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 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Called to contemplate the cost of discipleship today, we might be helped by translating Paul’s request to Philemon into our prayer of the day: Refresh my heart in Christ. Strengthened by the company and forgiveness of the Christ in the blessed sacrament and recalling God’s grace in remembrance of baptism, we can be strengthened in this hour to “choose life”—to choose life in God as our own.
GATHERING SONG
“Lift High the Cross”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Direct us, O Lord God, in all our doings with your continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name; and finally, by your mercy, bring us to everlasting life, 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 GOSPEL
PASTOR DAVE’S SERMON SNAPSHOT: “The Cost of Discipleship”
Jesus calls people to a kind of discipleship that is not cheap, not easy, and not to be entered into without deep consideration of the consequences and costs. Our gospel today speaks to the importance of loyalty and allegiance to Jesus over all other competing loyalties, including family, possessions and the hardest to overcome of all, self.
Now let’s make sure we get something straight – this is so very important. We are saved by grace through faith alone in the work of Jesus Christ. Period. End of story. Our standing before God, our relationship with God, is pure gift, pure grace. It costs us nothing to receive this gift – although it cost Christ so very much. We don’t have to – and we cannot – do anything to earn God’s grace, merit God’s mercy, or deserve God’s love. That’s a settled deal.
What Jesus is talking about in today’s gospel is about how we are expected to respond to God’s amazing grace.
While the cost of discipleship is high, the return is so much greater. Following Jesus in this life, we learn to live with true liberty, free from the sin of self-centeredness, free to share and serve. We learn what is truly of value and lasting, and what is temporary. We learn what it is like to walk WITH Christ, to walk in as Christlike way as we can.
And as we walk though this life following Jesus, we walk in God’s will and delight in God’s way on the godly pathway to the life to come.
SONG OF THE DAY
“O Jesus, I Have Promised”
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.”
You call us, God, to be your disciples. Individually and as your gathered church, help us keep our priorities in alignment with your will and your word. Guide us along the path of deepening faith, as we journey with you in this life and as you lead us into the life to come. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
You call us, God, to community and connections that enable us to share the good news of your grace in word and in deed. Bless our relationships with the Northwest Washington Synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Interfaith Covenant Community, and all who join us is loving our neighbors as ourselves. Today we pray especially for our newly elected and appointed lay leaders serving on our Church Council and as Core Team Leaders. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
You call us, God, to care for those in need. We join our prayers today with many as we lift to you victims of the deadly storms this week – the hurricane that devastated the Bahamas and brought damage to North Carolina and the U.S. east coast, and the typhoon that hit with lethal force North and South Korea and is heading toward Japan. We pray for agencies, organizations, and individuals proving help and hope. May our contributions to them be means by which we witness to your love for all people. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
You call us to, God, to care for one another. We lift to you those who grieve – Doug Lieberg and the family of his brother Gary, whose memorial service was held here yesterday; the family and friends of Jane Pittengers as they prepare for her memorial this Saturday; 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; Ellie Dennison; Linda Ernst; Phyllis Hahn; Sandra Hutchison – daughter of Dick and Darlean Hanner; Audrey Harris; Julie Hockett, Ruth Huehnerhoff; Eileen Johnson; Priscilla Kanestrom; Jeanne Lawson; Wanda Nelson’s son Spike, Marlys Paulson; and Marilyn Van Brero. We pray also for traveling mercies for our members led by the Larks on their trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan. May this be a time of enjoying your creation, building Christian relationships, refreshment and renewal. Lord in your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy and grateful for you love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
COMMUNION SONG
“The Wonderful Cross”
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
INSTALLATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS & CORE TEAM LEADERS – With thanksgiving for their willingness to serve their congregation, we install elected and appointed lay leaders today for 2019-20. Council Members are: Colin Walker, President; Viggo Bertelsen, Vice President; Bob Davis, Secretary; and Members-as-Large Doug Lieberg, Carroll Harris, Gorman Colling, Bob Shelley, and Don Westby. Core Team Leaders are: Linda Capron, Council and Congregation Support Team; Kristie Walker, Growing Core Team; Ann Husbey, Sharing and Serving Core Team, and Helmut Rae, Welcoming and Worship Core Team.
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 RETURNS TODAY – We pick up our study of the book of Acts, as Adult Faith Formation returns to its “regularly scheduled time” between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Library. Join us!
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL RETURNS TODAY! – Children’s Sunday School begins today after being on summer break. We look forward to growing in faith together! Sunday School takes place between services, from 10:15 to 10:55 am, in the Youth Room, and is for kids age 4 – 10. See 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.
JANE PITTENGER MEMORIAL – A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving is planned for Jane, a charter member involved in many ministries including helping start the Ark Early Learning Center and supporting Congregations for the Homeless. Join us at 11 am on Saturday, September 14, in the Sanctuary, with a luncheon reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Cross of Christ members are invited to attend. If you would be willing to assist with the reception with providing cookies or bars, setting up, serving and/or cleaning up after, please contact Special Receptions Committee Chair Gale Hill at ghill5250@gmail.com or 206-940-1214.
DAYS FOR GIRLS TANZANIA PROJECT MEETING – The next Days for Girls meeting will be Tuesday, September 17, at 10:30 am at Cross of Christ. 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.
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.
10th ANNUAL CFH LUNCHEON FUNDRAISER – Thursday, September 19, you are invited to an 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 this year!
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.
SENIOR LUNCHEON TOPICS – 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.
September 16 – 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.
INVITATION TO ICOE OPEN HOUSE – We received a cordial invitation to join our Muslim neighbors and other faith communities for the Annual Islamic Center of Eastside (COE) Open House and BBQ from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday. The Center is located at 14230 NE 21st Street. The program starts at 10 AM with a brief presentation on Islam followed by a Q&A session, lunch, and fellowship. From their invitation, “This is our annual community BBQ to bring together people from all faiths and backgrounds. It will also be a great opportunity for you to share any suggestions towards better community engagement or just to ask any questions about Islam and Muslims in general. In addition to learning about each other’s faith, we hope this social event will be a great opportunity for us to know and appreciate the diverse cultural backgrounds of our neighbors and friends in the area. We look forward to the honor of your gracious presence.” If you would like to attend, you are encouraged to RSVP at www.eastsidemosque.com/ and click on the link to the event.
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.
LARKS PLAN VISIT TO MOLTON WORKS GLASS – On October 16 at 11am the Larks will visit Molten Works Glass Studio in 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.
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.
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
Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
SENDING SONG
“God of Justice”
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!
