Sunday Worship - October 5
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: Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
PEOPLE: Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
LEADER: Lift up your heads, O you gates;
PEOPLE: Lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
LEADER: Who is he, this King of glory?
ALL: The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory.
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by Ben Shive and Andrew Peterson
Do you feel the world is broken? (We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do)
But do you know that all the dark
Won't stop the light from getting through? (We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do)Is all creation groaning? (It is)
Is a new creation coming? (It is)
Is the glory of the Lord
To be the light within our midst? (It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? (It is)Chorus 1
Is anyone worthy, is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David's Root
And the Lamb who died to ransom the slaveIs He wor - thy?
Is He wor - thy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He wor - thy of this?
He is!Does the Father truly love us? (He does)
Does the Spirit move among us? (He does)
And does Jesus our Messiah
Hold forever those He loves? (He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)Chorus 1
From ev'ry people and tribe
Every nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests
To God to reign with the Son
Is He wor - thy?
Is He wor - thy?
Of all blessing and honor and gloryIs He wor - thy?
Is He wor - thy?
Is He wor - thy of this?
He is!CCLI License No. 2051446
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by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
Praise the Lord
His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, his mercy is moreWhat love could remember
No wrongs we have done
Omniscient all knowing
He counts not their sum
Thrown into a sea
Without bottom or shore
Our sins they are many
His mercy is moreChorus
Praise the Lord
His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, his mercy is moreWhat patience would wait
As we constantly roam
What Father so tender
Is calling us home
He welcomes the weakest
The vilest the poor
Our sins they are many
His mercy is moreChorus
What riches of kindness he lavished on us
His blood was the payment
His life was the cost
We stood 'neath a debt
We could never afford
Our sins they are many
His mercy is moreChorus
Our sins they are many, his mercy is more
—
CCLI License No. 2051446
Corporate Confession
Most gracious and most merciful God, we confess to you and to one another that time after time we have entered your presence with countless prayers but with hearts that have been closed to your grace. We have lifted our hands to you in praise, but our feet have still walked in the ways of evil. We have rehearsed your commandments but have refused to see your face in the needs of our neighbor. We pray, Lord, that you forgive our lack of faith and pardon our acts of injustice. Grant us the healing that comes from your presence and the cleansing of your all-powerful Word, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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.
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by Rich Thompson, Jonny Robinson
Your will be done, my God and Father
As in Heaven, so on earth
My heart is drawn to self exalting
Help me seek Your kingdom first
As Jesus walked, so I shall walk
Held by Your same unchanging love
Be still my soul, oh, lift your voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done
How in the garden He persisted
I may never fully know
The fearful weight of true obedience
It was held by Him alone
What wondrous faith, to bear that cross
To bear my sin, what wondrous love
My hope was sure when there my Savior prayed
Father not my will but Yours be done
When I am lost, when I am broken
In the night of fear and doubt
Still I will trust in my good Father
Yes, to one great King I bow
As Jesus rose, so I shall rise
In ransomed glory at the throne
My heart restored, with all Your saints I sing
Father not my will but Yours be done
As we go forth, our God and Father
Lead us daily in the fight
That all the world might see Your glory
And Your Name be lifted high
And in this Name we overcome
For You shall see us safely home
Now as Your church, we lift our voice and pray
Father not my will but Yours be done—
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*
1 Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, 2 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, 3 in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, 4 while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. 5 And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king's palace.
0 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown,[b] in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at. 12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him.
16 Then Memucan said in the presence of the king and the officials, “Not only against the king has Queen Vashti done wrong, but also against all the officials and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. 17 For the queen's behavior will be made known to all women, causing them to look at their husbands with contempt,[c] since they will say, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.’ 18 This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen's behavior will say the same to all the king's officials, and there will be contempt and wrath in plenty. 19 If it please the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be repealed, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she.
Esther 1:1-5, 10-12, 16-19 ESV
READER: This is the Word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
“God in the Unknown”
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 Joseph Hart and Douglas Smith
Come ye sinners, poor and needy
Weak and wounded, sick and sore
Jesus ready stands to save you
Full of pity, love, and powerChorus
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
O there are ten thousand charmsCome ye thirsty, come and welcome
God’s free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nighCome ye weary, heavy-laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry until you’re better
You will never come at allChorus
Feel Him prostrate in the garden
On the ground your Maker lies
On the bloody tree behold Him
Sinner, will this not suffice?Lo! Incarnate God ascended
Pleads the merit of His blood
Venture on Him, venture wholly
Let no other trust intrudeChorus
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
Oh, there are ten thousand charms—
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.
Community
Men’s Ministry Fall BBQ on 10/18. Come join us as we kick off the fall with great food and fellowship! The Men’s Ministry is hosting a BBQ — an opportunity to meet and connect with men in the church, enjoy good food, and hear more about what’s coming up this year. Invite a friend and don’t miss it! Register HERE by 10/14.
Men’s and Women’s Lunch TODAY. Men's and Women's ministry facilitate lunches 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. Weather permitting, we will picnic in the Public Garden across from the Charles St and Boylston St intersection. Please join us TODAY 10/5 at 12:30pm. We will meet at the Welcome Table and walk over the Public Garden together. Feel free to pick up food and meet us there! Children are welcome!
Registration for Fall Membership Class is now open! 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 next two-part membership class begins TODAY, taking place in person on 10/5 and 10/12 at 1:00 p.m. Register here.
Join us for a gathering of Worship and Prayer this Wednesday 10/8 from 7:30-9:00 PM at Ruggles Baptist Church. This will be a chance for us to come together as a church community to worship and pray together on a weeknight.
SAVE THE DATE! Please join us for our Church-Wide Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch! Saturday, November, 8, 11:00 - 2:00 p.m. in Cambridge. On this special day, our entire church will gather together for one large community feast - where we bring delicious dishes to share with one another and set the table for our neighbors to experience our life together as a church community. More info HERE. Sign-up sheet to come!
Serve at Citylife
Support the Fall University Ministry Retreat. Our University Ministry (UM) is hoping to raise $3,500 for scholarships so that college students can attend the October retreat and find community, hear the gospel, and seek after God with other students. We're hoping to lower the cost for volunteers and 20 freshmen, and offer needs-based financial aid to returning students. If you'd like to contribute to scholarships and financial aid, please click here and select "University Retreat Scholarship Fund" from the drop-down box. University Ministry is also recruiting volunteers to attend the retreat at a discounted rate! Please email tyler@citylifeboston.org if interested.
University Ministry
All University students are invited to our 2025 Fall Retreat to Camp Spofford in New Hampshire. Join us for a weekend to get away from the pace of the city, slow down, and enjoy worship, fellowship, and reflection. Retreat registration fees are subsidized: general registration is $125 per student. A limited number of registrations are available for freshmen at $25. Financial aid is also available to sophmores and above based on need and availability. Click here to register ASAP
Kids & Youth
Parents, please fill our our annual Liability Form for you child(ren) TODAY to keep your child updated in our system. Thank you. Please email cecily@citylifeboston.org with any questions.
Next Saturday Youth Group meets: 10/4
Next Youth Sunday School meets: 10/12
Justice & Mercy
Get involved in Justice and Mercy Ministries! An important part of Citylife's vision is to be for the flourishing of Boston and our neighbors. Will you join us? If you would like to be more involved in the ways Citylife serves the most vulnerable in our communities, please fill out this form. Please make sure each CG is represented!
For more info, find this event on our website HERE or email Nam Hee.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.