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
HOW PEOPLE CHANGE
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: All Creatures of our God and King
Song: Rejoice
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
Even though we have tasted and seen that God is good, so often we become satisfied with what the world has to offer instead. We reject God's rule and make ourselves and our plans sovereign. Even though we know he is good, we fail to trust him with our lives. God tells us in his word that if we live only to satisfy ourselves and our desires we reap destruction, yet if we live for the Spirit, we reap eternal life. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to reflect on the ways you might choose your own rule over God's good and sovereign plans. The truth of the Gospel is that in choosing to follow Jesus, our sin is forgiven. Even though we turn from him, God has moved towards us in Grace. He is committed to growing us to be like Jesus, through his Spirit working in our hearts. Let's read these words of assurance together now:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set us free from the law of sin and death.
(Romans 8:1-2)
Song: Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Tom Thrower preached the last sermon in our series on the Fruit of Spirit, looking at how people change. 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: The Power of the Cross
Song: The Lion and the Lamb
COMMITMENT READING
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
(2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
Song: Christ is Risen
BENEDICTION
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20)
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.