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
NEW RELATIONSHIPS: THE STATE. ROMANS 13:1-14
CALL TO WORSHIP
When we meet together as a church we want to focus on God’s greatness and glory
- It can be hard to remember, but as Christians we believe that God is in control
- That he is at work in every part of this world
- He rules over nations and governments and global events
- But he also is at work in the tiny details of our everyday lives
- So let’s start our gathering with a call to worship that reminds us that God is our great King
Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendour of his holiness.
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The LORD rules and reigns as King forever.
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
(based on Psalm 29:1-2,4,10-11)
SONG: ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING
SONG: ALL PRAISE TO HIM
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
Even though we believe God to be sovereign over all so often our hearts wander and desire to bow down to other masters. Rather than trusting God's sovereignty, we seek to become the kings and rulers of our own lives.
We don't give Jesus lordship over our lives, instead we let other things rule us and make them our priority instead. Why don't you take a moment to reflect on that now, confess to God where you see this in your own heart...
Join me in the underlined part of this prayer:
Father God, forgive us for failing to trust you and your sovereignty in our lives. Reveal the parts of our lives where we are slow to give you control.
Help us to see that your plans and purposes are greater than ours and would we know the peace that comes from trusting in you. Amen
The truth of the gospel is that there is forgiveness for us to be received through faith in Jesus. In putting our trust in him, we can know freedom from all our sin through his gift of grace.
SONG: LEAD US BACK
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PASTORAL PRAYER
READING OF THE WORD
Romans 13:1-14
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us from Romans 13:1-14 this Sunday as we continued our series in Romans for the final time. Click here to listen to that sermon.
PRE-COMMUNION READING
COMMUNION
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: FORGIVEN
SONG: HERE IS LOVE
COMMITMENT READING
As we close our gathering let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father, in a world filled with so much darkness, we pray that we might know the hope that comes with your light.
Jesus, thank you that you entered into the darkness & defeated its power; that you conquered sin & offer rescue to us all. We praise you that one day you will return to bring peace to reign.
Help us to live as good citizens who love you and love others. Help us to remember that we belong to an eternal kingdom that will never end.
Fill us with the hope and comfort that comes from knowing you as our true King.
Amen.
SONG: THE LION AND THE LAMB
BENEDICTION
Peace be with you
And also with you.