Reflect (August 13, 2017)

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 & Obedience

CALL TO WORSHIP

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts and of your faithfulness.

We speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty and we will meditate on your wonderful works. We tell of the power of your awesome works and we will proclaim your great deeds.

We will join with all generations as we celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

(Based on Psalm 145:3-7)

SongDoxology

Song: How Great Thou Art

Song: Everlasting God

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

We've just sung that God doesn't grow weary, that he is everlasting. Yet so often we choose to do things our own way. We convince ourselves that our way is best and fail to trust God's wisdom and timing. Hear these words from Jesus as he speaks to this:

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing J

(John 15:4-5)

The truth of the Gospel is that if we root ourselves in Christ, we will bear much fruit. If we trust in Him we can receive new life

Song: Made Alive

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Brad Balmer preached to us this week from James 2, looking at true faith and obedience. 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: Come Ye Sinners 

SongSaviour of the World 

COMMITMENT READING

Father God, help us, by your Spirit, to live lives worthy of the calling you have given us, pleasing to you in every way: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in our knowledge of you. Strengthen us with all power according to your glorious might so that we would have great endurance and patience, giving thanks in all that we do.

(Based on Colossians 1:10-12)

Song: This I Believe

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.

Peace be with you.

And also with you. 
Amen.