Sunday Worship - August 2

Welcome! We’re glad you’re here.

Citylife strives to be a diverse community of grace that forms disciples of Jesus for the renewal of Boston and our neighbors.

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God, it is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

Psalms 100:2-3

Order of Worship

*Please stand as you are able

Welcome and Preparation

Call to Worship*

MINISTER: Let us worship God, our light and our salvation.

PEOPLE: The Lord is the stronghold of our lives.

MINISTER: We desire to live in God’s house and to seek God in his holy temple.

PEOPLE: We have come with shouts of joy, to sing and to make music to the Lord.

MINISTER: Let us worship God in spirit and in truth.

ALL: Teach us your ways and make straight our paths in this hour of worship and always.

  • Verse 1
    Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
    Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
    Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
    Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. 

    Verse 2
    Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
    I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord;
    Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
    Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

    Verse 3
    Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
    Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
    Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
    High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

    Verse 4
    High King of heaven, my victory won,
    May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
    Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
    Still be my vision, O ruler of all. 

    —

    CCLI License No. 2051446

  • by Brooke Ligertwood, Jason Ingram, and Scott Ligertwood

    In the darkness we were waiting
    Without hope without light
    Till from heaven You came running
    There was mercy in Your eyes
    To fulfill the law and prophets
    To a virgin came the Word
    From a throne of endless glory
    To a cradle in the dirt

    Chorus
    Praise the Father, Praise the Son
    Praise the Spirit Three in One
    God of glory, Majesty
    Praise forever to the King of Kings

    To reveal the kingdom coming
    And to reconcile the lost
    To redeem the whole creation
    You did not despise the cross
    For even in Your suffering
    You saw to the other side
    Knowing this was our salvation
    Jesus for our sake You died

    Chorus

    And the morning that You rose
    All of heaven held its breath
    Till that stone was moved for good
    For the Lamb had conquered death
    And the dead rose from their tombs
    And the angels stood in awe
    For the souls of all who'd come
    To the Father are restored

    And the Church of Christ was born
    Then the Spirit lit the flame
    Now this gospel truth of old
    Shall not kneel shall not faint
    By His blood and in His Name
    In His freedom I am free
    For the love of Jesus Christ
    Who has resurrected me

    Chorus

    —

    CCLI License No. 2051446

Corporate Confession

Almighty and merciful God, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare those who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to the world in Christ Jesus, our Lord. And grant, O merciful God, for his sake, that we may live a holy, just, and humble life to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

Personal Confession

Receiving of Grace

Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you, you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.

Doxology*

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

  • by Matt Redman, arr. by Sam JC Lee

    Your blood speaks a better word
    Than all the empty claims I've heard upon this earth
    Speaks righteousness for me
    And stands in my defense
    Jesus it's Your blood

    Chorus
    What can wash away our sins?
    What can make us whole again?
    Nothing but the blood
    Nothing but the blood of Jesus
    What can wash us pure as snow?
    Welcomed as the friends of God
    Nothing but Your blood
    Nothing but Your blood King Jesus

    Your cross testifies in grace
    Tells of the Father's heart to make a way for us
    Now boldly we approach
    Not by earthly confidence
    It's only Your blood

    —

    CCLI License No. 2051446

Prayer of Intercession* (concluded by 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, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen.

Prayer for Children

Extending Peace

MINISTER: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

ALL: And also with you.

Announcements

jump to end for detailed descriptions

Gospel Lesson

Scripture Reading*

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Galatians 6:1-5, ESV

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

READER: This is the Word of the Lord.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

“Gentleness in an Age of Outrage”

Sermon Series: Formed by the Spirit

Rev. Daniel Paik

The Sacrament of Communion

Confession of Faith

MINISTER: Let us boldly proclaim the mystery of faith.

ALL:Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

MINISTER: Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us.

ALL:Therefore, let us keep the feast.

MINISTER: The gifts of God for the people of God.

Distribution of the Bread and Cup

Citylife welcomes all Christians, who profess faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation, who are baptized members of a congregation that proclaim the gospel, and are at peace with God and neighbor (1 Cor. 11:17, Matt. 5:21-26), to participate and to receive Communion. If you are unable to receive Communion today, we welcome you to reflect on one of the following prayers:

  • Prayer for Those Searching for the Truth

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

    Prayer of Belief

    Lord Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever dared admit, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt on the cross, taking what I deserved in order to off er me complete forgiveness. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as my 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 through membership 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.

    *If you are saying this prayer for the first time today, please share with a church leader up front, or let one of the pastors know.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

ALL: Lord of all mercy, we your faithful people have celebrated that one true sacrifice which takes away our sins and brings pardon and peace. By our communion, keep us firm on the foundation of the gospel, preserve us from all sin and strengthen us for life as your ambassadors in the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Tithes and Offerings

ALL: Merciful Father, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us - our selves, our time, and our possessions - signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Online Giving Here

  • by Adoniram Judson Gordon, Nate Garvey, and W. Spencer Walton

    In tenderness he sought me
    Weary and sick with sin
    And on His shoulders brought me
    Back to His fold again
    While angels in His presence sang
    Until the courts of heaven rang

    Chorus
    Oh, the love that sought me!
    Oh, the blood that bought me!
    Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold of God
    Grace that brought me to the fold of God

    He died for me while I was sinning
    Needy and poor and blind
    He whispered to assure me
    "I've found thee; thou art Mine"
    I never heard a sweeter voice
    It made my aching heart rejoice

    Chorus

    Upon His grace I'll daily ponder
    And sing anew His praise
    With all adoring wonder
    His blessings I retrace
    It seems as if eternal days
    Are far too short to sing His praise

    Chorus

    —

    CCLI License No. 2051446

Benediction & Dismissal*

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

ALL: Thanks be to God!

Jump back to Gospel Lesson

Announcements

Citylife strives to be a diverse community of grace that forms disciples of Jesus for the renewal of Boston and our neighbors.

Connect with Citylife. We’re happy you’re here! If you are new, the easiest way to get in touch with us is by filling out the Connect Card HERE. We’re so glad you’ve joined us today! Citylife meets at Josiah Quincy Elementary School; click HERE to view logistical details related to our new church home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact office@citylifeboston.org.

Churchwide Announcements

Citylife’s Annual Leadership Summit is 9/5. Citylife officers, staff, and lay leaders of various teams, committees, cohorts, and community groups are invited to participate in our annual church-wide Leadership Summit and Luncheon on Saturday, 9/5/26 at Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Cambridge. The summit will take place 9:00 - 1:00 with lunch included. Christ the King's address is 99 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA. Please RSVP here.

Parking at Tufts Medical Center. Validation tickets for the Tufts Medical Center lot currently remain valid until 3:00 p.m on Sundays. If you're attending a meeting after church or participating in a recreation activity, please plan to move your car or park in the Revere garage.

Children and Youth

Today, the Nursery and Littles classes return to their usual meeting locations in rooms 101 and 103.

Justice & Mercy

Volunteers needed to drop off dinner for the shelter residents of Somerville Homeless Coalition for our August service day 8/1/26. Citylife provides dinner every first Saturday of the month for the residents of this 26-bed shelter. This is a great opportunity to check out their new shelter space down the block! More info on our website or HERE.

We are in need of several more volunteers for our service day at Pine Street Inn on 8/15. On the 3rd Saturday of the month, Citylife volunteers serve dinner to the residents of the men's shelter. Food is already prepared, and there is free parking for volunteers. Sign up and find more info HERE.

We are at Somerville Homeless Coalition on the 1st Saturday of the month, L Street Mission on the 2nd Saturday, and Pine Street Inn on the 3rd Saturday. Sign up to purchase for and assemble hygiene kits every 3rd Sunday.

Community

The Gym and Playground are open for use. Families are welcome to use the gym each Sunday until 1:00 p.m. The gym will be available from 1:00 - 3:00 for the following activities:

1st and 2nd Sunday: free play
3rd Sunday: Basketball
4th Sunday: Pickleball

If you’re interested in learning more about basketball, pickleball, or coordinating an organized activity, please contact office@citylifeboston.org. All adults and children using the gym or playground must have a signed Citylife Recreation Agreement. There is no food or drink allowed in the gym. We ask that all gym users exit before 3:15, return equipment to its proper storage space, and refrain from using ping-pong tables.