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 Fifth Sunday in Lent.
Our Gathering song at our Mosaic service is “What A Beautiful Name It Is”
Prayer of the Day
O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, that through life and death we may live in 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 are from Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Psalm 51
Jeremiah 31:31-34
The Judeans in Babylon blamed their exile on their ancestors, who had broken the covenant established at Sinai. Here the prophet looks to a day when God will make a new covenant with the people. There will be no need to teach the law, because God will write it on their hearts.
Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you alone, have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are justified in your sentence
and blameless when you pass judgment.
5 Indeed, I was born guilty,
a sinner when my mother conceived me.
6 You desire truth in the inward being;
therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodshed, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you have no delight in sacrifice;
if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased.
17 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,
19 then you will delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
This week’s Gospel text is from John 12:20-33
Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time to celebrate the Passover festival. Here Jesus’ words about seeds planted in the ground turn the disaster of his death into the promise of a harvest in which everyone will be gathered.
20-21 There were some Greeks in town who had come up to worship at the Feast. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee: “Sir, we want to see Jesus. Can you help us?”
22-23 Philip went and told Andrew. Andrew and Philip together told Jesus. Jesus answered, “Time’s up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24-25 “Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.
26 “If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.
27-28 “Right now I am storm-tossed. And what am I going to say? ‘Father, get me out of this’? No, this is why I came in the first place. I’ll say, ‘Father, put your glory on display.’”
A voice came out of the sky: “I have glorified it, and I’ll glorify it again.”
29 The listening crowd said, “Thunder!”
Others said, “An angel spoke to him!”
30-33 Jesus said, “The voice didn’t come for me but for you. At this moment the world is in crisis. Now Satan, the ruler of this world, will be thrown out. And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me.” He put it this way to show how he was going to be put to death.
Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot: “We Wish To See Jesus”
In today’s Gospel reading, some Greek converts to Judaism wish to meet Jesus. In response to this request brought to him by his disciples, Jesus foretells of his impending death on a cross. Just as new life comes from a grain of wheat that “dies” when planted in the ground, Jesus says that his death will open the way to life to those who will believe and follow his path of servanthood.
The Hymn of the Day in our Traditional service is “Seed That in Earth Is Dying” (ELW 330)
Prayers of the People – 3/18/18
Renewed in the promises of baptism, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
(A brief silence.)
Lord, you come to meet us long before we search for you. May your people the Church, and this space in which we congregate, be filled with your glory and grace. You have promised that where two or three are gathered in your name, you will be present. Through the beauty of the music, the truth of the spoken word, the sharing of the sacred meal, and the silences in between, may our worship space be indeed the sacred space where we encounter you.
(A brief silence.)
Lord, as you brought order out of chaos at Creation, inhabit our darkness and brood over our abyss. Speak to our confusion and concerns, that we may breathe in your life-giving Spirit. Inspire us to be stewards, shepherds, and advocates, standing up for justice and peace in your world. Help us to demonstrate the values of your kingdom of love and liberty here on earth.
(A brief silence.)
Lord, take us to yourself, we who hurt so much in the depths of our being. We are caught up in the pain of life, and yet so often inflict pain in our turn on ourselves and others. Embrace us with the hands that show the mark of the nails, your love swallowing up all our sin and pride. We pray for all in need, especially our members and those dear to them who have asked for public prayer: Ann Baseler, Anna Bero, Viggo Bertelsen, Brian Constable, Heidi Fine, Phyllis Hahn, Claire Huehnerhoff, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, Marlys Paulson, John Paulson, Vernette Rae, Corinne Riemer, and Marilyn Van Brero.
(A brief silence.)
Lord, you come to meet us in your cross and resurrection. We remember all those whom we have loved and entrusted you’re your eternal care. We thank you especially for those who have modeled the godly life, giving us footsteps to follow on our journey of faith. This week we remember Patrick, missionary to Ireland, for his example of selfless concern for others, even his enemies.
(A brief silence.)
Guide us by your wisdom, fill us with your love, and restore us by your grace, for the sake of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen.
The Communion song at our Mosaic service is “Create In Me A Clean Heart “
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.
And because there’s always something going on, the 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 – Pastor Dave begins a two-part series on Lent and Easter traditions throughout history and from around the world, today between services in the Library. Please join him from 10:15 to 10:55 am for this interesting exploration of how Christians celebrate these two major seasons in the church year.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL – is designed to be a drop-in program for 3 through 10. We hope you can join us in the Youth Room between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am.
EARLY SUMMER SCHEDULE THIS YEAR! – There is no guarantee summer weather will come with it (we can all hope!) but our Summer Worship Schedule is beginning early this year. We will go to one worship service at 10 am starting the Sunday after Easter, April 8. The early start this year is due to several factors: because Pastor Dave will be out of town two Sundays in April and May; to accommodate our guest preachers; due to a fifth/Reunion Sunday in April; and to simplify things rather than going back and forth from one to two services over the next few weeks. The Summer Worship Schedule continues through the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, September 2. We’ll look forward to worshiping together – hopefully with some sunny, early summer weather as a bonus!
CALL COMMITTEE FORMED – at the special called Congregational Meeting last Sunday. The six-member (and one alternate) Call Committee is charged by the Council to interview candidates and make recommendations to the Congregation for a part-time (15 hours per week) Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries. The Council recommends Pastor Judy Brennan, currently under contract, be officially called by this process. The Call Committee can decide to interview other candidates as well. The Synod and Bishop are aware and supportive of this potential call. Those elected were Lois Corwin, David Ernst, Art Hill, Linda Lyon, Monnie Meland, and Jean Westby, with Doug Lieberg as alternate. Please keep your Call Committee in prayer as they carry out their task and report back to the Congregation soon.
SOUP SUPPER AND MIDWEEK WORSHIP – We gather Wednesdays in the Fellowship Hall for Soup Supper at 6 pm, followed by a short worship service in the Sanctuary.
WOMEN’S SPRING LUNCHEON – Sign up today at the Information Desk! The Women’s Spring Luncheon is April 14 at 11:30 am. Pastor Judy Brennan will be our keynote speaker. The theme this year is “Bloom Where You Are Planted.” Donations will go to the Lutheran World Relief Shipping Fund, which supports our ministries that supply quilts, Personal Health Kits, and School Kits. The shipping cost from Cross of Christ is about $900 per year. Our shipping fund is currently depleted, so donations are desperately needed. Besides giving at the Spring Luncheon, donations will be accepted until the end of April. Please make checks to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and specify Lutheran World Relief-Shipping.
BLESSING OF THE PALMS – St. Louise Catholic Church is hosting this year’s Blessing of the Palms next Sunday at 8:40 am. You are invited to begin your Palm Sunday with this short but meaningful shared service, which will last about 10 minutes, giving us plenty of time to get back to Cross of Christ for the 9 am Traditional Service with our blessed palms in hand!
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY RESTARTING – Jean Mills is helping to restart the Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry at Cross of Christ. If you’re interested, please contact Jean at 425-861-9885 or email her at jeanmills13@hotmail.com. Shawls are made following one of several patterns, blessed, and given to members who might be comforted by them during a time of illness, grief, or loneliness. We even have yarn and needles to loan to help you get started!
CofC MEMBER MARIE SCHOTT IN “MULAN JR.” – Presented by the Redmond Academy of Theatre Arts and performed at Redmond High School Performing Arts Center, Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” is a heartwarming celebration of culture, honor and heart, bringing ancient China to life with a modern sensibility. Four performances March 29-31. Tickets available at the door, or in advance at www.goldstar.com. Good luck, Marie!
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Marilyn Van Brero, Leona Lenschow, Doris Lundquist, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Jane Pittenger, Corrine Riemer, and Norman Stromer.
ALMOST TIME TO TEE IT UP FOR ANOTHER GOLFING SEASON – We’ll soon be hitting the links at Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course. Knock the rust off your clubs and your swing and sign up to play with us at the Information Desk in the Narthex. Fore!
SHELTERS NEED SUPPLIES! – Donations for women go to Holy Cross Lutheran Church (4315 129th Place SE). You can also sign up to bring a meal for the women at sophiaway.org/donate-meals. Contact Dorinda Otto at md.otto@hotmail.com to learn more.
BELLEVUE MEN’S PERMANENT SHELTER SURVEY – Here is an opportunity to provide your input on siting a permanent shelter on the Eastside. The survey is available at the Information Desk or at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Shelter-LUCA-Survey.
Our sending song in our Traditional service is “Christ, the Life of All the Living” (ELW 339)
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!
