Gathering Recap - 12/04/2022 - The Story of God: 1 Peter

Call to worship:

15 Glad songs of salvation
    are in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,
16     the right hand of the Lord exalts,
    the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!”

17 I shall not die, but I shall live,
    and recount the deeds of the Lord.

Psalm 118:5-7

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

In what ways does the message of 1 Peter meet us today?

How do we go about recognizing the influence of the world on our hearts and lives?

GK Chesterton said “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” - What is your experience with this?

Corporate Prayer:

Almighty God,

We thank you for meeting us with the grace and truth of our Savior Jesus. This Advent season we ask for the help of Your Spirit to walk in the light and love of Christ as we long for your return. May we experience the hope, joy, peace and love you gift us in the gospel.

In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

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Gathering Recap - 11/27/2022 - The Story of God: James

Call to worship:

1 Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
2 For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 117:1-2

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What in James’ letter do you find challenging? Comforting?

Where is your heart finding its habitat? What practices help place it in God’s kingdom?

How can we press the promises (He gives more grace, James 4:6) into the places where we are struggling and/or need growth?

Corporate Prayer:

Almighty God,

We thank you for meeting us with the grace and truth of our Savior Jesus. This Advent season we ask for the help of Your Spirit to walk in the light and love of Christ as we long for your return. May we experience the hope, joy, peace and love you gift us in the gospel.

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 - 11/20/2022 - The Story of God: Hebrews

Call to worship:

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserves the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Psalm 116:5-7

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How does the message of Hebrews meet the need(s) of the original audience?

In what was is Jesus “better” than the old covenant? What about the traditions we are tempted to cling to today?

What sin and/or weights (Hebrews 12:1) - Need to be set aside in the pursuit of Jesus?

How does beholding Christ help us become more of who He created us to be?

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.

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

Gathering Recap - 11/13/2022 - The Story of God: Philemon

Call to worship:

1 I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

Psalm 116:1-2

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

Paul isn’t heavy handed or dictatorial in his approach of reconciliation. How do we learn a gentle touch?

How does the resurrection change the social order?

What is the process of moving the gospel from a bow on top to what we bleed?

Who needs to be forgiven? What are the roadblocks to it?

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.

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

Gathering Recap - 11/06/2022 - The Story of God: Titus

Call to worship:

1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
    for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

2 Why should the nations say,
    “Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in the heavens;
    he does all that he pleases.

Psalm 115:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What is the solution to the chaos of religion and rebellion on Crete?

What are the key priorities for the people of God?

What place does politics play in the Christian life?

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.

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

Gathering Recap - 10/30/2022 - The Story of God: 2 Timothy

Call to worship:

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
    praise the name of the Lord!

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
    from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting,
    the name of the Lord is to be praised!

4 The Lord is high above all nations,
    and his glory above the heavens!

Psalm 113:1-4

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What does Paul tell Timothy about the word of God?

In what ways can prayer be our “declaration of dependence”?

How is fellowship and people key to the Christian life?

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.

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

Gathering Recap - 10/23/2022 - The Story of God: 1 Timothy

Call to worship:

1 Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Psalm 112:1-2

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How can doctrine clarify or cloud the beauty of Jesus?

In what ways does good doctrine drive toward holiness?

If the church is a family, how are we to embody that reality?

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.

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

Gathering Recap - 10/16/2022 - The Story of God: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Call to worship:

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!

Psalm 111:7-10

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What hope does the resurrection bring?

How are we to apply the good news of the return of Christ to everyday life?

What handles have you developed to grow in hope and holiness?

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.

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

Gathering Recap - 10/02/2022 - The Story of God: Philippians

Call to worship:

1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.

Psalm 111:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

Every place has potential and can be possessed by power and idols. What potential do you see in the greater Prescott area?

What can we learn from the prayers of Paul and seeing a life that is centered?

Where in you life do you need to press in the providence of God?

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.

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

Gathering Recap - 09/25/2022 - The Story of God: Ephesians

Call to worship:

3 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. 4  For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. 5  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

Psalm 108:3-5

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How do the indicatives of scripture drive the imperatives?

What divides today need the bridging of the gospel?

How does the metaphor of “walking” play into the Christian life?

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.

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

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.

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

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: