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
EZEKIEL - A New Shepherd
CALL TO WORSHIP
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100)
(Based on Psalm 96:1-10)
Song: Rejoice
Song: Jesus is the Lord of All
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've just sung that Jesus is the lord of all, and yet 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.” (Matthew 6:24)
Let’s take a moment to silently confess our false gods to the Lord.
Only by the blood of Christ can we be declared righteous in God's eyes. He raised us to new life, a life that is no longer ruled by sin but one that 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, a master who loves his people so much, he has given his life for them. We have a king, who humbled himself to the point of death so that we might know new life.
Song: Before the Throne of God Above
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Tom Thrower preached to us on the promise of a new shepherd in Ezekiel 34. 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: Nothing but the Blood
Song: Man of Sorrows
COMMITMENT READING
As we come to the end of our gathering now, we're going to read Psalm 23 together. Psalm 23 is a beautiful reflection on God as our great shepherd. So if you feel able, join with me as we celebrate this truth together now:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
(Psalm 23)
Song: It is Well
BENEDICTION
May the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.
