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 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
The glory of God is often revealed when and where it is least expected. God uses our lips to declare that glory, inexperienced and hesitant though they may be. God uses our love to demonstrate that glory and so urges us to exercise it. God uses Jesus of Nazareth, water and the word, bread and wine, to reveal God’s glory where and when God chooses. Take heed, lest the glory of God slip through our midst unnoticed.
GATHERING SONG
“I Love to Tell the Story”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and love; and inspire us to do what you command, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
THIS WEEK’S READINGS
Jeremiah 1:4-10 God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet and consecrates him in the womb. Jeremiah’s task is to preach God’s word in the midst of the difficult political realities of his time, before the Babylonian exile. He is to make God known not only to Judah, but also to the nations.
Psalm 71:1-6 From my mother’s womb you have been my strength. (Ps. 71:6)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Christians in Corinth prided themselves on their spiritual gifts. Paul reminds them that God gives us many gifts through the Holy Spirit, but the purpose behind all of them is love, the kind of love that God showed us in Jesus Christ.
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
Luke 4:21-30 People in Jesus’ hometown are initially pleased when he says that God will free the oppressed. Their pleasure turns to rage when he reminds them that God’s prophetic mission typically pushes beyond human boundaries so that mercy and healing are extended to those regarded as outsiders.
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “Hometown Reject”
In our Gospel lesson for today, Jesus was trying to remind his family and friends that God has always called his people to reach out to others. He wasn’t at all saying “God doesn’t love you,” but rather, he was telling them “God doesn’t love ONLY you.” What Jesus was trying to say, I am convinced, was that God’s love is not limited, in quantity of quality. God’s love is unending and unconditional. God’s love is patient, and kind. God’s love brings hope and endurance. God’s love is unbounded, inexhaustible, unfailing. God’s love never ends. And when we experience God’s love – really open ourselves up to God in humility – we experience not what we deserve, but something far, far better. We experience God’s grace. And we will want nothing more than to share this love and grace and life and hope with others.
SONG OF THE DAY
“O Word of God Incarnate”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all in need. Each petition will end “Lord in your mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.” We pray for the church in all its expressions. Grant vision and leadership, courage and faithfulness, inspiration and hope as your people respond to the good news we have in Jesus Christ. When we are reluctant, strengthen us; when we are doubtful, encourage us. Above all, let your love shine through us. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
We pray for this congregation. Bless our pastors and staff, lay leaders and volunteers, members, guests and visitors, that Cross of Christ may continue to be a community that worships joyfully, shares the Gospel authentically, and serves our neighbors with gratitude and graciousness. We pray for our partnership with Congregations for the Homeless as we host them this month of February. May we experience your presence in our sharing of meals and conversations with these, our honored guests. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
We pray for our members and their loved ones. We rejoice with Cross of Christ member and mother Stephanie and her family and friends as they welcome Katherine Athena Alteneder, born Tuesday morning. Grace Katherine with health and happiness, and bless Stephanie, Tad, and new big sister Lorelei as their family grows and gives thanks to you. Bless our members facing any difficulties or challenges, especially those who have asked for our public prayers; Anna Bero, former member John Boyd, Ellie Dennison, Linda Ernst, Phyllis Hahn, Audrey Harris, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, Wanda Nelson’s daughter Nyra and her great-granddaughter Kierra, Marlys Paulson, Marilyn Van Brero, and Bev Walker. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer
We pray for all people and communities of faith. We pray for our Christian family that extends to many congregations in our community. We especially pray for your blessing to be with our ELCA sisters and brothers in Bellevue who worship at Grace, Holy Cross, St. Andrew’s and St. Luke’s Lutheran churches. We pray for our ecumenical and interfaith partners, St. Louise Catholic Church, Temple B’nai Torah Jewish Congregation, and Episcopal Church of the Resurrection. In this time of division and disinformation, we pray for those who are made to feel that this country’s constitutional rights to freely worship are not afforded equally to them, especially our Muslim neighbors and friends. Lord, in your mercy…
hear our prayer.
Receive our prayers and fill us with the radiance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
COMMUNION SONG
“O Praise the Name”
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 – we continue our study of the action-packed book of Acts. Pastor Dave is our guide between services, 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library.
CHILDRENS’ SUNDAY SCHOOL – welcomes kids age 4-10 to the Youth Room this morning from 10:15 to 10:55 am. Join Miss Kristie for a fun time of learning about God’s love for you!
2019 OFFERING ENVELOPES – For those who have not yet picked them up, offering envelopes are at the Information Desk in the Narthex. If you would like to have envelopes but do not find a box with your name, please contact bookkeeper Denise Fuentes at 425-746-7300, ext. 107.
CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS SIGNUPS – Thank you for your wonderful response. If you haven’t had an opportunity, please stop by the table to see how you can be involved in this ministry. There are a few openings to provide a meal or serve, there is also a need for sandwich makers and donations of items or funds to purchase lunch and breakfast makings. We welcome volunteers to come visit with the men, and we are also in need of people who are willing to come to set up. We ask for prayers for the men who are experiencing homelessness, the staff and volunteers of CFH. Please contact Ann Huseby, Jay or Kay Marsh, or Nadine or Sterling Bentsen to learn more.
THANK YOU, DR. NICOLE KIM – for the amazing concert of classical piano! All who attended were blessed. A freewill offering raised more than $700 in support of Cross of Christ Music Ministries.
PARKING LOT HOSPITALITY – As a reminder, we have three parking spots reserved for “Courtesy and Visitor Parking.” These are intended for those who might need them most – like those with temporary mobility limitations, families with young children, and expectant mothers. Please help “Welcome All’ by not parking in these spaces if you are able to walk a few steps farther. Also, please remember that all spaces marked as reserved for handicapped can only be used by those with authorized handicap license plates or rear-view mirror placards. These spaces are occasionally monitored by Bellevue Special Parking Enforcement. Thanks for practicing parking lot hospitality!
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, Office Administrator Judy Giseburt would happily make you a new one. Contact Judy in the office at 425-746-7300 or at office@cofclc.net.
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, Jane Pittenger, Norman Stromer, and Marilyn Van Brero.
THANK YOU CROSS OF CHRIST FAMILY – for your prayers, cards, calls, visits, flowers, and the well wishes during my recent illness. I know it has helped in my recovering. Fred Corwin.
FAMILY & WOMEN’S EMERGENCY SHELTER UPDATES – The Family Shelter is now at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church at 17222 NE 8th Street. The numbers are lower now, averaging about 15, so if you have signed up to provide a meal, please check the calendar periodically for current numbers. The Women’s Shelter is now at Lakeside Christian in Kirkland, 701 1st Street. They average 40 to 45 women per night.
SENDING SONG
“How Firm a Foundation”
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!
