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 - Created By God
CALL TO WORSHIP
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of children and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
(Psalm 8)
Song: All Creatures of our God and King
Song: Indescribable
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've already seen that God is a creator God and his glory is seen throughout his creation. As part of his creation, God tells us in his word time and time again that he has created a people for himself. As Christians we have the joy of being part of his people, the church, and yet so often don't experience this joy. We neglect one another, criticise one another and fail to see our need for the church. Take a moment to confess that tendency in your own heart to God now.
Father God, forgive us for neglecting the church and for rejecting our identity as your people. Help us to be people who see the church as you see it and to love the church like you have loved it. Thank you that now through Jesus, we can confidently say we are your people. Amen.
Song: Grace Alone
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
This week we looked at the idea that the church is created by God. Gary Aston preached to us on this from Ephesians 1:15-23. 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: Shine into our Night
Song: Man of Sorrows (Oh the Rugged Cross)
COMMITMENT READING
Throughout scripture God tells us that he is committed to dwelling with his people. God dwells with us now through the Holy Spirit and we have the hope of one day when God will dwell with his people face to face for all of eternity. Here is the vision John was given that we read in Revelation:
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God."
Song: New Again
BENEDICTION
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.