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 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
This Sunday’s texts paint startling pictures of the horrific—the demonic—nature of sin. The church’s repeated celebration of the holy communion counters that tragic reality in a continued showing forth of the death of Jesus “until he comes.” It is a dramatic declaration of “how much God has done for you.”
GATHERING SONG
“O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, form the minds of your faithful people into your one will. Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
THIS WEEK’S READING
23 Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. 27 As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
26 Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me”— 29 for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) 30 Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. 31 They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss.
32 Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
34 When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. 37 Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. 38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him.
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “I Declare”
You don’t have to travel internationally to cross borders from places of faith to places where not everyone has heard about God’s liberating love, do you? In our own neighborhood, our own city, even for some of us in our own families, I believe Jesus is asking us to consider – “Do you have anything of value to declare?” What is our story of liberating faith? From what has God set us free? How have our encounters with Christ broken chains that had us bound up, freeing us to live as children of God? And who needs to hear our own personal version of the gospel? To whom is the Lord sending us, sending you, to declare and to proclaim, to share the good news?
May our God of grace and wideness, our Lord of liberty and love, the Spirit of wisdom and joy in God’s presence, stir us to gratitude for all Jesus has done for us, and inspire us to declare God’s message of hope and healing, life and love, to all. Thanks be to God. Amen.
SONG OF THE DAY
“O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Led by the Holy Spirit, we offer our prayers, trusting in God’s mercy, wisdom, and love. During the Season of Pentecost, each petition will end “Spirit of mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.”
God of liberation, we thank you for freeing us from sin and self, and for restoring us by your grace to right relationship with you. Grow in us a spirit of gratitude and joy and give us boldness in declaring all you have done for us. Spirit of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
God of peace, grant clarity and restraint to world leaders, that all people may live in harmony and hope. Break down barriers between nations. Build up a shared sense of common community within our one human family. Help each of us to be peacemakers in our spheres of influence – our homes, our work, our communities and our congregation. Spirit of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
God of righteousness, bless those whose needs are known to us and those whose needs are known only to you. We pray for those who are abused, who are oppressed, who are trafficked, or who live under constant threat and fear. Unbind the chains of greed, prejudice, racism, and judgmentalism, that all may be free. Bless those who are our partners in striving for your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, including our ELCA East King County Cluster sister congregation Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, and Pastor Eric Hanson. Spirit of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
God of compassion, we remember before you members and loved ones who have asked for our public prayers: Nancy and Kenny Anderson and family; Anna Bero; Dennis Bero; former member John Boyd; Ellie Dennison; Linda Ernst; Phyllis Hahn; Audrey Harris; Ruth Huehnerhoff; Eileen Johnson; Priscilla Kanestrom; Jeanne Lawson; Carol McCandless; Marlys Paulson; and Marilyn Van Brero. We pray for the grieving; including the friends and family of Lee Dates, whose Memorial Service will be held here on Thursday.
Sprit of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy and grateful for you love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
COMMUNION SONG
“We Come to You for Healing, Lord”
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 MEETS TODAY – following worship, from 11:15 to noon, in the Library, as we continue our study of the book of Acts
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL ON BREAK – Children’s Sunday School is taking the summer off and returning September 8.
TANZANIA 2020 TEAM MEETING TODAY – We continue to work on the “Taste of Tanzania” fundraiser. All team members are urged to make this meeting, beginning at 12:15 in the Library – lunch provided.
PASTOR DAVE CONTINUING EDUCATION THIS WEEK – He will be out of the office Monday through Wednesday, returning Thursday morning. Office Administrator Judy Giseburt and Council President Gale Hill will be able to contact him during his Continuing Ed. retreat. If you need to get a message to him during this time, please contact Judy or Gale. His main focus is reading several books that are part of the Synod’s “Living Local” program.
GOLFERS TEE IT UP ON THURSDAY – Join the Cross of Christ golfing group at Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course. All are welcome – pros to duffers! Schedules and contact info are at the Information Desk in the Narthex.
LEE DATES MEMORIAL THURSDAY – A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for Lee’s life will be held Thursday at 11:30 am, at Cross of Christ, followed by a luncheon reception hosted by Community Living in the Fellowship Hall. All members of Cross of Christ are invited to attend.
HANDBELL CONCERTS – The Handbell Musicians of America – Area 10 presents three handbell concerts at Everett Community College – 2000 Tower Street, in Everett. Friday – 7:30 pm – Emerald City Ringers (Cross of Christ’s Artists in Residence); Saturday – 7:30 pm – Showcase Choirs and Bronze Conference Choir: and a closing concert on Sunday – 4:00 pm. Admission is free. For more information visit eventschair.area10@handbellmusicians.org.
PASTOR MARK GRIFFITH PREACHES NEXT SUNDAY AT CofC – Rev. Dr. Griffith is the Pastor of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue. He and Pastor Dave are “swapping pulpits” next Sunday to get to know one another’s congregations in a spirit of Christian collaboration. Pastor Mark grew up in Alaska, then studied physics at Pacific Lutheran University, graduating with a B.S. in Physics with a minor in Recreation. As he says, his degree allows him to “throw a Frisbee well and tell you why it’s flying!” Fully intending to work in the field of physics, Mark “felt this strange call to ministry” and after a time of discernment enrolled in Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Graduating with a Masters of Divinity, Pastor Mark was ordained in Juneau, Alaska on July 15, 2007. His first call was to Shelton, Washington, at Faith Lutheran Church, where he served as Associate Pastor for two years. He next accepted the call to be the Pastor at Mt. Si Lutheran Church in North Bend. It was during his seven years there that he completed Doctorate in Ministry in Semiotics and Future Studies through George Fox University. In May 2016, Pastor Mark accepted the call to St. Luke’s. He also serves as Dean of the East King County Cluster of ELCA churches, and one of five finalists for the recent call by election for Bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod. Pastor Mark is very much looking forward to being at Cross of Christ next Sunday, preaching, and attending our Church Picnic (even though he’s a very health-aware vegetarian!). Pastor Dave will return to Cross of Christ for the picnic after preaching at St. Luke’s.
CHURCH PICNIC NEXT SUNDAY – Please plan to join the fun following worship next week. There will be fried chicken, salad, rolls, lemonade, and ice cream served in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the 10 am service. For more information, contact Linda Capron at 425-898-0263 or capron@comcast.net.
FIRST COMMUNION INSTRUCTION NEXT SUNDAY – For those children whose families feel are ready to receive Communion, Pastor Dave will offer instruction following the Church Picnic, beginning at approximately 12:30 pm, first in the Library and then in the Sanctuary. This 90-minute introduction prepares young people to appreciate and receive Holy Communion. At least one parent or guardian must attend with their child(ren). There are three already signed up. To join them or learn more, please contact Pastor Dave as soon as possible.
SAVE THE DATE – JULY 13 – TANZANIA 2020 SAFARI-THEMED DINNER AND FUNDRAISER – Overlooking beautiful Lake Sammamish, the back yard of the home of the Matt and Andrea Pohle family – Cross of Christ and Tanzania 2020 members – will be magically transformed into a luxury safari camp with outdoor dining on the evening of July 13 for our “Taste of Tanzania” dinner and fundraiser. This fun, colorful, and tasty event will help support our education, church, and medical partners among the Masai and others in northern Tanzania. Cross of Christ is planning its fourth mission journey to the region in July, 2020, with about 18 traveling team members and the entire congregation and friends as support team. All proceeds from “Taste of Tanzania” will go to partners and special projects, which you’ll learn more about at the event. Please save the date and look for more details to come soon about how to make your reservations and/or financial gift. Asante Sana – Thank you very much!
TASTE OF TANZANIA NEEDS YOUR BEST DESSERTS! – As part of the “Taste of Tanzania” fundraiser, we want to finish our meal with one of your tasty desserts. If you have a special dessert that you would be willing to make and share with us, it will not only add to the “taste” part of the evening, but also the fundraising, as tables will bid for the chance to pick their desserts first. So show off your culinary skills and help us support our education, medical and Lutheran Church partners in Africa.. Please call Judy at the church office at 425-746-7300, so we know we can count on you! We will need the dessert dropped off at the church office on Friday, July 12, by 5 pm. Thanks!
LOST & FOUND & COAT RACK MID-YEAR PURGE – Please check the Lost and Found drawer at the Information Desk in the Narthex as well as the Coat Rack to claim any of your misplaced or forgotten items. Unclaimed items will be donated or discarded at the end of June. Thank you.
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, and Marilyn Van Brero.
IN OUR PRAYERS – Former Cross of Christ Youth Director Tracie Peterson and her daughter, Hanna (who had just graduated from high school the week before) were seriously injured in a car crash a little over a week ago in Minnesota. Both suffered very serious injuries when their vehicle was T-boned by a suspected impaired driver. Both, however, are making progress in the early stages of recovery from their injuries – they remain in the hospital. Please keep Tracie, Hanna and their family – husband/father Roger and other children Faith and Hope – in your prayers. Tracie served at Cross of Christ in the late 1990s, then at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, before moving to Minnesota. Cards can be sent to them at 1295 Stephen Lane, Chaska, MN 55318.
SENDING SONG
“The Church of Christ in Every Age”
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!
