A Lutheran Home on Pine Avenue
Christ the King Lutheran Church and Preschool sits on Pine Avenue in Snohomish, Washington, where it serves as both a neighborhood congregation and a preschool campus. Part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the church describes itself as a community where God's light shines through as members serve compassionately, love generously, and grow faithfully. Its vision is to be a thriving, faith-centered, diverse and inclusive community that welcomes everyone, nurtures all ages, and serves community needs with purpose through Christ's love.
Worship That Blends the Old and the New
Sunday worship at Christ the King is designed to be meaningful, participatory, and accessible at any stage of faith. The style is a blend of traditional and contemporary, pairing classic liturgy with modern elements. A worship band and choir lead most Sundays, and the service includes prayer, Scripture, and preaching meant to connect faith with everyday life. The atmosphere is described as warm, reverent, and relaxed rather than formal or intimidating, and people attend in everything from jeans and hoodies to business casual.
Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday. Christ the King practices open Communion, meaning anyone is welcome at the Lord's Table without being a Lutheran, a member, or meeting any specific conditions. Gluten-free bread is always available, and both wine and grape juice are offered. Anyone who prefers a blessing can come forward with arms crossed over the chest. Services are livestreamed on YouTube for those who cannot attend in person.
A Place Built for Accessibility
The building reflects a careful attention to access. Push-button ADA-accessible entrance doors, accessible parking close to the entrance, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible seating areas make it easier for everyone to participate. Assisted listening devices and large-print bulletins are available during worship. A Comfort Station offers a quiet space for neurodivergent individuals or anyone who needs a sensory break.
Children, Youth, and Families at the Center
Children are not merely tolerated at Christ the King - they are described as an essential part of the community. During worship, nursery care is offered for infants and toddlers ages 0 to 5. Children in preschool through fifth grade are invited to Godly Play, a Montessori-inspired children's ministry that approaches Scripture through story, wondering, and creative response. Children and infants are always welcome to remain in the worship space if families prefer.
For older students, Confirmation classes for grades 6 and up meet twice a month, and a High School Youth Group gathers weekly during the school year, with additional service and fellowship activities built around it. Periodic classes on faith stepping stones cover topics such as raising a healthy preschooler, First Communion, and the Bible.
Family life extends beyond Sunday morning. Family Fun Night, a regular monthly gathering on the last Wednesday of the month, includes a shared meal and time for play, with a main course provided and sides to share. The church calendar also includes seasonal events such as Treat Street at the end of October, Cocoa, Carols and Claus near Christmas, a children's Easter egg hunt, summer camp opportunities for all ages, and Vacation Bible School.
A Preschool Sharing the Campus
Christ the King Preschool operates on the same campus as the church, with both Pre-K and three-year-old options for children ages two-and-a-half through six. The preschool is directed by Melissa Marzolf, who also serves as the church's Director of Community Engagement, creating a natural bridge between the congregation's family ministries and its youngest learners. More information is available through the preschool's own site.
Bible Studies, Book Groups, and Contemplative Prayer
Faith formation for adults takes many shapes. On Tuesdays, The Wired Word study engages the week's headlines through a faith lens, meeting hybrid in person and on Zoom. A Women's Morning Bible Study meets online on Thursdays, and a Charity Circle Bible Study gathers in the Adult Education Room on the first Thursday evening of each month.
For those drawn to silence, SPAW Contemplative Prayer Groups meet on Wednesdays as small spaces for guided prayer, sacred stillness, and listening for God's presence.
A Staff and a Season of Listening
The church is served by Pastor Craig Beeker, Michael Miller as Director of Music Ministries, and Melissa Marzolf as Director of Community Engagement and Preschool. An Office Administrator, Meredith Ingalls, keeps the day-to-day operations running.
The congregation is in a season of prayerful discernment. Five goal-development groups are listening for where God is calling next: Growth in Christ, focused on faith formation and discipleship; Inclusion, working toward a community of true belonging; Welcome, building pathways from first contact to deep belonging; Service, exploring how to meet physical and spiritual needs in the wider community; and Worship, seeking participants to help shape the future of gathered worship. Each group hosts open workshops, and no special expertise is needed - only a willingness to reflect, imagine, and serve together.
Service and Generosity
The congregation's outreach includes participation in the CROP Hunger Walk, an annual community walk that raises funds to fight hunger locally and globally. Giving to the church and preschool can be done online through Vanco, through the Give+ mobile app, by mail to the Pine Avenue address, or in person during worship services or at the church office.