The Lord’s Day Worship Service

April 17, 2011 ~ Palm Sunday the Fifth Sunday in the Season of Lent

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. 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 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

“Interestingly, Christianity claims to be based on history. Unlike the Hindu Upanishads which focus on
the believer’s merger with the life force Brahman, or the Buddhist Tripitaka which emphasizes the
extinguishment of self and suffering, or the Islamic Quran that centers on the nature and practice of
submission to God, the New Testament revolves around a series of events said to have occurred in
Palestine between 5BC and AD 30. This makes Christianity particularly open—some would say
vulnerable—to the kinds of questions just listed [e.g., from The DaVinci Code]. The logic is simple: if
you claim that something spectacular took place in history, intelligent people are going to ask you
historical questions. On the whole, Christianity has welcomed this. It is as if the Christian faith places
its head on the chopping block of public scrutiny and invites us all to take a swing.”
~ John Dickson, The Christ Files: How Historians Know What They Know About Jesus

“I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene….No one can read the Gospels
without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled
with such life.”
~ Albert Einstein

“Trusting testimony is not an irrational act of faith that leaves critical rationality aside; it is, on the
contrary, the rationally appropriate way of responding to authentic testimony. Gospels understood as
testimony are the entirely appropriate means of access to the historical Jesus.”
~ Richard Bauckham, University of St. Andrews

“I have been reading poems, romances, vision literature, legends and myths all my life. I know what
they are like. I know none of them are like this. Of this [gospel] text there are only two possible views.
Either it is reportage … or else, some unknown [ancient] writer … without known predecessors or
successors, suddenly anticipated the whole technique of modern novelistic realistic narrative”.
~ CS Lewis
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  God Calls Us To Worship 
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6

The Call to Worship ~ from John 12:13; Zechariah 9:9

Leader: Recall the words of the Scriptures: “A great crowd who had come to the feast heard that
Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees, and went out to
meet him, crying, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the
King of Israel!”

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!

Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Unison: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest!

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 it’s not what we’ve done
But by Your hand alone

We will arise and give thanks to You, Lord our God

And your name we will bless with our whole heart
You have shown mercy, You have shown mercy to us
We give thanks to You Lord

“You are Holy (Prince of Peace)”

You are holy (echo)

You are mighty (echo)
You are worthy (echo)
Worthy of praise (echo)

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 I will follow (echo)
I will listen (echo)
I will love you (echo)
All of my days (echo)

Men: Women:
I will sing to You are the Lord of lords
And worship You are the King of kings
The King who You are mighty God
Is worthy Lord of everything
I will love Him You’re Emmanuel
Adore Him You’re the great I Am
I will bow down You’re the Prince of peace
Before Him Who is the Lam

I will sing to You’re the living God

And worship You’re my saving grace
The King who You will reign forever
Is worthy You are Ancient of Days
I will love Him You are Alpha Omega
Adore Him Beginning and End
I will bow down You’re my Saviour, Messiah
Before Him Redeemer and Friend

Unison:
You’re my Prince of Peace
And I will live my life for You

“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

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  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: Like the people who greeted Jesus as He entered Jerusalem and later shouted, “Crucify
Him!”, we are fickle people who often deny Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Remembering the events of the last week of Jesus leading to His crucifixion, let us
rightly see ourselves for what we are: people who are sinners in need of a Saviour—a
Saviour, praise God, is what we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. In honesty and hope, let
us confess our sins to God…

Prayer of Confession

Leader: Lord Jesus, You are the King of glory and are full of grace. You rode a donkey and
came in peace, humbled Yourself and gave Yourself for us and for our salvation. As
You entered Jerusalem, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna!” On Good Friday, they shouted
“Crucify.” Jesus, we shout hosannas to praise You. Yet, Lord, we confess that the
same mouths that seek to praise You often deny or defy You. And we confess that the
hands that seek to serve You often become fists. Hear us as we confess our sins before
You….

~ Silent confession and reflection.

Lord, help us to lay at Your feet all that we have and all that we are, trusting You to
forgive what is sinful, to heal what is broken, to welcome our praises, and to receive us
as your own. Amen.

The Words of the Gospel

Leader: Hear the Word of the Lord from Psalm 118:

“Let those who fear the Lord say, ‘His steadfast love endures forever.’
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.”

In Christ, God answers the prayer of faith and sets us free!

In Christ there is found the forgiveness of sins!

Songs of Response
“How High And How Wide”

No eye has seen

And no ear has heard
And no mind has ever conceived
The glorious things
That You have prepared for ev'ryone
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 Who has believed
You brought us near
And You called us Your own
And made us joint heirs
With Your Son

chorus:
How high and how wide
How deep and how long
How sweet and how strong
Is Your love
How lavish Your grace
How faithful Your ways
How great is Your love O Lord

Objects of mercy
Who should have known wrath
We're filled with unspeakable joy
Riches of wisdom unsearchable wealth
And the wonder of knowing Your voice
You are our treasure
And our great reward
Our hope and our glorious King

(repeat chorus)

“Thy Mercy, My God”

Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song

The joy of my heart, and the boast of my tongue
Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last
Hath won my affection and bound my soul fast

Without Thy sweet mercy, I could not live here

Sin would reduce me to utter despair
But through Thy free goodness, my spirit's revived
And He that first made me still keeps me alive

Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart

Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart
Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground
And weep for the praise of the mercy I've found

Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own

In the covenant love of Thy crucified Son
All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine

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 Seals mercy and pardon and righteousness mine

 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

Today’s Scripture Lesson: John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

“Redemption: Fulfilling All His Promises in Jesus Christ (Part 2)”

Luke 1:1-4

“1:1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been
accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the
word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for
some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have
certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

Unison: Thanks be to God!

(notes)

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  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 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 thirst…for my Father’s 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 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

The Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper

Please come forward by rows to the center isle and form a semi-circle in front of the Table to
receive the bread and the wine. When finished, place your cup at the side tables and proceed to
your seat via the outer isles. If you are unable to come forward, we would be delighted to serve you
at your seat.

New City Church uses wine in serving the Lord’s 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.

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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

“I Will Rise”

There's a peace I've come to know

Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

chorus:
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near

When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
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 Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

(repeat chorus)

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,

"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
(repeat)

(repeat chorus)

"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 I’ll honor you

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

(repeat chorus)

You are my king

You are my king
Jesus, You are my king
Jesus, You are my king

(repeat chorus)

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  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 sins
As we also have forgiven those who have sinned 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. If you are visiting with us, please feel no obligation to
give.

Hymn of Praise & Worship

“There is a Redeemer”

There is a Redeemer
Jesus, God’s own Son
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah
Holy One

chorus
Thank You, O my Father
For giving us Your Son
And leaving Your Spirit
‘Til the work on earth is done

Jesus, my Redeemer
Name above all names
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah
Hope for sinners slain

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 (repeat chorus)

When I stand in glory

I will see His face
And there I’ll serve my King forever
In that holy place

(repeat chorus)

Our Confession of Faith Heidelberg Catechism #1

Leader: Christian, what is your only comfort in life and in death?

Unison: That I belong—body and soul, in life and in death—not to myself but to my faithful
Saviour Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my
sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil…

…that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven, not a
hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my
salvation.

Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me
wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him!

 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

The Benediction

Leader: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, sot that you
may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

People: Amen!

 Community Life 

Tonight - The Easter Experience

At New City Church, we have marking the season of Lent (leading up to Easter) with a 6-week DVD
study called, “The Easter Experience.” Tonight is week #6, “My Hope Is Secure” so make plans
now to carve out the upcoming Sunday evenings to come together as a community of faith to reflect
more deeply upon the necessity of the death & resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth and its meaning
for our own spiritual lives. Coffee, tea & desserts will be provided.
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Downtown Study Group: “Grace on the Bow”
The Downtown Study Group meets every Thursday from 12-1pm. Location: The offices of New
North Resources: Ste 885, 700 4th Ave SW (McFarlane Tower @ the NW corner of 6th St & 4th Ave).
Ring the bell for entrance. If you have any trouble accessing the office, call Brad Osborne at
403.803.3916. For more info about the study group, contact pastor Mike at 403.828.2241.

Tuesday Women’s Bible Study

You are invited to come and study the book of Ephesians with us. We are meeting every Tuesday
morning from 9:30 to 11:30. Come prepared to learn about God's love, freedom and empowering
strength towards us. Time commitment consists of weekly meetings and approximately 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 / gardeningjoan@yahoo.com).

“The Excellent Wife” Book Study

We are reading and studying The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. This is a book directed to
women who want information about God's plan, pattern and purpose for marriage. We're meeting
every second Saturday from 1-2:30 at Gayle’s home (115-1000 Centre Ave NE). Our next meeting
is on Saturday, April 30th. Contact Joan Schmitt (403-935-4188 / gardeningjoan@yahoo.com) for
more details.

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.

Giving Report

Weekly Servants

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