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 CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY
This Sunday’s worship format is a little different. On Christ the King Sunday–the final Sunday of our church year–we remember each season of the year in word and song as we prepare our hearts to begin anew.
GATHERING SONG
“What A Beautiful Name”
ADVENT
“Here I Am to Worship”
CHRISTMAS
“Angels We Have Heard on High”
EPIPHANY
“We Three Kings”
LENT
“Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed”
EASTER
“Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”
PENTECOST
“Speak, O Lord”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all in need. Today each petition will end “O Christ, our King,” to which the congregational response is “Receive our prayer.”
God of glory: You set us free to be your people, and send us to share, serve, and welcome in your name. Lead your church to be a community of grace, formed and reformed by the Gospel. Bless pastors, deacons, missionaries, musicians, teachers, and all who speak your truth. O Christ, our King,
Receive our prayer.
God of creation: You reveal your goodness through the majesty of what you have brought into being. Bring favorable weather to places affected by storms, fires, and other disasters. Protect plants and animals from devastation. Guide us in wise use and preservation of all natural resources. O Christ, our King,
Receive our prayer.
God of righteousness: You desire justice in the all places and for all people. Grant to courts wise, discerning, and unbiased judges, attorneys, and public defenders. Bless advocates who stand with the innocent and the vulnerable in legal proceedings, especially those who work for the welfare of children. O Christ, our King,
Receive our prayer.
God of hope: You are our beginning and end, the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega. Be with us all our days and seasons. In difficult times, soothe the afflicted, comfort the distressed, and heal the sick, especially our members and their loved ones who have asked for public prayers: Sterling Bentsen, Anna Bero, former member John Boyd, Linda Ernst, Phyllis Hahn, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, Wanda Nelson’s daughter Nyra, Marlys Paulson, John Paulson, and Marilyn Van Brero. O Christ, our King,
Receive our prayer.
God of mercy: Comfort all who mourn; Pastor Dave and Barbara and all the family and friends of Barbara’s sister, Dixie Morris, who died this week; and Faye and all who stand with her at the death of her husband, Rev. Winston Bone, whose Memorial Service will be held here on December 8. O Christ, our King,
Receive our prayer.
Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, that we commend to you this day, trusting in your abundant mercy, through Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Amen.
COMMUNION SONG
“In Christ Alone”
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 SERIES – We’ve began our dive into the exciting, action-packed book of Acts! This morning we’re finishing chapter 1, where we read about the actions of the church’s first Nominating Committee. Intrigued? Join us between services, 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL – for kids ages 4-10 will meet in the Youth Room between services and is designed for any child to drop in at any time. Come join the fun this week or any Sunday!
NEXT SUNDAY – SINGLE SERVICE & ADVENT SMORGASBORD – Join us for a festive and delicious Cross of Christ tradition – our Annual Smorgasbord luncheon, which will be held immediately following the 10 am combined service. Please sign up at the Information Desk in the Narthex to attend and to help with the meal. You may either bring a potluck item (salad, side dish, rolls, main dish, dessert) or contribute money towards the purchase of turkey and ham. For more information, or to volunteer to help, please contact Linda Capron at 425-898-0263, capron@comcast.net.
HOPELINK GIVING TREE – will be in the Narthex beginning today. Gifts can be donated until Sunday, December 9. Your generosity has brightened Christmas for countless girls and boys over the years. Thank you in advance for considering this important ministry.
CALLING ALL LECTORS! – Please consider signing up online to read a lesson in one of our upcoming worship services. It greatly adds to our worship and helps with planning when a variety of voices volunteer to be lectors. To save your spot, go to http://www.crossofchristbellevue.org/volunteer-sign-up/ . Thanks!
ADVENT READERS & CANDLE LIGHTERS – One very meaningful tradition for Sundays in Advent is the lighting of the candles on the Advent Wreath. This year, an original Advent-themed liturgy – “Home Coming” – has been created for this special part of our worship. Readers and candle lighters are needed for all services on the Sundays in Advent: December 2 (10 am only), 9, 16 and 23. Please connect with Pastor Dave to be a part of this year’s beautiful Advent celebrations.
MEMORIAL FOR REV. WINSTON BONE – will be held at Cross of Christ on Saturday, December 8, at 11 am, in the Sanctuary, followed by a luncheon reception in the Fellowship Hall. Rev. Bone was an ELCA pastor for more than 50 years. He was father to member Alma Constable, wife of Brian. Please keep the family in your prayers.
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Marilyn Van Brero, Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, Jane Pittenger, and Norman Stromer
“BACK TO WORK” CLOTHING DRIVE FINAL SORT & BOX – Volunteers are needed for the final push as we sort and box the last of the donations and send them on their way to local shelters, transitional housing facilities, social services organizations, and thrift stores that support the homeless and poor of the Eastside. The Packing Party will be this Thursday from 2 to 6 pm. Pastor Dave is bringing boxes and music. Let him know if you can come help. Thank you!
CAROLERS NEEDED FOR HOMEBOUND VISITS – Help spread some Christmas cheer and joy this season as we sing carols and seasonal hymns for members unable to come to worship. Information about places, dates, and times, and a signup (or should we say sing-up!) sheet are at the Information Desk in the Narthex. Contact Pastor Judy with questions at 502-415-5883.
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. Thanks!
CORN AND RICE BAGS FOR SALE – Pastor Judy and volunteers have been making these lovely bags that can either be heated in the microwave or kept in the freezer for warm or cold therapy. Some are designated for homebound and other members in need. But others will be for sale over the next few weeks for a suggested donation of $5. Proceeds will go toward purchasing new embroidered Cross of Christ aprons for our kitchen and volunteering opportunities. These handmade bags would make great holiday gifts or stocking stuffers! Thanks to those who have already picked some up. Contact Pastor Judy to learn more.
CHRIST THE KING
“Crown Him with Many Crowns”
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!
