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Dear faithful people of Christ the King Lutheran Church,

First, thank you, friends, for responding so well to our severe weather weekend worship and event alterations; and particular thanks to Pastor Robert Moore for presiding at our Saturday evening Contemplative Holy Communion.

I’m happy that next weekend’s weather promises to be much improved – still cold but sunny – because it is one we don’t want to miss: It is Candlemas weekend!

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., Bach Society Houston will present Cantata Alles nur nach Gottes willen, BWV 72, at our Candlemas Vespers. Pastor Robert Moore will be the preacher for this beautiful, candlelit celebration.

Our regular Contemplative Holy Communion service, also beautiful and candlelit, will follow at 6:00 p.m. that evening.

 Sunday, February 1 is Candlemas, the celebration of Christ being presented in the Temple and the official conclusion of all-things-Christmas. It is also Scout Sunday, and we will be blessing the members of our congregation who are in scouting at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. liturgies. Both conclude with candle lighting as we begin to turn from the joyous light of Christmas and Epiphany toward the shadow of Christ’s cross and the beginning of Lent. 

Two more Sundays after Epiphany remain before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The last of these, Transfiguration on February 15, also includes our Part 2 Annual Congregation Meeting at 9:45-10:45 a.m. between liturgies and our annual Carnival/Mardi Gras celebration and brunch following the 11:00 a.m. liturgy. 

These faith-building, hopeful, light-filled days are in stark contrast to our nation’s sadder and darker days. I invite you to make frequent and wise use of God’s gifts for faithful living and courageous action. Also remember those who are asking for our prayers, several of whom are dealing with heart-related procedures, surgeries, and slow recoveries. Together, let us act as we sing “Arise, your Light has come,” in our offertory hymn each Sunday. Light, Truth, and Hope are all sorely needed in our nation and world these days, and if not us reflecting Christ’s Light, then who?

Peace and Joy---and Courage!

Mandy

Amandus J. Derr

Interim Senior Pastor