniors. The day starts with an interfaith invocation. Our own Pr. Moore will RSVP to [email protected] give the invocationthis year. Thanks again for volunteering on Saturday September 12. We assembled The event takes place in the North parking lot at 892 senior boxes and about 5352 meals. We made a difference! Hope First Presbyterian Church (5300 Main, 77004). you can join us on the last volunteer outing for the year on Saturday, For information or to volunteer, contact Lily November 14. Young at 713-533-4965 or [email protected]

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

8 The King’s Banner Dinner at Hospitality Apartments One of the Most Generous Congregations to the ELCA Christ the World Hunger Appeal King Church From: The Rev. Robin K. Brown, Associate Director, ELCA ·World Hunger and sponsored Disaster Appeal, Congregational Support, October 8, 2015 the annual Dear Christ the King Lutheran Church, Fall Dinner at the Hos- Yes- you are receiving this letter because you are one of the Most Gener- pitality ous Congregations to ELCA World Hunger. You are an integral part of a Apartments much appreciated group of nearly 100 congregations of every shape and on Thurs- size, spread out over nearly 50 synods- congregations which give over A few of our volunteers at the day, Octo- $10,000 a year! Hospitality Apartments: Julie Giam, ber 8, and Are you surprised? You are not alone in that surprise. As we have begun Kathy Moore, Carolyn Jacobs, Peggy we want to travelling around the ELCA thanking congregations for their gifts, most are Johnson, Akiko LoTurco and Jan Petner. thank our amazed to hear that their special offerings, activities and events make such enthusiastic a significant difference in this vital ministry of our church. One pastor of a and caring group who provided a delicious meal particularly strong-giving congregation introduced me at every service by of meats, vegetables, salads, rolls, and desserts, saying," .. . and she claims we are one of the Most Generous Congrega- as well as joyful fellowship with the residents tions in the ELCA to ELCA World Hunger." Whether he believed it or not, and caregivers who reside at the apartments it was true for that congregation, and it is true for yours. You are the focal while undergoing treatment at MD Anderson point and nexus of ELCA World Hunger passion and engagement through and other medical center hospitals. The resi- learning, advocacy, service and giving. dents truly appreciate this gift of communing Christ the King members donated $15,578 in 2014. The World Hunger together. Those who participated in providing Appeal will be our December Mission Offering. a dish and/or serving include: Bridget Jensen, Rick and Betty Berg, Kerstin Blankenburg, Terri Donate New Toys and Books Bourne, Bette Bowers, Ann Chisholm, Beverly Please donate new, unwrapped toys and books Davis, Raelle Frost, Elizabeth Hagens, Sue Ham- (avoiding items violent in nature) for children blen, Carolyn Jacobs, Peggy Johnson, Greg and ages 0 – 15 to the Christian Community Service Annabella LoTurco, Kathy Moore, Naomi Nel- Center (CCSC). You may place donations in the son, Jan Petner, Linda Shelton - Palmer Episco- box in the foyer or in the church office during pal, Terri Spriester, Janice Stuff, Shanna Thorvil- the month of November. Deadline for toys and gifts is December 6. son, and Christine Wagener. We especially give When shopping for toys, remember the toy each child receives through thanks for the leadership of this event’s leaders, Jingle Bell Express may be his/her only Christmas present. Consider pur- Akiko LoTurco and Julie Giam. chasing one or two “primary gifts” rather than several small “stocking Eagle Scout Project Bake Sale stuffers” or donate money and pick up a Gift of Hope card in the foyer to Come to worship hungry on November 15 to give to a loved one for Christmas. Checks can be made out to Christ the find some delicious baked goods at a bake sale King Church with Jingle Bell Express in the memo line. being held to benefit Bay Area Turning Point. Jingle Bell Express involves hundreds of volunteers. Help is needed with For his Eagle Scout Project, Philipp Winston is organizing toys, setting up the 'store', and even helping parents select toys. organizing and holding a bake sale to raise funds to purchase 6 to 8 car seats for Bay Area Turn- Special Request for Volunteers: ing Point. The car seats are needed to transport Tuesday, December 8, and Wednesday, December 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m. children to safety in domestic violence situa- Sort & Set-up tions. Volunteers are needed to help with the (Prepare toys and food for distribution) bake day on the 13th and on the 15th to run the Friday, December 11, 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. bake sale. Please call Philipp at 281-460-2378 or Distribution (Assist clients as they gather toys, books & food) email him at [email protected] to sign Location: Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Blvd. up for helping on the 13th or 15th. Contact 713-961-3993 ext. 215 or [email protected]. Christ the King Foundation Accepts Grant Requests The Board of Directors of the Christ the King Foundation is now accepting grant requests for projects meeting Foundation Criteria. Individuals or groups may request grants to further special projects and needs of the congregation or its mission to the community. The Foundation makes grants based on the income from its investments. Past grants have been awarded for seminary scholarships, special educational programs, and outreach projects. Application forms may be requested from the church office. Deadline is December 1, 2015. Christ the King Lutheran Church 9 Save the Date - December Events First Sunday of Advent, November 29 9:30 a.m. Advent Wreath Workshop; Pageant rehearsals begin Second Sunday of Advent, December 6 12:15 p.m. Annual Meeting of the Congregation, Part 1, parish hall 5:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols for Advent, parish hall Justice Advocacy Opportunity – Congregational song, Advent readings, and music with the Pledge Your Support for Refugees Christ the King Church ensembles followed by a holiday finger At this time, the world is facing the larg- food reception est refugee crisis since World War II. Syr- Third Sunday of Advent, December 13 ians, Afghans, Iraqis, and others seeking 6:00 p.m. Bach Vespers at First Evangelical Lutheran Church asylum from violence and persecution Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20 are being subjected to abysmal condi- tions across Europe. Desperate people 10:00 a.m. Children’s Christmas Pageant are trapped in train stations, detained Christmas Eve Services, December 24 in inhumane conditions, hit with tear 4:00 p.m. Weihnachtsmesse, German-language service gas and pepper spray, and shunted from at First Evangelical Lutheran Church one border to another. During that same 6:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols and Candlelight, parish hall time, scores have died while crossing the 8:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols and Candlelight, parish hall Mediterranean, families have been torn 10:00 p.m. Holy Communion with Carols and Candlelight, parish hall apart, and images of drowned children washed upon shores have shocked the Christmas Day, December 25 world. Help mobilize action for refu- 11:00 a.m. Carols and Communion gees in crisis by pledging your support First Sunday of Christmas, December 27 at www.hrw.org (the website of Human No Taizé service on Saturday, December 26 Rights Watch). 8:30 and 10:50 a.m. Holy Communion

Rice Alumni, Students, Faculty & friends! Join us for a Gameday Tailgate party Hosted by Houston Lutheran Campus Ministry November 14, 12:00 - 2:00 look for the HLCM banner at Tailgate Owley On October 18, CTK members learned about Rice Owls v. Southern Mississippi (2:30 game time!) “how refugees build new lives in Houston” from Sara Kaufman, area director for Free grilled brats, burgers & home brewed beer (over 21 only) Refugee Services of Texas, and Mohamed Mukhtar, Americorps VISTA volunteer at Refugee Services. Members and friends at the Blessing of the Animals in the courtyard on October 3

Matthew and Rebecca Lindsay Remmert The King’s Banner Richard and Courtney Katherine Willcockkson Karli McGowen 10Sommer Harper Have Announcing Sunday Evening you Conversations on Creation seen The CTK Creation Care Team invites these you to a series of web meetings to talk about creation. Planned as a regular, signs ongoing monthly series held the last in our church restrooms? Sunday of each month (except Decem- The “These Come From Trees” project ber), conversations may be on topics Creation Care Retreat at was begun by Pete Kazanjy in Palo Alto, environmental as well as theological. CA in 2007. Since that time more than To get the series started on Sunday, Lutherhill November 6-8 50,000 stickers have been distributed November 29 at 6:00 p.m., Dr. Dan Lutherhill and the Creation Care Team in the US and abroad. According to the Cohan, an Associate Professor of Civil invite to a weekend of renewal in the “These Come From Trees” website, a and Environmental Engineering at Rice beauty of God’s good creation in La- typical fast food restaurant with two University, will address the State of the Grange, TX, November 6-8. Beginning bathrooms can use up to 2000 pounds Air. This talk will cover climate change, on Friday evening and ending Sunday of paper towels a year, the average as well as other forms of air pollution. morning the topic will be environmen- coffee shop uses 1000 pounds of paper Professor Cohan’s presentation will last tal justice. The retreat includes guided towels a year, and a single tree can 45 minutes or so, leaving 15 minutes nature walks, a hands-on outdoor ser- yield approximately 100 pounds of for discussion/Q&A. Dr. Cohan’s re- vice project, time for individual devo- paper. There are roughly 50,000 fast search specializes in the development tions, contemplation, and recreation, food restaurants, 200,000 gas stations, of atmospheric models and their ap- as well as group study, discussion, and 14,000 McDonalds', and 10,000 Star- plication to air quality management worship. Register at: www.lutherhill. bucks in the US. You can do the math! and health studies; the integration of org. The event is open to adults and satellite data with atmospheric mod- to youth 10+, when accompanied by “These Come From Trees” estimates els; and the impacts of energy use on an adult. It is possible to attend only that the stickers result in a 29% reduc- air quality and climate. He is a recipi- Friday–Saturday. tion in paper use. The Creation Care ent of a National Science Foundation Team is asking you to consider reduc- CAREER award and a member of the Advent is coming….. ing use of paper towels. The next time Go to http://www.pcusa.org/ NASA Air Quality Applied Sciences you wash your hands and turn to the site_media/media/uploads/ Team. If you would like to join the paper towel holder, please think about environment/2015_advent_ conversation, contact Lisa Brenskelle how many towels you actually need. calendar.pdf at [email protected] to receive an Hint: the answer is 0-1! to download a free Advent invitation to the talk. calendar with a creation care focus Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event Bike to Church/Alternative Transport Sunday The CTK Creation Care Team invites The Creation Care Team invites all members of CTK to use less-polluting means you to join with people of other faiths of transportation to come to church on Sunday, November 1. You might con- in caring for creation on Sunday, No- sider walking, biking, taking public transportation, or carpooling with other vember 22, from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. members of the congregation. After each service, the Creation Care Team will (rescheduled from the rained out have available information about Houston’s public transportation system and date last month). We will engage in bikeways. hands-on environmental stewardship by planting native plants and mulching Bike Safety Course around plantings at the Willow Wa- Nervous about biking in town? Come to a bike safety course on Sunday, No- terhole Conservation Reserve. Meet vember 1, that will give you the confidence to cycle safely in Houston. The at The Gathering Place, 5310 South course consists of 90 minutes of classroom instruction, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in Willow Dr., Houston 77035 to sign in. the parish hall, followed by 90 minutes of drills in the Rice Stadium parking lot Tools/supplies will be provided. Con- (from 2:30 – 4 p.m.) and then a leisurely 1 hour ride around the neighborhood tact Lisa Brenskelle at brenskelle@aol. (from 4 – 5 p.m.). Instruction is provided by a certified instructor from Bike com for more information or to sign Houston and the course is suitable for all ages. You may attend all or just a por- up to help. tion of the class, as your schedule permits. Participants should bring their bikes and helmets. If you plan to attend any portion of the course, please email Lisa Brenskelle at [email protected] so that the instructor can plan appropriately.

Christ the King Lutheran Church 11 Construction Update by Carolyn Phillips Our contractor tells us that our nave is resisting change. That does not surprise me. After all, it is a Lutheran nave. How- ever, work is making progress if a little slower than all would like. Members were interested in the brief look they got on October 4 and in the update at the Sunday Forum on October 11. The contractor has started on the structural steel work. We should have some new pictures on the web site soon. You will be hearing more details about the columbarium and the Meditation Garden soon.

A small, but steady stream of members Work proceeds on removing columns and arch. and visitors had a chance to view the nave Bare column can be seen as the construction crew construction and ask questions about pro- works through the back window. Work is noisy and gress on October 4. We hope to plan future slow, but steady with regular safety inspections. So viewings as progress is made. far, so good.

Pastor Britta Photo far left: Taddiken from Rick Erickson, St. Thomas Heidi Reinhardt, Church, Leipzig Pastor Karin Liebster, Pastor Among the many Britta Taddiken, visitors we welcomed Pastor Robert from Leipzig was Moore, Angelika Pastor Britta Taddiken Schmidt-Lange. of of our sister Left: congregation, St. Pastor Britta Thomas Church. Pastor Taddiken and Rick Taddiken preached for Erickson services on October Leipzig Handwriting-the-Bible 11. She invited our Pastor Britta Taddiken of St. Thomas Church, our guest preach on October 11, invited Christ the King congregation to Church members to participate in the celebration of Leipzig’s 1000th anniversary by copying a book of contribute a biblical the Bible by hand. The churches in Leipzig are sponsoring this project to handwrite the entire Bible in book to the Liepzig celebration of both 1000 years of Leipzig history and of 25 years of German reunification. Our mem- Handwriting-the- bers copied the book of the prophet Micah to be included in this handwritten volume of the Bible. Bible. Christ the King Church is organizing a trip to Leipzig March 11-20 where participants will be hosted by members of the congregation there. See page 6 for more information.

Wendy Wentland Hatley Post Elizabeth Lloyd Valerie Lloyd 12 The King’s Banner November 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Daylight Savings Ends Church Office Closed Elections - Voting all day 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer Creation Care retreat at Lutherhill 8:30 am Worship 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 4:30 pm Writing Life Stories 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministry 9:00 am Funeral Museum Tour 9:45 am Sunday Church School 6:00 pm Executive Committee 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Alive! Creation Care retreat at Lutherhill 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Sunday Forum 5:45 pm Classes begin 5:15 pm Taizé rehearsal 10:50 am Worship 6:00 pm Confirmation class 6:00 pm Taizé Worship and 6:00 pm A World of Health Prayer Around the 1:00 pm Bike Safety Course 6:15 pm Brass Choir Cross 5:00 pm YouthWorks 6:15 pm Dignity of Difference 6:00 pm Luther League 7:05 pm Evening Prayer 7:30 pm Choir and Chorus

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 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 88:00 am Houston Food Bank 9:45 am Lutherhill Breakfast 8:15 am Morning Prayer 7:15 pm Congregation Council 4:30 pm Writing Life Stories 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministry 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Sunday Forum 5:45 pm Feed the Homeless 7:30 pm Bach Choir 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Alive! 6:00 pm Circle of Care 10:00 am Friday Morning Bible 5:15 pm Taizé rehearsal 10:50 am Worship 5:45 pm Classes begin Study 6:00 pm Taizé Worship and 12:30 pm Lutherhill Lunch 6:00 pm Confirmation class Jr High Retreat at Lutherhill Healing Blessing 5:00 pm YouthWorks 6:00 pm A World of Health Jr High Retreat to Lutherhill 6:00 pm Luther League 6:15 pm Brass Choir 7:30 pm Pub Theology 6:15 pm Dignity of Difference 7:05 pm Evening Prayer 7:30 pm Choir and Chorus 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8:30 am Worship Church Office Closed 8:15 am Morning Prayer 7:30 am Breakfast at SEARCH 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer 9:30-11:30 am Festival Service 9:45 am Sunday Church School 8:15 am Morning Prayer 7:30 pm Bach Choir 8:15 am Morning Prayer 10:00 am Piecemakers 9:00 am Prayer Shawl ministry Projects 9:45 am Sunday Forum 4:30 pm Writing Life Stories 7:30 pm From Conflict to 10:00 am Friday Morning Bible 10:00 am Altar Guild 10:50 am Worship 5:30 pm Wednesday Night Alive! Communion Study 12:00 pm Freewheels Potluck 5:00 pm YouthWorks 5:45 pm Classes begin 7:00 pm Festival Party 1:00 pm Yoga 6:00 pm Luther League 6:00 pm Confirmation class and Auction 5:15 pm Taizé rehearsal, nave 7:30 pm Pub Theology 6:00 pm A World of Health 6:00 pm Taizé Worship, nave 6:15 pm Brass Choir 6:15 pm Dignity of Difference 7:05 pm Evening Prayer 7:30 pm Choir and Chorus 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8:30 am Worship Church Office Closed 8:15 am Morning Prayer 8:15 am Morning Prayer Thanksgiving Day Church Office Closed 1:00 pm Yoga 9:45 am Sunday Church School 8:15 am Morning Prayer 7:30 pm Bach Choir No Wednesday Night Alive! Church Office Closed 8:15 am Morning Prayer 5:15 pm Taizé rehearsal 9:45 am Sunday Forum 5:45 pm Feed the Homeless 10:00 am Worship 6:00 pm Taizé Worship 10:50 am Worship 12:00 pm Thanksgiving Dinner at 5:00 pm YouthWorks Grace Lutheran Church 6:00 pm Luther League

29 30 Lesser Festivals and Commemorations Blood Pressure Screenings Church Office Closed 1 ALL SAINTS DAY 8:30 am Worship 8:15 am Morning Prayer 3 Martín de Porres, renewer of society, 1639 9:45 am Advent Wreath 7 John Christian Frederick Heyer, 1873; Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, 1719; Ludwig Nommensen, 1918; missionaries Workshop 11 Martin, Bishop of Tours, 397 Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, teacher, 1855 The Annual Meeting 10:50 am Worship 17 Elizabeth of Hungary, renewer of society, 1231 Time of the 5:00 pm YouthWorks 23 Clement, Bishop of Rome, c. 100 Miguel Agustín Pro, martyr, 1927 Fall Congregation Part 1 6:00 pm Luther League 24 Justus Falckner, 1723; Jehu Jones, 1852; William Passavant, 1894; pastors in North America Change Back 25 Isaac Watts, hymnwriter, 1748 December 6 12:15 p.m. 30 ANDREW, APOSTLE Sunday, November 1 parish hall