The Lords Day Worship Service

August 19, 2012 ~ 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. 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
And God said to him [ie., Abraham], Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations to be an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. ~ Genesis 17:3-4, 7 The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his command-ments. ~ Psalm 103:17-18 And as for me, this is my covenant with them, says the Lord: My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring, says the Lord, from this time forth and forevermore. ~ Isaiah 59:21 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. ~ Isaiah 32:38-39 And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. ~ Acts 2:38-39

God Calls Us To Worship 1

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God! Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to His name, for it is pleasant. Your name, O Lord, endures forever, Your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages. ~ from Psalm 135:1-3, 13

Unison:

Hymns of Praise & Worship I Give Thanks You have shown me Your favor unending You have given Your life for me And my heart knows of Your goodness Your blood has covered me I will arise and give thanks to You, Lord my God And your name I will bless with my whole heart You have shown mercy, You have shown mercy to me I give thanks to You Lord Lord, You have poured out Your healing upon us You have set the captives free And we know its not what weve done But by Your hand alone I will arise and give thanks to You, Lord my God And your name I will bless with my whole heart You have shown mercy, You have shown mercy to me I give thanks to You Lord 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 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

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 ~ based on Hebrews 4:15-16 & Psalm 51:1-2

Leader: The Scriptures teach us that in every respect our Lord Jesus Christ He was tempted as we are, yet He was without sin. Let us therefore cry out with the Psalmist, Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; According to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in of need. Song of Confession Psalm 51 (God Be Merciful To Me) God be merciful to me On Thy grace I rest my plea Plenteous in compassion Thou Blot out my transgressions now Wash me, make me pure within Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin My transgressions I confess Grief and guilt my soul oppress I have sinned against Thy grace And provoked Thee to Thy face I confess Thy judgment just Speechless I Thy mercy trust I am evil, born in sin Thou desirest truth within Thou alone my Saviour art Teach Thy wisdom to my heart Make me pure, Thy grace bestow Wash me whiter than the snow The Words of the Gospel Broken, humbled to the dust By Thy wrath and judgment just Let my contrite heart rejoice And in gladness hear Thy voice From my sins O hide Thy face Blot them out in boundless grace Gracious God, my heart renew, Make my spirit right and true Cast me not away from Thee Let Thy Spirit dwell in me Thy salvations joy impart Steadfast make my willing heart. Sinners then shall learn from me And return, O God, to Thee Savior all my guilt remove And my tongue shall sing Thy love Touch my silent lips, O Lord And my mouth shall praise accord ~ based on Romans 5:8; 8:1; Acts 10:43

Leader:

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!

Song of Response A Shield About Me Thou, O Lord are a Shield about me Youre my glory Youre the lifter of my head (repeat) Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Youre the lifter of my head

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:

Visible Gospel: The Waters of Baptism (Part 2)

John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

MATTHEW 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
GENESIS 17

3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God. 9 And God said to Abraham, As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or 4

bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, 13 both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant.
ROMANS 4

11 He [i.e., Abraham] received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to 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, 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 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 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 And as He stands in victory Sins 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 lifes 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 Ill stanD

How Deep the Fathers Love For Us How deep the Fathers love for us How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure Behold the Man upon a cross My sin upon His shoulders How great the pain of searing loss The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory Ashamed I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything No gifts, no powr, no wisdom For All the Saints

But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom

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!

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: 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 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 Great is Thy Faithfulness Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. chorus Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness T To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. ( (repeat chorus) Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! (repeat chorus)

God Sends Us Out Into The World With His Blessing

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.

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
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. Kids Club News The fall season is right around the corner and Kids Club needs help planning events this year. If you are interested in helping out behind the scenes please let Lori know as soon as possible. (403-286-7088 or 5blakeleys@gmail.com). Fall Sunday School New City Church would like to offer Sunday School for toddlers to Gr. 6 this fall. We are still looking for 2 more teachers and 2 more helpers in order to run all the classes. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry please contact Lana Bottomley ASAP. Also, if you haven't registered your children for Sunday school please let Lana know at 403-208-9354 or the-bottomleys@shaw.ca New City Dinner Clubs: August 24th & 25th Looking for a way to connect with others at New City Church? Wanting to deepen friendships? Then what better way than to participate in New City Dinner Clubs? Our monthly New City Dinner Clubs are groups of up to 8 adults who enjoy a meal & evening together. The host provides the main meal & the participants bring the sides. You can sign up to be a host or a participant. The dinner clubs change monthly, so no two dinner clubs are the same or are with the same people. The next New City Dinner Clubs will be held on Friday August 24th & Saturday August 25th, so sign-up online at NewCityChurch.ca community dinner clubs. Deadline to sign up is Sunday, August 19th. Intro to New City Church Class Do you want to learn more about Christianity? Do you want a clearer idea of the beliefs & mission of New City Church? Are you interested in potentially joining NCC? Then join us for this class exploring who we NCC is as a community of faith. Come, join others & bring your questions. The next class will be held on Saturday, September 15th from 9:00-2:00pm. Lunch & snacks are provided. Childcare is available if needed. Be sure to sign up online at www.NewCityChurch.ca. Speak to Pastor John for more details. Attention Young Adults (College & Career) Beginning this Fall, New City Church will be hosting a community group just for you. Well be working through a video discussion called H20: A Journey of Faith. Whether you are a follower of Christ, skeptical, or just unsure

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of what you believe, this basic introduction to Jesus Christ who claimed to be able to quench our spiritual thirst may be just what you are looking for. So why not join up with other Young Adults for this study? For more info, please touch base with Pastor John. Musicians Needed Are you interested in being a part of New City Church's music teams? Were looking for musicians, and were especially in need of drummers and lead guitar players! If you are interested or know someone who would be a great addition, please talk to Mark Bottomley or reach him at mbottomley@mac.com Housing Needed A soon-to-be-wed couple (on Sept.1) from our sister church in Vancouver, Faith PCA, will be relocating to Calgary. They are looking for a 1-2 bedroom suite to rent for a minimum of 6 months beginning in early September. The suite will mainly be occupied by Nicole, who is seeking employment in the city as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The other half, Andrew, will only be in town every third week as he works in the northern oil and gas camps of BC. They are non-smokers and do not have any pets. Please contact nicole_zandbergen@hotmail.com if you have anything available or if you have any questions. Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Update

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

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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