The Lord’s Day Worship Service

May 1, 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.
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

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
And set my feet upon a rock / making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, / a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, / and put their trust in the Lord.”
~ Psalm 40:1-3

“If God had perceived that our greatest need was economic, he would have sent an economist.
If he had perceived that our greatest need was entertainment, he would have sent us a
comedian or an artist. If God had perceived that our greatest need was political stability, he
would have sent us a politician. If he had perceived that our greatest need was health, he
would have sent us a doctor. But he perceived that our greatest need involved our sin, our
alienation from him, our profound rebellion, our death; and he sent us a Savior.”
~ DA Carson

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new’.”
~ King Jesus, Revelation 21:5

1
  God Calls Us To Worship 
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6

The Call to Worship ~ based on Isaiah 40:25-26; 28

Leader: “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….
Unison: 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

Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken

Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God

He, Whose word cannot be broken, Formed thee for His own abode
On the Rock of Ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded, Thou may’st smile at all thy foes

See the streams of living waters, Springing from eternal love

Well supplies Thy sons and daughters, And all fears of want removes
Who can faint while such a river, Ever flows their thirst to quench
Grace which like the Lord, the giver, Never fails from age to age

Blessed inhabitants of Zion, Washed in the Redeemer’s blood

Jesus, Whom their souls rely on, Makes them kings and priests to God
’Tis His love His people raises, Over self to reign as kings
And as priests His solemn praises, Each for a thank offering bring

Savior, if of Zion’s city, I, through grace, a member am

Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in Thy Name
Fading is the worldling’s pleasure, All his boasted pomp and show
Solid joys and lasting treasures, None but Zion’s children know

“Rejoice, the Lord is King”

Rejoice, the Lord is King: Your Lord and King adore

Rejoice, give thanks, and sing, and triumph evermore
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice

Zion is the name of the height upon which King David built Jerusalem. Zion is used in
Scripture to denote the city, but more also God’s people as the church (Hebrews 12:22) and
even heaven itself (Revelation 14:1).
2
 Jesus, the Saviour reigns, the God of truth and love
When He had purged our stains He took His seat above
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice

His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o’er earth and heav’n

The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus giv’n
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice

Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord, the Judge, shall come

And take His servants up to their eternal home
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice

“He Is Exalted”

He is exalted He is the Lord

The King is exalted on high Forever His truth shall reign
I will praise Him Heaven and earth
He is exalted forever exalted Rejoice in His holy name
And I will praise His name He is exalted
The King is exalted on high

 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 ~ Psalm 130:4-5

Leader: “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

“Jesus, I Come (Out of My Bondage)”

Out of my bondage, sorrow and night

Jesus, I come; Jesus I come
Into Thy freedom, gladness and light
Jesus, I come to Thee
Out of my sickness into Thy health
Out of my wanting and into Thy wealth
Out of my sin and into Thyself
Jesus, I come to Thee

3
 Out of my shameful failure and loss
Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross
Jesus, I come to Thee
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm
Out of distress into jubilant psalm
Jesus, I come to Thee

Out of unrest and arrogant pride

Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come
Into Thy blessed will to abide
Jesus, I come to Thee
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love
Out of despair into raptures above
Upward forever on wings like a dove
Jesus, I come to Thee

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb

Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come
Into the joy and light of Thy home
Jesus, I come to Thee
Out of the depths of ruin untold
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold
Ever Thy glorious face to behold
Jesus, I come to Thee

The Words of the Gospel ~ based on Romans 5:8; 8:1; Acts 10:43

Leader: 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!

Unison: May Christ alone be praised!

Song of Response

“Be Exalted”

I will give thanks to Thee For Thy steadfast love is great

O Lord, among the peoples Is great to the heavens
I will sing praises to Thee And Thy faithfulness
Among the nations Thy faithfulness to the clouds

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens

Let Thy glory be over all the earth
(repeat)

4
  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

“Redemption: Fulfilling All His Promises In Jesus Christ (Part 3)”

MARK 2:1-12

2:1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And
he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four
men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof
above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic
lay.

5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now
some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak
like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus,
perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you
question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are
forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?

10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said
to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and
immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and
glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

Unison: Thanks be to God!

(notes)

5
  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 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
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 pastors 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.

6
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

“All I Have Is Christ”

I once was lost in darkest night

Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race

Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

chorus
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

7
 Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose.
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

(repeat chorus)

“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)

 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

8
 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

“In Christ Alone”

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my All in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ


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.
9
 No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘Til he returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Our Confession of Faith ~ from Romans 8:1, 28, 38-39; 1 Timothy 1:17

Leader: Let us together profess our faith by saying…

Unison: 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 God’s 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.

Leader: Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God
Be honour and glory forever and ever.
Unison: 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: “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:18) .
People: Amen!

10
  Community Life 

Downtown Study Group: “Grace on the Bow”

The Downtown Study Group meets every Thursday from 12-1pm. The theme of the current
series is on “Seeking God”. Lunch is not provided (but feel free to bring your own). Feel
free to come and observe or bring your own insights and questions. Location: Shell Center,
400 4th Ave S.W., Room 1147. Tom Dekker (403.807.6687) & Mike Ivancic (403.828.2241)
will meet folks in the lobby to get passes to go up to the 11th floor together.

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 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 meetings are on Saturday, May 14th & 28th. Contact Joan Schmitt (403-935-4188 /
gardeningjoan@yahoo.com) for more details.

Thursday Tuscany Community Group

The Tuscany Community Group is studying 1 Peter & will be 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.

Coffee with the Pastor?

If you have any questions about Christianity, or would simply like to get together and talk
about life, Pastors John & Mike are available. Coffee is on them! You can contact John at
john@newcitychurch.ca / 403.991.5555 or Mike at mike@newcitychurch.ca / 403.828.2241.

11
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. We’re also on Facebook & have a
blog for those who are not on Facebook as well. All is accessible via
www.NewCityChurch.ca.

Weekly Servants

12