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
BELONGING - Belonging Together
CALL TO WORSHIP
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Once we were not a people, but now we are God's people; once we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
Song: Come thou Fount
Song: All Creatures of our God and King
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
In his word God tells us that the church is the body of Christ, with Jesus as the head. When the Bible uses this language, it tells us that all parts of the body are different and yet necessary in order for it to flourish and grow. God also tells us in his word that our sin, our rejection of him affects our relationships with one another so we fail to love and serve one another as we should. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to reflect on ways we fail to see our need for each other and how our sin affects our relationships with one another.
Father God, we ask that you would help us in this. Thank you that in trusting in Jesus we are brought into your family. Thank you that we have a new identity as your people and as your church. Help us live out this calling as a response to the generosity you have shown to us in Christ. Amen.
Song: Forgiven
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached from God’s word to us this week from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Click here to listen to that sermon.
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: When I Survey
Song: Before the Throne of God Above
COMMITMENT READING
Father God, 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 he makes the whole body fit together perfectly.
From him the whole body, joined and held together, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Thank you that we are not alone and you have promised to send your Spirit to help us in this. amen.
(based on Ephesians 4:15-16)
Song: O For A Thousand Tongues
BENEDICTION
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.