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 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

GATHERING SONG

“Built on a Rock“

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God, through suffering and rejection you bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross you transform our lives. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may turn from the lure of evil, take up our cross, and follow 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

Isaiah 50:4-9a   The image of the servant of the Lord is one of the notable motifs in the book of Isaiah. Today’s reading describes the mission of the servant, whom early Christians associated with Jesus. Like Jesus, the servant does not strike back at his detractors but trusts in God’s steadfast love.

Psalm 116:1-9   I will walk in the presence of the Lord. (Ps. 116:9)

James 3:1-12   This text uses various images to illustrate how damaging and hurtful the way we speak to and about others can be. Not only are we to control our speech, but what we say and how we say it are to reflect our faith.

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL

Mark 8:27-38   This story provides the turning point in Mark’s gospel. Peter is the first human being in the narrative to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, but he cannot accept that as the Messiah Jesus will have to suffer. Moreover, Jesus issues a strong challenge to all by connecting discipleship and the cross.

PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “I Can See Clearly Now”

You might think of our gospel lesson this Sunday as a series of “vision tests” as Jesus heals a man of blindness, asks his disciples who the world sees him as being, and helps Peter have a clearer vision of the ways of God’s kingdom. May God open our eyes to his amazing grace as we gather in Jesus’ name.

SONG OF THE DAY

“O Christ, Our Light, O Radiance True”

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Freed by God in Christ to live and love and serve, we pray for the church, those in need, and for all of God’s creation.

Grant us vision, O God, to see you at work in our lives, through our church, and in the world every day.  Open our ears to your invitation to join in your mission of reconciliation, healing, and hope, and open our hearts to respond faithfully. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Grant us faith, O God, to follow where you lead us. As Council, Core Team Leaders, Staff, and Members, help us discern your plans and purposes for Cross of Christ in this time and place, and into the future. Give us boldness to dream big dreams for the sake of sharing the Godpel of Jesus Christ in our words and deeds. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Grant us peace, O God, even in the midst of troubles, turmoil, uncertainty, and upheaval in our own lives and in our world. Bless leaders of nations, states, and cities with a vision of equity, unity, and justice for all.  Help them and us to be bridge builders and peacemakers. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Grant us comfort, O God, when we or our loved ones suffer, and in the wake of what can feel like overwhelming suffering around the globe.  Bless victims of natural disasters, especially those suffering from Hurricane Florence, and from ongoing wildfires.  Comfort all who mourn, guide all who face the daunting task of rebuilding or relocating, restore all who are injured, and bless all who come to their aid. We also come to you on behalf of our members and their loved ones who have asked for our public prayers: Anna Bero, former member John Boyd, Brian Constable, Ellie Dennison, Linda Ernst, Phyllis Hahn, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Dan Jacobson – son-in-law of Dick and Darlene Hanner, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, Wanda Nelson’s daughter Nayla, Marlys Paulson, John Paulson, and Marilyn Van Brero. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Into your wide embrace, faithful God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your boundless mercy through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

Amen.

COMMUNION SONG

“Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song”

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.

CHRISTIAN CLICHES: ADULT FAITH FORMATION – Join Pastor Dave as he leads an interesting study that will get you re-thinking, refocused, and reaffirmed in the core teachings of your Christian and Lutheran faith. “Christian Clichés: Half-Truths, Fake Faith, and the Uncovering of Unhelpful Sayings Based on the Bible – Or Not!” is a series exploring things all of us have heard that ring true at first, but in fact often are counter to the Biblical message. We meet from 10:15 to 10:55 am between services in the Library.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL – We’re taking a Whirl of a journey this year through stories in our NEW Whirl Story Bible. Please join us as we start with the creation story and move through the Old Testament, meeting interesting people with fascinating stories to tell us. Our program for kids ages 4-10 will meet in the Youth Room between services starting today and is designed for any child to drop in at any time. We hope to see you there!

TANZANIA TEAM MEETING – Anyone who has been a part of past Tanzania Mission Trips – as a supporter and/or traveler – and all those interested in the future of this impactful ministry is invited to an important meeting today, 5-7 pm, in the Library. Topics of discussion include Tanzania Mission 2020 trip, financial support of our partners in Tanzania, and the future of international mission at Cross of Christ. Come ready to share some fun snacks, as well as your ideas and dreams as together we make critical decisions and discern God’s leading in this area.

LARKS NORDIC MUSEUM TOUR – You are invite you to join the trip to the Nordic Museum on Tuesday for a guided tour.  We will meet at 9am at CofC to carpool or meet at the Woods Coffee Shop in downtown Bellevue.  The guided tour begins at 12:30pm – $12 per person or $10 for seniors.  A sign-up sheet and more information are available at the Information Desk.

GRIEF GROUP GATHERS WEDNESDAY – All are welcome to this casual, supportive, confidential group that meets once on month in the Gathering Room from 10-11 am. Pastor Dave brings a devotion and conversation starter. This month’s theme is “Changing Colors.”

GOLF ON THURSDAY – Join the golfing gang at Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course. For more details see the signup sheet at the Information Desk in the Narthex.

UPDATE ON BACK-TO-WORK CLOTHING DRIVE – This is the last month to make donations to this drive during which we are collecting work-appropriate clothing for men and women as they transition into the work force, go on interviews, head back to school, and for any other times nicer clothes are appropriate. To learn more, please see the flyer available at the Information Desk in the Narthex, where you will also find Donation Forms if you would like one. With the tremendous response already, Pastor Dave is seeking volunteers to help inventory, sort, and prepare donations for distribution in early October.  If you are willing to help, speak with Pastor Dave or send him a message at pastordave@cofclc.net.

PLASTER HOUSE FUND-RAISING EVENTS – You are invited Tuesday, October 2, to two update/fund raising events: a luncheon at the Women’s University Club in Seattle and an evening presentation with bites and drinks here on the Eastside at the Barbee Mill Community Beach Club on Lake Washington in Renton. The Plaster House is one of the organizations supported by the Tanzania Mission Fund and visit by our Mission Teams in 2012 and 2016. Learn more at www.theplasterhouse.org.

9th ANNUAL CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS LUNCHEON – Join us at 11:30 am on Thursday, October 4, at Bellevue Presbyterian Church. To register please go to www.cfhomeless.org. Guests will be asked to make a donation in support of the work of CFH. If you want to sit with other CofC members, please enter Cross of Christ as your table captain.

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THE SOPHIA WAY – The Sophia Way Emergency Shelter for women needs your help. Thanks to the generosity of Bellevue-based company Symetra, the Emergency Shelter will not close this summer. There is a strong need for meals and donations. You can take meals to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 17222 NE 8th Street. Signup online https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/1922673/false#/invitation. The Sophiaway.org website provides more detailed information on how you can help, or you can call 425-896-7385.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS – Thanks to your recent donation, kits have been assembled and are almost ready to be shipped all over the world – wherever they are most needed. Donations are needed to cover the cost of shipping. To donate, make your check out to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church with LWR School Kits in the memo line. Thank you for supporting this meaningful ministry!

PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Marilyn Van Brero, Ellie Dennison, Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, Jane Pittenger, and Norman Stromer.

SENDING SONG

“Shine, Jesus Shine”

In case you ever wondered what this would sound like sung in a concert hall with several hundred voices, we’ve got you covered with this video.

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!