Reflect (September 15, 2019)
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
DEALING WITH ANXIETY
CALL TO WORSHIP
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!
Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. The LORD is our strength and song; he has become our salvation.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!
(Based on Psalm 118)
Song: Nothing in all the Earth
Song: Jesus
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've already heard that God is on our side and so we have no need to fear. We've sung that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Yet so often we fail to believe these truths. Sometimes we don't believe God cares for us, when trials come we think he's abandoned us. We can so easily put our trust in other things, instead of the one who has promised to be with us.
Take some moments in the silence of your heart to speak with God about where you are struggling to trust & believe him.
Let's pray these words together, asking for God's help in this.
Father God, help us to cast our worries and anxieties upon you, knowing that you care for us and are sovereign over all. Help us to trust you, even in the most difficult situations, knowing that your ways are greater than ours. Amen.
Song: O God
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
This Sunday Gary preached to us on dealing with anxiety from Matthew 6:25-34. Listen to that sermon here:
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: Hallelujah What A Saviour
Song: Oceans (where feet may fail)
COMMITMENT READING
The Lord has said to us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So let's read these words as a commitment with confidence as we prepare to go now:
The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me? The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
(Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 27:1-2)
Song: Nothing in All the Earth
BENEDICTION
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
