Welcome to ICYMI Worship! ICYMI stands for In Case You Missed It; our ICYMI series will give you 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 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Our Gathering song is Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee
This week’s readings are:
Ezekiel 33:7-11
7So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 8If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. 9But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
10Now you, mortal, say to the house of Israel, Thus you have said: “Our transgressions and our sins weigh upon us, and we waste away because of them; how then can we live?” 11Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?
Psalm 119:33-41
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees,
and not to selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life.
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise.
Romans 13:8-14
This week’s Gospel text is from Matthew 18:15-20
Reproving Another Who Sins
15 “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot: Conflict is inevitable when humans live together. But conflict and disagreements should not lead to division in the church. Jesus instructed his followers on how they should resolve conflict and deal with crisis within community, and especially within the church. When our goal isn’t winning but loving, conflict is dealt with much differently.
Kids’ Time: I Don’t Care Who Started It
Jesus wants us to learn to get along, which doesn’t mean we will always agree with each other, but it does mean we shouldn’t fight, or hurt one another, or be mean. When we do – or when others do such to us – Jesus shows us how to restore our relationships.
Our Hymn of the Day is Blest Be the Tie That Binds
Here’s an instrument we don’t see much of: mountain dulcimer.
Prayers of the People – 9/10/17
Open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all of God’s creation. Each petition will end, “Lord, in your mercy” to which the congregation responds, “Hear our prayer.” We observe a brief time of silence for preparation.
God of grace, may we be reminded often of your mercy, and the great debt of gratitude we owe you for loving us so much you sent us your Son to pay the price for our sins, that we may be set free. Make us anxious to share the good news that, through Christ, you offer forgiveness, peace, and life to any and all who would turn to you. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
God of mercy, help us live out our gratitude to you as you have commanded, and as our Lord both taught and modeled, by forgiving others as we have been forgiven. Give us the faith and the serenity to seek reconciliation rather than revenge. Empower us by your Spirit to pray for those who persecute us and our brothers and sisters in faith, and to do good to those who would do us harm. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
God of compassion, we pray for those in any need. Provide for the hungry. Rescue the persecuted. Bless those who dedicate themselves to protect, rescue, and defend us. We pray for the victims of hurricanes in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and the Caribbean. Bless the work of Lutheran Disaster Response and affiliates and all who provide shelter, food, water, comfort and care to the many in need. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
God of hope, we lift to you all who are hurting. Bring healing to the ill and injured, peace to all who are near death, consolation to the sorrowful, and hope to the discouraged. We remember those who have asked for our prayers – Anna Bero, Cheryl Buettemeier, Phyllis Hahn, Claire Huehnerhoff, Mary Mehlum, Iris Schiffer, Vernette Rae, Corinne Riemer, and Marilyn Van Brero. Lord in your mercy.
hear our prayer.
Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting the
power of Christ and the gifts of the Spirit.
Amen.
The Communion song at our Mosaic service is Behold the Lamb
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!
TODAY WE RETURN TO OUR TWO-SERVICE SCHEDULE – Traditional service at 9 am, Casual/Mosaic worship at 11 am, and Discipleship Hour between. Our next combined service Sunday is Reformation Sunday, October 29, with one very special service at 10 am, followed by an Oktoberfest luncheon.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION – Today we begin a Reformation-themed series for September and October, guided by Martin Luther’s Small Catechism (a copy of which will be provided to those who attend). Pastor Dave leads us, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library. Please join us as together we “grow in faith!”
CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION RETURNS – We invite kids ages 4-10 to join us in the Youth Room at 10:15 am. Our program is designed for children to be able to participate whenever they’re here, so drop-ins are welcome.
LECTORS NEEDED! – Reading from God’s Word in worship is a central part of Lutheran worship. Hearing the lessons read by many different voices ads both variety and vitality to our services. Lately we’ve had lots of openings for lectors. Would you be willing to read on an upcoming Sunday? Please go to our website www.crossofchristbellevue.org and click on the “Volunteer” tab to sign up. Thank you.
NEW COORDINATOR OF CARING MINISTRIES – Pastor Judy Brennan began her work this week, partnering with our lay Caring Ministry leaders and volunteers to provide care for our members in need. Working on a one-quarter time basis – averaging about 10 hours weekly – Pastor Judy will work also with Pastor Dave to provide pastoral care, emergency responses, and pastoral guidance. She will spend most of her time outside of the church office visiting folks, but will establish regular office hours yet to be determined. She will also be with us in worship approximately one Sunday a month. Pastor Judy will be officially installed in both worship services on Sunday, September 24. She is excited to get to know us, and we are looking forward to working with her!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT – Will you be traveling this summer or otherwise unable to attend worship? Take a peek at a new feature on our blog: ICYMI Worship! ICYMI stands for In Case You Missed It, and it’s a brief roundup of our worship service each week that includes the readings, hymns, Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot, the prayers, and announcements. You can learn more by visiting the Cross of Christ Facebook page and clinking on a link to ICYMI, or at http://www.crossofchristbellevue.org/category/icymi-worship/.
LUTHERANS RESPONDING TO VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HARVEY – Lutheran Disaster Response and its affiliates are collaborating with community leaders, government officials, and other non-profit agencies to respond to the massive needs – both immediate and long-term – created by Hurricane Harvey. The ELCA and Lutheran Disaster Response/Relief have a long history of caring for people impacted by natural disasters both domestically and abroad. From the ELCA website, “We invite you to stand by our neighbors on the Gulf Coast during this time. Your gifts ensure that our Church will be able to provide help and hope for those left homeless or otherwise affected by this disaster for years to come. Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response, designated for “Hurricane Response – United States” will be used entirely (100 percent) for this disaster. Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support. Give today to support the needs in this response and others like it.” To learn more please visit the ELCA website at www.elca.org. Thank you.
NATIONAL LUTHERAN CHOIR IN WASHINGTON – presenting a community-wide evening of singing in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. “Jesus Christ: Yesterday, Today and Forever” is a musical program celebrating a rich treasury of music – from early hymns to new works – expressing the journey of the Lutheran Church. Under the direction of Dr. David Cherwien, the 64-voice National Lutheran Choir is in concert at 7:30 pm on Friday, September 29, at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle. The concert is free and open to the public. Info at: www.saintmarks.org. A freewill offering will be received to support Compass Housing Alliance and Imagine Housing. Fellow Lutheran and travel guru Rick Steves has agreed to match the offering at this event up to $20,000.
CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON – You are invited to the 8th Annual CFH Luncheon Thursday, October 5, 11 am to 1 pm, Bellevue Presbyterian Church. This year’s theme is “Homelessness to Housed – Transforming Lives.” Jon Fine, President and CEO of United Way of King County, is the keynote speaker. Luncheon and parking are complimentary, but please bring a giving spirit. This year a suggested minimum donation of $150, but all gifts are appreciated. If attending and want to be seated with fellow members, please list Cross of Christ as the Table Captain. To learn more, RSVP online, or make a donation, visit www.cfhomeless.org. Any questions please contact Nadine Bentsen at nadinebentsen@yahoo.com.
NW WASHINGTON SYNOD WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION CONVENTION – October 7 from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran, Lynnwood. Rev. Heidi Fish, pastor of Celebration Lutheran, Anacortes, will lead a Bible study, “Dancing Through the Waters,” focusing on Miriam’s story and Exodus 15:20. For more information or to register, please visit www.lutheransnw.org/synod-women.
Our sending song in our Mosaic service is 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
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!
