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
THE CHURCH - A Colony of Heaven
CALL TO WORSHIP
Your kingdom, O God, is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
You, Lord are trustworthy in all you promise and faithful in all you do.
You uphold all who fall and lift up all who are bowed down.
You are near to all who call on you and fulfil the desires of those who fear you.
Our mouths will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name, for ever and ever.
(Based on Psalm 145:13-21)
Song: All Creatures of our God and King
Song: Rejoice
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
When we're faced with God's glory and majesty, we're reminded of our sin and brokenness. God tells us in his word that all have turned away from him. Without him, all of us are spiritually poor. We reject God and rebel against him, and then wonder why he feels distant from us. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to confess your need for God now.
Thankfully the gospel doesn't stop there. God doesn't leave us in our sin, we don't remain spiritually poor. In Romans 3, Paul writes of a righteousness we can receive through faith in Jesus Christ and this is available for anyone who believes. Jesus death on the cross was a sacrifice for our sin, and through faith in him, we can be spiritually healed.
Song: Grace Alone
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached the last sermon in our series on the church from Matthew 5:1-12. 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: Nothing but the Blood
Song: Man of Sorrows
Song: A Mighty Fortress
BENEDICTION
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6)
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.