Sunday Worship - January 18

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: Sing a new song to the Lord, who has worked wonders, whose right hand and holy arm have brought salvation.

People: The Lord has made known salvation; has shown justice to the nations; has remembered truth and love for the house of Israel.

Leader: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

PEOPLE: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing out your joy.

LEADER: Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp, with the sound of music.

ALL: With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord.

  • O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
    Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
    I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
    Thy power throughout the universe displayed

    Chorus
    Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee
    How great Thou art, how great Thou art
    Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee
    How great Thou art, how great Thou art

    And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
    Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
    That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
    He bled and died to take away my sin

    Chorus

    When Christ shall come
    With shout of acclamation
    And take me home
    What joy shall fill my heart
    Then I shall bow in humble adoration
    And then proclaim
    “My God, how great Thou art”

    Chorus

    —

    CCLI License No. 2051446

  • by Brooke Fraser

    I see the King of Glory
    Coming on the clouds with fire
    The whole earth shakes
    The whole earth shakes

    I see His love and mercy
    Washing over all our sin
    The people sing, the people sing

    Chorus
    Hosanna, Hosanna
    Hosanna in the highest
    Hosanna, Hosanna
    Hosanna in the highest

    I see a generation
    Rising up to take their place
    With selfless faith, with selfless faith
    I see a near revival
    Stirring as we pray and seek
    We’re on our knees, we’re on our knees

    Chorus

    Heal my heart and make it clean
    Open up my eyes to the things unseen
    Show me how to love like You
    Have loved me
    Break my heart for what breaks Yours
    Everything I am for Your kingdom’s cause
    As I walk from earth into eternity

    Chorus (x2)

    Hosanna in the highest
    Hosanna in the highest

    —

    CCLI License No. 2051446

Corporate Confession

God of birth, God of joy, God of life, we come to you as a people hungry for good news. We have been so dead to miracles that we have missed the world’s rebirth. We have preoccupied ourselves with pleasures and have overlooked the joy you offer us. We have been so concerned with making a living that we have missed the life you set among us. Forgive us, gracious God. Open our eyes and our hearts to receive your gift; open our lips and hands to share it with all humanity in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Personal Confession

Receiving of Grace

Through Jesus Christ forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

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 Joel Houston, Jonas Myrin

    All these pieces, broken and scattered
    In mercy gathered, mended and whole
    Empty handed, but not forsaken
    I’ve been set free, I’ve been set free

    (repeat)

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

    You take our failure, You take our weakness
    You set Your treasure in jars of clay
    So take this heart, Lord, I’ll be Your vessel
    The world to see Your life in me

    Chorus

    Oh I can see You now
    I can see the love in Your eyes
    Laying Yourself down
    Raising up the broken to life

    (repeat)

    Chorus

    Oh I can see You now
    I can see the love in Your eyes
    Laying Yourself down
    Raising up the broken to life

    —

    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*

20 And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 21 obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year, 22 as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

23 So the Jews accepted what they had started to do, and what Mordecai had written to them. 24 For Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur (that is, cast lots), to crush and to destroy them. 25 But when it came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26 Therefore they called these days Purim, after the term Pur. Therefore, because of all that was written in this letter, and of what they had faced in this matter, and of what had happened to them, 27 the Jews firmly obligated themselves and their offspring and all who joined them, that without fail they would keep these two days according to what was written and at the time appointed every year, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never fall into disuse among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of these days cease among their descendants.

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.

Esther 9:20-32 ESV

READER: This is the Word of the Lord.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

“Joyful Remembrance”

Sermon Series: Trust and Courage - For Such a Time as This

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 Kristian Stanfill, Brett Younker, Scott Ligertwood, and Brooke Ligertwood

    Amazing love, that welcomes me
    The kindness of mercy
    That bought with blood, wholeheartedly
    My soul undeserving

    Chorus
    God, You're so good
    God, You're so good
    God, You're so good
    You're so good to me

    Behold the cross, age to age
    And hour by hour
    The dead are raised, the sinner saved
    The work of Your power

    Chorus (x2)

    I am blessed, I am called
    I am healed, I am whole
    I am saved in Jesus' name
    Highly favored, anointed
    Filled with Your power
    For the glory of Jesus' name
    (repeat)

    And should this life bring suffering
    Lord, I will remember
    What Calvary has bought for me
    Both now and forever

    Chorus

    I am blessed, I am called
    I am healed, I am whole
    I am saved in Jesus' name
    Highly favored, anointed
    Filled with Your power
    For the glory of Jesus' name

    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!

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.

  • The next coffee hour will take place on 2/8. Until then, the Cafeteria is open each week until 3pm.

  • The gym is temporarily closed to organized activities. If you are interested in reserving it for future activities, please email office@citylifeboston.org.

  • Let’s take care of all public spaces as loving witnesses to the community, and give grace to ourselves and each other while we adjust to our new home.

Catechesis

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. The class will take place on 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22 from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. in the JQES cafeteria. Click here to learn more and register.

Community

Please join us for a Congregational Meeting in the JQES auditorium on January 25th 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 if you would like to participate via livestream

2026 Ministry Fair. You're invited to join us for Citylife's annual ministry fair, where you can learn about the many ministry opportunities and needs within the life of our church. Taking place on 2/15 in the JQES cafeteria immediately after the 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..

Membership and Baptism at Citylife. The Winter-Spring Membership Class will begin next month! If you are interested in being baptized and/or joining as a member of Citylife, we invite you to learn more about our vision, beliefs, and practice as a church. The two-part membership class takes place on 2/1 and 2/8 at 1:00 p.m. at JQES. Click HERE to register.

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 infant baptisms will take place on 2/8, 5/10, 6/14, and 10/11 of this year. For questions, please email office@citylifeboston.org.

Justice & Mercy

Registration for the 2026 Healing Cohort cycle closes this Tuesday 1/20! Please sign-up 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

Current and prospective volunteers in Kids and Youth ministry are invited to join Cecily in the cafeteria after church today after service in the cafeteria for a meal and review of our updated volunteer handbook for JQES.

The next Youth Sunday School is 1/25, and the next Saturday Youth Group is 1/31. 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.

University Ministry

Citylife is one church made up of college students from multiple campuses across our city. We gather monthly at City Night Fellowship to develop meaningful relationships with students across campuses. Invite your friends and join us for our next monthly large group gathering this Thursday 1/22 at Ruggles Baptist Church. Contact tyler@citylifeboston.org for more information.