The Lords Day Worship Service

January 6, 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

God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: Unison: This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord be praised! The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! ~ from Psalm 118:24; 113:1-4

Hymns of Praise & Worship 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)

"Everlasting God" Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord Our God, You reign forever Our hope, our Strong Deliverer You are the everlasting God The everlasting God You do not faint You won't grow weary You're the defender of the weak You comfort those in need You lift us up on wings like eagles Crown Him with Many Crowns 1. Crown Him with many crowns The Lamb upon His throne Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns All music but its own Awake, my soul and sing Of Him Who died for thee And hail Him as thy matchless King Through all eternity 2. Crown Him the Lord of love Behold His hands and side Rich wounds, yet visible above In beauty glorified No angel in the sky Can fully bear that sight But downward bends His wond'ring eye At mysteries so bright 3. Crown Him the Lord of life Who triumphed o'er the grave Who rose victorious to the strife For those He came to save His glories now we sing Who died, and rose on high , Who died eternal life to bring And lives that death may die 4. Crown Him the Lord of heav'n One with the Father known One with the Spirit through Him giv'n From yonder glorious throne To Thee be endless praise For Thou for us hast died Be Thou, O Lord, through endless days Adored and magnified

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: ~ based on Exodus 20

God spoke His Holy Law to our forefathers saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought

you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything.You shall not bow down to them or serve them. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Honor your father and mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. You shall not covetanything that is your neighbours. Prayer of Confession Unison: ~ Silent confession & reflection

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

~ from Galatians 3:13 & 2 Timothy 1:9-10

The Scripture tells us, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Know that God saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Song of Response Thy Mercy, My God Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song The joy of my heart, and the boast of my tongue Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last Hath won my affection and bound my soul fast Without Thy sweet mercy, I could not live here Sin would reduce me to utter despair But through Thy free goodness, my spirit's revived And He that first made me still keeps me alive Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground And weep for the praise of the mercy I've found Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own In the covenant love of Thy crucified Son All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine

Seals mercy and pardon and righteousness mine

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:

Never Give In! Good Reasons to Persevere in 2013

Rev. David Fletcher, Guest Minister

2 CORINTHIANS 4:1

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
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, who are connected to a church that proclaims His Gospel, and who are at peace with their fellow believers, 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
The Sacrament of The Lords Supper Please come forward by rows to the center aisle 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 Only Jesus Father of grace, Youve sacrificed Your only Son for us, the crucified Jesus Enlarge our hearts to love Your Son O grant to us the grace to walk with Him always To make Him our great delight Bringing worship with our lives chorus Only Jesus! Only Jesus! Give us Jesus, we cry Only Jesus! Only Jesus! The Pearl of greatest price Spirit of grace, Youve shed Your light Upon our darkened eyes, unveiling Jesus Christ Come change our hearts, conform our ways To honor Jesus Name, His glory our refrain Let His love compel our own As we worship at His throne (repeat chorus) Jesus, our great Saviour Lord of heaven, Son of God (repeat chorus) Name Above All Names From the brightness of His glory Jesus, the Son of God descends Takes on the nature of a servant Jesus, obedient to death The Father willed to crush Him As a sacrifice for sin He satisfied Gods justice And in victry rose again chorus

You are highly exalted / Name above all names Worthy of all praise You are reigning in glory Jesus, Youre the King over everything Exalted to the highest place Given the name above all other names The tomb is empty, Christ has risen Jesus, the Lamb once crucified The angels never cease to worship Jesus, in heaven glorified To Him belongs the power The wisdom, might and strength All glory and dominion To the Lord of every age (repeat chorus) Our knees will bow, our tongues proclaim That You are Lord of all Our knees will bow, our tongues proclaim That You are Lord of all (repeat chorus) All I Have Is Christ I once was lost in darkest night Yet thought I knew the way The sin that promised joy and life Had led me to the grave I had no hope that You would own A rebel to Your will And if You had not loved me first I would refuse You still But as I ran my hell-bound race Indifferent to the cost You looked upon my helpless state And led me to the cross And I beheld Gods love displayed You suffered in my place You bore the wrath reserved for me Now all I know is grace chorus Hallelujah! All I have is Christ Hallelujah! Jesus is my life Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone And live so all might see The strength to follow Your commands Could never come from me Oh Father, use my ransomed life In any way You choose. And let my song forever be My only boast is You (repeat chorus)

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. If you are visiting with us, please feel no obligation to give. Hymn of Praise & Worship Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take him at His word, Just to rest upon His promise, just to know, Thus saith the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How Ive proved Him oer and oer. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more! O how sweet to trust in Jesus, just to trust His cleansing blood; Just in simple faith to plunge me neath the healing, cleansing flood! Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How Ive proved Him oer and oer. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more! Yes, tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How Ive proved Him oer and oer. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more! Im so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How Ive proved Him oer and oer. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

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.

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison:

~ Psalm 23

Let us confess our trust and confidence in Christ, our God and Good Shepherd. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His names sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for Your are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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:

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Amen!

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 lifechanging 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. 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.

Question #2: What is God? Answer: God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will. Designed to be used by individuals, families, and churches to learn the basic teachings of Christianity. Check it out: http://www.newcitycatechism.com or http://newcitychurch.ca resources Be Ready: Reasonable Faith in an Uncertain World March 8 & 9, 2013 As ambassadors for Christ, Christians are called not only to communicate the Gospel to others, but also to be ready to answer questions that others may ask us about the hope that we have. This conference is an excellent opportunity to become better equipped for just such a task. New City Church is teaming up with Faith Beyond Belief, Centre Street Church, and Biola University to sponsor a conference bringing in some of the top Christian thinkers of our era to help equip you to articulate and defend the faith. William Lane Craig, Sean McDowell, JP Moreland, Clay Jones and Craig Hazen will all be speaking at this first of its kind conference in Calgary. Our own Pete de Jong is chairing the Faith Beyond Belief committee organizing this conference, and Pastor John Ferguson will be teaching a break-out session. For more details or to register, go to www.BeReadyCalgary.ca. Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Update

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

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