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.
When The Darkness Swallows You
CALL TO WORSHIP
God is 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 heart of the sea, though its waters roar and the mountains quake.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, and the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Based on Psalm 46:1-7)
Song: This I Believe
Song: Rejoice
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
Father God, in light of a world that is filled with sin and hate, we confess our own weakness, the sin in our heart, and our need for a Saviour.
We lament and mourn the effects of sin in our lives and in our world. In our confession and lament, lead us to repentance, remind us of the grace that You have given us through the work of Jesus Christ.
Cause us to trust, rest in, and join with Your Spirit’s reconciling and restoring work through the Gospel of Jesus in our world and in our hearts.
Song: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
This week Gary Aston preached from Psalm 88, looking at how lament can help When The Darkness Swallows You. 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 the 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: O God
Song: Hallelujah What A Saviour
COMMITMENT READING
Thank you that you understand and that in Jesus you know what it is like to be human.
Thank you that you understand and that in Jesus you know what it is like to be human.
You understand what it is like to be hopeless in the dark, you've been tried and tested in every way as we have.
Help us, when we struggle, to come to you, our wonderful counselor. Amen.
(Adapted from My Rock, My Refuge by Tim Keller)
Song: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
BENEDICTION
Go in the knowledge that the God of all comfort is present with you and comforts you in the midst of trial and suffering.
And also with you.
Amen.