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 LAST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus will be unable to avoid reflecting that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see the glory of the Lord in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by the Spirit of God.
GATHERING SONG
“Arise, Shine, For Your Light Has Come”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and love; and inspire us to do what you command, through 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
Exodus 34:29-35 Moses’ face shone with the reflected glory of God after he received the ten commandments on Mount Sinai. The sight caused the Israelites to be afraid, so Moses wore a veil to mask the radiance of God’s glory, taking it off when he spoke directly with God.
Psalm 99 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord; worship upon God’s holy hill. (Ps. 99:9)
2 Corinthians 3:12 – 4:2 In his debates with the Corinthians, Paul contrasts the glory of Moses with the glory of Christ. The Israelites could not see Moses’ face because of the veil. But in Christ we see the unveiled glory of God
and are transformed into Christ’s likeness.
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
Luke 9:28-43a The conversation about Jesus’ suffering and death is enclosed in a dazzling foreshadowing of the resurrection. God affirms Jesus’ identity, the disciples are stunned speechless, and Jesus resumes his mission
with a demonstration of his power over evil.
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “Shazam!”
Coming soon!
SONG OF THE DAY
“Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair”
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.”
Reveal your glory, Lord, as it was revealed upon the mount of transfiguration. Allow us to glimpse your divine radiance. Give us eyes to see you in the glorious and in the routine. Open our ears to truly listen to you, and open our hearts to obey. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Reveal your mercy, Lord, as in mercy you healed many, including the son of a man who cried out to you in desperation. Help us hear the cries of those who are fearful, those who are bound up, those who are tormented, and those who are unwell. Give us faith to respond as we are enabled by your Holy Spirit. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Reveal your unchanging ways, Lord, as your people grapple with being the Body of Christ amidst rapid and radical changes all around us. Guide leaders who faithfully serve their members, and courageously and creatively connect churches with their communities. Bless all congregations with a zeal for sharing, serving, and welcoming. This morning we especially ask blessings upon the members past and present of Grace Lutheran Church as today they worship together for the final time after more than 70 years of ministry in central Bellevue. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer
Reveal your compassion, Lord, as you acted kindly toward those others ignored, cursed, or condemned. Help us to be your agents of peace. We remember places of intimidation, violence and war, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Central African Republic, Venezuela, and North Korea. We pray for healing for innocent victims and hope for brighter days ahead. We also pray for those whose needs are known to us and who have asked for our public prayers: Nancy and Kenny Anderson and family, Anna Bero, former member John Boyd, Lois Corwin, Ellie Dennison, Linda Ernst, Phyllis Hahn, Audrey Harris, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, LaNita Landru, Wanda Nelson’s daughter Nyra and her great-granddaughter Kierra, Marlys Paulson, Phil Tjelle, Marilyn Van Brero, and Bev Walker. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer
Receive our prayers and fill us with the radiance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
COMMUNION SONG
“Of the Father’s Love Begotten”
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 TODAY – We continue our study of the action-packed book of Acts. Pastor Dave is our guide between services, 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library.
CHILDRENS’ SUNDAY SCHOOL – Welcomes kids age 4-10 to the Youth Room this morning from 10:15 to 10:55 am. Join Miss Kristie for a fun time of learning about God’s love for you!
FINAL SERVICE TODAY AT GRACE LUTHERAN – We hold our brothers and sisters in prayer as the congregation gives thanks for more than 70 years of ministry in central Bellevue.
LECTORS NEEDED – It adds so much to our worship services to hear the Word of God read by many voices. Thanks to all who have signed up to be a lector. Recently, however, we have had a lot of open opportunities unfilled for this valuable role. Would you please consider reading a lesson at an upcoming service? To sign up, visit the Cross of Christ website at www.crossofchristbellevue.org and clicking on the “Volunteer” link.
PAGETURNERS MEET TOMORROW – at 3 pm at Hildegard Schmidt’s house to discuss Laura Frankel’s book “This is Like it Always Is”. All are welcome. Questions? Call Hildegard at 425-747-5249.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP – Two services, both including Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion, will be offered as we enter the season of Lent – at noon a simple Service of the Word (no music) and at 7 pm a full service, both in the Sanctuary.
SOUP SUPPERS AND WEDNESDAY LENTON SERVICES – Lenten midweek worship continues next Wednesday, March 13, and for the following five Wednesdays. This year’s theme is “Divine Detectives” which has us on the lookout of “God Sightings” here at Cross of Christ and wherever we go. Soup Suppers begin the evening from 6 to 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall, followed by 45-minute worship services in the Sanctuary.
WELCA BIBLE STUDY LEADERS THURSDAY – Circle study facilitators for March – and all women of Cross of Christ – are invited to gather with Pastor Dave as he helps leaders prepare to guide their circles this month. Bring your Bibles, the March edition of “Gather” magazine, and your note-taking supplies. We meet from 10-11:15 am in the Conference Room.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US HOST CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS – Cross of Christ made a big difference in the life of men in our community during the historically cold and snowy month of February as we shared a warm welcome, a warm meal, and a warm place to sleep to some 35 men (on average) each evening. Thanks to all who helped prepare the Fellowship Hall, made and/or served meals, sat with the men at dinner, worked behind the scenes, prayed, financially supported and in any other way made this vital outreach possible.
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!
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, Jane Pittenger, Norman Stromer, and Marilyn Van Brero.
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.
SENDING SONG
“How Great Is Our God”
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!
