The Lords Day Worship Service

October 23, 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
Let this be then the conclusion of all together, that we will suffer our goods to be taken away, our name, our life, and all that we have; but the gospel, our faith, Jesus Christ, we will never suffer to be wrested from us. ~ Martin Luther For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. ~ Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-10a Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die, I stake my whole eternity ~ CH Spurgeon The issue before us is grave and vital; it involves the death of the son of God, who, by the will and command of the Father, became flesh, was crucified, and died for the sins of the world. If faith yields on this point, the death of the Son of God will be in vain. Then it is only a fable that Christ is the Savior of the world. Then God is a liar, for he has not lived up to his promises. Therefore our stubbornness on this issue is pious and holy; for by it we are striving to preserve the freedom we have in Christ Jesus to keep the truth of the gospel. If we lose this, we lose God, Christ, all the promises, faith, righteousness, and eternal life. ~ Martin Luther

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: ~ based on Isaiah 40:25-26; 28

Unison:

To whom then will you compare me that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name? By the greatness of His might, and because He is strong in power not one is missing. Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

Hymns of Praise & Worship Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Praise to the Lord, the Almighty The King of creation O my soul, praise Him For He is thy health and salvation All ye who hear Now to His temple draw near Join me in glad adoration Praise to the Lord who oer all things So wondrously reigneth Shelters thee under His wings Yes, so gently sustaineth Hast thou not seen How all thy longings have been Granted in what He ordaineth? Praise to the Lord who doth Prosper thy work and defend thee Surely His goodness and mercy Here daily attend thee Ponder anew what the Almighty can do If with His love He befriend thee. Praise to the Lord O let all that is in me adore Him All that hath life and breath Come now with praises before Him Let the Amen sound from His people again Gladly for aye we adore Him

You are Holy (Prince of Peace) You are holy (echo) You are mighty (echo) You are worthy (echo) Worthy of praise (echo) I will follow (echo) I will listen (echo) I will love you (echo) All of my days (echo) Men: I will sing to And worship The King who Is worthy I will love Him Adore Him I will bow down Before Him I will sing to And worship The King who Is worthy I will love Him Adore Him I will bow down Before Him Women: You are the Lord of lords You are the King of kings You are mighty God Lord of everything Youre Emmanuel Youre the great I Am Youre the Prince of peace Who is the Lam Youre the living God Youre my saving grace You will reign forever You are Ancient of Days You are Alpha Omega Beginning and End Youre my Saviour, Messiah Redeemer and Friend

Unison: Youre my Prince of Peace And I will live my life for You 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)

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: ~ Psalm 130:4-5

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

Prayerful Song of Confession 1. From the depths of woe I raise to Thee The voice of lamentation; Lord, turn a gracious ear to me And hear my supplication; If Thou iniquities dost mark, Our secret sins and misdeeds dark, O who shall stand before Thee? (Who shall stand before Thee?) O who shall stand before Thee? (Who shall stand before Thee?) The Words of the Gospel Leader: 2. To wash away the crimson stain, Grace, grace alone availeth; Our works, alas! Are all in vain; In much the best life faileth; No man can glory in Thy sight, All must alike confess Thy might, And live alone by mercy (Live alone by mercy) And live alone by mercy (Live alone by mercy) ~ based on Romans 5:8; 8:1; Acts 10:43

God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because, as all the prophets testify about Christ, everyone who believes in Him receives the forgiveness of sins through His name. To all who humbly seek the mercy of God, I say to you, that in Christ Jesus your sins are forgiven!

Song of Response

3. Therefore my trust is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit; On Him my soul shall rest, His word Upholds my fainting spirit; His promised mercy is my fort, My comfort and my sweet support; I wait for it with patience (Wait for it with patience) I wait for it with patience (Wait for it with patience) 4. What though I wait the live-long night, And til the dawn appeareth, My heart still trusteth in His might; It doubteth not nor feareth; Do thus, O ye of Israels seed,

Ye of the Spirit born indeed; And wait til God appeareth (Wait til God appeareth) And wait til God appeareth (Wait til God appeareth) 5. Though great our sins and sore our woes His grace much more aboundeth; His helping love no limit knows, Our upmost need it soundeth. Our Shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free From all their sin and sorrow (All their sin and sorrow) From all their sin and sorrow (All their sin and sorrow)

And Can It Be? 1. And can it be that I should gain An intrest in the Saviours blood? Died He for me who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be That Thou my God shouldst die for me? Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God shouldst die for me? 2. He left His Fathers throne above So free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love And bled for Adams helpless race Tis mercy all, immense and free For, O my God, it found out me Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God shouldst die for me? 3. Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and natures night Thine eye diffused a quickning ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light My chains fell off, my heart was free I rose, went forth, and followed Thee Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God shouldst die for me? 4. No condemnation now I dread Jesus, and all in Him is mine Alive in Him my living Head And clothed in righteousness divine Bold I approach th eternal throne And claim the crown through Christ my own Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God shouldst die for me?

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:

Fighting for the Liberating Truth of the Gospel John Ferguson, Lead Pastor GALATIANS 2:1-10

1Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought inwho slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

(notes)

God Feeds Us His Covenant Meal 6

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 and 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 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 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 deaths 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 well join in the feast of heaven around the table of the King.

Forever Grateful

You did not wait for me to draw near to You But You clothed Yourself in frail humanity You did not wait for me to cry out to You But You let me hear Your voice calling me And Im forever grateful to You And Im forever grateful for the Cross And Im forever grateful to You That You came to seek and save the lost

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 and want to invest in her mission. If you are visiting with us, please feel no obligation to give. Hymn of Praise & Worship My Hope is Built on Nothing Less 1. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus name chorus: On Christ, the solid rock, I stand

All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand

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.

2. When darkness veils His lovely face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil (repeat chorus) 3. His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood

When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay (repeat chorus) 4. When He shall come with trumpet sound O may I then in Him be found Dressed in all His righteousness alone Faultless to stand before the throne

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison:

~ from Romans 8:1, 28, 38-39; 1 Timothy 1:17

Let us together profess our faith by saying We believe there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; for we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to Gods purpose. We are convinced that neither life, nor death nor angels, nor rulers nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Leader: Unison:

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 you all (2 Thessalonians 3:18) . Amen!

Community Life 10

The Excellent Wife Book Study Note we are meeting at Annette Torhjelm's home for the Oct 29th meeting. Her address is 47 Lynx Ridge Blvd NW (403-457-8021). The following Saturdays we will be back at Catherine's November 12th, November 26th and December 10th. Contact Joan Schmitt for more information (gardeningjoan@yahoo.com / 403-935-4188). 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. Potluck Coming in 2 Weeks: November 6 On the first Sunday of every month, we celebrate a meal together after the service. Well also mark the One Year Anniversary of New City Church. Its potluck style so please bring enough food for your family plus a few others so we can invite our guests to stay. Also, plan on bringing board games and/or outdoor games. Well have our usual game of soccer, so bring a change of clothes if you want to jump in. Food Collection for The Mustard Seed On the first Sunday over every month (coinciding with our potluck meals), we are collecting food to help stock the food pantry at the Mustard Seed. Please bring non-perishable foods to help feed those in need in our city. Mens Discipleship: BASIC TRAINING Information Meeting Next meeting will be on Thursday, November 3rd, 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 on the welcome table and speak to pastor John or Mike. Coffee with the Pastor? If you have any questions about Christianity, or would simply like to get together and talk about life, Pastor John is available. Coffee is on him! You can contact him at john@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.991.5555. New City Church Online. Visit us NCC online at www.NewCityChurch.ca. Here, you can find our sermons & sermon notes posted. You can also subscribe to our sermons via iTunes. Just search for New City Church Calgary and you can find us on iTunes. Were also on Facebook & have a blog for those who are not on Facebook as well. All is accessible via www.NewCityChurch.ca.

Weekly Servants Schedule

11

Giving Report

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.

12