Reflect (December 22, 2019)

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

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ADVENT: WAITING - The End of Waiting

CALL TO WORSHIP

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

[John 1:1-5, 14]

Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel

Song: Once in Royal David’s City

Song: Joy to the World

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Alex Passmore preached from God’s word to us from Luke 2:1-21 and Revelation 21:1-9. Click here to listen to that sermon.

Song: Silent Night

Song: O Come All Ye Faithful

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

ADVENT PRAYER

God, your steadfast love is precious, may we know it in Jesus this Christmas season.

Show us that we can take refuge in the shadow of your wings. In the midst of food and drink teach us to feast on the abundance of your house and drink from the river of your delights.

Show us that in Jesus is the fountain of life; that in his light we see light. Amen.

(Based on Psalm 36:7-10)

BENEDICTION

May Jesus Christ, the son of righteousness, who comes with healing in his wings, ll you with the joy and peace that passes all understanding this Christmas.

Peace be with you.

And also with you.

Prepare (December 22, 2019)

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

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ADVENT: WAITING - The End of Waiting

SERMON

Alex Passmore will be preaching from God’s word to us on what the end of waiting will be like. He will be using the following passages: Luke 2:1-21 and Revelation 21:1-9.

LITURGY

CALL TO WORSHIP

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

[John 1:1-5, 14]

MUSIC

Joy to the World: A song that celebrates Jesus coming into our world to reign as King.

Music video for Joy To The World (Audio) performed by Citizens & Saints. Site: http://citizensandsaints.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/citizens_saints Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MUSIC.CITIZENS Instagram: http://instagram.com/citizens_saints Copyright (C) 2013 BEC Recordings. -- Powered by http://www.vydia.com #CitizensAndSaints #JoyToTheWorld #Vevo #Christian #VevoOfficial #audio

Hark the Herald Angels Sing: A Carol that celebrates why Jesus came into this world and what he achieved in his death and resurrection.

The Eagle and Child (and friends) playing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing at the Christmas Collective 2016. The Eagle and Child - O Christmas - Available now! iTunes, Spotify and more.

Reflect (December 15, 2019)

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

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ADVENT: WAITING - The Lamps

CALL TO WORSHIP

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.

And today, above our darkness and sin, the Word of truth and light resounds. Over nations deep in despair His salvation dawns.

For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And He will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

(based on Isaiah 9)

Song: The First Noel

Song: Joy To the World

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

This season of Advent we celebrate that Jesus is the light of the world, that the darkness of the world could not overcome his light. Yet the reality is for us that we still live in a broken world, awaiting Jesus' return. We still battle with the darkness. We choose darkness over God's light and we're in need of his help. Let's pray these words together now confessing this tendency in our hearts and asking for God's help in this:

Lord God, we praise you for sending light into this world. We confess that we live as though the light had never defeated darkness.

We confess that we ignore the Saviour you sent to be among us and to live in us. We've kept the birth of your Son confined to the Christmas season and do not yearn for his coming each moment in our waiting hearts.

Forgive us for this we pray. Prepare us for His return. Help us rejoice in the light so that your grace can illuminate the darkened places of our hearts. Amen

Song: O God of Mercy Hear our Plea

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Gary Aston preached to us from Matthew 25:1-13 this Sunday as we thought about advent as a season of waiting. 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: Jesus Paid it All

Song: Revelation Song

COMMITMENT READING

Let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, defeating death, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

BENEDICTION

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Peace be with you.

And also with you.

Prepare (December 15, 2019)

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

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ADVENT: WAITING - The Lamps

SERMON

Gary Aston will be preaching from God’s word to us this Sunday as we continue in the season of Advent. He will be preaching from Matthew 25:1-13.

LITURGY

CALL TO WORSHIP

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. And today, above our darkness and sin, the Word of truth and light resounds. Over nations deep in despair His salvation dawns.

For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And He will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

(based on Isaiah 9)

MUSIC

O God of Mercy Hear our Plea (Sovereign Grace): A song that pleads with God to hear our prayers as we lament the brokenness of this world.

Revelation Song (Kari Jobe): A reflection on John's revelation and the response of fear and awe that should be seen in all of us as we're faced with the reality of Christ.