Hand to the Plow

No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

Our Lord’s spiritual warning has practical guidance: Good work requires focus. The farmer who plows while not focused on plowing will not plow very well. The doctor who heals; the parent who nurtures; the student who studies; the worker who works while not focused on their work will not work very well.  

It is helpful to identify the hours of the day when we are most focused and do our best work. As you can see from the illustration, very productive people were very focused at very different times of the day, but they all knew when they focused the best.  

What about you? Some of us are night people; some are morning people. All hours of the day are not equal for any of us. If you can, do your most important work when you focus the best.  

Warmly,

David

News & Upcoming Events

Ministry Milestone Classes and Parish Picnic

May 24, 31, & June 7. 10:20-11:00 a.m. 

Bishop's Visit & Parish Picnic: June 14. 10:00 a.m.

Twice a year, we celebrate three "Ministry Milestones": First Communion for grades 3-5; Confirmation for grades 6 and above; and Membership for adults. Classes prepare interested individuals to celebrate these milestones when the Bishop visits on June 14.

Celebrate the new confirmands and members at the

10:00 a.m. service with Bishop Chris. Then join us for our annual summer parish potluck picnic with burgers and hot dogs grilled by our own fearless BBQ team!

Please bring a picnic blanket/lawn chairs, and the following picnic fare to share, according to your last name: A-F Individual Drinks; G-R Side Dish; S-Z Dessert. Questions? Hospitality@ctkalexandria.org

Realm Office Hours

May 24.

10:20 - 11:00 a.m. & 12:20 - 1:00 p.m.

(After worship). Narthex/Lobby.

Realm is our churchwide database, directory, and giving platform. Have you ever wanted to update your information, understand how online giving works, or access your giving records, or see the members directory? Lisa Andres (Accounting) and Craig Cole (Operations) will be on hand to help parishioners access their accounts and answer questions.

What Is Anglicanism? Panel

May 31. 10:20-11:00 a.m. 

A panel will address the missional, global, and local hope and challenges in the Anglican Church. Panelists include: Dr. Albert Thompson, Rev. Alex Banfield Hicks, and Jack Waters.

Honoring Katherine

Join us in celebration and gratitude for Katherine Doster as she concludes her faithful ministry to our church on June 11. Letters and notes of appreciation can be placed in the box in the Narthex. Additionally, we are collecting photos from Katherine's ministry at CtK. Please email pictures by June 4 to communications@ctkalexandria.org.

Summer Service Schedule Change

June 14 - August 16.

Sunday worship services will shift during the summer to a spoken service at 8:30 a.m. and our musical worship service at 10:00 a.m.

We Are Hiring

We seek a dedicated part-time Children’s Ministry Staff Member. Position description is here. Interested parties should submit their resume to Rosemary Hollingsworth.

Save the Date

Food Truck Tuesdays. June 9, July 14, August 11, Sept. 8 & Oct. 13. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

What Is Anglicanism? Panel. May 31. 10:20-11:00 p.m. Sanctuary.

Men's Book Study. June 3, 10, & 17. 7:00 p.m. Room F.

Summer Service Changes. June 14-August 16. 8:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Ladies’ Hike. June 13. 9:00-11:30 a.m. Lubber Run in Arlington.

Parish Picnic & Bishop's Visit. June 14.

Litter-Free Alexandria. June 20. 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch on the Lawn. June 21. 12:00 p.m.

Vacation Bible School. June 23-26.

To view all CtK events, visit our website.

Witnesses to the World

Friends,

Below are prayer requests and upcoming communal opportunities to spread salt and light.

Kenya Mission Recap

After spending 10 days in Kenya, I bring greetings from Getachew, the Diocese of Maralal, the Diocese of Marsabit, and Oasis of Hope Medical Center. I was part of a team from the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic that led a three-day pastor's conference on the Holy Spirit, had the opportunity to preach in the Diocese of Maralal on Sunday the 10th, and connected with women's groups from Five Talents and the Oasis of Hope. The Kenyans we met were generous with their time, prayers, and resources, welcoming us with tea and cookies wherever we went. We saw Christians from all walks of life (engineers, shepherds, entrepreneurs, politicians) worshiping in churches of all sorts: under trees, in huts, and stained-glass cathedrals. Having visited Kenya, my faith is greatly strengthened, and I look forward to bringing a team next year.

Young Life Alexandria

Please join me in praying for the needs of Young Life Alexandria this week:

• The end of the school year at AC High School, West Potomac High School, and Hayfield Secondary School.
• For leaders for WyldLife
• For the upcoming summer trips.



Worship at CtK

Christ the King is a member of the Anglican Church in North American and the Diocese of the mid-Atlantic. Both distribute regular updates and newsletters. You will find information about the Anglican Church in North America here; information about the Diocese of the MidAtlantic here.