Sunday Worship - September 20
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: God invites us into his healing presence with these words: “I am the Lord, who heals you.”
People: Diseased, depressed, dysfunctional, defeated,
we come hungering for health that only God can provide.
Minister: God calls us to bring open eyes, hearing ears,
and tender hearts turned toward him, the Great Physician.
All: We bow before him in faith and expectancy!
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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
Gracious God, you have given us the law of Moses and the teachings of Jesus to direct us in the way of life. You offer us your Holy Spirit so that we can be born to new life as your children. Yet, O God, we confess that the ways of death have a strong attraction and that we often succumb to their lure. Give us the vision and courage to choose and nurture life, that we may receive your blessing. Amen.
Personal Confession
Receiving of Grace
God the Creator brings you new life, forgives and redeems you. Take hold of this forgiveness, and live your life in the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
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*
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:13-16 ESV
READER: This is the Word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Discipleship and Children”
Sermon Series: More Like Jesus
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. We’re so glad you’ve joined us today! Citylife 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
The next Community Meals are August 22nd and 23rd. Community Meals are casual potlucks where you have the chance to meet people you might not otherwise cross paths with. There will be a brunch and dinner option; people will sign up ahead of time and be randomly assigned a location. Sign ups close on August 16th! Sign up Calling all volunteers in Kids and Youth Ministry! Please join Cecily for a pool party in appreciation for your teaching and care of our children and youth. We will meet at Pauline's house on Saturday, August 22 from 2:30-whenever you want to go home! Bring your families and a small snack to share. Calling all volunteers in Kids and Youth Ministry! Please join Cecily for a pool party in appreciation for your teaching and care of our children and youth. We will meet at Pauline's house on Saturday, August 22 from 2:30-whenever you want to go home! Bring your families and a small snack to share. .
Citylife’s Annual Leadership Summit is 9/5. Citylife officers, staff, and lay leaders of various teams, committees, cohorts, and community groups are invited to participate in our annual church-wide Leadership Summit and Luncheon on Saturday, 9/5/26 at Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Cambridge. The summit will take place 9:00 - 1:00 with lunch included. Christ the King's address is 99 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA. Please RSVP here. If you are a regular, committed volunteer in any space in the life of our church, please join us!
Ministry Opportunities
Do you feel led to become more involved in the life of our church? Check out these ministry volunteer opportunities. Join us as we use our unique personal gifts in worship to God and in service to each other and our neighbors!
Help us serve Josiah Quincy Elementary Students! Let’s support the JQES nurses and social workers by organizing, re-stocking, and maintaining the clothing closet that serves under-resourced students at Josiah Quincy. This is an opportunity for us to serve and bless the community in which we sit. If you'd like to be part of the team leading this effort, or are interested in signing up to help on Sundays, please contact Nam Hee at namhee@citylifeboston.org
Volunteer at the Fall Retreat for University Students. This year, University Students will be going on a Fall Retreat October 9-11 to Camp Spofford in New Hampshire to get away from the pace of the City, slow down, and enjoy a weekend of worship, fellowship, and reflection. We're looking for volunteers to help facilitate small group discussions, assist with Audio/Visual needs, and head up group activities for students; if you are interested in serving we will be having a meeting on September 6th to cover the schedule, expectations, and plan. Please register on Church Center.
Kids & Youth
Kids and Youth Volunteer Appreciation. Do you serve in the Kids and Youth Ministry? If so, please join Cecily for a pool party in appreciation for your teaching and care of our children and youth. We will meet at Pauline's house on Saturday, August 22 from 2:30-whenever you want to go home! Bring your families and a small snack to share. RSVP here!
Youth Group Annual Pool Party. Citylife families with teenagers entering 6th-12th grade are welcome to join us for our final summer gathering at Pauline's house. We'll enjoy a late night movie viewing in the pool on Wednesday, August 26th, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Come prepared to swim and share a side dish for a dinner together. RSVP here and nominate a movie here.
Saturday Youth Group is paused for the summer. During the academic year, Saturday Youth Group meets at Ruggles Baptist Church every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 6:30-8:30. Youth Sunday School meets year-round at Josiah Quincy Elementary School (JQES) every 2nd & 4th Sunday from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
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.
Community
The Gym and Playground are 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 Sunday - free play
2nd Sunday - Badminton(organizers: Jimmy He and Dany Gould)
3rd Sunday - Basketball (organizers: Eugene Xi and Insoo Kang)
4th Sunday - Pickleball
If you’re 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 exit before 3:15, return equipment to its proper storage space, and refrain from using ping-pong tables. Please note that if you park at Tufts Medical Center, your validation period ends at 3:00 p.m.