Welcome to Christ the King Lutheran Church

During these past weeks of quarantine, we have all felt the pain of many losses. Lost time with family, lost income for some, lost freedom to go where we want and much more. More than one person has told me how it has given them a new appreciation for what we have too often taken for granted. Worshipping together as the community of faith and sharing music, God’s Word, and the sacraments, has been a very tough loss. Many of you have been able to continue to participate in worship online through the website, Facebook, or YouTube. We have also done some online bible studies and many meetings conducted through Zoom. But our online offerings leave out those who are unable to connect through the internet. We will continue to find ways to help everyone connect in some way. Roland Broberg has offered to help anyone with the technical issues of going online and finding our Christ the King worship. 

At this point we are in the planning stages for an outside worship service as a first step in our return to worship schedule. Sometime in July is the most likely time for this service. Everything that we do as a community of faith must be done with love for our neighbor as commanded by our Lord Jesus. Our Bishop reminded us in a letter dated May 12th of the Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Corinth, addressing the issue of whether it is appropriate for Christians to et meat offered to idols. Bishop Erickson quotes Paul: “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful, “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.” Do not seek your own advantage, but that of others. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24) 

Coming back to worship together inside our building before it is safe and wise to do so risks the health of your friends and neighbors. We want to come together, we are hungry for the gift of Holy Communion, and the joy of fellowship but we also are bound together by the command to love each other beyond our own needs. 

Holy Communion at Home 

As a community we will work to find the best ways to meet the needs of our neighbors and the people who are part of this congregation. Bishop Erickson has authorized the use of a liturgy for Holy Communion at Home which is included in this email or mailing. To be used only during this time of continued social distancing it is a simple liturgy based on Martin Luther’s understanding that the home is the first church and the head of the household the first pastor or teacher of the faith. In an emergency any Christian may baptize or celebrate Holy Communion. If you desire, please use this order of worship in your own home to celebrate Holy Communion until we can offer this meal at CTK again. 

Look for information about our return to worship plans and outdoor service options to be shared soon. Call me anytime if you would like to talk or need some help understanding the prayerful rationale for the path the congregation is taking. Please continue to pray for the needs of our community and world. 

In Christ, Pastor Jim Holmberg