During this time where our public gatherings are not able to meet, each Sunday we are providing you with a liturgy that you can use at home. You can use it in a number of ways: on your own, with your family, or with others from our church community via video conferencing. Our suggestion is that you take time to move through each of the sections below, listening to the songs, reflecting on the liturgy and hearing the word preached exactly as we do on a Sunday. As you move through it why not talk with others or, if you are on your own, message someone from your City Group or DNA Group to share something that really struck you.
As you do this remember that we are still the church even when we can’t gather together as the church.
CALL TO WORSHIP
In uncertain times it is so good for us to fix our hearts on the unchanging stability of God. He is the anchor that we need at all times, but especially when the world seems to change so often. So let the words of scripture stir your heart to worship:
Praise be to you, LORD, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; 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.
[1 Chronicles 29:10-13]
SONG: Come Praise and Glorify (Sovereign Grace): A call to praise and glorify the God who has shown his grace to us in Christ.
SONG: Everlasting God (Brenton Brown): A song affirming the eternal, unchanging nature of God who never tires or grows weary.
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
When we're reminded of God's character, that he is the one who brings salvation, we realise how quick we are to forget that. We begin to believe and act as if it is our work and merit that make us right with God. When we do that we take the cross for granted and fail to give God the glory and thanksgiving he deserves. So take a moment in the quiet of your heart to confess that to God now. Of the ways this week you have been resting on your own goodness and achievement.
One of the joys of being in the church is that, when we forget God's truth, we can remind one another and encourage one another with it together. We can preach the gospel- the good news of what God has done for us in Jesus- again to one another. So let your heart be assured by the truth of the gospel today:
For it is by grace we have been saved, through faith and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that none of us can boast.
[Ephesians 2:8-9]
SONG: Grace Alone (Dustin Kensrue): A song celebrating the grace shown to us in Christ. A reminder that it is only by grace we're saved.
Lyrics
I was an orphan lost at the fall
Running away when I'd hear your call
But Father, you worked your will
I had no righteousness of my own
I had no right to draw near your throne
But Father, you loved me still
And in love before you laid the world's foundation
You predestined to adopt me as your own
You have raised me so high u above my station
I'm a child of God by grace and grace alone
You left your home to seek out the lost
You knew the great and terrible cost
But Jesus, your face was set
I worked my fingers down to the bone
Nothing I did could ever atone
But Jesus, you paid my debt
By your blood I have redemption and salvation
Lord, you died that I might reap what you have sown
And you rose that I might be a new creation
I am born again by grace and grace alone
I was in darkness all of my life
I never knew the day from the night
But Spirit, you made me see
I swore I knew the way on my own
Head full of rocks, a heart made of stone
But Spirit, you moved in me
At your touch my sleeping spirit was awakened
On my darkened heart the light of Christ has shone
Called into a kingdom that cannot be shaken
Heaven's citizen by grace and grace alone
So I'll stand in faith by grace and grace alone
I will run the race by grace and grace alone
I will slay my sin by grace and grace alone
I will reach the end by grace and grace alone
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Because of Christ's work on the cross, his death and resurrection, we have been brought back into communion with our God and have been made righteous. We have peace with our creator, our heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit unites us together in Jesus.
We normally express that peace with one another in our gatherings by greeting those around us. In this time where we can’t do that take a moment to pray for someone who is part of our church family instead.
SERMON The Gospel of Mark- [Mk 3:31-35] Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon.
This week we’re continuing our series ‘The Gospel of Mark’. Click here where you will find this week’s sermon.
RESPONSE
Take a few minutes to reflect on how God was speaking to you from his Word. Ask that the Holy Spirit would take the truth and use it to change and transform you.
SONG: Here is Love (Matt Redman): A reminder of the depth of love that has been shown to us as God sent his son to save us from our sin, this is the greatest demonstration of love.
SONG: All Creatures of our God and King: A song of praise and worship of our God, the author and sustainer of life.
COMMITMENT READING
Use the words of this prayer based on Romans 15 to ask for God’s help in welcoming and loving your brothers and sisters in Christ
Heavenly Father, our great God of endurance and encouragement, we pray that you would grant us unity together in Christ. With one voice, united in Jesus, help us to glorify and praise you in our words and actions together. Empowered by your Spirit, may we welcome one another as you have welcomed us in Christ Amen
[Based on Romans 15:5-7]
SONG: Hear the Call of the Kingdom (Stuart Townend & Keith Getty): A song which calls us to lift our eyes to God, and to go to all the world with his compassion.
BENEDICTION
Close your time of worship with this benediction:
Finally, brothers and sisters rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
[2 Cor 13:11]
Peace be with you