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Prepare (December 18, 2016)

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This blog gives you a glimpse into the upcoming Sunday Gathering. It's an opportunity to read through the passage we'll be studying together, pray through some of the liturgy we'll be using, and listen to a selection of the songs we’ll be singing.

ADVENT - Family Carols

SERMON

This week we'll be looking at the Angels' song in Luke 2:8-20. Gary Aston will be helping us think through what this passage teaches us about Joy. 

LITURGY

READING

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

(Luke 2:8-20)

MUSIC

  • Once in Royal David's City: A traditional carol narrating the Christmas story, pointing us to the hope we have in Jesus.

  • Hark the Herald Angels Sing: A glorious reminder that Jesus gave up his rights and glory in heaven, coming down in human form so that we would know him and be raised to new life.
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Reflect (December 11, 2016)

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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

ADVENT - Traditional Carols

CALL TO WORSHIP

Long ago, the coming birth of our Saviour Jesus was foretold to the people of Israel and to a world, who like us now, was longing for a Saviour to bring relief from the suffering and sin: The prophets of old proclaimed that the people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. And today, above the clamor of our darkness and sin, the Word of truth and light resounds. Over nations enshrouded in despair His salvation dawns.

For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Song: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus 

Song: Joy To The World

READING

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

(Luke 2:1-7)

Song: Angels from the Realms of Glory

READING

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,  saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 

(Matthew 2:1-12)

Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Gary Aston preached to us from Luke 1:5-25, 67-79. He helped us to see what Zechariah's song shows us about faith, joy and our hearts. Click here to listen to that sermon. 

Song: O Holy Night

Song: O Come All Ye Faithful

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

BENEDICTION

May you know the peace & joy that Jesus brings at this Christmas season.

Peace be with you.

And also with you. 
Amen.
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Prepare (December 11, 2016)

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This blog gives you a glimpse into the upcoming Sunday Gathering. It's an opportunity to read through the passage we'll be studying together, pray through some of the liturgy we'll be using, and listen to a selection of the songs we’ll be singing.

ADVENT - Traditional Carols

SERMON

Gary Aston will be taking us to Luke 1:5-25; 67-7 this week, showing us what Zechariah's song tells us about faith, joy and our hearts. 

LITURGY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Long ago, the coming birth of our Saviour Jesus was foretold to the people of Israel and to a world, who like us now, was longing for a Saviour to bring relief from the suffering and sin: The prophets of old proclaimed that the people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. And today, above the clamor of our darkness and sin, the Word of truth and light resounds. Over nations enshrouded in despair His salvation dawns.

For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

MUSIC

  • Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (Kings Kaleidoscope) : A wonderful reminder of why Jesus came down into this world, as a child and yet a king, to deliver us from our sin and reign over all. 

  • Angels from the Realms of Glory: A retelling of the Christmas narrative, calling us to come and worship King Jesus. 

ANYTHING ELSE? SEND US A MESSAGE

Please get in touch with any questions and we’ll be back in touch soon