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
REDEEMER VISION - Witnesses
CALL TO WORSHIP
You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
As for God, his way is perfect: the Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.
(Psalm 18:28-33)
Song: All Creatures of our God and King
Song: Jesus
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
God tells us in his word that the world in which we live is a dark place, sin has distorted the good and perfect creation God has made and it took his own son, Jesus Christ, dying on a cross to bring light into the darkness. Even though as Christians we believe this to be true, we still, daily, choose the darkness over light. Here's an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on that now, to confess these ways before our God. Hear these words that assure our hearts from Jesus to us now:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
This is the truth of the Gospel that we can know and experience in light of Jesus' death and resurrection. This next song is a prayer; it's a request that asks God to reveal more of his light into our lives today.
Song: Shine into our Night
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us from Matthew 5:13-16, helping us think through what it means for Jesus to call us to be salt and light in this world. 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: Hallelujah What a Saviour
Song: Mighty to Save
COMMITMENT READING
Heavenly Father we ask that you would help us to bring your light into our homes, work places, families and friendships. Would our relationships be life-giving rather than joy-sapping. Help us to boldly share the gospel with our words and with our actions. And would we act against injustice and oppression in our city, living lives that demonstrate the Gospel to a watching world.
Song: Jesus
BENEDICTION
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.