Sunday Worship - January 19
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: There is none like you, O Lord,
PEOPLE: nor are there any works like yours.
LEADER: All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.
ALL: For you are great and do wondrous things, you alone are God.
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Dustin Kensrue
Should nothing of our efforts stand
No legacy survive
Unless the Lord does raise the house
In vain its builders strive
To you who boast tomorrow’s gain
Tell me what is your life
A mist that vanishes at dawn
All glory be to Christ
Chorus
All glory be to Christ our King
All glory be to Christ
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing
All glory be to Christ
His will be done, His kingdom come
On earth as is above
Who is Himself our daily bread
Praise Him, the Lord of love
Let living water satisfy
The thirsty without price
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
All glory be to Christ
Chorus
When on the day the great I Am
The faithful and the true
The Lamb who was for sinners slain
Is making all things new
Behold our God shall live with us
And be our steadfast light
And we shall e'er his people be
All glory be to Christ
Chorus—
CCLI License No. 7161130
-
Matt Papa, Matt Boswell
Christ the sure and steady anchor
In the fury of the storm
When the winds of doubt blow through me
And my sails have all been torn
In the suffering, in the sorrow
When my sinking hopes are few
I will hold fast to the anchor
It shall never be removed
Christ the sure and steady anchor
While the tempest rages on
When temptation claims the battle
And it seems the night has won
Deeper still then goes the anchor
Though I justly stand accused
I will hold fast to the anchor
It shall never be removedChrist the sure and steady anchor
Through the floods of unbelief
Hopeless, somehow, O my soul now
Lift your eyes to Calvary
This my ballast of assurance
See His love forever proved
I will hold fast to the anchor
It shall never be removedChrist the sure and steady anchor
As we face the wave of death
When these trials give way to glory
And we draw our final breath
We will cross that great horizon
Clouds behind and life secured
And the calm will be the better
For the storms that we enduredChrist the shore of our salvation
Ever faithful ever true
We will hold fast to the anchor
It shall never be removed—
CCLI License No. 4903820
Corporate Confession
Almighty and merciful God, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare those who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to the world in Christ Jesus, our Lord. And grant, O merciful God, for his sake, that we may live a holy, just, and humble life to the glory of your holy name. 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.
-
Chris Davenport, 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
Chorus
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
Chorus
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
Bridge (x2)
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. 7161130
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*
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.
48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them,
49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out,
50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,
52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
Mark 6:45-52, ESV
READER: This is the Word of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
“Walking on Water”
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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George Romanacce, Kevin Winebarger, Nathan Stiff, Nic Trout
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Turn your eyes to the hillside
Where justice and mercy embraced
There the Son of God gave His life for us
And our measureless debt was erased
Chorus
Jesus, to You we lift our eyes
Jesus, our glory and our prize
We adore You, behold You
Our Savior ever true
Oh Jesus, we turn our eyes to You
Turn your eyes to the morning
And see Christ the lion awake
What a glorious dawn, fear of death is gone
For we carry His life in our veins
Chorus
Turn your eyes to the heavens
Our King will return for his own
Every knee will bow
Every tongue will shout
"All glory to Jesus alone!"
Chorus
—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.
Community
Community Meals are coming up on February 8th and 9th. 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 2/2! Sign up HERE.
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.
2025 Church Retreat. Citylife's Churchwide Spring Retreat registration is live! The retreat will take place March 28 - 30, 2025 in Plymouth, MA. The retreat 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. This is Citylife's first overnight spring retreat in seven years, and we hope you'll consider joining us as we gather for a weekend of rest, fellowship, and reflection. All registrations received before 1/19 will be entered into a drawing to win Citylife merch! Register HERE.
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? Join us at our next membership classes on 2/9 in-person (1 - 3:00 pm) 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
City Night Fellowship on 1/19. Citylife is one church made up of college students from multiple campuses across our city. We gather monthly at City Night Fellowship to expand our social circle, eat some food, and learn a little about following Jesus together. Invite your friends and join us for our first Spring Semester dinner gathering this Thursday 1/19 at Ruggles Baptist Church. Click HERE for more info.
Kids & Youth
Youth Ministry Volunteer Outing. Youth Ministry Volunteers have the most fun! Join us for a team outing to The Escape Game in Dedham! We want to celebrate what God is doing in our Youth Ministry and honor your good and hard work with our teenagers. Time TBD. RSVP HERE.
Kids Ministry Volunteer Brunch. Let's take time to celebrate all that God has done and is continuing to do in our Kids Ministry! Cecily would like to provide a space for rest, fellowship, and joy with you all Saturday, 1/18, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ruggles Baptist Church. Register HERE.
Next Youth Sunday School meets: 1/26.
Next Saturday Youth Group meets: 2/1.
Justice & Mercy
Somerville Homeless Coalition: Volunteers needed for Sat 2/1! Every first Saturday of the month, Citylife volunteers drop off dinner for the 16 residents of the adult shelter. Sign-up slots are open for 2025!
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.