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 TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A little faith goes a long way is our Lord’s point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in water and the word (holy baptism), bread and wine (holy communion), the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving.

GATHERING SONG

“This is Amazing Grace”

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of faithful surprises, throughout the ages you have made known your love and power in unexpected ways and places. May we daily perceive the joy and wonder of your abiding presence and offer our lives in gratitude for your redeeming grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

In the meantime, what we do now is trust what we do know and try to have faith about what we don’t. Trust in the love that Jesus exhibited by coming and trying to share what the kingdom of heaven looks like in our world and the world to come, and have faith in the God who time and time again demonstrates steadfast love and kindness. In addition to having trust and faith, we also seek to live in a way that is consistent with God’s vision and not our own. We pray together, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Let us not be constricted to the limitations of this world as it is now, but be open to seeing and participating in God’s transformation of this world.

At the beginning of the sermon, I told you that you’d have to use your imagination. I should have told you that we’re all going to have to continue to use our imaginations even after the sermon is over, because our walk of trust and faith will sometimes depend on our seeing beyond the literal, face value of what we encounter and what we know. So, from time to time, relax, take your shoes off, and if it helps, close your eyes to see the vision of heaven. Amen.

SONG OF THE DAY

“I Know that My Redeemer Lives!”

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

United with the saints of every time and place, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation. Each petition will end “Lord in your mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.”

Loving Redeemer, by grace you have chosen us to live boldly as resurrection people. Strengthen us to stand firm in you, and inspire us to proclaim the good news to the world. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Creative God, you bless us with the change of seasons with their cycle of growth and rest, planting and harvesting, working and watching. Create favorable conditions as plants and animals prepare for winter, and make us good stewards of your bountiful creation. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Righteous Ruler of all nations, we thank you for the service of veterans. Help us honor their dedication to duty and country.  Bring peace to all people and all places, and give wisdom and restraint to government officials, that they may promote the welfare of all. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Caring Father, your beloved call to you and you answer them. Hear the cries of those who are poor and unemployed, those who seek refuge, those who battle addiction, and all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially members of this community of faith and those dear to them who have asked for our public prayers: Kay Anderson, Anna Bero; Dennis Bero; Fred Corwin; Linda Ernst; Ed Hahn; Phyllis Hahn; Darlean Hanner; Audrey Harris; Ruth Huehnerhoff; Eileen Johnson; Priscilla Kanestrom; Jeanne Lawson; Doris Lundquist, Jim Lyon; Bill McConnell, Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson; Marilyn Van Brero; former member John Boyd; Sandra, daughter of Dick and Darlean Hanner; Spike, son of Wanda Nelson; Jeff, son of Jerry and Joyce Johnson; and Thomas, young friend of Jerry and Joyce Johnson. Lord in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

God of the Living, to you all are alive. We give thanks for those who lived on earth as disciples of your Son, and who now live on eternally in heaven, especially Irv Maaland, grandfather of Alicia Nelson, fiancée of David Thomas, who died following an auto accident and whose Memorial Service was held on Friday.  We pray for Irv’s wife Sharon as she grieves and continues to recover from her injuries, and for the Maaland and Nelson families. Give them and us joy in knowing that our Redeemer lives, and that we will be united with the faithful in a resurrection like his. Lord in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in hope, we lift our prayers to you, most gracious Lord, trusting that you have received them in your care.

Amen.

COMMUNION SONG

“Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)”

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WELCOME TO WORSHIP – Jesus answers an inquiry about the resurrection of the dead in our gospel lesson for this 22^nd Sunday after Pentecost by reminding his questioners that his heavenly Father is the God of the living – those living on earth, and those living eternally. Rather than getting caught up in secondary details, Jesus focused on the central promise of everlasting life for those who place their trust in the Lord. Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries Judy Brennan is our preacher today. Welcome all!

INVITATION TO COMMUNION – At Cross of Christ and throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we practice Open Communion. You will hear the Assisting Minster make this open invitation with the words, “All are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Christ is the host; we extend his invitation to all.” Please be invited to join us. Please also feel comfortable if you decide to not receive Holy Communion today.  Most Sundays we come forward to receive the bread and the wine. If you would like to receive Communion where you are seated, please let the ushers who are assisting know your preference.  We would be happy and honored to bring the Communion elements to you.

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.

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TODAY FOR ENDOWMENT BOARD REVISIONS – All voting members of Cross of Christ are urged to attend this important but likely brief Congregational Meeting, between services in the Library. The sole purpose of the meeting is to officially ratify changes proposed by the Endowment Board and unanimously confirmed by Church Council to the guiding documents of the Board, to enable decisions to be made in more responsive, flexible ways while ensuring good oversight and management is still in place. The meeting will begin at 10:15 am.  Thank you for attending.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION – will be on break today due to the Congregational meeting, retuning next Sunday as we continue our study of the book of Acts. Adult Faith Formation meets between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library, led by Pastor Dave.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY – All kids age 4-10 are invited to join Miss Kristie for a fun time of learning from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Youth Room.

THIRD SATURDAY HIKERS – We will be getting together next Saturday, November 16, on a local trail in the Bellevue area. A nice morning hike, available to all experience levels. Questions: see Erik Paulson.

LECTORS NEEDED! – Please consider signing up to read one of the lessons during worship for an upcoming Sunday. It’s a joy to hear God’s word shared in many voices. To participate in this meaningful way, go to the Cross of Christ webpage – www.crossofchristbellevue.org – and click on the “volunteer” link.  You can also call Office Administrator Judy Giseburt during regular office hours and she will get you signed up.  Readings are sent to lectors ahead of time. Thank you.

SCOUT WREATH ORDERS TAKEN TODAY – It’s time to order this year’s beautiful greens for your home and support our Scouts by reserving your wreath.  Scouts and leaders will be in the Narthex today to take your order.  Wreaths will be available Sunday November 24. Thank you from Cub Scout Pack 673!

VETERANS DAY – We join our nation in giving thanks for veterans of the U.S. military for their service. Special thanks to Cross of Christ members who are veterans.  The church office will be open on Veterans Day from 9:30 am to 2 pm.

TANZANIA MISSION 2020 TEAM BUILDING MEETING TODAY – The Traveling Team gathers for cultural and language lessons, team building, and faith formation from 12:30 to 3:30 this afternoon in the Library

COLLECTING ITEMS FOR CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS – CFH has requested our help in gathering needed supplies including warm men’s socks (hiking or work style), razors (double edge or more, disposable), toothpaste, deodorant, foot spray, shampoo/conditioner (two-in-one), pillows and sleeping bags. There will be a box in the Narthex for your donations.  Financial contributions also help – make your check out to “Cross of Christ” with “CFH Drive” in the memo line. Thrivent Financial is also helping us with this drive. Thanks for your support. For more information contact Nancy Weisel – 425-748-4278.

SENIOR INFORMATION LUNCHEON – Our next information luncheon, “Crisis File Presentation: How to Prepare for a Senior Care Crisis Before it Happens” – takes place on November 18, from 11:30 am-1 pm, in the Library.  This event is sponsored by Aegis of Bellevue. Contact Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries Judy Brennan to learn more or to reserve your spot – or sign up at the Information Desk in the Narthex.

INTERFAITH COVENANT THANKSGIVING EVE GATHERING – This year’s Gathering is hosted by Temple B’Nai Torah, with an earlier start time of 6:30 pm, on Wednesday, November 27. The service will include our own handbell group Carillon, and choral music led by Cross of Christ Director of Worship and Music Ministries Ben Fowler. Recently called Rabbi Sydney Danzinger of TBT will bring the evening’s address.

HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT DECEMBER 7 – The Larks are planning a trip to the Seattle Symphony for the Holiday Pops concert with the University of Washington Chorale under the direction of Jacoma Bairos, conductor. The concert is December 7 at 2 pm and the cost is $47 per person.  We have three parking passes and plan to carpool from Cross of Christ.  We are taking orders now  – a signup sheet is available at the Information Desk in the Narthex. For more information please contact Heidi Fine or Sharen Stoll.

SAVE THE DATE: ADVENT SMORGASBORD DECEMBER 8 – Following one combined worship service at 10 am, join us for our Annual Smorgasbord to help kick off the Advent season. This fun and festive Cross of Christ tradition features food, fellowship and hospitality with traditional Scandinavian flair. There is a form at the Information Desk in the Narthex to reserve your place and to sign up to bring a potluck item (salad, main dish, dessert). Whether you bring a classic smorgasbord dish like pickled herring or cucumbers, Swedish meatballs, or salmon gravlax, or a potluck favorite such as deviled eggs or Jell-O salad, together we’ll have a feast to share. You can also choose to make a contribution for the purchase of ham and turkey. For more information, contact Linda Capron (425-898-0263, capron@comcast.net). Valkommen!

WINTER CROSSCURRENTS DEADLINE – It’s time for the next CrossCurrents covering December and January. Are you involved with something at CofC planned during these months that you would like advertised? Please submit your articles to Judy Giseburt at office@cofclc.net or drop them by the office before November 18.  Thank you!

DEATH OF PASTOR STEVE TURKO – Former Cross of Christ Associate Pastor Steve Turkko passed away October 27 after a long illness. Rev. Turkko recently marked his 50^th anniversary of ordination in the Lutheran Church. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 7, at 1 pm, at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, Seattle. Cross of Christ members are invited to attend.

NE 6^th STREET SIGN NEEDS SOME LOVE – Are you a woodworker or handy with projects? The Cross of Christ wooden sign on 6^th Street is showing its age and in need of a refurbish. We own two identical signs (one in storage) so you could take one home to work on. For more information contact Lee Thompson (425-746-9128).

FREE HYMNALS – There are a few unneeded extra ELW (Green Book) hymnals available at the Information Desk in the Narthex for anyone who would like one.  First come, first served.

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, or haven’t received one but would like to, Office Administrator Judy Giseburt would happily make you one. Contact Judy in the office at 425-746-7300 or at office@cofclc.net.

PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Kay Anderson, Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, and Marilyn Van Brero.

BENEDICTION

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

SENDING SONG

“How Can I Keep From Singing?”

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!