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 BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
The Baptism of Our Lord cannot help but recall our own and all baptismal blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as daughters and sons, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised company of almighty God when we “pass through the waters . . . the rivers . . . fire.” On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of the beloved Son of God in bread and wine.
GATHERING SONG
“How Great Is Our God”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and revealed him as your beloved Son. Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God, 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 READINGS
Isaiah 43:1-7 Near the end of Israel’s exile in Babylon, God promises to bring them home. They need no longer be afraid, because the one who formed, created, and called them by name now redeems them from all their enemies. God declares them precious and honored, and God loves them.
Psalm 29 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. (Ps. 29:3)
Acts 8:14-17 Peter and John are sent to support the new Christians in Samaria, a group that was recently baptized after hearing the good news of Christ through the preaching of Philip. Here the Samaritans receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in the laying on of hands.
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 The reading opens with questions about the identity of the Messiah. John the Baptist insists that he is not the Messiah; instead he points ahead to one who is coming. And whether the voice of God was heard by all or only by Jesus, God settles the matter: Jesus is God’s beloved Son.
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “Filled With Expectation”
In our own baptism, God through Holy Scripture calls, claims, and commissions us. In our Lutheran rite of baptism, we baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and speak these powerful words:
“Child of God, you have been sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
After hearing these beautiful, powerful words, the newly baptized is commissioned, sent out with a purpose, to let their light so shine before others that they may see their good works and glorify the Heavenly Father. Baptism is both God bringing us into his family, and God sending us out into the world. Our whole lives are meant to be a living response to the good news that God has said to us, “You are my son. You are my daughter. You are Beloved. In you I am well pleased.”
Some have called this “walking wet.” Is that a euphemism? It’s at least a lovely way of reminding us that, as the baptized, as the called and the claimed, it is our duty and our joy to share the good news of God’s unconditional love and amazing grace our whole lives long.
SONG OF THE DAY
“Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all in need. Each petition will end “Lord in your mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.”
We pray, Mighty One, for all the baptized, for those preparing for baptism and for those who long to hear you call and claim them as your own. Stir us, by the Holy Spirit you send to dwell in us through water and the word, to live as your people, filled with expectation, joy, and hope. May our lives be lights shining with the love of Christ. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
We pray, Restoring One, that all people would live in harmony, respecting one another and honouring the life you have given each human. Guide leaders of cities, states, provinces, and nations to work for the greater and common good, setting aside personal and political agendas and governing with wisdom and justice. Help us to be engaged citizens who contribute to our communities in ways that bring life and light. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
We pray, Healing One, for all people according to their needs. Soothe the afflicted, comfort the distressed, and heal the sick. We lift to you our members and their loved ones who have asked for public prayers: Anna Bero, former member John Boyd, Fred Corwin, Linda Ernst, Phyllis Hahn, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, Wanda Nelson’s daughter Nyra (NI-rah) and her granddaughter Kierra, Marlys Paulson, and Marilyn Van Brero. Bless Marlys, Erik and everyone who grieves the passing of John Paulson, whose Memorial Service was held here yesterday. Bless Pastor Dave, Barbara, David and their family as they travel for the Memorial Service of Barbara’s sister, Dixie. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers, spoken and silent, that we commend to you this day, trusting in your abundant mercy, through Jesus Christ, our healer and our hope.
Amen.
COMMUNION SONG
“Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters”
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 & CHILDRENS’ SUNDAY SCHOOL – Join us for our Sunday “grow in faith” opportunities. Pastor Dave guide us on our journey through the book of Acts, in the Library. Children’s Sunday School meets in the Youth Room. Both gatherings take place between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am. Note: Adult Faith Formation will not meet next Sunday as Pastor Dave will be out of town (see below).
PRAYERS FOR PATOR DAVE & FAMILY – as they travel to Missouri for a Memorial Service for Barbara’s sister Dixie Morris on Saturday, which Pastor Dave is leading. He will be out of the office Thursday through Tuesday, returning Wednesday morning. Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries Judy Brennan will lead worship and preach next Sunday and respond to pastoral emergencies in Pastor’ Dave’s absence.
COFFEE DONATIONS TODAY – The Congregations for the Homeless Day Center and Emergency Shelter are serving 100-plus men a day and with the cold weather they are making a lot of coffee! We’re collecting ground regular coffee today, along with cash donations, to help CFH provide hot coffee for the men. Checks can be made to Cross of Christ with “CFH Coffee Fund” in the memo line. This is a Thrivent Action Team event. Thanks for your generosity and hospitality.
TANZANIA 2020 TEAM MEETING TODAY – at 1:30 (note the time change!) in the Library. We’ll be working on plans for our Spring Fundraiser as well as assigning everyone on the Travel Team to Task Teams. If you have not submitted your pre-deposit, it is due today. See you there!
ARTICLES FOR SPRING CROSSCURRENTS DUE TUESDAY! – Please submit your articles and photos for inclusion in the next edition of Cross of Christ’s newsletter, CrossCurrents. The next publication date is February 1, and will cover February, March, and April events. Contact Judy Giseburt at office@cofclc.net or by phone at 425-746-7300.
NICOLE KIM PIANO CONCERT NEXT SUNDAY – Dr. Nicole Kim is a regular attender of Cross of Christ, and a noted pianist, teacher, and local music community leader who is sharing her musical gifts in concert on Sunday, January 20, at 2 pm, playing our Steinway Grand Piano in the Sanctuary. And rightly so, as she is a Steinway Artist, one of very few pianists recognized by Steinway with such distinction! A winner of multiple competitions, including the Joanna Hodges International Piano competition, Dr. Kim has taught, performed, and studied on the highest levels. Her teaching positions have included Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, Soowon University in South Korea, and as affiliated faculty at Bellevue College. She has served as a board member for The Federal Way Symphony and National Music Teachers Association (MTNA), Eastside Chapter, and as president for MTNA Lake Washington Chapter. You will be certain to enjoy an afternoon of gorgeous classical music with renowned pianist – and friend of Cross of Christ – Dr. Nicole Kim. The concert is free and open to the public. A freewill offering benefitting Cross of Christ Music Ministries will be taken at the door.
GRIEF GROUP MEETS WEDNESDAY – You’re welcome to join this relaxed, confidential, caring group, 10 am, in the Library. Pastor Dave facilitates the conversation and brings a devotion. This month’s conversation starter is “Start Up.” We’ll talk about what it takes to start something new – a business, a project at home, a new phase in one’s life.
INTERFAITH EDUCATIONAL FORUM COMING SOON – Cross of Christ will host the Interfaith Educational Forum on Wednesday, January 30 from 7 pm to 9pm. This year the topic is “Faith Over Fear: Standing with Our Muslim Neighbors Roadshow” with Speakers Aneelah Afzali and Pastor Terry Kyllo.
CofC HOSTING MEN’S SHELTER IN FEBRUARY – Congregations for the Homeless has asked Cross of Christ to swap months with St. Luke’s Lutheran Church to accommodate a largescale, ongoing construction project at St. Luke’s. So instead of our usual month of May, we will host the Men’s Shelter next month. We need “all hands on deck” as we offer a warm place to sleep, a warm meal, and a warm welcome to the men and staff of CFH. Please contact Ann Huseby, Jay or Kay March, or Nadine or Sterling Bentsen to learn more.
FAMILY & WOMEN’S EMERGENCY SHELTER UPDATES – The Family Shelter is now at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church at 17222 NE 8th Street. The numbers are lower now, averaging about 15, so if you have signed up to provide a meal, please check the calendar periodically for current numbers. The Women’s Shelter is now at Lakeside Christian in Kirkland, 701 1st Street. They average 40 to 45 women per night.
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.
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, Jane Pittenger, Norman Stromer, and Marilyn Van Brero.
SENDING SONG
“All Who Believe and Are Baptized”
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!
