A BIG Weekend

This Sunday, October 25th, is a big day in the life of the congregation. We'll celebrate Reformation Sunday, singing some favorite hymns, giving thanks for the good news of the Gospel of Jesus and all those the Spirit uses to call people to faithfulness (Martin Luther included!).
Two of the youth of the congregation will publicly affirm their baptism during worship at 10:00am, and profess their faith. It's a big deal, and definitely a day for the church community to gather around them for prayer and support. When an individual is baptized, the assembly is asked this question: "People of God, do you promise to support name and pray for him/her in his/her new life in Christ?"
And the assembly responds: We do.
Then, after the baptism, the congregation addresses the newly baptized: We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God's creative and redeeming word to all the world.
That baptismal journey continues, and Affirmation of Baptism (aka Confirmation) is a big step on that journey, when a young person becomes an adult member of the community of faith. Don't miss it!
There will be a reception, with cake, and a Reformation Sunday photo booth, after worship.

Sunday afternoon we hold our annual Trunk or Treat. It's always a ton of fun, and a great way to reach out into the neighborhood. Trunk or treating will happen in the parking lot, and there will be games, crafts, and less sugary snacks in the social hall, 4:30-6:00pm. (Family-friendly) costumes are encouraged!

Fall Schedule Begins

CtK's fall schedule begins THIS SUNDAY, September 6th. Worship will begin at 10:00am.
After Labor Day, many other ministries begin again for the season:
- Youth Group begins this week, with dinner served ($2/person) at 6:00pm. This week, all 6th-12th grade youth are asked to BRING THEIR PARENTS to discuss the year.
- Adult Choir will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, September 9th, from 7:00-8:00pm.
- Sunday School for all ages begins in two weeks, on September 20th, at 9:00am.

It's time to plug in!

Trunk or Treat!

Trunk or Treat is THIS Sunday, October 27th. Trunk set up will begin at 4:00pm, and more trunks are needed! Bring some treats to hand out (candy or otherwise - we've got some erasers to hand out from our trunk) and dress up in costume if you'd like. There just might be a prize for the best trunk decorations. At 4:30pm the Trunk or Treating will officially begin, and there will be games for kids in the social hall as well.
Invite your friends and neighbors - the more the merrier!
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A word about Halloween, from one of my ELCA clergy colleagues:
At this time of year, many Christian parents wonder if they should allow their children to take part in Halloween activities. The Christian history of Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve) ties it to All Saints Day (the following day). It is a part of a celebration of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil.
Far from acknowledging Satan’s power or “worshiping the devil,” Halloween actually is a way of making fun of the devil and celebrating the truth that Christ has been victorious and evil has been defeated. Let your kids know this.
Use Halloween for fun; put on the masks, walk with the little ones, and have a good time.

Rally Day Fun

Rally Day here at CtK was this last Sunday, Sept. 7th. We had a great time - in worship and at breafkast.

It's always fun to gear up for the beginning of a new season of learning, fellowship and service. Hopefully everyone here on Sunday heard one of the points Grant and I tried to make - that Sunday School and Christian Education are for EVERYONE. So often people "do" Sunday School as children, but then somehow never manage to get back into it after high school (or junior high, in some cases). Which is a bummer. There is so much to learn. Life keeps changing. We continue to be formed in faith and to grow in our practices of discipleship. So please, join in the conversation. If we're not offering a class or study that interests you or meets you where you are, let me know and we'll see what we can do about it.

Put these dates on your calendar

Okay, I know this post may not keep you on the edge of your seat, but in the absence of an update-able website, this blog is going to have to serve more than one purpose.
So, if you're a member or friend of Christ the King Lutheran Church, and you'll be in Bozeman over the next few weeks, please put these dates on your calendar, and plan to participate!

RALLY DAY - Sunday, September 7th. We go back to our 2-service schedule, with worship at 8:30am and 11:00am. On Rally Day we'll have a pancake breakfast between services and celebrate the beginning of Sunday School for EVERYBODY. Remember - if you think you know enough to skip Sunday School, then we need you to teach!

OUR INSTALLATION - Grant and I will officially be installed on Sunday, September 21st at 6:30pm. Bishop Jessica Crist will be here to preach and preside at worship, and there will be a dessert reception following. This service will only happen once during our tenure here, and the congregation has an important part to play.

GROWING IN GOD'S FIELD - This is in October (the 10th-11th) and it's in Helena, but it's going to be great and we're hoping lots of CtK folks will join us. You can learn more about this synod workshop here in a letter from the bishop.