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.
Our Gathering song at our Traditional service is Rejoice, Rejoice Believers (ELW 244)
Prayer of the Day
O God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the needs of others, 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 Micah 3:5-12, Psalm 70, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Micah 3:5-12
5-7 Here is God’s Message to the prophets,
the preachers who lie to my people:
“For as long as they’re well paid and well fed,
the prophets preach, ‘Isn’t life wonderful! Peace to all!’
But if you don’t pay up and jump on their bandwagon,
their ‘God bless you’ turns into ‘God damn you.’
Therefore, you’re going blind. You’ll see nothing.
You’ll live in deep shadows and know nothing.
The sun has set on the prophets.
They’ve had their day; from now on it’s night.
Visionaries will be confused,
experts will be all mixed up.
They’ll hide behind their reputations and make lame excuses
to cover up their God-ignorance.”
8 But me—I’m filled with God’s power,
filled with God’s Spirit of justice and strength,
Ready to confront Jacob’s crime
and Israel’s sin.
9-12 The leaders of Jacob and
the leaders of Israel are
Leaders contemptuous of justice,
who twist and distort right living,
Leaders who build Zion by killing people,
who expand Jerusalem by committing crimes.
Judges sell verdicts to the highest bidder,
priests mass-market their teaching,
prophets preach for high fees,
All the while posturing and pretending
dependence on God:
“We’ve got God on our side.
He’ll protect us from disaster.”
Because of people like you,
Zion will be turned back into farmland,
Jerusalem end up as a pile of rubble,
and instead of the Temple on the mountain,
a few scraggly scrub pines.
Psalm 70
O Lord, make haste to help me!
2 Let those be put to shame and confusion
who seek my life.
Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who desire to hurt me.
3 Let those who say, “Aha, Aha!”
turn back because of their shame.
4 Let all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you.
Let those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!”
5 But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O Lord, do not delay!
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
This week’s Gospel text is from Matthew 25:1-13
[Jesus said to the disciples:] 1“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot: “Oil Crisis”
In our Gospel lesson Jesus contrasts foolish and wise bridesmaids and their preparation for the wedding celebration, and compares them with how people are preparing – or not – for his triumphant return. We ponder together how can live ready and wide awake lives as followers of the Lord who came and who is coming again.
The Hymn of the Day in our Traditional service is Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying (ELW 436)
Post Communion Prayer
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.
Prayers of the People – 11/12/17
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.
Welcoming God, you extend your gracious invitation to all people to be in loving relationship with you, through your Son, Jesus Christ. Make us ever grateful for you grace, ever eager to join in celebrating your goodness, and ever ready to share this good news with all our neighbors. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Missional God, we thank you for reaching out to us in so many ways, but especially in sending your Son to live among us, die for our sins, and rise again, the first fruit of the promised resurrection to come. Even as we pray “Come, Lord Jesus,” help us live grateful and expectant lives, awaiting his sure return as we share the gospel, serve others, and grow in our faith in you. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Gathering God, unite your people, the church, in our common mission and faith. Help us respect the diversity that enables us to be and do so much more than we could without one another. Open our hearts that we may truly open our doors to all our neighbors. Today we pray especially for our ELCA, Northwest Washington, East King County cluster sister congregation, St. Luke’s Lutheran of Bellevue, and Pastor Mark Griffith. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Compassionate God, our hearts are heavy for all those who suffer. Each week brings news of another sign of sin in our world. We pray for all who are in need. We especially remember the victims, families, residents and our brothers and sisters in faith in the wake of the terrible events last Sunday at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas. We grieve in ways to deep for words. Intervene as you know best, and bring your peace that passes all understanding. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Healing God, we pray for those who hurt in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for those whose hurts are hidden, and all who suffer silently. We thank you for all who provide healing and care – nurses, doctors, EMT’s, home care providers, family and friends of the sick, injured, and homebound. We continue to pray for 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. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Hear us, O God, and grant us faith to trust in you, for healing in this world and in the world to come, when your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, returns as he has promised, and we join all the saints at the great and eternal feast. This we pray in his most holy name.
Amen.
The Communion song at our Mosaic service is In Christ Alone
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 RETURNS – We begin 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.
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.
GRIEF GROUP MEETS WEDNESDAY – Our November theme is “Thanks-Giving”. We gather at 10 am in the Gathering Room. Coffee, treats, and a warm welcome are always provided.
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.
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.
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.
ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS – For those unable to attend worship: Leona Lenschow, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Jane Pittenger, Norman Stromer, Marilyn Van Brero.
Our sending song in our Traditional service is Let Streams of Living Justice (ELW 710)
A handbell arrangement of our closing hymn below, recorded in Seattle! The lyrics to the hymn are below.
Let streams of living justice flow down upon the earth.
Give freedom’s light to captives; let all the poor have worth.
The hungry’s hands are pleading; the workers claim their rights,
The mourners long for laughter, the blinded seek for sight.
Make liberty a beacon, strike down the iron power.
Abolish ancient vengeance. Proclaim your people’s hour.
The dreaded disappearance of family and friend,
The torture and the silence – the fear that knows no end.
The mother with her candle, the child who holds a gun,
The old one nursing hatred – all seek release to come.
Each candle burns for freedom, each light’s a tyrant’s fall.
Each flower placed for martyrs gives tongue to silenced call.
For healing of the nations, for peace that will not end.
For love that makes us lovers, God grant us grace to mend.
Weave our varied gifts together: knit our lives as they are spun.
On your loom of life enrol us till the thread of life is run.
O great Weaver of our fabric, bind church and world in one.
Dye our texture with your radiance, light our colours with your sun.
Your city’s built for music: we are the stones you seek.
Your harmony is language. We are the words you speak.
Our faith we find in service, our hope in other’s dreams.
Our love in hand of neighbour. Our homeland brightly gleams.
Inscribe our hearts with justice, your way – the path untried:
Your truth – the heart of stranger, your life – the Crucified.
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!