Sunday Worship - March 16
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*
LEADER: The Lord Jesus who calls us to worship him today is the same Jesus who refused the temptation to worship the evil one.
PEOPLE: Rather than receive the glorious kingdoms of this world, he endured the shame of the cross, and today is Lord of lords and King of kings.
LEADER: Now are gathered in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, glory, and power. With the saints of all ages we say,
ALL: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
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by Ben Shive and Andrew Peterson
Do you feel the world is broken? (We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do)
But do you know that all the dark
Won't stop the light from getting through? (We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do)Is all creation groaning? (It is)
Is a new creation coming? (It is)
Is the glory of the Lord
To be the light within our midst? (It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? (It is)Chorus 1
Is anyone worthy, is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David's Root
And the Lamb who died to ransom the slaveIs He wor - thy?
Is He wor - thy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He wor - thy of this?
He is!Does the Father truly love us? (He does)
Does the Spirit move among us? (He does)
And does Jesus our Messiah
Hold forever those He loves? (He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)Chorus 1
From ev'ry people and tribe
Every nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests
To God to reign with the Son
Is He wor - thy?
Is He wor - thy?
Of all blessing and honor and gloryIs He wor - thy?
Is He wor - thy?
Is He wor - thy of this?He is!
CCLI License No. 2051446
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by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
Praise the Lord
His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, his mercy is moreWhat love could remember
No wrongs we have done
Omniscient all knowing
He counts not their sum
Thrown into a sea
Without bottom or shore
Our sins they are many
His mercy is moreChorus
Praise the Lord
His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, his mercy is moreWhat patience would wait
As we constantly roam
What Father so tender
Is calling us home
He welcomes the weakest
The vilest the poor
Our sins they are many
His mercy is moreChorus
What riches of kindness he lavished on us
His blood was the payment
His life was the cost
We stood 'neath a debt
We could never afford
Our sins they are many
His mercy is moreChorus
Our sins they are many, his mercy is more
—
CCLI License No. 2051446
Corporate Confession
Gracious God, you have given us the law of Moses and the teachings of Jesus to direct us in the way of life. You offer us your Holy Spirit so that we can be born to new life as your children. Yet, O God, we confess that the ways of death have a strong attraction and that we often succumb to their lure. Give us the vision and courage to choose and nurture life, that we may receive your blessing. Amen.
Personal Confession
Receiving of Grace
God the Creator brings you new life, forgives and redeems you. Take hold of this forgiveness, and live your life in the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
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.
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by Rich Thompson, Jonny Robinson
Your will be done, my God and Father
As in Heaven, so on earth
My heart is drawn to self exalting
Help me seek Your kingdom first
As Jesus walked, so I shall walk
Held by Your same unchanging love
Be still my soul, oh, lift your voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done
How in the garden He persisted
I may never fully know
The fearful weight of true obedience
It was held by Him alone
What wondrous faith, to bear that cross
To bear my sin, what wondrous love
My hope was sure when there my Savior prayed
Father not my will but Yours be done
When I am lost, when I am broken
In the night of fear and doubt
Still I will trust in my good Father
Yes, to one great King I bow
As Jesus rose, so I shall rise
In ransomed glory at the throne
My heart restored, with all Your saints I sing
Father not my will but Yours be done
As we go forth, our God and Father
Lead us daily in the fight
That all the world might see Your glory
And Your Name be lifted high
And in this Name we overcome
For You shall see us safely home
Now as Your church, we lift our voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done—
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
Gospel Lesson
Scripture Reading*
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:13-16 ESV
READER: This is the Word of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Discipleship and Children”
Sermon Series: More Like Jesus
Rev. Benjamin Bae
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:
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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.
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by Joseph Hart and Douglas Smith
Come ye sinners, poor and needy
Weak and wounded, sick and sore
Jesus ready stands to save you
Full of pity, love, and powerChorus
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
O there are ten thousand charmsCome ye thirsty, come and welcome
God’s free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nighCome ye weary, heavy-laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry until you’re better
You will never come at allChorus
Feel Him prostrate in the garden
On the ground your Maker lies
On the bloody tree behold Him
Sinner, will this not suffice?Lo! Incarnate God ascended
Pleads the merit of His blood
Venture on Him, venture wholly
Let no other trust intrudeChorus
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
Oh, there are ten thousand charms—
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!
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.
Join us on Sunday 4/6 at 1:00 p.m. in the Silver Ballroom for a Bible, Sexuality, and Gender Seminar. Pastor Ben will be guiding us as we spend some time together to learn about what Scripture has to say about our posture and engagement with culture at large especially in the area of sexuality and gender.
Corporate Worship
Thank you to the volunteers on the Ops, Media, Communion, Communications, Usher, Welcome, and Kids Ministry Teams whose flexibility enabled the church to navigate this month’s venue changes.
Holy Week Services. Citylife will hold Good Friday service on 4/18 at 7:00 p.m. and two Easter services on 4/20, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Kids Ministry will be offered at 9:00 a.m. only, and activity bags will be available for children at 11:00 a.m. All Holy Week services will be held in Liberty Hall. We encourage you to invite friends and family!
University Ministry
City Night Fellowship this Thursday. Citylife is one church made up of college students from multiple campuses across our city. We gather monthly at City Night Fellowship (CNF) to develop meaningful relationships with each other. Invite your friends and join us for our next monthly large group gathering this Thursday 3/20 at Ruggles Baptist Church. Visit our church website HERE for more info.
Community
Retreat Rides. Our church-wide retreat is coming up this month! Retreat registrants who indicated that they need a ride or can provide a ride have received an email from the planning team. If you are a registrant who can drive or needs a ride and didn’t receive the email, please contact mikelee@citylifeboston.org as soon as possible. Thank you!
Missions
Join us for an Evangelism in the Workplace Panel this Saturday 3/22 from 10am-12pm at Ruggles Baptist Church! Featuring three Citylife members in different industries, followed by breakout discussions to encourage one another to grow in a heart for missions and evangelism in your vocation, whether that be in your job, your family, or your place of study. Register HERE. Questions? Email missions@citylifeboston.org.
Kids & Youth
Next Youth Sunday School meets: 3/23
Next Saturday Youth Group meets: 4/5
Justice & Mercy
Volunteers needed for Somerville Homeless Coalition. We are recruiting volunteers to provide dinner on Saturday 4/5 for the 16 residents at the adult shelter at Somerville Homeless Coalition. Drop off is between 4:30-5pm. More info and sign-up is 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.