Gathering Recap - 02/19/2023 - Seven Churches: Philadelphia

Call to worship:

10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

12 “For you shall go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
    shall break forth into singing,
    and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:10-12

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How does the faithfulness and affirmation of the church in Philadelphia contrast with our current metrics of success?

Where do you tend to draw strength from? What is the invitation of Jesus in those places?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you for this life with its celebrations and sorrows. We are grateful that you have been with us for every moment. For the wounds we’ve encountered, we ask you to heal us. For the wounds we’ve inflicted, we ask you to forgive us. As we embark into this year we pray for your guidance and direction. 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.

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

Gathering Recap - 02/12/2023 - Seven Churches: Sardis

Call to worship:

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

David Cassidy says the temptation of the church in any time is to imitate, dominate, or isolate with the culture. What do you see happening today?

If God calls us to be a people in His world, with His word, called to be His witnesses, where do you need growth?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you for this life with its celebrations and sorrows. We are grateful that you have been with us for every moment. For the wounds we’ve encountered, we ask you to heal us. For the wounds we’ve inflicted, we ask you to forgive us. As we embark into this year we pray for your guidance and direction. 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.

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

Gathering Recap - 02/05/2023 - Seven Churches: Thyatira

Call to worship:

13  Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;
    break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people
    and will have compassion on his afflicted.

14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me;
    my Lord has forgotten me.”

15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
    yet I will not forget you.
16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
    your walls are continually before me.

Isaiah 49:13-16

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

Jesus is said to have a purifying gaze and a stable stance. How is this good news?

Jesus compares false teaching to Jezebel, who removed truth, placed self at center, to ultimately get what we want. How do you see this at work today?

Where are there temptations to slice out aspects of Gods story? What posture are we to have in adhering to his word in the world today?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you for this life with its celebrations and sorrows. We are grateful that you have been with us for every moment. For the wounds we’ve encountered, we ask you to heal us. For the wounds we’ve inflicted, we ask you to forgive us. As we embark into this year we pray for your guidance and direction. 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.

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

Gathering Recap - 01/29/2023 - Seven Churches: Pergamum

Call to worship:

16 Thus says the Lord,
    who makes a way in the sea,
    a path in the mighty waters,
17 who brings forth chariot and horse,
    army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
    they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
18 “Remember not the former things,
    nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I am doing a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:16-19

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

Where do you see similarities with the church today and Pergamum?

How is our living into the truthfulness of Jesus tested today?

If sin doesn’t sustain or protect, how does Jesus provide and secure his people?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you for this life with its celebrations and sorrows. We are grateful that you have been with us for every moment. For the wounds we’ve encountered, we ask you to heal us. For the wounds we’ve inflicted, we ask you to forgive us. As we embark into this year we pray for your guidance and direction. 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.

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

Gathering Recap - 01/22/2023 - Seven Churches: Smyrna

Call to worship:

1 But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

Isaiah 43:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What paradoxes do we find in the Christian faith?

Where and why do we struggle to value what Jesus values.

How can we. move from a self indulgent live to one that is a living sacrifice?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you for this life with its celebrations and sorrows. We are grateful that you have been with us for every moment. For the wounds we’ve encountered, we ask you to heal us. For the wounds we’ve inflicted, we ask you to forgive us. As we embark into this year we pray for your guidance and direction. 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.

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

Gathering Recap - 01/15/2023 - Seven Churches: Ephesus

Call to worship:

8 But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
    and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
    I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:8-10

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How does following Jesus shape our loves?

In what ways are you prone to leave your love of God and neighbor?

What does repentance and remembrance look like?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you for this life with its celebrations and sorrows. We are grateful that you have been with us for every moment. For the wounds we’ve encountered, we ask you to heal us. For the wounds we’ve inflicted, we ask you to forgive us. As we embark into this year we pray for your guidance and direction. 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.

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

Gathering Recap - 01/08/2023 - On Love and Loss

Call to worship:

28 Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What consolation and clarity does Christ bring to our grief?

The disorientation of loss can bring “dangerous misconceptions” about ourselves and God. What are you prone to?

How do the methods of Messiah speak to our soul?

Where do you find peace and pain coexisting right now?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you for this life with its celebrations and sorrows. We are grateful that you have been with us for every moment. For the wounds we’ve encountered, we ask you to heal us. For the wounds we’ve inflicted, we ask you to forgive us. As we embark into this year we pray for your guidance and direction. 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.

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

Gathering Recap - 01/01/2023 - The Story of God: Revelation

Call to worship:

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:1-4

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What have you seen through the story of Scripture?

How does the transcendence of God meet the trials of life?

How does the promise of God wiping every tear away transform your perspective today?

Corporate Prayer:

O Father, enlarge our hearts.

O Spirit, expand our vision.

O Christ, establish your kingdom among us.

As we go from this place, be at work in us, and through us, as we look to follow You and show Your love to the world.

In Jesus name 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 - 12/18/2022 - The Story of God: 1,2,3 John

Call to worship:

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
    We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God,
    and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,
    up to the horns of the altar!

28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
    you are my God; I will extol you.
29 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 118:26-29

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

How does God show us love?

John is someone what had marinated in the gospel for a lifetime. What do you find yourself simming

The author has a mantra/song of God’s love on repeat…What song is spinning in your head?

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 - 12/11/2022 - The Story of God: 2 Peter

Call to worship:

22 The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.[b]
23 This is the Lord's doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save us, we pray, O Lord!
    O Lord, we pray, give us success!

Psalm 118:22-25

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What is the promise and pathway for transformation?

How has Christ transformed your life? How is he at work right now?

How does the triumphant return help us resist temptation?

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 - 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.

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

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: