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 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

All Saints celebrates the union of all the baptized people of God, living and dead, in one eternal church. Even death cannot forever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, or from our loved ones who lived and died in faith. Today’s readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem. On this holy day, by a red candle on the altar, by the reading their names, and by the tolling of a bell, we remember those of our congregation who have died during the past year. There will also be an opportunity for anyone in the congregation to come forward to light a candle in memory of someone dear to them.

GATHERING SONG

“Cornerstone”

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

On this All Saints Sunday, we remember people who were blessed to be called sons and daughters of God through baptism, offered God’s grace received through faith, and whose lives were a lived-out thank you to the Lord.  They weren’t saints because they were flawless, or super religious, or performed miracles – although we are grateful for their examples of sharing and serving and welcoming in the name of Jesus, and thankful that they were, and will continue to be, models of faithfulness for us to follow.

We call them saints – we call them blessed – in that sense of being set apart by God AND in the same sense that Jesus called the poor and hungry and sorrowful and persecuted blessed in our gospel reading – blessed because they were known to God, and valued by God, and beloved of God.  Blessed because, in the reversal of their circumstances, God’s justice and mercy and grace is seen.

SONG OF THE DAY

“My Faith Looks Up to Thee”

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.”

Almighty God, in your great love and forgiveness, you freed us from sin and call us your saints. Direct us now in your way of servanthood so that the whole world will know of your unending love. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, you shower your creation with blessings of abundance. Sustain us by your gifts and by your grace. Stir us to be good stewards of all that you have entrusted into our care, including land, water, air, plants, and animals. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Guiding God, as we vote this week, remind us of our responsibility as citizens and as people of faith to consider the wellbeing of all. May we exercise our responsibility as the electorate with thanksgiving for this precious freedom. As outcomes are announced, stir us to pray for the newly elected, that they may fulfil their duties with wisdom, justice, and equity.  Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, you look upon the lowly and call them blessed. Have mercy on the poor, the hungry, and those who suffer persecution. Comfort those who mourn, those having to make hard decisions, those who are lonely, and all who are in need. Be the comfort of all who call upon you, 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.

Everlasting God, we give thanks for all the saints who have gone before us. May we follow in their faithful footsteps, even as they were led by Christ our Lord, in whose name we worship and pray.

Amen.

COMMUNION SONG

“O Praise the Name (Anástasis)”

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

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.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION – returns today 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.

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. Thanks you from Cub Scout Pack 673!

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 of this project, of Congregations for the Homeless, and of our neighbors in need.  For more information contact Nancy Weisel – 425-748-4278.

WELCA BIBLE STUDY LEADERS THURSDAY – Pastor Dave helps Circle Leaders prepare to lead this month’s Bible Study from 10 to 11:15 am in the Conference Room. Bring your Bibles, your copy of the November “Gather” magazine, and your note-taking supplies.

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING FOR ENDOWMENT BOARD REVISIONS NEXT SUNDAY – 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 topic was well covered in a Town Hall on Sunday, October13, but if you still have questions please speak with Endowment Board Chair Hall Mills.

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.

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.

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

Martin Luther said, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a person could stake their life on it a thousand times.” May God be honored by our worship, grow our faith, inspire us to share the good news, keep us steadfast in service, and enable us to reflect his wide welcome to all, this day and always.

SENDING SONG

“For All the Saints”

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!