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 All Saints Sunday
Our Gathering song at our Traditional service is For All the Saints (ELW 422)
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, 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 Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; and 1 John 3:1-3.
Revelation 7:9-17
9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and worship him day and night within his temple,
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
16 They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them,
nor any scorching heat;
17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Psalm 34:1-10
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Look to him, and be radiant;
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,
and was saved from every trouble.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
9 O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,
for those who fear him have no want.
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
1 John 3:1-3
1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3 And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
This week’s Gospel text is from Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Pastor Dave’s Sermon Snapshot: “Blessed are Those Who Mourn – Really?”
Coming soon!
The Hymn of the Day in our Traditional service is For All Your Saints, O Lord (ELW 427)
This is a fanfare-style interpretation of the tune “Festal Song,” which serves as the base for this hymn in worship.
Prayers of the People – 11/5/17
Merciful Heavenly Father: we thank you today for making us saints, justifying us for Christ’s sake, and calling us to live freely and joyfully in response to your amazing grace. In spite of our imperfect lives, you look at us and see Jesus’ perfect life and death covering ours. Help our lives conform more closely to his as we, in gratitude, live for you. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Giving Heavenly Father: we thank you for every Christian who has helped us on our journey and encouraged us to keep believing when we felt like giving up. Thank you for all those who taught us the faith. Thank you for those who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to ensure others could hear of your love in Christ. We hold before you the saints of this community represented by the red candles on the altar today, and all others whose light shown forth for you. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Gathering Heavenly Father; we pray for your church on earth, that it may remain faithful to the teaching of our Lord and of his Apostles. We pray for all Christians everywhere, especially those under persecution, that they may imitate the martyrs in bold witness to the gospel. We pray for boldness in our own commitment to be witnesses to you and to your grace, as we share the gospel daily in word and in deed. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Compassionate Heavenly Father; we pray for peace in those nations where conflict, violence, oppression and division are daily experience and people suffer at the hands of others. Protect those who are poor and hungry and give them hope. Move those with plenty to share with those who have little. Help all people to love their neighbour as themselves. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Healing Heavenly Father; we pray for those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for all who suffer silently, whose wounds and scars are unseen by others. We pray for caregivers and advocates of the hurting, the lonely, the marginalized, and the dying. Especially we 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. We lift to you Hank Drayton, friend of Sara Goldsmith, in hospital following surgery. We also continue to pray your peace be upon Ann Baseler and family on the passing of her sister, Elsie Lovelace, and Kristie Walker and her family at the death of her grandfather, Robert Albrecht. Lord in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Hear us, O Heavenly Father, giver of life eternal, as we give thanks for the love you have shown to the world through all your saints, and s we celebrate our continuing communion with them whenever we worship. We look forward to being part of the crowd around your throne in heaven on the last day. Until that glorious day, keep us looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith, in whose name we pray. Amen.
The Communion song at our Traditional service is Holy Communion
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!
INFORMATIONAL MEETING ABOUT NEW SIGN TODAY – between services, in the Library. See inside page for more details. Due to the meeting, there will not be Adult Faith Formation. A new series begins the following Sunday, November 12.
THANKS FOR REFORMATION & OKTOBERFEST – to the many who helped make our Reformation 500 worship service and annual Oktoberfest fellowship luncheon so successful and meaningful. What a joy-filled day of worship and fun! Our next congregational fellowship event is our annual Advent Smorgasbord, at 11:30 am on Sunday, December 10, following a single combined worship service at 10 am. Make your plans now to attend!
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, as parking is limited at the Temple). 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.
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.
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.
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.
GREETERS – We are in need of more greeters before our church services. It would be great if you could share 10-15 minutes a few times a year to welcome others to our church. There is a sign up sheet at the Information Center. Hope you will select 9 am or 11 am options! Thank you!
THE PAGETURNERS’ – book club meets for the last time this year on Monday, November 6 at 3 p.m. at Hildegard Schmidt’s house to discuss Alain de Botton’s book “The Art of Travel”, a philosophical look at the Why of travel and seeing the world. For information call Hildegard, 425-747-5249. Anyone is welcome.
QUILT SUNDAY THANKS AND UPDATE – We blessed 90 quilts and more than 100 school kits. This week they were all packed and sent to neighbors in need both near and far. Here are the numbers for the quilts: Lutheran World Relief – 53, Baby Corner (for children birth to age 12) – 10, Sophia Way Women Shelter – 13, Congregation for the Homeless Men Rotating Shelters – 14. The total cost for shipping the quilts and school kits was $409.50. Thank you to all who made quilts, assembled kits, and made donations to this caring ministry. In six more months we will be shipping more quilts and health kits. Please consider making a donation now to the Quilter’s Shipping Fund. We also are seeking donations of top sheets – any size and color are welcome. You are always welcome to join us on the second and fourth Monday, from 10 am to noon. Bring a lunch. No special talent needed. Just come! Contact: Sandra Volkman, 425 644 9604 or dsvolkman@comcast.net for more information.
Our sending song in our Mosaic service is Just a Closer Walk With Thee
In case you missed our own Carillon handbell choir ringing this, enjoy this rendition from the Bells Angels.
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!
