The Lords Day Worship Service

November 20, 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

The gospel does not command us to do anything in order to obtain life, but bids us live by that which another has done; and the knowledge of its life-giving truth is not labour but restrest of soulrest which is the root of all true labour; for in receiving Christ we do not work in order to rest, but we rest in order to work. In believing, we cease to work for pardon, in order that we may work from it; and what incentive to work, as well as joy in working, can be greater than an ascertained and realized forgiveness? ~ Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889, pastor in Scotland How sweet it was all at once to be rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose and was now glad to reject! You drove them from me, You who are the true, the Sovereign Joy. You drove them from me, and took their place, You who are sweeter than all pleasure. O Lord, my God, my Light, my Wealth, and my Salvation. ~ St. Augustine, 354-403, Bishop of Hippo

To be crucified means, first, the man on the cross is facing only one direction; second, he is not going back; and third, he has no further plans of his own. ~ AW Tozer, 1897-1963, pastor & author in America

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: ~ from Revelation 15:3-4; Psalm 9:1-2

Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship You! We will give thanks to You, O Lord, with our whole heart; We will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. We will be glad and exult in You. We will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

Unison:

Hymns of Praise & Worship Blessed Be Your Name Blessed be Your name In the land that is plentiful Where Your streams of abundance flow Blessed be Your name Blessed be your name When Im found in the desert place Though I walk through the wilderness Blessed be Your name Every blessing You pour out Ill turn back to praise When the darkness closes in Lord still I will say (chorus) Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your name Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your glorious name Blessed be Your name When the suns shining down on me When the worlds all as it should be Blessed be Your name Blessed be Your name On the road marked with suffering Though theres pain in the offering Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out Ill turn back to praise When the darkness closes in Lord still I will say (repeat chorus) You give and take away You give and take away My heart will choose to say Lord blessed be Your name (repeat chorus) Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing Come, thou fount of evry blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above Praise the mount! Im fixed upon it, mount of Gods unchanging love Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by Thy help Im come And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandring from the fold of God He to rescue me from danger, interposed His precious blood Jesus paid it all All to Him I owe Sin had left a crimson stain He washed me white as snow O to grace how great a debtor daily Im constrained to be Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandring heart to Thee Prone to wanderLord I feel itprone to leave the God I love Heres my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above Majesty of Heaven Majesty of heaven Your glory fills the skies Light of the world You are Lord of all Humbled by Your presence Amazed by Who You are Nothing compares You are Lord of all

The word Ebenezer means stone of help and comes from a story found in 1 Samuel 7, where the prophet Samuel erected a stone memorial to commemorate the Lords protection & blessing in the life of Gods people.

chorus: To You the nations bow down To You a creation cries out Majesty All things You hold together Your Name will stand forever Majesty You are majesty Merciful and mighty My heart is overwhelmed You stand alone You are Lord of all (repeat chorus) bridge: Your name above all others High and exalted Your Kingdom shall reign forever High and exalted (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: ~ from the Prophet Isaiah 55:6-7

The Prophet Isaiah declared, Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Song of Confession Lord, Have Mercy Jesus Ive forgotten the words that You have spoken Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom Forgive me for my unbelief renew the fire again chorus Lord have mercy Christ have mercy Lord have mercy on me
(repeat)

I have built an altar where Ive worshipped things of man I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You Now I am returning to Your mercies ever flowing Pardon my transgressions, help me love You again (repeat chorus) I have longed to know You and all Your tender mercies Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end So I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence Your grace forever shining like a beacon in the night (repeat chorus) The Words of the Gospel Leader: I declare this sure promise: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:8, 12).

Song of Response And Can It Be? 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? 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? 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? 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: The Gospel Brings Us Into a Personal Relationship with

Christ
John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

GALATIANS 2:20-21

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
(notes)

Main Idea: Being a Christian is about having a living and vital union with the person of Jesus Christ.

 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 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 Revelation Song Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Holy, Holy, is He Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven's Mercy Seat (repeat) chorus Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything And I will adore You Clothed in rainbows of living color Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder Blessing and honor, strength and Glory and power be To You the Only Wise King

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder At the mention of Your Name Jesus, Your Name is Power Breath, and Living Water Such a marvelous mystery (repeat chorus) 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 Gods 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 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)

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 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 Sins curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From lifes 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 Ill stand

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison: Let us confess our faith together

~ Philippians 2:5-11

We believe in our hearts and confess with our lips that Christ Jesus, being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to deatheven death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

10

 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 who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever (Hebrews 13:20-21). Amen!

People:

Community Life
Next Sunday Begins 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 will focus upon the best known verse in the Bible, John 3:16. Handels Messiah Ambrose University Choir is performing Handels Messiah. A few folks from New City Church will be singing and would like to let others know that this is happening. Combined Choirs and Orchestra. Friday November 25, 7:30 pm @ Foothills Alliance Church (333 Edgepark Blvd NW). Tickets $15.00, Available by calling 403 410-2000. 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. "The Excellent Wife" Book Study 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. We will be continuing our study covering the second half of the book from 1-2:30 on Saturday, November 26th at Catherine Gordon's home (3508 Varal Road NW). Our last meeting will be December 10th. Contact Joan Schmitt for more information (gardeningjoan@yahoo.com / 403-935-4188). Mens Discipleship: BASIC TRAINING Information Meeting Next meeting will be on Thursday, December 1, 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.

11

Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Report

Online Directory If you do want to become part of the church directory, please also speak to Gayle about having your picture taken so she can upload this to the directory and connect it to your contact information. This is our online record of the amazing community we have at New City. We want to ensure that is is continually up-to-date and easily accessible so that we can easily connect with each other and continue to build our church community. If you are interested in becoming apart of, updating or accessing the New City Online Church Directory (through the new city website) , speak with Pastor John Ferguson or Gayle Eng and they will give you the password for the site and instructions for updating/adding your information. 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 him at john@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.991.5555. If you work in the downtown area, touch base with asst. pastor Mike Ivancic who also works in downtown. You can contact him at mike@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.828.2241. 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