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 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Our Gathering song at our Traditional service is Arise, My Soul, Arise (ELW 827)
Prayer of the Day
Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, 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 are from Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23, and Philippians 4:1-9.
Isaiah 25:1-9
After a hymn of praise acknowledging God as a shelter for the poor, the prophet portrays a wonderful victory banquet at which death—which in ancient Canaan was depicted as a monster swallowing everyone up—will be swallowed up forever. The prophet urges celebration of this victory of salvation.
1-5 God, you are my God.
I celebrate you. I praise you.
You’ve done your share of miracle-wonders,
well-thought-out plans, solid and sure.
Here you’ve reduced the city to rubble,
the strong city to a pile of stones.
The enemy Big City is a non-city,
never to be a city again.
Superpowers will see it and honor you,
brutal oppressors bow in worshipful reverence.
They’ll see that you take care of the poor,
that you take care of poor people in trouble,
Provide a warm, dry place in bad weather,
provide a cool place when it’s hot.
Brutal oppressors are like a winter blizzard
and vicious foreigners like high noon in the desert.
But you, shelter from the storm and shade from the sun,
shut the mouths of the big-mouthed bullies.
6-8 But here on this mountain, God-of-the-Angel-Armies
will throw a feast for all the people of the world,
A feast of the finest foods, a feast with vintage wines,
a feast of seven courses, a feast lavish with gourmet desserts.
And here on this mountain, God will banish
the pall of doom hanging over all peoples,
The shadow of doom darkening all nations.
Yes, he’ll banish death forever.
And God will wipe the tears from every face.
He’ll remove every sign of disgrace
From his people, wherever they are.
Yes! God says so!
9-10 Also at that time, people will say,
“Look at what’s happened! This is our God!
We waited for him and he showed up and saved us!
This God, the one we waited for!
Let’s celebrate, sing the joys of his salvation.
God’s hand rests on this mountain!”
Psalm 23
You prepare a table before me, and my cup is running over. (Ps. 23:5)
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Philippians 4:1-9
Though writing from prison and facing an uncertain future, Paul calls on the Philippians to rejoice and give thanks to God no matter what the circumstance. God’s peace is with us and binds together our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ, especially when things around us do not seem peaceful.
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
This week’s Gospel text is from Matthew 22:1-14
Jesus tells a parable indicating that the blessings of God’s kingdom are available to all, but the invitation is not to be taken lightly.
1Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ 5 But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ 10 Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, 12 and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Pastor Judy’s Sermon Snapshot: “Disney’s Frozen, the Godfather, and Miss Manners”
Our (relatively) new Coordinator of Caring Ministries, Pastor Judy Brennan, leads us in worship today, preaching and presiding at the altar for Holy Communion. Our gospel lesson is the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, as Jesus continues to convey the radical wideness of God’s welcome.
The Hymn of the Day in our Traditional service is My Life Flows On in Endless Song (ELW 763)
Prayers of the People – 10/8/17
Open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all of God’s creation. Each petition will end, “Lord, in your mercy” to which the congregation responds, “Hear our prayer.” We observe a brief time of silence for preparation.
Restore what is broken in your church, healing God. Mend divisions among Christian communities. Give courage to bishops, pastors, and lay leaders. Open our ears to the prophets’ cries among us. Reform us around the cross of Christ. Today we lift before you our ELCA, Northwest Synod, East King County Cluster sister congregation Holy Cross Lutheran Church as they enter a time of discernment and interim pastoral leadership. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Restore what is broken in creation, gracious God. Revive farmlands, orchards, ranch lands and vineyards. Protect water and air needed by all living things. Move us to care more faithfully for this earthly home. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Restore what is broken in our world, mighty God. Quell the rush to violence between peoples and nations. Break down dividing walls and promote harmony for the sake of the common good. We especially pray for victims of the mass murder in Las Vegas last Sunday, for those who mourn the loss of loved one, for surviving victims as they suffer from physical and emotional wounds, for the city of Las Vegas and for the people of Nevada, for first responders and all who are continuing to give counsel and care. For we here in Bellevue and others who gather to remember and to pray for an end to such senseless violence and unspeakable evil. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Restore our broken bodies, caring God. We pray for those suffering any loss: the grieving; those who have lost homes or property or employment; those neglected, abused or abandoned; those who suffer in silence without advocates or confidants; and the sick, especially members of Cross of Christ who have asked for public prayers: Anna Bero, Phyllis Hahn, Claire Huehnerhoff, Mary Mehlum, Iris Schiffer, Vernette Rae, Corinne Riemer, and Marilyn Van Brero. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Restore our faith in you, saving God. We pray for Bible study and small group leaders, Sunday school teachers, musicians, devotion writers, and for all whose work nurtures our faith. Bless our young people who have begun a new year of Youth Discipleship, and those who lead them as mentors and models of faith. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting the power of Christ and the gifts of the Spirit. Amen.
The Communion song at our Mosaic service is Behold the Lamb
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!
ADULT FAITH FORMATION – Pastor Judy also leads our session today, as we continue our Reformation-themed series, guided by Martin Luther’s Small Catechism (a copy of which will be provided to those who attend). This morning’s focus is on the Lord’s Prayer. Pastor Dave wraps up the series next week, looking at the Sacraments and Lutheran Worship. Adult Faith Formation will be on break October 29, as we enjoy Reformation Sunday and Oktoberfest. A new series will begin November 12. We meet from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library.
CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION – We invite kids ages 4-10 to join us in the Youth Room at 10:15 am. Our program is designed for children to be able to participate whenever they’re here, so drop-ins are welcome.
REFORMATION BOOKSTORE — The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is fast approaching! Do you want to learn more about Martin Luther, his writings, and their impact on Christianity? Do you want great children’s books about faith and the Bible? Stop by our Reformation 500 Bookstore to shop for engaging books on the Reformation for readers of all ages and interests, plus selected works for children! Save up to 50% plus receive free shipping on all Bookstore titles. Not interested in shopping for yourself? Help us modernize our library for the needs of our changing community by ordering a book and donating it to the library. Visit us at the table in the Narthex in between services on TODAY and next Sunday, or at the Oktoberfest on October 29. Our Bookstore is sponsored by Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA, and Sparkhouse, the children’s publishing division.
PASTOR DAVE IN IOWA THIS WEEK – He returns to the office Tuesday morning. While he is away, please call Pastor Judy in the event of a pastoral emergency.
VOLUNTEER RECEPTIONIST NEEDED THIS WEEK – while Office Administrator Judy Giseburt is on vacation. If you could answer phones, greet visitors, and perhaps help with a few light office tasks like making copies Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, please contact Pastor Dave. Phone the office from 9:30 am to 2 p.m. at 425-746-7300 or email Pastor Dave at pastordave@cofclc.net. The most urgent need is for someone to cover office hours on Thursday while Pastor Dave attends a synodical meeting with Bishop Unti. Thank you!
OKTOBERFEST FUN! – Join us in the Fellowship Hall for brats, pretzels, craft root beer, a live Oktoberfest folk band, games, and more on Sunday, October 29, immediately following the combined 500th Anniversary of the Reformation worship service at 10 am. For those who wish to assist in providing food, there will be a signup sheet at the Information Desk for contributions of potato salad (preferably German style), side dishes, condiments, or dessert (German chocolate cake perhaps?). All other food and beverages will be provided. For more information, contact Linda Capron at capron@comcast.net.
LECTORS NEEDED! – Reading from God’s Word in worship is a central part of Lutheran worship. Hearing the lessons read by many different voices ads both variety and vitality to our services. Lately we’ve had lots of openings for lectors. Would you be willing to read on an upcoming Sunday? Please go to our website www.crossofchristbellevue.org and click on the “Volunteer” tab to sign up. Also, beginning this week, there is a “low tech” option – a signup sheet at the Information Desk. Thank you.
SIGN UP ONLINE TO HELP WITH COMMUNION – in addition to being able to volunteer as a lector or assisting minister, you can now also sign up to assist with Holy Communion. A minimum of two assistants are need for 9 am worship services, and one for the 11 am. Thank you for being a blessing in these ways.
REFORMATION 500 CHOIR – Join Cantorei and guests and be a part of the choir for this historic celebration marking the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. We’ll be singing wonderful arrangements of great Lutheran hymns as we lead in worship on October 29 and November 5. Join us for rehearsals on Thursdays at 7:30 PM for four weeks, as we prepare for this momentous occasion. Contact Director of Music Ministries Ben Fowler if you’d like more information, 435-746-74300 or Ben@cofclc.net.
LARKS GOING TO MOHAI – The LARKS are organizing an outing to the MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) on Thursday, November 2 (FREE ADMISSION DAY!). The MOHAI is located at South Lake Union in Seattle. This is a museum that tells the history of Seattle with many original artifacts. There is a cafe there for lunch that has great coffee! One option to get there is to carpool from Cross of Christ, and another option is to take the bus and trolley there. Hope you can come! Please sign up at the Information Center and indicate your preference for the transportation. Questions…please contact Nancy Weisel 425-747-7934 or Liz Clark 425-746-6278.
HELP NEEDED FOR THE CARE TEAM – Do you want to help others in our congregation when they have a need? Would you be able to provide a meal, or a ride, visit someone who is sick, or is homebound, or knit a prayer shawl? Then add you name to the Care Team List at the Information Desk. We need you! (Or Contact Julie Hockett at 425-643-8928, email: juliehockett@gmail.com or Pastor Judy, pastorjudybrennan@gmail.com) and thank you so much.
PLU CHRISTMAS CONCERT – Celebrate the wonder and beauty of the Christmas season! The LARKS is sponsoring an event to attend PLU’s Christmas concert on December 4th, 7:30 pm, at Benaroya Hall. Tickets for groups of 10 or more is $25 each, plus $14 for parking. There will be a sign up sheet at the Info Desk – please indicate if you wish to carpool. Any questions, please contact Gale Hill.
Our sending song in our Mosaic service is Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
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!
