Pastor Paul’s Pen

Rev. Paul F. Gysan

A few times in my life I’ve had to pick up a stranger at an airport or a bus station. Have you ever had to do this? Maybe you’ve been given a description of the person, but that can be frustrating, for so many people seem to fit. Gender, height, weight, glasses, hair color, hair style, what they may be wearing. I’ve seen so many people fitting such a description.

We now are in the Easter Season of the church year – a Feast of seven Weeks. While church attendance drops the Sunday after Easter, I keep coming because our lessons answer a question, “How is the risen Christ present in our lives?” In all of our lessons we see that recognizing Jesus is often slow in coming. In Luke 24:13-35 we read that two disciples on the road to Emmaus are walking with the risen Christ. They traveled for many miles and didn’t recognize him. It is when they break bread together that they recall, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” I know in my life there are many times when I have talked to someone who awakened thoughts and feelings in me that enabled me to have a better perspective on life. There are times when in retrospect I say to myself, “the risen Christ touched my heart through that person.”

Come during this Easter season to worship the risen Christ, and think about how the risen Christ is present in your life. On April 13 we focus on John 10:1-10. In vs. 4 we read, “when he (the Good Shepherd) brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.” I know that I’ve met people whose voice conveyed a sense of peace, gratitude, and compassion for me. Just hearing my father’s or mother’s voice would do that. I’ve always felt the risen Christ moving through them and others, and my life was blessed!

That same Sunday in John 10 we read, “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Being around grace-filled people at Christ the King is truly a joy, for I sense the risen Christ moving through you to me. We are a joy-filled people, connecting each other with the grace of Christ. There is no better community than the community of faith that shares that news.

An e-mail that I received Holy Week was from the Reston Runners. I’m sure it’s a worthy community of people. This e-mail said, “Meet March 23, 8am, opposite the entrance to Lake Anne Center – 10 mile run, 3 mile walk, 6 mile walk.” What struck me was that the date was Easter. I’m sure there will be some fellowship among the group, but when we as Christians meet here during this Easter Season, I feel we will come to see the risen Christ more fully through conversations, voices of compassion, and being in a community that can feel and taste God’s Grace. Let’s enjoy this Easter Season! Think of ways that the risen Christ is present for you!

PSPS

Pastor Scott’s Post Scripts

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus I Long to take my stand…”

You might recognize these words from the hymn we sing on Ash Wednesday, so you might be asking the questions, ‘uhh, Pastor Scott, it’s Easter…the Lenten hymns are put away. Why are you singing that hymn?’

The cross is central to who we are as Lutherans. Even as we celebrate the resurrection for seven glorious weeks, its important to remember that we only got here, because of the cross and the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus that it represents. That’s why the cross is central to our worship space, on the wall behind the altar. Remember it’s the cross that we to and face as it leads us into worship, and it’s the cross that we turn and face as it leads us out into the world of mission.

A few weeks ago as we were following the cross down the central aisle during the sending hymn, my eyes caught a hold of Stephen’s eyes, and I saw him not looking at his mother (or me!) but rather his eyes were clearly focused in on that processional cross that was passing by. As Jen held him and turned as the cross went by, I continued to watch in amazement (and with tears!) as Stephen’s eyes continued to be locked in on that cross.

That night in putting Stephen to bed, as I made the sign of the cross on his fore-head, I told him why we turn and face the cross in worship, that the cross is always our starting point…what Jesus did for us.

We have a miniature stained-glass window of Luther’s Rose and Seal (just like the ones that are in every Sunday School Classroom windows). I love carrying Stephen over to where it hangs in one of our windows, where the different colors catches his eyes and where he touches it with all its different textures. Everytime we go up to it, I always share with him what each part of Luther’s Rose and Seal means, starting with the black cross at the center.

It’s so important that we take moments with each other and especially our young ones and share with them our faith stories and our faith knowledge (even if we think we don’t have much faith or don’t know too much). It doesn’t take much to tell a little one about the cross…Jesus died for me…Jesus died for our sins, so that we might live. Live to love others. So I hope you will take the moment this month during this wonderful 7-week festival of Easter and tell someone you love that Jesus loves them…be even bolder and trace the sign of the cross on their fore-heads, while you proclaim God’s love for them in the cross.

President’s Commentary

Allen Wild

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

What a joyous Easter we celebrated on March 23^rd. We thank our Pastors, our Directors of Instrumental Music and Vocal Music, our Choir, the Altar Guild, and all the others who made our Easter Service so meaningful and so special.

Speaking of special, I want to take this opportunity to also thank all those who contributed to the 2008 Christ the King Daily Devotions for Lent. By the time you are reading this, Lent and Easter will have passed but it is not too late for you individually thank the contributors for the messages from their hearts. These are just another example of what makes our congregation very special.

Please note in this month’s Herald the status of our Silver to Gold (S2G) campaign. Your contributions are having a significant impact on reducing our indebtedness. Thank you very much.

As you will recall, 10% of the contributions to the S2G campaign are called the “First Fruits” and are earmarked for benevolence. This quarter we will be forwarding an additional $3,000 to The CRUDEM Foundation to help provide medical support in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. We also will be providing $5,000 to the Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp and Retreat Center in Fort Valley, Virginia to help the funding for construction of two new buildings. As I mentioned previously, we welcome recommendations from CTK members for future use of our First Fruits.

Please keep reading this month’s Herald for wonderful opportunities for service and for fellowship.

A LETTER FROM PRESIDING BISHOP MARK HANSON

"Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable ... do the work of an evangelist ... " (2 Timothy 4:2a, 5b)

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

"Bishop Hanson, what is your number one priority for the ELCA?" The question was addressed to me recently with great clarity and a desire for specificity. My answer? That we be an evangelizing church. The questioner nodded with what I took to be a gesture of agreement and walked away.

I am curious how my questioner would have responded to his own question. And I am interested in your response.

I wish we could have had further conversation, because the question is both important and urgent. The urgency was brought home again this week by the Chicago Tribune headline that read, "Many in U.S. leave their churches." Research by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life documents a decrease in U.S. adults who identify themselves as Catholic or Protestant and an increase -- doubling to 16 percent -- in those who are not affiliated with a religion.

I have growing commitment to, and appreciation for, the fact that we boldly declare that we are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. With that name it's tempting to distinguish ourselves from "those other evangelicals" but I prefer to make a consistently clear and constructive affirmation of what it does mean that we are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

To be evangelical means that:

· We are a church body centered in the good news that we are saved by God's grace through faith for Jesus' sake.

· The Holy Spirit is at work through the proclamation of that evangel and lives are changed -- strangers are welcomed, sins are forgiven, doubt gives way to faith, despair turns to hope, the people living in poverty hear good news, the oppressed are set free.

· The church is "the assembly of all believers among whom the gospel is proclaimed in its purity and the holy sacraments are administered according to the gospel" (AC VII).

· In Christ we are set free and sent into the world to bear witness in word and deed to the evangel -- serving our neighbor, seeking the common good, striving for justice and peace in all the earth. Being evangelicals in a Lutheran key permeates the life and work of this church.

· We read and interpret the Bible evangelically -- listening for "what urges Christ" (was Christum treibt).

· We worship evangelically -- gathering around the means of grace.

· We live evangelically -- forgiving as we have been forgiven, inviting people to new life in Christ, walking together the way of the cross.

· We lead evangelically -- as servants of the Word, bearing Christ to our neighbor.

How are we doing as an evangelizing church? That is an important question to ponder as we seek to hold each other accountable.

The challenges of this moment in history can be discouraging, especially if we succumb to the great pressures on us. Rostered leaders serving congregations are expected to attract and hold members in an increasingly competitive and consumer-oriented religious market place. Many of you are serving congregations that have experienced significant losses, which often can lead to a nostalgic longing for an idealized past that depletes energies for ministry today. You face the challenge of supporting mission beyond the congregation when resources are diminishing or inadequate. We can lose ourselves in discouragement when we view ministry as if it were all about us.

Rather than wondering anxiously "how are we doing?" by ourselves, I invite you, as a Lenten discipline, to take a fresh and confident look at where we are by asking the question out of your daily baptismal renewal: "What is God doing with and among us?"

On the cross all of our self-absorbed attempts to "survive" or save ourselves were crucified. Through the gospel the Holy Spirit claims, gathers, and sends us into a new life as an evangelizing church for the sake of the world. The Holy Spirit is the source of our power, strength, and gifts as together we proclaim Christ and engage in God's mission for the life of the world. In this mission we follow the way of the cross, losing our lives for Christ's sake and for the sake of the gospel. A cruciform ministry with brokenness, vulnerability, and forgiveness at its center invites us together to seek to discern the mind of Christ and to live as an evangelizing people. As a result, an evangelizing church will be present where people are being persecuted for their faith, where the reality of poverty and violence diminishes abundant life, and where the creation groans in travail. An evangelizing church will be present, proclaiming Christ and bearing witness to all, including those who claim "no religion."

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is and will be an evangelizing church. I invite you to join me in embracing and celebrating this call with new energy and passion.

In God's grace,

Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop

Kingdom Kindred

Bonnie Anderson shares that in the March issue of THE LUTHERAN, her husband’s cousin, ELCA Southwest California Bishop Dean. W. Nelson talks about the New Sanctuary MOVEMENT…In GF Connection, Elisa Cafferky (mother of paraplegic Nick, thanks the community for their help and specifically mentions “Julianne Benson who demonstrated to me what “loving on” someone is really all about…” What a night we had at the Biblical “Oscars” on February 24. Pastor Scott had those “Oscars” standing in the front of the sanctuary, along with a “live Oscar” – dressed in gold – aka Matthew Calkins. The red carpet brought in many well-known people (confirmation students, parents, congregational visitors). Along with them arrived our Host Kara Haug (beautifully dressed – could that have been a dress she recently wore at a friend’s wedding?). She denied this and gave the name of her French designer. The judges were Kevin Magley (the Australian Steve Irwin’s Cousin “Peewee Irwin” a dinosaur hunter), and Mike and Amy Swineford. Pastor Scott interspersed the evening with thoughtful video interruptions (“Let’s get rid of the Easter Bunny?”) and Kara’s humorous introductions were better than what was seen on TV latter in the evening. Brett McMillen who sustained a wrist injury earlier in the weekend, sat in the medical facility for over 2 hrs. Sunday afternoon without being waited on, told the emergency room personnel, “I’ve got to get to the Oscar’s” and he got up and left to their astonishment! He arrived with his wrist wrapped (thanks to wife Linda). After his team won the “Best Picture” he returned to the Health Care facility, only to find out he had a broken bone in his wrist, and it was placed in a cast. “I had to see my team win,” he told the doctors! The winners were: “The Lutheran Linebackers” (8^th grade boys. They took two Oscars, one for “Best Picture” and the other for “Best Costumes and Props”. The “Best Interpretation and Screen Play” was by the 8^th grade girls. “Honorary Achievement and Originality) went to the 7^th Grade Boys, whose hard drive crashed, but they got up and shared what they had done. Following the Oscars Host Kara Haug had a fantastic buffet waiting in the “Tent” (aka Fellowship Hall) where everyone could mingle and chat about the events. All of this was followed by a trivia game concerning Oscars’ winners, and an exciting movie…At a recent Safe Community Coalition Teen Summit, Grant Kuhnsman was one of the three teen speakers, quoted and pictured in a recent article in the Connection. Grant said, “The issue is that almost all teens perceive fellow students and other teenagers with their background first. To understand this issue one must understand students have unofficial social associations that are sometimes called cliques. These cliques create a hierarchy, a cast system if you will, within schools. Students get a label based upon what values their clique is perceived as having”…John and Bonnie Anderson have transferred their membership to Wallace Presbyterian Church in Wallace, NC. Recently Bonnie’s aunt Margaret Adonolphi (fromer resident at the National Lutheran Home in Rockville) died… Langley HS junior Kim Pilka earned All-American Consideration in Diving during the VA HS Swim and Dive championships in February. She placed 2^nd at the Northern Region Championships and 4^th at States. Kim was also named MVP for the Langley Dive Team and achieved special recognition for being the Student Athlete/Coach for the team…After 28 years at Ryan Homes, Jody Pilka has retired, but will be busy setting up her consulting firm specializing in sales training and marketing. She was VP of Sales and Marketing for Ryan Homes and a past trustee for the National Association of Homebuilders Sales and Marketing Council…Congratulations to these children who were “Reflection Winners” at Forestville Elementary. Elizabeth Ellinger (Literature – Intermediate Participation), Adriana Lundgren (Outstanding Interpretation), Will Lundgren (Award of Excellence)…By opening a new account at SunTrust before the end of May, then will make a $100 donation to a charity of your choice…Bob Nichols, a Scout Leader who was instrumental in getting a class on Christianity offered at our church for scouts, recently died. Our prayers are with his family…Our prayers are also with Mark Wasser at the dead of his 99 year old Grandmother…Holy Week is a busy time at Christ the King, and one of the “unsung heroes” is Mike Swineford. He produced and ran off 1125 bulletins (Maundy Thursday, Children’s GF, GF Tenebrae, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunrise, Easter 8:30 & 11 am). He used 5,062 sheets of paper, which equaled 20,250 pages. These bulletins were folded, stapled, with a hand insert for Easter Sunday, and he did it all in 7 ½ hours. Aren’t we thankful for machines, but most of all for our Church Administrator for all the work he does!…Congratulations to Christine Borden who became engaged to be married the day before Easter…Many thanks to Bill Canis for coordinating the Scouts who ushered at the Easter Sunrise Service. 178 were present at GF National Park. The Easter Spirit was there as hearts were moved with an offering of $1,026 to be sent to Habitat for Humanity…The “continental breakfast” proved to be a great hit this year between services. More than the food offered was the great fellowship!…Tympani, brass, organ, bells, what beautiful Easter music was planned, practiced, and presented. The Easter services were a great blessing of joy, and many thanks to the staff (Andrew and Jane), along with all the choirs and instrumentalists. How did you like the ushers wearing “yellow carnations.” They “stood out” and “stood up” and did a great job with “crowd control.” Did you know that the stamens on the Easter lilies were removed so that the lilies would be less disturbing to those with allergies. Thanks to the Altar Guild who beautified the church…

“Part of a disciple’s job description

is to pray frequently”

Prayer Concerns

Kay Teach, Martha Gaibler, Adam & Ruth Meidinger, Frank Whitesell, Richard Schumaker, John Kraft, Tom Harris, Robert Herres, Mary & David Gibson, Janey Rice, Patricia Mort, Hilton Patterson, Charles Reges, Anna Walker, Danny Friedheim, Joni Wallace, John Corey, Roy Miller, The Northington Family, Dick Christenson, Scott Durig, Lindsey & Judith, Jay Davis & Judy McGinnis, Shawn Costigan, Debbie Lorentsan, Robin Allen, Lou Rege, Helen Lokker, Katarina Savino, Lloyd Smith, Bridget McCaffrey & family, Bobby Alexander, Laurus Newby, Jennifer Kwiatek, Tatiana Serafin, Jack Dezzutti, Rex Medcalf, (Greta Rymal’s father), Lynne Roots, Jane May, Doug Fleit, Blanca Torrico, Arne Heikkila, Salas Family, Joan Rodack, Paul Setzer, Linda Darrell, Dick Schlenker, Kris Christenson, Ralph Swineford.

Grieving – Bonnie Anderson and family at the death of her 90 year old aunt Margaret Adonolfi; Dot Wasser and family at the death of her 99 year old mother Anna McKinley; JoAnn Low and family at the death of husband and father David Low. Daughter Abby is in our MDO.

Birth - We rejoice with Scott and Robin, (nee Peterson) Yost at the birth of a daughter Nora Scott Yost. Proud grandparents are Gary and Jill Peterson.

Military Personnel - Stacy Caum, Chris Nogle, Steve Beckwith, Jonathan Reading, Chad Isabelle, Nate Seymour, Sgt. John Heikkenin, Lt. Bryan Dahlquist & Nicolas Turk, Ben Eckert, HM3 Mathew Cirillo, Art Humphries.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Christ the King’s Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential,

one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties and transitions in their lives.

CHRIST THE KING STEPHEN LEADERS

Pastor Gysan & Pastor Scott, Spiritual Leaders

Susan Boruff, Referrals Coordinator

Joni White, Continuing Education Coordinator

Gale Bobzien, Training Coordinator

Christ the King Stephen Ministers

Stephen Ministers (Active)

Pastor Gysan, Spiritual Leader

Pastor Scott, Spiritual Leader

Gale Bobzien Susan Boruff

JoAnn Durig Kathi Evans

Kim Kennedy Carlton Ruthling

“Part of a disciple’s job description

is to worship God regularly”

Services are held each Saturday evening at 6:00 pm and Sundays at 8:30am and 11:00am.

March 29^th and 30^th

2^nd Sunday of Easter

April 5^th and 6^th

3^rd Sunday of Easter

April 12^th and 13^th

Congregational Retreat @ Camp Nawakwa

4^th Sunday of Easter

April 19^th and 20^th

5^th Sunday of Easter

Sacrament of Holy Baptism for

Wendy and Braelynn Johnson (Sat.)

April 26^th and 27^th

6^th Sunday of Easter

Confirmation Faith Statements

“Part of a disciple’s job description

is to study Scripture diligently”

Teacher Appreciation Dinner

The Teacher Appreciation Dinner will be held this year on June 8, 2008 at 6:00pm, at the Riffe’s home in Great Falls. I will be needing two individuals to help with set-up and three more for clean-up. If you or your child has benefited from attending Sunday School or adult education classes, please consider assisting me in this effort. The majority of our teachers have been teaching at least for several years and this is one way we can show them our gratitude. If you can assist or, if you have questions, please contact me at 703-363-3044. Louise Babirak, Learning Chair.

Easter Greeting from Mother’s Day Out!

Our themes this month have included Farm Life, Easter, Dr. Seuss and Spring! We started March celebrating “Read Across America”. The children were excited to have their parents come in and read some of their favorite stories from home. The children had fun making farm animals from paint and cotton balls. We talked about real meaning of Easter. The children decorated crosses with tissue paper. We even colored a few eggs – paper and hard boiled ones!

In April, our themes will include pizza, gardens and the planet earth. The classes will also begin “training” for our 2^nd Annual Field Day at the end of the month.

MDO will be hosting a bookfair at the Barnes & Noble in the Reston Spectrum Center. Stop by on April 3^rd – 5^th and a percentage of each sale will be donated to MDO. Simply present one of our vouchers and we will receive credit. Vouchers can be found on the last page of the newsletter.

We still have a limited number of openings available in several of our classes this fall – especially in the Teddy Bear classes (for those children who are 2 ½ by September). Please stop by for a facility tour or contact Karen Anderson at 703/759-6935 or mothersdayout@verizon.net for more information.

Peace, Karen Anderson, Director

“Part of a disciple’s job description

is to serve for the sake of others”

http://myweb.cableone.net/LESMBETH/index.htm

Cedars Luncheon

On March 18^th, everyone at Cedars enjoyed Mike Trader’s keyboarding skills and leading us in singing some familiar Irish tunes. The traditional corned beef and cabbage meal was followed by gingerbread with lemon sauce. Thank you to our faithful helpers: JoAnn & Garrett Durig, LaVonne Gysan, Audrey & Allen Wild, Joyce Weber, Ellen Cole, Jean Lee, Dorothy Harsher, Martha Sullivan, Coty Dickson.

In April, we are looking forward to a visit from Eileen and Chuck Lucas who have been in the Honey Bee business for sixteen years. They say that God had a hand in leading them into the business by sending them a swarm of bees into their Arlington, Virginia, yard. Eileen will discuss the care of bees, harvesting honey, and the flavors of honey derived from different plants and flowers. She will also display beeswax candles she has made. Those over 55 are welcome to join us!

11:00am, Tuesday, April 15^th, at Great Falls UMC. Lunch is $5.00, and reservations are requested. Please call the Church Office at 703-759-3705 by Thursday, April 10^th, if you are not included on the Cedars call list.

Helpers are always appreciated - set-up and food prep begins at 9:00am or come to help serve and clean-up at 11:45am.

NOVACO

April is CTK’s month to provide assistance to our NOVACO family. Please watch the Sunday bulletin for updates on how you can help our mom and her daughter. Also, mark your calendars for May 12^th, which is our next Life Skills Dinner.

Rebuilding Together Project Date - April 26

Christ The King is once again sponsoring a home repair/ improvement project as part of RPJ Housing’s annual Rebuilding Together program. Skilled and unskilled workers alike are needed. Lunch will be provided. You will be amazed at what can be accomplished in one day, so mark your calendars now. Point of contact is Tim Zimmerman, (H) (703) 444-6590, (W) (703) 933-6803. Email: tzimmerman@alionscience.com

We will receive our assignment in the next few weeks. The most important thing at this stage is to keep April 26^th open on your calendar. If you can not make that day and still want to contribute, then let Tim know. There is usually setup work to be done on the preceding weekend. We need a lunch coordinator and a team photographer, with a digital camera. We would like to add a publicist to our team this year, who could generate a POWERPOINT presentation describing our project after it is complete.

Salvation Army Grate Patrol

Saturday April 19^th

Once again, members of CTK will prepare bagged dinners for the homeless in DC. We will meet at church at 4 pm to assemble the dinners and then a group will travel into the district to deliver them in the Salvation Army van. Volunteers are needed to deliver the bagged dinners as well as shop for the supplies, and help with the assembly. This is a great project for teens and their families or anyone who wants to participate in service to others! If you would like to help, please indicate your interest on the bulletin response sheet or contact Brett McMillen by email: Brett.McMillen@qwest.com

Hunter Woods Fellowship House “Spring Fling”

On Sunday April 27^th at 2:30 pm, we will gather with the Senior residents of the Hunter Woods Fellowship House in Reston for an afternoon of entertainment, food and fellowship. There will also be Bingo games and prizes. If you have a talent to share, or would like to help with the food or bingo, or would just like to come and visit with the residents – please sign up on the bulletin response sheet or contact Tracey Shenk (703) 438-8989 or Tracey@shenkfamily.com.

Professional Clothing Drive

Is Coming Next Month!

If you’re doing any “Spring Cleaning” in your closets this month – don’t throw out those business suits and professional attire! Starting on May 4^th, CTK will be holding a “Professional Clothing Drive” to benefit Bread for the City – an organization in Washington DC that provides those in need with comprehensive services including clothing for clients with new jobs or job interviews. Men and women’s clothing is needed!

Eagle Scout Project

On April 5^th, Alex Swineford will host an Eagle Scout Project to remove the old, damaged pear trees that are in the middle of the rear parking area, and have them replaced with sycamore trees. He will be seeking adults that can handle chain saws, and youth (and more adults) to help drag the limbs to a “chipping” area. He is also seeking donations to help defray the costs of the new trees & to rent a chipper & stump grinder. If you have a good source for a chipper or stump grinder, please let him know at 703-481-6488, or Swineford.family@verizon.net.

Joey Kiffe's Eagle Scout Project

Date: Saturday April 12, 2008

Time: 9am - 5pm

Where: Christ the King Lutheran Church

For my project we will be building a natural Virginia landscaped garden at the rear entrance to the church. Anyone coming to help should bring work gloves and shovel. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Any help you can give will be appreciated!!

If anyone would like to contribute toward the cost of the project, they can buy a plant, bush or tree for $6-$100. Just write the check out to CTK, with "Kiffe Eagle project" and the plant you'd like to buy on the memo line. Mr. Pilka from the church is going to get the plants for me once I have the money.

Thank you for coming out to work for me on April 12^th, or helping with the purchases I need to make. Also, if you have any of the "donated" items (see the response sheet) in your garden, I could use those, too. Thrivent will match the donations up to $500.

YOUH and Family Ministry

Parents and youth: Want Inspiration?

Myself and a few of our youth who went to Virginia Beach in February got to experience a phenomenal speaker, Bob Lenz. It just so happens that Bob will be speaking at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, VA on Thursday, April 3^rd, at 7:00pm. Before Bob speaks there will be an illusionist performing. Bob is someone who makes you laugh so hard your stomach hurts and in a moments notice you will be crying from his incredible message. He is someone everyone needs to hear. Let’s meet here in the youth room at 5:00pm for pizza and then carpool down a little before 6:00 pm to get there on time. Please email Kara at kara.haug@verizon.net to confirm.

Christ Crusaders

Friday, April 18^th, from 7:00-8:30pm, come gather in crossways where we will spend time making storybooks together as a family. Christ crusaders are third-sixth graders and their parents. There will be some dessert available to help the creative process. Please email Kara at kara.haug@verizon.net to confirm.

April Field Day Event

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 20^th, from 3:00-5:00pm. The youth will be hosting a field day fundraiser event. The day will be filled with games that can be played through out, a bake sale, and two large games. The large games will be a whiffle softball game with a twist and a volley ball game also with a surprise. The teams will be youth vs. adults. Similar to our Souper Bowl of caring come donate money to the team you think will win, the adults or the youth. If you are an adult or youth who would like to play on one of these teams, please contact Kara Haug.

Parent’s Night

On Friday, April 25^th, will be another parent’s night. We still need a location. The topic with much response will still be on drinking. Not many people were able to make it to the first one and the second night was cancelled so we are trying for this third time. This night will be more sharing of information that has been heard by teens at different functions in the community about drinking. Please bring concerns and questions as we can dialogue together. Please contact Kara if you would like to host or attend the evening. kara.haug@verizon.net.

Middle School

Before confirmation on the April 27^th, come and play some kick ball together to get out some energy. We will be gathering together in the youth room at 4 pm. We will then travel to the front lawn to play. Let Kara know if you plan on coming.

“Part of a disciple’s job description

is to pass on the faith”

Lenten Daily Devotional Web Site Usage

Gil Miller reports that Resurrection Lutheran in Arlington has a link on their web age to the Christ the King devotions. Since Ash Wednesday, 640 unique individuals came from 381 cities in 16 countries to visit the Christ the King devotions. Gil says, “my favorite are from Namibia, Romania, and Christchurch, New Zealand. This is in addition to the 56 who receive daily emails. What a great blessing these devotions have been to so many people this Lent!

Approval For Ordination

The Candidacy Committee of the Metropolitan Washington DC Synod at its December 17 meeting approved Greg Durig for ordination into the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA. As a congregation we rejoice with Greg, and the many gifts he will bring to the rostered ministry of the church, and we pray that God will bless him and the church through his service. We are so thankful for Greg and his involvement at Christ the King since 1994, his supportive and gifted wife JoAnn, and his children Sara, Amanda, Garrett. Our prayers will be with him as he seeks a congregation to serve in the Metro DC Synod.

Small Group

Please join our Monday night Small Group, as we begin the study, Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting by Holly W. Whitcomb. Whitcomb explores patience, loss of control, living in the present, compassion, gratitude, humility and trust in God as spiritual offerings that we frequently overlook in our daily lives. She quotes Jesuit Pierre Teilhard de Chardin who advised: “Trust the slow work of God”. The author challenges us to quit worrying and relax into the grace of God (doesn’t that sound inviting!) We will meet on the 2^nd and 4^th Mondays at 7:00pm during the months of April - July. Please call Amy or Mike at 703-481-6488 (evenings) or Mike at 703-759-6068 (day) for more information or to purchase a book ($8).

New Members

Pictures are on the “Witness Bulletin Board”

Matthew & Christine Halvorsen & son Matthew - just recently moved here from New York. They recently purchased a home in Reston and then a couple of months later their little miracle, Matthew, was born. They both enjoy the outdoors, running, biking, hiking, triathlons and swimming. Christine also loves to horseback ride and can’t wait to take it up again. They both work for the FBI and love their jobs! They are delighted and excited to become member of Christ the King. Sponsors are Tom & Jennifer Kalka.

Kris and Lorna Kadunce & children Corey, Kristopher, Lillian - Kris works for Reico Kitchen & Bath as a sales manager, and is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a major in History. His hobbies are tennis, reading, and anything outdoors. Lorna is a homemaker and graduated from Wheaton College in Massachusetts. Her hobbies are outdoor activities, working out at the gym, and spending time with their children and Kris. They have 3 children, Corey (12), who is a 6^th grader at Flint Hill School, Kristopher (4), who is in the Panda Class at Mother’s Day Out, and Lily, who is 6 months old. Sponsors are John West & Kari Lervic.

David and Karen Maurstad - have been married for 33 years, and have 3 children and 2 granchildren. They are native Nebraskans and life long Lutherans. David is an Assistant Administrator for FEMA and loves to golf. Karen love to sew, do needle work and gardening. They are both Cornhusker fans! Sponsors are Floyd and Salome Gaibler.