Easter

SUNDAY GATHERING (12th April 2020)

EASTER SUNDAY

During this time where our public gatherings are not able to meet, each Sunday we are providing you with a liturgy that you can use at home.

You can use it in a number of ways: on your own, with your family, or with others from our church community via video conferencing.

Our suggestion is that you take time to move through each of the sections below, listening to the songs, reflecting on the liturgy and hearing the word preached exactly as we do on a Sunday.

As you move  through it why not talk with others or, if you are on your own, message someone from your City Group or DNA Group to share something that really struck you.

As you do this remember that we are still the church even when we can’t gather together as the church. 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Today is Easter Sunday where we celebrate that we have a Risen Saviour. It is a day of joy for us as Christians that is at the heart of everything we believe. Start your time of worship today by declaring the truth of the resurrection.

Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

This is the good news: the grave is empty! Hallelujah! Christ is risen. 

He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

This is the good news: by His death, Christ has conquered sin; by His resurrection, Christ has given us His righteousness!

Hallelujah! Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

This is the good news: Christ has risen from the grave and given us the promise and hope of resurrection, so that we might also rise with Him in new life everlasting!

Hallelujah! Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

SONG: Look and See (The Village Church): A song that helps us gaze upon Christ, to direct our praise and worship to him, the one who has redeemed us.

CCLI Song # 6550721

Michael Bleecker | Ross King

© 2012 Bleecker Publishing (Admin. by Michael Bleecker)

Simple Tense Songs (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

SONG: This is Amazing Grace (Phil Wickham): A song of wonder and amazement at the God of grace we gather to worship. A celebration of who God is and what he's done for us in Jesus.

CCLI Song # 6333821

Jeremy Riddle | Josh Farro | Phil Wickham

© 2012 WC Music Corp. (Admin. by CURB / Word Music Publishing)

Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by Song Solutions)

Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

Seems Like Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

Sing My Songs (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

As we rejoice in the truth of an empty grave, let’s pray this prayer:

Lord, we praise you for the truth of an empty tomb. Please stir our often cold hearts with the world changing message of the resurrection. 

Jesus, we praise you that by your death you have conquered our sin and by your resurrection you have given us your righteousness. Holy Spirit, we ask that you would bring the power of the resurrection into our lives. Reminding us that in Christ the power of sin and death has been broken.

Heavenly Father, we praise you that in Christ we also have the hope of resurrection and life everlasting. 

In the name of our risen Saviour,

Amen

SONG: Grace Alone (Kings Kaleidoscope): A song celebrating the grace shown to us in Christ. A reminder that it is only by grace we're saved.

LYRICS:

I was an orphan lost at the fall Running away when I'd hear your call
But Father, you worked your will

I had no righteousness of my own
I had no right to draw near your throne
But Father, you loved me still

And in love before you laid the world's foundation
You predestined to adopt me as your own
You have raised me so high u above my station
I'm a child of God by grace and grace alone

You left your home to seek out the lost
You knew the great and terrible cost
But Jesus, your face was set

I worked my fingers down to the bone
Nothing I did could ever atone
But Jesus, you paid my debt

By your blood I have redemption and salvation
Lord, you died that I might reap what you have sown
And you rose that I might be a new creation
I am born again by grace and grace alone

I was in darkness all of my life
I never knew the day from the night
But Spirit, you made me see

I swore I knew the way on my own
Head full of rocks, a heart made of stone
But Spirit, you moved in me

At your touch my sleeping spirit was awakened
On my darkened heart the light of Christ has shone
Called into a kingdom that cannot be shaken
Heaven's citizen by grace and grace alone

So I'll stand in faith by grace and grace alone
I will run the race by grace and grace alone
I will slay my sin by grace and grace alone
I will reach the end by grace and grace alone

CCLI Song # 7004659

Dustin Kensrue

© 2013 Dead Bird Theology (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

It's All About Jesus Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

We Are Younger We Are Faster Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

PASSING OF THE PEACE

Because of Christ's work on the cross, his death and resurrection, we have been brought back into communion with our God and have been made righteous. We have peace with our creator, our heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit unties us together in Jesus.

We normally express that peace with one another in our gatherings by greeting those around us. In this time where we can’t do that take a moment to pray for someone who is part of our church family instead. 

Also take time to pray for the church around the globe today. Ask that the Spirit would bring the joy, comfort and power of the resurrection to his people around the world. 

READING: [Mt 28:1-10] 

Take time to read the bible passage and pray that God would let you hear him speak in his Word.

SERMON Resurrection & Pandemics Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon.

RESPONSE

Take a few minutes to reflect on how God was speaking to you from his Word. Ask that the Holy Spirit would take the truth and use it to change and transform you.

SONG: New Again (Sojourn): A song looking forward to the future hope we have in the gospel. We look to the day when all pain and sorrow will be over and Christ will make all things new again!

CCLI Song # 7037768

Brooks Ritter | Mike Cosper

© 2013 Sojourn Community Church

SONG: In Christ Alone (Kings Kaleidoscope): A glorious reminder that it is only in Christ that our hope can be found. In him our sin has been taken away, we are free from the grip of death and we stand secure.

CCLI Song # 3350395

Keith Getty | Stuart Townend

© 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)

COMMITMENT READING

The truth of the resurrection is one that sustains us at any given moment. But in the middle of this pandemic we can especially hold on to the wonderful words that the resurrected Jesus spoke to his disciples:

Jesus came and stood among [his disciples] and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit"

(John 20:19-22)

The resurrection hope means that we can know the presence, peace and joy of Christ through the Holy Spirit. 

SONG: It is Finished (Dustin Kensrue): A reminder that our sin has been dealt with in Jesus' death and resurrection, our redemption has been accomplished. 

LYRICS:

There's no deed that can redeem us
There's no rite, no magic word
Only by the work of Jesus
Can salvation be secured

It is finished! He has done it!
Let your weary heart rejoice
Our redemption is accomplished
Raise a shout with ragged voice

And go bravely into battle
Knowing he has won the war
It is finished, lift your head
And weep no more

There's no sacrifice to offer
There's no penance to complete
Freely drink of living water
Without money come and feast

It is finished! He has done it!
Let your weary heart rejoice
Our redemption is accomplished
Raise a shout with ragged voice

And go bravely into battle
Knowing he has won the war
It is finished, lift your head

Let every sinner rejoice
Hear the dying victor's cry
Raise up your voice
Sing it out through earth and sky

It is finished! He has done it!
Let your weary heart rejoice
Our redemption is accomplished
Raise a shout with ragged voice

And go bravely into battle
Knowing he has won the war
It is finished, lift your head
And weep no more

CCLI Song # 7004660

Brian Eichelberger | Dustin Kensrue

© 2013 Dead Bird Theology (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

It's All About Jesus Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

We Are Younger We Are Faster Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

BENEDICTION 

We finish our times of worship with a benediction. A benediction is another word for a blessing. This reminds us of all the promises that we have just heard, sung and prayed. So finish with this benediction.

Today, may we know the peace of the Risen Jesus, the power of His Spirit at work in us, and the joy of experiencing the resurrection.

Peace be with you

Good Friday 2020

On this Good Friday we want you to have this liturgy so that you can walk through and enter into the story of Good Friday again. We have tried to let the Bible speak for itself by giving you as much of God’s word as possible.  

As you move through it why not talk with others or, if you are on your own, message someone from your City Group or DNA Group to share something that really struck you.

As you do this remember that we are still the church, whom Christ died for, even when we can’t gather together as the church as we normally would.  

Scene 1: Garden of Gethsemane

Just after Jesus had shared the passover with his disciples he took Peter, James and John into the garden of Gethsemane with him to pray. Jesus prayed alone as all three disciples fell asleep. 

“And going a little further he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

“And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for a third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them,”Sleep and take your rest later on. See the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see my betrayed is at hand.” (Matthew 26 vs 39, 43-46) 

Scene 2: Peter disowns Jesus

From the garden, Jesus was taken to Caiaphas the high priest who heard the charges brought against him. Outside Peter sat in the courtyard listening on. 

“And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” And when he went out to the entrance another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know this man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a cure on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man”. And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26 vs 69-75)

SONG: Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy (Sojourn): A call to come to Jesus in repentance, weak and sinful, knowing that he saves us and meets us in our need.

CCLI Song # 7090498

Brooks Ritter | Joseph Hart

© Words: Public Domain

Music: 2012 Sojourn Community Church

Scene 3: Jesus before Pilate

From the high priest with verdicts set, Jesus was hurried to Pilate’s headquarters. The Jews refused to enter the headquarters so that they would not be defiled. They still wanted to be clean so that they could celebrate the Passover meal. 

“So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusations do you bring against this man? They answered him, “If this man was not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you. 

Pilate said to them, “Take him yourself and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” This was to fulfil the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me? 

Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?”

Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my Kingdom is not of this world. 

Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a King?”

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world -- to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 

Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.” But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber.” (John 18 vs 29-40)

SONG: Suffering Servant (The Modern Post): A song which paints a vivid picture of what Jesus went through leading up to, and on the cross, and reminds us of the victory he accomplished there.

CCLI Song # 7004665

Dustin Kensrue

© 2013 Dead Bird Theology (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

It's All About Jesus Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

We Are Younger We Are Faster Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

CONFESSION READING

Below are some words to guide your thoughts, take a few moments over each to prayerfully consider when you have principally done something similar to Judas, Peter and the crowds.

Oh, Holy One, we confess that like Judas we have betrayed you and each other. 

While greeting you with a kiss, Lord, like Judas we secretly chase after other idols to bring us salvation. 

--

We confess that like Peter we have denied you and each other. 

While declaring that we will always be faithful, in fear we are more worried about the opinions of man than of God. 

--

We confess that like the crowd we praise you when life is easy and judge you when life is hard. 

While declaring you to be our King, Lord, in our self-righteousness we rebel against you and would have joined in the cries, “Crucify him, crucify him!”. 

--

Perhaps an aspect of the story so far has struck you. 

Peter’s adamance that he would follow Jesus to death really stands out to me, but his quickness to distance himself when trouble comes really strikes a cord. I know myself that the verdict of others can have such a significant pull on my life.   

Take a moment and consider why the voice of others so often drowns out our desire to be faithful to God.   

SONG: Jesus Paid it All (Kings Kaleidoscope): A hymn that centres on the price Jesus paid to save us from our sin and the new life we are raised to in Christ.

© Words: Public Domain

Scene 4: A Crown of Thorns for the King of the Jews

“Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews” and struck him with their hands…

So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him.” (John 19 vs 1-2, 5-6)

 Scene 5: Jesus’ Death on the Cross

“So they took Jesus, and he went out bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”...

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, you mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 

After this, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the Scripture) “I thirst”. A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” and he bowed his head and gave up his breath.” (John 19 vs 16-19, 25-30)    

MESSAGE

Are there areas of your life where you still consider yourself unclean even though Jesus has cleansed you? 

The curtain torn is just one physical sign of the spiritual reality Jesus delivered on the cross. There is no limit to our access to God. Let’s take that truth and respond through the next two songs. 

SONG: There is a Fountain: A song with graphic imagery that reminds us of the lengths Jesus went to save us from our sin, the blood that was shed on our behalf.   

CCLI Song # 27707

Edwin Othello Excell | Lowell Mason | William Cowper

© Words: Public Domain

Music: Public Domain

SONG: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus: A song that reflects on the cleansing and purification from sins we can know because of the blood Jesus shed on our behalf.

CCLI Song # 21332

Robert Lowry

© Words: Public Domain

Music: Public Domain

Reflect (April 21, 2019)

Reflect.png

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


Easter Sunday

READING

Now after the Sabbath, towards the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

(Matthew 28:1-10)

Song: It is Finished

CALL TO WORSHIP

Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

This is the good news— the grave is empty! Hallelujah! Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

This is the good news— by His death, Christ has conquered sin; by His resurrection, Christ has given us His righteousness! Hallelujah! Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

This is the good news— Christ has risen from the grave and given us the promise and hope of resurrection, so that we might also rise with Him in new life everlasting! Hallelujah! Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Song: Man of Sorrows

Song: In Christ Alone

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

This Sunday we celebrated Easter Sunday together and Alex Passmore preached to us from 1 Corinthians 15 on the hope of the resurrection. Listen to that sermon here:

Song: Christ is Risen

Song: New Again

BENEDICTION

Jesus came and stood among [his disciples] and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit"

(John 20:19-22)

Go knowing the peace of the Risen Jesus, the power of His Spirit at work in us. And the joy of experiencing the resurrection.

Peace be with you.

And also with you.

Prepare (April 21, 2019)

Prepare.png

This blog gives you a glimpse into the upcoming Sunday Gathering. It's an opportunity to read through the passage we'll be studying together, pray through some of the liturgy we'll be using, and listen to a selection of the songs we’ll be singing


Easter Sunday

SERMON

This Sunday we will be celebrating Easter Sunday together as we rejoice in our risen saviour. Alex Passmore will be preaching to us from 1 Corinthians 15 on the resurrection of Jesus.

LITURGY

READING

Now after the Sabbath, towards the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

(Matthew 28:1-10)

MUSIC

  • Christ is Risen (Matt Maher): A song that celebrates our risen saviour Jesus and his triumph over death.

  • New Again (Sojourn): A celebration of the hope the resurrection brings of a future with Christ where he will make all things new.