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 REFORMATION SUNDAY
On this day we celebrate the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ—the good news—that makes us free! We pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to unite the church today in its proclamation and witness to the world. In the waters of baptism we are made one body; we pray for the day that all Christians will also be one at the Lord’s table.
GATHERING SONG
“A Mighty Fortress”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O Lord God, tireless guardian of your people, you are always ready to hear our cries. Teach us to rely day and night on your care. Inspire us to seek your enduring justice for all this suffering world, 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
Jeremiah 31:31-34 The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect the people to live upright lives. To know the Lord means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the Lord will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets.
Psalm 46 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps. 46:7)
Romans 3:19-28 Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ.
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
John 8:31-36 Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin.
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “True Freedom”
Coming soon
SONG OF THE DAY
“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Formed and Reformed by God’s love and grace, we offer our prayers to our merciful Lord. Each petition will end “Lord in your mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.”
God, our refuge and strength, you make all things new. Reform your whole Church including this congregation, so that our life together bears witness to your unmerited love. Free us from sin and write the law of love on our hearts. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Continue to send preachers and prophets who, following the footsteps of Martin Luther and other Reformers, are willing to speak boldly your truth. Bless Bishop Shelley Wee as she will officially be installed on Saturday to guide the Northwest Washington Synod, be pastor to our pastors, and proclaim publicly your concern for the poor, the oppressed, the lost and the least esteemed by many, but beloved by you. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Continue to reform our relationships with you, with one another, and with all creation. Restore this good earth, the home you entrust to our care. Enrich soils, cleanse waters, and purify the air. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Be the ever-present help of those suffering the tumult of illness, poverty, abandonment, and uncertainty. Bring your calm and healing to those in need especially members of this community of faith and those dear to them who have asked for our public prayers: Kay Anderson, Anna Bero; Dennis Bero; Fred Corwin; Linda Ernst; Ed Hahn; Phyllis Hahn; Darlean Hanner; Audrey Harris; Ruth Huehnerhoff; Eileen Johnson; Priscilla Kanestrom; Jeanne Lawson; Doris Lundquist, Jim Lyon; Bill McConnell, Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson; Marilyn Van Brero; former member John Boyd; Sandra, daughter of Dick and Darlean Hanner; Spike, son of Wanda Nelson; Jeff, son-in-law of Jerry and Joyce Johnson; and Thomas, young friend of Jerry and Joyce Johnson. 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
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
ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY (AND TIME CHANGE!) NEXT WEEK – We return to our regular two-service (9 & 11 am) schedule next week for All Saints’ Sunday, when we remember and give thanks for those who have led us on the pathway of faith, especially members and others associated with Cross of Christ whom we have entrusted into God’s eternal care since last All Saints’ Day. Candles will be lit for saints dear to us during these meaningful worship experiences. Don’t forget that next Sunday is when Daylight Saving Time ends – we set our clocks back one hour.
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 – as we enjoy the “retro” potluck for Reformation Sunday. Adult Faith Formation returns next Sunday as we continue our study of the book of Acts, meeting between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library, led by Pastor Dave.
NO CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY – also due to the potluck. We look forward to seeing all kids age 4-10 next Sunday as Miss Kristie guides this fun time of learning from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Youth Room.
LECTORS NEEDED! – Please consider signing up to read one of the lessons during worship for an upcoming Sunday. It’s a joy to hear God’s word shared in many voices. To participate in this meaningful way, go to the Cross of Christ webpage – www.crossofchristbellevue.org – and click on the “volunteer” link. You can also call Office Administrator Judy Giseburt during regular office hours and she will get you signed up. Readings are sent to lectors ahead of time. Thank you.
QUILT SUNDAY RECAP & INVITATION – Sixty-six quilts are on their way to new homes overseas and locally. They were sent to Lutheran World Relief (48), Sophia Way (10), Baby Corner (7), and Congregations for the Homeless (1). Join the Cross of Christ Quilter on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 10am to 2 pm to begin getting the spring group of quilts made. Bring a lunch. All are welcome to join – no experience required!
EASTSIDE COMMUNITY FORUM ON HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY TOMORROW – from 6:45-pm join Catholic Community Services, Hopelink, Congregations for the Homeless, The Sophia Way, and Friends of Youth to learn what you can do to give hope for a brighter future. This event will be held at St Jude Catholic Church in Redmond. Please RSVP at https://eastside-community-forum-on-homelessness.eventbrite.com
INSTALLATION OF BISHOP WEE SATURDAY – All ELCA members are invited to celebrate the installation of the recently elected Bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod, Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee at 2 pm at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle, with the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Rev. Elizabeth Eaton preaching and officiating. Pastor Dave is participating in the procession of the clergy. Please attend if you are able and keep Bishop Shelley (as she prefers to be called) in your prayers.
FINAL FALL SENIOR INFORMATION LUNCHEON – An informative luncheon, “Crisis File Presentation: How to Prepare for a Senior Care Crisis Before It Happens” – is scheduled for November 18, from 11:30 am-1 pm, in the Library. This event is sponsored by Aegis of Bellevue. Contact Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries Judy Brennan to learn more or to reserve your spot – or sign up at the Information Desk in the Narthex. Look for information about a new series beginning in February.
HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT DECEMBER 7 – 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.
FREE HYMNALS – There are a few unneeded extra ELW (Green Book) hymnals available at the Information Desk in the Narthex for anyone who would like one. First come, first served.
OFFICE ADMINISTATOR ON VACATION – We pray for a blessed and refreshing time away for Judy Giseburt, who is on vacation until November 7. Pastor Dave will be covering office hours (9:30 am to 2 pm Monday-Thursday) until Judy’s return. Please contact him for scheduling rooms and other your other office needs.
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 – Kay Anderson, Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, and Marilyn Van Brero.
BENEDICTION
Martin Luther said, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a person could stake their life on it a thousand times.” May God be honored by our worship, grow our faith, inspire us to share the good news, keep us steadfast in service, and enable us to reflect his wide welcome to all, this day and always.
SENDING SONG
“Built On a Rock”
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!
