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 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Consideration of and care for those in need (especially those “at our gate,” visible to us, of whom we are aware) is an essential component of good stewardship. It is in the sharing of wealth that we avoid the snare of wealth. It is the one whom death could not hold—who comes to us risen from the dead—who can free us from the death grip of greed.

GATHERING SONG

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God among us, we gather in the name of your Son to learn love for one another. Keep our feet from evil paths. Turn our minds to your wisdom and our hearts to the grace revealed 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.

I have said before, even recently, how pleased and proud I am of the heritage of Cross of Christ as a caring, sharing, giving, generous community of Christ followers. And how humbled and inspired I am by you as you continue this legacy today in so many ways. You have seen those around us with less materially, and you have responded over and over with time and talent and treasure… You do a lot. You do what you can. You do something.

In a world of indifference and apathy, that IS something. In a world not just of indifference, but increasingly hostility and marginalization and blame-casting on the poor, the hungry, and the homeless, that MEANS something. Thank you so much for being the hands and heart and face of Jesus in these acts not just of charity but of dignity. Thank you for serving others.

And yet, there are still more we can, and should, do. There are still folks at our gate in need. In need of food and shelter, yes. But also in need of acknowledgement that they matter – to God and therefore to us. In need of advocates and allies. In need of love – Christ’s love – the love that is offered freely and unconditionally. There is still things we and others who share our faith have left undone.

Let us confess that we are called to share and to serve and to welcome all – and that in these ways, we truly worship and honor the God of grace, in whose name we are called and sent. Amen.

SONG OF THE DAY

“Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart”

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Please stand in body or in spirit. Led by the Holy Spirit, we offer our prayers, trusting in God’s mercy, wisdom, and love. Each petition will end “Lord in your mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.”

Watch over your church, God of righteousness. You call your people to be agents of justice, acting on behalf of those who suffer due to the actions or apathy of others. Stir us to share from what we have with those in need, including our positions of influence and our collective power to confront unjust systems and individuals. Lord in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Watch over your world, Creating God, especially the life-giving water that sustains us. Heal oceans, rivers, and lakes around the world. Where drought or floods cause imbalance and hardships for people, animals, and ecosystems, give strength for healing and rebuilding. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Watch over caregivers, Empowering God. Give strength to those who attend to relatives, serve the sick, minister to prisoners, and bring food or communion to the homebound. May they bring joy to those they visit. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Watch over our loved ones, Healing God, and all who are in need. You raise up those who have been brought low, and you remember the forgotten. We lift up to members of this community of faith and those dear to them who have asked for our public prayers: Anna Bero; Dennis Bero; former member John Boyd; Linda Ernst; Phyllis Hahn; Darlean Hanner; Audrey Harris; Ruth Huehnerhoff; Eileen Johnson; Priscilla Kanestrom; Jeanne Lawson; Jim Lyon; Marlys Paulson; Marilyn Van Brero; Sandra, daughter of Dick and Darlean Hanner; and Spike, son of Wanda Nelson. We pray for all who mourn, including Hal and Jean Mills’ daughter Linnea; and the family, friends and the congregations including Central Lutheran of Bellingham from 1966 to 2002 served by Pastor Leonard Ericksen, who died Monday. Lord in your 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

“Beautiful Savior”

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

WELCOME TO WORSHIP – Today is a Fifth Sunday, a Reunion Sunday at Cross of Christ, when we combine our two services and come together for worship and a congregational fellowship event. During worship we hear Jesus share the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, another of his reversal teachings that illustrate the “right-side up” nature of the Kingdom of God.  Afterwards all are welcome to our annual Oktoberfest downstairs in the Fellowship Hall with brats, craft root beer, German-inspired sides and desserts, games for all, and a live Oom-pah Band featuring our own Doug Lieberg.  Next Sunday we return to our regular two-service schedule.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION – At Cross of Christ and throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we practice Open Communion. You will hear the Assisting Minster make this open invitation with the words, “All are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Christ is the host; we extend his invitation to all.” Please be invited to join us. Please also feel comfortable if you decide to not receive Holy Communion today.  Most Sundays we come forward to receive the bread and the wine. If you would like to receive Communion where you are seated, please let the ushers who are assisting know your preference.  We would be happy and honored to bring the Communion elements to you.

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 ON BREAK – Today for Oktoberfest, next Sunday for Fall Break, and the following for a special Town Hall to update the congregation on proposed updates to the Endowment Board policies.  Adult Faith Formation will be back in session October 20 when we pick up our study on the book of Acts, between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library.

NO CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY – Also due to Oktoberfest.  Sunday School resumes next week, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Youth Room.  Kids age 4 – 10 are welcome!

FUN CHURCH POTLUCK OCTOBER 27 – Our next Congregational Fellowship Event takes place on Reformation Sunday.  Please join us for “Reforming Through the Decades” potluck immediately following the combined and very festive 10 am service.  There will be games, themed decorations, and of course, wonderful potluck food representing the dishes popular in the decades since Cross of Christ’s founding.  A signup sheet is available in the Narthex. Please contact Fellowship Chair, Linda Capron (425-898-0263, capron@comcast.net) for more information.

WELCA BIBLE STUDY LEADERS THURSDAY – Pastor Dave helps Circle Leaders prepare to lead this month’s Bible Study from 10 to 11:15 am in the Conference Room. Bring your Bibles, your copy of the October “Gather” magazine, and your note-taking supplies.

SAINT ANDREWS’ MEN’S RETREAT – The men of Cross of Christ are invited to this overnight Men’s Retreat October 11 and 12 at Valley Camp in North Bend. The retreat topic is “Our Prodigal God: A deep dive into Jesus’ parable in Luke 15.“ and will be led by Pastor Paul Hoffman, former lead pastor of Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle, is a nationally-recognized author and speaker who works with the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA. More information can be found online at www.salc.church/mens-ministry-saint-andrews-men-sam  Brochures are available at the Partners and Community News bulletin board in the Narthex.

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.

LARKS PLAN VISIT TO MOLTON WORKS GLASS – On October 16 at 11 am, the Larks will visit Molten Works Glass Studio in Woodinville and see how many artists we have Cross of Christ.  The cost is $35 per person for the class and any materials for the project you would like to create. Sign up at the Information Desk or Contact Heidi Fine.

SENIOR LUNCHEON TOPICS – Join us for these free sessions on the third Mondays in October and November, from 11:30 am-1 pm, in the Library. Friends, neighbors and family members are welcome. RSVPs are helpful. Sign up at the Information Desk.  Contact Pastor Judy if you have any questions.

October 21- Senior Living 101 – sponsored by Sunrise of Bellevue

November 18 – Crisis File Presentation: How to prepare for a senior care crisis before it happens – sponsored by Aegis of Bellevue.

SUPPORT DAYS FOR GIRLS – A group has formed at Cross of Christ to support the Days for Girls (DFG) organization. DFG increases access to menstrual care and education so girls can stay in school.  The DFG group at Cross of Christ is partnering with Operation Bootstrap Africa to send funds to Tanzania to purchase kits for students at the MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School.  The goal this fall is to purchase 425 kits at $6.50/kit from a local DFG enterprise organization in Arusha, Tanzania.  There are multiple benefits to this approach – no need to organize a sewing project, elimination of overseas shipping costs, and it supports a local business which helps their economy. The Cross of Christ DFG group already has raised $2,100 to get started in their support.  They would like to encourage others to consider contributing to this ongoing ministry. If contributing by check, please make your check out to Cross of Christ and note “DFG” in the memo line. Contact Carol McCandless to learn more.

ROOF TRUSS UPDATE – We were informed this week that there will be a delay in starting the project due to a backlog of work with one of the subcontractors.  At this point it looks like the project will begin in October. We will keep you posted as we receive updates. They project is expected to take about four weeks, and it appears that we will have use of the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall on weekends – although if need be, alternative arrangements have been made for worship. Please keep this project in your prayers.

HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT – The Larks are planning a trip to the Seattle Symphony for the Holiday Pops concert with the University of Washington Chorale under the direction of Jacoma Bairos, conductor. The concert is December 7 at 2 pm and the cost is $47 per person.  We have three parking passes and plan to carpool from Cross of Christ.  We are taking orders now  – a signup sheet is available at the Information Desk in the Narthex. For more information please contact Heidi Fine or Sharen Stoll.

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, or haven’t received one but would like to, Office Administrator Judy Giseburt would happily make you 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, and Marilyn Van Brero. 

BENEDICTION

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
In the name of the Father, and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

SENDING SONG

“For the Beauty of the Earth”

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!