SUNDAY GATHERING (9th August 2020)

PILGRIM SONGS - THE SONGS OF ASCENT [PSALM 126]

During this time where our public gatherings are not able to meet, each Sunday we are providing you with a liturgy that you can use at home. You can use it in a number of ways: on your own, with your family, or with others from our church community via video conferencing. Our suggestion is that you take time to move through each of the sections below, listening to the songs, reflecting on the liturgy and hearing the word preached exactly as we do on a Sunday. As you move through it why not talk with others or, if you are on your own, message someone from your City Group or DNA Group to share something that really struck you. 

As you do this remember that we are still the church even when we can’t gather together as the church. 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

Worship comes naturally to humans. Every single one of us gives praise to things that we consider to be worthy and good and beautiful. We instinctively speak about and praise the things that capture our hearts and that we love. What God has done to the heart of a Christian is reveal that he is more worthy and beautiful than any other thing. That he deserves all of our praise. So start your time of worship today with a Psalm that speaks to us of this. 

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

[Ps 145:3-7] 

SONG: All Creatures of our God and King: A song of praise and worship of our God, the author and sustainer of life.

CCLI Song # 7032878

Chad Gardner

© 2014 Asaphs Arrows (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

Moms Like Us Too (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

SONG: Cornerstone (Hillsong): A song reflecting on the wonderful truth of Christ as our Cornerstone. A reminder that our hope and trust should always be built on Jesus and His saving work on the cross.

CCLI Song # 6158927

Edward Mote | Eric Liljero | Jonas Myrin | Reuben Morgan | William Batchelder Bradbury

© 2011 Hillsong MP Songs (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing UK)

Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing UK)

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE 

In the Psalm we looked at last week we are reminded that there is hope and security for those who trust in God. 

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides for ever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and for evermore.

[Ps 125:1-2] 

But we are so quick to forget that truth. Instead of rooting our hope in the steadfast security of Jesus we move hope onto other things: people, possessions, status, health. Take a moment of quiet confession as you speak to God about where you are trusting in other things. 

The gospel tells us that Jesus is worthy of all our trust. That he has demonstrated the extent of his love by going all the way to the cross for us. Sing this next song in the confidence of that hope. 

SONG: Look What God Has Done (Ghost Ship): A call for us to look again at what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. To remind our hearts of the identity we have in the Gospel and to give God all the glory.

CCLI Song # 7061244

Brian Eichelberger | Cam Huxford | Zach Bolen

© 2015 Hymnographer (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

We Are Younger We Are Faster Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)

Remaining portion is unaffiliated

PASSING OF THE PEACE 

Because of Christ's work on the cross, his death and resurrection, we have been brought back into communion with our God and have been made righteous. We have peace with our creator, our heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit unites us together in Jesus. 

We normally express that peace with one another in our gatherings by greeting those around us. In this time where we can’t do that take a moment to pray for someone who is part of our church family instead. 

SERMON Pilgrim Songs- [Psalm 126] Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon. 

This week we’re continuing in our new series entitled ‘Pilgrim Songs’. Click here where you will find this week’s sermon.

RESPONSE 

Take a few minutes to reflect on how God was speaking to you from his Word. Ask that the Holy Spirit would take the truth and use it to change and transform you. 

SONG: New Again (Sojourn): A song looking forward to the future hope we have in the gospel. We look to the day when all pain and sorrow will be over and Christ will make all things new again!

CCLI Song # 7037768

Brooks Ritter | Mike Cosper

© 2013 Sojourn Community Church

SONG: O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (Zach Sprowls): A new take on the old hymn, reminding us of the hope we have in the Gospel, that one day the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory.

CCLI Song # 863569

Charles Wesley | Thomas Jarman

© Words: Public Domain

Music: Public Domain

COMMITMENT READING 

Let’s prepare to end this time of worship by reminding ourselves of where our confidence to keep going as Christians lies: 

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

[Phil 1:6] 

SONG: This I Believe (The Creed) (Hillsong): A song based on the Apostle’s creed that affirms the truths we believe as Christians.

CCLI Song # 7018338

Ben Fielding | Matt Crocker

© 2014 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing UK)

BENEDICTION 

Close your time of worship with this benediction: 

May God make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

[2 Cor 9:8] 

Peace be with you