Reflect (December 4, 2016)

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

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ADVENT - Acoustic Carols

Song: O Come All Ye Faithful 

Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Gary Aston preached in our first Advent gathering from Luke 1:46-55, helping us to see what God is like. 

Song: O Holy Night

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

BENEDICTION

Peace be with you.

And also with you. 

Amen.

Prepare (December 4, 2016)

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.

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ADVENT - Acoustic Carols

SERMON

Gary Aston will be kicking off our Advent series this week, helping us to see what God is like, from Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55. 

LITURGY

READING OF THE WORD

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm;  he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring for ever.” 

(Luke 1:46-55)

MUSIC

• O Come All Ye Faithful: A call to adore and worship Jesus Christ, reminding us of his glory and majesty shown in his coming down to earth. 

• 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.

Reflect (November 27, 2016)

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

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REDEEMER VISION - Servants

CALL TO WORSHIP

Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them he remains faithful for ever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The Lord reigns for ever, for all generations. Praise the Lord.

(Based on Psalm 146)

Song: 10,00 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

Song: Indescribable

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

Heavenly Father, we've already heard that you are a compassionate and trustworthy God, you are the giver of all good gifts, yet so often we are ungrateful for these gifts. We use them for selfish gain. We are selfish with our time, money and resources. Please forgive us for this we pray. Remind us of your generosity, shown to us in Christ, when he gave himself up for us. Help us to show that generosity towards others in how we love and care for them. Amen.

Song: You Alone Can Rescue 

PASSING OF THE PEACE

SERVE THE CITY INTERVIEWS

We heard from a few individuals about the different projects involved in Saturday's Serve the City project day, taking time in groups to pray for these things. 

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Gary Aston preached to us this week, helping us to think through our identity as servants from Jesus' words in Matthew 5:38-42. 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: How Deep the Father's Love

Song: Jesus

BENEDICTION

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Peace be with you.

And also with you. 

Amen.

Prepare (November 27, 2016)

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.

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REDEEMER VISION - Servants

SERMON

Gary Aston will challenging us to think through our identity as servants of Christ this week, taking us to Matthew 5:38-42 to help us. 

LITURGY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them he remains faithful for ever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The Lord reigns for ever, for all generations. Praise the Lord.

(Based on Psalm 146)

MUSIC

• Jesus (Citizens and Saints): A glorious celebration of the Saviour we gather to worship, his majesty, power and dominion over all things. 

• 10,000 Reasons (Matt Redman): A song reminding us of the endless reasons we have to praise and glorify our God.