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 Third Sunday after the Epiphany.
People of God, arise, shine, for your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon us!
The Magi from the East worshiped him as God and King.
Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
In the waters of the Jordan he was proclaimed “Beloved of the Father.”
Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
He called ordinary people to become his followers.
Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
He demonstrated authority over illnesses, unclean spirits, and creation itself.
Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
On the mountaintop his divine glory was revealed.
Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
People of God, arise, shine, for your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon us!
Our Gathering song at our Mosaic service is Cornerstone
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you, the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
This week’s readings are from Jonah 3:1-5 and 10, Psalm 62:5-12, and 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
The book of Jonah is a comedy starring a reluctant prophet who is given a one-sentence message: Nineveh will be
destroyed in forty days. Much to Jonah’s dismay, the people of Nineveh repent. The point of the story is to get the
reader to wrestle with the question “On whom should God have mercy?”
1The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2“Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” 3So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. 4Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 5And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
10When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
Psalm 62:5-12
God alone is my rock and my salvation. (Ps. 62:6)
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Paul does not disapprove of marriage or other human social institutions. He does, however, want Christians to live
in the present in fervent anticipation of God’s future, which even now has dawned through the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
29-31 I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple—in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out.
This week’s Gospel text is from Mark 1:14-20
Before Jesus calls his first disciples, he proclaims a message that becomes known as “the gospel” or good news
from God. God is ready to rule our lives. Those who realize this will respond with repentance and faith.
14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot: “When God Comes A’Calling”
The message for this Third Sunday after the Epiphany is titled “When God Comes A Calling” and is based on our Gospel lesson, in which Jesus begins his public ministry and calls his first disciples. From it we learn that God calls us by initiating our relationship, calling us to be honest with ourselves about ourselves, and inviting us to put our trust in God and not in ourselves in reaction to what God has done for us.
The Hymn of the Day in our Traditional service is Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult (ELW 696)
Prayers of the People – 1/21/18
Confident that God our light and our salvation hears and answers our prayers according to his good will and perfect timing, let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their need. Each petition will conclude, “God of mercy” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.” We observe a time of silence for reflection and preparation.
God of love and light, we pray that your message of good news would shape our lives as individuals and as a church, and our living out your kingdom values would shape our families, communities, cities, state, nation and world. Help us respond to your call to follow your Son daily, to share the gospel in words and in deeds, to serve others, and as we grow in faith to grow in gratitude and joy, responding to all you freely do for us with lives that serve and honor you. God of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
God of light and love, we pray that your whole church would be a beacon of hope in our hurting world. Let us hear and respond to your call to be people of grace and welcome, advocates for justice, protectors of this beautiful world you created and entrusted into our care, and friends to all its inhabitants. God of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
God of light and love, bring healing and hope to all in need. We especially lift to you those who have asked for our public prayers: Anna Bero, Heidi Fine, Phyllis Hahn, Claire Huehnerhoff, Maryls Paulson, John Paulson, Vernette Rae, Corinne Riemer, and Marilyn Van Brero. We ask for blessings for the families of Tom Fine and Lavonne Ekren as they plan for Memorial services for their loved ones later this week. God of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
God of light and love, we pray for guidance as we seek new ways to build relationships with our neighbors, sharing your love with them, welcoming them to this your holy house, and inviting them into relationship with you and with us. Guide our Church Council, Core Team Leaders, and Budget Team as they set priorities and plans for the coming years. Help us make decisions that are wise, faithful, and bold. Keep us returning to you as the source of all truth, for you alone can guide our paths. God of mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Receive our prayers for the sake of the one through whom you have revealed your goodness, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
The Communion song at our Mosaic service is I Will Offer Up My Life
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!
YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILES ARE INTIVED 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.
LAST “UNDIE SUNDAY” TODAY – Thanks for your donation. Today is the last day to join the Cross of Christ preschool through 5th grade Sunday School students who are collecting donations of new-in-package socks and underwear for all ages and sizes of people. Donation will be distributed to local shelters serving homeless men, women, and families. Thank you.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP SERIES – Join Pastor Dave as he continues his series, “Christianity, Care of Creation, and Environmental Stewardship.” Today’s centering question is, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” Please join us in the Library from 10:15 to 10:55 am. All are welcome.
SUNDAY SCHOOL – Come join us as we continue to learn about Jesus as a kid this month. In February we’ll start an extended unit on God’s plan for a baby named Moses. Children’s Sunday School is for ages 3 through 10. We hope you can join us in the Youth Room between services!
INTERFAITH COVENANT LECTURE SERIES WELCOMES FORMER KING-5 WEATHERMAN JEFF RENNER – Long-time local television meteorologist Jeff Renner will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Interfaith Covenant Lecture event, hosted by Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, on Wednesday, January 31, at 7 pm. The event is free, and open to the public. Mr. Renner will be speaking on his career as well as his understanding of current and future weather and climate threats, including the impact of global warming. He will also speak from his perspective as a person of faith on how his beliefs inform his views on environmentalism, stewardship of the earth, and care for the world for ours and future generations. After nearly four decades on air, Mr. Renner retired from King 5, Seattle’s NBC affiliate, as the station’s chief meteorologist for weeknight broadcasts. In addition to running a weather consulting business, he is a frequent speaker and advocate at events like the Interfaith Lecture Series.
LECTORS AND GREETERS – We are in need of more greeters before our church services and lesson readers during them. Greeters welcome folks for about 15 prior to worship. Lectors read one of the lessons of the day. There are signup sheets at the Information Desk, and you can also sign up online at crossofchristbellevue.org. Thank you!
TOM FINE MEMORIAL SERVICE – Friday, January 26, at 3 pm, followed by a dessert and coffee luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. If you are able to assist with the reception or provide a dessert, please contact Gale Hill at ghill5250@gmail.com or at 206-940-1214.
LAVONNE EKREN MEMORIAL SERVICE – A Memorial Service at Cross of Christ will be held January 27 at 11am. Please hold son Steve and the family and friends of Lavonne in your prayers.
2018 OFFERING ENVELOPES – Thank you to those who have already picked up their offering envelopes. There are only a few remaining. Please check the table in the Narthex near the Library if you have not yet taken home your new offering envelopes. All remaining boxes will be mailed out this week – so save us the postage and pick yours up if you have not done so. If you would like envelopes but they have not been provided for you, please contact Denise Fuentes, our bookkeeper, at bookkeeper@cofclc.net or by calling the office on Mondays or Wednesdays. Thank you.
LOCAL SHELTERS ARE IN NEED OF MEALS – The Family Overnight Shelter is at St. Peters Church (17222 NE 8th St) until April 14. Currently their numbers have been averaging 25 per night, with half being children. The Women’s Overnight Shelter (currently at Lakeside Christian Church, 701 1st Street, Kirkland) moves to Holy Cross Lutheran in Factoria (4315 129th Pl SE) on February 1. Their numbers averaging 30 per night. If you are able to provide a meal for either of these shelter please sign up at: http://signup.com/go/tMaKqVQ
WELCA BOARD MEETS NEXT MONDAY – January 29 at 1 pm in the Conference Room.
MAMMA MIA! LARKS PLAN FUN OUTING – Join us for the award-winning musical Rom-Com, Mamma Mia! Saturday, February 10, at 2 pm, at 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. We have a limited number of seats in the upper balcony at a cost of $42. Please sign up at the Information Desk if you would like a ticket. Parking is $ 7 at the City Centre Parking Garage on 6th Avenue, or we can go by bus. Please call Nancy Weisel at 425-748-4278 for more details.
Our sending song in our Mosaic service is Build Your Kingdom Here
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!
