Open Minds - Open Hearts - Open Hands

This past Sunday Christ the King continued our Stewardship Initiative of Open Minds -- Open Hearts -- Open Hands. Donnie and Dottie Culver shared with the congregation how their open hearts inspired them thirty three years ago to establish a Lutheran presence in Cumming. Read on to learn more about their truly Open Hearts... Thirty three years ago twelve excited people joined us in our living room to begin a new adventure together in Forsyth County. We all opened our hearts and minds and worked and planned together to establish a Lutheran presence in Cumming. We wanted to be able to worship in our own community in our own way.

What began as a dream soon turned into a reality when services began in the Ingram Funeral home chapel. The Ingrams opened their hearts to us by providing this space at no charge and would even stop by on Sunday mornings on their way to services at the Baptist church to place an offering in the plate. We were blessed!

After worshipping there for several years, the ELCA sent a mission developer who scouted out an old storefront for us to move into. Again, hearts were opened to the possibilities of a new worship space. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears from the members went into the preparation, and once again we experienced the open hearts of various congregations who donated necessary worship items and money. Once again, we were blessed!

Several years later the parade through town from the storefront to this property where we worship now was a site to behold! A bunch of crazy Lutherans carrying banners and singing made quite a stir. Our hearts were full as the ground was broken, signifying a new chapter in the life of CTK. We were blessed!

God provided us with a group of wonderful people - the mission builders who came from across the country to open their hearts to our small congregation and lead us in the building of this beautiful structure. Together with so many who opened their hearts and hands to construct this building, our physical church became a reality. The next time you enter these doors, remember that the floors, windows, trusses, trim, electrical, and paint were all acts of hope and love by members of CTK who generously opened their hearts. Easter Sunday just before construction was complete, we decided to worship in a building with sunlight streaming in through an unfinished roof. We thought our hearts would burst! We continued to be blessed and
grateful!

Today we are a church of opportunities. WE have a vibrant ministry that has evolved over the years. We have many more open hearts that will enable us to do God's work .We are blessed to have musicians, teachers, chefs, caregivers, business leaders, organizers, artists, time givers, youth, children, adults, seniors. We give thanks with grateful hearts.

From living room to what you see today - a testament to God's love and your open hearts. What does the future hold for Christ the King? The possibilities are endless! Our open hearts will enable us to do more of
God's work in our community. Thanks be to God!