Welcome to the Sunday Gathering recap (songs, hymns, liturgy and sermon). This blog gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you heard in the gathering or catch up if you weren’t able to be with us.
*The indented sections are responses read aloud by the congregation during the Gathering
REDEEMER VISION - Grow
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
We are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
In him we also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Based on Ephesians 2:19-22
Song: How Great Thou Art
Song: Made Alive
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've just sung that we've been made alive by God's grace, we've been saved from sin and brought back to life. Even though we've been given new life in Jesus, it can be easy for us to forget this, to live as though we'd never been saved. We can become comfortable and static in our faiths. Rather than desiring growth, we desire comfort and security. Let's take a moment to quietly confess that tendency in our hearts now...
Heavenly father, forgive us for becoming comfortable in our faiths, for putting our comfort above your plans and purposes in our lives. Grow us by your Spirit, we ask, that we would look more and more like Christ. Amen.
The truth of the Gospel is that God is committed to growing us, in the midst of our sin and failing. When we're weak, God invites us to come to him. You may be feeling that weakness today. Come to God again, know the welcome and grace he offers in Jesus.
This next song reminds us that it is not through our efforts that we can know God, but through the work of Jesus on the cross. Let's sing out with assurance of that truth together now.
Song: Come Ye Sinners
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PRAYER FOR CAP
We took some time to pray for the upcoming BBC documentary on the work of Christians Against Poverty. Here are some ways you can continue to pray this week:
Pray that:
- As many people as possible watch the documentary
- The documentary would spark conversations around faith and encourage people to connect with their local church
- People would be inspired to get involved in supporting and partnering with us to start up their own CAP services locally
- Those watching who are struggling with debt, poverty and its causes would find the courage to seek the help they need
- The brave clients featured in the programme would know the impact they’re having by sharing their personal stories
- Churches would be energised and inspired in their outreach to the poor
- God would be glorified through this amazing opportunity
Also, be sure to watch the documentary on Friday 5th October at 9pm on BBC 2.
PREACHING OF THE WORD
This week we started our Redeemer Vision series, looking at the 3 areas in which we seek to live out our mission as a church. Gary Aston preached to us on the first area ‘grow’ from Acts 2:42-47. To listen to that sermon click here.
COMMUNION
Every week we want to respond to what God has done for us in Jesus. One of the great ways he has provided for us to remember the truth of the gospel is giving us communion. As we take the bread and wine we remember what Jesus has done for us.
POST COMMUNION READING
Jesus’ death brings us life and this meal reminds us that we are fed by Jesus and forgiven because of Jesus.
We rejoice that You have died, rose again, and are now with the Father advocating for us. Amen.
With our money, time, and talent we give generously, knowing that through Your Son, Jesus, You have generously given to us.
We rejoice that You have given everything and we joyfully give everything back to Your care. Amen.
Song: Lamb of God
Song: You Alone Can Rescue
COMMITMENT READING
Father God, we ask that you would help us to grow in every way to be more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Remind us that it Jesus who fits the whole body together perfectly, so that it can grow and be built up in love, as each part does its work.
(Based on Ephesians 4:15-16)
Song: New Again
BENEDICTION
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
(Ephesians 3:20)
Peace be with you.
And also with you.