Programs and Activities

New Member Classes

Classes are held twice during the year (in the fall and early spring) for anyone interested in learning more about the Christian faith from a Lutheran perspective.

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Mission Statement: To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ

Purpose Statement: As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

This group provides the organizational framework for many activities. These include:

  • Women's Circles: A circle is a Bible study group. Christ the King has three circles that meet monthly at the following times and locations:
    • Hannah Circle - Meets September through June on the 3rd Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at the church building (child care or transportation provided upon request)
    • Magdalene Circle - Meets year-round on the 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the church building (transportation provided upon request)
    • Ruth Circle - Meets September through June on the 3rd Wednesday at noon at the church building or at members� homes (members share lunch together and transportation is provided upon request)
  • Meals for Moms: Members of Christ the King provide meals to families who wish to receive them after the arrival of a new baby.
  • Cards for Special Occasions: The coordinator sends cards to members of the congregation to commemorate a special event or to express care and concern.
  • Secret Sisters: Secret Sisters remember their adult Sisters throughout the year with prayers, cards, notes, or small gifts.
  • Big Secret Sisters: Big Secret Sisters remember their Littles (girls in the congregation who have signed up to be in the program) throughout the year with prayers, cards, notes, or small gifts.
  • Fall Party: The Fall Party, which provides participants an opportunity for fellowship, is held every November and is open to all women of the congregation and girls who are Littles. Participants enjoy devotions refreshments, and a program. A short business meeting is conducted, and Secret Sisters are revealed.
  • Quilting: This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. at the church building to sew quilts for Lutheran World Relief (LWR). Home sewing projects are available, too.
  • Lutheran World Relief Kits: Once a year in the spring we assemble health, sewing, or school kits for Lutheran World Relief. LWR distributes these kits to people in need around the world. For more information about LWR and its projects visit www.lwr.org.
  • Prayer Chain: Women are committed to praying for others.

To find out more about Women of the ELCA visit www.womenoftheelca.org.

You can learn about what's happening in our regional women's organization, the Southeastern Iowa Synodical Women's Organization (SWO), by reading the SWO's newsletter, "Directions," online. Find it and other publications at seiasynod.org/Publications.html.

Pastor's Bible Study

The Pastor's Bible Study meets on Wednesday mornings and evenings during the school year. Each year, a different book of the Bible is studied in depth. Special emphasis is placed on understanding both the historical context of the book and how God's Word in this book relates to our lives today.

Small Groups

New small groups of four to 12 people are begun in September or whenever needed and meet through May. Groups meet at times convenient for their members. The groups focus on Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.

Youth Groups
  • Walders for senior high
  • Believers for grades 7 and 8
  • WIGLs for grades 4 - 6
  • King's Kids for grades 1 - 3
Mission Outreach
Mission and Justice Committee: Opportunities for Ministry and Service

In Christ we live not for ourselves but for others. Martin Luther teaches us that to be a Christian means that we are concerned about our neighbors. Our lives are enriched as we touch the lives of others and as they touch our lives. After all, it is in giving that we receive. In order that we may walk in the footsteps of Christ and help others, Christ the King Lutheran Church provides several opportunities for ministry and service.

Hunger Ministries

Free Lunch Program: The Free Lunch Program provides a hot, nutritious noon meal, which is available to anybody in need, Monday through Saturday at the Wesley Foundation (120 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City). Christ the King serves lunch six times a year on the first Saturday of odd months (January, March, May, July, September, and November). Volunteers are needed to donate food for the lunch. They are also needed to help prepare, serve, and clean up on the day of serving. To learn more about the Free Lunch program visit www.icflp.org.

Salvation Army: Christ the King serves supper at the Salvation Army (1116 Gilbert Ct., Iowa City) six times a year on the second Monday of even months (February, April, June, August, October, and December). Volunteers are needed to donate food for the supper as well as to help set up at the center, serve, and clean up on the evening of serving. Visit www.icsalvationarmy.org for more information.

Crop Hunger Walk: "CROP Hunger Walks are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local congregations or groups to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world" (from the CROP Hunger Walk website). Christ the King participates in this annual event by encouraging people either to walk in the event or to make a financial contribution. There is more about the CROP Hunger Walk at www.cropwalk.org.

Crisis Center of Johnson County: The Crisis Center (1121 Gilbert Ct., Iowa City) provides support to the community through its Crisis Intervention, Food Bank and Emergency Assistance, and Community Intervention Programs. Members of Christ the King can participate in this ministry by helping to fill the Crisis Center barrel located right inside the front door of the church building. The following list offers suggested monthly donations to drop off in the barrel.

Suggested Donations

  • January - Baby food and diapers
  • February - Soups and crackers
  • March - Pasta (hamburger helpers, macaroni and cheese, etc.)
  • April - Soap, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent
  • May - Paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, etc.)
  • June - Protein items (stews, canned tuna, spaghetti)
  • July - Pasta (hamburger helpers, macaroni and cheese, etc.)
  • August - Breakfast cereals and canned juice
  • September - Baby food and diapers
  • October - Canned fruits and vegetables
  • November - Breakfast cereals and canned juice
  • December - Items for Project Holiday

Find more information about the Crisis Center at www.jccrisiscenter.org.

Additional Ministries

ToGather Together: ToGather Together, which is affiliated with the Consultation of Religious Communities, businesses, social service agencies, and individuals, is a community effort to provide school supplies to children in need in Johnson County. Each August, members of Christ the King have the opportunity to donate school supplies or make financial contributions to this effort. To learn more about the Consultation of Religious Communities go to www.crc-ic.org.

Clothing Distribution: In cooperation with the Consultation of Religious Communities Christ the King collects clothing for distribution to those in need. Winter clothing is collected for distribution each October.

Project Holiday: In cooperation with the Crisis Center, the Salvation Army, Elder Services, Inc., and Goodwill of the Heartland, Christ the King collects money and gifts in November and December to help brighten the holidays of low-income residents in Johnson County. An Angel Tree in the narthex holds opportunities for members to give to their neighbors in need.

Gifts to Parents: Members of Christ the King can donate new or gently used items to this community project sponsored by the Consultation of Religious Communities. Children who would not otherwise have gifts to give their parents during the holiday season are able to "shop" for gifts. Collection begins at Christ the King during November and distribution is on the first Saturday of December at another location.

Book Sale: An annual book sale held in February and sponsored by the Consultation of Religious Communities raises money for Iowa City's Shelter House. Christ the King members are invited to donate books for this event.

NAMI Walk of Johnson County: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's leading grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness. The local NAMI Walk is held each spring to raise money for the organization. Members of Christ the King are encouraged to collect donations or to participate in the walk. Visit www.namijc.org or www.nami.org/namiwalks for more information.

Choir

The Adult Choir meets on Wednesdays at 7:15 pm.

Vacation Bible School
 
Fellowship Events

Every Wednesday evening, our community GATHERS, WORSHIPS, and LEARNS, to strengthen one another for the tasks of TELLING, SERVING, and SHARING. This is not just for a few "other people"; rather, this gathering is for YOU, to strengthen and encourage YOU in fulfilling God's calling to YOU. Please join us.

The schedule for the evening is as follows:

  • Supper: 5:30-6:15PM
  • Worship: 6:15-6:30PM
  • Class time (Bible study, confirmation classes, children's activities): 6:30PM
  • Choir rehearsal: 7:15PM

By joining in whatever parts of the evening appeal to you, you will discover the wisdom of Psalm 113: "How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters are together."

Advent and Lenten Worship