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
ADVENT: WAITING - The Lamps
CALL TO WORSHIP
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
And today, above our darkness and sin, the Word of truth and light resounds. Over nations deep in despair His salvation dawns.
For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And He will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(based on Isaiah 9)
Song: The First Noel
Song: Joy To the World
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
This season of Advent we celebrate that Jesus is the light of the world, that the darkness of the world could not overcome his light. Yet the reality is for us that we still live in a broken world, awaiting Jesus' return. We still battle with the darkness. We choose darkness over God's light and we're in need of his help. Let's pray these words together now confessing this tendency in our hearts and asking for God's help in this:
Lord God, we praise you for sending light into this world. We confess that we live as though the light had never defeated darkness.
We confess that we ignore the Saviour you sent to be among us and to live in us. We've kept the birth of your Son confined to the Christmas season and do not yearn for his coming each moment in our waiting hearts.
Forgive us for this we pray. Prepare us for His return. Help us rejoice in the light so that your grace can illuminate the darkened places of our hearts. Amen
Song: O God of Mercy Hear our Plea
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us from Matthew 25:1-13 this Sunday as we thought about advent as a season of waiting. 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: Jesus Paid it All
Song: Revelation Song
COMMITMENT READING
Let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, defeating death, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
BENEDICTION
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.