The Lords Day Worship Service

December 4, 2011 ~ The Second Sunday of Advent Season 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 Christthe Greatest Gift For God (the greatest Lover) so loved (the greatest degree) the world (the greatest company) that he gave (the greatest act) ...his only Son (the greatest Gift) that whoever (the greatest opportunity) believes (the greatest simplicity) in him (the greatest attraction) should not perish (the greatest promise) but (the greatest difference) have (the greatest certainty) eternal life (the greatest possession) ~ Anonymous We have now arrived at the great metropolis of truth [John 3:16]. No other single statement in the Bible so aptly sums up Gods redemptive purpose in Christ for the human race. Volumes have been written on it. Its each and every word has been weighed and examined and marveled at and preached on. Who will ever know until the judgment seat of Christ how many millions of Adams ruined race have found their way to heaven by the discovery of John 3:16? The text [John 3:16] revolves around ten words: God, loved, world, gave, Son, whoever, believes, perish, have, life. Those ten words make up the constellation of the redeemer in the firmament of divine revelation.All the highways of divine truth meet in this metropolis. It is the hub of all revealed truth. ~ John Phillips, commentator 1

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
Lighting of the Advent Candle The Call to Worship Leader: Mike & Char Ivancic & Family ~ from Psalm 95

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation! Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song! For the Lord is the great God, the King above all gods! Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy!

People: Unison:

Hymns of Praise & Worship O Come, All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem Come and behold him born the King of angels O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord God of God, Light of Light Lo, he abhors not the Virgins womb Very God, begotten, not created O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation Sing, all ye citizens of heavn above Glory to God in the highest O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord Yea Lord we greet Thee, born this happy morning Jesus, to Thee be all glory givn Word of the Father, late in flesh appearing O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord Holy, Holy, Holy Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert and art and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy, There is none beside Thee, Perfect in powr in love & purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! 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 a 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 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 Ill 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 Leader: The Prophet, Isaiah, declared: Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

~ Isaiah 1:18

Prayer of Confession Leader: Lord Christ, we confess our willingness to be loved but also our reluctance to love. We confess our readiness to accept Your forgiving love but also our refusal to forgive. We confess that our eagerness to grasp Your offer of redeeming love but also our resistance to follow You without question. In this Advent season, forgive us our failure to respond as we should. ~ Silent Confession & Reflection Unison: Come to us anew, O Lord, and by Your grace, enable us to receive You with joy, as the Shepherds; with gratitude, as Simeon; with obedience, as Mary; with love, as You have loved us. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

~ from Matthew 1:21

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name of Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins.

Songs 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

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, honour 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 well sing forever Bowing before You blessing Your name Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Highest praises, honour 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

Todays Scripture Lesson:

That He Gave His Only Son John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Main Idea: Since the greatness of Gods love is measured by value of His greatest gift to us, we should prize His only Son above all other things.
(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 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 thirst for 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 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 I Will Rise There's a peace I've come to know Though my heart and flesh may fail There's an anchor for my soul I can say "It is well" Jesus has overcome And the grave is overwhelmed The victory is won He is risen from the dead chorus: And I will rise when He calls my name No more sorrow, no more pain I will rise on eagles' wings Before my God fall on my knees And rise, I will rise There's a day that's drawing near When this darkness breaks to light And the shadows disappear And my faith shall be my eyes Jesus has overcome And the grave is overwhelmed The victory is won He is risen from the dead (repeat chorus) And I hear the voice of many angels sing, "Worthy is the Lamb" And I hear the cry of every longing heart, "Worthy is the Lamb" (repeat) (repeat chorus) 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 (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

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 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.

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 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies With thangelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King Christ, by highest heavn adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the Virgins womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail thincarnate Deity Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King Hail the heavn-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, risn with healing in His wings Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King

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 the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it (1 Thessalonians
5:23-24).

People:

Amen!

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Community Life

Today is the Second Sunday in the Advent Season Christians all over the world celebrate the season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word meaning coming. The Advent season covers the four Sundays before Christmas and is a season of anticipation and waiting as we focus in upon the mission of the Son of God coming into the world. Our 2012 Advent season this year is called The Gift and focuses upon the best known verse in the Bible, John 3:16. Potluck Luncheon Today After the Service On the first Sunday of every month, we celebrate a meal together after the service. Please join us for lunch today! Kids Club Caroling NOTE: We will have a special kids club caroling rehearsal at 12:30pm today. Youth Volunteers are strongly encouraged to help out as well. Did Christmas Really Happen? New City Church is hosting an evening at Weeds Caf here in our neighbourhood (1903 20th Ave NW) on the topic, Did Christmas Really Happen? A local apologist & pastor, Jojo Ruba, will be speaking & Pastor John will be moderating the evening. Weve invited the local Free Thinkers club at the U of C to come as well. Please be in prayer for this evening coming up on Wednesday, December 14. Evening begins at 7:30pm. Cost? Buy lots of coffee to support the local business that is graciously allowing us to use their space. Next Kids Club- Saturday, December 17th 3:15pm We will be meeting at the Seniors Lodge next door with Christmas Party at the Activity Center to follow until 6pm. Please ensure you RSVP to Lori no later than December 11th whether your kids will be attending or not. To make this special event memorable, the planning team needs extra help from adult volunteers so please see Lori today in how you can help out with this special event. Also, please plan to bring a potluck appetizer to this event. For more info see Lori. Christmas Outreach Folks at NCC gave over $1200 towards our efforts to share the Gospel of Christ this Christmas season. That means we will distribute ~1,200 packets to houses in our community. Each packet has a New Testament, a tract about the meaning of Christmas, and an invitation to attend our Christmas Eve service. **Well meet at 9:30am on Saturday, December 17, to assemble the packages and distribute them to our community. Please make plans to help out in this important outreach to our community & city. Christmas Eve Service Our annual Christmas Eve service will be held here at the Confederation Park Activity Centre on December 24th from 3-4pm. Make plans now to attend and invite others.

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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. Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Report

From Jason Dueck & SkateLife: Thank you New City Church! Thanks again for participating in our Floor Hockey Fundraiser. The day was a huge success. Your attendance helped us to raise over $40,000 to continue the work God is doing through SkateLife here in Calgary and across Alberta. Thanks again for all your work in putting together a team from your church on such late notice, it was such an encouragement! 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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