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 - Idolatry
CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise be to you, Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
You are a great God who has power and glory and majesty and splendour. Everything in heaven and earth is yours and you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honour come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
(Based on 1 Chronicles 29:11-13)
Song: All Creatures of our God and King
Song: Come Thou Fount
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've just sung that we're prone to wander, prone to leave the God we love. And that's something that's true of all of us. God tells us in his word that we've worshipped and served created things rather than him, our creator God. The truth is that if we look to these things to give us meaning, hope and happiness, they will ultimately fail us. God himself, is the only one who can provide us with these things. But we forget this and end up creating idols in our hearts, that take our worship and attention away from God. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to confess to God the idols that take your attention away from God....
The truth of the Gospel is that Jesus died to save us from our idolatry. Even though we have turned from him, time and time again, in Jesus, he has not turned away from us.
Song: Lead us Back
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Alex Passmore preached to us from Exodus 32-34 looking at what the Bible teaches on Idolatry. 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: Before the Throne of God Above
COMMITMENT READING
How lovely is your dwelling-place, Lord Almighty! My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.
(Based on Psalm 84:1-10)
Song: O For a Thousand Tongues
BENEDICTION
To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.