Heading into Fall

Greetings, Beloved Christ the King Community!

Our CTK Summer Road Trip wraps up this week as we shift from summer to fall.  In our next Adult Forum time, we will finish our discussion on our Lutheran Principles of exploration this summer, covering both Principle #6 (God Compels Creation Toward Mercy) and Principle #7 (God Loves Us Eternally).  I have really enjoyed discussing these principles with you and journaling through the summer and am looking forward to continue listening to my playlists throughout the year.

I am so excited to see those of you who are returning home from summer travels, and to begin our fall programming.  Here is a sneak peak of what is coming:

1. Adult Faith Formation opportunities: I am excited to begin our usually Bible study classes, while also newly offering a Bible study opportunity on Sunday mornings.  We have many adults who cannot make daytime weekday Bible studies who wanted an opportunity.  We will continue to offer Adult Forum topical classes, while also offering the option for Bible study Sunday morning.

2. Children, Youth, and Family Faith Formation: In addition to all of the usual fun and learning Deacon Ben is plans, we are adding a new opportunity every third Saturday of the month called Kids and Kin: Worship, Gather, Serve.  Is this just for kids? No, it is for anyone who wants to come.  We will participate in a camp-style short worship service together, and then the kids will gather for dinner and fun time together.  Parents can use this time to attend our 6pm Contemplative Service, go out to dinner, grocery shop, exercise, or anything else this extra time would offer you.  All are welcome to stay and participate in a community service opportunity as well.

3. Two other worship opportunities to look for this fall: First, our Saturday evening 6pm Contemplative Service offers silence for contemplation, Taize-style music, individual prayer and anointing with oil, and watch this fall for some harspichord music as well.  Second, in October, we will gather monthly for dinner church at both our Rice Village Campus and our Memorial Drive Campus.  

5. We had such great feedback on CTK Meet Ups over the summer that we will continue to organize time for our faith family to spend together.  In particular, a young adult group is forming that will gather monthly.  We will also have Meet Ups for everyone to attend together.  Let us know what your favorite activities and places might be.  We already have requests for a Fall CTK Beach Day and St. Arnolds....what else would be fun for you?

4. Opportunities to serve in person with local community organizations will continue and increase.  Look for more ways to serve together with others from our spiritual home, while building deeper relationships within our broader community.

Details to come, but I hope this perks your interest and you might try out even one new thing this fall at your spiritual home.  We can't wait to see you and spend time with you!

Grace and peace, and even more, hope,

Pastor Jennifer

Image by rihaij from Pixabay