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 First Sunday of Advent.
ADVENT LITANY
Unto us. We prepare each Advent to hear these words once more. Unto us.
Unto us a child.
Not just any child. The only begotten child of the Father. The ever-existing Son of God, who was, and is, and is to come.
Unto us a child is born.
Born of the Holy Spirit and a human mother, Mary. Born to be one of us. Born to be with us.
Unto us a son is given.
The Christ Child for whom we prepare our hearts this season of Advent is indeed the Son of God. The promised one. The long-awaited Messiah.
And his name shall be called…
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This is the One! The One and only. The One we await to welcome anew. The One we prepare to celebrate once more. As we make our Lenten journey, let us get ready to worship the One in whose name we gather, worship, live, and love.
Jesus Christ, our Lord! Amen!
Our Gathering song at our Mosaic service is Here I Am to Worship
Prayer of the Day
In this Advent of expectation
draw us together in unity,
that our praise and worship
might echo in these walls
and also through our lives.
In this Advent of expectation
draw us together in mission,
that the hope within
might be the song we sing,
and the melody of our lives.
In this Advent of expectation
draw us together in service,
that the path we follow
might lead us from a stable
to a glimpse of eternity.
In the name Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
This week’s readings are from Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, and Romans 11:33-36
Isaiah 40:1-11
1 Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry out!”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass,
their constancy is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Get you up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
10 See, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph | like a flock;
shine forth, you that are enthroned up- | on the cherubim.
2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, | and Manasseh,
stir up your strength and | come to help us.
3Restore | us, O God;
let your face shine upon us, and we | shall be saved.
4O Lord| God of hosts,
how long will your anger fume when your | people pray?
5You have fed them with the | bread of tears;
you have given them bowls of | tears to drink.
6You have made us the derision | of our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh | us to scorn.
7Restore us, O | God of hosts;
let your face shine upon us, and we | shall be saved.
17Let your hand be upon the one at | your right hand,
the one you have made so strong | for yourself.
18And so will we never turn a- | way from you;
give us life, that we may call up- | on your name.
19Restore us, O Lord| God of hosts;
let your face shine upon us, and we | shall be saved.
Romans 11:33-36
33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him,
to receive a gift in return?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
This week’s Gospel text is from John 1:35-42
35-36 The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching. He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, “Here he is, God’s Passover Lamb.”
37-38 The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus. Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, “What are you after?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 He replied, “Come along and see for yourself.”
They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.
40-42 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, “We’ve found the Messiah” (that is, “Christ”). He immediately led him to Jesus.
Jesus took one look up and said, “You’re John’s son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas” (or Peter, which means “Rock”).
Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot: “His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful Counselor”
Our theme this year is “And His Name Shall Be Called…” Based on the foretelling of the coming of Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, each week during Advent we will focus on one of the “names” of Jesus. This week – Wonderful Counselor. Welcome to Advent worship and a Happy Church New Year!
The Hymn of the Day in our Traditional service is Comfort, Comfort Now My People (ELW 256)
Prayers of the People – 12/3/17
Coming soon!
The Communion song at our Traditional service is The King Shall Come (ELW 260)
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!
WHAT’S NEW FOR ADVENT? – The Sanctuary and grounds are sporting the first of the Advent decorations, including both our indoor and outdoor Advent Wreaths, wreaths and greenery, and our Advent banner. This is the Sunday when the Altar railing returns and remain in place through Maundy Thursday in late March, as we offer communion there. You’ll also notice the change of colors for the Altar candle Glassybaby holders. Be watching each week for even more seasonal decoration for Advent and Christmas. Thanks to all who help beautify our worship space!
MIDWEEK ADVENT CONCERTS AND WORSHIP – Also new this year, Midweek Advent worship is designed to provide a little spiritual retreat and re-centering space in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season. Beginning this Wednesday, and each Wednesday is Advent, you are invited to gather at 6:30 pm for about 20 minutes of special music and 20 minutes of simple worship featuring readings, prayers, a communal art project, and an Advent message in drama, all under the theme of “Making Time for Christmas.” This week members of the Bellevue Boyschoir are our musical guests. Consider coming to these special services – you’ll be glad you did!
ADULT FAITH FORMATION – Our four-week study of the book of Philippians – “Rejoice Always!” – concludes today. Join us for one last look at this uplifting little letter was written by the Apostle Paul to new believers in the Roman colonial city of Philippi. Adult Faith Formation meets from 10:15 to 10:55 am between worship services in the Library. We will be on break after this Sunday until January 7.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL – for children ages 4-10, in the Youth Room. Join us at 10:15 for fun learning experiences. See Kristie Walker to learn more.
TIME TO HELP NEIGHBOR CHILDREN THROUGH THE HOPELINK GIVING TREE -Please pick a tag or two to help make the holidays happy and bright for children in need. Bring back a new unwrapped gift to place under the tree and help make Christmas special for a disadvantaged child. Gifts can be donated until Sunday, December 10. Your generosity has brightened Christmas for countless girls and boys over the years. Thanks for supporting this important mission.
ANNUAL ADVENT SMORGASBORD NEXT SUNDAY – Join us at 11:30 in the Fellowship Hall for a delicious meal and warm fellowship after the single, combined worship service at 10 am. Please sign up at the Information Desk in the Narthex to bring a potluck dish (salad, side dish, or dessert) or to make a donation toward the purchase of ham and turkey. If anyone would like to be on the set-up or cleanup committee, please call Joan Davis at 425-922-7655 or Fellowship Team Leader Linda Capron at capron@comcast.net. Set-up is Saturday, 11:00 am. We look forward to sharing this special event with everyone.
WREATHS ARE HERE – If you pre-ordered a wreath from Cub Scout Pack 673 and did not pick your order up last week, please do so today. Look for the helpful Cub Scouts who will gladly carry your order to your car! If you have not already done so, please pay for your greenery order before you pick it up. Questions? Contact Laurie Beck, 425-417-8359. The Cub Scouts thank Cross of Christ for supporting Pack 673!
PLEASE CHECK LOST AND FOUND AND WILL CALL – It’s that time of year again when we prepare to donate unclaimed items. Please take a look through the Lost and Found and Will Call drawers in the Information Desk in the Narthex for items belonging to you. At the end of the year, all unclaimed items will be donated or discarded. Thank you.
DECEMBER 22 LARKS EVENT CANCELLED. There was not sufficient interest in the “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Benaroya Hall on Friday, December 22 to receive special group rate. If you are still interested in attending please make your own arrangements for tickets.
CALLING ALL CHRISTMAS COOKIES! – One of the best parts of the Christmas season are those special treats made from family recipes handed down from generation to generation. While baking cookies and other holiday treats, please consider making an extra dozen or two to share during fellowship Sunday mornings (or buy some at your favorite store – we love them all). Cookies, breads and other goodies usually freeze well so just place them in the bottom bin of the freezer that is located just outside of the kitchen so that we can enjoy them the entire Christmas season. Thank you!
A-CAROLLING WE GO – Coordinator of Caring Ministries Pastor Judy Brennan is organizing Christmas visits to our homebound members featuring Christmas songs and carols. Would you like to help her spread some holiday cheer and bring the love of Christ to someone this season? Please connect with Pastor Judy at pastorjudybrennan@gmail.com or sign up at the Information Desk.
CofC MEMBER IN CAST OF “ELF THE MUSICAL – JR.” – Our own Marie Schott invites you to see her and her theater friends with the Redmond Academy of Theatre Art in this delightful production based on the modern cinema classic, “Elf.” It’s the sweet and hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts one Christmas Eve. Discovered when St. Nick returns to the North Pole, Buddy is adopted and raised by elves, but returns to the land of humans when he’s all grown up. Performance dates are Thursday through Sunday, December 14-17, at 7 pm, with an additional 2 pm matinee on Saturday, at Redmond High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets will be available at the doors, which open for seating 30 minutes prior, or in advance at www.goldstar.com.
SUPPORT THE SOPHIA WAY HOLIDAY INITIATIVE – by donating Safeway $10 or $25 gift cards. The Sophia Way is dedicated to helping end homelessness for single adult women in King County, helping them transition from homelessness to stable independent living by offering them critical resources that they need to start a new life — shelter, safety and stability. Contact Dorinda Otto at md.otto@hotmail.com to learn more.
Our sending song in our Traditional service is Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (ELW 244)
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!
