About Us Christ the King congregation was
organized in 1969 as a new mission of the American Lutheran Church and has grown
from 38 families to over 1200 baptized members. Average attendance at the 8:30
and 11:00 liturgies each week is approximately 410. Worshipers come from all over
the bi-state area and are representative of the ethnic and racial diversity of
the area as well as the variety of traditions (denominations) which make up the
church. Christ the King became part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
in 1988 upon the merger of the American Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church in
America, and the American Evangelical Lutheran Church. Because of steady
growth since its beginning, Christ the King has needed to expand its facilities
twice, most recently in 1999, when the worship space and narthex were increased
and offices, choir room, youth room, and seven classrooms were added. The worship
space seats 350 or so in a contemporary setting that is nearly square in shape. Worship
at Christ the King is very much in the Lutheran liturgical tradition. The sanctuary
liturgy is printed in a booklet each week and varies from season to season as
well as for festivals. These liturgies incorporate portions of the liturgies found
in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, as well as material from other sources.
Weekly worship in the chapel uses fewer printed materials and projects more worship
songs and prayers onto a screen. Various musical gifts are shared during
Sunday liturgies by those in the adult choir, handbell choir, and various instrumentalists
and vocalists. Musical styles are varied. Holy Communion is celebrated every
Sunday at all liturgies. Those who commune in other denominations are welcome
to commune at Christ the King. Ordinarily, youth at Christ the King participate
in preparation classes prior to their first communion when in the fifth grade
or at ten years of age. Sunday School classes for all ages begin at 9:45
AM. Adult Forums on a variety of topics are offered regularly to which all adults
are invited. Bible study groups meet at various times throughout the week, as
do other study and discussion groups. You are encouraged to contact the church
office if you wish to receive more information about the opportunities available
at this time. A full time youth minister coordinates a youth program which
includes junior and senior high groups as well as a variety of "impact"
events which range from concerts and overnights in the church or at the YMCA to
week-long events in the summer such as work camps or attendance at the national
youth gatherings coordinated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In
addition to full time youth and music directors, a part time Director of Discipleship
Formation, a Ministry Coordinator, and a Business Manager. Christ the King is
served by two pastors who share responsibilities such as preaching, leading worship,
and pastoral care. Each of them also has a portfolio of ministry areas for which
he/she has primary responsibility. Christ the King offers a wide variety
of opportunities for fellowship and service. We are a Stephen Ministry congregation
and cooperate with several congregations in the community to train and supervise
care-givers. |