Out of the Darkness, in God’s Love

Welcome

Thank you for joining us in gathered worship today!

At Covenant, we are a church that is bound to God and to each other by grace, growing and serving together in love, and living and sharing the hope that we have in Jesus.

We hope that you will be moved towards greater love for Jesus and one another as we pause to praise, pray, and ponder under God’s Word.

The emphasis throughout our Sunday service is that worship is all about God. In our service, we will: worship our Heavenly Father for his miraculous deeds, bear witness to Jesus Christ the Son and the hope he brings through his death and resurrection, be moved to engage with the mission of God through the power of the Holy Spirit as we wait for the return of Christ.

Our service is shaped by the Bible—God’s Word to us. Because of that, our worship follows a shared pattern each week. Christians sometimes call this pattern a “liturgy.”

“Liturgy” simply means “the work of the people.” It reminds us that worship isn’t a performance or a product—it’s something we participate in together. Throughout the service, you’ll have chances to join in with prayers and spoken responses, and you’re warmly invited to take part.

We hope your time with us serves to encourage and fill you with hope and joy. 

Call to Worship

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34:1-3

Songs of Invitation

Confession of Sin

Almighty God, gracious Father,
we confess that we are not worthy of your presence,
but we look now to Jesus, the Lamb of God,
who takes away our sin.
Through him we can now draw near to you,
listening to your voice, trusting in your love,
and delighting in your Word.
We joyfully beg to see your face!
Now cleanse our minds of all error and our hearts of all idols,
that we may shine in the world with the radiant light of your
Spirit and your character. In the name of Jesus

All: Amen!

Word of Assurance

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:1-2

Congregational Prayer

Offering

Regular giving to support our ministry as a gospel partner can be made by direct deposit into our account.

Account Name: Covenant Presbyterian Church

BSB: 032 060

Account: 663 486

Community News

CGL and ACGL planning meeting

CG leaders and assistant CG leaders are invited to a planning meeting next Sunday, 25 January. It will take place after lunch, in an upstairs room at Christ College.

We’ll be meeting to plan for the year ahead, including: leader onboarding, an overview of Together Time, 2026 Bible study plans, prayer groups, leaders training and upcoming gatherings.

Covenant Session summary reports

Covenant Session summary reports are available for meetings up to 12 Jan 2026. Please use this link to access: https://covenantchurch.com.au/aka/sessionsummary

Calling for OHP & sound desk helpers

As we enter 2026, Covenant is seeking more helpers to serve on OHP and/or sound desk. These roles play an integral part in the smooth running of our Sunday services. No previous experience is required, you will receive training and supervision.

Please let one of the elders know if you are interested or would like to know more.

Important Dates

January 25CGL / ACGL planning meeting
2pm @ Christ College
February 1Prayer corner
9am @ Christ College
February 8Vision Sunday
After service @ Christ College
February 15Congregational Meeting
After service @ Christ College

Bible Reading

  1. John 3:16-21

All: Thanks be to God.

Sermon Outline

His Blessing, His Righteousness

John 3:16-21

Raymond Wong

Songs in Response

Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Benediction

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who
loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and
good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every
good deed and word.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17