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 PALM SUNDAY


GATHERING SONG

“All Glory, Laud and Honor”

 

PRAYER OF THE DAY

 Lord Jesus, you are truly King of kings and Lord of lords. Receive our offering of praise, and enable us to remain faithful to you in all circumstances. May we never turn from you, but ever turn to you, in days of celebration and in our hour of greatest need. This we pray in your holy name. Amen.

THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Zechariah 9:9-12 

Psalm 118:19-29   

Philippians 2:5-11

 

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL

Luke 19:29-40

 

PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT:

“The Palms That Matter Most”

On Palm Sunday, not only do we remember back in history, when our Savior entered Jerusalem to waving palms and happy “Hosannas”, we also look to the future, practicing and preparing for what we will be doing in heaven – wearing white robes and waving palm branches before the Lamb of God, who has saved us and set us free. As Holy Week continues, we’ll remember the cost Christ paid for our salvation.  Our Hosanna shouts will be stilled, and soon in darkness and silence we will sit at the foot of the cross.  We will remember and we will be thankful.  We will remember, and we will be moved.  We will remember, and we will be awe-struck.  We will remember, and in remembering that it was our sins that were nailed to the cross along with our Savior, we will be prepared for the shout to come – when Palm Sunday’s “Hosanna” – “Save us” – and Maundy Thursday’s and Good Friday’s silence – give way to the Easter Proclamation. Helping us remember, and helping us rejoice, and helping us be ready – for all these reasons I truly appreciate Palm Sunday. But most of all, I appreciate its reminder, that the palms that matter the most are those that bear the scars of the nails, by which we are saved, indeed.  Hosanna in the highest.  Amen.

 

SONG OF THE DAY

“O Worship the King”

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

As we enter Holy Week and continue our journey to the Cross of Christ, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all in need. 

We pray for all the faithful, that we may humbly bear our crosses and follow Jesus as our Lord and King. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We pray for those like Simon Peter whose faith has faltered when called to stand with Jesus. As the Risen Christ would reconcile Peter by his love and grace, remind all who have fallen that you are eager to forgive and restore, freeing them of their regrets. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We pray for prisoners and criminals like Barrabas. May they find true freedom through confession and repentance. Bless those who visit the imprisoned, working and praying for their transformation. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We pray for those who are dying, like the thieves crucified with Jesus.  May they die with Jesus by their side and by grace be received by him into your kingdom. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We pray for parents like Mary who have lost a child.  May they continued to be comforted by your peace as they wait in holy hope for their joyful reunion. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We pray for peace in places where like Palestine under Roman rule, where people are victims of oppression, unrest, conflict, hatred or tyranny.  Protect all the innocent, including our brothers and sisters in Christ. We remember the churches in Louisiana where this week an arsonist burned their buildings but could not extinguish their faith. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

And we pray for those with special needs who have asked for our 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. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Guide us this Holy Week as we walk with Jesus along his passion path, and ready us to celebrate with joy his victory over sin, Satan, and death. This we pray through Christ our King.

Amen.

 

COMMUNION SONG

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus”

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 – 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.  This is our last gathering before we take a “Spring Break.”  Adult Faith Formation will resume June 16.

CHILDRENS’ SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY– We resume Sunday School today after a couple of weeks off, for kids age 4-10, in the Youth Room from 10:15 to 10:55 am.  Join Miss Kristie for a fun time of learning about God’s love for you!

HOLY WEEK SERVICES – Very special services are planned for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter morning, and we invite you to join us as we remember our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection. Maundy Thursday, 7 pm, we remember the Last Supper shared by Jesus with his closest followers, including one who would betray him. This service includes special music from Carillon, our handbell choir, the final altar rail communion of the season, and concludes with the powerful “Stripping of the Altar.” Cantorei, our choir, with guest singers and chamber orchestra, leads Good Friday worship, 7 pm, with the special cantata “In My Place.” We celebrate the resurrection with two special services on Easter Sunday, next week.  Cantorei will be joined by a brass quartet along with organ at our Traditional Service, 9 am.  Mosaic the Band is planning special Easter music for our casual service at 11 am, where the message comes in the form of an original drama by Pastor Dave. Make your plans to join us for Holy Week, and invite your neighbors, family members, and friends.

EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS – There is still time to help us prepare to celebrate Easter with lilies and other flowers for the Sanctuary.  Dedication forms (available at the Information Desk in the Narthex) and donations are due by tomorrow at 2 pm.  To donate, fill out the form and place it in the offering basket, along with your check, or come by the office tomorrow. Thank you.

OFFICE CLOSED EASTER MONDAY The office will reopen on Tuesday at 9:30 am.

TANZANIA 2020 TEAM MEETING TODAY – at 12:30 pm, in the Library.  We continue to plan our first fundraiser as well as set the foundation for our trip.  We look forward to seeing all Team Members!

TIME TO TEE IT UP GOLFERS – The first outing for the Cross of Christ golfing group this past Thursday was a lot of fun. Come join us in the weeks ahead at Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course. All are welcome – pros to duffers! Signup sheets and schedules are at the Information Desk in the Narthex.

GRIEF GROUP MEETS WEDNESDAY – in the Gathering Room, from 10 to 11 am.  Pastor Dave brings a devotion and conversation starter to guide our casual discussions.  This month’s theme is “Speaking My Peace.” You’re welcome to join this small, warm, confidential group.

PRAYERS CHAIN BECOMES PRAYER NET – As part of her Caring Ministries leadership, Pastor Judy is in the midst of making a few changes to the Prayer Chain.  The first change is the name – it will now be called the “Prayer Net” – think ‘network’ that connects people or a ‘net’ that catches or holds things. The Prayer Net will be an e-mail list for requests for public prayers. For example, if someone is having hip replacement surgery and they ask to be in the public prayers on Sunday, this will also be communicated by email to the Prayer Net.  Folks who had been on the old Prayer Chain e-mail will be moved over onto the Prayer Net (unless you’d like to come off, in which case just let Pastor Judy know).  If you’d like to be added to the Prayer Net e-mails, just inform Pastor Judy. However, we know that there may be situations when people would like to be prayed for, but are not ready to be in the public prayers of the congregation and that’s okay. When you communicate your desire for prayers, Pastor Dave or Pastor Judy will make sure to clarify if you’d like your concerns to be for the wider Cross of Christ community or to have these concerns kept private.  We want you to know that we respect your wishes and will keep these prayers confidential.  If you have any questions about this change, please contact Pastor Judy.  Thank you!

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.

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.

SAVE THE DATE FOR SPRING LUNCHEON – Saturday, April 27, 11:30 am. 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.  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

“Hosanna”

 


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!

 

Comments are closed.