Reflect (January 5, 2020)
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
NEW YEAR: Change
CALL TO WORSHIP
As we approach a New Year we are often faced with a mix of emotions: Excitement at new possibilities; fear over what we don't know; anticipation over what's to come; anxiety over questions we can't answer. But we remind our hearts, as we start this new year, that God is faithful that he is constant & unchanging. Join me in this call to worship:
You, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your fame endures through all generations.
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
[Psalm 102: 12, 25-27]
Song: Everlasting God
Song: Rock of Ages
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
As we approach a new year, we're often quick to doubt God's goodness and his sovereignty. We so desperately want to know what lies ahead that we fail to trust him, the unfailing one. Take a moment to think about that now, to confess to God where you are replying on your own plans and purposes rather than on his.
Father God, you tell us in your word to fear not, for you are with us; to not be dismayed, for you are our God. Remind us of this at the start of a new year we pray. Help us to have faith that rests in who you are and what you have done for us in Christ. Would we cling to your promise that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Amen.
Song: Jesus is the Lord of All
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Tom Thrower preached from God’s word to us this Sunday as we thought about change at the beginning of a new year. Listen to the sermon audio 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: When I Survey
Song: Cornerstone
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: Be Thou My Vision
BENEDICTION
May we enter this New Year knowing the security that comes from being in Christ. The deep joy that comes from being a child of God. And the certainty of knowing God's presence with us through the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Prepare (January 5, 2020)
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
NEW YEAR: Change
SERMON
Tom Thrower will be preaching from God’s word to us in our first gathering of 2020 helping us to think about change at the start of a new year.
LITURGY
CALL TO WORSHIP
You, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your fame endures through all generations.
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
[Psalm 102: 12, 25-27]
MUSIC
Everlasting God (Brenton Brown): A song affirming the eternal, unchanging nature of God who never tires or grows weary
Rock of Ages (Dustin Kensrue): A reminder that God is the rock and refuge who cleanses us from our sin.