No 8:30 Service July 2 through September 3 + More!

Dear Faithful People of Christ the King Lutheran Church:

As July and August approach and our time of interim ministry draws to a close, I am writing to remind you about several important matters which will mark these coming months.

Beginning this Sunday, July 2, 2023, we will not offer our 8:30 a.m. communion service at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Rice Village. The 8:30 a.m. service will resume on September 10, 2023.

Throughout these months, our Saturday, 6:00 p.m. contemplative (Taizé) service of holy communion continues as usual. These are brief (no more than 45 minutes) and very quiet liturgies offering significant time for reflection, contemplation, the singing of Taizé chants, and opportunities for prayerfully lighting candles. On July 8 and August 12, these liturgies include ‘Prayer around the Cross.: On July 15 and August 19, these liturgies include laying on of hands and anointing for healing.

Likewise, our 11:00 a.m. Sunday service of holy communion continues in-person and livestreamed, preceded each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. by our very popular Book Reviews.

A 10:30 a.m. service of holy communion is also offered at our west campus.

Ben Remmert, Deacon for Children, Youth and Family Ministry, will be sent on his well-deserved sabbatical leave at the 11:00 a.m. service this Sunday and will return to his called duties on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

Sergio Rodriguez, Pastor for Community Ministries, will be on vacation during the month of July.

Our former pastor, the Rev. Dr. Robert Moore, will be the preacher at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, July 30, 2023. At that service and at a reception to follow, we will celebrate and give thanks for the 20 + year ministry of Beverly Davis as her service as Director of Congregation Care concludes and she begins the next chapter of her life as a member of our congregation.

Throughout the month of July, we will be completing work on our parsonage to prepare for the arrival of our new senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Hope-Tringali, her husband David, and their daughter Maeve in mid-August; and we will also complete pavement repairs in our Rice Village courtyard.

Finally, two words about our stewardship during these summer months.

First, with so many members traveling currently, we need worship enablers, particularly bell ringers, ushers, and digital (sound and live stream) ministers during these summer months. If you are in town and willing to serve in any worship enable capacity, please contact Cheryl Gaspard, cherylgaspard@ctkelc.org as soon as possible.

Second, I urge all of us to maintain regular financial stewardship giving. We are doing so well! As we prepare for all that is to come this year, it is critical that we continue our strong financial support “with joy and thanksgiving” for all that God in Christ has done and is doing among us. In particular, I ask those of us who do not give electronically to continue to send in your offerings regularly through the summer months.

As these are the final two months of my service as interim senior pastor with you, please know that you are each in my prayers and thanksgivings. It has been both a joy and a privilege to serve you in this way over these past two years, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve and worship alongside you as we continue our membership among the faithful people of Christ the King Lutheran Church.

Peace and Joy --- and Courage!

Amandus Derr, Interim Sr. Pastor