The Lords Day Worship Service

March 10, 2013 ~ The Fourth Sunday of Lent ~ 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 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. ~ Psalm 16, a psalm of David We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased. ~ CS Lewis, The Weight of Glory Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it. ~ Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter, choosing to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. ~ Hebrews 11:24-26 How sweet all at once it was for me to be rid of those fruitless joys I had once feared to lose! 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. ~ Augustine, Confessions We were meant to live for so much more / Have we lost ourselves? ~ The rock band, Switchfoot, Meant to Live 1

 God Calls Us To Worship Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: ~ from Revelation 15:3-4; Psalm 9:1-2

Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship You! We will give thanks to You, O Lord, with our whole heart; We will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. We will be glad and exult in You. We will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

Unison:

Hymns of Praise & Worship "Everlasting God" Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord Our God, You reign forever Our hope, our Strong Deliverer You are the everlasting God The everlasting God You do not faint You won't grow weary You're the defender of the weak You comfort those in need You lift us up on wings like eagles King of Grace We have come to a throne of grace Where our mighty Saviour perfects our praise Where wrath and judgment have been put away Where not a trace of all our sins remains Youre the King of grace unending To Your open arms we run Youre the King of grace unending And we rest in Your unfailing love And we rest in Your unfailing love We have come to a throne of grace Where our Prince of Peace ever lives to pray For those His sacrifice has bought and saved Where saints and angels sing eternal praise Youre the King of grace unending To Your open arms we run Youre the King of grace unending And we rest in Your unfailing love And we rest in Your unfailing love

Lord Most High From the ends of the earth (echo) From the depths of the sea (echo) From the heights of the heavens (echo) Your name be praised From the hearts of the weak (echo) From the shouts of the strong (echo) From the lips of all people (echo) This song we raise, Lord

Throughout the endless ages You will be crowned with praises Lord Most High Exalted in every nation Sovereign of all creation Lord Most High, be magnified

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 the Prophet Isaiah 55:6-7

The Prophet Isaiah declared, Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Prayer of Confession Leader: Most holy and gracious Father, we acknowledge and confess before You that our sinful natures are prone to evil and slow to do good. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from Your ways, in wasting Your gifts, and in forgetting Your love. We are ashamed and sorry of all the ways in which we have displeased You. ~ Silent confession & reflection Unison: Merciful Lord, teach us to hate our errors. Cleanse us from our wandering ways and forgive our sins through Jesus Christ our Savior. Grant us Your power that we might live in Your light and walk in Your ways, according to the commandments of Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen. The Words of the Gospel Leader: I declare this sure promise: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:8, 12).

Song of Response Completely Done What reason have I to doubt Why would I dwell in fear When all I have known is grace My future in Christ is clear My sins have been paid in full There's no condemnation here I live in the good of this My Father has brought me near I'm leaving my fears behind me now

chorus The old is gone, the new has come What You complete is completely done We're heirs with Christ, the victory won What You complete is completely done I don't know what lies ahead What if I fail again You are my confidence You'll keep me to the end I'm leaving my fears behind me now (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: PSALM 51

Let Me Hear Joy & Gladness

John Ferguson, Pastor

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, 4

and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

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 All Who Are Thirsty All who are thirsty All who are weak Come to the fountain Dip your heart in the stream of life Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of his mercy As deep cries out to deep we sing Come, Lord Jesus, come (repeat 3x) Holy Spirit, come (repeat 3x) As deep cries out to deep (repeat 2x) 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 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 Behold the Man upon a cross My sin upon His shoulders 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 But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Hail the Day Hail the day that Christ arose Through the skies to worlds unknown Glorious there He ever reigns Object of all Heavens praise

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

See Him lift His hands above See the scars of His great love He has conquered death and sin Saving all who hope in Him

chorus Hallelujah, hallelujah The King of Love is on His throne Hallelujah, hallelujah His grace will lead us safely home Though He dwells beyond the stars His redeemed are on His heart Even now He intercedes Jesus cares for all our needs (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. 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 Take My Life and Let It Be Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee Take my moments and my days Let them flow in ceaseless praise Let them flow in ceaseless praise Take my hands and let them move At the impulse of Thy love Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee Swift and beautiful for Thee Take my voice and let me sing Always only for my King Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages from Thee Filled with messages from Thee Take my silver and my gold Not a mite would I withhold Take my intellect and use Every power as Thou shalt choose Every power as Thou shalt choose Take my will and make it Thine It shall be no longer mine Take my heart, it is Thine own It shall be Thy royal throne It shall be Thy royal throne Take my love, my Lord, I pour At Thy feet its treasure-store Take my self and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee Ever, only, all for Thee

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison: Let us confess our faith together

~ Philippians 2:5-11

We believe in our hearts and confess with our lips that Christ Jesus, being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to deatheven death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 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: Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever (Hebrews 13:20-21). Amen!

People:

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Thanks for visiting New City Church!

Community Life

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. Join us Sunday evenings for the life changing video series by well-known author & speaker, RC Sproul As a part of our focus on spiritual growth and renewal during the season of Lent, we are embarking on a 6 week study of he video series, The Holiness of God, by Dr. RC Sproul. Pastor John has this to say: This video series and book by Dr. RC Sproul greatly enlarged my vision of our holy God and revolutionized my spiritual life by giving me a deeper understanding of the Cross of Jesus Christ. I have literally not been the same since I encountered this as a university student. I cannot commend it highly enough.

Sunday evenings from 6-7pm @ New City Church Each video is approximately 30 minutes long; discussion to follow Childcare provided from toddler to age 10

Question #11: What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments? Answer: Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbor, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies. Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone that we might benefit. Designed to be used by individuals, families, & churches to learn the basic beliefs of Christianity. Check it out: http://www.newcitycatechism.com or http://newcitychurch.ca resources

Kid's Club Easter Celebration: Saturday, March 16, 4-6pm @ New City Church Children ages 4-11 are invited to join us in celebrating what Jesus has done for us. Parent's are asked to bring an Easter snack to share. New friends welcome! For more information or to register your kid(s) with Lori or to sign up to volunteer at 5blakeleys@gmail.com. Servants Anonymous Spring Bling Pleae join us for a Ladies Night out including dessert, raffles, door prizes, a silent auction and the unveiling of our Global Wonders spring jewelry line. Tickets are $20 per person or $160 for a table of 8. Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 7pm at the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre Ballroom (3015 15 St. NE, Calgary). For

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tickets, contact Lise Daumler at 403.978.9696 / lise@safoundation.com). Lise has tickets today. Attention all Junior & Senior High Youth The annual spring Alberta Youth Retreat is coming up on April 5-7 at Gull Lake. New City Churchs own Pastor John will be speaking on the issue of Thinking About Some of the Toughest Questions Christians Face. Cost is $115 per person before March 23, & $125 after that. $105 for multiple youth from the same family. Scholarships are available if needed to attend. See Pastor John for more details. Registration forms are available in the foyer, and will be online at www.NewCityChurch.ca later in the week. Western Canada Presbytery Retreat There will be retreat in Canmore from May 2 - 4 this spring. The retreat is being organized by Presbytery but is for church members from all of the Western Canadian churches. The speaker is Jerram Barrs who is a faculty member at Covenant Seminary in St. Louis. The retreat theme is "Learning Evangelism from Jesus". More information, be sure to pick up a brochure in the foyer, or speak to Don Kitchener (don@newcitychurch.ca). For those wishing to attend you need to register for the retreat separately from booking your stay in the hotel. The deadline for the reduced early bird rate for the retreat registration is March 1. The hotel booking should be made before April 1. Intro to New City Church 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 NCC is as a community of faith. Come, join others & bring your questions. The next class will be held on Saturday, April 15th from 9:00-2:00pm. Lunch & snacks are provided. Be sure to sign up online at www.NewCityChurch.ca. Link will be up later this week. Speak to Pastor John for more details. ESL Bible Study At The LeBlancs House Every third Sunday of the month at 2:30 at the LeBlancs house. All are welcome. For more information, contact Richard or Marie (richard_marie@shaw.ca). New City Church Online. Visit us NCC online at www.NewCityChurch.ca. Here, you can find our sermons & sermon notes posted. You can also subscribe to our sermons via iTunes. Just search for New City Church Calgary and you can find us on iTunes. Were also on Facebook & have a blog for those who are not on Facebook as well. All is accessible via www.NewCityChurch.ca.

Weekly Servants Schedule

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