The Lords Day Worship Service

September 18, 2011 ~ 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. 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 During a British conference on comparative religions, experts from around the world debated what, if any, belief was unique to the Christian faith....The debate went on for some time until CS Lewis wandered into the room. 'What's the rumpus about?' he asked, and heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity's unique contribution among world religions. Lewis responded, 'Oh, that's easy. It's grace. ~ Phillip Yancey, Whats so Amazing About Grace? Nothing could sum up better the blessings of being in Christ than the expression 'the reign of grace' [cf Romans 5:21]. For grace forgives sins through the cross, and bestows on the sinner both righteousness and eternal life. Grace satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry with good things. Grace sanctifies sinners, shaping them into the image of Christ. Grace perseveres even with the recalcitrant, determining to complete what it has begun. And one day grace will destroy death and consummate the kingdom. So when we are convinced that 'grace reigns', we will remember that God's throne is a 'throne of grace', and will come to it boldly to receive mercy and to find grace for every need. ~ John Stott, Romans: Gods Good News for the World In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us. ~ St. Paul in Ephesians 1:7-8 "Grace is getting what we do not deserve. It is exorbitant, senseless, staggering. Grace takes your breath away and leaves us gasping in stunned amazement." ~ Kevin G. Harney, Organic Outreach 1

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: People: Leader: Unison: ~ from Psalm 86:8-10 & 73:25-26

There is none like You, O Lord, nor are there any works like Yours. All the nations You have made shall come and bow down before You, O Lord, and glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous things, you alone are God! Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and My portion forever!

Hymns of Praise & Worship God of Wonders Lord of all creation Of water, earth and sky The heavens are Your tabernacle Glory to the Lord on high chorus God of wonders beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy Lord of heaven and earth Lord of heaven and earth Early in the morning I will celebrate the light When I stumble in the darkness I will call Your name by night. (repeat chorus) (men): Hallelujah (women): To the Lord of heaven and earth (repeat 3x) 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 my Jesus is King (repeat chorus) Lord Most High From the ends of the earth (echo) From the depths of the sea (echo) From the heights of the heavens (echo) Your name be praised From the hearts of the weak (echo) From the shouts of the strong (echo) From the lips of all people (echo) This song we raise, Lord Throughout the endless ages You will be crowned with praises Lord Most High Exalted in every nation Sovereign of all creation Lord Most High, be 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: ~ from Isaiah 30:15, 18, &19b

The Lord God, the Holy One of Israel spoke through the prophet Isaiah, saying, In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah pleaded with the people, Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show mercy to youHe will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as He hears it, He answers you.

Prayer of Confession Unison:

~ from Psalm 25:6-7, 11, 16-18

Remember Your mercy, O Lord, and Your steadfast love, for they have been of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me for the sake of Your goodness ~ Silent confession & reflection For Your names sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and trouble and forgive all my sins.

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

based on Isaiah 534-5; 1 Peter 1:18; 2:18

Isaiah the prophet spoke about the coming Saviour of the word, Jesus Christ, when he said, Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed. Understand then, that you were ransomednot with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. He suffered for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring us to God.

Song of Response "Amazing Love (You Are My King)" I'm forgiven because you were forsaken I'm accepted, You were condemned I'm alive and well, Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again chorus Amazing love, how can it be? That You, my King, would die for me Amazing love, I know it's true Its my joy to honor You In all I do Ill honor you I'm forgiven because you were forsaken I'm accepted, you were condemned I'm alive and well, Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again (repeat chorus)

You are my king / You are my king Jesus, You are my king Jesus, You are my king Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder 1. 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 2. 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 3. 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 4. 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 5. 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: GALATIANS 1:1-5

The Gospel of Grace & Peace

John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

1 Paul, an apostle not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead 2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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 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 Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted 1. Stricken, smitten, and afflicted See Him dying on the tree Tis the Christ by man rejected Yes, my soul, tis He, tis He Tis the long expected prophet Davids Son, yet Davids Lord By His Son, God now has spoken Tis the true and faithful Word 2. Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning Was there ever grief like His Friends through fear His cause disowning Foes insulting His distress Many hands were raised to wound Him None would interpose to save But the deepest stroke that pierced Him Was the stroke that Justice gave

3. Ye who think of sin but lightly Nor suppose the evil great Here may view its nature rightly Here its guilt may estimate Mark the sacrifice appointed See who bears the awful load Tis the Word, the Lords Anointed Son of Man and Son of God

4. Here we have a firm foundation Here the refuge of the lost Christs the Rock of our salvation His the Name of which we boast Lamb of God for sinners wounded Sacrifice to cancel guilt None shall ever be confounded Who on Him their hope have built

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

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 Let Your Kingdom Come Your glorious cause, O God, engages our hearts May Jesus Christ be known wherever we are We ask not for ourselves, but for Your renown The cross has saved us so we pray Your Kingdom come chorus Let Your Kingdom come Let Your will be done So that everyone might know Your Name Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth Till Your sovereign work on earth is done Let Your Kingdom come Give us Your strength, O God, and courage to speak Perform Your wondrous deeds through those who are weak Lord use us as You want, whatever the test By grace well preach Your gospel Til our dying breath (repeat chorus)

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:

~ from the Heidelberg Catechism Q&A #60

Christian, how are you made right with God? Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments and of never having kept any of them, and even though I am still inclined to all evil, nevertheless, without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. All I need to do is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.

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 the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Galatians 6:18). Amen!

Community Life
Lets Help Send Nicole to Belize! Nicole Van Huigenbos is going to Belize for a mission trip in April. She is doing a fundraiser and selling Coco Brooks frozen 6.5" pizzas. The pizzas can be frozen for up to 10 months. If you are interested in ordering pizzas talk to Nicole after the service (she will only be able to sell them this Sunday). Mens Discipleship: BASIC TRAINING Information Meeting Next meeting will be on September 22 from 7-9pm in Classroom #1 here at the Confederation Park Activity Centre. This is a great opportunity to invest in your spiritual growth as a man. For more information, pick up a brochure at the back table and speak to pastor John. Musicians Need for our Music Team We are in need of more singers and musicians as we are planning to grow the number of music teams we have at NCC. We are looking for extras in all areas; voice (male & female), lead guitar, keyboard, bass, and drums. Other instruments are always welcome too but you would need to know how to improvise. Contact Mark Bottomley (mbottomley@mac.com / 403.208.9345)

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"The Excellent Wife" Book Study We will be continuing our study covering the second half of the book starting Saturday, September 17 at Catherine Gordon's home (3508 Varal Road NW). We will be meeting every second Saturday from 1-2: 30 for a total of seven Saturdays finishing December 10. This book is directed to women who want information about God's plan, pattern and purpose for marriage and is open to women of all ages regardless of marital status. Contact Joan Schmitt (403.935.4188/ gardeningjoan@yahoo.com) more information. Downtown Study Group: Grace on the Bow Grace on the Bow will be continue to held at the Shell Center at 400 4th Ave S.W., room 1147. Tom Dekker (403-807-6687) will meet folks in the lobby at 12:00 to secure passes and take folks to the meeting room. For more info on the small group, call Mike Ivancic at (403.515.6931). We will begin a new Series entitled a Life Shaped by Grace based on the Beatitudes from the greatest sermon ever preached. Prayer for the Service Do you have a heart for prayer? We inviting people to come together on Sunday mornings before the service from 10-10:15 to pray for the service, for the message, for those in attendance, for our visitors, etc. Would you consider joining us in the conference room at 10am next week? 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. Weekly Servants

Giving Report

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