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 - God's New People
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
We are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
In him we also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Based on Ephesians 2:19-22
Song: Rock of Ages
Song: O For A Thousand Tongues
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
In his word God tells us that the church is the body of Christ, with Jesus as the head. When the Bible uses this language, it tells us that all parts of the body are different and yet necessary in order for it to flourish and grow. I wonder how often we believe this to be true. How often we not only recognise the role we have to play, but also acknowledge the need we have for one another. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to reflect on ways we fail to see our need for each other and also our place in the body of Christ.
Father God, we ask that you would help us in this. Thank you that in trusting in Jesus we are brought into your family. Thank you that we have a new identity as your people and as your church. Help us live out this calling as a response to the generosity you have shown to us in Christ. Amen.
Song: In Tenderness He Sought Me
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Hear these words from Colossians to us now:
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
Because we have peace, we should be thankful not only to God, but for one another as well. Let’s take some time and greet one another with the peace of Christ.
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us from Ephesians 2, on our identity as God's new people. 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: See the Lamb of God
COMMITMENT READING
Father God, Thank you that we are united in the gospel. Thank you in believing in Jesus' death and resurrection we are drawn into his family. Help us to love this family. Help us to care and serve those who aren't like us in your family. And would we see it as a joy to be part of your church in Leeds, and across the globe. Amen. The gospel unites us with christians past, present and future. One way we thought it would be great to demonstrate this is by reading the Apostle's creed together as a church.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Song: This I Believe
BENEDICTION
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.