Reflect (August 6, 2017)

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


JAMES -  True Faith & Actions

CALL TO WORSHIP

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart, they do no wrong but follow his ways.

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

Psalm 119:1-3;33-35

SongHow Great is Our God 

Song: Indescribable

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

God has revealed himself in the creation we see around us but also in His word. We are faced
with his reality, yet we are so quick to forget him. In the language of James 1, we have become
people who see our reflection in the mirror, but instantly forget what we look like. We've heard
God's word and yet have failed to do what it says. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to
confess, in your heart, the ways you have forgotten God and failed to live out his word...

Father God, we confess that we are forgetful beings, help us to remember the lengths Jesus went to save us from our sin. Help us to listen to you in your word and live out lives of obedience in response to the grace you've shown us in Christ. Amen.
 

Song: You Alone Can Rescue

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

John McPhilimey preached to us this week from James 1:19-27, looking at true faith and actions. 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

SongNothing But the Blood

COMMITMENT READING

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

(Ephesians 2:8-10)

Song: This is Amazing Grace

BENEDICTION

Therefore, brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work
of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Peace be with you.

And also with you. 
Amen.

Prepare (August 6, 2017)

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


JAMES - True Faith & Actions

SERMON

This is the second week in our summer series in the book of James. John McPhilimey will be preaching to us this week, looking at true faith and actions from James 1:19-27.

LITURGY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart, they do no wrong but follow his ways.

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

Psalm 119:1-3;33-35

MUSIC

  • Nothing but the Blood: A reminder that our salvation is only found in the blood of Jesus.

  • Indescribable: A reflection on God's glory and majesty revealed to us in all of creation. 

Reflect (July 30, 2017)

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


JAMES -  True Faith & Trials

CALL TO WORSHIP

You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and the mountains quake.

You are always with us; you hold us by our right hands. You guide us with your counsel, and
afterwards you will take us into glory.

Who do we have in heaven but you? Earth has nothing we desire besides you. Our flesh and heart may fail, but God is our strength and portion for ever.

(Psalm 46:1-3; 73:23-26)

SongA Mighty Fortress is our God 

Song: Rock of Ages 

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

We've just sung about the character of God, that he is our fortress, our rock and our helper. But so often we fail to believe this is true. We're quick to doubt God and doubt his goodness to us. Let's pray these words as a confession to God now:

Father God, forgive us for doubting you and your character. We confess that we are quick to forget your goodness and grace shown to us in Jesus Christ. Help us in our unbelief and to trust in you even in the midst of trial and difficulty. Amen.

The truth of the Gospel is that in spite of our doubts, God is present with us. Even when we're
struggling or in the midst of suffering, he is close

Song: O God

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

This week Brad Balmer kicked off our new sermon series in the book of James. He preached to us on true faith and trials from James 1:1-18. 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: How Deep the Father's Love for Us

SongHallelujah What A Saviour

COMMITMENT READING

Heavenly Father we ask that you would help us to count it all joy, when we meet trials of various kinds. Would we truly believe that blessed are those who remain steadfast under trial.

Help us not to doubt you or your character, knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from you, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

(Based on James 1:2,12,17)

Song: Be Thou My Vision (Ascend the Hill) 

BENEDICTION

Go, trusting in the unfailing nature of God, knowing his love and comfort, even in the midst of trials.

Peace be with you.

And also with you. 
Amen.

James