Sunday Worship - September 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*
LEADER: The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;
PEOPLE: For he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
LEADER: Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
ALL: Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
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CCLI License No. 7161130
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CCLI License No. 4903820
Corporate Confession
ALL: Righteous Father, we who own more than we use, proclaim more than we experience, and request more than we need, come asking your forgiveness. We seek your salvation, then act like we save ourselves. We beg your forgiveness, then repeat our errors. We experience your grace, then act defeated. We rely on your power, but only in hard times. We have become confused and misguided. Forgive our every defection. Bring us to an unbroken commitment and a steady trust, through Jesus Christ, who is the way of hope, the truth of God, and the life of love, now and always. Amen.
Personal Confession
Receiving of Grace
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
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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CCLI License No. 4903820
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.
Kindergarten Bible Presentation
Adrian Hong
Calvin Paik
Quincy Paik
Jayden Pyo
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*
1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. 7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
Psalm 32: 1-7, ESV
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:5-9, ESV
READER: This is the Word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
“Honesty”
Sermon Series: People Values
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.
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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!
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.
Sunday Service will be back in Liberty Hall next Sunday 2/16.
Serve at Citylife
Ministry Fair on 2/16. This year's Ministry Fair is on 2/16 immediately after service. We look forward to introducing each of you to the many ministry opportunities and needs within the life of our church. This is an opportunity to discover ways that you can serve the Lord and your brothers and sisters in our community. Please reach out to diaconate@citylifeboston.org with any questions.
Community
Save-the-date for a worship and prayer night at Ruggles on Ash Wednesday 3/5. More details to come.
Women's Intergenerational Prayer Triads. The Women's Lay Ministry team is excited to launch a new cohort of Intergenerational Prayer Triads! This cohort will meet from the beginning of March through the end of May, and we recommend meeting about every 2 weeks, whether virtually and/or in-person, so that you may develop and experience deeper conversations over the 3-month period. Register HERE by Tuesday, February 17th and let us know if you will be continuing your triad from the fall.
2025 Church Retreat. Registration for the spring retreat ends on 2/19, in 10 days. The retreat will take place March 28 - 30, 2025 in Plymouth, MA. The theme is "Whole Hearted: A Blueprint for Renewal" and will feature guest speaker Jonathan Kerhoulas, Lead Pastor for Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Diego, and former Citylife Pastor. We hope you'll consider joining the Citylife family - including families, college students, youth, and kids - as we gather for a weekend of rest, fellowship, and reflection. REGISTER here.
Scholarships are available! Contact office@citylifeboston.org for details. We are also looking to fill a few remaining spots for childcare, please contact cecily@citylifeboston.org.
Church Membership. What does it mean to belong as a member of the local church? Would you like to learn more about Citylife's vision, beliefs, and practice as a church? Have you been considering baptism? Join us TODAY at 1:30 p.m. for the first in a series of two membership classes, and on 2/12 over zoom (7:30 - 9 pm). Both sessions are required for membership as they are a two-part series. Register HERE.
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 2/13 at Ruggles Baptist Church. Click HERE for more info.
Kids & Youth
Next Saturday Youth Group meets: 2/15
Next Youth Sunday School meets: 2/23
Justice & Mercy
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.