The Lord’s Day Worship Service

April 24th, 2011 ~ Resurrection Sunday ~ Easter

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

“And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain….But in fact
Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man
came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.”
~ 1 Corinthians 15:14, 20-21

The truth of the resurrection gives life to every other area of gospel truth. The resurrection is the pivot
on which all of Christianity turns and without which none of the other truths would much matter. Without
the resurrection, Christianity would be so much wishful thinking, taking its place alongside all other
human philosophy and religious speculation.
~ John MacArthur

“Maybe redemption has stories to tell / Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell /
Where can you run to escape from yourself? /
Where you gonna go? / Where you gonna go? / Salvation is here.”
~ Switchfoot

At the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an
eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics; in physical laws every action is met by an equal or an
opposite one. It's clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I'm absolutely sure of it.
And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that "as you reap, so you will sow" stuff. Grace
defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case
is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff. I'd be in big trouble if Karma was
going to finally be my judge. It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding
out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to
depend on my own religiosity.
~ Bono

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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 Colossians 2:3; Revelation 5:12

Leader: We gather this morning to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. For
us, and for our salvation, He lived, and died and rose again from the grave. Now are
gathered in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, glory and power. He is the
King of kings and Lord of lords, and is worthy of all praise. Therefore, with all the saints
and martyrs of all the ages, we say…

Unison: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and
strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Hymns of Praise & Worship

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

1. Christ the Lord is risen today, Allelluia 3. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia Where, O death, is now thy sting, Alleluia
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia Once He died, our souls to save, Alleluia
Sing ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia Where thy victory, o grave, Alleluia

2. Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia 4. Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia
Christ has burst the gates of hell, Alleluia Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia

“King of Glory”

Lift up your gaze, be lifted up

Tell ev’ryone how great the love
The love come down from heaven’s gate
To kiss the earth with hope and grace

Sing, Who is this King of glory?

The Lord, strong and mighty!
(repeat)

Lift up your hands, be lifted up

Let the redeemed declare the love
And we bow down at heaven’s gate
To kiss the feet of hope and grace

Sing, Who is this King of glory?

The Lord, strong and mighty!
(repeat)

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

You are the King of glory

The Lord, strong and mighty!
(repeat 4x)

“Sing Alleluia”

All creatures of our God and King

Lift up your voice and with us sing
Sun, moon, and stars rejoice on high
Praise to the Lord of light divine

Sing alleluia, sing alleluia Sing alleluia, sing alleluia

Praise the Father above For His infinite love
Sing alleluia Sing alleluia

Praise to the Giver of good things

Merciful Father, Holy King
Join with the angels sing out loud
Praise Him who reigns above the clouds

Sing alleluia, sing alleluia Sing alleluia, sing alleluia

Praise the Father above For His infinite love
Sing alleluia Sing alleluia

Women: Men:
O praise Him when the morning comes
Alleluia for the rising sun
O praise Him when the day is done
Alleluia praise the Lord of love
O praise Him alleluia
Alleluia alleluia

All creatures of our God and King

Lift up your voice and with us sing

Sing alleluia, sing alleluia Sing alleluia, sing alleluia

Praise the Father above For His infinite love
Sing alleluia Sing alleluia

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  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

A Call to Confession of Sin ~ from Isaiah 30:15, 18 NIV

Leader: In the ancient book of Isaiah we read,

“ ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…’
The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him.”

Prayer of Confession

Leader: Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, You shattered the power of sin and
death. Yet we confess that we often remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the
ways that lead to death.

You have raised Jesus from the grave and crowned Him the King of the universe. Yet
we confess that we have not always lived in light of this truth, and have been reluctant to
acknowledge His lordship in every area of our lives. All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his or her own way.

In mercy, Lord, hear our prayers, as we confess our sins to You…

~Silent confession & reflection

Unison: Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not
away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us
the joy of Your salvation, and grant us a willing spirit to follow You, our God and
our Lord, all the days of our lives, we pray in the name of our Lord Jesus, Amen.

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!

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Songs of Response

“Majesty”

Here I am, humbled by Your majesty

Covered by Your grace so free
Here I am, knowing I’m a sinful man
Covered by the blood of the Lamb

Now I’ve found the greatest love of all is mine

Since You laid down Your life
The greatest sacrifice

chorus
Majesty, majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed but alive in Your hands

Here I am, humbled by the love that You give

Forgiven so that I can forgive
Here I stand knowing that I’m Your desire
Sanctified by glory and fire

Now I’ve found the greatest love of all is mine

Since You laid down Your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed but alive in Your hands

Majesty, majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love,
In the presence of Your majesty, majesty.

“Be Unto Your Name”

We are a moment, You are forever

Lord of all ages, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love everlasting reigning on high

Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name

We are the broken, You are the healer

Jesus Redeemer, mighty to save
You are the love song we’ll sing forever
Bowing before You blessing your name

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 Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name

 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

“Jesus Conquered the Grave”

1 Corinthians 15:1-8

15:1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,
2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance
with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
5 and that he appeared to Cephas [i.e., Peter], then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred
brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James,
then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

Unison: Thanks be to God!

(notes)

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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, 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 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.

Prayers for Those Not Communing

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 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

“Behold the Lamb”

Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away, slain for us, and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross
So we share in this bread of life, and we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of peace, around the table of the King

The body of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, torn for you: eat and remember
The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life
Paid the price to make us one
So we share in this bread of life and we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of love around the table of the king

The blood that cleanses every stain of sin, shed for you: drink and remember
He drank death’s cup that all may enter in to receive the life of God
So we share in this bread of life and we drank of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of grace around the table of the king

And so with thankfulness and faith we rise to respond and to remember

Our call to follow in the steps of Christ as His body here on earth
As we share in His suffering, we proclaim: Christ will come again!
And we’ll join in the feast of heaven around the table of the King.

“I Will Glory In My Redeemer”

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 I will glory in my Redeemer
Whose priceless blood has ransomed me
Mine was the sing 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
I’m 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 eagle’s wings
He crowns my life with loving kindness
His triumph song I’ll 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 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.
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 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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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

“Praise the Father, Praise the Son”

O sov’reign 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)

(repeat chorus)

Our Confession of Faith ~ from 1 Corinthians 15:1-6;

Matthew 16:16; Revelation 22:13; John 20:28

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 Leader: Let us together profess our faith by saying…

Unison: 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: “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) .
People: Amen.

 Community Life 

Thanks for visiting New City Church!

We’re 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 don’t hesitate to ask us. You can contact John at john@newcitychurch.ca or call
403.991.5555. If you work in the downtown area, touch base with asst. pastor Mike Ivancic who
also works in downtown. You can contact Mike at mike@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.828.2241.

Downtown Study Group: “Grace on the Bow”

The Downtown Study Group meets every Thursday from 12-1pm. 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
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 strength towards us. Time commitment consists of weekly meetings and approximately 10 minutes
guided homework per day. We are meeting at Henrietta’s 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 Gayle’s home (115-1000 Centre Ave NE). Our next meeting
is on Saturday, April 30th. Contact Joan Schmitt (403-935-4188 / gardeningjoan@yahoo.com) for
more details.

Thursday Tuscany Community Group

The Tuscany Community Group is meeting at Calvin & Suzanne Van Hill’s house on Thursdays at
7pm. For directions, contact the Van Hill’s (403.685.5853).

The Marriage Course

We have plans to offer “The Marriage Course” in the fall, both for participants of New City Church
and as a ministry to our community. 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 group once a month and teams up with The Mustard Seed which serves
our city’s needy. Please take the opportunity to prepare & serve meals on June 11. For more
info, contact Annie Arguile (403.283.8322 / i_have_2_kids@hotmail.com).

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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