“Joy to the World the Lord has come!”

Advent and Christmas Celebrations at Christ the King

Sunday, December 9th—8:30am and 11:00am

King’s Choir Cantata “Walk in the Light”

Sunday, December 16th—4:00pm

Sunday School Christmas Program and Christmas Dinner

Monday, December 24th—The Nativity of our Lord

5:00pm—Children’s Service

7:00pm & 11:00pm—Candlelight Christmas Services

Tuesday, December 25th-Christmas Day

11:00am—Christmas Festival Worship

Sunday, December 30th—8:30am and 11:00am

Lessons and Carols

No Saturday Evening Worship on 12/22 or 12/29

Pastor Paul’s Pen

Rev. Paul F. Gysan

Six of the munchkins in the original cast of “The Wizard of Oz” recently had their “Stars” placed in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. All the other munchkins have died. As I saw those munchkins recently on “Good Morning America” I began to think about others who appeared in the movie.

During each of the DC Homeless walks one person captures the attention of all walkers. It’s not a “munchkin” but the “Tin Man.” Dressed in silver, he looks as if he has come right out of the movie and is walking with us. He carries a message that says, “Have a heart.”

In the movie Scarecrow asked, “What about the heart you promised to Tin Man?” As we journey through the season of Advent into Christmas, we read in Jeremiah about a heart God promised to give to us. In Jeremiah 32:39 we read, “I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for their own good and the good of their children after them.”

During the season of Advent we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord, not only as we celebrate Jesus’ first coming at Christmas, but His coming again when He shall judge the living and the dead. Might what we give to another via presents effect another’s heart? What type of hearts are we creating through the gifts that we give? Will our children be like the Tin Man, not having a heart of love for God or one another?

Recently the Barna Group sampled 601 Christian adults who were parents of children between the ages of 2 and 18. Barna said, “Millions of Christian parents want to appear relevant in their children’s eyes, and to provide gifts that fit within the mainstream of postmodern society. The problem is that many of the entertainment products that meet those criteria conflict with the moral precepts of the Christian faith. Parents have to make a choice as to what is more important; pleasing their kids’ tastes and sensibilities, or satisfying God’s standards as defined in the Bible. When the decision made is to keep children happy, the Christian parent is often left with a pit in their stomach.”

This process of selecting appropriate Christmas presents for children is a “microcosm of the spiritual tension millions of Christian adults wrestle with” Barna says. As I read this I thought about the Tin Man, and gifts that might not be in the interests of children’s hearts. What type of heart do we give our children or others, by what we say and do during this season of the year?

The Advent Season should be a time of preparing our hearts to receive anew the glorious Gospel of Jesus coming to this earth. During this Season at worship the King’s Choir will share a cantata on December 9^th, and the Sunday School Christmas program will certainly allow the Holy Spirit to work in hearts on December 16^th. We dare not minimize the joy that can be in our hearts via the pressure and confusion introduced by our focus on material consumption and fulfillment.

While billions of dollars will be spent this Christmas season on gifts for children, they need to know (as we all need to know) the gift of God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ. Our hearts are not made joyful through dollars but through the “holy and precious blood, and the innocent suffering and death” of Jesus for all of us.

In the “Wizard of Oz” Dorothy asked, “which way do we go?” The Scarecrow said, “Pardon me, this way is very nice.” We need to show our children, one another, and the world “the way to go,” the way that Jesus walked.

The staff at Christ the King wish you a Blessed Advent and Christmas Season. Pastor Scott, Kara Haug, Mike Swineford, Andrew Dobos, Jane Cooper, Karen Anderson, and our nursery attendants Arlene Antonis and Satva Silva, along with myself say, “May your heart be the manger where Jesus’ Spirit lives and moves, and may you be filled with the Joy of Jesus. Merry Christmas!

PSPS

Pastor Scott’s Post Scripts

What are your Advent and Christmas traditions? Do you gather as a family around the Christmas tree and decorate it together? Do you play the music of the seasons on your stereo as you ‘deck the halls and rooms’ of your home?

Where do you spend your Christmas Eve and Day? Do you give gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Is there a traditional menu or foods that you eat?

I know for me growing up, there were lots of Advent and Christmas Traditions. We would always as a family hop in the car and drive to one of those ‘infamous’ Southern California Christmas Tree Farms and there as a family we would scour about until we found that perfect tree, in which Dad and in later years (me), would then get on the ground and cut it down. We would haul it home and then hose out the tree of extra pine needles, and let it sit outside for 24-48 hours in a bucket of water. It always seemed so long.

Finally, once the tree was brought in, my mom would string the lights…again a process that seemed to take forever, but then we would as a family, decorate the tree and my mom would take care of getting the rest of the house decorated. We had an advent wreath we would light once a week or so.

We would always spend Christmas Eve with dear family friends, with the menu usually being turkey. Christmas Eve always included Candlelight worship at Ascension Lutheran. Christmas morning brought my sisters and me to the edge of the stairs while Mom and Dad surveyed what Santa had left for us. Waiting at the top of the stairwell seemed to be hours, but when we got the ok, down the stairs my two sisters and I would go!

Prime Rib was always the Christmas Day menu, and I don’t remember too many Christmases away from home, as usually it was our house that had family and friends over…sometimes up to 40 people! The house was full of Christmas cheer, sounds, and food.

This year, Jen, Stephen, and I will board a plane early Christmas morn, and fly home for Christmas…where once again we will gather around a table with the sight and smells of prime rib, family and friends. My maternal grandfather will be there as well, and a historic family photo will be taken of him and his ‘four great-grandchildren.’ We will gather around the tables, talking, conversing, and recalling Christmases past-we will recall Christmas memories of our loved ones in heaven, and we will look forward in hope to the Christmases yet to come.

So what are your family traditions? As we think about what it means to be families of faith, one important aspect is the celebration ‘rituals and traditions.’ I would say its just not celebrating those rituals and traditions, but explaining to our younger ones why we do what we do and when we do it.

Recall one of your fondest Christmas memories and share it with loved ones…take the time to remember and share. Take the time this Advent and Christmas Season to turn on some seasonal music, and decorate the Christmas tree as a family…talk about Christmases when you were growing up…if you know someone who might be looking for some company this Christmas season, invite them over to share in your Christmas joy.

As we journey to the manger once again, let us be like those two men walking to Emmaus that day of the Resurrection…recalling and remember the events and sharing them with loved ones, others, and all. Merry Christmas.

President’s Commentary

Allen Wild

Many thanks to all of you that have submitted your pledge for 2008. If you have not yet done so, please pick up a pledge form from the office and place it in the offering plate. Your church council is working hard to prepare a budget for your approval at our January Congregational Meeting. Pledges are very helpful in determining the expected offerings in 2008 which is necessary to prepare a realistic budget.

I urge you to read the entire Herald. You and your fellow members are doing a number of wonderful service projects. See the Service Ministry section and note what has been accomplished this past month and learn about the additional opportunities that exist for service between now and the end of the year.

On the social side read about the Christmas Party to be held on December 8^th and the Holiday Dinner to be held on December 16^th as a fund raiser to support our youth attending Heifer Camp next Summer. Thrivent Financial will be matching up to $750 to help support our youth.

All the members of your church council wish you and the members of your extended families a joyous Christmas and a healthy New Year.

PS As the Herald goes to press, I received a call from a very reliable source at the National Lutheran Home in Rockville that the residents there really enjoyed the concert performed by our CTK choirs on Saturday, November 17^th. Many thanks to our Pastors, Andrew, Jane and Karen for leading the group and, of course, to the 30 adults and children from our congregation who performed in our King’s Choir, King’s Chimers, King’s Kids and the King’s Ringers, and to those who helped provide refreshments!

The Sound B e t w e e n

Silent Night

By: Kara Haug

My favorite moment of Christmas has always been the late service at my home church. I love the music, seeing old friends, and being in a place where I truly feel at home. The best part of the service is when the lights are turned off. That’s when the ushers start passing the singular flame. It is magical to see sparks of light being passed down rows of people. To be in the dark and then to see faces aglow with wonder and awe. There is something about the glow of a candle flame that sparks imagination and serenity. The warmth transforms us and for a moment all the people in the pews are captivated. It is amazing to see the flicker of flames on the faces, ceiling, and the walls of the church. They look like tiny angels dancing in our midst.

The candlelight prepares the way for Silent Night. It is a tradition for my brothers and I during this song to turn and watch my mother. We wait for it. We wait to see the tears roll down her cheek. It is a little strange that we love this moment, but for me it is endearing.

Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright, round young virgin, mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

My mother says she cries because it is beautiful, but I wonder if it is more. It is often in the silent of the night when we are met with truth. Our loud brains play through the day and all the happenings start to make sense. It is in the calm when we recognize what matters. We remember that our dreams and loved ones are what we should spend our energy on. It is in the silent night on Christmas Eve with the tips of flames sparkling that we in a blink know deeply we are loved.

Mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild.

As we see babies the hardest parts of us melt and we recognize innocence and crave it once more. On Christmas Eve night we sing of Christ as a babe, fragile, innocent, in need of care, just like how we are and wish to be. We all crave the moments when we felt love from arms cradling and holding us. We wish to sleep in heavenly peace among those we love. In the silent night in a church that holds broken dreams, broken families, broken lives, we become mended by a babe and remember what is holy.

Kingdom Kindred

Anita Smallin continues her seminary education at Luther. She graduates in May. She started her contextual education site working at a church in North Minneapolis, in the Harrison neighborhood. The Harrison neighborhood is primarily African American, and also is a very low income area. She is starting a pilot program in the existing after-school program, bringing an aspect of computers and technology. Continue to keep Anita in your prayers…John Zmuda who is part of the Langley HS Wind Symphony performed at the WIBC Convention in November in Seattle. Seattle happens to be the city where John was born…Audrey Bashar saw a need and filled it. Thank you Audrey for taking an hour of time and cleaning the sinks in “Katie’s Kafe”…Mary Huber Foretich, GF Elementary “strings teacher” recently was quoted in the paper as her concert students played with the Amadeus Orchestra…Emma Miller-Cvilikas spoke at the Veterans Day Service at Freedom Memorial in GF. Emma said she always loved hearing the stories told by her “pop-pop” (aka Roy Miller). She told how in one of his letters that Roy sent home he was happy to drop food rather that bombs. Emma said, “I’d like to thank all of the veterans who have supported us and kept our country safe because I know that I could never do what they did.” Glen Sjoblom led those gathered in the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Both Glen and Steve Cressman were pictured among those veterans on the front page of a recent GF Connection…Special thanks to Steve Cressman for pleasing a neighbor on Dogwood Farm, when a tree limb recently fell across the line. Steve came and cut up and moved that limb…Rachel Swineford may be the youngest person to have a gall bladder removed? We thank God for her return to health…Our prayers are with Jennifer and John Hanna who are expecting a child…Shane McKinney is now living in Denver…The Schwab’s grandson will be baptized here at the early service on the last Sunday in December…Ruth Thieman should be returning home after spending time at the Johnson Center Rehab. She is so thankful!…Dolly Whelan is gradually feeling better after back surgery…

“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, Betty Cordovana, Tom Harris, Robert Herres, Mary & David Gibson, The Canady Family & Erin Peterson Family, Janey Rice, Gail Magley, Patricia Mort, Hilton Patterson, Fred Vanhala, Charles Reges, Anna Walker, John Kornetka & Bo Mausteller, Danny Friedheim, Joni Wallace, John Corey, Roy Miller, Evelyn Fagley, The Northington Family, Nate Holeman, Dick Christenson, Glenn Arneson, Scott Durig, Sherry Bryne, Heather Drake, Tony Santantonio, Lindsey & Judith, Ruth Thieman, Dolly Whelan, Lauren Smeds, Rachel Swineford, Jay Davis & Judy McGinnis, Stephanie Welsh.

Military Personnel - Stacy Caum, Chris Nogle, PFC Erik Hood, Maj. Andrew Phillips, Steve Beckwith, Jonathan Reading, Chad Isabelle, Nate Seymour, Sgt. John Heikkenin, Lt. Bryan Dahlquist.

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.

December 2 & 3 - Advent 1 – “Hope”

Choose Angel Gifts or Gifts of Hope

Purchase a poinsettia to adorn the altar at Christmas.

December 8 & 9 – Advent 2 – “Peace”

King’s Choir Cantata at 8:30 and 11:00am

December 15 & 16 – Advent 3 – “Joy”

Sunday School Christmas Program (4pm with a dinner following)

December 23 – Advent 4 – “Love”

Recognition of college students – 11 am with luncheon following

No Saturday Evening worship, 12/22

Divisional Sunday School

December 24 – The Nativity of Our Lord

5:00pm – Children’s Service

7:00pm & 11:00pm – Candlelight Services

December 25 – Christmas Day

11:00am – Festival Worship

December 30 – 6^th Day of Christmas

8:30am&11:00am – Lessons and Carols

No Saturday Evening worship, 12/29

No Sunday School

January 5 & 6 – Epiphany

Sunday School Resumes

Pastors meet with 2^nd Graders at 9:45am for Bible presentation preparation.

Cantata Preview For Singers

On Sunday, December 2^nd, at 12:10pm, Jane Cooper will be playing a performance audio tape of the “Walk in the Light” Cantata in the Music Room for those singers who would like to hear the whole cantata (40 min.) Bring your music to sing along softly. There will be extra copies of the music available. You are still required to participate in the dress rehearsal on Wednesday, 12/5 at 7:30pm if you wish to sing in the Cantata, but this run-thru with the tape will help you see how it all fits together.

National Lutheran Home Concert

Thanks to all the people of Christ the King Lutheran who helped make our Concert at the National Lutheran Home on Saturday, 11/17, a success. We were able to take 4 partial choirs and complete them with people from other choirs, and drafted family members. We provided a lovely varied program with music by the King's Chimers, King's Kids, King's Ringers, and King's Choir as well as a violin duet by Andrea & Emily Sweet, and a Trumpet solo by Tom Cooper, accompanied by Andrew Dobos on the piano. We included 3 familiar hymns for the residents to sing with us and provided a feast of baked goods, cheese & crackers and fresh fruit for the reception afterward. Special thanks to Tracey Shenk and all the women who helped with making, transporting, and serving the food. Thanks to Karen Sweet for taking photos of the occasion, and to Pastor Gysan for recognizing our church family members at NLH. Special thanks to all the drivers and chaperones. Kudos to the planning team: Karen Magley, Andrew Dobos & Jane Cooper. All together, we had about 35 people there from CTK. The love of Christ was definitely present, shown in the interaction with the residents and the smiles on their faces!

Musical Musings

I'd like to share with you the joy I feel making music with our King's Ringers each Thursday night in rehearsal. Some ringers are veterans from years past, some are new to the choir this fall, but all are dedicated, enthusiastic, musicians...and it shows. If you were in worship with us on October 21^st, or November 11^th, or if you traveled with us on November 17^th to the National Lutheran Home, you've heard us play. I trust you were as moved as I by their music ministry. If you think you'd like to make this fabulous group a part of your life, now is the time to contact me, Andrew Dobos, at 301-460-9642, or via the church office. There are opportunities for additional ringers and expanded bells...do give me a call. The next time the King's Ringers play in worship will be Christmas Eve.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Andrew

King’s Orchestra

We would like to bring back the King’s Orchestra for Christmas Eve this year. It is an instrumental group of youth in 7^th Grade or above and adults who would like to participate in playing simple arrangements of Christmas carols for the 15 minutes prior to the 7:00pm Christmas Eve Service. If you are interested, please contact our Director of Instrumental Music, Andrew Dobos at 301-460-9642. Leave your name, instrument and phone number. Rehearsal days & times will be determined soon.

“Part of a disciple’s job description

is to study Scripture diligently”

Mother’s Day Out News

Thanksgiving is almost here! There has been so Thanksgiving crafts created and books read that you can almost smell the turkey roasting and the pumpkin pie baking! In addition to the standard symbols of Thanksgiving, we have talked about being thankful.

We just completed a food drive which benefited Share, a food pantry in McLean. The children brought in enough food to fill 2 very large boxes. They were excited to see the boxes fill up.

December will be a very exciting time here at MDO. We will be talking about the REAL reason for the season – the birth of Jesus. We have lots of fun activities planned – including a “Happy Birthday Jesus” celebration. We will be collecting toys for “Toys For Tots”. Our goal is to help the children learn that giving to others is fun too!

Believe it or not, registration for the 2008/2009 school year is coming up. More information will be available in early January.

May your Christmas be peaceful!

Karen Anderson, Director

Video Small Group

Join a new small group meeting the first Wednesday each month, from 7:00 - 9:00pm. We will view a video, relating to Christian themes, have some time for fellowship and take time for ourselves! We’ll meet in the youth room. The video for December will be Amazing Grace, based on the true story of William Wilberforce, a British statesman and reformer from the early part of the 19^th century. This feature film chronicles his extraordinary contributions to the world, primarily his 20-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, which he won in 1807. Wilberforce was also instrumental in passing legislation to abolish slavery in the British colonies, a victory he won just three days before his death in 1833.

Small Group on Prayer

Join our small group meeting on the 2^nd & 4^th Mondays of each month, 7:00 - 9:00pm. We seek to encourage spiritual growth through fellowship, prayer, Christian studies and care for one another. We began with a 6 week study on Prayer by Bill Hybels, founder and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. It’s time to make time for God. The Creator of the universe wants to have a dynamic relationship with you. If you long for a spiritual life that is deep, fruitful, and profoundly real, these studies will help you draw heart to heart with God. The key is prayer. Authentic, courageous, direct communication with God. Each session in Prayer will give you a new window of insight. You’ll receive courage to lift “dangerous prayers” with a confident heart. You’ll discover how to handle the disappointment of unanswered prayer. And you’ll be moved to a depth of honesty in prayer that will surprise you. Join us! For further information, contact Amy or Mike Swineford 703-481-6488 or 703-759-6068.

YOUH and Family News

For Youth Updates check-out www.ctkyouth.org

Writing Group

On Tuesday December 4^th, from 7:00-9:00pm come and partake in Kara Haug’s writing group. We have already started but would love more members. Anyone in ninth grade to Adult can join. It is a group for those who love to write and who are afraid to write. If you need expression please join this group. We meet in the youth room. For more information please contact kara.haug@verizon.net.

Christ Crusaders Caroling

Friday December 7^th, the 3rd-6th graders and their families have an opportunity to join Pastor Gysan at Safeway to ring the Salvation Army bell, attend the Great Falls Christmas pageant and lighting of the tree, as well as singing our favorite carols. It is the perfect way to start out the Christmas season with our families. Please email Kara Haug or Pastor Gysan if you plan on joining the fun.

Parent’s Night

Friday December 7^th, at 7:30pm please come to Janet Wright-Simpson’s house to enjoy some holiday fellowship. Part of the evening will be a time for traditional storytelling and creating something special. The rest of the time will be to enjoy each other during this special time of the year. If you plan on attending please contact Kara Haug.

Middle School Fun

Come on Sunday, December 9^th, for some Holiday fun. We will be decorating cookies, watching a holiday movie, and more. We will meet in fellowship hall from 3:00pm-5:00pm. More details to come.

Christmas Dinner

After the Christmas pageant please come and enjoy a scrumptious dinner by the youth on December 16^th. This is a fundraiser event for the youth and their summer trips. Thanks to Thrivent Financial For Lutherans for providing matching monies. Youth sign up now to help with this fun event. Sign up opportunities will come via email and forms will be up in the youth room. Stay tuned for future details.

Family Ski Trip

It is that time to start thinking about the annual ski trip. As we wait for the ground hog to see his shadow we will be doing it on the slopes. February 2^nd, Ground Hog’s day is the day we will be going skiing. If you are interested in skiing with your family please contact Kara Haug at kara.haug@verizon.net.

DRIVEN

On Sunday, December 9^th, from 5:30-7:30pm will be a chance for us to gather for fellowship, hot chocolate and more. Please stay tuned for future details about this event.

“Part of a disciple’s job description

is to serve for the sake of others”

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

Thrivent Builds with Habitat

The condo we are helping sponsor and build is n