The Lords Day Worship Service

October 30, 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

What, then, is the truth of the gospel? Every reader of the Epistle to the Galatians should know the answer to this question. It is the good news that we sinners, guilty and under the judgment of God, may be pardoned and accepted by His sheer grace, His free and unmerited favour, on the ground of His Sons death and not for any works or merits of our own. ~ John Stott, pastor & author Most of the ordinary people who lose their faith are not overthrown by philosophical argument; they are disillusioned by the churchmen they meet. One sanctimonious hypocrite makes a hundred unbelievers. ~ Joy Davidman, the wife of CS Lewis Despite our apparent nicetieswe have no time and little care for each others stories. We are nice strangers, indifferent and tolerant from a safe difference. Culturally, we are told to see everyone as nice and to be nice, but this is really a sinister slippery slope toward taking no one in the least bit seriously. If we are only nice, we do not truly appreciate the others uniqueness and potential blessing in my life. We just walk by with a shallow smile, wave, and nod. ~ Phil Wagler, pastor & author We must continue to be vigilant in our spiritual liveswe cannot live on yesterdays grace; we need fresh grace for each new day, and so we are called upon every day to rely on Gods grace in Christ. ~ Thomas Schreiner, professor & scholar 1

 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!

Leader:

Unison:

Hymns of Praise & Worship Better is One Day How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty My soul longs and even faints for You For here my heart is satisfied Within Your presence I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings chorus Better is one day in Your courts Better is one day in Your house Better is one day in Your courts Than thousands elsewhere (repeat) One thing I ask and I would seek To see Your beauty To find You in the place Your glory dwells (repeat chorus) My heart and flesh cry out For You, the living God Your Spirits water for my soul Ive tasted and Ive seen Come once again to me I will draw near to You I will draw near to You

Come, Thou Almighty King 1. Come, Thou Almighty King Help us Thy name to sing Help us to praise Father all glorious, oer all victorious Come, and reign over us, Ancient of Days 2. Come, Thou Incarnate Word Gird on Thy mighty sword Our prayer attend Come, and Thy people bless, and give Thy word success Spirit of holiness, on us descend 3. Come, Holy Comforter Thy sacred witness bear In this glad hour Thou who almighty art, now rule in every heart And neer from us depart, Spirit of powr 4. To the great One in Three Eternal praises be Hence ever more His sovreign majesty may we in glory see And to eternity love and adore

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 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

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 3

Call to Confession Leader: Listen to the testimony of the psalmist,

~ based on Psalm 32:3-4, NLT

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. Songs of Response Garments of Praise 1. Put on the garments of praise For the spirit of heaviness Let the oil of gladness flow down From Your throne 2. Put on the garments of praise For the spirit of heaviness Your joy is my strength alone My strength alone chorus Make these broken weary bones Rise to dance again Wet this dry and thirsty land With a river Lord our eyes are fixed on You We are waiting For your garland of grace As we praise Your name (repeat verses 1 & 2 & chorus) bridge ~ Psalm 145:14; based on 1 John 1:8-9

Hallelujah, sing hallelujah We give all honour and praise to Your name Hallelujah, sing hallelujah We trade our sorrows For garments of praise (repeat verses 1 & 2) Mighty to Save 1. Everyone needs compassion Love that's never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a Saviour The Hope of nations Saviour, He can move the mountains My God is Mighty to save He is Mighty to save Forever, Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave 2. So take me as You find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in Now I surrender Saviour, He can move the mountains My God is Mighty to save He is Mighty to save Forever, Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave (repeat)

Shine your light and let the whole world see We're singing for the glory of the risen KingJesus! Shine your light and let the whole world see Were singing for the glory of the risen King Saviour, He can move the mountains My God is Mighty to save/ He is Mighty to save Forever, Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave (repeat) Shine your light and let the whole world see We're singing for the glory of the risen KingJesus! Shine your light and let the whole world see Were singing for the glory of the risen King

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: In Step with the Truth of the Gospel John Ferguson, Lead Pastor GALATIANS 2:11-14

11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
(notes)

Main Idea: Since the Gospel of Jesus Christ creates authentic communities of faith, we must not only participate in but also promote a culture of stunning grace. That is, we must be the very welcome of God to our city.

God Feeds Us His Covenant Meal 6

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 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 (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) Jesus has overcome And the grave is overwhelmed The victory is won He is risen from the dead

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)

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

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.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God 1. A mighty fortress is our God A bulwark never failing Our helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe His craft and powr are great And armed with cruel hate On earth is not his equal 2. Did we in our own strength confide Our striving would be losing Were not the right man on our side The man of Gods own choosing Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He Lord Sabaoth His name From age to age the same And He must win the battle Confession of Faith Leader: Unison: Let us confess our faith, saying Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. 3. And though this world with devils filled Should threaten to undo us We will not fear for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us The prince of darkness grim We tremble not for him His rage we can endure For lo! his doom is sure One little word shall fell him 4. That word above all earthly powrs No thanks to them, abideth The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through Him who with us sideth Let goods and kindred go This mortal life also The body they may kill Gods truth abideth still His kingdom is forever ~ based on Colossians 1

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.

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 Community Life
Twenty-Something Game Night Tonight Calvin & Suzanne would like to invite all of the NCC 20-somethings over for a games night on Sunday night (October 30) starting at 7:00pm. Desserts and beverages will be provided. Please RSVP by phone so we know how much food to get! Address: 10337 Tuscany Hills Way NW 403-685-5853. If you have a favourite game you want to share, bring it. Please feel free to invite friends too. Kids Club We have rescheduled our next Kids Club for this Saturday, November 5th from 4:005:15pm. Youth volunteers, please be there at 3:30pm. Also, mark your calendar for a special kids club on Saturday, November, 19th from 4:006:00pm. when we will be hosting "Hearts & Hand's Puppeteers" from Woodgreen Church for a special performance and an evening focusing on "helping others". Supper to follow. For more info, contact Lori or Lana. Potluck Coming Next Week: November 6 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. Also, plan on bringing board games and/or outdoor games. 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. "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 12th at Catherine Gordon's home (3508 Varal Road NW). Our last two meetings will be November 26th and December 10th. Contact Joan Schmitt for more information (gardeningjoan@yahoo.com / 403-935-4188). 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. Mens Discipleship: BASIC TRAINING Information Meeting Next meeting will be this Thursday, November 3rd, 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 or Mike. Coffee with the Pastor?

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If you have any questions about Christianity, or would simply like to get together and talk about life, Pastor John is available. Coffee is on him! You can contact him at john@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.991.5555.
Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Report

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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