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 EPIPHANY
The glory of the Lord is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of the glory of God. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God.
GATHERING SONG
“This Is Amazing Grace”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear, read, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
THIS WEEK’S READINGS
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 The exiles have returned and rebuilt Jerusalem. Now Ezra, the priest, reads the law of Moses to them in the public square. When they hear it, they weep for their sins and for the long years in exile, but Ezra reminds them that the joy of the Lord is their strength.
Psalm 19 The teaching of the Lord revives the soul. (Ps. 19:7)
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 The apostle and pastor Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to describe how intimately connected we are in the church. For this struggling congregation in Corinth, Paul delivers a vital message of unity that is a mark of the church today.
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
Luke 4:14-21 Near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, he visits his hometown of Nazareth. In the words of Isaiah, he states and claims his identity, purpose, and mission.
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “Because”
Coming soon!
SONG OF THE DAY
“Light Dawns on a Weary World”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all in need. Each petition will end “Lord in your mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.”
You come to us through your written word, O God. Open our ears, our minds, and our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that we may receive your word with gladness, understand it with clarity, and apply it to our lives with joy. Thank you for all who have translated and transmitted the Bible faithfully and, for many, at great risk. Bless those who continue to share the Scriptures around the world, including Lutheran Bible Translators, ELCA Missionaries, and Wycliffe Bible Translators. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
You come to us through our serving others, O God. Your Son proclaimed that when we care for others, we minister to him. Inspire us to share our blessings of time, talent, and treasure, as well as our church campus and facilities, in ways that bless our neighbors near and far. We especially pray for our partnership with Congregations for the Homeless as we prepare to host them in February. May we experience your presence in our sharing of meals and conversations with these, our honored guests. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
You come to us in worship, O God. As we gather as your people, may our worship services enable us to enter into your powerful presence, bringing you our praise and receiving from you grace and peace. Bless musicians, liturgists, artists, poets, preachers, assisting ministers, ushers and all who help create wonderful worship experiences. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
You come to us in our fellowship with one another, O God. Deepen our relationships. Make us willing to be true Christian family members, sharing both joys and sorrows. Bless our sisters and brothers facing any difficulties or challenges, especially those who have asked for our public prayers; Anna Bero, former member John Boyd, Ellie Dennison, Linda Ernst, Phyllis Hahn,Audrey Harris, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, Wanda Nelson’s daughter Nyra (NI-rah) and her great-granddaughter Kierra, Marlys Paulson, and Marilyn Van Brero. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, that we commend to you this day, trusting in your abundant mercy, through Jesus Christ, our healer and our hope.
Amen.
COMMUNION SONG
“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”
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.
This week we bring you both the hymn in an inspiring organ setting and in a setting that hearkens back to the tune’s origins as the English folksong Kingsfold. Enjoy!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION RESUMES TODAY – as continue our study of the action-packed book of Acts. Pastor Dave is our guide between services, 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library.
CHILDRENS’ SUNDAY SCHOOL – welcomes kids age 4-10 to the Youth Room this morning from 10:15 to 10:55 am. Join Miss Kristie for a fun time of learning about God’s love for you!
2019 OFFERING ENVELOPES – For those who have not yet picked them up, offering envelopes are at the Information Desk in the Narthex. If you would like to have envelopes but do not find a box with your name, please contact bookkeeper Denise Fuentes at 425-746-7300, ext. 107.
CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS SIGNUPS TODAY – Thank you for your wonderful response. If you haven’t had an opportunity, please stop by the table to see how you can be involved in this ministry. There are a few openings to provide a meal or serve, there is also a need for sandwich makers and donations of items or funds to purchase lunch and breakfast makings. We welcome volunteers to come visit with the men, and we are also in need of people who are willing to come to set up. We ask for prayers for the men who are experiencing homelessness, the staff and volunteers of CFH. Please contact Ann Huseby, Jay or Kay Marsh, or Nadine or Sterling Bentsen to learn more.
INTERFAITH EDUCATIONAL FORUM THURSDAY – Cross of Christ will host the Interfaith Educational Forum in the Sanctuary Wednesday from 7 pm to 9pm. This year the topic is “Faith Over Fear: Standing with Our Muslim Neighbors Roadshow” with Speakers Aneelah Afzali and Pastor Terry Kyllo.
THANK YOU, DR. NICOLE KIM – for the amazing concert of classical piano last Sunday! All who attended were blessed. A freewill offering raised more than $700 in support of Cross of Christ Music Ministries.
PARKING LOT HOSPITALITY – As a reminder, we have three parking spots reserved for “Courtesy and Visitor Parking.” These are intended for those who might need them most – like those with temporary mobility limitations, families with young children, and expectant mothers. Please help “Welcome All’ by not parking in these spaces if you are able to walk a few steps farther. Also, please remember that all spaces marked as reserved for handicapped can only be used by those with authorized handicap license plates or rear-view mirror placards. These spaces are occasionally monitored by Bellevue Special Parking Enforcement. Thanks for practicing parking lot hospitality!
NAME TAGS ARE SIGNS OF WELCOME – You’re encouraged to wear your Cross of Christ name tag to worship each Sunday. This simple act helps people get to know one another, is welcoming for guests, and is greatly appreciated by the pastor (who, try as he might, occasionally temporarily forgets names!). If you have misplaced your name tag, Office Administrator Judy Giseburt would happily make you a new one. Contact Judy in the office at 425-746-7300 or at office@cofclc.net.
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, Jane Pittenger, Norman Stromer, and Marilyn Van Brero.
THANK YOU CROSS OF CHRIST FAMILY – for your prayers, cards, calls, visits, flowers, and the well wishes during my recent illness. I know it has helped in my recovering. Fred Corwin.
FAMILY & WOMEN’S EMERGENCY SHELTER UPDATES – The Family Shelter is now at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church at 17222 NE 8th Street. The numbers are lower now, averaging about 15, so if you have signed up to provide a meal, please check the calendar periodically for current numbers. The Women’s Shelter is now at Lakeside Christian in Kirkland, 701 1st Street. They average 40 to 45 women per night.
SENDING SONG
“Thy Word”
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!
