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
JAMES - True Faith & Trials
CALL TO WORSHIP
You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and the mountains quake.
You are always with us; you hold us by our right hands. You guide us with your counsel, and
afterwards you will take us into glory.
Who do we have in heaven but you? Earth has nothing we desire besides you. Our flesh and heart may fail, but God is our strength and portion for ever.
(Psalm 46:1-3; 73:23-26)
Song: A Mighty Fortress is our God
Song: Rock of Ages
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've just sung about the character of God, that he is our fortress, our rock and our helper. But so often we fail to believe this is true. We're quick to doubt God and doubt his goodness to us. Let's pray these words as a confession to God now:
Father God, forgive us for doubting you and your character. We confess that we are quick to forget your goodness and grace shown to us in Jesus Christ. Help us in our unbelief and to trust in you even in the midst of trial and difficulty. Amen.
The truth of the Gospel is that in spite of our doubts, God is present with us. Even when we're
struggling or in the midst of suffering, he is close
Song: O God
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
This week Brad Balmer kicked off our new sermon series in the book of James. He preached to us on true faith and trials from James 1:1-18. 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: How Deep the Father's Love for Us
Song: Hallelujah What A Saviour
COMMITMENT READING
Heavenly Father we ask that you would help us to count it all joy, when we meet trials of various kinds. Would we truly believe that blessed are those who remain steadfast under trial.
Help us not to doubt you or your character, knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from you, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
(Based on James 1:2,12,17)
Song: Be Thou My Vision (Ascend the Hill)
BENEDICTION
Go, trusting in the unfailing nature of God, knowing his love and comfort, even in the midst of trials.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.