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 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Perhaps the church, at its best, is “all ears.” Almighty God urges the faithful, again and again, to “lis ten up!”—to heed the word from above. So it was with Abraham and Sarah, with Mary and Martha, and the early church at Colossae. So it is today as we join the assembly to hear the word of God, the words of life.
GATHERING SONG
“Dearest Jesus, At Your Word”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ, and you make yourself our guest. Amid the cares of our lives, make us attentive to your presence, that we may treasure your word above all else, through 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 READING
The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. 3 He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” 7 Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
9 They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10 Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. He said, “Oh yes, you did laugh.”
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
Luke 10:38-42 38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
PASTOR JUDY’S SERMON SNAPSHOT
Coming soon!
SONG OF THE DAY
“Be Thou My Vision”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Coming soon!
COMMUNION SONG
“Evening and Morning”
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
PASTOR DAVE ON “STAY-CATION” TODAY – enjoying some family time. Judy Brennan, our Associate Pastor of Caring Ministries, preaches and leads worship this morning. Pastor Dave returns to the office tomorrow.
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.
NO ADULT FAITH FORMATION THIS WEEK – due to Pastor Dave’s time off. We will continue our study of the book of Acts next Sunday. Adult Faith Formation meets after worship, from 11:15 to noon, in the Library.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL ON BREAK – Children’s Sunday School is taking the summer off and returning September 8.
GOOD START BACK TO SCHOOL BUS ARRIVES TODAY– Don’t miss the 2019 Good Start Back to School bus! Beginning today Cross of Christ, as part of Congregations for Kids, will be collecting donations to help low income families in the Bellevue School District start the upcoming school year well equipped and with pride. The bus is parked in the Narthex, along with a list of needed items, and will be until August 11. You can also make a donation by check made out to Cross of Christ with “Back to School” in the memo line, put in the offering plate or brought to the office. Remember to check with your employer about matching gifts to Congregations for Kids. The bus departs August 11 for Spiritridge Elementary School where our donations will be added to those of other Eastside congregations and organizations. Questions? Contact Arlene Palmerton 425-746-9599. Thank you!
TASTE OF TANZANIA SAFARI-THEMED DINNER AND FUNDRAISER A HUGE SUCCESS! – Asante sana – many thanks – to everyone who helped make last week’s event so fun, tasty, inspiring, and successful. With donations and matching grants still coming in, we’ve already exceeded the $32,000 mark in funds raised in support of our partners in Tanzania, especially MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School and The Plaster House. Cross of Christ is continuing to help make life-transforming work possible for children, families and communities in Tanzania!
BEN’S GOT A NEW TITLE & RESPONSIBILITIES – To better utilize his many gifts, a new job title and some new tasks have been given to Ben Fowler, who is now our Director of WORSHIP and Music Ministries. In addition to his Music Ministry roles, Ben is also charged with seeking more opportunities for collaboration in worship and music with other congregations, creating special worship and music outreach opportunities throughout the year, improving the audio, video, and recording capacity in the Sanctuary, and being the point person for members involved in worship on Sunday morning, among other important tasks. Congratulations, Ben!
“SOPHIA WAY LUNCHEON – SAVE THE DATE! We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, October 15, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Bellevue. Sophia Way is hoping to host 700 people this year, so please sign up early, and invite your friends! Save your place online at https://sophiaway.org/luncheon-2019/ or contact your table host, Dorinda Otto. Come by yourself or bring a group of friends.
CAMPBELL’S LABELS FOR EDUCATION ARE NO LONGER NEEDED – For the past 43 years Campbell’s contributed more than $110 million in school supplies to U.S. schools. Thank you for all the Cross of Christ donations to help the local schools in our neighborhood at Phantom Lake Elementary and Lake Hills Elementary. This program has been discontinued to declining participation. Please do not leave labels at church, they will go to the recycle bin.
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.
“RESTFUL” SERMON SERIES FOR AUGUST – It’s a challenge to find a godly rhythm for our lives when we often feel the pressure to work, do, and be more and more. How do we balance work and rest, tasks and play, activity and down time in ways that are efficient, effective, healthy and life-giving? Based on four biblical words and principles, Pastor Dave presents “Rest, Rhythm, and Restoration” a four-part sermon series in August that explores Scriptural models and methods for rest and peace.
August 4 – “Sabbath – A Day for Rest” based on Exodus 31:12-18
August 11 – “Shaqat – Peace-filled Rest” based on Isaiah 14:5-7
August 18 – “Daman – Rest in the Lord” based on Psalm 37:7-9
August 25 – “Anapauo – Rest for the Weary” based on Mathew 11:28-30 Director of Worship and Music Ministries Ben Fowler is creating an original worship setting for the series, influenced by Holden Evening Prayer, the worship and music of Taizē, and the work of current liturgists, infused with his own creativity. The resulting contemplative, peace-filled worship experience is designed to help us experience rest, rhythm and restoration as well as connect with Jesus, our Prince of Peace, in music, litany, and liturgy.
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, and Marilyn Van Brero.
SENDING SONG
“Jesus, Priceless Treasure”
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!
