Sunday Worship - February 1, 2026
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: Let us worship God.
PEOPLE: “He is our refuge and our fortress, our God, in whom we trust.”
LEADER: Let us confess with our mouths, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead.
PEOPLE: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
ALL: Let us call upon our true God, believing him in our hearts, confessing him with our mouths, worshiping him in spirit and in truth.
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by Brian Eichelberger
I sought the Lord, He answered me
He delivered me from all my fears
Taste and see that the Lord is good
Blessed is the man who takes
Refuge in HimChorus
Those who look to Him are radiant
Their faces are never covered in shame
So let the afflicted hear and rejoice
I will cry out, I will call outThe righteous man has many troubles
But God delivers him from them all
Fear the Lord, you His saints
He will redeem those who take
Refuge in HimChorus
Taste and see that the Lord is good
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in HimChorus
—
CCLI License No. 2051446
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by Darlene Zschech
My Jesus my Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath all that I am
Never cease to worship YouChorus
Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I'll love You forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in YouMy Jesus my Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath all that I am
Never cease to worship YouChorus
—
CCLI License No. 2051446
Corporate Confession
Merciful God, you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you. We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy. We have not loved you with a pure heart, nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves. We have not done justice, loved kindness, or walked humbly with you, our God. Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness. In your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Do not cast us from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Personal Confession
Receiving of Grace
The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
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.
-
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my prideForbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His bloodSee from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crownHis dying crimson like a robe
Spreads o'er His body on the tree
Then I am dead to all the globe
And all the globe is dead to meWere the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul my life my all—
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*
29 Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew gave full written authority, confirming this second letter about Purim. 30 Letters were sent to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in words of peace and truth, 31 that these days of Purim should be observed at their appointed seasons, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther obligated them, and as they had obligated themselves and their offspring, with regard to their fasts and their lamenting. 32 The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing.
1 King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. 2 And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
Esther 9:29-10:3 ESV
READER: This is the Word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
“Legacy”
Sermon Series: Trust and Courage - For Such a Time As This
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 Michael Farren, Rich Thompson, and Jonny Robinson
What gift of grace is Jesus, my Redeemer
There is no more for Heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, "All is mine"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
The night is dark, but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Savior, He will stay
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley, He will lead
Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future's sure, the price, it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus, now and ever is my plea
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
With every breath, I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day, I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me (x3)
—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.
We’re so glad you’ve joined us at Josiah Quincy Elementary School (JQES)! Click HERE to view logistical details related to our new church home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact office@citylifeboston.org. Please note the following reminders:
Restrooms are through the door to the gym near the auditorium doors and at the back of the cafeteria.
Please leave food, drink, and strollers outside of the auditorium in their respective parking areas.
Parents, please pick up children promptly after service. Children on the playground must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Coffee hours are brought to you by our food and fellowship team on the 2nd Sundays of the month. The Cafeteria is open each week until 3pm.
The gym is temporarily closed to organized activities, but stayed tuned for sign-ups coming soon!
Please take care of all public spaces as loving witnesses to the community.
Let’s give grace to ourselves and each other while we adjust to our new home.
Community
Congregational Meeting TODAY. Please join us for a rescheduled congregational meeting in the JQES auditorium today 2/1 as we look back on the ways the Lord has been working in our church this fiscal year. The meeting will begin immediately after the service, and all members and attendees are invited. Please email media@citylifeboston.org for a livestream link.
2026 Ministry Fair. You're invited to join us at Citylife's annual Ministry Fair, where you can learn about the many ministry opportunities and needs within the life of our church. Held in the cafeteria immediately after service, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn how you can serve the Lord and your brothers and sisters in our community. Please reach out to diaconate@citylifeboston.org with any questions.
Infant Baptism. If you're a parent of a newborn or child and would like your child to be baptized, please register here. Citylife's next infant baptism will take place on 5/10/26, 6/14/26, and 10/11/26 of this year. For questions, please email office@citylifeboston.org
Spiritual Formation
Coffee & Catechesis Hour: Learning to Love the Old Testament. Many Christians love Jesus but struggle to read and trust the Old Testament. This spring, Citylife is offering a four-week catechesis hour designed to help our church learn how to read, trust, and love the Old Testament as Christian Scripture. Led by Dr. Trey Nation, Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and member at Citylife, this formation space will explore the theme of God’s presence throughout the Old Testament.
Dates: 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22
Time: 9:00–10:15am
Registration and more info HERE through Planning Center
Justice & Mercy
Volunteers needed for Somerville Homeless Coalition Sat 2/7 at 4:30 p.m. Volunteers needed to drop off dinner for the shelter residents of Somerville Homeless Coalition next Saturday 2/7. Citylife provides dinner every first Saturday of the month for the residents of this 16-bed shelter. More info on our website or 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.
Kids & Youth
Together New England on 2/28. Join middle school and high school students across Southern New England for a half day Winter Camp you won’t want to miss! We will spend the day enjoying worship, teaching, small groups, lunch, organized games, and free time. The cost per student is $10, and registration ends February 18th. Email Cecily at cecily@citylifeboston.org with any questions you might have.
The next Saturday Youth Group is 2/7, and the next Youth Sunday School is 2/8. Saturday Youth Group meets at Ruggles Baptist Church every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 6:30-8:30. Youth Sunday School meets at Josiah Quincy Elementary School (JQES) every 2nd & 4th Sunday from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Missions
Special Missions Request: Prayer, Coffee, and Vitamins! Citylife missions partner and longtime church member Kurt Richardson (CRU), will be heading to Central Asia this month. Please join us in praying for a safe and fruitful trip, including Kurt's teaching during a Bible Conference for 27 staff in the country. Additionally, Kurt is collecting the following to bring as a special blessing to his staff: 1) 8-12 oz. bags caffeinated whole bean coffee for discipleship meetings; 2) vitamins (One-a-day and/or other multivitamins) for both adults and children. If you are able to contribute, please bring the items to church on 2/1 or 2/8, or contact Kurt (kurt.richardson@athletesinaction.org) to mail them directly to him before he departs mid-February. Thank you!