The Herald What’s the impact? Volume VI, No. 7
Telling the story of Christ the King Lutheran Church
July 2016
FEATURE
CtK responds to feedback with new Sunday schedule starting Sept. 4. Story on page 3.
In this issue:
4 Staffing updates 5 “Your voice matters and your leaders are listening.”
by Nate Crary 6 “Our Block Party: Then and Now” by Vern Rice 8 “Meeting (and eating) with our Muslim neighbors” by Betty Funk, CtK member 9 “Our impact in God’s world” from the Global Mission Team The Herald is published monthly 10 Living your strengths at CtK by Christ the King Lutheran Church. 1900 7th St. NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 11 CtK Foundation awards 2016 grants Website: www.lifeatctk.org | Phone: 651.633.4674 Join us for worship! Sundays, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. 12 Calendar
Christ the King Lutheran Church
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uided by the Gospel, it is the mission of Christ the King Lutheran Church to make disciples for Jesus Christ by inviting and welcoming all to serve God and God’s people by joining in: • Gathering for worship and fellowship, • Growing in faith and understanding, • Giving of our time and resources.
1900 7th St NW New Brighton, MN 55112 651-633-4674
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Sundays, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
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On the Web
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www.lifeatctk.org
Staff Directory Pastors Peter Hanson Lead Pastor
ext. 106
[email protected]
John Schwehn ext. 109 Associate Pastor
[email protected] Program Staff
Heather Nelson Choral Director
Maintenance/Kitchen
[email protected]
Melodee Rossi ext. 119 Director of Small Group Ministry
[email protected] Deb Wolterstorff ext. 111 Director of Children and Family Ministry
[email protected]
Justin Buck Sound and Light Technician
Administration
Nate Crary ext. 116 Director of Worship and Music
[email protected]
KC Gubrud Director of Operations
Carol Hokel Organist/Pianist
Christine Fifield ext. 107 Communications Coordinator
[email protected]
Steve Fischer ext. 110 Director of Youth and Family Ministry
[email protected] Allison Leding Hand Bell Choir Director
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e are a community that prays with and for one another. Join us this month as we pray for the following people known to us to be in need of our prayers:
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ext. 101
[email protected]
Eunice Helgeson ext. 104 Business Administrator
[email protected] Candi Phelps ext. 102 Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Paul Alexander Maintenance Custodian
ext. 112
Tom Heille Cleaning Custodian Steve Kaun Building Steward, Chef Tony Nourse Lead Custodian
ext. 112
Dale Razskazoff Cleaning Custodian Rusty Sorenson Kitchen Coordinator
[email protected]
Faith Community Nurses Judy Benke Elaine Foell Julie Philbrook
Current Prayer Needs Wayne Anderson Peyton Blood Ken Balzum Jack Briggs Chuck Christians Gayle Christensen Claudia Doran Mildred Dorner Myrtle Foster Brent Harapat Truman Jeffers Hank Jensen Carrie Kane John Krzyska Bruce Langager
Micah Maeda Sam Miller Pat Nolby Alice Pettis Arnie Rudi Joyce Rudi Bill Stone Noah Wachter Don Wallerstedt Jan Wallerstedt Pat Wells Joyce Wennberg Bruce Westphal Cindi Nordberg Willke
Sympathies Beverly Howard on the death of her son, Thomas Willie Johnson on the death of his aunt and brother-in-law The family and friends of Sheila Lahonen Dennis Zustiak and family on the death of his wife, Janice
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Sunday morning schedule to be adjusted this fall
Worship and Faith Formation for all ages By Peter Hanson, Lead Pastor
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ou have spoken. We listened. Now, we’re responding. Beginning in September, Christ the King’s Sunday morning schedule will be adjusted in order to offer faith formation for all ages between our two worship services. This means that Sunday School will no longer meet during one of our worship services, but rather at its own time. In addition, new opportunities for adults to engage in learning will be offered at that same educational hour. Why the change? Last year’s Worship and Music Study revealed that nearly all at CtK wanted to see children and youth become more actively involved in worship. Having Sunday School at its own time —rather than during worship—provides an easy opportunity for this to happen. Dawson Blanck, CtK member and single father of two, has been involved in Sunday School for the past three years and is excited about the idea of getting to worship as a family. “[With the previous schedule], it was difficult to get the whole church experience,” said Dawson. “Now, we can do both. We have the option to go to church and learn together.” In addition, both the Worship and Music Study and other surveys (Kairos’ MAP process, and the 55+ survey, for example) demonstrated a desire for more educational opportunities for adults, especially on Sunday mornings. A time slot devoted to faith formation on Sundays would allow for such learning to take place on a regular basis. Further conversations entitled “Rethinking Sunday Mornings” held during the month of June strongly affirmed this idea of adjusting our schedule in order to provide both worship and faith formation for all of CtK’s generations. “Sunday morning adult education could be an excellent opportunity for members to learn,” said active member and volunteer Karen Peterson. “[The new] structure should also include the opportunity to interact and build connections.” A bonus: having a full hour between worship services also allows for occasional intergenerational events for learning, service, and community-building, as well as congregational conversations on stewardship
Starting Sept. 4
NEW Sunday Morning Schedule 8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon
Worship beginning Sunday, Sept. 4 Faith Formation Sunday School, BTDT, and Adult Education, beginning Rally Day, Sept. 11 Worship Culto Dominical en Español Fourth Sunday of the month
programs, ministry updates, the budgeting process, and even portions of our annual meeting agenda. Why now? While this idea has been discussed as early as the Worship and Music Study last year, we know from previous changes to our worship schedule that a good deal of time and attention is needed to carefully consider all the effects—both direct and indirect—that such a change would mean. Discussions have taken place at the staff level, as well with several different groups of engaged and committed volunteers, particularly those involved in Sunday School and worship planning. In my report for programmatic portion of the Annual Meeting in May, I indicated that I was feeling more and more called to lead CtK in this direction. The “Rethinking Sunday Mornings” dialogues in June shared more of the details of this idea, while seeking important input, feedback, and buy-in from congregational members. New Sunday format continues on page 4.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
The Herald | 3
Continued from page 3.
New Sunday format, cont. In many ways, such significant changes to our worship and faith formation schedule can occur only once during the course of a school year: Rally Day. Were this change not to take place this Rally Day, Sept. 11, we would need to wait another full year to implement such a change. For a good number of those surveyed and interviewed in the process of our Worship and Music Study, the possibility that this change has built an excitement and eagerness to begin this reconfigured Sunday morning schedule this year. What’s the expected impact? We expect that the impact of this shift will be at least two-fold: that our worship will increasingly invite and include all of CtK’s generations in both participation and leadership; and that we will be able to provide increased opportunities for children, youth, and adults to deepen their faith and grow in the practice of it. While it might take some time to take hold, a larger and longer-term impact of this change will be a culture shift within our congregation. We hope that CtK will continually imagine itself to be a congregation that is not segmented generations—with some age-groups encouraged to be in worship on Sundays while others are encouraged to be involved in education. Specifically, it is my prayer that all of us—no matter what our age—will see the importance and necessity of both expressing our faith through regular acts of worship and deepening our faith through more intentional learning experiences. In both cases, the overall impact would be that a larger segment of the CtK family more fully lives out its mission: to Gather for worship and fellowship, to Grow in faith and understanding, and to Give of ourselves and our resources. New schedule begins Sept. 4 Worship at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. will begin on Sunday, Sept. 4. Our intergenerational hour of faith formation will start the following Sunday (Rally Day) Sept. 11. If you have questions, council members will be speaking on the subject at their next Coffee with Council scheduled for Sunday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m.
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Staffing updates Anne van Bruggen steps down from Sunday School music
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s of June 16, Anne van Bruggen has stepped down from her parttime staff position as the Director of Sunday School Music. In this role, Anne accompanied Sunday School music, led songs in worship, directed the children’s choir, and served as band leader during Vacation Bible School. The role of Children’s Anne van Bruggen Choir Director has been passed to CtK Choral Director Heather Nelson while Anne’s other duties will be handled by current staff and volunteers. In addition to Sunday School music, Anne has served in various paid interim roles and a myriad of volunteer leadership positions including her current role as co-chair of the Block Party with her son, Matthew. We are incredibly grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and excellence Anne brought to this particular role and continues to bring to all of her roles at CtK.
Candi Phleps to assume CtK bookkeeping
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arlier this year, we celebrated the life of CtK member, Jean Metcalf, who died May 9. Her joyful spirit is missed here. Along with her service on the altar guild preparing communion and on most every hospitality team ever formed, Jean served God and her congregation faithfully and ably as bookkeeper, coming in once a week to enter financial data.
Jean Metcalf
Going forward, Administrative Assistant Candi Phelps has agreed to take on the bookkeeper responsibilities. CtK was blessed to have Jean on staff and continues to be blessed with adaptable Candi Phelps staff members, like Candi, who are willing to take on new challenges. Christ the King Lutheran Church
Your voice matters and your leaders are listening. By Nate Crary, Director of Worship and Music
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hen I first arrived at Christ the King, almost a year ago, I was asked what my vision and plan was for worship and music. I heard—and continue to hear—some of you say, “Just tell us your plan, communicate it clearly, and we’ll listen and follow along.”
discuss the various needs of our worship volunteer ministry, so that we can reach out to you as a unified team. If you are a worshipping member of this community, we need your help preparing for Sunday mornings, as we seek to serve one another and welcome all who God has called to this place. Your voice matters and your leaders are listening. I have had countless conversations with many of you regarding what, why, and how we do things in worship on Sunday mornings. You have shared ideas about what should change or what should have never changed in the first place, based namely on personal preference.
I’ll admit I was surprised by this, having just begun my journey with you in this community and having much yet to learn. This reoccurring request reveals to me a great opportunity for your voices to be heard, so that our worship life does not reflect the decisions made by a select few voices. Rather, our worship life can develop from thoughtful conversation and consideration of the community reflecting on God’s word and God’s activity. After all, CtK is not my church; it’s ours. Your voice matters and your leaders are listening. Conversations regarding worship happen all the time at CtK. I love being a part of that meaningful dialogue. It allows me the opportunity to respond Christ the King Lutheran Church
by creatively putting new ideas into action. Conversations have dug deeply into how we pray, how we receive communion, how we invite participation, how we engage all ages at all times, and how we engage the senses in worship. We are blessed to have thoughtful volunteers in our midst who give of their time to be a part of these critical conversations which lead to shaping our sacred time together. Stepping into action Right now, you have the unique opportunity to directly impact what happens on Sunday morning by stepping into a worship volunteer role. In the month of July, volunteer leaders at CtK are coming together to
Some of you even speak up for others in the community, suggesting others who share the same preferential sentiment. Some of you say things like, “I liked the hymns last Sunday,” or, “[I don’t care what the others say,] I like what you’re doing with worship.” This is no surprise to me, having worked with various ministries continuously since 2003, from call committees to youth councils. And in those years of experience, I’ve learned that complaining gets us nowhere. In every ministry setting I’ve served, there have been good people of faith held hostage, frozen in time by the fading, rosy-glazed rearview picture of past success. Anything that’s changed since then will never be as good as it once was. I’m motivated in my work at CtK by the simple fact that all worship is good worship. All the time. It is about being grateful for who God is in our lives and in our world as we (no matter the life stage) are seeking to become the people God created us to be. The Herald | 5
Our Block Party: Then and Now By Vern Rice, Block Party Commitee
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et ready: the CtK Block Party is just around the corner. While many of us now associate this event with a parking lot full of people, tents, food, and inflatables, it hasn’t always been this way. In fact, our Block Party has gone through several phases. From an event for some... For a number of years, it was held inside in our Celebration Hall on a Sunday afternoon, often on Rally Sunday. Its original focus was on getting our congregation out to celebrate the new fall program, welcome our Local Mission Partners and our neighborhood to Christ the King. At that time, the Block Party had two to four hundred people coming. ...to an event for everyone. Then the Block Party team joined in studying the book, Missional: Joining God in the Neighborhood by Alan Roxburgh. Based on Luke 10:1-12, the book encouraged us to follow Jesus’ invitation to go to our neighborhood and declare “Peace” to all who receive us. Jesus encourages us to leave behind our baggage and eat what is set before us, implying that we are the guests, not the hosts in this interaction. There, Jesus says we can say, “The kingdom of God has come near you.”
With this inspiration—and a lot of creativity on the part of many people—we moved the Block Party to a Tuesday evening; our theme moved from simply inviting people to CtK to saying with the Block Party, “Thanks for being our neighbor!” While of course we still welcome people to come to our building, we have shifted our focus to celebrate being in this neighborhood (and being with our neighbors) on 7th Street NW. It was with this amended focus that the Block Party went from a few hundred to more than a thousand people. (One year it was about eighteen hundred people!) We belong together This year our Block Party theme is “We Belong Together”. The Block Party team is hoping to fill our parking lot and building with all kinds of we—our neighbors and our members—on Aug. 16 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. We’re hoping to see many members reconnecting with other members, making new friends, and welcoming our many neighbors who attend. It takes many hands to make the night run smoothly. All are welcome to volunteer. There are all kinds of different ways to help. Check out lifeatctk.org/ blockparty for more information. Remember to invite your friends, neighbors, and relatives. Again we can announce to our congregation and neighborhood, “The kingdom of God has come near you!”
Join us on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
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e’ll have corn-on-cob, hot dogs, Dairy Queen dilly bars, inflatables, and lots of new entertainment and new fun! Even more, it’s all FREE! We’ll be there rain or shine. Be a Block party volunteer It takes a village to make this incredible event happen. Join the volunteer team and help make this the best block party yet. Sign up at lifeatctk.org/blockparty. Be a Block Party Sponsor We will display sponsor signs at the different activities with the names of our generous donors. For example, for $50, you can sponsor 1/4 of an on duty police officer or 1/3 of a bouncy house. Look for the Block Party table in the narthex on Sunday or contact
[email protected] for more information.
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Christ the King Lutheran Church
Meeting (and eating) with our Muslim neighbors By Betty Funk, CtK member
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just returned from a “Taking Heart” Interfaith lftar, hosted by the Islamic Center of Minnesota (1401 Gardenia Avenue NE, Fridley) and organized by the Minnesota Council of Churches as part of their “Respectful Communities. Respectful Conversations.” program.
The event was designed to bring Christian and Muslims together to get to know each other over a meal and conversation. The Islamic Center—where we joined for their Ramadan lftar—is just four minutes from [Christ the King]. They welcomed us to the school library that shares the building with the Mosque prior to the prayer and meal time. During that time, a leader talked of the five pillars of Islam and welcomed our many questions. We learned of what we had in common in our faiths and where we see differently from the Bible’s teachings versus the Quran and the pillars of Islam. The focus that night was on the pillar of Ramadan. The information shared stated that, Christ the King Lutheran Church
“it is a time for fasting and to practice self-discipline, self control, sacrifice and empathy for those who are less fortunate, and to encourage actions of generosity and charity.” Following our question-andanswer time, a Muslim woman invited me into their Mosque (prayer room) to join her on the floor as she silently said her sundown prayer (the fourth prayer of the day). As she prayed, I also felt moved to say a silent prayer as I have been taught in my Christian church. A Jewish woman who was also a guest was on the other side of me. After the sundown prayer, the lftar meal began. For our Muslim friends, the lftar meal was their first meal since the sun rose at 5:25 a.m. In spite of this, they wanted to make
sure their guests were all served first. I had such a delightful conversation with the Muslim hosts who invited me to their table. Some have been in the Twin Cities area for as many years as I have. The younger woman to my right had come [to the Twin Cities] after finishing Catholic High School in India in her teens and was now a mother of American teens. A Pakistani woman shared how when she wanted to open a school for Muslim youth in a northern suburb, there were neighborhood concerns from many residents. She stated that a Jewish woman leader decided that they should be welcomed as neighbors. She along with other respected people changed the concerns of the neighborhood people toward the Muslim people and they got a unanimous vote from the council for a new Islamic neighborhood school. I was happy to hear that they felt discrimination is breaking down. They also shared their concerns, along with many Americans, about “radical” Islamic behaviors. I found this quote on their website by Dr. Shah Kham: “Allah says in Quran, ‘Whoever kills a person for spreading disorder on the earth, is as if he has killed the whole of mankind, and whoever saves the life of a person is as if he has saved the whole of mankind.’”(5:32). Their website also states, “The Islamic Center of Minnesota strongly condemns the heinous and horrific mass shooting at an Orlando, Florida nightclub”. I will strongly encourage us to return to invitation for our Muslim neighbors to visit us at our church. I believe every one of the fifteen guests from my church felt very fortunate to have had a chance to share lftar and to get to know our Muslim neighbors. The Herald | 7
Global Mission
Our Impact in God’s World
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hrist the King has been involved in the Iringa Diocese of southern Tanzania since early 2000. Partnering with other congregations in the Saint Paul Area Synod, our Global Mission Team has facilitated ways to increase the capacity of both our companion congregations and ourselves to act faithfully in the world.
Pastor Peter Harrits, Director of Bega Kwa Bega
to their own people in need. These are not overnight changes, but as people pray, are present, and engage in projects with and for one another, their worlds change. You have heard stories of our involvement: building churches, schools, and hospitals, supporting scholarship needs, and promoting economic development in Tanzania. You have sent Alternative Christmas Gifts to support our Tanzanian partners. You have prayed for them and have worshipped in harmony with them as these efforts continue year by year. Pastor Peter Harrits, Director of the synod’s Bega Kwa Bega partnership, recently recounted a change in our relationship with Iringa: “It isn’t often that a success story begins with ‘No, thank you…’ but that is exactly what happened earlier this year. The Iringa Diocese had experienced unusually heavy rainfall, and more than 1,000 people had their homes, crops, and livestock washed away. Cases of cholera spiked as sanitation systems failed. 8 | The Herald
“When the Bega Kwa Bega office learned of this crisis, they began to wonder how to help. Was money needed? Supplies? When they offered help to the Iringa Diocese, they received this note: “Thank you for your concern. We have managed to mobilize the local effort for this immediate response. The local contribution to date is so much. We are going tomorrow to deliver supplies. I strongly suggest you let us deal with this immediate need and your support should come later, if or when families have no food on the table. Once again, thank you.” Pastor Harrits summarized it as: “Thank you. Don’t worry. We’ve got this.” He noted that this is the result of nearly 30 years of investments in education and capacity building, enabling Tanzanians to stand independently, and reach out
Each time we walk out the door—any door—of CtK, we enter the mission fields of God’s world. May our hearts continue to be open to places where we are needed to have an impact. Global Mission Prayer Dear God, help us to remember your promise that when two or more are gathered together in your name, you are with us, wherever in your world we are. Guide us as we reach out to others around the globe, and help us to notice, listen, and respond when others reach out to us. Fill us with your love through the Holy Spirit so that we can love and serve others in your global church. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Global Mission Events Global Mission Team Summer Potluck Dinner and Meeting Thursday, July 7, 6:00 p.m. Bob and Marlys Melius home. Visitors are always welcome; please RSVP through the CtK office. Christ the King Lutheran Church
CtK Foundation
2016 grants awarded
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s we continue to reflect on the impact of Christ the King ministries, it is with excitement that the CtK Foundation introduces our approved grants for the first half of 2016. The Foundation was established in 1989 and is committed to providing funding to support activities in our church, local community, and in the world. We thank our contributors for supporting the mission of CtK and continue to welcome donations to support future funding that can impact the work both within and outside of CtK. Together, we are able to continue to make an impact through not only “truth, but action.” CtK Leadership Development This grant continues to support CtK leadership development. In 2015, the Foundation supported the training and administration of the StrengthsFinder assessment (see page 10). The Foundation will support the next phase of leadership development which utilizes a second assessment tool, the Enneagram. The Enneagram identifies giftedness and attends to spiritual development. It is the hope that this will enhance and guide the core ministries of CtK through encouraging staff and congregants to work through their strengths. MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School Chapel Roof Restoration The roof of the chapel at the MaaSAE girls Lutheran Secondary School (MGLSS) in Monduli, Tanzania is in dire need of repair. This grant provides funding to support the repair and restoration of the roof. The chapel houses church services, choir practices, and school classes. This repair will not only ensure safety for those that use the chapel, but also allow for the continued ministry efforts. Agora The Agora Program works to “equip lay people from ethnicspecific and multicultural congregations for Christian mission and ministry.” This grant continues to provide CtK support for two additional Christ the King Lutheran Church
Agora classes to be held at CtK in English and Spanish (Cristo Rey). The work of Agora furthers the mission of CtK by providing courses that are accessible to members, including immigrants and those wanting to learn alongside immigrant members. Mr. Oscar Monkey Oscar the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Monkey began as a Facebook page to provide support and encouragement for children and families living with MS. Oscar is the pen name for CtK member Emily Blosberg, who has a diagnosis of MS. This grant supports the growing work of Oscar by creating smaller versions of Oscar (“Oscar’s buddies”) to mail to kids, siblings, and adults affected by MS all over the United States. Liberian Partners In 2015, the Foundation supported the construction of a two-story school building for grades K-9 in Monrovia, Liberia. Now in 2016, the Foundation provides additional grant support to continue with the building of this permanent facility to house 250 students now meeting in the church building. Next grant deadline: Oct. 1 The Foundation accepts grant requests twice a year (April 1 and Oct. 1). For more information about the grant application process, please visit lifeatctk.org/foundation.
Strong start to Capital Appeal
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n April, Christ the King launched the Formed in love. Called to serve. Here to stay. Capital Appeal to pay off the remaining building debt, prepare for upcoming facility repairs, and support key ministries as we bring them into our annual budget. The response from our members was a strong affirmation about the dreams we have for the future of this congregation.
To date, we have received over $394,000 in pledges. Generous CtK members have already given nearly $100,000 to the capital fund in 2016. This generosity has allowed us to provide onetime funding to key ministries from the Capital Appeal including Global and Local Mission, ELCA Scholarships, Good Samaritan Fund, Liberian Partners, and SUNNY Lunches. Just as we are each vital members of the body of Christ, you are also distinctive, valued members of the community of CtK. Your participation, presence, and gifts are absolutely essential to the ministry we accomplish together. If you have questions about your giving, please contact Director of Operations KC Gubrud at
[email protected] or 651-633-4674 ext. 101. Thank you for being an active member of life at CtK. The Herald | 9
Living our strengths at CtK
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he Bible makes multiple references to our spiritual gifts. (In fact, much of Paul’s writing is dedicated to the topic.) In the past year, we have set out to examine how we can not only name one another’s spiritual gifts but also use them in the ministry we do here at Christ the King. A 2015 Foundation grant allowed the staff and council to take Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment and apply the findings in their work together. But the impact of this tool extends beyond the staff and council. On Saturday, April 30, 27 leaders from within the congregation gathered for a training using StrengthsFinder, more specifically its companion book, Living Your Strengths: Discover Your God-Given Talents and Inspire Your Community. We asked some of the participants from this April’s workshop to reflect on the impact on their lives and what impact they would like to see StrengthsFinder have here at CtK: 1. What were you hoping to get out of the Strengths Finder experience? Hannah Pagel: I was hoping to understand myself better. Many of us go through life struggling to find the positives sometimes. Understanding my strengths has given me a new positive. Jenny Popp: StrengthsFinder has helped me to try and focus and put my time and effort into experiences in which I can use my strengths. I appreciated how it was so focused on positives, and strengths, instead of pointing out any negative aspects that might be associated on the flip side of those strengths. Our society and the world around us seems to tell us that we should always improve our weaknesses. This is sometimes a good thing, but can at times translate into an attitude of not being good enough. I also liked the break down of using our strengths in the different facets of our life and having us think about the ways we use our strengths in each of these areas.
2. What surprised you, or what was unexpected for you? Hannah Pagel: I was surprised how my strengths actually fit with who I am. When I reflect on them, it’s clear that my strengths are absolutely me.
3. What has been the lasting impact, if any, as you have moved forward from the training? Hannah Pagel: The lasting impact has been finding ways to apply these strengths in life.
Jenny Popp: I was happy to realize that in my job as an art teacher, I use all five of my strengths every day. It was interesting to think about how I use my strengths at work versus how I use them at home with my family. I do use them all there as well, just in a different way.
Jenny Popp: One of my next steps with the StrengthsFinder will be to read about helping my own children develop his or her strengths. I think understanding this as a parent will be beneficial in how I interact with my children and help them grow into confident kids. As a family, understanding each other’s strengths will help us see how we all can positively contribute and navigate moments of conflict by taking a step back and trying to understand why we operate the way we do.
Kristi Chace: I thought [my husband, Mark] would be similar but we had nothing in common which was interesting being that we are both first borns and stubborn and maybe that is why we get along. I was shocked at my strengths but looking forward to develop them.
Discover your strengths
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f you’d like to discover your strengths, come to the StrengthsFinder workshop on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. This training is open to anyone who would like to find out more about how you can use your gifts to honor God in your life at church, school, home, or work. We also suggest that your group or committee take the tool and learn more about how you can best use each other’s strengths. Eventually, we hope that most of our congregation can participate so we can begin to acknowledge each other’s strengths and use them as we do God’s work together.
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4. What are you hoping will happen with this at CtK? Hannah Pagel: I hope all of our members get the opportunity to understand what their strengths are. Jenny Popp: I think it can be a valuable tool in helping people find a calling or area of involvement. It can help us understand how we can best participate in our congregation. Kristi Chace: My hope is that all members will take this simple test and be able to use their strengths (mine included) for the benefit of our church community to further our ministry. Christ the King Lutheran Church
Make your impact. Children, Youth, and Family ....................................... CtK Field Trip to Como Zoo ✎ Wednesday, July 6, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. All ages are invited to join. Bring a bag lunch and $5. Children younger than Kindergarten need to be accompanied by an adult. CtK Family Fun: The Wacky World of Water continues! ★ Wednesdays, July 13, 27, Aug. 10, 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Come with your families and join us for some more fun with water and some fellowship. CtK Field Trip to the Water Park ✎ Wednesday, Aug. 24, 12:30-4:00 p.m. Children in Kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to join us for a trip to the Jim Lupient Water Park. Participants are asked to bring $1 and eat lunch beforehand. Adult volunteers will be needed for all CtK field trips. To get involved, contact Deb Wolterstorff at
[email protected].
All Ages ....................................... Habitat for Humanity ✎ July 25-26, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Build with us on the site (4375 121st Ave NE, Blaine) for one or both days. We need 18 volunteers each day. No experience necessary— Habitat staff will teach you! Sign up today to volunteer on one or both our build days with Habitat for Humanity. Walk a Mile for Our Neighbors to prevent homelessness in our community ★ Sunday, July 31, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Silverwood Park, Silver Lake Road and County Rd E Walk a Mile is a fundraising event to support the work of the Community Support Center (CSC). Participate by walking a mile (or part of a mile). Each mile walked will earn $10 for the CSC’s challenge fund. Or, contribute to the CSC. For each $5 contributed, you receive a chance to win one of our great door prizes. The Community Support Center helps families in our community stay in their homes by providing one-time rent assistance, helping people achieve stability, and referring families to other places to receive help.
✎ = Registration needed. Call 651-433-4674 or visit lifeatctk.org and click “Calendar and Registrations.” ★ = No registration needed. Come as you are!
Christ the King Lutheran Church
2016 Vacation Bible School was wacky and wonderful! The week of June 13, we dove into God’s word and learned about many stories about water. We sang, played games, made crafts, and even got a little wet along the way. Thanks to Dr. Drip and Drench for helping us with each story in their fun and wacky way.
All Ages ....................................... Sing with the CtK Summer Choir ★ July 17, Aug. 14 Come to the choir room at 9:00 a.m., rehearse the music, and sing at the 10:30 a.m. worship. No strings attached. Looking for a casual evening Bible study? ★ Wednesdays this summer, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join Pastors Peter and John as they mull over the upcoming Sunday readings and prepare their sermons. Bring your Bibles and imaginations.
Adults 55+ ....................................... Elders in Action visits the Minnesota Arboretum ✎ Tuesday, July 19, 9:00 a.m. Elders in Action invites you to the Minnesota Arboretum on Tuesday, July 19. Exact cost is still being determined but should be around $20 per person (cost of lunch not included). Please sign up by visiting or calling the CtK church office (651-433-4674). Carpool to the Arboretum will leave from CtK at 9:00 a.m.
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Coming up at CtK
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ere’s a snapshot of some of the big events we have coming up at CtK.
You can find our complete calendar of events at lifeatctk.org/calendar.
July Fourth of July Holiday—Office Closed Monday, July 4 Ctk Field Trip to Como Zoo Wednesday, July 6, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Global Mission Team Summer Potluck Dinner and Meeting Thursday, July 7, 6:00 p.m. Hosted at Bob and Marlys Melius home. Visitors are always welcome; please RSVP through the CtK office. Camp Wapo: SEEDS July 15-17 Register at campwapo.org. Camp Wapo: Youth July 17-22 Register at campwapo.org. Coffee with Council Sunday, July 17, 10:30 a.m. Summer Choir Sunday Sunday, July 17 Rehearsal at 9:00 a.m. Sing at 10:30 a.m. worship Habitat for Humanity Work Days July 25-26, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
August Change Service Requested
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH 1900 SEVENTH STREET NORTHWEST NEW BRIGHTON, MN 55112
Walk a Mile to Prevent Homelessness Sunday, July 31, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Silverwood Park, 2500 County Road E, St. Anthony
Stockyard Days Parade Thursday, Aug. 6, 5:00 p.m. CtK Block Party: We Belong Together Tuesday, Aug. 16, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Congregation Council Meeting* Tuesday, Aug. 23, 6:00 p.m. *Rescheduled due to block party CtK Field Trip to the Water Park Wednesday, Aug. 24, 12:30-4:00 p.m.
August Herald articles are due by July 15.
