The Lords Day Worship Service

September 23, 2012 ~ 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

So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him us on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. ~ Jesus, in the Gospel of John, ch. 6 The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, Give me All. I dont want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I dont want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. I dont want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wickedthe whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own shall become yours. ~ CS Lewis, Mere Christianity I am - in Pascals famous phrase - wagering my life that Jesus is the ultimate authority. My answer is a confession: I believe. It is a personal commitment to a faith that cannot be demonstrated on grounds established from the point of view of another commitment.The Christian commitment is distinguished in that it is a commitment to a belief about the whole of human experience in its entirety namely, the belief that this meaning is to be found in the person of Jesus Christ, incarnate, crucified, risen, and destined to reign over all things. ~ Leslie Newbigin, The Open Secret 1

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: People: ~ based on Isaiah 12:2-6

Sing praises, for the Lord has done great things. Let this be known in all the earth. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and my song, And He has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, Make known His deeds among the peoples Proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done great things. Let this be known I all the earth.

Leader: Unison:

Leader:

Hymns of Praise & Worship 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

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: ~ Psalm 130:4-5

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

Prayerful Song of Confession 1. From the depths of woe I raise to Thee The voice of lamentation; Lord, turn a gracious ear to me And hear my supplication; If Thou iniquities dost mark, Our secret sins and misdeeds dark, O who shall stand before Thee? (Who shall stand before Thee?) O who shall stand before Thee? (Who shall stand before Thee?) 2. To wash away the crimson stain, Grace, grace alone availeth; Our works, alas! Are all in vain; In much the best life faileth; No man can glory in Thy sight, All must alike confess Thy might, And live alone by mercy (Live alone by mercy) And live alone by mercy (Live alone by mercy)

The Words of the Gospel Leader:

~ based on Romans 5:8; 8:1; Acts 10:43

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 3. Therefore my trust is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit; On Him my soul shall rest, His word Upholds my fainting spirit; His promised mercy is my fort, My comfort and my sweet support; I wait for it with patience (Wait for it with patience) I wait for it with patience (Wait for it with patience) 4. What though I wait the live-long night, And til the dawn appeareth, My heart still trusteth in His might; It doubteth not nor feareth; Do thus, O ye of Israels seed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed; And wait til God appeareth (Wait til God appeareth) And wait til God appeareth (Wait til God appeareth)

5. Though great our sins and sore our woes His grace much more aboundeth; His helping love no limit knows, Our upmost need it soundeth. Our Shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free From all their sin and sorrow (All their sin and sorrow) From all their sin and sorrow (All their sin and sorrow) All I Have Is Christ I once was lost in darkest night Yet thought I knew the way The sin that promised joy and life Had led me to the grave I had no hope that You would own A rebel to Your will And if You had not loved me first I would refuse You still But as I ran my hell-bound race Indifferent to the cost You looked upon my helpless state And led me to the cross And I beheld Gods love displayed You suffered in my place You bore the wrath reserved for me Now all I know is grace chorus Hallelujah! All I have is Christ Hallelujah! Jesus is my life Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone And live so all might see The strength to follow Your commands Could never come from me Oh Father, use my ransomed life In any way You choose And let my song forever be My only boast is You (repeat chorus)

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

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: The Things That Matter Most: Value #1 John Ferguson, Lead Pastor JOHN 6:22-68 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, Rabbi, when did you come here? 26 Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. 28 Then they said to him, What must we do, to be doing the works of God? 29 Jesus answered them, This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. 30 So they said to him, Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Jesus then said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. 34 They said to him, Sir, give us this bread always. 35 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, I am the bread that came down from heaven. 42 They said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, I have come down from heaven? 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.

52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 So Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, This is a hard saying; who can listen to it? 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe. (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father. 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, Do you want to go away as well? 68 Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God. 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 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 We Hunger and Thirst Exalted Son of glory humbly came down Wounded for the broken, bore the sinners crown Through the willing death You died You became our Bread of Life chorus Jesus, we hunger and thirst for You, Lord As we remember Your sacrifice We see the wounds from Your hands and pierced side Extravagant love! Oh how great the price Now our lives are Yours The priceless blood of Jesus, this gracious cup A life spring overflowing, poured out for us He has conquered every sin For the ones who trust in Him (repeat chorus) The cup we drink, the bread we eat Reminds us You are all we need And makes us long for Your wedding feast

"Amazing Love (You Are My King)" I'm forgiven because you were forsaken I'm accepted, You were condemned I'm alive and well Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again chorus Amazing love, how can it be? That You, my King, would die for me Amazing love, I know it's true Its my joy to honor You In all I do Ill honor you I'm forgiven because you were forsaken Agnus Dei Alleluia, alleluia For our Lord God Almighty reigns Alleluia, alleluia For our Lord God Almighty reigns Alleluia Holy, Holy Are You Lord God Almighty Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb You are Holy, Holy Are You Lord God Almighty Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb Amen I'm accepted, you were condemned I'm alive and well Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again (repeat chorus) You are my king You are my king Jesus, You are my king Jesus, You are my king (repeat chorus)

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

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.

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 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

10

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison:

~ from 1 Corinthians 15:1-6; Matthew 16:16; Revelation 22:13; John 20:28

Let us together profess our faith by saying This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, and that he appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve, and then he appeared to over five hundred witnesses at one time. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end; He is our Lord and our God. Amen.

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: 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 life-changing 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. Ladies Luncheon Join us for a potluck brunch this coming Saturday, September 22 at 10:00am at Catherine Gordon's house. Let's join together for a time of fellowship, food and fun. As well as enjoying some time together, we hope to brainstorm and plan the women's ministries for this school year. So come with your appetite and ideas! See you all there. Catherine's address is 3508 Varal Road NW. New City Youth Group Worldview Training: Grades 10-12 Were launching a youth ministry designed to ground our senior high youth in a biblical world & life view. Led by Glen & Annette Torhjelm & Heather Ferguson, the focus of this youth group will be to understand that Christianity is worth thinking about. There will be an orientation for parents & youth at a BBQ cookout at the Torhjelms on Wednesday September 26th at 6:30 pm. RSVP Heather (hferguson10@gmail.com) by today so well be able to prepare enough food. The plan is for

11

the youth group to meet twice a month to study, build friendships, & be challenged to grow in their understanding of the gospel. New City Junior High Girls 2012-2013 All girls attending New City Church and in grades 7 - 9 for the 2012-13 school year are invited to join us for a time of Bible Study and fellowship every second Friday evening from 7-9pm. Sharon Peters and Lise Daumler will be leading this group through a study of godly characteristics for young women. First meeting will be on September 28 at Lises house (429 Citadel Hills Circle NW). Each girl will need to fill out a registration form, sign-up to provide snack once, provide her own journal and Bible and commit to doing her best to attend regularly, giving at least 3 days notice when unable to attend. Our goal is to come alongside parents, reinforcing biblical values being taught at home. Parents are encouraged to use the suggested resources from the handout the girls will bring after each meeting. Lise has registration forms available today. For more information, contact Sharon Peters at 403-274-9200 or keirap@telus.net or Lise Daumler at 403-313-9480 or daumlerfamily@hotmail.com. Kids Club is Back! Our first event will be a Pumpkin Party on Saturday, October 20th 4pm. For kids ages 4-11years old to enjoy fellowship, the word of God and an opportunity to invite someone new. Registration forms and volunteer event sign up sheets will be available at the table in the foyer and please return to Lori. More details to come. Contact Lori or Joshua for more information 5blakeleys@gmail.com Fall Sunday School Ready, set, GROW!! Sunday school for toddlers to Grade 5 is starting soon! There will be a kick-off on Sunday, Sept 30th at the end of the service for the kids to meet the teachers and helpers and get a brief orientation. Classes will begin on Oct. 14th immediately after the service and will run until 12:30pm. Please register your kids with Lana Bottomley (the-bottomleys@shaw.ca). There will be no Sunday school on potluck Sundays. New City Dinner Clubs: September 28 & 29th 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 next New City Dinner Clubs will be held on Friday September 28th & Saturday September 29th, so sign-up online at NewCityChurch.ca community dinner clubs. Deadline to sign up is Sunday, September 23th. Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Update

12

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

13