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
THE CHURCH - Led by Elders
CALL TO WORSHIP
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, making peace by the blood of his cross.
(Colossians 1:15-20)
Song: Jesus
Song: Fountain of Goodness
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
So often our hearts wander and desire to bow down to other masters. We seek the security of prosperity, the false comforts and the pleasures of this world. Christ speaks of this when he tells us:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
Let’s take a moment to silently confess our false gods to the Lord now...Only by the blood of Christ can we be declared righteous in God's eyes. He raised us to new life, a life that breaks the power of sin and trusts in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Jesus tells us:
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:10b-11)
Today we rejoice in a good Saviour who loves and has given his life for us. Let’s rejoice in that today as we sing out.
Song: It is Finished
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Tom Thrower preached to us this week from Mark 10:35-45 and Titus 1 on what it means for the church to be led by elders. 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
Song: Cornerstone
COMMITMENT READING
Father God, help us to no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, help us to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
From him the whole body is joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped. When each part is working properly, the body grows, so that it builds itself up in love.
(Ephesians 4:14-16)
Song: Be Thou My Vision
BENEDICTION
To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen!
(Jude 24-25)
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.