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 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The grumbling of the Pharisees and the scribes in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God wills to seek and to save the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As Paul’s first letter to Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God.

GATHERING SONG

“Oh Worship the King”

 

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God, overflowing with mercy and compassion, you lead back to yourself all those who go astray. Preserve your people in your loving care, that we may reject whatever is contrary to you and may follow all things that sustain our life in your Son, 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

Exodus 32:7-14  While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the people grow restless and make a golden calf to worship. Today’s reading shows Moses as the mediator between an angry God and a sinful people. Moses reminds God that the Israelites are God’s own people and boldly asks mercy for them.

 Psalm 51:1-10  Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. (Ps. 51:1)

Timothy 1:12-17  The letters to Timothy are called the Pastoral Epistles because they contain advice especially intended for leaders in the church. Here the mercy shown to Paul, who once persecuted the church, is cited as evidence that even the most unworthy may become witnesses to the grace of God.  

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL

Luke 15:1-10   Jesus tells two stories that suggest a curious connection between the lost being found and sinners repenting. God takes the initiative to find sinners, each of whom is so precious to God that his or her recovery brings joy in heaven.    

 

PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “Eureka!”

We can know a lot about who Jesus was, and is, based on who he associated with, who he invested himself and his time in, who he hung out with, in his time on earth.  He is the friend of the outcast.  He is the valuer of those who have been made to feel worthless. He is the lover of the one who others call unlovely, unlovable.  He is the Great Physician who had the cure for the sin sick. He is the Savior who lived and died motivated by Unconditional Love and Amazing Grace – how sweet the sound, that saved a wanderer like me.  I once was lost, but now I’m found.  Eureka!  I’m found.  I’m free. 

Thanks be to God.  Amen.

SONG OF THE DAY

“Amazing Grace”

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Please stand in body or in spirit. Led by the Holy Spirit, we offer our prayers, trusting in God’s mercy, wisdom, and love. Each petition will end “Lord in your mercy,” to which the congregational response is “Hear our prayer.”

Seeking God, out of your great love and amazing grace, you are ever reaching out to us.  Stir the hearts of the hurting and the hopeless, that they may hear you calling them to you.  Inspire us to be messengers of your mercy and active agents of your wide welcome. Lord in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Uniting God, you call your people to be of one mind, united in our love for you and in love of all our neighbors. Bless our partners in serving others and sharing the gospel. This week we pray especially for Congregations for the Homeless and for their Annual Fundraiser on Thursday. Lord in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Caring God, we lift to you all who are in need. We pray for those who grieve – especially the family and friends of Jane Pittenger whose Memorial was held here yesterday; the family, friends, and fellow Scouts of Gunnar Ness, a member of Cross of Christ sponsored Troop 673, who passed away recently; and all who mourn the death of a loved one.  We lift to you members of this community of faith and those dear to them who have asked for our public prayers: Anna Bero; Dennis Bero; former member John Boyd; Linda Ernst; Phyllis Hahn; Sandra Hutchison – daughter of Dick and Darlean Hanner; Audrey Harris; Julie Hockett, Ruth Huehnerhoff; Eileen Johnson; Priscilla Kanestrom; Jeanne Lawson; Linnea, daughter of Hal and Jean Mills; Spike, son of Wanda Nelson; Marlys Paulson; and Marilyn Van Brero. Lord in your mercy…

Hear our prayer.

Into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy and grateful for your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

COMMUNION SONG

“Lord, Who the Night You Were Betrayed”

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

INVITATION TO COMMUNION – At Cross of Christ and throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we practice Open Communion. You will hear the Assisting Minster make this open invitation with the words, “All are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Christ is the host; we extend his invitation to all.” Please be invited to join us. Please also feel comfortable if you decide to not receive Holy Communion today.  Most Sundays we come forward to receive the bread and the wine. If you would like to receive Communion where you are seated, please let the ushers who are assisting know your preference.  We would be happy and honored to bring the Communion elements to you. 

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 book of Acts between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library. Join us! 

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL  takes place between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Youth Room, and is for kids age 4 – 10. Miss Kristie looks forward to seeing you there! 

ROOF TRUSS UPDATE  We were informed this week that there will be a delay in starting the project due to a backlog of work with one of the subcontractors.  At this point it looks like the project will begin in October. We will keep you posted as we receive updates. They project is expected to take about four weeks, and it appears that we will have use of the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall on weekends – although if need be, alternative arrangements have been made for worship. Please keep this project in your prayers. 

OOM-PA-PAH, IT’S OKTOBERFEST – Join us in the Fellowship Hall for our annual Oktoberfest celebration on the last (and fifth) Sunday of this month, September 29, immediately following the combined 10 am service. Brats and craft root beer will be provided, along with live music and games. Sign up in the Narthex to bring a German-themed salad, side dish, or dessert. For more information, please contact Congregational Fellowship Events Team Chair Linda Capron, 425-898-0263,capron@comcast.net. 

DAYS FOR GIRLS TANZANIA PROJECT MEETING TUESDAY  10:30 am in the Library. We will discuss plans for empowering girl’s education through supplying Days for Girls kits for the girls at MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School in Tanzania. Everyone who is interested in helping with this project is invited to come. 

FIRST SENIOR LUNCHEON TOMORROW – This fall Cross of Christ will host three luncheons sponsored by local care providers on topics relevant to seniors.  These are free and you are welcome to invite family, friends or neighbors who also may be interested.  Each luncheon will be from 11:30 am-1 pm on the third Monday of the month.  RSVPs are helpful.  Contact Pastor Judy if you have any questions.  

TOMORROW! – How Do You Know It’s Time to Move? – Sponsored by Aegis at Overlake 

October 21- Senior Living 101 – sponsored by Sunrise of Bellevue 

November 18 – Crisis File Presentation: How to prepare for a senior care crisis before it happens – sponsored by Aegis of Bellevue. 

COUNCIL MEETS TUESDAY & SATURDAY – The regular monthly meeting is Tuesday, 6:30 pm, in the Library. Council meetings are open to all – congregation members are always welcome to attend.  This is the first meeting of the newly installed Council.  The Annual Council and Core Team Leaders Retreat is Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, at Pastor Dave’s home in the Cascade-Fairwood neighborhood of south Renton.  Please keep your elected lay leaders in your prayers.   

GRIEF GROUP GATHERS WEDNESDAY – at 10 am in the Gathering Room (202). Pastor Dave brings a devotion and conversation starters to this warm, welcoming, confidential group open to all. Our theme for September is “Grace Notes.” All are welcome. 

10th ANNUAL CFH LUNCHEON FUNDRAISER THURSDAY – You can still enjoy this inspirational afternoon of giving to support the path from homelessness to stable living with Congregations for the Homeless. To register please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/congregations-for-the-homeless-2019-fundraiser-tickets-63299114355.  If you would like to be seated at a Cross of Christ table, select a CofC table captain when you register online. We hope to see you there.  

THIRD SATURDAY HIKERS HEAD TO UMTANUM CANYON THIS WEEK – The group welcomes other hikers to join them as they travel south from Ellensburg alongside the Yakima River and hike up the Umtanum Canyon for several miles.  Aspen trees grow up in this canyon, and if we’re fortunate, they will be turning a lovely yellow.  An easy hike for anyone to enjoy.  For more information, see Erik Paulson. 

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND PICTURETAKERS WELCOME  The Camera Club is restarting! The next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, September 26beginning 6:30 pm, in the Library.   This session is open to picture-takers of every level, and to anyone who enjoys viewing pictures.  We’ll have discussions of how to improve skills and use cameras of all shapes and sizes, from the camera on a phone, to simple point-and-shoots, to the high end SLR or Mirrorless with a gazillion lens options.  Come learn more about the Club, the plans being made, and the fall colors field trip in October.  Invite your friends to join you.  For more information, contact Gorman Colling, Pete Stewart, Jay Marsh, or Erik Paulson. 

LWR SCHOOL KITS We completed the input of product and funding last Sunday.  Thank you to all for your generous support!  And thank you for the surprise package of coins found in our product bin in the Narthex. We’re putting the kits together now and volunteers are welcome to join in!  Contact Monnie Meland to learn more – larmonet2@msn.com. 

GOOD START BACK TO SCHOOL – Thank you so much to everyone that participated in Congregations for Kids 24th annual Good Start Back to School drive. Nearly1,700 students were helped this year through the program and donations from Cross of Christ fully provided for 65 of those students. 

 SOPHIA WAY LUNCHEON – SAVE THE DATE!  – We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, October 15, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Bellevue.  Sophia Way is hoping to host 700 people this year, so please sign up early, and invite your friends!  Save your place online at https://sophiaway.org/luncheon-2019/ or contact your table host, Dorinda Otto.  Come by yourself or bring a group of friends. 

 LARKS PLAN VISIT TO MOLTON WORKS GLASS  On October 16 at 11am the Larks will visit Molten Works Glass Studioin Woodinville and see how many artists we have Cross of Christ.  The cost is $35 per person for the class and any materials for the project you would like to create. Sign up at the Information Desk or Contact Heidi Fine. 

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, or haven’t received one but would like to, Office Administrator Judy Giseburt would happily make you 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, and Marilyn Van Brero. 

BENEDICTION

The God of all grace, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.

SENDING SONG

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”


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!

 

 

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