The Lord’s Day Worship Service May 15, 2011 ~ New City Church Welcome We are glad you have joined us today. Whether you are a Christian seeking to grow in yourrelationship with Jesus Christ, or a skeptic looking for answers, or someone who is struggling to make sense of life and are looking for a caring community, you are warmly welcome here. We’re glad you came. After the Service Please stay around for some refreshments after the service and meet someone new. If we haven’t met you before, please come say “Hello.” We’d like to make that connection. Pastors John Ferguson & Mike Ivancic Reflections & Preparation for WorshipO 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 filledwith Your fullness. Amen. ~ based on Ephesians 3:18-19 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ~ Jesus, in the Gospel of John 14:6 “I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about him [i.e., Jesus Christ]: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would eitherbe a lunatic — on a level with a man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that option open to us. He did not intend to.” ~ Oxford scholar & author, CS Lewis, Mere ChristianityWhen Christians affirm, as they do, that Jesus is the way, the true and living way by whom we come to the Fathe r (John 16:4), they are not claiming to know everything. They are claiming to be on the way, and inviting others to join them as they press forward toward the fullness of truth, toward the day when we shall know as we have been known. ~ Missiologist Lesslie Newbigin, The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society“And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoeverhas the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” ~ The Apostle John, in I John 5:11-12 1
The Lord’s Day Worship ServiceMay 15, 2011 ~ New City Church
WelcomeWe 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 tomake sense of life and are looking for a caring community, you are warmly welcome here.We’re glad you came.
After the ServicePlease stay around for some refreshments after the service and meet someone new. If wehaven’t met you before, please come say “Hello.” We’d like to make that connection.
Pastors John Ferguson & Mike Ivancic
Reflections & Preparation for Worship O God, by Your power may we, together with all the saints, comprehend the breadth and length
and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that we may be filled
with Your fullness. Amen. ~ based on Ephesians 3:18-19
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”~ Jesus, in the Gospel of John 14:6
“I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say
about him [i.e., Jesus Christ]: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’taccept his claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely aman and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on a level with a man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be theDevil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else amadman or something worse. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about hisbeing a great human teacher. He has not left that option open to us. He did not intend to.”
~ Oxford scholar & author, CS Lewis, Mere Christianity
When Christians affirm, as they do, that Jesus is the way, the true and living way by whom wecome to the Father (John 16:4), they are not claiming to know everything. They are claiming to
be on the way, and inviting others to join them as they press forward toward the fullness of truth,toward the day when we shall know as we have been known.
~ Missiologist Lesslie Newbigin, The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society
“And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
Name above all names, worthy of all praiseMy heart will sing how great is our God
God Graciously Renews Us in Christ Have mercy on me, O God, in Your faithful love, in Your great tenderness wipe away my
offenses; wash me thoroughly from my guilt, purify me from my sin. ~ Psalm 51:1-2
Call to Confession
Leader: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are likescarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, theyshall be like wool.” ~ Isaiah 1:18
Song of Confession
“Psalm 51 (God Be Merciful To Me)”
1. God be merciful to meOn Thy grace I rest my plea
Plenteous in compassion ThouBlot out my transgressions nowWash me, make me pure within
Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin
2. My transgressions I confessGrief and guilt my soul oppressI have sinned against Thy graceAnd provoked Thee to Thy face
I confess Thy judgment justSpeechless I Thy mercy trust
3. I am evil, born in sinThou desirest truth withinThou alone my Saviour art
Teach Thy wisdom to my heartMake me pure, Thy grace bestow
Wash me whiter than the snow
4. Broken, humbled to the dustBy Thy wrath and judgment just
Let my contrite heart rejoiceAnd in gladness hear Thy voiceFrom my sins O hide Thy face
Blot them out in boundless grace
5. Gracious God, my heart renew,Make my spirit right and trueCast me not away from Thee
Let Thy Spirit dwell in meThy salvation’s joy impart
Steadfast make my willing heart.
6. Sinners then shall learn from meAnd return, O God, to TheeSavior all my guilt remove
And my tongue shall sing Thy loveTouch my silent lips, O Lord
And my mouth shall praise accord
The Words of the Gospel ~ based on Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24-25; 3:18
Leader: The proof of God’s amazing love is this: while we were yet sinners, Christ diedfor us. Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that Hemight bring us to God. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so thatwe might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have beenhealed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to theShepherd and Overseer of your souls.
God Feeds Us His Covenant Meal From the east and the west, from the north and the south, people will come
and take their places at the banquet in the Kingdom of God. ~ based on Luke 13:29
A Word About Participating in The Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a special family meal that Christ gave to His Bride, the Church. For Christians, this meal is a time to receive these signs and seals of the New Covenant whichChrist has established with them. Believers come to this Table to meet with their Lord andSaviour by faith, to be renewed by Him and strengthened in their callings and mission asthey eat the bread and drink the wine.
Therefore, all baptized Christians who trust in Christ alone as their Lord and Saviour, whoare connected to a church that proclaims His Gospel, and who are at peace with their fellowbelievers, 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 inthis meal, we would encourage you to spend this time in prayer (perhaps using one of theprayers listed below). Consider the invitation of Jesus, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst…for myFather’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternallife, 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 alsorefrain from partaking until doing so. The pastor would be delighted to speak to familiesabout what it means to participate in the Lord’s 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 Lord’s death until he comes.~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Please come forward by rows to the center isle and form a semi-circle in front of the Tableto receive the bread and the wine. When finished, place your cup at the side tables andproceed to your seat via the outer isles. If you are unable to come forward, we would bedelighted to serve you at your seat.
New City Church uses wine in serving the Lord’s Supper . We would encourage you totake of the wine since it is a symbol of joy and celebration in Scripture. However, juice isalso 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 guideme and teach me. Open to me the reality of who You are. Grant that I might be undauntedin 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, andsinful than I had ever before dared to admit. Yet You tell me that I am more loved than Iever dared to hope, and that You accept all who turn to You in simple faith. I am doing thatright now. I thank You for taking the justice that my sins deserved when You died on theCross. I eagerly trust You for the forgiveness for my sins, and I receive from You now theeternal 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 rageswithin my heart. Grant that in my battles with sin, I may see in You the fulfillment of all myneeds. 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 runwith perseverance the race you have set before me, looking to You, the pioneer andchampion of my faith. Amen.
A Prayer for Children (who have yet to profess faith): Jesus, the Bible tells me that Youblessed kids like me. Help me to know who You are and to understand what You have donefor me. Amen.
Communion Hymns
“How Deep the Father’s Love For Us”
1. How deep the Father’s love for usHow vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only SonTo make a wretch His treasure
2. How great the pain of searing lossThe Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen OneBring many sons to glory
3. Behold the Man upon a crossMy sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voiceCall out among the scoffers
4. It was my sin that held Him thereUntil it was accomplished
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 feelno obligation to give.
Hymn of Praise & Worship
“Amazing Grace” (traditional)
1. Amazing Grace, how sweet the soundThat saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am foundWas blind, but now I see
2. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed
3. Through many dangers, toils and snaresI have already come
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far And Grace will lead me home
4. The Lord has promised good to meHis word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion beAs long as life endures
5. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail
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 mortal life shall ceaseI shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace
6. When we've been here ten thousand yearsBright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun
Our Confession of Faith ~Psalm 23
Leader: Let us confess our trust and confidence in our Christ, our God and our GoodShepherd.
Unison: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of deathI will fear no evil, for Your are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
God Sends Us Out Into The World With His Blessing “God has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” ~ from Micah 6:8
Leader: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you andbe gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give youpeace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
People: Amen!
Community Life
Congratulations ! and a Baby Shower!We’re rejoicing with Glen & Annette Torjhelm on the safe arrival of their covenant daughter,Kayla. Kayla was born into the world at 11:42 on Friday morning. We are having a babyshower for Annette on Saturday June 4th at Catherine Gordon's place at 1:30 p.m. Pleaselet Suzanne Van Hill (403.685.5853) or Gayle Snyder (403.695.8748) know if you will beable to attend.
NCC Welcomes New MembersThis week, New City Church welcomes into its membership Annie Arguile; Pete & Shannonde Jong and their children (Matthew, Ally, Kimara, & Lydia); and John & Heather Fergusonalong with their covenant children (Justin, Kevin, Miranda, Jason, & Colton). We’re glad tobe on mission together with you!
Service Opportunity / Mercy Ministry
New City Church takes a group once a month and teams up with The Mustard Seed whichserves our city’s needy. Please take the opportunity to prepare & serve meals on June 11.For more info, contact Annie Arguile (403.283.8322 / [email protected]).
Questionnaire for ParentsOver the next few weeks, we are asking parents with children at home to give us somefeedback. NCC is seeking to diagnosis what the needs of our families are, and perhapslook at some options in terms of coming alongside you to support you in the discipleship of your children. You can pick up a questionnaire on the Welcome Table.
The Marriage CourseWe have plans to offer “The Marriage Course” in the fall, both for participants of New City
Church and as a ministry to our community. Previous to that, we need to form a planningcommittee to work out the details of this service to New City Church and outreach to our community. If you are interested, please speak to Pastor John.
Downtown Study Group: “Grace on the Bow”The Downtown Study Group meets every Thursday from 12-1pm. The theme of the currentseries is on “Seeking God”. Lunch is not provided (but feel free to bring your own). Feelfree to come and observe or bring your own insights and questions. Location: Shell Center,400 4th Ave S.W., Room 1147. Tom Dekker (403.807.6687) & Mike Ivancic (403.828.2241)will meet folks in the lobby to get passes to go up to the 11th floor together.
Tuesday Women’s Bible Study
You are invited to come and study the book of Ephesians with us. We are meeting everyTuesday morning from 9:30 to 11:30. Come prepared to learn about God's love, freedomand empowering strength towards us. Time commitment consists of weekly meetings andapproximately 10 minutes guided homework per day. We are meeting at Henrietta’s home(43 Coach Gate Way SW). For more information contact Joan Schmitt (403-935-4188 /[email protected]).
NOTE: The dates for the next three Bible studies will be Tuesday May 17, Tuesday May 31and June 7. There will be no Bible study on the Tuesday May 24 which falls the day after theMay Victoria Day long weekend.
“The Excellent Wife” Book Study
We are reading and studying The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. This is a book directedto women who want information about God's plan, pattern and purpose for marriage. We'remeeting every second Saturday from 1-2:30 at Gayle’s home (115-1000 Centre Ave NE).The next meetings are on Saturday, May 28th & June 11th. Contact Joan Schmitt (403-935-4188 / [email protected]) for more details.
Thursday Tuscany Community GroupThe Tuscany Community Group is studying 1 Peter & will be meeting at Calvin & SuzanneVan Hill’s house on Thursdays at 7pm. For directions, contact the Van Hill’s (403.685.5853).
Coffee with the Pastor? If you have any questions about Christianity, or would simply like to get together and talkabout life, Pastors John & Mike are available. Coffee is on them! You can contact John at
