*Apologies but the first part of this sermon was not recorded.
While you listen, reflect on the Gathering this sermon is from.
Reflect (January 8, 2017)
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
GENESIS 16
CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God. The Lord will reign for ever, Praise the Lord!
(Based on Psalm 146 & 28:7)
Song: Doxology
Song: Come Praise and Glorify
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
Heavenly father when we see your glory revealed in the world around us, we fail to believe that you would care for us. When trials come, we think you've abandoned us and we don't believe that you are a good God. We see your authority over all that you have made, but don't give you authority over our lives.
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 of situations, knowing that your ways a greater than ours.
Song: O God
Song: Before the Throne of God Above
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Alex Passmore preached to us from Genesis 16, looking at what the passage teaches us about trust and happiness. 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: Here is Love
Song: Jesus Paid it All
COMMITMENT READING
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.
Great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Great is your faithfulness.
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
Great is your faithfulness.
(Based on Lamentations 3:22-25)
Song: Cornerstone
BENEDICTION
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.
ENCOUNTERS: Meeting The Real Jesus
Sadly there was a technical issue which meant this second sermon didn't record properly. We're looking to get a replacement sorted soon.