The Lords Day Worship Service

October 6, 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 For there are at least two basic things which we know for certain. The first is that God is righteous; the second is that we are not. And if we put these two truths together, they explain our human predicament, of which our conscience and experience have already told us, namely that something is wrong between us and God. Instead of harmony, there is friction. ~ John Stott 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 Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die, I stake my whole eternity ~ CH Spurgeon 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 1

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: People: Leader: Unison: ~ from Psalm 86:8-10 & 73:25-26

There is none like You, O Lord, nor are there any works like Yours. All the nations You have made shall come and bow down before You, O Lord, and glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous things, You alone are God! Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and My portion forever!

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

Come Praise and Glorify Come praise and glorify our God The Father of our Lord In Christ He has in heavenly realms His blessings on us poured For pure and blameless in His sight He destined us to be And now weve been adopted through His Son eternally chorus To the praise of Your glory To the praise of Your mercy and grace To the praise of Your glory You are the God who saves Come praise and glorify our God Who gives His grace in Christ In Him our sins are washed away Redeemed through sacrifice In Him God has made known to us The mystry of His will That Christ should be the head of all His purpose to fulfill (repeat chorus)

Come praise and glorify our God For weve believed the Word And through our faith we have a seal The Spirit of the Lord The Spirit guarantees our hope

Until redemptions done Until we join in endless praise To God, the Three in One (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 Isaiah 30:15, 18, &19b

The Lord God, the Holy One of Israel spoke through the prophet Isaiah, saying, In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah pleaded with the people, Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show mercy to youHe will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as He hears it, He answers you. ~ from Psalm 25:6-7, 11, 16-18

Prayer of Confession

Unison: Remember Your mercy, O Lord, and Your steadfast love, for they have been of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me for the sake of Your goodness ~ Silent confession & reflection For Your names sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and trouble and forgive all my sins. Amen. The Words of the Gospel Leader: ~ based on Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 1:18; 2:18

Isaiah the prophet spoke about the coming Saviour of the word, Jesus Christ, when he said, Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed. Understand then that you were ransomed not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. He suffered for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring us to God.

Song of Response My Jesus, I Love Thee My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine For Thee all the follies of sin I resign My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, tis now I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me And purchased my pardon on Calvarys tree I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, tis now Ill love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, tis now In mansions of glory and endless delight Ill ever adore Thee in heaven so bright Ill sing with the glittering crown on my brow If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, tis now Show Us Christ Prepare our hearts, O God Help us to receive Break the hard and stony ground Help our unbelief Plant Your Word down deep in us Cause it to bear fruit Open up our ears to hear Lead us in Your truth chorus Show us Christ, show us Christ O God, reveal Your glory Through the preaching of Your Word Until every heart confesses Christ is Lord Your Word is living light Upon our darkened eyes Guards us through temptations Makes the simple wise Your Word is food for famished ones Freedom for the slave Riches for the needy soul Come speak to us today (repeat chorus) Where else can we go, Lord Where else can we go You have the words of eternal life (repeat chorus)

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: 2 Corinthians 3:18

"The Metamorphosis of Grace"

Rev. David Fletcher, Guest Minister

18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
(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, 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 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 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 Worthy is the Lamb Thank you for the cross, Lord Thank you for the price You paid Bearing all my sin and shame In love You came And gave amazing grace Thank you for this love, Lord Thank you for the nail-pierced hands Washed me in Your cleansing flow Now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace Worthy is the Lamb Seated on the throne Crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious High and lifted up Jesus, Son of God The Darling of Heaven crucified Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb

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)

I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene And wonder how He could love me A sinner, condemned, unclean. Singing, chorus How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior's love for me! He took my sins and my sorrows He made them His very own And He bore the burden to Calvary And suffered and died alone When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of His love for me

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 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

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.

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?

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison:

~ from the Heidelberg Catechism Q&A #60

Christian, how are you made right with God? Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments and of never having kept any of them, and even though I am still inclined to all evil, nevertheless, without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. All I need to do is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.

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 grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Galatians 6:18). Amen!

 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 Lunch Next Today! On the first Sunday of every month, we celebrate a meal together after the service. 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. So please stay around and enjoy lunch with us! ***After the potluck luncheon, the leadership will be presenting to the congregation a plan for bringing on an apprentice for church planting. Join a Community Group This Fall! Make it a priority to fellowship with others at New City Church as we continue on our journey of becoming a family of faith seeking to live out our Christianity with one another. This fall, New City Church is sponsoring a handful of community groups. If youd like, sign up for a particular group online at NewCityChurch.ca Tuscany Community Group (NW) / Open to everyone Hosts: Don & Ina Kitchener When: Mondays, starting 5:30-ish with a meal together Where: 159 Tuscany Hills Circle NW Contact: Mike Ivancic / c. 403.828-2241 Contact: Don or Ina / h. 403.547-4461 Citadel Community Group (NW) / Open to everyone Hosts: John & Heather Ferguson When: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8pm Proposed topic: Humility by CJ Maheney Where: 331 Citadel Drive NW Contact: John or Heather / h. 403.208.6644 Chestermere Community Group (E) Open to Young Adults Hosts: David & Christine Fletcher When: Sundays for lunch & early afternoon Where: 136 West Creek Close, Chestermere Contact: David or Christine / 403.277.5700 ** See Young Adults Welcome below Saddle Ridge Community Group (NE) Open to everyone Hosts: Grant & Carol Galpin When: Monday evenings. 7-9pm Where: 824 Saddlecreek Way NE Contact: Grant / 403.615.7597

***Babysitting can be made available for the community groups. To be determined by each group. All songs used by permission. CCLI license # 273300. Parts of the worship service are adapted from or reprinted by permission from The

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Worship Sourcebook, c. 2004, CRC Publications. Young Adults Welcome!

1. Supper and Games Night - Friday 11th October 2. Meetings on Sundays 20th & 27th October after church 3. Pizza & Movie Night - Friday 1st November Showing Movie "Luther" ** All meetings at David & Christine Fletcher's home. For info or directions call (403) 277 5700
Giving Update

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

Weekly Servants Schedule

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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.

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