Welcome to ICYMI Worship! ICYMI stands for In Case You Missed It; our ICYMI series gives a brief snapshot of worship each week so that you can worship in your home, on the road, or wherever life takes you.
At Cross of Christ, our basic worship order is based on worship patterns from Hebrew traditions and biblical accounts of the earliest Christians:
We GATHER with songs and prayer,
We HEAR God’s word,
We SHARE a meal of bread and wine,
We are SENT into the world to love and serve.
Let us know how this format works for you.
Today is the Third Sunday after Pentecost.
Our Gathering song is “Built on a Rock”
An impressive performance!
Prayer of the Day
All-powerful God, in Jesus Christ you turned death into life and defeat into victory. Increase our faith and trust in him, that we may triumph over all evil in the strength of the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.
This week’s readings are from Genesis 3:8-15 and 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1
Genesis 3:8-15
Immediately after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, they hide from God. Neither takes responsibility for their sin, instead blaming each other, the snake, and even God. The curse on the snake was understood as a messianic prophecy by the early church, who associated Eve’s “offspring” with Christ.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1
Life in the present is transitory and cannot compare with the eternal home God has prepared for us. So we do not
despair no matter what life might bring because we know that as God raised Jesus from the dead, God promises to bring us into eternal life.
13 But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke”—we also believe, and so we speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. 15 Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
16 So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, 18 because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
This week’s Gospel text is from Mark 3:20-35
In response to charges that he is possessed, Jesus wonders aloud how anyone who is demon-possessed can cast out demons. Those who do the will of God are possessed by the Holy Spirit, sisters and brothers of Christ.
20 And the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. 21 When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” 22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” 23 And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. 27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.
28 “Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”
31 Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” 33 And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot: “I’m So Glad You’re a Part of the Family of God”
In today’s Gospel reading, we hear Jesus speaking to some of his detractors and doubters, which Mark says that, at this early point in his ministry, included some of his own family. Jesus tells them, and us, that doing God’s will is the true mark of being a part of his family.
The Song of the Day is “In Christ There Is No East or West” (ELW 650)
Prayers of the People – 6/10/18
Lord God, you call your church to be one and teach us that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Bless this congregation with a shared vision for mission and continue to bind us together in our shared love as brothers and sisters of Jesus. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Lord God, you equip your church with wonderfully diverse people sharing many different gifts. Today with thank you especially for our partner in the Gospel, Pastor Judy Brennan. Together may we grow as sharing and caring folks who show your love to one another and our neighbors in meaningful ways. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Lord God, you instruct your church to pray for the sick, advocate for the oppressed, serve the needy, and minister to the hurting. May we be agents of your lovingkindness to all who are experiencing afflictions of any kind, especially Ann Baseler, Anna Bero, Marty Budzius, Brian Constable, Ellie Dennison, Linda Ernst, Phyllis Hahn, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, Leona Lenschow, Marlys Paulson, John Paulson, Vernette Rae, and Marilyn Van Brero. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Lord God, you inspire your church through the lives of the faithful. We remember with thanksgiving Barnabas, apostle and missionary whose feast day is tomorrow, known for his spirit of encouragement. By his example and through the power of the Holy Spirit, enable us to speak to one another with charity, calling out the best in one another, encouraging each other as we walk together this journey of faith. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
By the sure guidance of your Holy Spirit, O God, we lift up our prayers in trust and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Communion song is “By Your Hand You Feed Your People” (ELW 469)
On the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
All are welcome to receive Christ’s Body and Blood in the Bread and Wine of the Eucharist.
And because there’s always something going on, the Announcements!
INSTALLATION AND BLESSING OF PASTOR JUDY TODAY – as we officially and publicly celebrate her call as our Associate Pastor of Caring Ministries. We thank God for our partnership in the Gospel.
YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO THE “PRAY-GROUND” – This special space in the Sanctuary is designed for our youngest worshippers and their families. Children age 8 and under are welcome to color, play games, enjoy age-appropriate books, and just have their own space in the back of the transept – the southeast corner of the Sanctuary. We LOVE having children in worship! We hope this special place helps make them and their families feel both welcome and comfortable.
NEW ADULT FAITH FORMATION SERIES BEGINS TODAY – Pastor Dave will launch our first summer series, “Colossians: Against the Tide.” This nine-part study focuses on the Apostle Paul’s instruction to a church whose values were increasingly not aligned with that of the general culture. Sound like a church and a culture with which you are familiar? Come learn more about what it means to be called to be “counter-cultural” by Christ. Adult Faith Formation meets in the Library following worship, from 11:15 am to noon.
UPCOMING SUNDAYS – Make plans to join us for special worship services coming up this month. Next week, our organist Nick Abbott is back with us and, while the organ has not yet returned from repairs and upgrades, we will enjoy Nick’s piano playing, as well as his accompaniment of Cantorei, our choir, bringing a special music offering. Next Sunday is also Father’s Day, when we will honor dads and offer prayer for the father figures in our lives. The following Sunday, June 24, Director of Music Ministries Ben Fowler will lead a music-focused service with extra congregational singing. Please join us as we worship God in June.
GOLF ON THURSDAY – Join the golfing gang at Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course. For more details see the signup sheet at the Information Desk in the Narthex.
CHOIR REHEARSAL THIS WEEK – Thursday, 7:30 pm, in the MAC, as Cantorei prepares to sing in worship next Sunday. Summer is a great time for others to join regular choir members for a Sunday or two. Come sing with Cantorei this Thursday and next Sunday!
CAN YOU PROVIDE A RIDE TO WORSHIP FOR A MEMBER IN NEED? – Here is an opportunity for ministry to some of our congregation members who can no longer drive but would still love to come to worship. If you could you provide a ride occasionally or once a month, they would be most appreciative. Members who have requested rides are: Audrey Harris who lives downtown in the Bellettini; Doris Lundquist, 16447 SE 7th, Bellevue; and Priscilla Kanestrom who is at Sagebrook by Crossroads Mall. To help, or if you know of another member in need of rides to worship, contact Julie Hockett – julieahock@gmail.com or Pastor Judy – pastorjudybrennan@gmail.com. Thank you so much.
EASTSIDE SHELTERS MOVING – The Family Shelter has moved to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kirkland. They typically serve about 15 people, half are children. The Women’s Shelter is moving to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church on Monday and will stay there for three months. They serve about 30 women. You can learn more and sign up to provide meals at http://signup.com/go/tMaKqVQ. If you prefer to make a financial donation and skip the cooking, you can have a meal delivered by DoorDash, UberEats, Jimmy John or something similar. Thank you for helping feed women and children this summer.
DEATH OF FORMER MEMBER – We have received word of the death of former member Yvonne Heuving. Services are scheduled for 2 pm on Saturday, June 23, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.
CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS – Come celebrate with us! 2018 marks the 25th Anniversary of Congregations for the Homeless and we would love to celebrate with you on June 27, 6:30pm at Bellevue Presbyterian Church. Anyone who has been a part of the CFH story large or small should attend! Children and families welcome. Contact Nadine Bentsen for more information.
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Marilyn Van Brero, Leona Lenschow, Doris Lundquist, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Jane Pittenger, and Norman Stromer.
Our sending song is “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
By God’s grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to
Worship God
Grow in Faith
Share the Gospel
Serve others, and
Welcome all.
Thanks be to God!
