Cutting Room Floor - 3.16.14

Often there are a lot of footnotes, quotes, links, and illustrations that go into worship and a message on Sunday mornings. Some of those items make it, others don't. The cutting room floor includes a little bit of everything. Here is a sampling from this past's week's message entitled: "Unending Mercy" from Psalm 123. You can download the sermon here: City Church iTunes Podcast.

Summary: God sends His mercy to free us from oppression.

Baltimore Fishbowl wrote an article on oppressive conditions in specific Baltimore neighborhood: FISHBOWL.

Here is the full lyric to Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners!

1. Jesus! what a Friend for sinners! Jesus, lover of my soul; friends may fail me, foes assail me, he, my Savior, makes me whole.

2. Jesus! what a strength in weakness! Let me hid myself in him; tempted, tried, and sometimes failing, he, my strength, my vict'ry wins.

3. Jesus! what a help in sorrow! While the billows o'er me roll, even when my heart is breaking, he, my comfort, helps my soul.

4. Jesus! what a guide and keeper! While the tempest still is high, storms about me, night o'er takes me, he my pilot, hears my cry.

5. Jesus! I do now receive him, more than all in him I find; he hath granted me forgiveness, I am his, and he is mine.

Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, he is with me to the end.

Cutting Room Floor - 3.9.14

Often there are lots of footnotes, quotes, links, and illustrations that go into worship and a message on Sunday mornings. Some of those items make it, others don't. The cutting room floor includes a little bit of everything. Here is a sampling from this past week's message entitled: "Songs for the Road" from Psalm 120 and 121. You can download the sermon here: City Church iTunes Podcast.

Summary: The Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134) are ancient "Songs for the Road." They were sung on the journey as God's people approached Jerusalem for yearly worship festivals. They express powerfully both the joys and the pains of life. They a gritty, raw, and beautiful, describing what this journey of faith is all about.

Baltimore Magazine archived the Baltimore Colts departure 30 years ago this month: COLT FOLLOWING

If you want to read more about the Psalms of Ascent, I recommend these books:

The first is "Journey to Joy" by Josh Moody. I've met Josh and heard his teaching on the Psalms of Ascent. He is the pastor of College Church in Chicago and is a great communicator.

The second is "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" by Eugene Peterson. Peterson is best known for his MESSAGE translation of the Bible. He was also a pastor in Maryland for many years.

A Lenten Journey

 

In its simplest form, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation. It has been a practice of the church for centuries across many denominational backgrounds. This forty day season begins with Ash Wednesday and concludes with the celebration of Easter Sunday.

We invite you to journey with us during this season of preparation and reflection as we commit to reflect on the Gospel of Christ. The attached guide is designed to help you walk through this season of reflection and it is designed to be used in community. Consider joining one of our community groups throughout the season of Lent.

Throughout history, Christians have recognized Lent by “giving up” something. We are not asking you to give something up, simply to make the time to pray, read, gather, and worship. The catch is that it will require time, which may inadvertently require giving something up. Time is a precious commodity. We understand that. But we also know time spent journeying through prayer and reflection will be time well spent with the Father.

Lenten Guide 2014

A favorite in our City Kid's program is the "Jesus Storybook Bible" by Sally Lloyd Jones. Here is a Lenten Guide for you and your family to use that walks you through the "Jesus Storybook Bible" from Creation to Resurrection. Your kids will love it and you will find yourself caught up in the story, too. You can find digital copies of the "Jesus Storybook Bible" online for your iPad or Kindle.

Lenten Kid's Guide 2014

The Cutting Room Floor - 2.16.14

Often there are lots of footnotes, quotes, links, and illustrations that go into worship and a message on Sunday mornings. Some of those items make it and others don't. The cutting room floor includes a little bit of everything. Here is a sampling from this week's message entitled: "The Substance of the Mission" from Acts 1:6-12.

You can download the sermon here: City Church iTunes PodCast.

Summary: God gives His people a substantial mission. Acts 1 tells us of the nature of the mission, the extent of the mission, the carriers of the mission, and the object of the mission. Ultimately, the mission is not about what you do, but about who you know.

Extent of the Mission

Check out "The Blog Post That Exploded: Baltimore and Broken Hearts" for an account of the recently viral Baltimore blogs. Make sure to read "Baltimore, You're Breaking My Car."

We referenced Antero Pietila's comments on the neighborhood divisions that exist in Baltimore. His book "Not in My Neighborhood" is an excellent resource on understanding the real estate practices that led to the current make-up of Baltimore City neighborhoods.

Carriers of the Mission

Here's a quote written in the 2nd century by church father Athenagorus about the carriers of the mission:

“Among us you will find uneducated persons and artisans and old women, who, if they are unable to prove the benefits of doctrine, yet by their deeds they exhibit the benefits arising from their persuasion of its truth. They do not practice great speeches, but they exhibit good works. When struck, they do not strike back. When robbed, they do not go to law. They give to those who ask of them. And they love their neighbors as themselves." 

Object of the Mission

Here are photos from the Baltimore Sun's Darkroom on the Great Fire of Baltimore, 1904.

Summer Worship Gathering - 6.16.13

Have you ever been confronted with a situation that seems impossible? For whatever reason, you simply cannot see the situation resolving itself. At times, all of us are confronted with seemingly impossible circumstances. But, what if we believed that God was behind those circumstances, quietly arranging life to shape us? Join us this Sunday morning at 10:00 AM as we explore God's movement in the most unlikely places. We'll be gathering at the Fourier Hall (Room #103) at the Notre Dame of Maryland University (4701 N. Charles Street, 21210). The Fourier Hall is located at the corner of Homeland Avenue and N. Charles Street. Childcare and ample parking are available. All are welcome!

Barclay Youth Safe Haven - July 24-26

The Barclay Youth Safe Haven is an initiative spearheaded by the Greater Homewood Community Corporation aimed at providing mentorship to elementary students at the Dallas F. Nicholas Sr. Elementary School. Volunteers will assist in the summer program that is provided for students in the Barclay neighborhood. Opportunities to volunteer are from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on July 24, 25, and 26. For more information or to register for this project simply contact us.

Our Daily Bread - Friday, July 5

City Church will be serving with Our Daily Bread on Friday, July 5th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Our Daily Bread is an initiative of Catholic Charities and serves the homeless community of downtown Baltimore. Volunteers will be responsible for preparing and serving the meal. This opportunity is open to volunteers ages 15 and older. For more information or to register for this project contact us. The deadline to register is Wednesday, July 3.

Sermons: Round One

Summer Worship Gathering - Sunday, July 28; 10:00 AM

Join us for our summer worship gatherings. The service will be held at the Fourier Hall (Rm #103) at the Notre Dame of Maryland University. Childcare and a kid's program will be available. Directions: Fourier Hall is located at the corner of Charles Street and Homeland Avenue in North Baltimore (4701 N. Charles Street, 21210). All are welcome to come and experience this new community of faith.

Summer Worship Gathering - Sunday, July 7; 10:00 AM

Join us for our summer worship gatherings. The service will be held at the Fourier Hall (Rm #103) at the Notre Dame of Maryland University. Childcare and a kid's program will be available. Directions: Fourier Hall is located at the corner of Charles Street and Homeland Avenue in North Baltimore (4701 N. Charles Street, 2121o). All are welcome to come and experience this new community of faith.

Summer Worship Gathering - Sunday, June 16; 10:00 AM

Join us for our summer worship gatherings. The service will be held at the Fourier Hall (Rm #103) at the Notre Dame of Maryland University. Childcare and a kid's program will be available. Directions: Fourier Hall is located at the corner of Charles Street and Homeland Avenue in North Baltimore (4701 N. Charles Street, 21210). All are welcome to come and experience this new community of faith.

When Helping Hurts Seminar - Saturday, May 18: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

When Helping Hurts Seminar - Saturday, May 18: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM - A number of Baltimore churches have gathered together to sponsor this conference on this most important topic. Many have sought to help the poor but, in the end, have caused more damage than they have helped. Come hear from leading Community Development experts on how to best care for the communities of Baltimore City. For more information, or to register, visit this link: When Helping Hurts.

Summer Worship Gathering - Sunday, May 12; 10:00 AM

 Join us for our summer worship gatherings. The service will be held at the Fourier Hall (Rm #103) at the Notre Dame of Maryland University. Childcare and a kid's program will be available. Directions: Fourier Hall is located at the corner of Charles Street and Homeland Avenue in North Baltimore (4701 N. Charles Street, 21210). All are welcome to come and experience this new community of faith.

Power in Dirt” Project – Saturday, April 20; 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Power in Dirt” is a city-wide initiative to transform vacant and abandoned lots into beautiful community-friendly spaces. Join with hundreds of volunteers as they serve during the Mayor’s Spring Clean-Up day. The lot we’ll help transform is in the Pen Lucy community (3925 Frisby Street) of North Baltimore and actively maintained by the Pen Lucy Action Network. Follow this link for more information and to volunteer for the work day: Volunteer! Volunteers are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch and garden gloves. All volunteers will meet at 3925 Frisby Street.