The Lord’s Day Worship Service

April 10, 2011 ~ The Fifth Sunday in the Season of Lent

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.
We’re glad you came.

After the Service

Please stay around for some refreshments after the service and meet someone new. If we
haven’t met you before, please come say “Hello.” We’d 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

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in
another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was
an itinerant preacher.

He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a
family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two
hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually
accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away.
One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a
trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners
gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was
laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race
and leader of the column of progress.

I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that
were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together,
have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.

~ Dr James Allan Francis, 1926

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

The Call to Worship based on Psalm 95

Leader: Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;

Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
Let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
We have gathered to worship and enjoy our gracious God.

Unison: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

Hymns of Praise & Worship

“Immortal, Invisible”

Immortal, invisible, God only wise

In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days
Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise

Unresting, unhasting and silent as light

Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light

Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight
All praise we would render; O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth thee

“Name Above All Names”

Great Creator of the heavens and the earth

You know every star by name
Awesome power is revealed in all Your works
And forever You will reign

Righteous Sovereign over history and time

Wholly God yet fully man
What mystery that You left Your throne on high
To return with nail-scarred hands

And one day every knee will humbly bow

And every tongue confess aloud that
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 chorus
Jesus is the name above all names
He is worthy of all praise
Jesus is the name above all names
King of kings for endless days

Perfect wisdom in the mercy of the Cross

Still I’ll never understand
Why a rebel so unworthy of such cost
Would be ransomed by Your hand

(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 ~ Psalm 139:23-24

Leader: “Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
And lead me in the path of everlasting life”

Prayer of Confession

“Lord, Have Mercy”

Jesus I’ve forgotten the words that You have spoken

Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief renew the fire again

Lord have mercy

Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
(repeat)

I have built an altar where I’ve worshipped things of man

I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You
Now I am returning to Your mercies ever flowing
Pardon my transgressions, help me love You again

Lord have mercy

Christ have mercy
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 Lord have mercy on me
(repeat)
I have longed to know You and all Your tender mercies
Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end
So I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence
Your grace forever shining like a beacon in the night

Lord have mercy

Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
(repeat)

The Words of the Gospel ~ based on 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Peter 2:24

Leader: Hear the Good News:

This saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance,
That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross,
That we might be dead to sin and alive to all that is good.

Hearing these comforting words, if you sincerely turn from your sins
by turning in trust to the Lord Jesus Christ who came to save sinners,
I declare to you in the name of Jesus Christ that you are indeed forgiven!

Song of Response

“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

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  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

Today’s Scripture Lesson John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

“Redemption: Fulfilling All His Promises in His Son, Jesus Christ” (Part 1)

GALATIANS 4:4-5

4:4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son, born of woman, born under
the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

2 CORINTHIAN 1:19-20

1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy
and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. 20 For all the promises of God find their
Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

Unison: Thanks be to God!

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  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 Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s 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 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 thirst…for my
Father’s 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 Lord’s 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 Lord’s death until he comes.
~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The Sacrament of The Lord’s 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 Lord’s 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.

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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

“Jesus Messiah”

He became sin who knew no sin

That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing / Love so amazing

Chorus:
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

His body the bread

His blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn

Love so amazing / Love so amazing

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 (repeat chorus)

All our hope is in You

All our hope is in You
All the glory to You, God
The light of the world

(repeat chorus)

“How Great Is Our God”

The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty

Let all the earth rejoice, Let all the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice, and trembles at His voice

chorus:
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands

Beginning and the end, beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One: Father, Spirit, Son

The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb

(repeat chorus)

Name above all names, worthy of all praise

My heart will sing how great is our God

(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: “Let us pray…”

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

Unison: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.

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 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.

Hymn of Praise & Worship

“Before the Throne of God Above”

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong, a perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is “Love”
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart,
I know that while in Heav’n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there! The risen Lamb

My perfect, spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I Am
The King of glory and of grace!
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ, my Saviour and my God
With Christ my Saviour and my God

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.
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Our Confession of Faith The Apostle’s Creed1

Leader: Christians, in whom do you believe?

Unison: 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: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and
gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and
establish them in every good work and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
People: Amen!

1
The Apostle’s 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 Christ’s universal
Church, wherever she may be found gathering in Christ’s name.
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  Community Life 

Tonight - The Easter Experience

At New City Church, we’re marking the season of Lent (leading up to Easter) with a 6-week
DVD study called, “The Easter Experience.” Tonight is week #5, “I Have The Promise Of
Eternal Life,” so make plans now to carve out the upcoming Sunday evenings to come
together as a community of faith to reflect more deeply upon the necessity of the death of
Jesus of Nazareth and its meaning for our own spiritual lives. (Dates: April 10, & 17.
Easter is on Sunday, April 24th). Coffee, tea & desserts will be provided.

Downtown Study Group: “Grace on the Bow”

The Downtown Study Group meets this Thursday, April 7th. Location: The offices of New
North Resources: Ste 885, 700 4th Ave SW (McFarlane Tower @ the NW corner of 6th St &
4th Ave). Ring the bell for entrance. If you have any trouble accessing the office, call Brad
Osborne at 403.803.3916. For more info about the study group, contact pastor Mike at
403.828.2241.

Tuesday Women’s Bible Study

You are invited to come and study the book of Ephesians with us. We are meeting every
Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 11:30. Come prepared to learn about God's love, freedom
and empowering strength towards us. Time commitment consists of weekly meetings and
approximately 10 minutes guided homework per day. We are meeting at Henrietta Van
Huigenbos’ home (43 Coach Gate Way SW). For more information contact Joan Schmitt
(403-935-4188 / gardeningjoan@yahoo.com).

“The Excellent Wife” Book Study

We are reading and studying The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. This is a book directed
to women who want information about God's plan, pattern and purpose for marriage. We're
meeting every second Saturday from 1-2:30 at Gail Snyder's home. We will have our first
meeting on Saturday, April 16th. Contact Joan Schmitt (403-935-4188 /
gardeningjoan@yahoo.com) for more details.

Thursday Tuscany Community Group

The Tuscany Community Group is meeting at Glen & Annette Torhjelm’s this week.

The Marriage Course

We have plans to offer “The Marriage Course” in the near future. Previous to that, we need
to form a planning committee to work out the details of this service to New City Church and
outreach to our community. If you are interested, please speak to Pastor John.

Service Opportunity / Mercy Ministry

New City Church takes a team once a month and teams up with The Mustard Seed which
serves the basic needs of our cities needy. Please take the opportunity to prepare & serve
meals on one of the upcoming dates: April 16, May 14 and June 11. For more info, contact
Annie Arguile (403.283.8322 / i_have_2_kids@hotmail.com).

Coffee with a Pastor?

If you have any questions about Christianity, or would simply like to get together and talk
about the issues of life, pastors John and Mike are available to you. Coffee is on them!
You can contact John at john@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.991.5555. If you work in the

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 downtown area, touch base with 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.

Giving Report

Weekly Servants

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