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
PATIENCE, KINDNESS & GOODNESS
CALL TO WORSHIP
When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.
He washed us by the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
And so we have been justified by his grace so that we might become his heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
(Based on Titus 3:4-7)
Song: Look What God Has Done
Song: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've just sung of God's faithfulness to us, that he is the God who saves, and who has saved us. Yet, we are quick to forget this. We often get so overwhelmed with our current circumstances that we begin to doubt God and his goodness to us. Every week at this point in our gathering we take time to confess our sin before God. Let's pray these words together now as we confess to God together:
Heavenly Father, we confess that we are quick to lose hope in the midst of difficult situations and quick to get frustrated with difficult people. Remind us that you are not slow to fulfill your promises to us but are patient towards us. Help us, therefore, by your Spirit, to be patient with one another and bear with one another in love. Amen.
(based on 2 Peter 3:8-9, Ephesians 4:2)
The truth of the Gospel is that whilst we were still sinners, Christ died for us! He is faithful when we are not, he is patient when we despair. Let's sing out in praise to our great God now.
Song: Before the Throne of God Above
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us this week from Galatians 5:16-26 looking at the three characteristics: patience, kindness and goodness. 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: Mighty to Save
COMMITMENT READING
Hear this encouragement about our Saviour as we go now:
Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 4:14-16)
Song: I Stand Amazed
BENEDICTION
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other. (Colossians 3:12-13)
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.
