The Lord’s Day Worship Service

January 16, 2010 ~ New City Church

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

“In the face of continuing human rebellion, God intensifies His commitment to his creation. At
whatever cost, it seems, He will see it through to its successful conclusion. In every subsequent
generation He will have ample reason for destroying the earth and its inhabitants, but He
pledges not to do so. God’s ‘never again’ changes the picture to one where ‘grace reigns.”
~ Philip Greenslade, A Passion for God’s Story

“The bow in the sky is thus a sign of God’s grace in the midst of judgment. God judges for the
sake of grace. Man’s sin necessitates covenant wrath, but God, in his abounding mercy,
declares that He and not man will have the last word, that grace rather than wrath will prevail.”
~ Michael D. Williams, Far As The Curse Is Found

“The world and man are part of one total divine construct and we cannot entertain the salvation
of man in isolation from the world that he has affected. The refusal to submit in Eden meant a
disordered universe and thus the restoration of all things will put God, man, and the world in
harmony again.”
~ William Dumbrell, Covenant and Creation

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

The Call to Worship

Leader: We have gathered in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to
offer up a sacrifice of praise.
Unison: May His great Name be praised forever!

Leader: Shout for joy to the LORD all the earth. Psalm 100
People: Worship the LORD with gladness;
Come before him with joyful songs.

Leader: Know that the LORD is God.

It is He who made us and we are His;
People: We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Leader: Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise;
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
Unison: For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Hymns of Praise & Worship

“Forever”

Give thanks to the Lord, Our God and King

His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever / Sing praise, sing praise

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm

His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

chorus
Forever God is faithful / Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever and ever, forever (2X)

From the rising to the setting sun

His love endures forever
By the grace of God we will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
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 “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

Come, thou fount of ev’ry 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! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unchanging love

Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by Thy help I’m come

And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wand’ring from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger, interposed His precious blood

O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be

Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wand’ring heart to Thee
Prone to wander—Lord I feel it—prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above

“How High And How Wide”

No eye has seen

And no ear has heard
And no mind has ever conceived
The glorious things
That You have prepared for ev'ryone
Who has believed
You brought us near
And You called us Your own
And made us joint heirs
With Your Son

chorus:
How high and how wide
How deep and how long
How sweet and how strong is Your love
How lavish Your grace
How faithful Your ways
How great is Your love O Lord

Objects of mercy
Who should have known wrath
We're filled with unspeakable joy
Riches of wisdom unsearchable wealth
And the wonder of knowing Your voice
You are our treasure
And our great reward
Our hope and our glorious King

(repeat chorus)

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 Lord’s protection & blessing in the life of God’s people.
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  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: “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.” ~ Isaiah 1:18

Prayer of Confession

Unison: Almighty and merciful God,

We have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
We have offended against Your holy laws.
We have left undone those things which we ought to have done;
And we have done those things that we ought not to have done.

~ Silent Confession and Reflection

Unison: O Lord, have mercy upon us.

Spare those who confess their faults.
Restore those who are repentant, according to Your promises
Declared to the world in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
And grant, O merciful God, for His sake,
That we might live a holy, just, and humble life
To the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

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

Leader: “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.”
Unison: Amen!

Song of Response
“Before the Throne of God Above”

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong, a perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is “Love”
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart,
I know that while in Heav’n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart

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 When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there! The risen Lamb

My perfect, spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I Am
The King of glory and of grace!
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ, my Saviour and my God
With Christ my Saviour and my God

 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: “Redemption: Preserving the Earth for God’s Future (Part 2)”
John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

Genesis 8:20 – 9:17

20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and
offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I
will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will
I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. 22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold
and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

9:1 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. 2 The fear of
you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything
that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered. 3 Every moving thing that
lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. 4 But you shall not eat flesh
with its life, that is, its blood. 5 And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it
and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man.

6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man,

by man shall his blood be shed,
for God made man in his own image.

7 And you, be fruitful and multiply, teem on the earth and multiply in it.”

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8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring
after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth
with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that
never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the
earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature
that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant
between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will
remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never
again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the
everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah,
“This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

Unison: Thanks be to God!

(notes)

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  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,
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 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 pastor 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 we 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.

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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

“Praise the Father, Praise the Son”

O sov’reign God, O matchless King

The saints adore, the angels sing
And fall before the throne of grace
To You belongs the highest praise

These sufferings, this passing tide

Under Your wings I will abide
And every enemy shall flee
You are my hope and victory

chorus:
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, Three in One
Clothed in power and in grace
The name above all other names

To the valley, for my soul

Thy great descent has made me whole
Your word my heart has welcomed home
Now peace like water ever flows

(repeat chorus)

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 Yours is the kingdom,
Yours is the power,
Yours is the glory forever!
(repeat)

(repeat chorus)

“I Will Glory In My Redeemer”

I will glory in my Redeemer

Whose priceless blood has ransomed me
Mine was the sing that drove the bitter nails
And hung Him on that judgment tree

I will glory in my Redeemer

Who crushed the power of sin and death
My only Saviour before the Holy Judge
The Lamb who is my Righteousness
The Lamb who is my Righteousness

I will glory in my Redeemer

My life He bought, my love He owns
I have no longings for another
I’m satisfied in Him alone

I will glory in my Redeemer

His faithfulness my standing place
Though foes are mighty and rush upon me
My feet are firm held by His grace
My feet are firm held by His grace

I will glory in my Redeemer

Who carries me on eagle’s wings
He crowns my life with loving kindness
His triumph song I’ll ever sing

I will glory in my Redeemer

Who waits for me at gates of gold
And when He calls me it will be paradise
His face forever to behold
His face forever to behold

 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

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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 sins
As we also have forgiven those who have sinned against us.
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

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 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

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 Heidelberg Catechism #1

Leader: Christian, what is your only comfort in life and in death?

Unison: That I belong—body and soul, in life and in death—not to myself but to my
faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who at the cost of His own blood has fully
paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the
devil…

…that He protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven,

not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit His
purpose for my salvation.

Therefore, by His Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes
me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him!

 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: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and
be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you
peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
People: Amen!

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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  Community Life 

Sermon Series: over the next months, we’ll continue in our series, “The Renewal of All Things.” Next
week’s study: “Redemption: Blessing Every Nation on the Planet”

Community Groups: We are be going through a series looking at the gospel and Christianity unpacking
how the good news addresses every sphere of our lives.

• Wednesdays 7:15-9pm @ Teresa Bravo's (led by Mike Ivancic)

• Thursdays 7-9pm @ Calvin & Suzanne Van Hill's (led by John Ferguson)
Check www.NewCityChurch.ca for more details & directions

Ladies Bible Study: Come join the ladies of New City as we learn how our individual stories fit within
God's larger story. We will be studying the Scripture through a study entitled Living Story: Learning
God's Story of Grace.

• Tuesdays 9:30-11:30am at Henrietta Vanhuigenbos (led by Heather Ferguson)

Check www.NewCityChurch.ca for more details & directions.

Attention Twenty-Something’s: You are invited to John & Heather’s house for a Taco Feast, Sunday,
January 23, for lunch. Let us know if you can make it. Also, interested in forming a community group
with other 20-somethings? Please let pastor John know. We are looking to form one in the New Year.

Upcoming Mustard Seed Ministry Opportunities: Every month, New City Church sends a team of 4-5
people to help serve meals to people in need in Calgary. Our next dates are: January 29, February 19,
and March 19. Would you consider serving our city in this way? For more info, contact Annie Arguile
(i_have_2_kids@hotmail.com).

Newcomer’s Class: Beginning Sunday, January 23rd, New City Church will be offering a Newcomer’s
class. This 4-week class will introduce you to the vision and distinctives of New City Church, our hopes
and dreams, and your part to play in it all. There will also be an opportunity to explore what membership
at New City Church means with its privileges and responsibilities. All are invited to attend this classes
that will be held for 45 minutes immediately after the worship service. For more info, talk to Pastors John
Ferguson or Mike Ivancic.

Report on Giving:

• Non-NCC indicates funds raised outside of New City Church

Next Weeks Servants:

• If you would like to find a place to serve, please contact Twyla

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(twyla@newcitychurch.ca / 403.247.8332)

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