The Lords Day Worship Service

January 29, 2012 ~ 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. Pastor John Ferguson

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 But you say: How can I be holy when I have and feel sin in me? I answer: In that you feel and acknowledge your sin, it is a good token; give thanks to God, and do not despair. It is one step to health when the sick man acknowledges and confesses his infirmity. But how shall I be delivered from sin? Run to Christ, the physician, who heals them that are broken in heart and saves sinners. If you believe, you are righteous; and the sin which remains in you is not laid to your charge, but is pardoned for Christs sake, in whom you believe. His righteousness is your righteousness, and your sin He took upon Himself. ~ Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians This is the key error Christians fall into in their lives: they think that even though they have been justified by a righteousness produced totally by Christ, they must be sanctified by a holiness produced totally by themselves. ~ Walter Marshall, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification What was it that the Scriptures foresaw and preached beforehand to Abraham? Simply this: the good news of salvation was to be extended to all peoples, including the Gentiles, who would be declared righteous by God, just like Abraham, on the basis of faith. ~ Philip Ryken, pastor & teacher For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. ~ St. Paul, in Romans 4:3-5 1

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

Sing praises, for the Lord has done great things. Let this be known in all the earth. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and my song, And He has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, Make known His deeds among the peoples Proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done great things. Let this be known I all the earth.

Leader: Unison:

Leader:

Hymns of Praise & Worship 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) Immortal, Invisible Immortal, invisible, God only wise In light inaccessible hid from our eyes Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise

Unresting, unhasting and silent as light Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might Thy justice like mountains high soaring above Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love Great Father of glory, pure Father of light Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight All praise we would render; O help us to see Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee Be Exalted I will give thanks to Thee O lord, among the peoples I will sing praises to Thee Among the nations For Thy steadfast love is great Is great to the heavens And Thy faithfulness Thy faithfulness to the clouds Be exalted, O God, above the heavens Let Thy glory be over all the earth
(repeat)

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?) 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)

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

~ 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!

Songs 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) Salvation Belongs to our God Salvation belongs to our God Who sits upon the throne And unto the Lamb Praise and glory, wisdom and thanks Honor and power and strength Be to our God forever and ever Be to our God forever and ever Be to our God forever and ever, Amen! And we, the redeemed, shall be strong In purpose and unity Declaring aloud praise and glory Wisdom and thanks Honor and power and strength

 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 Preached Beforehand John Ferguson, Lead Pastor GALATIANS 3:6-9

6 just as Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, In you shall all the nations be blessed. 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
(notes)

Main Idea: Solidifying in our minds how a person is made right with God helps us to understand our identity as the true people of God.

 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 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 For All the Saints For all the saints, who from their labors rest Who Thee by faith before the world confessed Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed Alleluia, Allelu... Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light Alleluia, Allelu... O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old And win with them the victors crown of gold Alleluia, Allelu... The golden evening brightens in the west Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed Alleluia, Allelu...

But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day The saints triumphant rise in bright array The King of glory passes on His way Alleluia, Allelu... From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Alleluia, Alleluia! 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 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

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 Let Your Kingdom Come Your glorious cause, O God, engages our hearts May Jesus Christ be known wherever we are We ask not for ourselves, but for Your renown The cross has saved us so we pray Your Kingdom come chorus Let Your Kingdom come Let Your will be done So that everyone might know Your Name Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth Till Your sovereign work on earth is done Let Your Kingdom come Give us Your strength, O God, and courage to speak Perform Your wondrous deeds through those who are weak Lord use us as You want, whatever the test By grace well preach Your gospel Til our dying breath (repeat chorus)

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.

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison:

~ from 1 Corinthians 15:1-6; Matthew 16:16; Revelation 22:13; John 20:28

Let us together profess our faith by saying This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, and that he appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve, and then he appeared to over five hundred witnesses at one time. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last the beginning and the end; He is our Lord and our God. 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: People: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:13) . Amen.

Community Life
Our Condolences We extend our condolences and prayers to the Ivancic family with the passing of Chars father this past Friday. May grace & peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2). Next Sunday: Potluck Lunch On the first Sunday of every month, we celebrate a meal together after the service. Its potluck style so please bring enough food for your family plus a few others so we can invite our guests to stay. We want to be intentional in building regular times in which our lives intersect as we seek to create authentic community at New City Church. 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.

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Newcomers Class Beginning February 12, New City Church will offer 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. 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. Mens Discipleship: Basic Training Starts Up February 2 The mens discipleship group will resume its bi-monthly meetings on Thursday, February 2, 7-9pm in the Board Room here at the Confederation Park Activity Centre. Revamped for the home stretch, well begin working through Journey in Prayer by John Smed. You can pick up your copy today. Ladies Brunch: Feb 4 at 10am We will be having a Potluck ladies brunch on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10am at the home of Catherine Gordon. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other a little better. Were looking forward to seeing you there. Please bring a brunch and/ or dessert item to share. Coffee & tea will be provided. Please RSVP to twyla@newcitychurch.ca. Woodgreens Second Conference On Apologetics The conference has been scheduled for February 4, 2012 from 6:00 9:00 pm with Dr. Andy Bannister of RZIM as our guest speaker. Topics will include the biblical mandate for apologetics, God, creation, and science and Jesus, history, and the resurrection. Attention Ladies: StoryPeople is Coming Soon Elie Weisel once said, God made man because He loves stories, and we believe this to be true. For the women of New City Church, lets join together for a time of coming alongside one another and connecting into deeper fellowship as we seek to understand how God is at work through our personal stories. More info will be coming shortly. Contact Heather Ferguson (hferguson10@gmail.com). 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 Presbyterian Church and further details will be published on www.calgaryreformedconference.ca as they become available. 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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Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Update

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

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