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 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
“Take a rest. A field that has rested yields a beautiful crop.” – Roman Poet Ovid
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not
cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy
of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” – Psalm 51:10-12
GATHERING LITANY
As we gather on this Sabbath Sunday, we come to the God of Rest and Restoration, asking the Lord to hush our hearts, still our souls, and calm the chaos, that we may rest in the Divine.
Amen, Come Gracious God.
The God who created and rested from creation built rhythm into the world – day and night, times and seasons, work and rest, worship and mission, gathering and sending.
Amen, Come Heavenly Father.
Our weekly gatherings are set to a holy, God-ordained rhythm. The Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies us as through signs and symbols, seasons and festivals, rituals and rites, reminding us of the gospel story, the story of grace, hope, love, and peace.
Amen, Come Loving Lord.
Once more we are called together this Sabbath day. Once more we will praise our God. Once more by God’s grace we will be filled. Once more in Christ’s name we will be sent out to share and to serve.
Amen, Come Gentle Spirit.
May the collection of holy practices handed down to us – adoration, confession, assurance; scripture, prayer, reflection; sharing the peace, the bread, the wine; blessing, sending, singing – be means of grace through which God brings us rest, rhythm, and restoration.
Amen, Come Holy Trinity – Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. Come.
GATHERING SONG
“10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Lord, you lift the burden of guilt and shame, you free us from self-righteousness, and you liberate us from a religion based on laws through your gospel of grace. Set free, inspire us to live in ways that are gracious and liberating. This we pray in your holy name, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
THIS WEEK’S READING
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “Anapauo – Rest for the Weary”
Jesus invites the weary and worn out – especially the spiritually over-burdened, those trying to make it on their own or be perfect or follow the law without fail – to be united with him, yoked with him, to walk with him and work with him – to watch how he lives out a life in tune to that which is grace defined, God-given and God-pleasing. Our translation – the Message – puts it so beautifully – “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace,” Jesus says, “by keeping company with me, so that you can live freely and lightly.”
SONG OF THE DAY
“Abide With Me”
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. During the Season of Pentecost, each petition will end “Spirit of mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.”
Liberating Lord, we thank you for your holy work on behalf of us and all, setting us free from sin and shame. Grant us faith to trust that your yoke is indeed light, and give us grace to receive from you’re the rest we need. Spirit of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Lord of all who labor, we thank you for meaningful work through our careers, our volunteering, and our shared ministry and mission as your church. Bless all who labor, and all who seek work that is life-giving and life-sustaining. Protect workers from exploitation, and stir us to stand for just labor laws and practices. Spirit of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Lord of the church, unite all Christians in our love of you, and grow in us a love for one another. Help us break down barriers that divide while honouring our differences and diversity. Grant us energy for the holy labor to which you call us today, and vision for future mission. We pray for all Christians everywhere, and especially this week for our ELCA East King County Cluster sister congregation Our Savior Lutheran Church, Issaquah, and Pastor Wes Telyea they share in their final worship service together today. Sustain and guide the congregation and Pastor Wes as they enter this time of transition. Spirit of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Merciful Lord, we pray for all who are weary and heavy burdened, dealing with challenges, facing difficult decisions, grieving significant losses, or coping with illnesses or injuries. We lift to you the names of 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; Ellie Dennison; Linda Ernst; Phyllis Hahn; Audrey Harris; Julie Hockett, Ruth Huehnerhoff; Eileen Johnson; Priscilla Kanestrom; Jeanne Lawson; Wanda Nelson’s son Spike, Marlys Paulson; and Marilyn Van Brero. Sprit of 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
“Holy Communion”
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
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 – Adult Faith Formation meets after worship, from 11:15 to noon, in the Library. Pastor Dave is our guide as we continue our series on the book of Acts. Join us!
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL RETURN IN TWO WEEKS! – Children’s Sunday School has been taking the summer off but returns September 8. We look forward to growing in faith together! Sunday School is for kids age 4 – 10.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHEDULE NEARING END – Next Sunday is the final Summer Sunday of Combined Worship before we return to our expanded two-service schedule on September 8, with Traditional Worship at 9 am and our casual Mosaic service at 11 am. Please mark your calendars!
PASTOR DAVE ON VACATION – He will be out of state beginning tomorrow and returning Tuesday, September 2. Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries Judy Brennan will preach and lead worship next Sunday and is on call for pastoral emergencies while Pastor Dave is away. If you need to get an urgent message to Pastor Dave, please contact Pastor Judy, Office Administrator Judy Giseburt, or Council President Gale Hill.
LWR SCHOOL KITS – Our drive has begun to help children around the world with school supplies. Wide-rule 70 sheet spiral notebooks are available for about 25 cents each at many stores. These can be placed in the bin in the Narthex, or in the Gathering Room (202). Our greatest need is funding the bulk supplies we’re purchasing. Please make checks payable to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and write “LWR School Kits” on the memo line. If you wish to help put supplies together, contact Monnie at 425-746-8604. Thank you.
ROOF TRUSS UPDATE – We’re getting closer to work beginning to repair and bolster the Sanctuary roof trusses. Our construction firm anticipates beginning work on September 9. The project is expected to take about four weeks. At this time 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. You will receive a letter from Church Council soon with more details. Please keep this project in your prayers.
OOM-PA-PAH, IT’S OKTOBERFEST – Join us Sunday, September 29, immediately following the combined 10 am service for our annual Oktoberfest celebration. Brats and craft root beer will be provided. Sign up in the n\Narthex to bring a German-themed salad, side dish, or dessert. For more information, contact Linda Capron, 425-898-0263, capron@comcast.net
GARY LIEBERG MEMORIAL – A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving will be held for Doug’s brother at 1 pm on Friday, September 6, here at Cross of Christ, with a dessert and light refreshment reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Cross of Christ members are invited to attend.
JANE PITTENGER MEMORIAL – A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving is planned for Jane, a charter member involved in many ministries including helping found and start the Ark Early Learning Center and supporting Congregations for the Homeless at 11 am on Saturday, September 14, at Cross of Christ, with a luncheon reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Cross of Christ members are invited to attend.
10th ANNUAL CFH LUNCHEON FUNDRAISER – Thursday, September 19, you are invited to an inspirational afternoon of giving to support the path from homelessness to stable living with Congregations for the Homeless. Doors open early at 10:30 am at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 1717 Bellevue Way NE, for a meet-and-greet coffee hour. The luncheon begins at 11:30 am. There is no cost to attend the luncheon. However, all guests will be invited to make a gift to support CFH. Suggested minimum donation is $150. To register please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/congregations-for-the-homeless-2019-fundraiser-tickets-63299114355. If you would like to be seated at a Cross of Christ table select a CofC table captain when you register online. We really hope to see you this year!
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.
SENIOR LUNCHEON TOPICS – This fall Cross of Christ will host three luncheons sponsored by local care providers on topics relevant to seniors. These are free and you are welcome to invite family, friends or neighbors who also may be interested. Each luncheon will be from 11:30 am-1 pm on the third Monday of the month. RSVPs are helpful. Contact Pastor Judy if you have any questions.
September 16 – How Do You Know It’s Time to Move? – sponsored by Aegis at Overlake
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.
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.
RECYCLING IS A GOOD WAY TO BE A GOOD STEWARD – Thanks for recycling while at Cross of Christ! The blue receptacles are for recyclables only. What’s a recyclable? Most items made of plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, and metal can be recycled. Common items at church that can and should be recycled: used Bulletins (but not Announcements which we collect and have available throughout the week at the Information Desk), empty and dry paper coffee and water cups, Starbucks and similar empty and dry cups and lids (but not straws), and empty plastic water bottles. What are items often found in the blue recycle bins at church that should be placed in trash bins instead? Used facial tissues, used napkins and paper towels, non-empty paper coffee cups, non-empty water bottles and non-empty/clean Starbucks cups, food trash, food-soiled plates, bags and boxes, and all forms of Styrofoam. Plastic bags – like from grocery stores – also can’t be placed in the recycle bins. They should be taken to your local grocery store that collects and recycles them. In Bellevue and in many other places, recyclables must be “empty, clean and dry.” Items that could be recycled – like paper plates or cups – that are not empty, clean, and dry not only can’t be recycled, but potentially ruin other items in the recycle bin. Food and liquids in recyclables can allow mold to grow, which make the materials unacceptable for recycling. Additionally, items that are not empty, clean, and dry have to be hand removed from the recycle bins by our “pastodian” who would greatly appreciate your help in making and keeping good recycling practices. Let’s be good recyclers, and good stewards! Thank you!
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
May God give us rest when we are weary,
May God guide us to live with holy rhythm,
May God grant us restoration and renewal,
That we may delight in God’s will, and walk in God’s ways,
To the glory of Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
SENDING SONG
“Be Thou My Vision”
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!
