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 - Equipped by God
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather today not as individuals, but as a church – a single body made up of many members. Each week we gather to remember that God has united us as His people, and has called us to remember His promises and celebrate what He’s done for us. Join with me in this call to worship that speaks of the new identity we have in Jesus:
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: Look What God Has Done
Song: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
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, we are part of his body. Help us to love and treasure one another and use the gifts you have given us to grow and nurture the body of Christ . Amen.
Song: Made Alive
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us this week from 1 Corinthians 12, helping us to understand what it means for the church to be equipped by God. 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: Here is Love
Song: See His Love
COMMITMENT READING
Father God, help us to live out our identity as the body of Christ. Equip us, by your Spirit, to use the gifts you have given us to grow and build up the body.
In all these things, equip us to help one another grow up into Christ, who is the head and who holds the whole body together. Amen.
(based on 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:15)
Song: It is Well
BENEDICTION
Go as the family of God, adopted through the Son, empowered and equipped by the Holy Spirit, living as a child of God.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.