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 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
GATHERING SONG
“All Creatures of Our God and King”
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
THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT:
“Divine Detectives: God Revealed Through Science and Nature”
Many of us grew up being taught in school – high school and college in particular – that science and faith are in conflict. And we assumed our scholar and scientists of the past century were an intelligent, enlightened, western, scientific method influenced community – which they were. We then further assumed that must mean that science was right–and Christianity and the Bible were wrong–when it came to things like creation vs. evolution.
But as science delves deeper into our complex, creative, amazing, marvelous, even mysterious world on all levels, more and more these scientists themselves are admitting that some of the fundamental assumptions of the past were themselves wrong.
Science and faith, when both are approached openly and honestly, are not at odds. In fact, both confirm with each other that God created – using forces and causes and systems and timeframes well beyond our full understanding.
May our eyes be open to see, our hearts open to receive, our minds open to understand, and our mouths open to declare, that this is our Father’s world. Thanks be to God. Amen.
SONG OF THE DAY
“This is My Father’s World”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
God of creation, we praise you for the marvellous gifts of life and land and all that you have brought into being. The smallest and the grandest of things both bear witness to your divine creativity. In the intricate design of systems and spheres and species, we are made aware of your majesty. Stir in us a greater appreciation for science and nature, and for those who help us understand them better, that we might worship you as Creator as we care for all that you have created. Hear us, O Lord…
Your mercy is great.
God of comfort, we pray for all the needs of our world. We pray for peace between nations and peace between peoples. We pray for an end to oppressive governments and unjust systems. We pray for those impacted by flooding in the Midwest, and the cyclone in southeast Africa, especially the people of Beira, Mozambique, where Pastor Dave and Barbara lived and worked during part of their time with Food for the Hungry. Bless those who are serving victims of disasters in the U.S. and globally, and those who are supporting them, including FH and Lutheran Disaster Response. Hear us, O Lord…
Your mercy is great.
God of hope, we lift to you our members, associates and their families who have asked for public prayers: Nancy and Kenny Anderson and family, Anna Bero, former member John Boyd, Ellie Dennison, Linda Ernst, Phyllis Hahn, Audrey Harris, Ruth Huehnerhoff, Eileen Johnson, Priscilla Kanestrom, LaNita Landru, Marlys Paulson, Phil Tjelle, and Marilyn Van Brero. We pray for Barb and her family as they gather for the funeral of her father this weekend. Bless the faithful of this congregation who daily pray on behalf of others. Lord, in your mercy…
Hear our prayer
All this we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
COMMUNION SONG
“Behold the Lamb”
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.
DIVINE DETECTIVES NOTEBOOKS – If you haven’t picked one up yet, notebooks are available at the Information Desk in the Narthex. Keep them with you to jot down notes, record clues, and capture “God Sightings” during Lent. Each Sunday and Wednesday until Palm Sunday we’ll be collecting these for our “Evidence Board” on the Art Wall in the West Wing. Join others as we keep our eyes open for God at work all around us.
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.
CHILDREN’S 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.
EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS – Help us prepare to celebrate Easter, April 21, with lilies and other flowers for the Sanctuary. Dedication forms are available at the Information Desk in the Narthex. To donate, fill out the form and place it in the offering basket, along with your check, by Monday, April 15. Thank you.
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, the men of the church show off their culinary skills – or pick-up prowess. Next 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.
REUNION SUNDAY COMING! – Mark your calendars for our next Reunion Sunday, March 31. In months with five Sundays, we gather as 10 am for a combined worship service on the fifth Sunday followed by a congregational fellowship event, which this month is a Spring Brunch and a game of “SPRINGO” with fun, spring-theme prizes.
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.
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 this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 pm, and Saturday and next Sunday at 2 pm, at the Redmond High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets available at the door or via brownpapertickets.com. Good luck, Marie!
FREE FIREWOOD – There is a pile of firewood in the back (west) parking lot near the picnic tables. Please help yourself for your personal use.
TIME TO TEE IT UP GOLFERS – The first outing for the Cross of Christ golfing group is set for April 11 at 10:15 am at Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course. All are welcome – pros to duffers! Make plans to join the fun!
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.
SPRING LUNCHEON: SAVE THE DATE – Saturday, April 27. The theme this year is “Empowering Girls Education” (Days for Girls). Join us as we hear from two women involved in educating girls in numerous African countries. Mark your calendars for 11:30 am on April 27. A signup sheet is available at the Information Desk. More information to come.
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
“How Great Thou Art”
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!