Gathering Recap - 09/18/2022 - The Story of God: Galatians

Call to worship:

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.

Psalm 107:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What is the essence of the Christian faith?

How does Christ form a family? How far back does it go?

What is the freedom we have in the Spirit all about? In what ways do you tend to resist and need to surrender?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven,

We praise you for the work of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. We confess our need for strength, patience, wisdom and love as we walk in this world. Please fill us with your Spirit to live in the power and freedom of the gospel while we wait for Your return.

In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

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Gathering Recap - 09/11/2022 - The Story of God: 2 Corinthians

Call to worship:

47 Save us, O Lord our God,
    and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
    and glory in your praise.

48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
    Praise the Lord!

Psalm 106:47-48

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What kind of drama did the Apostle Paul deal with in Corinth?

How does doctrine drive living?

Where do you need to apply the good news of Jesus to life today?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 09/04/2022 - The Story of God: 1 Corinthians

Call to worship:

1 Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord,
or declare all his praise?
3 Blessed are they who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times!

Psalm 106:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

In what ways does seeing the early church give you hope?

How does Paul use the analogy of the body to show us the reality of Christ’s Church? How does that connect to life today?

Bonhoeffer said, “Every member serves the whole body to its health or to its detriment.” What does it look like to be a life giving presence in the local church?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 08/28/2022 - The Story of God: Romans

Call to worship:

4 Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
6 O offspring of Abraham, his servant,
children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

Psalm 105:4-6

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What’s the background to the book of Romans?

How has Romans shaped human history?

How has the power of the gospel shaped you?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 08/21/2022 - The Story of God: Luke & Acts

Call to worship:

1 
Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

Psalm 105:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How does Jesus move through the Gospel according to Luke?

In what ways have meals played a significant role in your life?

What is the power of the Holy Spirit for?

What does the mission of Jesus look like for life today?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 08/14/2022 - The Story of God: John

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, August 14th, 2022

Call to worship:

31  May the glory of the Lord endure forever;

may the Lord rejoice in his works,

32  who looks on the earth and it trembles,

who touches the mountains and they smoke!

33  I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

34  May my meditation be pleasing to him,

for I rejoice in the Lord.

Psalm 104:31-34

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

Why did John write his gospel account?

What does the light and life of Jesus bring to humanity?

How is following Jesus connected with obeying Jesus?

How does the Holy Spirit work in the lives of God’s people?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 08/07/2022 - The Story of God: Mark

Call to worship:

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
2 covering yourself with light as with a garment,
stretching out the heavens like a tent.

Psalm 104:1-2

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

Where are you at in your discipleship?

How does desperation bring about greater dependency?

What unexpected direction has Jesus taken your life? How has it been better and more shaping?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 07/24/2022 - The Story of God: Malachi

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, July 24th, 2022

Call to worship:

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.

Psalm 103:15-19

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How does God interact with His people?

In this season do you need to look back at God’s work, or forward to what he’s promised to help you in the present?

What problems need the promises of God? Where can you find them and how can you place them?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 07/17/2022 - The Story of God: Haggai & Zechariah

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, July 17th, 2022

Call to worship:

6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love

Psalm 103:6-8

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

Self-Focus: Before making a decision, do you think, "What's in it for me?" or do you freely sacrifice for the good of another without expecting a return?

Self-Righteousness: Are you more concerned with, and on the lookout for, the sin, weakness and moral failure of others than you are your own?

Self-Satisfaction: Do you feel regularly discontent, always looking for something new to satisfy you, instead of being satisfied with a God-honoring life?

Self-Reliance: Do you avoid living in intrusive and intentional relationships, where others admit their need for grace and seek the help of biblical community?

Self-Rule: Which law gets the most attention and the quickest response in your life and relationships, the Word of God or your own desires?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 07/10/2022 - The Story of God: Zephaniah

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, July 10th, 2022

Call to worship:

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 103:1-5

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How does the Bible describe sin?

How is the judgement and justice of God part of the good news?

Where do you see the theme of the passover in the story of the scripture?

What is the day of the Lord and how is it all connected to Christ?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 07/03/2022 - The Story of God: Jonah and Nahum

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, July 3rd, 2022

Call to worship:

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2     Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

Tim Keller says “worry is believing God will get it wrong, while anger is believing God did get it wrong.” Where do you see worry and anger in your life?

Anthony talked about how theology and life are always connected. What do you think your life says about your theology?

How do we live with the tension of God’s heart toward restoration and the promise that one day there will be retribution of evil?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 06/26/2022 - The Story of God: Obadiah & Micah

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, June 26th, 2022

Call to worship:

1 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The Lord is great in Zion;
he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!
Holy is he!

Psalm 99:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What are the pressing questions you’re currently facing?

How does seeing and remembering God’s story reorient us in life?

What does simplicity and generosity look like for you?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 06/19/2022 - The Story of God: Joel & Amos

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, June 19th, 2022

Call to worship:

1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2 The Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.

Psalm 98:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

1. Do we know ourselves enough to recognize our need for repentance even though the specifics might not be staring us in the face?

2. Is the exploitation seen in Amos by God’s people an aberration or do we still wrestle with the issue today?

3. Is there good news and hope for us if we sincerely turn to Jesus today?

Corporate Prayer:

Father God,

We thank you for the gift of this gathering and life together as your people. As we go from this place, would you empower us by Your Spirit to live in the light and truth of the gospel. May our Savior Jesus be honored in all that we say and do.

In the name of Christ we pray, amen.

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 06/12/2022 - The Story of God: Hosea

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, June 12th, 2022

Call to worship:

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;[a]
    tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
    he will judge the peoples with equity.”

Psalm 96:7-10

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How is idolatry like adultery? Why does God take it seriously?

Where do you see idols in our world, our church, your life?

In what ways do we see the heart of God toward wayward people? What does the parable of the prodigal son(s) show us?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in heaven,

We are grateful for Your story and the saving grace we find in the gospel. We confess our only hope, joy, and life is in Christ. We ask you to empower us by the Holy Spirit to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 06/05/2022 - The Story of God: Song of Songs

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, June 5th, 2022

Call to worship:

1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.

Psalm 96:1-4

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What are the common ways to interpret the Song of Songs?

How does the message of the book meet us today?

How does even this book point to Jesus?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in heaven,

We are grateful for Your story and the saving grace we find in the gospel. We confess our only hope, joy, and life is in Christ. We ask you to empower us by the Holy Spirit to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 05/29/2022 - The Story of God: Daniel

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, May 29th, 2022

Call to worship:

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,

Psalm 95:6-8

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What can we learn from Daniel about engaging exile well?

Do you lean toward syncretism or separatism? What does faithful presence look like?

How do we build resilience and serve our world?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in heaven,

We are grateful for Your story and the saving grace we find in the gospel. We confess our only hope, joy, and life is in Christ. We ask you to empower us by the Holy Spirit to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 05/22/2022 - The Story of God: Ezekiel

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, May 22nd, 2022

Call to worship:

1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.

Psalm 95:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How does Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory sustain him?

In what ways had the shepherds failed Israel and what was God’s promise to them?

How does Jesus fulfill Ezekiel?

Where are you asking God’s Spirit to breathe new life?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in heaven,

We are grateful for Your story and the saving grace we find in the gospel. We confess our only hope, joy, and life is in Christ. We ask you to empower us by the Holy Spirit to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 05/15/2022 - The Story of God: Jeremiah

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, May 15th, 2022

Call to worship:

1 The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
2 Your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.

Psalm 93:1-2

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What was the role of the prophets?

What does in mean that God couples His commands with His commitment?

How does the ministry of Jeremiah point us to the good news of Jesus?

What idols need to be repented of and laid down?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in heaven,

We are grateful for Your story and the saving grace we find in the gospel. We confess our only hope, joy, and life is in Christ. We ask you to empower us by the Holy Spirit to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 05/01/2022 - The Story of God: Isaiah

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, May 1st, 2022

Call to worship:

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

Psalm 92:1-4

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What is the central hope in the book of Isaiah?

How are our hopes often misplaced or twisted by idolatry?

How does God’s promise and fulfilment differs from Israel’s (and our) expectations?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in heaven,

We are grateful for Your story and the saving grace we find in the gospel. We confess our only hope, joy, and life is in Christ. We ask you to empower us by the Holy Spirit to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:

Gathering Recap - 03/20/2022 - The Story of God: Esther

Here is a recap from our gathering on Sunday, March 20th, 2022

Call to worship:

1 Hear my cry, O God,
    listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you
    when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the enemy.

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

Psalm 61:1-4

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

Where do you see God’s providence in the story of Esther?

What do you tend to do when God seems absent? Is there a better path?

How does living from the gospel free us to trust, obey and rest?

How have you seen the providence of God at work in your life?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you for the promise of your presence. Please prepare us and help us to follow Your Son toward flourishing. Empower us, guide us, and direct us by Your Spirit. Grant us a hunger for your word, a passion for prayer, and a love for people. Let us reflect you well in all that we say and do. For the glory of Christ we pray, amen.

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