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 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
GATHERING SONG
“10,000 Reasons”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Gracious God, throughout the ages you transform sickness into health and death into life. Open us to the power of your presence, and make us a people ready to proclaim your promises to the whole world, through Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
THIS WEEK’S READINGS
Isaiah 35:4-7a These verses are a word of hope to the exiles in Babylon. Chapter 34 portrays God’s vengeance on Edom, Israel’s age-old enemy, which makes the path from Babylon to Zion safe for the exiles’ return. The desert itself will flow with water to give drink to the returning exiles.
Psalm 30 I will praise the Lord as long as I live. (Ps. 146:2)
James 2:1-17 Faithful Christians do not show partiality to the rich and powerful of the world, especially at the expense of the poor and weak. Likewise, faith does not pay mere lip-service to God’s will. Instead, a living Christian faith expresses itself in acts of compassion and mercy for those in need.
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
Mark 7:24-37 In Mark’s gospel, encounters with women usually signify turning points in Jesus’ ministry. Here, a conversation with a Syrophoenician woman marks the beginning of his mission to the Gentiles.
Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot: “Be Opened!”
Through this morning’s gospel reading, we are witnesses as Jesus heals a little girl of demon possession and a man of hearing loss. We’re told that the first witnesses were “astounded beyond measure”! May the miracles and message of Jesus, our healer and liberator, continue to astound and inspire us.
SONG OF THE DAY
“When Our Song Says Peace”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Freed by God in Christ to live and love and serve, we pray for the church, those in need, and for all of God’s creation. Each petition ends “Lord, in your mercy” to which the congregational response is “hear our prayer.”
Gracious God, you call your church to proclaim the love of Christ to a needy world. Embolden us to be your risen body by sharing the good news of your grace, serving our neighbors, and welcoming strangers. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Creative God, all of your works proclaim your majesty – small sprouts and tall trees, quiet brooks and mighty oceans, rolling hills and majestic mountains, the rising sun and the stars of night. Give us clear eyes to behold nature’s beauty, open hearts to appreciate the wonders of creations, and wise minds to protect our home, this earth, from human misuse, overuse, and abuse. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Sovereign God, you draw order from chaos, and bring peace into places of conflict. Watch over the nations of the world. Bless citizens and leaders who strive toward the beloved community for which you long. Stir us to see that which unites all people is greater than any difference that might divide us. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Loving God, you give us all that we need, and so much more. When your children suffer from hunger, poverty, loneliness, persecution, injury, or illness, send generous helpers, kind companions, and bold advocates. We pray for all who suffer in any way, especially our members and their loved ones who have asked for our public prayers: Anna Bero, Brian Constable, Ellie Dennison, Linda Ernst, Phyllis Hahn, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Dan Jacobson – son-in-law of Dick and Darlene Hanner, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, Marlys Paulson, John Paulson, and Marilyn Van Brero. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Into your wide embrace, faithful God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your boundless mercy through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
Amen.
COMMUNION SONG
“Behold the Lamb”
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
YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILES 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 STUDY BEGINS TODAY – “Christian Clichés: Half-Truths, Fake Faith, and the Uncovering of Unhelpful Sayings Based on the Bible – Or Not!” is a series exploring things all of us have heard that ring true at first, but in fact often are counter to the Biblical message. Join Pastor Dave 10:15-10:55 am in the Library as he leads this interesting study that will get you re-thinking, refocused, and reaffirmed in the core teachings of your Christian and Lutheran faith. Sundays between services.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS TODAY – We’re taking a “Whirl” of a journey this year through stories in our NEW Whirl Story Bibles. Please join us as we start with the creation story and move through the Old Testament, meeting new people with fascinating stories to tell us. Our program for kids ages 4-10 will meet in the Youth Room between services starting today and is designed for any child to drop in at any time. We hope to see you there!
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.
UPDATE ON BACK-TO-WORK CLOTHING DRIVE – This is the last month to make donations to this drive during which we are collecting work-appropriate clothing for men and women as they transition into the work force, go on interviews, head back to school, and for any other times nicer clothes are appropriate. To learn more, please see the flyer available at the Information Desk in the Narthex, where you will also find Donation Forms if you would like one. With the tremendous response already, Pastor Dave is seeking volunteers to help inventory, sort, and prepare donations for distribution in early October. If you are willing to help, speak with Pastor Dave or send him a message at pastordave@cofclc.net.
GOOD START BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE – Thanks to all who donated! Our contributions combined with other congregations and local organizations provided school supplies for nearly 1,300 low income children in Bellevue. You have made a real difference in their lives! Thank you so much – Community Outreach Committee.
LARKS NORDIC MUSEUM TOUR – Come with us as we go on a guided tour next Tuesday, September 18. We will meet at 9 am at Cross of Christ to carpool or meet at the Woods Coffee Shop in downtown Bellevue. The guided tour begins at 12:30 pm – $12 per person or $10 for seniors. A sign-up sheet and more info are available at the Information Desk.
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS – Thanks to your recent donation, kits have been assembled and are almost ready to be shipped all over the world – wherever they are most needed. Donations are needed to cover the cost of shipping. To donate, make your check out to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church with LWR School Kits in the memo line. Thank you for supporting this meaningful ministry!
COUNCIL AND CORE TEAM RETREAT SATURDAY – Our leadership team gathers at Pastor Dave’s home 1-6 pm as we continue to discern God’s leading of Cross of Christ into the future. You are invited to be a part of the process – Church Council has established teams that will help us to move our congregation forward. Teams include Visioning, Property Use and Value, Truss Repair, Building Use, and Financial Support. This is the first step to gather data. If you have an interest in participating or have questions, please contact Congregational President Gale Hill. Please hold your congregational leadership in prayer!
PLASTER HOUSE FUND-RAISING EVENTS – You are invited Tuesday, October 2, to two update/fund raising events: a luncheon at the Women’s University Club in Seattle and an evening presentation with bites and drinks here on the Eastside at the Barbee Mill Community Beach Club on Lake Washington in Renton. The Plaster House is one of the organizations supported by the Tanzania Mission Fund and visit by our Mission Teams in 2012 and 2016. Learn more at www.theplasterhouse.org.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THE SOPHIA WAY – The Sophia Way Emergency Shelter for women needs your help. Thanks to the generosity of Bellevue-based company Symetra, the Emergency Shelter will not close this summer. There is a strong need for meals and donations. You can take meals to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 17222 NE 8th Street. Signup online https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/1922673/false#/invitation. The Sophiaway.org website provides more detailed information on how you can help, or you can call 425-896-7385.
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Marilyn Van Brero, Ellie Dennison, Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, Jane Pittenger, and Norman Stromer.
SENDING SONG
“O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
This version almost sounds like a thousand tongues 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!
