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 FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues; to receive the gifts of God’s grace; to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus; and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.
GATHERING SONG
“Who You Say I Am”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Gracious God, look upon us with kindness as we make our Lenten journey. Open our eyes to see you at work in our lives, in our church, and in our world. Amen.
THIS WEEK’S READINGS
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 The annual harvest festival, called the Feast of Weeks, provides the setting for this reading. This festival celebrates the first fruits of the produce of the land offered back to God in thanks. In this text, worshipers announce God’s gracious acts on behalf of Israel.
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 God will give the angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways. (Ps. 91:11)
Romans 10:8b-13 Paul reminds the Christians at Rome of the foundation of their creed, the confession of faith in the risen Christ as Lord.
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
Luke 4:1-13 After being filled with the Holy Spirit at his baptism, Jesus is led in the wilderness. Through his responses to the temptations of the devil, he defines what it means to be called “the Son of God.”
PASTOR JUDY’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “Divine Detectives: God Revealed Through History”
Coming soon! 
SONG OF THE DAY
“O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Coming soon!
COMMUNION SONG
“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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 – We continue our study of the action-packed book of Acts. Pastor Dave is our guide between services, 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library.
CHILDRENS’ SUNDAY SCHOOL – Welcomes kids age 4-10 to the Youth Room this morning from 10:15 to 10:55 am. Join Miss Kristie for a fun time of learning about God’s love for you!
CHRIST IN OUR HOME DEVOTIONALS – for April, May and June are available while supplies last at the Information Desk in the Narthex.
LECTORS NEEDED – It adds so much to our worship services to hear the Word of God read by many voices. Thanks to all who have signed up to be a lector. Recently, however, we have had a lot of open opportunities unfilled for this valuable role, especially for our 11 am Mosaic Service. To sign up, visit the Cross of Christ website at www.crossofchristbellevue.org and clicking on the “Volunteer” link.
SOUP SUPPERS AND WEDNESDAY LENTON SERVICES – Lenten Midweek Worship continues this Wednesday. Soup Suppers begin the evening from 6 to 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall, followed by 45-minute worship services in the Sanctuary. We’re trying a new “soup strategy” this season. This Wednesday and next are covered by ladies in WELCA Circles. Men, you get your chance to show off your culinary skills – or pick-up prowess – on March 27. The following week, April 3, we’re asking the “youngin’s” to provide soups – all members 50 and younger. For the final Lenten Midweek, April 10, our elders (50 plus) are asked to bring soups. Each week we will also need setup and cleanup helpers – anyone can sign up for any week. We need a minimum of four soups each Wednesday, each of which to serve 10 or more people, to be brought in by 5:45 pm. Thanks for volunteering to help continue this well-loved Cross of Christ tradition. Sign up at the Information Desk in the Narthex.
CELEBRATE THE RESURRECTION! We are planning for lilies and other flowers in the sanctuary to celebrate Easter. Dedication forms are available at the Information Desk. To donate fill the form and place it in the collection basket along with your check, or mail it to the church office.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US HOST CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS – Well done, Cross of Christ! With less than a month’s notice, you leapt into action to make a big difference in the lives of men in our community during the historically cold and snowy month of February as we shared a warm welcome, a warm meal, and a warm place to sleep to some 35 men (on average) each evening. Thanks to all who hosted in the evenings, baked cookies, made a meal, helped to serve, or offered words of encouragement. We would like to send an extra shout out to Nancy Weisel, who walked from home to come to church EVERY DAY during the snow, to make sure the men had lunches. She made over 700 sandwiches! She also showed up in the evenings to lend a hand to the evening meal teams. Special thanks to Bonnie and Webb Bowie, who live within walking distance and came when others could not due to the snow and ice. And to Pastor Dave – what a month! What would we have done without your shoveling, serving, setting up, welcoming, and overall supporting efforts? We were honored to help lead this tremendous team. Kay March, Nadine Bentsen and Ann Huseby.
MARIE SCHOTT IN “MARY POPPINS JR” – Cross of Christ’s own young actress Marie is part of the cast as the Redmond Academy of Theatre Arts presents this delightful tale of the magical nanny and her charges. Performances are scheduled for March 28, 29 and 30 at 7 pm, and March 30 and 31 at 2 pm, at the Redmond High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets available at the door or via brownpapertickets.com. Good luck, Marie!
PARKING LOT HOSPITALITY – As a reminder, we have three parking spots reserved for “Courtesy and Visitor Parking.” These are intended for those who might need them most – like those with temporary mobility limitations, families with young children, and expectant mothers. Please help “Welcome All’ by not parking in these spaces if you are able to walk a few steps farther. Also, please remember that all spaces marked as reserved for handicapped can only be used by those with authorized handicap license plates or rear-view mirror placards. These spaces are occasionally monitored by Bellevue Special Parking Enforcement. Thanks for practicing parking lot hospitality!
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, Office Administrator Judy Giseburt would happily make you a new one. Contact Judy in the office at 425-746-7300 or at office@cofclc.net.
PRAYERS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS – Ed and Phyllis Hahn, Doris Lundquist, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Bill and Betty McConnell, Mary Moen, Marlys Paulson, Jane Pittenger, Norman Stromer, and Marilyn Van Brero.
SENDING SONG
“Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer”
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!
