Sunday Worship - June 14

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: Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.

PEOPLE: Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

MINISTER: Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

PEOPLE: Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.

MINISTER: In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

ALL: Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

  • by Charitie Bancroft (1863) and William Bradbury (1861)

    Before the throne of God above

    I have a strong and perfect plea.

    A great high Priest whose name is Love
    Who ever lives and pleads for me.

    My name is graven on His hands,

    My name is written on His heart.

    I know that while in Heaven He stands 

    No tongue can bid me thence depart. 

    When Satan tempts me to despair

    And tells me of the guilt within, 

    Upward I look and see Him there 

    Who made an end of all my sin. 

    Because the sinless Savior died 

    My sinful soul is counted free. 

    For God the just is satisfied 

    To look on Him and pardon me.  

    Behold Him there the risen Lamb, 

    My perfect spotless righteousness, 

    The great unchangeable I AM, 

    The King of glory and of grace. 

    One in Himself I cannot die; 

    My soul is purchased by His Blood

    My life is hid with Christ on High

    With Christ my Savior and My God

    —

    CCLI License No. 2051446

  • 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 Him

    Chorus
    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 out

    The 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 Him

    Chorus

    Taste and see that the Lord is good
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him

    Chorus

    —

    CCLI License No. 2051446

Corporate Confession

ALL: Lord God, we have given more weight to our successes and our happiness than to your will. We have eaten without a thought for the hungry. We have spoken without an effort to understand others. We have kept silence instead of telling the truth. We have judged others, forgetful that you alone are the Judge. We have acted rather in accordance with our opinions than according to your commands. Within your church we have been slow to practice love of our neighbors. And in the world we have not been your faithful servants. Forgive us and help us to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Amen.

Personal Confession

Receiving of Grace

I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me.

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.

  • Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
    That saved a wretch like me
    I once was lost but now am found
    Was blind but now I see

    'Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear
    And Grace my fears relieved
    How precious did that Grace appear
    The hour I first believed

    Chorus
    My chains are gone, I've been set free
    My God, my Savior has ransomed me
    And like a flood His mercy rains
    Unending love, Amazing Grace

    The Lord has promised good to me|
    His word my hope secures
    He will my shield and portion be
    As long as life endures

    Chorus

    The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
    The sun forbear to shine
    But God who called me here below
    Will be forever mine
    Will be forever mine
    You are forever mine

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.

Infant Baptisms

Phoebe Renee Comer
Chase Aldon Cummins
Adelyn Elia Jin

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*

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.

13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:7-18, ESV

READER: This is the Word of the Lord.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

“Faithfulness in an Age of Weariness”

Formed by the Spirit

Rev. Benjamin Bae

Prayers 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

  • Ada Ruth Habershon, Matthew Merker

    Verse 1
    When I fear my faith will fail
    Christ will hold me fast
    When the tempter would prevail
    He will hold me fast
    I could never keep my hold
    Through life's fearful path
    For my love is often cold
    He must hold me fast

    Chorus 

    He will hold me fast
    He will hold me fast
    For my Savior loves me so
    He will hold me fast

    Verse 2
    Those He saves are His delight
    Christ will hold me fast
    Precious in His holy sight
    He will hold me fast
    He'll not let my soul be lost
    His promises shall last
    Bought by Him at such a cost
    He will hold me fast

    Chorus 

    Verse 3
    For my life He bled and died
    Christ will hold me fast
    Justice has been satisfied
    He will hold me fast
    Raised with Him to endless life
    He will hold me fast
    Till our faith is turned to sight
    When He comes at last

    Chorus

    —

    CCLI License No. 4903820

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 normally 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

Congregational Meeting on 6/14 and 6/28. Join us after service TODAY and 6/28 in the cafeteria at JQES for two important Congregational Meetings. On 6/14, we'll reflect on God’s movement in our church this past year during our annual Year End Reflection. On 6/28, the Citylife Session will present the budget for the next fiscal year. Open invite to everyone, and all members are strongly encouraged to attend. Bring lunch for your family, childcare will not be available.

Save the Date: Churchwide Retreat Next Year! Save the Date for Citylife's next churchwide retreat on 5/7 - 5/9/27 at Hotel 1620 in Plymouth., MA.

University Ministry

Summer UM. If you are a student staying in Boston through the Summer, we invite you to join our university ministry community! Please join our WhatsApp group here and meet us on Thursdays at 6pm at George Sherman Union at BU!

Justice & Mercy

Volunteers needed for this month's service day at Pine Street Inn! Every third Saturday of the month, Citylife volunteers serve dinner to the residents of the men's shelter. Free parking available. *Please note that Pine Street Inn requires registration of volunteers on their platform prior to serving.

Citylife’s Justice and Mercy Ministry serves 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

July 4th Picnic at Larz Anderson Park! We're heading back to Larz Anderson Park (Grills #3–6) in Brookline for our annual July 4th picnic! We're looking for volunteers to help out that day and people to bring food and supplies. Please sign up here!

The Gym and Playground are now 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 (Primary contacts: Jenna Rao and Enjeh Liu)
4th Sunday: Pickleball (Primary contact: Ron Davis and Sam Y. Lee)

If you are 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 return equipment to its proper storage space and refrain from using ping pong tables.