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-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
GATHERING SONG
“God of Grace and God of Glory”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us your gift of faith, that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to what lies ahead, we may follow the way of your commandments and receive the crown of everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
THIS WEEK’S READINGS
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 Amos was a herdsman by profession and a prophet by God’s call. During a time of great prosperity in the northern kingdom of Israel, the prophet speaks to the wealthy upper class. He warns his listeners that fulfilling God’s demand for justice brings blessing, while corruption and oppression incur God’s wrath.
Psalm 90:12-17 So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. (Ps. 90:12)
Hebrews 4:12-16 We cannot hide our thoughts, desires, and actions from God, to whom we are completely accountable. Nevertheless, Jesus understands our human weakness and temptations, because he also experienced them. Therefore we can approach the throne of grace to receive divine mercy from Christ.
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
Mark 10:17-31 Jesus has been teaching his disciples about what is most valued in God’s eyes. Now, a conversation with a rich man brings his message home to the disciples in a way that is surprising but unforgettable.
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “Needle Work”
The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark’s gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other.
SONG OF THE DAY
“Son of God, Eternal Savior”
This hymn uses the much-beloved hymn tune “In Babilone.” We hear it here on handbells.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Coming soon!
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 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 – Today 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library. “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 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 – 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 interesting biblical 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.
GRIEF GROUP MEETS WEDNESDAY – All are welcome to join this friendly, informal, confidential group as we meet at 10 am in the Gathering Room. Pastor Dave leads a devotion and brings a conversation starter each month. October’s topic is “Peace Signs.”
PASTORS AT BISHOP’S CONVOCATION THURSDAY – Pastor Judy and Pastor Dave join Bishop Unti and pastors of the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood all day Thursday. With the cultural landscape continuing to shift, what once “worked” in established patterns for leading congregations has been disrupted. At the fall convocation, Bishop Unti and Synod staff will lead guided conversations to name the adaptive challenges churches are facing together and consider a framework for future mission and ministry. Please hold this important gathering and participants in prayer.
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.
CALL FOR CROSSCURRENTS ARTICLES – The next CrossCurrents – the Winter Edition covering November, December, and January – will be published on November 1. Please have your articles to the office tomorrow. Thank you.
SOPHIA WAY EMERGENCY WOMEN’S SHELTER AT CofC – In October and November, Cross of Christ is hosting about 35-40 women each night in the Fellowship Hall in partnership with Sophia Way. Meals are needed – we’ve already had several nights without anyone signed up to provide food. We would like to ensure that the women have a nice nutritious meal each evening. Please sign up to provide a meal online. The link is http://signup.com/go/tMaKqVQ Dinner is served at 8:30 pm – food needs to be delivered at 8. For more information, contact Volunteer Host Coordinator Dorinda Otto.
SUPPORT FOR PERMANENT EASTSIDE WOMEN’S SHELTER – A Desserts and Family Fun Fundraiser for The Sophia Way’s capital campaign to create a 24/7 enhanced shelter in Kirkland for women who are experiencing homelessness will be hosted by Overlake Christian Church, 9900 Willows Road in Redmond, on Thursday, November 15, from 7-9 pm. Email Karina@sophiaway.org to RSVP. Permanent recognition at the new shelter for groups that bring 10 or more guests!
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION – Pastor Judy is collecting box tops for the PTA of her children’s school throughout the year. They can be found on various boxes, like Cheerios, Kleenex, etc. Just clip them out and stick them in her mailbox. Thank you!
SCOUT HOLIDAY WREATH ORDERS – Preorder your holiday greens the next two Sundays, October 21 and 28, from Boy and Cub Scouts who will be taking orders in the Narthex.
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
“The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve”
Here’s an uptempo handbell rendition of the hymn tune, AZMON.
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!
