2020 celebrating 60 years the king’s...
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December, 2020—Volume 56, Issue 12
The King’s Messenger Christ the King Lutheran Church, a caring community committed to
empower all people to know Christ and to make Christ known.
Celebrating 60 Years
Onsite Worship & Faith Formation have been suspended until further notice
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak in our area, the Church Council of Christ the King has made the decision to suspend worship & Faith Formation. They will revisit opening
again in 2021. Until then, please tune in for worship every Sunday at 8:00am (traditional) or 10:00am (contemporary) or view at your leisure. No Wednesdays until further notice.
Virtual Christmas Eve Worship
Thursday, December 24th 2:00pm Christmas Eve Worship / 6:00pm Candlelight
Special Drive-Thru Event on Christmas Eve! Live Nativity from 4:00-5:00pm
Participate in Holy Communion, receive a candle for the candlelight worship service, and enjoy our special live nativity.
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Many things have changed about this holiday season, but one thing that remains is we have many families in need this time of year. The CTK Giving Tree is going virtual this year. As in years past, we have been working with the District 77 school social workers to compile a list of families that we can help make Christmas a little merrier for this
season. Instead of picking an orna-ment off our Giving Tree, this year we invite you to select an individual from our list on signup.com or call the church office. There you will learn your gift recipient’s name, age, size and any needs or interests that you can use to help you select a great gift. Once you have purchased and wrapped your gift, please label it with
the letter and number code listed with your gift recipient’s information and bring it to the CTK office (M-Th, 9am-3pm) by Monday, December 14th.
Want to help, but don’t want to leave home? Shop online and have your gift delivered to CTK: 222 Pfau Street, Mankato, MN 56001 and let us know who it’s for. We’ll take care of the rest!
Christ the King’s Virtual Giving Tree
Financial Update—from Chris Austin, Treasurer
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to, and make a new friend with! Who knows? Mail to or from your new faith friend might just become a highlight in your month! And when the pandemic is over, we’ll have a big Faith Friend
Are you missing our church family as much as we are? We are launching a new program to help! Sign up (or call the church office) for a “Faith Friend”! Faith Friends are multi-generation pen-pals that you can write to, send your artwork
party and you can meet your new faith friend face to face! Faith Friends will be matched across generations and expected to correspond with their partner two times a month.
Christ the King Introduces… FAITH FRIENDS!
Give electronically
here!
CTK to Host Live Nativity on Christmas Eve
Christmas is different this year and even though we may not be able to gather in person to worship, we have been hard at work creatively considering safe alternatives. Join us on Christmas Eve from 4:00-5:00pm for a special drive-thru Christmas event. Load up the family to take a drive under the CTK carport. Here you can participate in Holy Communion, receive a candle for the candlelight service, and see our live nativity! We hope you will join us for this special Christmas Eve event!
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Do Not Be Afraid, by Pastor Melanie
“Do not be afraid,” is a message the angels pro-nounced to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds in the first chapters of
the Gospel of Luke. The angel’s announcement speaks to an important theme in scripture. Throughout history, God has instructed God’s people to not fear and not be afraid in chaotic and challenging circumstances. “Do not be afraid” is the theme of our Advent worship and devotion series.
As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on an unprecedented number of lives and communities, I find myself contemplating how and when “do not be afraid” is appropriately applied to our lives. Perhaps ignorantly, I used to think this mantra could be helpful in any circumstance in which I felt anxious and afraid. Some of my fearful scenarios come to mind: in the confrontation of giant, hairy spiders, being stuck in snow and ice on isolated mountain road, or delivering unwelcome news to an anxious crowd. Remembering God’s message “do not be afraid” has helped me slow down, breathe deeply, and respond to the circumstances before me.
Lately, however, I have been mindful of how “do not be afraid” has been used in ways that have been life-threatening, rather than life-giving. For instance, how does “do not be afraid” apply to what we know about the coronavirus and how it is spread? Does it give us license to think God will protect us when we ignore the medical and scientific research? A priest I know discovered a large portion of his congregation met for weekly coffee hours and hymn sings throughout the spring shelter-in-place order. He discovered members of his congregation felt their faith would protect their weekly gatherings. One could argue that the rebellious members were listening to the angel’s proclamation, “Do not be afraid”. What does this mean for us?
The Lutheran tradition holds scripture, reason, and faith together – at the same time, which includes, listening to the gifts God gives us through the fields of science, medi-cine, education – to name a few. Our faith tradition also raises questions about how our baptismal vocations sup-port our relationship with God and our neighbor. The 10 Commandments reflect these commitments (first 3 com-mandments deal with our relationship with God, the last 7 commandments speak to our relationship with our neigh-bor). Care for one’s neighbor becomes paramount when I consider how “do not be afraid” informs our communal life
as the body of Christ. It is with this spirit of care for our neighbor that the Council made the painful deci-sion to return to worship in an “online only” from November 25 through December 31st. This is not a decision that comes lightly, but is given with the hope that we can live as people who practice what it means to not be afraid even we are separated by our inability to meet in person. It also means we will not be afraid of tough decisions.
One of the main questions I wonder about these days is how to support one another with encouragement to not be afraid. A “Do not be Afraid” devotional book is now available in 2 formats (one for individuals and one for families). You may download the devotional and print it at home or pick up a bound copy in the Pfau Street entrance at CTK during office hours. I encourage you to read the devotions and find ways to integrate the coloring activities into your Advent devotional practice. I would love to include Advent coloring pages in our weekly online worship experience. I am also encouraged by the many ideas you have shared with me about how we can support one another during the pandemic through prayer, checking in, and supporting one another through social distanced acts of kindness. Please know I will be working to support ways we can adapt and encourage one another with the angel’s message, “Do not be afraid.”
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Now available at the Pfau St. Entrance
Monday-Thursday, 9am-3pm
Advent Devotionals
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Zoom Coffee Fellowship—Sunday, December 6th Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 6th at 9:00am for a virtual Zoom coffee hour! Another way to connect with our fellow Christ the King members is to enjoy a cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home, while tuning into this Zoom event. Sign up here, on our
website, or contact Amy in the church office. Once you sign up, you’ll receive a confirmation with the Zoom details. We hope to ‘see’ YOU!
The week of Thanksgiving seems an appropriate time to reflect on our blessings and how to help our neighbors. Please consider volunteering however you are able next week, Nov 30 – Dec 6, when Christ the King hosts at Connections Shelter. There have been a few changes as Connections continues to reduce the number of volunteers on-site and are utilizing staff. This is for the safety of all in addition to the current struggle to get volunteers. They have eliminated the morning slot.
Here is a summary of volunteers needed for the week:
Set-up Team (4 people) – Monday Only, 4:30 – 5:00pm, no guest contact
Evening Greeters (1-2 people) - 5:45-7:15 pm
Meal Team (2-4 people) – 6:00-7:30 pm
Evening Hospitality (1-2 people) – 7:15-10:00 pm
We could really use some help with the Evening Hospitality slot. It is involves chatting with guests, refilling coffee pots and reheating food for late arrivals or getting someone a snack. If you can help during this time slot, We recommend you bring a book or hobby as
it is generally a very quiet time with most guests retired to their bedroom.
We have created a separate sign-up to provide food and goods needed for the week. If you plan to provide the food and serve, please sign-up in both places. The Connections sign-up says the meal team is to make and serve the meal, but for Christ the King purposes we will use that for who will be at Connections in person to serve the meal.
The ever-changing modifications to the shelter model due to COVID has increased their operating expenses. Please consider a financial gift if you are able at this time. Save the dates for our upcoming shelter weeks February 1-7 and April 5-11.
As always, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to the church office at any time. Thank you for all you do to continue to support this critical ministry in our community.
Connections Ministry Christ the King to Host November 30-December 6
Virtual Advent Recital Series 2020 Tuesdays, 7:00pm on Facebook Live or YouTube
Tuesday December 1 – Garrett and Anastacia Steinberg Voice, Piano, Organ
Tuesday December 8 – Johnathan Moeller and Logan Burns Guitar Duo
Tuesday December 15 – Women’s Vocal Trio Stephanie Thorpe, Beth Krusemark, Denise Amundson
Tuesday December 22 – Nick Wayne Voice
Sign up here!
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Give Scrip Gift Cards for Christmas Gifts!!! Beginning next week, we’ll have a restock of gift cards for you to purchase for Christmas gifts. Better yet, download the Scrip app and purchase gift cards as you buy gifts any time (you get points on your credit card, and help the church at the same time!)
Please watch the video here for more information on how to help Christ the King AND purchase gifts for your loved ones at the same time!!! Please enter the Christ the King code 6DFF572F34337 when signing up.
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About a year ago, I noticed we had many awesome efforts in our community to help spread Christmas cheer and help provide gifts for children and families in need, but there didn’t seem to be anywhere a parent could get help filling a Christmas stocking for their child. In response, Operation: Stockings are Hung was put into action. With your help, we kicked off 2020 working on an initiative to collect, fill, and distribute Christmas stockings. The initial goal of collecting 50 stockings was far surpassed and we gathered over 250 stockings last year. The first stocking stuffing drive was collecting books and it was a huge success! Even with a global pandemic, your generosity continued and in the spring we gathered toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items to fill stockings. This fall you brought in stuffed animals, ear buds, hot wheels, gift cards and other small gifts. Generous Thrivent Action cards made it possible
to fill in holes this fall.
In partnership with District 77 schools, we have been able to spread the word about Operation: Stockings are Hung and already have a list of 90 children (and |counting!) that will be getting one of our stockings!
Our last push is to collect Christmas candy and sweet treats. If you are out shopping and think of it, pick up a bag of chocolates or box of candy canes and swing it by CTK. Or go online and purchase some treats to be delivered directly to CTK. I know we will finish this project off strong and I look forward to distributing many Christmas stockings for area children this year! Thank you for your partnership in this ministry to our community’s children. –Deacon Billie Jo
Operation “Stockings Are Hung” Update, by Deacon Billie Jo
Virtual Christmas Pageant: Do Not Be Afraid “Do Not Be Afraid” A Virtual Christmas Pageant: December 27th at both the 8am and 10am worship services. This is a family, virtual Christmas presentation of the birth story according to the Gospel of Luke, with 9 CTK families in different homes creating a scene in their own special way. We hope you’ll tune in!
A Note from Pastor John So be not afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my strong right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Dear friends in Christ,
This is one of the many verses of scripture that I turn to during these days of uncertainty and concern. They are words of a blessed assurance that in the midst of isolation and fear, God is ever with us. They are especially meaningful in that the devotional and homiletical theme for the season of Advent at Christ the King this year is – Be Not Afraid. I have missed so many things these past eight months. I have missed sharing devotions and the sacrament at all the care facilities we visit on a monthly basis. I have missed sitting down with you and catching up on how things are with you and your families and in turn, hearing your concern for me and my family. I have missed sharing the good news of God’s love through scripture and prayer and sharing the sacrament of Holy Communion with many of you. I’ve missed responding to your – Well, how are things at the church these days and do we have a new Senior Pastor yet? I am missing telling you in person that we do indeed have a new Senior Pastor and we are being blessed in so many ways by her presence. I so look forward to the day that we can sit down together again, face to face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPD4jn7FYvY&feature=youtu.be
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Send in Your Photos—Help us get to 100!!!
Baptisms: Harrison James Schuldt, son of Tanner & Amanda was baptized on November 15th. William Jeffrey Wolle, son of Ashley Dahline and Michael Wolle was baptized on November 22nd.
Our sincere Christian sympathy to… Steve & Kathy Mork and Brian and Stephanie Smook and families upon the death of their
(Kathy’s) father and grandfather, George Wallis, who passed away on October 29th. Barbara, Chad and Laurie Weiler and family upon the death of their husband/father, Roger,
who passed away on October 30th. Sandra Brown and family upon the death of her father, Darrell Brown, who passed away on
November 2nd.
With Christ in the School of Prayer – by Andrew Murray – 21st Lesson (pages 151-159) Chapter title: If You Abide in Me or The All-inclusive Condition Scripture: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever you will and it shall be done for you” John 14:7
Andrew Murray writes: “And then as we abide, and
grow evermore into the full abiding, let us exercise our right, the will to enter into all God’s will. Obeying what that will commands, let us claim what it promises. Let us yield to the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to show each of us, according to His growth and measure, what the will of God is which we may claim in prayer. And let us rest content with nothing less than the personal experience of what Jesus gave when He said, ‘If you abide in me, ask whatsoever you will, it shall be done for you.’
Prayer Corner, Submitted by Pastor Donohue Sarff
Nice to Know: CTK distributed
OVER 70 WHOLE CHICKENS to members of Christ the King
and the community on November 24th.
Thank you to all who helped with this event… the deliverers of the
chickens, distributors of the chickens and the baggers!
Special thanks to John Love for connecting us to this important ministry
Parish News
The Faithful People Commission has secured a $500 donation payable to Christ The King when 100 pictures or more are received from our members.
It can be a simple as taking a selfie and emailing here, or dropping a print in the mail to the church office. Let’s fill Pastor Melanie’s office with the faces of our CTK church family.
mailto:[email protected]
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Download Our Church Life Mobile
App If you have already signed up on our website for myCTK (if not, do so today!). You can download the Church Life app in order to take advantage of all of the capabilities of our online portal. The app provides a complete church directory, real time church calendar with the ability to view event details and an easy method for online giving directly from your mobile device. Members will no longer need to call the church office for phone numbers/addresses! Download the free app from your app store. Type in ACS Church Life and once downloaded follow the prompts to sync with Christ the King’s database.
Special Welcome to Pastor Melanie Wallschlaeger and her husband &
daughters, Joey, Kendall, and Ashling!
ANTI RACISM STATEMENT
This fall, Deacon Billie Jo joined together with other Mankato area faith leaders to brainstorm how we
might collectively address the issue of racism in our world. One of the initiatives that came from this
group was writing an anti-racism statement that would publicly take a stance on the topic. She served on the
writing team for this project and the final project was signed by numerous churches, clergy, and other faith leaders. You may have seen it run in the Mankato Free Press, November 19-22. A candle
light vigil was also planned, but postponed due to rising Covid cases in our area. This group will continue to collectively work together to raise awareness and work towards anti-racism in our
community and world.
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222 Pfau Street
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-345-5056
Fax: 507-345-6115
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 252
Mankato, MN 56001
Visit us online!
www.ctkmankato.org
Contact the Staff Christ the King’s Phone Number: 507-345-5056
Pastor Melanie Wallschlaeger, ext. 23
Pastor John Petersen: ext. 24
Billie Jo Wicks, Deacon of Faith Formation : ext. 19
Accounting Office: ext. 22
Al Lee, Technology Arts Director: ext. 36
Amy Olsen, Communications Director: ext. 21
Chuck Hoogland, Organist: ext. 25
Garrett Steinberg, Music Director: ext. 37
Wendy Paulson, Director of Children’s Ministries: ext. 20
John (Mark) Thompson, Custodian
Weekly Worship Schedule
Sundays Live Stream
8:00am and 10:00am
Communion 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays
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Worship services are
broadcast on Spectrum channel 181
and Consolidated
Communications channel 7
Sundays at 3:00pm and Tuesdays at 10:00am
Deadline for Newsletter Articles Next Issue: Monday, December 28th
Office Hours 9:00am-3:00pm M-TH
http://www.ctkmankato.orgmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]