top of page

Search


My Farewell and Thank You
"I thank my God every time I remember you." (Philippians 1:3).After 6 wonderful years of ministry together at Christ the King, I am writing to share that I will be retiring starting in June. I joined the team during a very difficult and uncertain season—both here and in the world around us. When Pastor Dara posted, “I’m looking for a graphic designer,” I remember thinking, Well, I’m a graphic designer. So I replied, “What do you need help with?” What I didn’t realize at the t
swendler1
2 days ago2 min read


Kit-Wits
We have a group of knitters and crocheters at CtK affectionately known as the Knit-Wits. Yes, a long history behind that name! We will have a presence in church this coming Sunday May 31 as Pastor Dennis will formally pray over the Prayer Shawls we have available for people to take for someone in need of prayer, blessing or healing. However, the Prayer Shawls are only one of the projects this group has undertaken in the past few years. We have prayer squares currently availa
swendler1
May 271 min read


Pentecost Blog Teaser
Pentecost is often described as the birthday of the church—but it is also a reminder that the Holy Spirit does not stay inside church walls. In Numbers 11, God’s Spirit spills beyond the expected leaders. In John 20, Jesus breathes the Spirit into fearful disciples hiding behind locked doors. Both stories remind us that the Spirit works through ordinary people in ordinary places. This year, I found myself seriously considering retirement after 36 years of teaching leadership
swendler1
May 191 min read


Summer is calling
What are you doing this summer on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 6:00-7:30? Do you want to make new friends and get to know one another in a relaxed environment? Have you ever wanted to share things about yourself in a supportive atmosphere? We would love for you to join us! Come to the table and get to know one another through “Faith Talks with Friends.” We will discuss random questions about ourselves and our Faith in a fun and supportive environment. Join us as
swendler1
May 121 min read


The Call Process Is Underway at Christ the King
At Christ the King ELCA Church, an important and hope-filled season has begun. We are excited to share that our Ministry Site Profile (MSP) has officially been posted, marking a significant step forward in our search for a new pastor. This moment reflects months of thoughtful preparation—prayerfully discerning who we are as a congregation, how God is calling us forward, and what gifts we seek in our next pastoral leader. Partnering with the Synod Our Call Committee has begun
swendler1
May 52 min read


Another Chapter in Our Season of Change
Friends and partners in Christ at Christ the King Lutheran Church: Our church is in a time of change. Together, we want to be wise with the resources God has given us, and we also want to get ready to welcome a new pastor. With that in mind, after much prayer and thoughtful discussion, your church council recently decided to refinance the church mortgage. Refinancing the mortgage is not just about the numbers. It helps free up money now for the work of our church. Bette
swendler1
Apr 282 min read


Your 2026 CtK Council
Your 2026 Church Council (CC) have been very busy this year and are very excited with what 2026 holds in store for our congregation. The CC is made up of 9 voting members of CtK and there are 4 officer positions, these positions are voted on by the CC and are held for one year. Here are the representatives of your CC: Trent Wright (Vice President), Stacey Wagner, Chris Scheuer (Treasurer), Julie Moss, Julie Meitzen, Kristi Malard, Cyle Koehler, Kathy Gray (Secretary), Ed Albr
swendler1
Apr 212 min read


Earth Day
As we enter into spring and see the first signs of new life returning, Earth Day offers us a moment to pause and reflect. For our community, this day isn't just about environmental awareness; it’s about the humble recognition that we are caretakers of this magnificent planet God created for us. As you go through your days try noticing the intricate details of the world around you. From the quiet morning mist on a local pond to the rhythmic calls of birds in the trees, every
swendler1
Apr 141 min read


Let your light shine before others! Matthew 5:16
I believe that God puts opportunities in our paths for a reason. Today, I am writing to offer an opportunity to be healthy, let your Christ the King light shine in the community, and exercise generosity. Each year in May, a local event called the Sole Burner happens at City Park in Appleton. It is a 5K run/walk that raises funds for the American Cancer Society. Whether you are a survivor yourself or have supported someone with cancer, each and every one of us has been tou
swendler1
Apr 82 min read


April is a time when,
at least in Wisconsin, we are hopeful for an early spring. Major League Baseball has already started and Brewer fever has begun. Golf leagues are gearing up and yours truly is anticipating the days when I can hit the links. Oh yes, we are hopeful that spring may finally be here! April also begins the “High Holy” liturgical portion of our church year. We began with Palm Sunday on the last Sunday in March. The focus was the entrance of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem. The
swendler1
Mar 311 min read


ELCA
At our annual meeting in January, questions were raised about support for the ELCA. Here is a deeper dive, in hopes of bringing clarity to our relationship with the ELCA. Christ the King is part of the East Central Wisconsin Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. We support its mission and receive support from the greater church. How is the ECLA a partner in engaging Christ’s mission? Connects Congregations Across the Region: By sharing resources and ideas, supp
swendler1
Mar 252 min read


Lent Continues
We continue in our season of Lent here at Christ The King Lutheran. I hope you have added new things to enhance your ministry with each other. I also hope you have taken advantage of our soup suppers followed by our Wednesday evening worship. Actually there is only one more opportunity available. Next Wednesday 3/25 will be your last opportunity to partake of this wonderful fellowship and learning event. Mark your calendar- 3/25- 5:30pm Soup Supper- 6:30pm Lenten Worship.
swendler1
Mar 171 min read


Open Our Eyes, Lord
In our Lenten journey this year, we have pondered temptations that we face in wilderness times, considered the work of the Spirit in our lives, and prayed for Jesus to give us and our world living water. In John 9 we learn how Jesus heals a man born blind. The man is not able to make a theological explanation of who Jesus is, nor explain how Jesus did what he did. The man only knows that he was blind, and Jesus helped him to see. What a transformation! Yet, even many of
swendler1
Mar 102 min read


Christ the King
We step up when things are needed: For the church .... For families within these walls and outside of these walls For the building .... The community ....Our employees It’s not about a number on a spreadsheet For three years I have been a part of your council and each year we have worked very hard to get where the church is, a little stable. Numbers never speak to the whole picture. They change daily and we still have times when bills are going to be due and we rely on what
swendler1
Mar 32 min read


Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive
We are collecting NEW hygiene and cleaning items for local crisis agencies through The Family Radio’s Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive from Feb. 22 through March 15. Please place your donations in the Help for the Homeless collection box located by the kiosk sign by March 15. Or make a secure financial donation for the purchase of supplies at thefamily.net. The Family Radio Network, Inc. partners with area homeless and crisis agencies by inviting participating communitie
swendler1
Feb 252 min read


A New Season
February begins a new season of our church year which is called Lent. On Ash Wednesday, February 18 th Lent officially begins. Here are some interesting facts about Lent: ~ Lent is not observed by all Christian worshipping communities. Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and all major Protestant denominations all observe Lent. But Baptists, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, and Mormons do not. ~ Lent is not mentioned in the Bible. It
swendler1
Feb 102 min read


Choose Well, Choose Life
I grew up in a Christian family where the season of Lent always meant we gave something up until Easter. Perhaps it was chocolate, or soda, or a particular TV show.“ Some people gave up smoking, hair cuts, beer, and other habits. I could never understand how that helped my faith. I simply missed the chocolate chip cookies or other treats, envied those who did not go to church, and resented God a bit. Then, as a volunteer youth leader I led a retreat on fasting. The conce
swendler1
Feb 102 min read


High School Backpacking Trip: Fundraising Begins!
This July, 7 high school youth and 6 adult chaperones will head to the mountains of Billings, Montana for a week of backpacking adventure with Christikon Bible Camp . This trip promises breathtaking views, time for spiritual reflection, and the kind of shared experiences that help young people grow in faith, confidence, and community. To help make the trip possible, the group is kicking off their fundraising this Sunday with a cookie sale! Stop by after worship to pick up a
swendler1
Feb 31 min read


Water the way of life!
Sometime Friday night into early Saturday morning, a copper water line serving the small toilet room next to the nursery froze and cracked allowing water to lead onto the ceiling of that room. Both the Donut Hole men and No Basement church ladies canceled their Saturday morning studies due to the cold. Fortunately, an outside group was using the fellowship hall for a training class and discovered the leak when they arrived at the building 6:30 am Saturday. We were notified, g
swendler1
Jan 282 min read


Annual Congregational Meeting: Your Voice Matters
Our Annual Congregational Meeting is an important moment in the life of Christ the King, and we warmly invite every member to attend and participate. As a congregation, we are moving forward in faith, and this meeting marks a meaningful step in that journey. One of the most significant items before us is continuing the process of calling our next pastor. This is a prayerful and hopeful time for our church, and your presence helps us listen together for where God is leading. I
swendler1
Jan 201 min read
bottom of page
