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
As Christians we don't worship God as begrudging duty or as a way to make ourselves acceptable to him. Instead we worship God as a joyful response. A response to who he is in all his greatness and a response to the love & grace he has shown to us in Jesus. Read these words of the Psalmist as you begin your time of worship today:
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
(based on Psalm 34:1-8)
SONG: Rock of Ages (Dustin Kensrue): A reminder that God is the rock and refuge who cleanses us from our sin.
LYRICS
Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee
Let the water and the blood
From Thy wounded side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure
Save from wrath and make me pure
Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill the law's commands
Should my passion never fade
And my efforts all be weighed
All for sin could not atone
You must save and You alone
Rock of ages
No one takes Your life
Yet You died that I might live
Costly grace You freely give
Rock of ages
You have paid the price
You were cleft to cover me
Let me hide myself in Thee
Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to the cross I cling
Naked come to Thee for dress
Helpless look to Thee for grace
Wretched to the fount I fly
Wash me Savior or I die
Rock of ages
No one takes Your life
Yet You died that I might live
Costly grace You freely give
Rock of ages
You have paid the price
You were cleft to cover me
Let me hide myself in Thee
And while I draw my final breath
I'll rest upon Your grace
And when I close my eyes in death
I'll wake to see Your face
Rock of ages
No one takes Your life
Yet You died that I might live
Costly grace You freely give
Rock of ages
You have paid the price
You were cleft to cover me
Let me hide myself in Thee
CCLI Song # 7004664
Augustus Montague Toplady | Dustin Kensrue
© 2013 Dead Bird Theology (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)
It's All About Jesus Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)
We Are Younger We Are Faster Music (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)
SONG: How Deep the Father’s Love: A reflection on the depth of God’s love shown to us in the cross of Christ.
LYRICS
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts no pow’r no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
CCLI Song # 1558110
Stuart Townend
© 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
All of us put our faith in something. Maybe you put your faith in yourself, your health, your job, your family or your reputation. These things can feel stable and secure until something goes wrong and you’re left dissatisfied or let down. These can all be good gifts given from God, but putting your faith in them will always leave you lacking. Take a moment now to confess to God the things you put your faith in, instead of him.
The invite from Jesus is to come to him and put your faith in him, the one who won’t fail and won’t let you down. He invites you to come as you are and promises life in return. Hear his invite to you today:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30)
SONG: Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy (Sojourn): A call to come to Jesus in repentance, weak and sinful, knowing that he saves us and meets us in our need.
LYRICS
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and power.
Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry 'til you're better,
You will never come at all.
You will never come at all.
On the bloody Cross behold Him,
Sinner, will this not suffice,
Lo! the incarnate God ascended,
Pleads His perfect sacrifice.
Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry 'til you're better,
You will never come at all.
You will never come at all.
Let not conscience make you linger,
Not of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry 'til you're better,
You will never come at all.
You will never come at all.
Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry 'til you're better,
You will never come at all.
You will never come at all.
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 Watch the pre-sermon message and then the sermon.
This week we’re continuing our series ‘The Gospel of Mark’. 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: Before the Throne of God Above: A reminder that we have a new identity in Christ. We can now approach God with confidence because of what Jesus has done for us.
LYRICS
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong a perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin
Because the sinless Saviour died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold Him there the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of glory and of grace
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Saviour and my God
CCLI Song # 990391
Charitie Lees Bancroft
Public Domain
SONG: And Can It Be: A song which exclaims God’s grace to us as sinners through Christ.
LYRICS
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour's blood
Died He for me who caused His pain
For me who Him to death pursued
Amazing love how can it be
That You my God should die for me
Amazing love how can it be
That You my God should die for me
What mystery here the Immortal dies
Who can explore His strange design
In vain the highest angel tries
To sound the depths of love divine
What mercy this let earth adore
Let angel minds enquire no more
What mercy this let earth adore
Let angel minds enquire no more
He left His Father's throne above
So free so infinite His grace
Humbled Himself in all His love
And bled for Adam's helpless race
What mercy this immense and free
For O my God it found out me
What mercy this immense and free
For O my God it found out me
Long my imprisoned Spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night
Then shone Your glorious gospel ray
I woke the dungeon flamed with light
My chains fell off my heart was new
I rose went forth and followed You
My chains fell off my heart was new
I rose went forth and followed You
No condemnation now I dread
Jesus and all in Him is mine
Alive in Him my living Head
And clothed in righteousness divine
Bold I approach the eternal throne
And claim the crown through Christ my own
Bold I approach the eternal throne
And claim the crown through Christ my own
CCLI Song # 3351545
Charles Wesley
© Praise Trust
COMMITMENT READING
When we put our faith and trust in Jesus we can know freedom from sin. We are no longer weighed down by our shame and we can have confidence knowing his Spirit is at work in us. Encourage your hearts with this truth now:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
(Romans 8: 1-2)
SONG: Boldly I Approach (Rend Collective): A song which reminds us that because of Jesus’ work on the cross, we can approach the throne of God without fear.
LYRICS
By grace alone somehow I stand
Where even angels fear to tread
Invited by redeeming love
Before the throne of God above
He pulls me close with nail-scarred hands
Into His everlasting arms
When condemnation grips my heart
And Satan tempts me to despair
I hear the voice that scatters fear
The Great I Am the Lord is here
O praise the One who fights for me
And shields my soul eternally
Boldly I approach Your throne
Blameless now I'm running home
By Your blood I come welcomed as Your own
Into the arms of majesty
Behold the bright and risen Son
More beauty than this world has known
I'm face to face with Love Himself
His perfect spotless righteousness
A thousand years a thousand tongues
Are not enough to sing His praise
Boldly I approach Your throne
Blameless now I'm running home
By Your blood I come welcomed as Your own
Into the arms of majesty
This is the art of celebration
Knowing we're free from condemnation
O praise the One praise the One
Who made an end to all my sin
Boldly I approach Your throne
Blameless now I'm running home
By Your blood I come welcomed as Your own
Into the arms of majesty
CCLI Song # 7014655
Rend Collective
© 2014 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
BENEDICTION
Close your time of worship with this benediction:
Brothers & sisters, go today with confidence, trusting in God's unfailing love and faithfulness to you.
Peace be with you