Reflect (August 18, 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

---

MICAH 4:9-5:6

CALL TO WORSHIP

Sing joyfully to the LORD, it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD and make music to him. Sing to him a new song!

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.

(Psalm 33:1-8)

Song: All Creatures of our God and King

Song: Indescribable

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

God tells us in his word that we were once alienated from him, cut off and separated by our sin. Without him we are weak and broken. God invites us to bring our weakness to him. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to confess the sin that separates you from him. The truth of the gospel is that God didn't leave us as we were, hear this truth about our identity in Christ now:

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

(Ephesians 2:13)

We can now know forgiveness for our sin and relationship with God. Let's sing out with joy in light of that truth together now!

Song: Made Alive

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

John McPhilimey preached to us from God’s word this Sunday from Micah 4:9-5:6. 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 for Us

Song: In Christ Alone

COMMITMENT READING

Brothers and sisters, let us not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

So let us fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Song: New Again

BENEDICTION

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Peace be with you.

And also with you.

Reflect (August 11, 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

---

MICAH 4:1-8

CALL TO WORSHIP

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. Splendour and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name; worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters; it is powerful and majestic. In his temple all cry, ‘Glory!’ The Lord is enthroned as King for ever.

(Based on Psalm 96:1-6 & 29: 1-2;9)

Song: How Great Thou Art

Song: Look What God Has Done

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

We've already heard and sung of God's unfailing and unchanging character, that he is faithful in all he promises. We've sung that he is the one who brings salvation, yet so often we are quick to forget this. So quickly we begin to believe that it is our work and merit that have earned our salvation. When we do this we take the cross for granted and fail to give God the glory and thanksgiving he deserves. Take a moment in the quiet of your heart to confess that tendency to God now.

One of the joys of gathering together as God's people is that when we forget God's truth, we can remind one another and encourage one another with it together. So let's do that now as we read these words of assurance together:

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: You Alone Can Rescue

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Alex Passmore preached from God’s word to us this Sunday from Micah 4:1-8. 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: Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

Song: Revelation Song

COMMITMENT READING

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying:

“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

(Revelation 7:9-12)

Song: It is Well

BENEDICTION

Brothers and Sisters, go, knowing that one day the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

Peace be with you.

And also with you.

Prepare (August 11, 2019)

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

---

MICAH 4: 1-8

SERMON

This week Alex Passmore will be preaching from God’s word to us from Micah 4:1-8.

This Sunday we will be meeting at the main St Chad’s Church building. Parking will be limited so please allow time to park and walk up.

LITURGY

COMMITMENT READING

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying:

“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

(Revelation 7:9-12)

 MUSIC

• Revelation Song (Kari Jobe): A song of praise that sings of the glory and majesty of Christ and looks forward to the day where we will be with him for all of eternity.

• It is Well:  A hymn that sings of the peace we can know and the security of our salvation through faith in Jesus.

Reflect (August 4, 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

---

MICAH 3

CALL TO WORSHIP

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name.

The LORD reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.

The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Sing praises to the LORD who reigns. Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.

(Based on Psalm 9:1-11)

Song: O For A Thousand Tongues

Song: This is Amazing Grace

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

We've already heard that God is a compassionate God, we've just sung that he rules with truth and justice. When we're reminded of God's character, we realise how far short we fall from his standards. Instead of looking to serve those in need, we use our time, money and resources for selfish gain. Often our selfishness causes hurt and harm to others rather good. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to confess these ways before God...

Father God, forgive us for using the good gifts you have given us to serve ourselves rather than others. Help us to see the needs of those around us and use all that we have to meet them. Forgive us when our selfishness causes harm to others. 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: Shine into our Night

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Alex Passmore preached from God’s word to us this Sunday from Micah 3. 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: When I Survey

Song: Before the Throne of God Above

COMMITMENT READING

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.

He was in the form of God, but did not count equality with God something to be grasped. He emptied himself, taking on the form of a servant and humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

(Based on Philippians 2:3-8)

Song: The Lion and the Lamb

BENEDICTION

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Peace be with you.

And also with you.