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
EXODUS - Keep the Sabbath
CALL TO WORSHIP
You have searched us, Lord, and you know us. You know when we sit and when we rise; you
perceive our thoughts from afar. You discern our going out and our lying down; you are familiar with all our ways.
Before a word is on our tongues you know it completely. You hem us in behind and before, and
you lay your hand upon us.
We cannot escape your presence nor can we flee your Spirit. If we go up to the heavens, you are there; if we make our bed in the depths you are there.
For you created our inmost beings; you knit us together in our mothers' wombs. We praise you
because we are fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.
(Based on Psalm 139:1-14)
Song: Rock of Ages
Song: Grace Alone
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
Even though we are faced with God's glory and majesty, so often we can feel weighed down by our sin and burdens, feeling like there is no way out. Hear Jesus speak to this when he says:
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon
you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
The truth of the gospel is that Jesus' saving work on the cross means we can find rest in Him. In the midst of our troubles we can know his presence with us and find rest
Song: O God
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us from Exodus 20:8-11, looking at what the 10 commandments teach us about keeping the Sabbath. 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: Come Ye Sinners
Song: Jesus Paid it All
COMMITMENT READING
Heavenly Father, help us to trust in your goodness and provision. Help us to lean on you, rather
than on ourselves. Remind us of your sovereignty and humble us with the truth that you are
working, when we are not.
Would we truly believe that we serve you both in our work and in our rest, giving glory to Jesus in all that we do. Help us to look to you and only you, to find true rest. Amen.
Song: A Mighty Fortress is our God
BENEDICTION
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.