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 & Actions
CALL TO WORSHIP
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart, they do no wrong but follow his ways.
Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Psalm 119:1-3;33-35
Song: How Great is Our God
Song: Indescribable
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
God has revealed himself in the creation we see around us but also in His word. We are faced
with his reality, yet we are so quick to forget him. In the language of James 1, we have become
people who see our reflection in the mirror, but instantly forget what we look like. We've heard
God's word and yet have failed to do what it says. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to
confess, in your heart, the ways you have forgotten God and failed to live out his word...
Father God, we confess that we are forgetful beings, help us to remember the lengths Jesus went to save us from our sin. Help us to listen to you in your word and live out lives of obedience in response to the grace you've shown us in Christ. Amen.
Song: You Alone Can Rescue
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
John McPhilimey preached to us this week from James 1:19-27, looking at true faith and actions. 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: Amazing Grace
Song: Nothing But the Blood
COMMITMENT READING
It is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(Ephesians 2:8-10)
Song: This is Amazing Grace
BENEDICTION
Therefore, brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work
of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.