The Lords Day Worship Service

September 25, 2013 ~ New City Church

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 If we wish to understand Gods love, we must look at the revolutionary love of Jesus. Jesus loved us not only when we were indifferent to him, but when we were actual enemies of his holiness and grace. ~ R. Kent Hughes, pastor & author Jesus said, Do unto others what you would have them do to you, even if they are your enemies. Jesus said this for a reason: only this kind of love reveals the power of his grace. Most people are able to love the people who love them, at least to some extent. But who is able to love the people who hate them? Only someone whose life has been touched by the grace of a God who loved his enemies so much that he sent his Son to die for their sins. The very idea of loving our enemies takes us right to the heart of the gospel. ~ Phillip Ryken, President of Wheaton College The kingdom that Jesus preached and lived was all about a glorious, uproarious, absurd generosity. Think of the best thing you can do for the worst person, and go ahead and do it. Think of what youd really like for someone to do for you, and do it for them. Think of the people to whom you are tempted to be nasty, and lavish generosity on them instead. These instructions have a fresh, springlike quality. They are all about new life bursting out energetically, like flowers growing through concrete and startling everyone with their colour and vigour. ~ N.T. Wright, New Testament scholar & Anglican Bishop There [in heaven] God is manifested and shines forth in full glory, in beams of love; there the fountain overflows in streams and rivers of love and delight, enough for all to drink at, and to swim in, yea, so as to overflow the world as it were with a deluge of love. ~ Jonathan Edwards, Heaven is a World of Love 1

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6

The Call to Worship Leader: Unison: Leader:

~ from Psalm 91:2; Revelation 5:12; Romans 10:9, 13

We have gathered to worship the true and living God as He has revealed Himself most fully in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our refuge and our fortress, our God in whom we trust. Let us confess with our mouths, Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, for, Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. With all the saints throughout history we say, Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise. Let us call upon our one true Lord and God, believing Him in our hearts, confessing Him with our mouths, and worshiping Him in spirit and in truth.

Unison:

Leader:

Hymns of Praise & Worship Sing to the King Sing to the King Who is coming to reign Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain Life and salvation His empire shall bring And joy to the nations when Jesus is King chorus Come, let us sing a song A song declaring that we belong to Jesus He is all we need Lift up a heart of praise Sing now with voices raised to Jesus Sing to the King For His returning we watch and we pray We will be ready the dawn of that day We'll join in singing with all the redeemed 'Cause Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King (repeat chorus)

King of Glory Lift up your gaze, be lifted up Tell everyone how great the love The love come down from heavens gate To kiss the earth with hope and grace Sing, Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty!
(repeat)

Sing, Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty!
(repeat)

There is one God, He is holy There is one Lord over everything There is one King, He is Jesus King of glory, strong and mighty!
(repeat)

Lift up your hands, be lifted up Let the redeemed declare the love And we bow down at heavens gate To kiss the feet of hope and grace

You are the King of glory The Lord, strong and mighty!
(repeat)

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 Matthew 22:37-38

Our Lord Jesus instructs us with these words, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. As the Lord has instructed us as to what our deepest loyalty should be, and because we have not lived fully in light of this commandment, let us confess our sins to God, trusting in Christ as our Saviour and Lord. Jesus, I Come (Out of My Bondage)

Song of Confession Out of my bondage, sorrow and night Jesus, I come; Jesus I come Into Thy freedom, gladness and light Jesus, I come to Thee Out of my sickness into Thy health Out of my wanting and into Thy wealth Out of my sin and into Thyself Jesus, I come to Thee Out of my shameful failure and loss Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come Into the glorious gain of Thy cross Jesus, I come to Thee Out of earths sorrows into Thy balm Out of lifes storms and into Thy calm Out of distress into jubilant psalm Jesus, I come to Thee Out of unrest and arrogant pride Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come Into Thy blessed will to abide Jesus, I come to Thee Out of myself to dwell in Thy love Out of despair into raptures above Upward forever on wings like a dove Jesus, I come to Thee Out of the fear and dread of the tomb Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come Into the joy and light of Thy home Jesus, I come to Thee Out of the depths of ruin untold Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold Ever Thy glorious face to behold Jesus, I come to Thee

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

~ based on Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24-25; 3:18

The proof of Gods amazing love is this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Song of Response Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder Let us love and sing and wonder Let us praise the Saviours name He has hushed the laws loud thunder He has quenched Mount Sinais flame He has washed us with His blood He has washed us with His blood He has washed us with His blood He has brought us nigh to God Let us love the Lord who bought us Pitied us when enemies Called us by His grace and taught us Gave us ears and gave us eyes He has washed us with His blood He has washed us with His blood He has washed us with His blood He presents our souls to God Let us sing though fierce temptation Threatens hard to bear us down For the Lord, our strong salvation, Holds in view the conqurors crown He who washed us with His blood He who washed us with His blood He who washed us with His blood Soon will bring us home to God Let us wonder grace and justice Join and point to mercys store When through grace in Christ our trust is Justice smiles and asks no more He who washed us with His blood He who washed us with His blood He who washed us with His blood Has secured our way to God Let us praise and join the chorus Of the saints enthroned on high Here they trusted Him before us Now their praises fill the sky Thou hast washed us with Thy blood Thou hast washed us with Thy blood Thou hast washed us with Thy blood Thou are worthy, Lamb of God

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:

A Revolutionary Kind of Love

John Ferguson, Pastor

LUKE 6:27-36

27 But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic [a] either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. 32 If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
(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 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 Praise the Father, Praise the Son O sovreign God, O matchless King The saints adore, the angels sing And fall before the throne of grace To You belongs the highest praise These sufferings, this passing tide Under Your wings I will abide And every enemy shall flee

You are my hope and victory chorus Praise the Father, praise the Son Praise the Spirit, Three in One Clothed in power and in grace The name above all other names To the valley, for my soul Thy great descent has made me whole Your word my heart has welcomed home Now peace like water ever flows (repeat chorus) Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the power, Yours is the glory forever! (repeat) My Jesus, I Love Thee My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine For Thee all the follies of sin I resign My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, tis now I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me And purchased my pardon on Calvarys tree I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, tis now Ill love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, tis now In mansions of glory and endless delight Ill ever adore Thee in heaven so bright Ill sing with the glittering crown on my brow If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, tis now

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 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

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison: Christians, in whom do you believe?

The Apostles Creed1

We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And we believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell.2 the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. And we believe in the Holy Spirit The holy catholic church,3 the communion of saints, The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. 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:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2). Amen!

The Apostles Creed is an ancient creed (that is, statement of faith) of the Church and historically has been widely used and cherished by believers. Although it was not written by the Apostles, we believe it to be a concise summary of their teachings. It may have originated as a baptismal formula around the 2nd century, and developed into its present form by the 6th or 7th century. 2 Jesus descent into hell consisted in His priestly act of offering Himself up as a sacrifice for sins, undergoing the judicial wrath of God on the Cross, and remaining under the power of death for three days before being vindicated in His resurrection. 3 The term catholic means universal and hence does not refer to any one particular church, but to Christs universal Church, wherever she may be found gathering in Christs name.

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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 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. Join a Community Group This Fall! Make it a priority to fellowship with others at New City Church as we continue on our journey of becoming a family of faith seeking to live out our Christianity with one another. This fall, New City Church is sponsoring a handful of community groups. If youd like, sign up for a particular group online at NewCityChurch.ca Tuscany Community Group (NW) / Open to everyone Hosts: Don & Ina Kitchener When: Mondays, starting 5:30-ish with a meal together Where: 159 Tuscany Hills Circle NW Contact: Mike Ivancic / c. 403.828-2241 Contact: Don or Ina / h. 403.547-4461 Begins Sept 30. Citadel Community Group (NW) / Open to everyone Hosts: John & Heather Ferguson When: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8pm Proposed topic: Humility by CJ Maheney Where: 331 Citadel Drive NW Contact: John or Heather / h. 403.208.6644 Begins September 25 Chestermere Community Group (E) Open to Young Adults Hosts: David & Christine Fletcher When: Sundays for lunch & early afternoon Where: 136 West Creek Close, Chestermere Contact: David or Christine / 403.277.5700 Begins September 22 Sunday School is Back! Sunday School returns this year for youngsters in grades 1-6 for half an hour immediately after the worship service (~12-12:30pm). Note: there are three classes this year. Preschool Grades 1-3 Grades 4-6 Saddle Ridge Community Group (NE) Open to everyone Hosts: Grant & Carol Galpin When: Monday evenings. 7-9pm Where: 824 Saddlecreek Way NE Contact: Grant / 403.615.7597 Begins Sept 30

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Intro to New City Church: Sunday, Sept 22, 5-8pm Do you want a clearer idea of the beliefs & mission of New City Church? Are you interested in potentially joining NCC? Then sign up for class exploring who we NCC is as a community of faith. Covering everything from basic Christianity to how we view the Christain life to our theological orientation, come & join others & bring your questions as we explore what it means when we say at New City Church is a Christian, Evangelical, Reformational, and Missional Church. This class is mandatory for those who wish to pursue membership at NCC, though one does not have to become a member in order to attend this class. The next class will be held on Sunday, September 22 nd from 5-8pm. Snacks are provided. KidsClubis Back! Kids aged 4-11 are welcome to join us on Saturday, October 5th from 3:00pm-5pm (note time change), for a great time of learning more about God through activities such as games, crafts, puppets and fun. Mark your calendar and register online at newcitychurch.ca. Adults and youth who are interested in helping us out can talk to Lori Blakeley or email 5blakeleys@gmail.com. Giving Update

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

Weekly Servants Schedule

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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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