January 1, 2011 by Cityview Presbyterian Church

First Sunday After Christmas

January 1, 2012

Welcome to Cityview Presbyterian Church

Community Life: After the Service

To Our Guests: Visiting a church can be an intimidating experience. We are glad that you are here, and we hope to remove as much of that awkwardness as we can from your visit to Cityview. Our worship service usually lasts about 75 minutes. This worship guide will help you navigate the service. There are short paragraphs on the next page to explain each part of the service. The service is designed to be accessible to you, whether you‘ve spent years in the church or you‘ve never been to a church service in your life. During the service, we will try to help you understand how the message of Jesus can apply to your life today. If you are new to Cityview or just visiting, we would love to know that you were here. We have clipboards next to each row: we call those our ―Connection Cards‖. Connection Cards are a way for you to let us know whatever information you might want us to know and to request any information from us that you might need. Pastor Dan Adamson

Each week, we linger for fellowship with one another. Please join us for refreshments in the cafeteria.

Community Groups In addition to weekly worship, we offer small groups (community groups, men‘s and women‘s bible studies, book studies) that meet throughout the week. We want all of our members and regular attenders to be intentional about building trusting and meaningful spiritual relationships. For a complete list of our small groups, please visit our website (www.cityviewchicago.org) or fill out one of our ―connection cards‖ for more information.

(dadamson@cityviewchicago.org) is available to answer questions, as well.

For Children: Children of all ages are welcome in the worship service. Nursery is provided during the service for children 2 years of age and younger.

Cover Image:

Cross and Sun Rays

Children ages three through 5th grade are given the choice of attending Sunday school classes beginning during the greeting portion of the service.

If you have any questions about children‘s ministry at Cityivew, please contact Children‘s Ministry Coordinator Hilary Clark (hilary.r.clark@gmail.com).

All songs used by permission CCLI License #11041992 Scripture reprinted from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.

The Liturgy Preparing for Worship The goal of our time of gathering is to engage with God together, listening to him in his Word and speaking to him in prayer and song. Because we often enter this time tired, overwhelmed and distracted, we take a few moments at the beginning of our meeting to prepare to meet God in worship. Call to Worship We need to be ―called‖ to come and worship God because we default to thinking the world revolves around our needs and agendas, and also because we struggle to believe that God truly wants us to draw near to him. The call to worship focuses our attention on God and prepares us to meet him. Confession of Sin The Scriptures declare that each of us has failed in the way we act toward God and each other. We confess our sin to be honest and transparent about this reality and to admit our ongoing dependence on the mercy of God through Jesus. We confess as a community to show our unity even in our brokenness. Assurance of Grace We confess our sins not just to admit what is true, but also to be reminded again of the truth that Jesus came into this world to save sinners; and all of our sin has been forgiven through him. Every week, following our confession, we hear God speak to us in Scripture of this forgiveness so that our faith might be strengthened. Worship Through Giving Because money is so powerfully tied to our hearts, this is a valuable expression of worship as we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and belongs to him. If you are visiting with us, we are just glad you are here- please do not feel obligated to give. The Sermon Some view the Sermon as a way to get principles for ―right‖ living. In reality, as we open the Scripture we corporately encounter Christ. Therefore, as you listen, pray to be open to the Spirit‘s leading, exhortation, encouragement, and healing. Communion Communion, also called the Lord‘s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal for Christians. We welcome all Christians - those who look to Christ alone for salvation, who are in good standing with His Church, and who seek strength to live more faithfully to their Savior - to join in this sacrament. The Benediction God always gets the last word in our encounter of worship. For Christians, it is always a word of blessing and sending to live our lives in the light of the reality of the Gospel of Christ.

ORDER OF WORSHIP ―But what is the basis for our assurance that a radically different kind of world is possible? It is that this radically different kind of world has already broken into this world and that its powers and its standards have begun already to work. Here we touch upon the other side of the Advent message. We do not merely—like Old Testament prophets—speak about an unknown day in the future; we speak about a known person who has already come, in whom Advent has begun. We speak about a new world whose powers are already at work in our own experience. What we look forward to, therefore, is not a wholly unknown event; it is the completion of what has already been begun in the coming of Jesus; it is the victory of the powers which are already at work in this world, grappling with the powers of evil; it is the public manifestation and acknowledgment of the reign of Jesus at the right hand of God which is now hidden, an object of faith but not yet of sight. — Lesslie Newbigin

God Calls Us

Call to Worship – adapted from Isaiah 55:1-9 Leader: All: Leader: All: Leader: All: Leader: All:

We gather today, O Lord of Life, seeking fullness.  Not the fullness our world offers, but fullness that comes from You.  We spend so much of our lives on things that do not countThings that promise much and give little.  Help us now, today, to find fulfillment in Your love. May we discover all you have to give, And seek You while we yet have the gift of days. Lift us O God, to a higher plane of living, as we lift  our hearts and minds and souls into Your Holy presence!  Amen! Make it so Lord! Amen!

Prayer of Adoration

Hymn of Praise

Come, Ye Sinners

Words: Joseph Hart Music: Traditional American Melody, arr. Bruce Benedict

Hymn of Praise

The Love of Christ is Rich and Free

1. The love of Christ is rich and free; Fixed on His own eternally; Nor earth, nor hell, can it remove; Long as He lives, His own He‘ll love.

3. Love has redeemed His sheep with blood; And love will bring them safe to God; Love calls them all from death to life; And love will finish all their strife.

2. His loving heart engaged to be Their everlasting Surety; ‘Twas love that took their cause in hand, And love maintains it to the end.

4. He loves through every changing scene, Nor aught from Him can Zion wean; Not all the wanderings of her heart Can make His love for her depart.

(Chorus)

Chorus: Love cannot from its post withdraw;

5. At death, beyond the grave, He‘ll love; In endless bliss, His own shall prove The blazing glory of that love Which never could from them remove.

Nor death, nor hell, nor sin, nor law, Can turn the Surety‘s heart away; He‘ll love His own to endless day.

Words: William Gadsby Music: Sandra McCracken

God Cleanses Us Confession of Sin Leader: All:

Almighty God, You have called your Church to live together in unity. But we are a divided people. In our sin, we have broken the bond of fellowship and peace.

[silent prayer] Leader: All:

You call us to not look out for our own interests, rather to consider others better than ourselves. But we have pursued our own agendas and have resisted your call to live as one. Father, forgive our arrogance and indifference. Send us your Spirit to heal our broken hearts.

[silent prayer] Leader: All:

You have promised to never leave us or forsake us. But we struggle to believe your promises. Guide us anew to your water of life, that by faith we may drink once again.

[silent prayer]

Hymn of Confession

Melt My Soul to Love

Words: Joseph Swain Music: Brian T. Murphy and Benj Pocta

Words of Assurance Leader:

All: Leader:

All:

God will not despise a broken and contrite heart. Beloved, may Christ dwell in your hearts through faith and root and establish you in his love. May the Spirit of Christ give you power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Beloved, I declare to you that in Christ Jesus your sins are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Brothers and Sisters, you have heard God始s holy demands and have confessed your sins to him. Do you believe that Jesus Christ, by his perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection has atoned for your sins and satisfied the wrath of God for you? We do.

Hymn of Assurance

Silent Night

Words : Joseph Mohr Music: Franz Gruber

Prayers of the People Leader:

All: Leader:

Lord of light, who created the heavens and earth, prepare our hearts this New Year to receive you anew, and grant that we may rest in the comfort you offer. For this, O Lord, we pray: Lord, hear our prayer. God of mercy, faithful to the faithless, grant peace and hope to the downtrodden and oppressed, and use us to effect justice in our broken world. For this, O Lord, we pray: Lord, hear our prayer. Great Physician, comforter of the nations, provide healing and tender care to the lonely and afflicted, and help us better care for those in need. For this, O Lord, we pray: Lord, hear our prayer. Jesus Christ, whom the prophets foretold, deliver us from selfishness, fear and insularity, and give us hearts that move toward brokenness and hands of service. For this, O Lord, we pray: Lord, hear our prayer. Holy Spirit, sustainer of the church, move in the hearts and minds of our brothers and sisters, and inspire us to be messengers of your truth and love. For this, O Lord, we pray: Lord, hear our prayer. And for what else should we pray?

[Members of the congregation may add their own intercessions at this time, ending with, “For this, O Lord, we pray” and all responding, “Lord, hear our prayer.”]

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. 9

Opportunities and Concerns

Passing of the Peace - from John 13:34 Leader:

Hear the teaching of Christ: ―A new command I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you.‖ The peace of Christ be with you all.

All:

And also with you!

Worship Through Giving

God Speaks To Us Sermon Text – Mark 11:27-12:12 27

And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, ―By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?‖ 29Jesus said to them, ―I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.‖ 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, ―If we say, ‗From heaven,‘ he will say, ‗Why then did you not believe him?‘ 32 But shall we say, ‗From man‘?‖—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, ―We do not know.‖ And Jesus said to them, ―Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.‖ 1

And he began to speak to them in parables. ―A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant[a]to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away emptyhanded. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‗They will respect my son.‘ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‗This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.‘ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture: ―‗The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 11 this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes‘?‖ 12

And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away. Leader: All:

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Sermon Beware of Fruitless Activity Reverend Dan Adamson

God Strengthens Us Confession of Faith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; From Colossians 1 Leader:

Christian what do you believe?

All:

Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible. All things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Consecration Leader: All: Leader:

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

All: Leader:

We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All:

It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Communion

Communion Hymn

This is the Christ

Words: Martin Luther Music: Sandra McCracken

Prayers for Reflection Prayer for those searching for truth Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. As I consider the reasons for doing so, grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen.

Prayer for those struggling with sin Lord Jesus, grant that I may see in you the fulfillment of all my need, and may turn from every false satisfaction to feed on you, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely, and faithfully follow you in life. Amen.

Prayer of belief Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen.

Prayer of commitment Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you in baptism and in a life of committed discipleship in your church. Grant that I may take the necessary steps to be one with your people, and live in the fullness of your Spirit. Amen.

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

God Commissions Us Hymn of Benediction

Joy to the World

Words: Isaac Watts Music: George Handel

Benediction Dismissal Leader:

Let us go forth to serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All:

Thanks be to God!

Around Cityview

Serving This Week Sound/ Set-Up

Josh Koonce Michael and Shannen Chin Kylene Young Potluck -Susan Young

Greeters Bread Snacks Nursery Sunday School

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Prayer for the Church- Join a group to pray for Cityview before the service each Sunday at 9:30 am. Talk to Malissa Mackey or Megan Hohenstein for more info.

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All-Church Potluck- Today after church, bring a dish to share and plan to stay for lunch together.

 Year-End Giving- Cityview will be accepting contributions to count toward the 2011 calendar year for the next few weeks. Back date checks and write ―2011‖ in the memo line.  Wednesday Night Community Group- The new year is a great time to get involved with a community group. The West Loop group meets on Wednesday nights. Talk to Erica Oh or Dan Adamson for more details.

Serving Next Week Sound/ Set-Up Greeters Bread Snacks Nursery Sunday School

Joel Avila Andrew and Stacy Gordon Lynda Adamson Lynda Adamson Joel Avila Charlynne Bowsher

Contacts

November 2011 Congregational Giving*

Actual Monthly Giving: Budgeted Monthly Giving: $ (3,614) Actual YTD Giving: Budgeted 2011 Giving YTD: Difference:

CITYVIEWCHICAGO.ORG $ 8,546 $ 12,160 Difference: $125,373 $133,760 $ (8,387)

*In addition to congregational giving, 20% of our overall operating budget is currently comprised of financial support from other churches and individuals. Our

budgeted congregational giving represents 80% of the overall operating budget.

Dan Adamson, Pastor dadamson@cityviewchicago.org Jenny Avila, Administrative Coordinator jenny.n.avila@gmail.com Herb Bowsher, Financial Administrator bowsher@comcast.net Hilary Clark, Children‘s Ministry Coordinator hilary.r.clark@gmail.com Carolyn Koonce, Social Coordinator carolyn.groenewold@gmail.com Paul Leo, Service & Outreach Coordinator contactpaulleo@gmail.com Paul-David Young, Music Coordinator music@cityviewchicago.org 16