Sunday Worship - June 29

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: Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

PEOPLE: Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

LEADER: Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.

PEOPLE: Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.

LEADER: Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion.

ALL: Praise the LORD, O my soul.

  • by Stuart Wesley Keene Hine

    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 Jesse Reeves, Matt Maher, Christy Nockels, and Daniel Carson

    Lord, I come, I confess
    Bowing here I find my rest
    Without You I fall apart
    You're the One that guides my heart

    Chorus
    Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
    Every hour I need You
    My one defense, my righteousness
    Oh God, how I need You

    Where sin runs deep,
    Your grace is more
    Where grace is found is where You are
    And where You are, Lord, I am free
    Holiness is Christ in me

    Chorus

    Bridge
    Teach my song to rise to You
    When temptation comes my way
    And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
    Jesus, You're my hope and stay

    Chorus

    You're my one defense, my righteousness
    Oh God, how I need You
    My one defense, my righteousness
    Oh God, how I need You

    CCLI License No. 2051446

Corporate Confession

Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ, the light of the world. 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.

  • by Ada Ruth Habershon and Matthew Merker

    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

    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

    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 (x2)

    CCLI License No. 2051446

Stories of Grace: Justice and Mercy

Charlotte Crane

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*

12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Mark 14:22-25 ESV

READER: This is the Word of the Lord.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

“Hungry for Grace”

Sermon Series: More Like Jesus

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 Chris Davenport and Benjamin Hastings

    I take the bread of life broken for all my sin
    Your body crucified to make me whole again

    I will recall the cup poured out in sacrifice
    To trade this sinner’s end for Your new covenant

    Hallelujah I’ll live my life in remembrance
    Hallelujah Your promise I won’t forget

    I’ll walk salvation’s road with fear and trembling
    Your way born as my own as Christ is formed in me

    Hallelujah I’ll live my life in remembrance
    Hallelujah Your promise I won’t forget

    If ever I should lose my way if ever I deny Your grace
    Remind me of the price You paid
    Hallelujah I’ll live in remembrance

    You’ve been so good to me
    You’ve been so good to me
    Oh to think where I would be
    If not for You if not for You

    As far as heights reach from the depths
    As far as east is from the west
    So far Your grace has carried me

    Until I see You face to face
    until at last I’ve won my race
    Remind me You’re not finished yet

    Hallelujah
    Hallelujah
    Hallelujah I’ll live in remembrance

    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.

Citylife Ministries

All members and attendees are invited to the Congregational Meeting TODAY immediately after service, from 12:15 - 1:30 p.m in Liberty Hall. The meeting will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Please email media@citylifeboston.org to request a link.

Citylife’s Ops Ministry, which is part of the Worship ministry, and is looking to recruit more volunteers. If you are interested sound production and setup, or just want to help out on Sundays, please reach out to Sam at samjclee@citylifeboston.org.

Community

Men's and Women's Ministry Lunches happen every first Sunday of the month after service. These lunches are open for anyone to attend and are great opportunities to build relationships and learn how to get involved. If weather allows we will picnic in the Public Garden! Feel free to bring your own blanket and lunch or pick up local takeout and meet us there. Please join us next Sunday, 7/6 at 12:30pm. We will meet at the welcome table. Children are welcome!

Volunteer for the 4th of July Picnic! Citylife's annual July 4th picnic will be at Larz Anderson Park in Brookline. Invite your friends and neighbors! Volunteer signup is now available. Please sign up to bring food, drinks, and equipment as well as volunteer for various shifts on the day of. Reach out to Avis (avis@citylifeboston.org) and Karen (karen@citylifeboston.org) if you have any questions.

Mens Ministry Camping Weekend. Citylife Men, we’re excited to invite you to our very first Men’s Ministry Camping Weekend! Join us 7/11-13 in Andover at Loraine Campground in Harold Parker State Forest for a time of rest, connection, and fellowship with other fathers, brothers, and sons from our church family. Register here.

University Ministry

Summer University Ministry. If you are a student staying in Boston through the Summer, we would love to get connected with you. We gather each Wednesday at Northeastern University (Centennial Common) at 6pm to explore how Jesus taught us to pray. Please sign up via the link in the newsletter or contact Tyler (tyler@citylifeboston.org) to let us know you're coming!

Kids & Youth

Next Youth Sunday School meets: 7/13

Saturday Youth Group at Ruggles is paused for the summer and will resume in September. Please check the Family Ministry Newsletter for updates on summer youth group events!

Justice & Mercy

Thank you to those who attended the 6/22 Justice & Mercy in the City discussion! An edited version of the slides is available HERE. Please note that some QR codes shared during the meeting may no longer work, but can be found in this version. If you would like to be on the Justice & Mercy email list, or missed the session and would attend if we held it a second time, please use this form or email Nam Hee.

Support a Citylife Foster Family. A big thank you to all who have pitched in to wrap around the Van Meerbeke family as they welcome 2 more foster kiddos! They received a HUGE Amazon shipment recently and are so grateful for the support from our community! Please continue to sign up for their meal train and pick up the last few things on their Amazon registry. Contact Laura, Andrew, or Nam Hee (namhee@citylifeboston.org) to volunteer to help with childcare (background check required).

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.