The Lords Day Worship Service

August 4, 2013 ~ 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

We often surround ourselves with the people we most want to live with, thus forming a club or clique, not a community. Anyone can form a club; it takes grace, shared vision, and hard work to form a community. ~ Phillip Yancey, Keeping it in the Family To be a community of light from which the light of Christ will emanate we need to be intentional in our relationshipsto love the unlovely, forgive the unforgivable, embrace the repulsive, include the awkward, accept the weird. It is in contexts such as these that sinners are transformed into disciples who obey everything King Jesus has commanded. ~ Tim Chester & Steve Timmis, Total Church: A Radical Reshaping Around Gospel & Community It would be unjust, however, to be entirely negative in our evaluation of the contemporary church. For there are Christian communities all over the world where true, sacrificial, serving, supportive love is to be found. Where such Christian love flourishes, its magnetism is almost irresistible. ~ John Stott, The Contemporary Christian It is not simply to be taken for granted that the Christian has the privilege of living among other Christians. ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: ~ based on Psalm 95

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. We have gathered to worship and enjoy our gracious God. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow! Sing Alleluia

Unison:

Hymns of Praise & Worship All creatures of our God and King Lift up your voice and with us sing Sun, moon, and stars rejoice on high Praise to the Lord of light divine Sing alleluia, sing alleluia Praise the Father above Sing alleluia Sing alleluia, sing alleluia For His infinite love Sing alleluia Women: O praise Him Alleluia O praise Him Alleluia O praise Him Alleluia Praise to the Giver of good things Merciful Father, Holy King Join with the angels sing out loud Praise Him who reigns above the clouds Sing alleluia, sing alleluia Praise the Father above Sing alleluia Sing alleluia, sing alleluia For His infinite love Sing alleluia Men: when the morning comes for the rising sun when the day is done praise the Lord of love alleluia alleluia

All creatures of our God and King Lift up your voice and with us sing Sing alleluia, sing alleluia Praise the Father above Sing alleluia Sing alleluia, sing alleluia For His infinite love Sing alleluia Name Above All Names

From the brightness of His glory Jesus, the Son of God descends Takes on the nature of a servant Jesus, obedient to death The Father willed to crush Him As a sacrifice for sin He satisfied Gods justice And in victry rose again chorus You are highly exalted Name above all names Worthy of all praise You are reigning in glory Jesus, Youre the King over everything Exalted to the highest place Given the name above all other names The tomb is empty, Christ has risen Jesus, the Lamb once crucified The angels never cease to worship Jesus, in heaven glorified To Him belongs the power The wisdom, might and strength All glory and dominion To the Lord of every age (repeat chorus) Our knees will bow, our tongues proclaim That You are Lord of all Our knees will bow, our tongues proclaim That You are Lord of all (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:

~ Isaiah 1:18

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

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 The Words of the Gospel Leader: ~ from Romans 8:1; 5:1

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Song of Response O Great God O great God of highest heaven Occupy my lowly heart Own it all and reign supreme Conquer every rebel power Let no vice nor sin remain That resists Your holy war You have loved and purchased me Make me Yours forevermore I was blinded by my sin Had no ears to hear Your voice Did not know Your love within Had no taste for heaven's joys Then Your Spirit gave me life Opened up Your Word to me Through the gospel of Your Son Gave me endless hope and peace

Help me now to live a life That's dependent on Your grace Keep my heart and guard my soul From the evils that I face You are worthy to be praised With my every thought and deed O great God of highest heaven Glorify Your Name through 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: ROMANS 15:5-7

WELCOME ONE ANOTHER

John Ferguson, Pastor

5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
(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, 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 The Power of the Cross Oh, to see the dawn Of the darkest day: Christ on the road to Calvary Tried by sinful men Torn and beaten, then Nailed to a cross of wood chorus This, the power of the cross: Christ became sin for us Took the blame, bore the wrath We stand forgiven at the cross Oh, to see the pain Written on Your face Bearing the awesome weight of sin Every bitter thought Every evil deed Crowning Your bloodstained brow (repeat chorus) Now the daylight flees Now the ground beneath Quakes as its Maker bows His head Curtain torn in two Dead are raised to life "Finished!" the vict'ry cry (repeat chorus) Oh, to see my name Written in the wounds For through Your suffering I am free Death is crushed to death Life is mine to live Won through Your selfless love chorus This, the power of the cross: Son of Godslain for us What a love! What a cost! We stand forgiven at the cross

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)

Jesus, All For Jesus Jesus, all for Jesus All I am and have and ever hope to be Jesus, all for Jesus All I am and have and ever hope to be All of my ambitions, hopes and plans I surrender these into Your hands All of my ambitions, hopes and plans I surrender these into Your hands For it's only in Your will that I am free For it's only in Your will that I am free Jesus, all for Jesus All I am and have and ever hope to be

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 My Faith Has Found a Resting Place My faith has found a resting place Not in device nor creed I trust the Ever-living One His wounds for me shall plead chorus I need no other argument I need no other plea It is enough that Jesus died And that He died for me Enough for me that Jesus saves This ends my fear and doubt A sinful soul I come to Him He'll never cast me out (repeat chorus) My heart is leaning on the Word The written Word of God Salvation by my Savior's name Salvation through His blood (repeat chorus) My great Physician heals the sick The lost He came to save For me His precious blood He shed For me His life He gave (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: Let us confess our faith

Colossians 1:15-20

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.

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: Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). Amen!

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 Community Life
Thanks for visiting New City Church! Were delighted to have had you with us today. If you are looking for a place to explore Christianity and its lifechanging relevance, we hope that you will find New City Church a safe place to ask questions and to grow in your understanding of the person and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have any questions about New City Church, Christianity, or the uniqueness of Jesus of Nazareth, please dont hesitate to ask us. You can contact Pastor John at john@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.991.5555. If you work in the downtown area, touch base with Pastor Mike Ivancic who also works in downtown. You can contact Mike at mike@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.828.2241. Potluck Luncheon Today At the beginning of every month, we set aside the first Sunday to share a meal together. Please join us for lunch immediately after the service! Current Sermon Series: Life Together Life in Calgary can be busy. Too busy. And if we are honest, it can be a little depersonalizing. Surrounded by nearly 1.2 million people, many Calgarians are all too familiar with what sociologists call, crowded loneliness. Are we really meant to be surrounded by so many people and still be so unconnected? Sounknown? The short answer is no. This is simply just another way life is broken. And it is supposed to be so different. We are told that the early followers of Jesus devoted themselves to fellowship (Acts 2:42), that is, they devoted themselves to a new way of being human that they learned from Jesusa new way of doing life together. During the months of July & August, well be looking into the New Testament teaching about one another-ing, and well see that maybe, just maybe, we have been missing out on something vital to our humanity, to our Christianity, and to the mission that weve been sent on to this city. Ladies Connection: Friday Aug 17 @ 7pm Bring a desert or snack to share as we connect, encourage and pray for one another. Please contact twyla@newcitychurch.ca for more information. Well meet at Catherine Gordons home (3508 Varal Road NW). 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. Were also on Facebook & have a blog for those who are not on Facebook as well. All is accessible via our website at www.NewCityChurch.ca.

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Save the Date: Aug 30-Sept 1

New City Church Fellowship Retreat will be on the September long weekend! Everyone is invited! We have many hopes for this retreat, preeminent among which is the desire to get to know each other better and grow deeper in fellowship. A perfect opportunity to get away one last weekend before everything starts back up in September. And its a perfect opportunity to connect with your extended family at New City Church. Sign up by completing a registration form off the table in the foyer. (You can turn it in to Shannon de Jong or Gayle Eng or Pastor John.) New City Church is underwriting a portion of this retreat in order to make it affordable. Some limited scholarships based on need are available.

Giving Update

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

Weekly Servants Schedule

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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