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 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

GATHERING SONG

“Great is Thy Faithfulness”

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God, you are both our guide for our journey of faith, and our destination. When we feel shaken, displaced, or dismayed, remind us of your faithful acts throughout history, and of your promise to give us a hope-filled future. This we pray in the name of Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First is trust. God has a plan. God has not abandoned us.  God is leading the way.  But we do need to be reminded that God’s main goal isn’t our comfort, it’s stirring us to grow in faith so that we can better share our faith.

Speaking of which, the second principle is Faith. We are on a journey. Like Sarai and Abram, we don’t know for sure where we will end up. But we know who is leading us.  We need to be courageous adventurers, not receding and reluctant folks like some during the Exodus, who wanted to go back to Egypt, preferring a poor known past to a promised new future.

Thirdly, hope. With the above in mind, we are called to follow our faith foremothers and fathers who followed the Lord with hope.  Like Joshua and Caleb – and counter to the other 10 sent with them to spy out the Promised Land – displacement times are opportunities to see the possibilities before us to witness and be a part of the great things God is doing. 

SONG OF THE DAY

“My Faith Looks Up to Thee”

MUSICAL OFFERING

“Be Still My Soul”

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

United with the saints of every time and place, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation. Each petition will end “Lord in your mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.”

God our hope, when we are unsettled by present circumstance or concerns for the future, you remind us that we can rest assured in the promised victory of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Reconciler. Give us the wisdom to rely on your word, and the courage to faithfully follow our Lord, who leads with wisdom and love. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

God our foundation, we pray for the Sanctuary roof truss work that is underway. Guide and gird engineers, construction workers, carpenters, metal workers, and all whose planning and labor is needed to complete this project.  Grant them safety, wisdom, and strength. Give us a spirit of hopefulness and patience as we wait for the time when we can return to our regular worship space. Remind us that while sacred buildings are blessings to us, it is we, your people, whom you call your Church. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

God our joy, the seas and the hills shout your praise. Inspire us to sing a joyful song to you as we work to preserve and protect your marvelous creation. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

God our song, thank you for worship leaders, artists, and musicians who create works of praise and prayer. Guide them in the use of their talent and empower them to lift up new voices and works of art among your assembly. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

God our healer, you offer peace to fearful hearts. Heal the hurts of all those who suffer injustice and persecution, those who daily fear violence, those in hospitals or under hospice care, and all who minister to them. We lift to you especially members of this community of faith and those dear to them who have asked for our public prayers: members Kay Anderson, Anna Bero; Dennis Bero; Fred Corwin; Linda Ernst; Ed Hahn; Phyllis Hahn; Audrey Harris; Ruth Huehnerhoff; Eileen Johnson; Priscilla Kanestrom; LaNita Landru; Jeanne Lawson; Doris Lundquist, Jim Lyon; Bill McConnell, Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson; Dick Rehmke; and Marilyn Van Brero; former member John Boyd; family members Spike, son of Wanda Nelson; Jeff, son of Jerry and Joyce Johnson; Marlene, mother of Jerry and Joyce Johnson’s daughter-in-law; Angela, partner of Sandra Volkman’s son Steven; and friends, Thomas, young friend of Jerry and Joyce Johnson. Lord in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

God our Father, as we await the dawn of the new heaven and the new earth, we give thanks for your beloved who have died in Christ, including Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia (TOUR-ring-en), patron of charities and caregiver of the poor.  We pray for all who mourn, including the friends and family of Ed Mitchel, neighbour and friend of Erik Paulson. Lord, in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in hope, we lift our prayers to you, most gracious Lord, trusting that you have received them in your care. Amen.

COMMUNION SONG

“O Bread of Life From Heaven”

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

ROOF TRUSS UPDATE – The project is very much underway!  Scaffolding has been erected in the Sanctuary, and temporary supports put up in the Fellowship Hall.  Speakers and lighting tracks on the trusses have been removed in preparation for the repairs.  At this point, we anticipate the work to continue for another two weeks.  It is likely that we will worship in the Narthex again next Sunday – but we hope to return to the Sanctuary in time for the first Sunday in Advent, December 1.  Not only worship, but internal groups and external users and renters are all experiencing “displacement!” Thank you to all who are demonstrating grace and flexibility during this process.  For safety sake, please do not enter the Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall. They are active constructions sites and hard hats are required. However, you are welcome and encouraged to look in from the Vestibule. Please keep this project, the crew, the church staff and volunteers involved, our whole congregation, and all our many renters and guests bathed in prayer during this unsettling but critical project.

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 – Today is the penultimate ssession in our year-long series through the entire book of Acts.  This week and next we will complete this exciting study. A new original series for Advent, “Genealogy and Grace: Women of Jesus’ Family Tree,” begins on December 1. Adult Faith Formation takes place between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library, led by Pastor Dave. Come join us!

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY – All kids age 4-10 are invited to join Miss Kristie for a fun time of learning from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Youth Room.

LECTORS NEEDED! – We’ve had a few more folks sign up, but we ask that you please consider joining them as a reader of one of the lessons during worship for an upcoming Sunday. It’s a joy to hear God’s word shared in many voices. To participate in this meaningful way, go to the Cross of Christ webpage – www.crossofchristbellevue.org – and click on the “volunteer” link.  You can also call Office Administrator Judy Giseburt during regular office hours and she will get you signed up.  Readings are sent to lectors ahead of time.

TANZANIA MISSION 2020 TEAM BUILDING MEETING TODAY – This is a regular Business Meeting of the Travel Team, from 12:15 to 2 pm. In the Library.  There will be updates on dates for our travel, who we will visit and when, project updates, and next tasks as we prepare for our July 2020 journey. All Team Members should attend.

SENIOR INFORMATION LUNCHEON TOMORROW – Our next information luncheon, “Crisis File Presentation: How to Prepare for a Senior Care Crisis Before it Happens” – takes place tomorrow from 11:30 am-1 pm, in the Library.  This event is sponsored by Aegis of Bellevue. Contact Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries Judy Brennan to learn more or to reserve your spot – or sign up at the Information Desk in the Narthex.

WINTER CROSSCURRENTS DEADLINE TOMORROW! – It’s time for the next CrossCurrents covering December and January. Please submit your articles to Judy Giseburt at office@cofclc.net or drop them by the office before the end of the day.  Thank you!

DAYS FOR GIRLS MEETING TUESDAY – 10:30 am in the Conference Room. This groups supports the non-profit organization Days for Girls, whose mission it is to increases access to menstrual care and education so girls in Africa can stay in school.  The DFG group at Cross of Christ is partnering with Operation Bootstrap Africa to send funds to Tanzania to purchase kits for students at the MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School.  Come to the meeting to learn more, or contact the team’s organizer, Carol McCandless.

PASTOR JUDY LEADS GRIEF GROUP ON WEDNESDAY – starting at 10 am in the Gathering Room (202). Pastor Judy will bring a devotion and facilitate the conversation for this warm, welcoming, confidential group open to all.

CAMERA CLUB MEETS THURSDAY – and every third Thursday of the month, from 6:30 to 9 pm, in the Youth Room. This month we will again be looking at how to use your smart phone camera to take, edit, and manage photos. Last month’s session was well received, so we’ll continue some of our conversations and shared learning.  We will also view photos taken by the group with “Autumn” being the theme.  Bring photos on a USB memory stick, or just come to view the shared pictures.  All are most welcome. If you have questions please speak with Erik Paulson, Gorman Colling, or Jay Marsh.

COLLECTING ITEMS FOR CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS – CFH has requested our help in gathering needed supplies including warm men’s socks (hiking or work style), razors (double edge or more, disposable), toothpaste, deodorant, foot spray, shampoo/conditioner (two-in-one), pillows and sleeping bags. There will be a box in the Narthex for your donations.  Financial contributions also help – make your check out to “Cross of Christ” with “CFH Drive” in the memo line. Thrivent Financial is also helping us with this drive. Thanks for your support. For more information contact Nancy Weisel – 425-748-4278.

INTERFAITH COVENANT THANKSGIVING EVE GATHERING – This year’s Gathering is hosted by Temple B’Nai Torah, with an earlier start time of 6:30 pm, on Wednesday, November 27. The service will include our own handbell group Carillon, and choral music led by Cross of Christ Director of Worship and Music Ministries Ben Fowler. Recently called Rabbi Sydney Danzinger of TBT will bring the evening’s address.

HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT DECEMBER 7 – The Larks are planning a trip to the Seattle Symphony for the Holiday Pops concert with the University of Washington Chorale under the direction of Jacoma Bairos, conductor. The concert is December 7 at 2 pm and the cost is $47 per person.  We have three parking passes and plan to carpool from Cross of Christ.  We are taking orders now  – a signup sheet is available at the Information Desk in the Narthex. For more information please contact Heidi Fine or Sharen Stoll.

SAVE THE DATE: ADVENT SMORGASBORD DECEMBER 8 – Following one combined worship service at 10 am, join us for our Annual Smorgasbord to help kick off the Advent season. This fun and festive Cross of Christ tradition features food, fellowship and hospitality with traditional Scandinavian flair. There is a form at the Information Desk in the Narthex to reserve your place and to sign up to bring a potluck item (salad, main dish, dessert). Whether you bring a classic smorgasbord dish like pickled herring or cucumbers, Swedish meatballs, or salmon gravlax, or a potluck favorite such as deviled eggs or Jell-O salad, together we’ll have a feast to share. You can also choose to make a contribution for the purchase of ham and turkey. For more information, contact Linda Capron (425-898-0263, capron@comcast.net). Valkommen!

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.

PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Kay Anderson, Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, and Marilyn Van Brero.

BENEDICTION

Let us pray: Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Strengthened by this holy meal, give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SENDING SONG

“10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”

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!