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-fourth and FINAL Sunday after Pentecost.
Our Gathering song at our Mosaic service is Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Mortals, join the mighty chorus
which the morning stars began;
love divine is reigning o’er us,
binding all within its span.
Prayer of the Day
Righteous God, our Merciful Master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming, 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 Psalm 90:1-12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Psalm 90:1-12
1-2 God, it seems you’ve been our home forever;
long before the mountains were born,
Long before you brought earth itself to birth,
from “once upon a time” to “kingdom come”—you are God.
3-11 So don’t return us to mud, saying,
“Back to where you came from!”
Patience! You’ve got all the time in the world—whether
a thousand years or a day, it’s all the same to you.
Are we no more to you than a wispy dream,
no more than a blade of grass
That springs up gloriously with the rising sun
and is cut down without a second thought?
Your anger is far and away too much for us;
we’re at the end of our rope.
You keep track of all our sins; every misdeed
since we were children is entered in your books.
All we can remember is that frown on your face.
Is that all we’re ever going to get?
We live for seventy years or so
(with luck we might make it to eighty),
And what do we have to show for it? Trouble.
Toil and trouble and a marker in the graveyard.
Who can make sense of such rage,
such anger against the very ones who fear you?
12 Oh! Teach us to live well!
Teach us to live wisely and well!
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Though we do not know and cannot calculate the day of Christ’s return, we live faithfully in the here and now as
we anticipate the day when we will be given eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This week’s Gospel text is from Matthew 25:14-30
[Jesus said to the disciples:] 14“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ”
Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot: “CofC’s Got Talent”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells a story about a “talent contest” – or something like that! The Lord entrusts blessings, gifts, and talents to us to use for God’s kingdom. What “talent” are you investing to help share the gospel and serve others? We consider this important question from an individual and corporate perspective as we gather to worship in Jesus’ name. All are welcome!
The Hymn of the Day in our Traditional service is Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ
Prayers of the People – 11/19/17
Let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their needs. Each petition will end, “Lord in your mercy” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.” We observe a time of silence for reflection and preparation.
We pray for this congregation and the talents and treasures each person brings. Inspire us to invest fully in your kingdom, and to replace fear of failure with bold new attempts to share the Gospel and welcome all. Bring new talents to blossom among us, as we encourage and build up one another. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for the Church. Enliven our participation in ecumenical ministries and interfaith partnerships that benefit our communities and advocate for peace and justice for all. We hold before you the Inter-Religious Covenant Thanksgiving Eve gathering, as we join our neighbors on Wednesday in giving thanks and standing united for the common good. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those who cry out for healing, hope, or help, and for those for whom we have promised to pray, especially members of this community who have asked for public prayers: Anna Bero, Heidi Fine, Tom Fine, Phyllis Hahn, Claire Huehnerhoff, Mary Mehlum, Iris Schiffer, Vernette Rae, Corinne Riemer, and Marilyn Van Brero. We pray also for Andrew Aldrich, brother of Laurie Beck, hospitalized in Colorado. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those who have been and are still today enslaved, trafficked, or oppressed in the United States and around the world. Make clear the needs of those who are silenced by suffering, that we may listen and bring an end to exploitation. We stand with you in opposition to any form of abuse, harassment, intimidation, or predatory actions or attitudes. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for victims of violence and war. We long for peace on earth. We remember survivors and families of the victims of the mass shooting this week in Tehama County, California. We are heart-broken, and we are weary of what seems like weekly reports of similar evil and unimaginable acts. Help us as individuals and as a nation find ways to counter such evil with love, and also with just laws, procedures and practices to reduce and eliminate such horrors. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Receive these prayers and the hopes and concerns of our hearts, O God, as we entrust into your loving care all for whom we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Communion song at our Traditional service is When Peace Like A River
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 – We continue a four-week study of the book of Philippians – “Rejoice Always!” The Apostle Paul writes to new believers in the Roman colonial city of Philippi, in Macedonia. Although the church was new and small, it was a source of both financial support and spiritual encouragement to Paul, who writes from prison in Rome to thank and inspire the faithful to keep up their good works and to be people of joy. Adult Faith Formation meets from 10:15 to 10:55 am between worship services in the Library. Come “grow in faith”!
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.
BE A PART OF WORSHIP AS A GREETER, LECTORS, COMMUNION ASSITANT – Please sign up online or at the Information Desk to help fill these important roles each Sunday as we “Worship God” and “Welcome All.” Go to our website www.crossofchristbellevue.org and click on the “Volunteer” tab to sign up. Thank you!
SCRIBBLE SHEETS – The pew racks have been recently refilled with updated materials, including “Scribble Sheets” for kids, or anyone looking to take a note or perhaps doodle a bit! PLEASE use the Scribble Sheets for these purposes and not the much more expensive envelopes and other printed materials. Thank you.
CFH WELCOME BASKETS – Help support Congregations for the Homeless and men they are assisting in transitioning into permanent housing by bringing in needed items for “Welcome Baskets” or cash donations this week and next. Requested items include basic things to help the men get off to a good start in their new homes, including: full-size mattress pad, sheets and blankets, towels, laundry basket, waste basket, laundry pods, and clothes hangers. Ryan of CFH, who moves the men into housing, has said it is such a joy to be able to give this gift to the men, and it is so appreciated! Please stop by the display in the Narthex just outside the Library to see a completed basket and to pick up a tag with the item(s) you would like to donate. This is a Thrivent Action Team project. Questions? Contact Nancy Weisel (425-747-7934) or Nadine Bentsen (425-747-1543). Thanks for helping us “Serve Others” in a simple but meaningful way.
CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY NEXT WEEK – which is the last Sunday in the Church calendar. Our celebration this year – For Everything there is a Season – will remind us of God’s goodness and grace, which we experience in every time and season. Please make plans to attend.
ANNUAL ADVENT SMORGASBORD DECEMBER 10 – 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 you have any questions please contact Smorgasbord Coordinator Joan Davis at joansnotes@comcast.net or Fellowship Team Leader Linda Capron at capron@comcast.net. We look forward to sharing this special event with everyone.
THANKSGIVING EVE COMMUNITY GATHERING – For the 31st consecutive year, members of faith communities in the Crossroads and Lake Hills neighborhoods will gather to give thanks, offer prayers, and stand united. Hosted by the Eastside Interfaith Covenant Committee, this year’s Thanksgiving Eve gathering will be at 7:30 pm at Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE 4th Street, just around the corner from Cross of Christ – consider parking here and walking. Parking will also be available at the Jewish Day School and across the street from the Temple at New Hope Ministries. Father Gary Zender, priest at St. Louise de Marillac, is the keynote speaker. The service will feature Carillon, Cross of Christ’s handbell choir, and a combined vocal choir from member congregations including members of Cantorei, our choir. Please plan to attend what is always a joyful and uplifting evening.
OFFICE CLOSED THURSDAY FOR THANKSGIVING – and reopens Monday at 9:30 am. Our regular office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am to 2 pm. All the best to you, and to our hard-working staff, as we take time to give thanks to God for our many blessings.
TWO HOLIDAY EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE LARKS – The holiday season is nearly upon us and a special way to celebrate the birth of our Savior is through music. Join the Larks Monday, December 4, at 7:30 pm at Benaroya Hall where the Choir of the West, Pacific Lutheran University Chorale and Orchestra present their traditional holiday concert. Also at Benaroya Hall on Friday, December 22, at 7:30 pm, the Seattle Boy Choir and Sinfonia present their traditional Lessons and Song featuring nine scriptural readings, followed by the audience singing carols. A special rate of $27 is offered to groups. Sign-up sheet are available at the Information Desk for both of these events. For more information call Charlotte Rehmer at 425-890-8140. Today is the last day to signup for the December 4 event.
CARDS FOR TOM & HEIDI – for those who have asked, cards can be sent to Tom Fine at Mission Healthcare at Bellevue, Room 208, 2424 156th Ave NE, Bellevue. Tom is happy to have visitors. Cards for Heidi can be sent to her son, Mike Fine, 13013 82nd NE, Kirkland, WA, 98034. Heidi remains in ICU at Harborview Hospital in Seattle. At this time she is in isolation while being treated for an infection, as well as in need of much rest, so she is not receiving visitors other than immediate family. Thank you for your prayers and caring for Tom and Heidi and others.
Our sending song in our Traditional service is Go My Children With My Blessing
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!