Sunday Worship - July 28
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: People of God, worship the living God today!
PEOPLE: Remember that out of nothing God created the heavens and earth.
LEADER: Remember that God raised Jesus from the powerlessness of death to the power of his right hand.
PEOPLE: Remember that not even the gates of hell can stand against God’s purposes.
ALL: Behold your God, who reigns now and forever!
-
Rejoice
Stuart Townend, Dustin KensrueVerse 1
Come and stand before your Maker
Full of wonder, full of fear
Come behold His power and glory
Yet with confidence draw near
For the One who holds the heavens
And commands the stars above
Is the God who bends to bless us
With an unrelenting loveChorus 1
Rejoice!
Come and lift your hands and raise your voice
He is worthy of all praise
Rejoice!
Sing the mercies of your King
And with trembling, rejoiceVerse 2
We are children of the promise
The beloved of the Lord
Won with everlasting kindness
Bought with sacrificial blood
Bringing reconciliation
To a world that longs to know
The affections of a Father
Who will never let them goChorus 1
Verse 3
All our sickness, all our sorrows
Jesus carried up the hill
He has walked this path before us
He is walking with us still
Turning tragedy to triumph
Turning agony to praise
There is blessing in the battle
So take heart and stand amazedChorus 2
Rejoice!
When you cry to Him, He hears your voice
He will wipe away your tears
Rejoice!
In the midst of suffering
He will help you singChorus 1
Rejoice!
Come and lift your hands and raise your voice
He is worthy of all praise
Rejoice!
Sing the mercies of your King
And with trembling, rejoice—
CCLI License No. 7161130
-
Edward Mote, Eric Liljero, Jonas Myrin, Reuben Morgan
Verse 1
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus' NameChorus
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of allVerse 2
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veilChorus
Verse 3
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless stand before the throneChorus
Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock, I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand—
CCLI License No. 4903820
Corporate Confession
ALL: 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.
-
Matt Boswell, Matt Papa
Chorus
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, His mercy is moreVerse 1
What 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
Verse 2
What 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
Verse 3
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
—
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.
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*
[INSERT SCRIPTURE PASSAGE]
Psalm 16, ESV
READER: This is the Word of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
“A Present Refuge for the Storms of this Life”
[Sermon Series Title]
Rev. Curtis Cook
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.
-
Ada Ruth Habershon, Matthew Merker
Verse 1
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 fastChorus
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fastVerse 2
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 fastChorus
Verse 3
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 lastChorus
—
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
ConnecCitylife 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.