The Lords Day Worship Service

March 18, 2012 ~ Fourth Sunday of Lent ~ 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. There is a nursery available for kids aged 0-2 years. Kids are always welcome in the service with us too. 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 When it comes to salvation, there are no differences among us. We are equal under the law and equal in the gospel. We are all equally in need of salvation and equally unable to save ourselves because of our sin. We all need the same cross and the same empty tomb. We all need the same atoning death and the same bodily resurrection. In a word, we all need the same Christ. Once we have come to him by the same faith, it is Christ for all and all in Christ. ~ Phillip Graham Ryken, commentator What tongue, either of men or angels, can sufficiently extol and magnify the great mercy of God towards us, that we who are miserable sinners, and by nature the children of wrath, should be called to His grace and glory, to be made the children and heirs of God, fellow-heirs with the Son of God, and lords over heaven and earth, and that only by the means of our faith in Christ Jesus. ~ Martin Luther, reformer See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. ~ The Apostle John, in 1 John 3:1 [The gospel] enables me to answer the most basic of all human questions, Who am I? and to say, In Christ I am a son of God In Christ I am united to all the redeemed people of God, past, present and future. In Christ, I discover my identity. In Christ I find my feet. In Christ I come home. ~ John R.W. Stott, Anglican author

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: Unison: ~ based on Psalm 84:1-2, 10-12

Show us Your steadfast love, O God, and grant us Your salvation. How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! Our souls long, yes, faint for the courts of the Lord. Our hearts and our flesh will sing for joy to the living God, for a single day in Your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! For the Lord God is our Light and our Shield; the Lord bestows favor and honour. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord Almighty, blessed are those who trust in You! 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 Jesus is King (repeat chorus) His Name is Jesus All hail the power of Jesus name Let angels prostrate fall Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all Ye chosen seed of Israels race

Leader:

Unison:

Hymns of Praise & Worship

Ye ransomed from the fall Hail Him who saves us by His grace And crown Him Lord of all Hail Him who saves you by His grace And crown Him Lord of all (chorus) His name is Jesus Risen Lamb, for sinners slain His name is Jesus All creation sings the praise Of Jesus name Let every kindred, every tribe On this terrestrial ball To Him all majesty ascribe And crown Him Lord of all To Him all majesty ascribe And crown Him Lord of all (repeat chorus) 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!

 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: Listen to the testimony of the psalmist, When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, I will confess my rebellion to the LORD. And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Prayer of Confession ~ Silent confession and reflection. The Words of the Gospel Leader: Hear the Good News: The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just To forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Unison: Amen. Hail the Day Hail the day that Christ arose Through the skies to worlds unknown Glorious there He ever reigns Object of all Heavens praise See Him lift His hands above See the scars of His great love He has conquered death and sin Saving all who hope in Him (chorus) Hallelujah, hallelujah The King of Love is on His throne Hallelujah, hallelujah His grace will lead us safely home Though He dwells beyond the stars ~ Psalm 145:14; based on 1 John 1:8-9 ~ based on Psalm 32:3-4, NLT

Songs of Response

His redeemed are on His heart Even now He intercedes Jesus cares for all our needs (repeat chorus) All Heaven Declares All heaven declares the glory of the risen Lord Who can compare with the beauty of the Lord? Forever He will be (Forever He will be) The Lamb upon the throne (The Lamb upon the throne) I gladly bow the knee (I gladly bow the knee) And worship Him alone I will proclaim the glory of the risen Lord Who once was slain to reconcile man to God Forever You will be (Forever You will be) The Lamb upon the throne (The Lamb upon the throne) I gladly bow my knee (I gladly bow my knee) And worship You alone

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: The Gospel Creates a New Humanity John Ferguson, Lead Pastor GALATIANS 3:26-29

26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Main Idea: Since the invitation of the Gospel is for everyone, everyoneno matter their backgroundcan enter the family of God by grace through faith alone in Christ.

(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 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 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 aisles. 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 O The Wonderful Cross When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride See from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down Did ever such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown
chorus

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross All who gather here by grace draw near and bless Your name

Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all
(repeat chorus)

Shout to the Lord My Jesus, my Saviour Lord there is none like You All of my days I want to praise The wonders of your mighty love My comfort, my shelter Tower of refuge and strength Let every breath, all that I am Never cease to worship You Shout to the Lord all the earth Let us sing power and majesty Praise to the King Mountains bow down And the seas will roar At the sound of Your name I sing for joy at the work of Your hands Forever Ill love You Forever Ill stand Nothing compares to the promise I have in You

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

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.

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 King of Glory Lift up your gaze, be lifted up Tell evryone how great the love The love come down from heavens 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 heavens gate To kiss the feet of hope and grace Sing, Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty!
(repeat)

There is one God, He is holy There is one Lord over evrything 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)

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison:

Heidelberg Catechism #1

Christian, what is your only comfort in life and in death? That I belongbody and soul, in life and in deathnot to myself but to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven, not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him!

 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 God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13) . Amen.

Community Life
Newcomers Class New City Church is offering a class orienting you to the beliefs, values, & goals of the church. Open to everyone, this class will take place immediately after the worship service for about 45 minutes. Feel free to come with your questions & thoughts! If you are thinking of hitching your wagon to New City Church through membership, you wont want to miss this class. The class will be held in the board room after the morning service. Happy Anniversary! Glen T wishes the happiest of days as he and Annette approach their 3rd Anniversary (March 21). "To My Best Friend, My Coach, Mother of Our Precious Gift, My Wife, My Love: Thank You. I Love You. " - Love, T Downtown Study: Grace on the Bow Grace on the Bow is a weekly gathering every Thursday for those in the downtown area exploring key and relevant areas to life from a Christian perspective and in a nonthreatening environment. New location: We meet at the Bank of Montreal Head office located at 350 - 7th Avenue SW. We meet in the lobby off of 3rd Street, in front of the information desk at 12:00 and end at 1:00 promptly. As always, all are welcome. For more information please contact Mike Ivancic at 403.828.2241. Jr./Sr. High Retreat: April 13-15 A handful of sister churches in Alberta are combining for a retreat for students on April 13-15 at Gull Lake. Cost is $115 before March 22 & $125 after ($105 for siblings). Scholarships are available. The theme is on Knowing Gods Will. See pastor John for more details. The Second Calgary Reformed Conference The date has been set for April 13-14, 2012 with Dr. Derek Thomas as our guest speaker. The theme will be When the Storm Breaks: Suffering the Christian Life (An overview of the book of Job) with one session on Friday evening and two on Saturday morning. The conference will be held at Woodgreen Church. www.calgaryreformedconference.ca. Reformed Women's Retreat 2012 Our All-Sufficient God Please join us for our second annual women's retreat to be held at beautiful Camp Caroline on April 27 & 28. The cost for this year's retreat is $130 and includes all meals. Note that payment must be in by April 2, 2012. This year's retreat will feature three sessions by Sally Gleason. Please talk to Shannon de Jong (403.207.7817) if you would like more information. Registrations can be downloaded from http://reformedwomensretreat.blogspot.com/. New City Church Summer Carnival to Benefit Servants Anonymous

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Calling all clowns, trapeze artists and hotdog vendors or just anyone who has a heart for families and for people in the community! New City Church is planning a Family Summer Carnival in support of Servants Anonymous Foundation and we need you! This is a great opportunity to reach into your community in a fun, non-threatening way and support a great cause at the same time. Call Lise Daumler 403-978-9696 or lise@safoundation.com to find out more. 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 downtown area, touch base with Mike who also works in downtown. You can contact him at mike@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.828.2241. Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Update

*Non-NCC indicates funds raised outside the congregation of New City Church to aid in this church planting project.

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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