THE WEEK IN BRIEF | October 22, 2026 | |
Jesus’ summary of the law in today’s gospel echoes our first reading from Leviticus. We are called not only to love God with heart, soul, and mind, but also to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is out of such deep care that Paul shares the gospel with the Thessalonian community. In the confession of sins, we acknowledge that we have not loved God, neighbor, and self; yet we gather to hear the word of forgiveness and to be strengthened by word and meal to be signs of God’s love and mercy in the world.
This Sunday's readings:
Worship Service: 8:30 AM In-person
Brunch / Fellowship: 9:30 AM
New Memebers' Reception: 9:30 AM
Discipleship: 9:45 AM
Worship Service: 11:00 AM In-person & Livestream
+ SERVING THIS SUNDAY – View List | PDF
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Livestream Information
Schedule for Live Stream Services:
- 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays - 8:30 AM Service will be live-streamed
- 2nd and 4th Sundays - 11:00 AM Service will be live-streamed
All services that are live-streamed will still be recorded for viewing at a later time.
We will be Live 5 to 8 minutes prior to the service on Sunday. You should see a still picture of the inside of the sanctuary. Please try to log on a few minutes before the service in case you have problems.
There are two options for watching the Service Live:
For Facebook, you do need an account and have to be logged in. If you click on the link above, it will give you the option to log in to your account if you are not.
If you are using YouTube and the service freezes, please refresh your screen.
Downloadable Items
Bulletin
Prayer List
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This Sunday, we celebrate Reformation Sunday, giving thanks for God's abundant grace and the gift of faith that continues to guide us. We will also joyfully welcome new members into our Christ the King family!
As we continue our Journey in Faith, please remember to bring your Estimate of Giving card to worship this Sunday. Your prayerful commitment helps us continue the ministry and mission God has entrusted to us, both within our congregation and throughout our community.
Thank you for your faithfulness, generosity, and all the ways you share God's love!
Come enjoy brunch from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and remember to WEAR RED!
Blessings +
Pastor Finley
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All Saints' Sunday Memorials
On All Saints’ Sunday, November 1, we will lift up the lives of those who have died before us, since last All Saints’ Sunday. We will, again, use a special banner with bells to celebrate the memory of each friend or family member who has departed this life to share in the eternal feast that God has prepared for all his children in Jesus Christ.
If you would like your loved one, who died in the last year, honored in this way, please email the following information:
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Name of Deceased
- Date of Death
- Relationship
- Name of Person Making Request
to the Administrative Assistant, Michele Luthart by October 25.
Or you may drop off the All Saints' Sunday Form in the offering plate by Sunday, October 25. Please only put one name on each form.
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Attention all Christ the King Veterans
There will be a special recognition honoring and introducing our veteran members at both services on November 8.
If you have served in a branch of the US Military or another Ally military force, following is a form for you to fill out with your name, rank, branch of service and the years in which you served. IT'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE EVERY CHRIST THE KING SERVICE MEMBER RECOGNIZED!
Please return the form to the church office or place it in the offering plates on Sunday morning. Forms are due by November 1.
If you have previously filled out a form, you do not need to fill another one out.
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Jesus said, "Follow me..."
~ Matthew 4:19a
ON YOUR STEWARDSHIP JOURNEY
Principles of Christian Giving -
Growing on Our Journey in Faith
- Respond gratefully to what God has given us.
- Obey responsibly to Glorify God - a faithful proclamation of God’s word.
- Share abundantly as we have received
- Give proportionately - a way of giving in relation to our abundance.
- Commit intentionally - make a statement about your intent and follow through.
- Contribute regularly - practice stewardship on a daily basis.
- Live genuinely - put your faith into action.
May God bless you on your stewardship journey.
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Commitment Sunday, October 25
On October 15th, a letter was sent from Pastor Finley. Please prayerfully consider your estimate of giving for 2027 and return the card on Sunday, October 25th. If you are not attending in-person service, commitment cards can be dropped off at the church or mailed.
If you did not receive the mailing and would like to know the contents, you may click on the links below and also there will be envelopes marked “Stewardship Mailing” by the offering plates on Sunday.
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Classes for the Week of October 25:
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Elementary Sunday School (K-5th Grade) - Deborah - Judges 4-5 - Sunday at 9:45 a.m., room 104. Led by Valeria Head.
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Confirmation Class (6th-8th Grade) - Nathaniel - Sundays at 9:45 a.m., room 107. Led by Laura Drew.
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Adult Class - Ten Men and Ten Women of the Bible - Moses by Max Lucado - Sunday at 9:45 a.m., Adult Classroom, room 108. Led by Pastor Banitt.
- Christians in Action (CIA) - Together we read and discuss the Biblical texts. for the following Sunday's worship in a non-threatening, ideas-sharing environment. We encourage you to join us! ( Readings for November 1 ). Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m., led by The Rev. Dr. Robert Banitt.
Upcoming Classes
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Children's Church (K4 - 2nd Grade) - 1st and 3rd Sunday during 11:00 a.m. service, conference room. Led by Deborah Scarazzo.
- Women of the Word - Select Sundays at 12:05 p.m. Next gathering November 22.
- Bible, Brews and Boys - No class in November and December.
- Word, Wine and Women - No class in November and December.
Please contact Deborah Scarazzo if you have any questions or concerns.
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Portals of Prayer
The new Portals of Prayer (Oct. - Dec 2026) is available on the Welcome Desk.
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CTK Library
We have a large assortment of new books in the Christ the King Library. They are on the 'New and Featured Shelf' on the top left as you enter the library. Just remember to remove the card in the back, sign your name and drop it in the basket on the table.
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OUTREACH
Italian Dinner
Saturday, November 14 (NEW DATE)
Silent Auction begins at 5:00 p.m.
Dinner and Live Auction begin at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets will be $25 for adults and $12 for those 12 and under. They will be on sale in the fellowship hall starting on Sunday, October 4.
Please address questions to Mike Myers – mikeandsigrid@hotmail.com
or Box 222.
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Christian Education
Holiday House
November 15, 2026
Sunday, November 15 the CTK Youth will be shopping for The Place’s Holiday House. This year we will be purchasing Christmas gifts for High School students.
The CTK youth would be very grateful for any and all donations to their Holiday House service project. Checks should be made out to Christ the King with ”Holiday House” written in the memo line. $25 Walmart gift cards may also be purchased from Scrip. If you cannot attend service, and would like to donate, please send your donation to the office. You may also donate online via the church website, make sure to put “Holiday House" in the memo.
Help us to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we help these children in need.
Please contact Deborah Scarazzo at debbie@ctklutheran.com if you have any questions.
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WELCA
Christmas Cookie Sale
Saturday, December 12
Sale begins at 9:00 and ends at 12:00 noon or when cookies sell out
Fellowship Hall
Please mark your calendar and if you can help bake cookies, please see the Sign-up sheet on the Information Table.
If you can help with the sale or for more information, please contact Sue Hallman: sue.hallman@comcast.net | 470-281-1823.
| | The Lutheran Liturgical Year In Color & Symbolism | | |
The Red Paraments
Red is traditionally the color of power, strength and fire. This color is appropriately used on Pentecost Sunday when we remember the Holy Spirit coming in the power of wind and tongues of fire. Red is also a festive color, consequently, it serves in the Lutheran church year as the color for Reformation Sunday and other congregational festive occasions such as dedications, ordinations and installations.
The symbolism of our Red paraments is one of simplicity with a large, square-shaped cross at the center. The square cross is often used as a symbol of strength and stability. It has been divided into 4 parts reminding us of the four evangelists/gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – and Christ’s great commission that we are to go out to the four corners of the world with his gospel and “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). The cross is surrounded by a single red circle representing unity and stylized symbols that can be viewed as crowns, rays or flames. Three outer intersecting golden circles – a reoccurring theme through most of the parament sets – are a symbol of eternity and the Trinity.
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The Reformation Banner
The Reformation Banner is made up of various shades of red, a color associated with festive occasions in the Lutheran liturgical year. Reformation Sunday is a day of remembrance of the call to reform the Church by Dr. Martin Luther in the 15th century. One of his reform themes from Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” is summarized on the banner. The bottom area displays The Luther Rose or Seal which was designed by Luther as a personal expression of his theology and faith.
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OUTREACH MINISTRY
MINISTRY OF THE MONTH
Whispering Hope
For more information on Whispering Hope, visit their website or visit the table in the narthex.
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Recent Community Support
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
~ Matthew 25:35-36
Year to Date (Through September 2026) Christ the King has contributed $81,114 to our Community in cash, in-kind donations, or the value of volunteer hours.
For a list of the organizations that Christ the King supports, please visit our website - www.ctklutheran.com
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Holiday House Shopping
Sunday, November 15, 2026
11:45 a.m. - Lunch
12:45 p.m. - Shopping (offsite)
Sunday, November 15 the CTK Youth will be shopping for The Place’s Holiday House. This year we will be purchasing Christmas gifts for High School students.
CTK youth are invited to stay for lunch on November 15 at 11:45 am.
After lunch we will gather at Walmart on Market Place Boulevard at 12:45 pm to shop for the students’ Christmas gifts.
Please contact Deborah Scarazzo at debbie@ctklutheran.com if you have any questions or can help shop.
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Upcoming CTK Youth and Children Fellowship
August - December 2026
- November 14 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Youth Service Project – Italian Dinner
- December 6 – 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Trim the Family Tree in Fellowship Hall
- December 6 – 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Ice Skating
- December 24 – 4:30 p.m. service – Children’s Nativity and Songs
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The following events will be happening shortly. If the event is in red, more information is available by clicking on the event.
| | A Big Thank You to the CTK children, youth and families that attended the Cumming Fair. The Fair was a lot of fun and very exciting! The weather was wonderful and we had some great fellowship! Everyone had a wonderful time! | | |
REFORMATION CONCERT
Friday, October 30
7:30 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
731 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer will host Echoing Air, an Indianapolis-based vocal ensemble with Baroque instruments. “A Mighty Fortress” is an inspiring concert of music showcasing the music of 16th to early 18th century Lutheran composers. This program vividly portrays the Lutheran ideals of forging a personal connection with God and the growing prominence of the German vernacular language in sacred music. Join us as we bring to life the works of Heinrich Schütz, Johannn Schein, Dieterich Buxtehude, Vincert Lübeck, Johann Rosenmüller, Johann Fischer and Dietrich Becker in a harmonious celebration of this rich musical tradition. Admission and parking are free, and a reception will follow the concert.
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CTK Chancel Choir
Sunday, November 1
4:00 p.m.
Sanctuary
Christ the King Chancel Choir and the Dahlonega Baptist Church Worship Choir will perform in concert at Christ the King Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 1 at 4:00 p.m. The concert features selections by both choirs, piano and organ music by Chad Watkins and Susan Ray, and final selections by the combined choirs.
Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend.
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THANKFUL THURSDAY
Thursday, October 22
12:00 p.m. (noon)
Fellowship Hall
Thankful Thursday lunch is open to everyone in the congregation, including all you men. Come meet your fellow worshipers from both services and make new friends.
Bring your lunch, desserts will be provided.
After lunch, we will have a class in making Thanksgiving cards. Supplies will be provided. If possible, please bring small scissors and glue.
If you have any questions, please contact Sigrid Myers at mikeandsigrid@hotmail.com.
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WARBINGTON FARMS
Saturday, October 24
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Warbington Farms
5555 Crow Rd. Cumming, GA 30041
This is an awesome opportunity for fellowship and great fall fun. The day includes pumpkin decorating and access to: The Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, and the Fun Park, which includes large jumpy pillow, hayride and much more! The farm also has lots of treats, snacks and lunch food for an extra cost.
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REFORMATION SUNDAY
Sunday, October 25
Both Services
Sunday, October 25, is Reformation Sunday. Everyone is encouraged to wear red to service.
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COMMITMENT SUNDAY BRUNCH
Sunday, October 25
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship Hall
The Stewardship Team would like to invite everyone to a special brunch on Sunday, October 25.
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NEW MEMBER RECEPTION
Sunday, October 25
Both Services
Sanctuary
New members will be received on Sunday, October 25 at both services. There will be a reception during Fellowship Time beginning at 9:30 AM. Please come and welcome our new members and introduce yourself.
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SCRIP
1st and 3rd Sunday during October - 4th and 18th
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Cuthbertson Fellowship Hall
DO NOT BUY GIFT CARDS to help out a friend or a pastor who sent you an email saying he or she was jailed in Lower Timbuktu. DO BUY gift cards to help pay off OUR mortgage. There is a wide selection waiting for you in the Fellowship Hall. And there are many other cards that can be ordered to meet your needs.
Want to save time on Sunday, print the order form before you come to service
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Church Office Hours:
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday - Thursday | Closed Friday & Saturday
Newsletter, Sunday Bulletin & Prayer Request Deadline:
Submitted to the office by TUESDAYS, 12:00 Noon
Newsletter and Bulletin Submission: susan@ctklutheran.com
Prayer Requests: michele@ctklutheran.com
| | Friday is the Pastor’s and Staff’s Day Off. Please refrain from calling the office or the Pastor on his cell (or texting). If you have a pastoral care emergency after normal office hours, please call the church office and press “6.” This will call Kathy Voerg's cell. | | |
Contribution Envelopes
Contribution envelopes are available in your mailbox in the administrative hallway. If you do not use envelopes for your giving, please place the box in the basket provided so that the financial secretary can make note of it. If you are worshipping from home and would like to pick up your envelopes, please stop by the church office during normal office hours. Thank you for supporting the mission and ministries of Christ the King Lutheran Church!
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2027 Calendar
The 2027 Calendar is available on the Door to the Church Office in the Administrative Hallway. It is up to each team leader to ensure that events get written on the church calendar. Please remember that all fundraisers, appeals and raffles along with use of the building and/or grounds by outside entities must be approved by the Council before the office staff can include them in the bulletin or newsletter. We appreciate your understanding in following the process!
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2026 / 2027 Flower Chart
The 2027 Flower Chart is now available. Each week flowers adorn our altar area. Any weeks for which there isn’t a sponsor, flowers will not be placed on the altar. If you would like to sponsor flowers, please sign up on the chart located by the mailboxes in the administrative hallway. If you sponsor flowers, they can be left outside on the portico for you to pickup on Monday.
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Church Phone
The Church phone (770-889-5328) is a land line. It DOES NOT receive text messages. Lately many have been trying to text the number. The office can see that a text was attempted, but we cannot read the text.
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Prayer Requests
Prayer Request cards are available next to the offering plates in the narthex. If you would like to add someone to the Prayer List, please fill one out and place it in the offering plate. Prayer requests can also be emailed to the Office Administrator. Prayer requests need to be submitted by noon on Tuesday to be included in the coming Sunday's bulletin.
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Church Offering
Thank you to all that have continued to give. The easiest way for you to send your contribution to the church is through our online giving. It is simple and easy to use. If you are not comfortable using online services, you can simply mail your contribution to the church or drop it in the locking mailbox next to the portico.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
1125 Bettis-Tribble Gap Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
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Scam Alert
Several members have received texts and emails this week supposedly from Pastor Finley asking, "if you have a minute, I have a favor to ask." Always check the phone number and email that the request is from! The request then comes for a gift card or money. Neither Pastor Finley nor any staff member at Christ the King will ever ask for money via text or email!
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OCTOBER 25 - SUNDAY
REFORMATION SUNDAY
COMMITMENT SUNDAY
- 8:30 - 9:30 AM In-person Service
- 9:15 - 9:55 AM Instrumentalist Rehearsal
- 9:30 - 10:30 AM Brunch / Fellowship
- 9:30 - 10:30 AM New Member Reception
- 9:45 - 10:45 AM Discipleship
- 10:00 - 10:45 AM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM In-person Service
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Livestream Service
- 1:30 - 5:00 PM Kuchimanchi Eagle Scout Ceremony
- 6:00 - 7:00 PM Stephen Ministry Meeting
OCTOBER 26 - MONDAY
OCTOBER 27 - TUESDAY
- 10:00 - 11:00 AM Christians in Action Bible Study
- 12:00 - 3:30 PM Piecemakers Quilt Guild
- 1:00 - 2:30 PM Lydia Circle
- 6:00 - 8:00 PM Cub Scouts
OCTOBER 28 - WEDNESDAY
OCTOBER 29 - THURSDAY
- 5:50 - 7:00 PM Handbell Rehearsal
- 7:00- 8:30 PM Sonlight Praise Band Rehearsal
OCTOBER 30 - FRIDAY
OCTOBER 31 - SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 1 - SUNDAY
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
- 8:30 - 9:30 AM In-person Service
- 8:30 -9:30 AM Livestream Service
- 9:30 - 10:45 AM Fellowship
- 9:30 - 10:30 AM Scrip on sale
- 9:45 - 10:45 AM Discipleship
- 10:00 - 10:45 AM Chancel Choir Rehearsal
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM In-person Service
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