The Lords Day Worship Service

November 11, 2012 ~ New City Church Calgary

Welcome We are glad you have joined us today. Whether you are a Christian seeking to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ, or a skeptic looking for answers, or someone who is struggling to make sense of life and are looking for a caring community, you are warmly welcome here. Were glad you came. There is a nursery available for kids aged 0-2 years. Kids are always welcome in the service with us too. After the Service Please stay around for some refreshments after the service and meet someone new. If we havent met you before, please come say Hello. Wed like to make that connection. Pastors John Ferguson & Mike Ivancic

Reflections & Preparation for Worship O God, by Your power may we, together with all the saints, comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that we may be filled with Your fullness. Amen. ~ based on Ephesians 3:18-19

I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force! Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. Napoleon Bonaparte

If God had perceived that our greatest need was economic, he would have sent an economist. If he had perceived that our greatest need was entertainment, he would have sent us a comedian or an artist. If God had perceived that our greatest need was political stability, he would have sent us a politician. If he had perceived that our greatest need was health, he would have sent us a doctor. But he perceived that our greatest need involved our sin, our alienation from him, our profound rebellion, our death; and he sent us a Savior. - D.A. Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: People: ~ based on Isaiah 12:2-6

Sing praises, for the Lord has done great things. Let this be known in all the earth. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and my song, And He has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, Make known His deeds among the peoples Proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done great things. Let this be known in all the earth.

Leader: Unison:

Leader:

Hymns of Praise & Worship Holy, Holy, Holy Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert and art and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy, There is none beside Thee, Perfect in powr in love & purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Forever Give thanks to the Lord, Our God and King His love endures forever For He is good, He is above all things His love endures forever Sing praise, sing praise With a mighty hand and outstretched arm His love endures forever For the life that's been reborn His love endures forever Sing praise, sing praise Sing praise, sing praise
chorus

Forever God is faithful Forever God is strong Forever God is with us Forever and ever, forever (2X) From the rising to the setting sun His love endures forever By the grace of God we will carry on His love endures forever Sing praise, sing praise Sing praise, sing praise
(repeat chorus)

Our Great God Eternal God, unchanging, mysterious and unknown Your boundless love unfailing, in grace and mercy shown Bright seraphim in ceaseless flight around your glorious throne They raise their voices day and night in praise to You alone chorus Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God! Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God! Lord, we are weak and frail, helpless in the storm Surround us with Your angels, hold us in Your arms Our cold and ruthless enemy, his pleasure is our harm Rise up, O Lord, and he will flee before our sovereign God (repeat chorus)

Seraphim are angels. Cf. Isaiah 6:2, Above [the Lord] stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.

Let every creature in the sea and every flying bird Let every mountain, every field and valley of the earth Let all the moons and all the stars in all the universe Sing praises to the living God, who rules them by His word (repeat chorus)

God Graciously Renews Us in Christ Have mercy on me, O God, in Your faithful love, in Your great tenderness wipe away my offenses; wash me thoroughly from my guilt, purify me from my sin. ~ Psalm 51:1-2
Call to Confession Leader: ~ Jeremiah 17:9

The Lord has spoken through the prophet Jeremiah saying, The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind.

Prayer of Confession Leader: Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. ~ Silent confession and reflection. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. ~ Silent confession and reflection. Set us free from a past we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed. ~ Silent confession and reflection. Leader: And grant us grace to grow more and more in Your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. ~ based on 1 John 1:8-2:1

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

While it is true that we have sinned, it is a greater truth that God offers forgiveness to all who turn to the Lord Jesus Christ seeking His grace and pardon. He is the Righteous Oneour Advocate, who speaks in our defense. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and for the sins of the world. To all who humbly seek the mercy of God, I say to you, that in Christ Jesus your sins are forgiven!

Song of Response

I Will Glory In My Redeemer I will glory in my Redeemer Whose priceless blood has ransomed me Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails And hung Him on that judgment tree

I will glory in my Redeemer Who crushed the power of sin and death My only Saviour before the Holy Judge The Lamb who is my Righteousness The Lamb who is my Righteousness I will glory in my Redeemer My life He bought, my love He owns I have no longings for another Im satisfied in Him alone I will glory in my Redeemer His faithfulness my standing place Though foes are mighty and rush upon me My feet are firm held by His grace My feet are firm held by His grace I will glory in my Redeemer Who carries me on eagles wings He crowns my life with loving kindness His triumph song Ill ever sing I will glory in my Redeemer Who waits for me at gates of gold And when He calls me it will be paradise His face forever to behold His face forever to behold

God Gives Us His Words of Eternal Life Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! Let your word dwell in us richly, that whatever we do, in word or deed, we may do everything in Your name, giving thanks to the Father through You. ~ based on John 6:68, Colossians 3:16-17
Todays Scripture Lesson: PSALM 121 Eye Contact John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

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. 5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming infrom this time forth and forevermore.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

(notes)

God Feeds Us His Covenant Meal From the east and the west, from the north and the south, people will come and take their places at the banquet in the Kingdom of God. ~ based on Luke 13:29
A Word About Participating in The Sacrament of The Lords Supper The Lords Supper is a special family meal that Christ gave to His Bride, the Church. For Christians, this meal is a time to receive these signs and seals of the New Covenant which Christ has established with them. Believers come to this Table to meet with their Lord and Saviour by faith, to be renewed by Him and strengthened in their callings and mission as they eat the bread and drink the wine. Therefore, all baptized Christians who trust in Christ alone as their Lord and Saviour and who are connected to a church that proclaims his Gospel are invited to come to the Table. If you are not yet a Christian, or if for whatever reason you are not prepared to share in this meal, we would encourage you to spend this time in prayer (perhaps using one of the prayers listed below). Consider the invitation of Jesus, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirstfor my Fathers will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:35, 40). We would ask that children who have not yet professed belief in the Lord Jesus also refrain from partaking until doing so. The pastor would be delighted to speak to families about what it means to participate in the Lords Supper. The Words of Institution

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes. ~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 6

The Sacrament of The Lords Supper Please come forward by rows to the center isle and form a semi-circle in front of the Table to receive the bread and the wine. When finished, place your cup at the side tables and proceed to your seat via the outer isles. If you are unable to come forward we would be delighted to serve you at your seat. New City Church uses wine in serving the Lords Supper. We would encourage you to take of the wine since it is a symbol of joy and celebration in Scripture. However, juice is also provided if you cannot drink wine due to health reasons or issues of conscience. Prayers for Those Not Communing A Prayer Searching for the Truth: Jesus, You claim to be the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except by You. If what You claim is true, please guide me and teach me. Open to me the reality of who You are. Grant that I might be undaunted in following You as I consider the reasons for doing so. Give me an understanding of You that is coherent, convincing, and leads to the eternal life that You promise. Amen. A Prayer of Trust in the Lord Jesus: Jesus, I confess that I am more broken, flawed, and sinful than I had ever before dared to admit. Yet You tell me that I am more loved than I ever dared to hope, and that You accept all who turn to you in simple faith. I am doing that right now. I thank You for taking the justice that my sins deserved when You died on the Cross. I eagerly trust You for the forgiveness for my sins, and I receive from You now the eternal life that You promise to all who come to You. Amen. A Prayer for Those Struggling with Sin: Lord Jesus, You know the battle that rages within my heart. Grant that in my battles with sin, I may see in You the fulfillment of all my needs. Give me strength to turn from every false satisfaction to find my ultimate joy in You. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely to me, and fill me with Your Spirit to run with perseverance the race You have set before me, looking to You, the pioneer and champion of my faith. Amen. A Prayer for Children (who have yet to profess faith): Jesus, the Bible tells me that You blessed kids like me. Help me to know who You are and to understand what You have done for me. Amen. Communion Hymns Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now I'm found Was blind, but now I see 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed

chorus My chains are gone, I've been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures (repeat chorus) The earth shall soon dissolve like snow The sun forbear to shine But God, Who called me here below Will be forever mine Will be forever mine You are forever mine Revelation Song Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Holy, Holy, is He Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven's Mercy Seat (repeat) chorus Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything And I will adore You Clothed in rainbows of living color Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder Blessing and honor, strength and Glory and power be To You the Only Wise King (repeat chorus) Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder At the mention of Your Name Jesus, Your Name is Power Breath, and Living Water Such a marvelous mystery (repeat chorus)

How Deep You were broken that I might be healed You were cast off that I might draw near You were thirsty that I might come drink Cried out in anguish that I might sing How deep is Your love How high and how wide is Your mercy How deep is Your grace Our hearts overflow with praise To You You knew darkness that I might know light Wept great tears that mine might be dried Stripped of glory that I might be clothed Crushed by Your Father to call me Your own

God Receives Our Offerings lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
~ Jesus, in Matthew 6:20-21

The Prayers of the People Leader: Unison: Let us pray

(The leader prays for specific requests as the assembly prays along with him).

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts As we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, Now and forever. Amen.

The Presentation of our Tithes and Offerings This collection of our tithes and offerings is for those who consider New City Church their church family and regularly benefit from her ministry and want to invest in her mission. If you are visiting with us, please feel no obligation to give.

The language of debt/debtor is not to be understood primarily in a financial sense but in the moral/ theological sense of our indebtedness due to our sins against God and others, or the sins others may have committed against us.

Hymn of Praise & Worship Youre Worthy of My Praise I will worship with all of my heart I will praise You with all of my strength I will seek You all of my days I will follow all of Your ways I will give You all my worship I will give You all my praise You alone I long to worship You alone are worthy of my praise I will bow down, and I'll hail You as king I will serve You, I will give You everything I will lift up my eyes to Your throne I will trust You, I will trust You alone I will give You all my worship I will give You all my praise You alone I long to worship You alone are worthy of my praise Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison: ~ from 1 Corinthians 15:1-6; Matthew 16:16; Revelation 22:13; John 20:28

Let us together profess our faith by saying This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, and that he appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve, and then he appeared to over five hundred witnesses at one time. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last the beginning and the end; He is our Lord and our God. Amen.

God Sends Us Out Into The World With His Blessing God has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~ from Micah 6:8
Leader: People: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:13). Amen.

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 Community Life
Thanks for visiting New City Church! Were delighted to have had you with us today. If you are looking for a place to explore Christianity and its life-changing relevance, we hope that you will find New City Church a safe place to ask questions and to grow in your understanding of the person and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have any questions about New City Church, Christianity, or the uniqueness of Jesus of Nazareth, please dont hesitate to ask us. You can contact Pastor John at john@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.991.5555. If you work in the downtown area, touch base with Pastor Mike Ivancic who also works in downtown. You can contact Mike at mike@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.828.2241. Attention Young Adults: Tonight at Dave & Gayles House, 6pm Tonight, well continue our bi-monthly meetings going through our study of Christianity called, H20: A Journey of Faith. Whether you are a follower of Christ, skeptical, or just unsure of what you believe, this basic introduction to Jesus Christ who claimed to be able to quench our spiritual thirst may be just what you are looking for. So why not join up with other Young Adults for this study? Check online at NewCityChurch.ca (community tab young adults) for directions, or call Gayles cell 587-215-7257 or Dave's cell 403-477-0064. Attention Ladies: Story People Story People is this Monday, Nov. 12 at 7pm at Catherine Gordons house ( 3508 Varal Road NW). Plan to join us as we share stories of thanksgiving. For more info, contact Gerri Dewaal (gerri.dewaal@shaw.ca). ESL Bible Study at the LeBlancs Lord Willing, there will be an ESL Bible Study starting this month at the LeBlanc house on Sunday, November 18th. We are just asking people to pray and informing people who are interested to contact us if they would like more information. All are welcome. Richard & Marie LeBlanc (home phone: 403338-0707; email: richard_marie@shaw.ca) Ladies Young and Old: Christmas Tea We will be gathering together to enjoy fellowship and get into the Christmas Spirit from 1-3pm on Saturday, December 8th. This event is an opportunity to connect with our community and friends. In support of Servants Anonymous Foundation we are selling tickets to this event for $2; as well, there will be a display to further support SAF through donations or jewellery purchases. More information on ticket sales will follow. SkateLife Hockey Tournament & Fundraiser SkateLife is a local ministry that New City supports as our friend Jason Dueck seeks to minister to young people. On November 17th, SkateLife will be holding their main fundraiser, an annual floor hockey tournament. Last year New City Church successfully put a team together and we are hoping to do the same this year. If you would like to be a player, a coach, an organizer, or a cheerleader, please speak to Pete de Jong at (403) 818-7310 or thegratefuldad@gmail.com. If you are interested in donating some baking/cookies for the players, please let Shannon de Jong know. Junior High Girls Teaming up with Samaritans Purse & Operation Christmas Child The New City Church Junior High Girls will be packing shoe boxes on Friday, November 23 rd and need donations to fill as many shoe boxes as possible. Bring your donations of school supplies, small toys and gifts and hygiene items to church on Sunday, Nov. 11th and 18th. Operation Christmas Child provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on project of Samaritan's Purse that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ God's greatest gift/ Operation Christmas Child was started in 1990. In 1993, Operation Christmas Child grew and was adopted by Samaritan's Purse, a Christian organization run by Franklin Graham.

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Downtown Study: Grace on the Bow Grace on Bow is a downtown weekly gathering of any and all who want to explore the key universal and spiritual issues from a Christian perspective in a non-threatening environment. We have begun a new series entitled ITS BEEN SAID. . . . (What an ancient faith REALLY has to say to a contemporary world and why it should matter). We meet in the foyer of the Bank of Montreal Head office located at 350 7th Avenue S.W. (the corners of 7th Avenue SW and 3rd Street). We meet in the lobby off of 3rd Street, in front of the information desk at 12:00 and end at 1:00 promptly. For more info contact Mike Ivancic at 403.828.2241. Helping Without Hurting Conference: Saturday, December 1, Sherwood Park Alliance Church, Edmonton Poverty. Its complicated. What are the root causes of poverty? What are appropriate solutions to eradicate poverty? Is there a wrong way to help others? Churches and individuals are called to care for the poor, but can our good intentions have unintended consequences? The Helping Without Hurting Conference dives into these questions and more. Pastor John wants to gather a group of folks who would be interested in attending this one day conference in Edmonton. Cost of the conference is $45. Well probably head up on Friday evening. Conference is Saturday from 8:30-4:30. Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Update

*Non-NCC indicates funds raised outside the congregation of New City Church to aid in this church planting project

All songs used by permission. CCLI license # 273300. Parts of the worship service are adapted from or reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, c. 2004, CRC Publications.

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