"What's Happening at CtK" is another tool to inform our members, friends and others the highlights of our ministry at CtK for the week. If you would like this emailed to you, please email Pastor Paul at paullarsen@ctknb.org and he will be happy to include you on the email list.

What’s Happening at CtK!

May 1 - 7, 2008

Thursday, May 1

The Love and Logic six-week, parenting class concluded with a Pot luck dinner with the children. We had over 36 parents participate throughout the weeks. We are looking at offering these classes again in the fall.

The Children, Youth and Family staff attended the Mpls/St. Paul Area Synod's annual Ascension Day Breakfast in honor of youth ministry workers in the synod ... it's a great affirmation of the important work of caring for young people!

The Exemplary Youth Ministry team continued strategizing what comes next in the visioning process. The pilot project comes to a close in June, by which time the team will have a visioning plan and some concrete next steps to build on for CtK's larger vision team.

Sunday, May 4

We had 632 people in attendance in worship as we celebrated Charlie the Church Mouse’s birthday and observed Volunteer Appreciation Sunday. Birthday cake and other treats were served. A special “Thank You” video was shown illustrating the many ways our volunteers make a difference. Thanks, volunteers for all that you do.

There was a Mission Moment about our Habitat for Humanity work week: Monday, August 4th through Friday, August 8th.  Please contact Priscilla Berg or Sue Fickle for more information. If you would like to make a contribution to help CtK reach her $5000 gift goal that would be greatly appreciated.

Professor Jonathan Paradise began his series on Judaism for the Sunday Adult Forum.  If you have ever wondered how modern day Jews view scripture, come and hear Professor Paradise on May 11 and 18th.  Jews, he says, are not just People of the Old Testament, but a people whose oral traditions from the time of Moses continue to shape their teachings.

Monday, May 5

We had a good turnout at the Prism Introductory Meeting on May 5th. Eleven people will participate in Phase I of the program (six weeks), with meetings on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 in the Library. If others are still interested, please call Candi in the office (651-633-4674), or email her at candi@ctknb.org.

The property committee determined that we join other Minnesota churches in ringing church bells on Sunday, May 11th at 3:30 p.m. in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Minnesota statehood. This was a request of the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission.

The Facilities Task Force 2008 continued to explore possibilities and costs connected with accomplishing the goal of "Providing a space that is flexible enough to accommodate all forms of Christian worship including traditional and contemporary where everyone can hear, see, and participate in a meaningful way." Some monies are available from the 2007-2009 capital campaign. Ideas being explored are:

1. Removing the current pulpit and baptismal font thus freeing up that space for the Celebrate Worship Team.

2. Expand the top step in front of the altar to about the size of the stage used during Lent. This would be done with attractive, portable risers and would accommodate a portable pulpit and baptismal font.

3. Replace the carpet and pew pads.

4. Improve the lighting.

Watch for more details and information in the weeks ahead.

The New Member Orientation Task Force met to plan a summer picnic on Tuesday, June 24th for persons who have become new members within the last 2 years at CtK.  Pastors, staff, council leaders, Outreach team members, New Member TF members, and any others who would like to come to this event are invited as we gather to get to know our newest members better and seek to strengthen connections.  A treasure hunt will be planned for children and teens; and a special conversation and closing event is being planned.  Invitations will be sent and sign ups available in the Life @ CtK for those who would like to participate.

Block Party Planning Team is inviting each of 6 (potentially 8) ethnic groups identified as connected to CtK in shared ministry.  Persons on the TF have been grouped into teams to work with each group to plan their booth in which their unique ethnic traditions will be celebrated and shared with food, games, pictures, music, and dance.  We will be asking congregation members via Life @ CtK for the donation or loan of canopies 10’X10’ or larger they may already have; and if there are businesses associated with CtK that would like to sponsor a “booth” we will explore that as well.  A culminating music/mini-worship/celebration event will conclude our day together on Sept. 14 between 12:00 noon and 3 p.m.  We are excited about this year’s focus on “Community of Nations.”

Tuesday, May 6

Several new Prayer Shawl makers have joined the group and shawls are coming in!  The shawls deeply touch those who receive them.  We are encouraging ANYONE who would like to knit, crochet, or sew larger fleece or quilted blanket/shawls to join us.  You can do this on your own; be linked with someone who will teach you; or come and join our group on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 12:30 -2:30 p.m.  Please contact Jan Smith for information.

What is Coming Up

Wednesday, May 7

Our WOW (Wee ones Wednesdays) classes will be now meeting on Wednesdays at Hansen Park during May from 9:30-11. We will begin meeting at Driftwood Park in June for the summer months. The program will be called: Play at the Park for all ages!

Our Annual Children's Ministry Summer brochure will be going out to the homes this week. We will be mailing to current Sunday School children and to those who have participated in our programs in past years. Additional brochures will be in the office on Sunday, May 12.

Come support the CtK Rummage Sale! The Sale starts with a preview on Wed. night from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. ($3 admission)and runs May 8, 9AM-9PM, Friday May 9 from 9AM-7PM and Saturday May 10 from 9AM-2PM. All proceeds go to kids going to camp this summer. Along with the many treasures that you may find at the sale, we have a bake sale, plant sale, and a car wash on Sat. morning. The kitchen will also be open serving a wide variety of food.

Thursday, May 8

Spring Clean-up – come and help clean up the church grounds beginning at 6 p.m. weather permitting.

Saturday May 10

Appalachia Car Wash staring at 9AM

Spring Clean-up part II – come and help clean up the church grounds beginning at 8 a.m. – noon, weather permitting.

Sunday, May 11

There will be a Mission Moment inviting people to participate in a mission trip to continue helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Christ the King has sent relief teams to Biloxi in 2006 and 2007 and now in 2008 we plan to send a 40 person multi-generational team during an August week to be determined.  It is estimated that Biloxi’s hurricane related need for volunteers will exist for at least four more years. The requirements are a propensity to have fun, to help, and be at least 16 years of age.  The trip will be volunteer work during the day and fun and interesting side-trips at night. If you are interested in participating in trip planning or the trip itself please contact Kirk Kleckner 612 760 8400 or Audrey Shoopman. 

Thursday, May 15

All women of Christ the King (and friends) are invited to the annual spring Salad Supper in the Fireside Room at 6:00 p.m. Following the supper we’ll hear a delightful presentation by Bonnie Ellis, “Apron, God in My Pocket.” You are encouraged to wear your favorite apron that evening. After Bonnie’s presentation we’ll gather in the sanctuary to hear our own Brian Wallin, soloist, and the Celebrate Choir directed by our minister of music, Bruce Phelps. A suggested $5 free-will offering will be taken for the benefit of the music ministry at Christ the King.

Please reserve by signing up in the church office or calling the office (651-633-4674) no later than Friday, May 9.

Friday, May 16

Informational meeting for the Oberammergau and Germany Tour at 7 p.m. Tom Wirtel of TransWorld Travel will make a presentation and answer any questions from interested travelers.

Sunday, May 18

On Sunday, May 18th Christ the King will celebrate a Music Sunday featuring the Children's Choirs, Harmony Choir and the b Natural Bell Choir at the 9:30 service. Some of them will also provide some music at the beginning of the 11:00 a.m. service.  Come and share the joy of making music and show your appreciation for all their efforts throughout the year.

On the 18th of May,  there will be a "thank you" reception for Tina Brauer after the 9:30 service in recognition of Tina's work with our Children's Choir.  We want Tina to know how much we appreciate all she has done for music at Christ the King.

 A WHOLE church year end picnic will take place in the gym after the services.

Sunday June 1

Christ the King will celebrate in song again as the Sanctuary Choir, Christ's Kingsmen, The King's Ringers and the Celebrate team will lead worship at both the 9:00 and 10:30 services.  Please mark that on your calendars and come and show your appreciation for their efforts throughout the year.

On June 1st at 11:30, We will have a Vacation Bible School (VBS) info meeting for our volunteer staff.

GUIDED BY THE GOSPEL: GATHERING • GROWING • GIVING