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
2 Peter 1:1-11
CALL TO WORSHIP
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.
Great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Great is your faithfulness.
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
Great is your faithfulness.
(Based on Lamentations 3:22-25)
Song: All Creatures of our God and King
Song: Come Thou Fount
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
As we approach a new year, we're often quick to doubt God's goodness and his sovereignty. We so desperately want to know what lies ahead that we fail to trust him, the unfailing one. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to confess to God the tendency to rely on your plans and purposes rather than on his...
Father God, you tell us in your word to fear not, for you are with us; to not be dismayed, for you are our God. Remind us of this at the start of a new year we pray. Help us to have faith that rests in who you are and what you have done for us in Christ. Would we cling to your promise that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Amen.
As we begin this new year we have full assurance of forgiveness in Christ. Let's sing out in light of that truth together now.
Song: Forgiven
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Tom Thrower preached to us at the beginning of this new year from 2 Peter 1:1-11. Listen to that sermon 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: Nothing but the Blood
Song: Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)
COMMITMENT READING
Heavenly Father, as we approach this new year help us to lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, defeating death, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
Song: Be Thou my Vision
BENEDICTION
May we enter this New Year knowing the security that comes from being in Christ. The deep joy that comes from being a child of God. And the certainty of knowing God's presence with us through the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.