December 12 Worship Service Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, FL

Order of Worship - December 12, 2021 – 10 a.m.

3rd Sunday of Advent

Rev. Megan McMillan

Prelude: “Creator of the Stars of Night” (Advent hymn 84), Raymond H. Haan (b. 1938) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ

Welcome and Announcements - Rev. Ginny Ellis    

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis  

The Lord, your God, is in your midst.

Let us sing out loud and shout our praises!

God rejoices over you with gladness and renews you with love.

We will rejoice with all our hearts at what the Lord has done!

With joy, draw water from the well of salvation in this time of worship.

God is our salvation; we will trust and have no fear.

Hymn #132: “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” IN DULCI JUBILO

Advent Candle Lighting/Reading (Candle of Joy) - April & Brad Hussung

This third week of Advent we light the Candle of Joy, the candle that is often rose or pink instead of violet.  The scriptures of this third week speak of Joy and offer a lightening of the traditional mood of penitence in Advent. Today we lift up the passage from Philippians 4: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say: rejoice! Be gentle to all: the Lord is near.        

Three candles are lit, including the rose candle.

Prayer: Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you.  Now prepare the world for your rule.  Come quickly to save us so that wars and violence shall end and your children may live in peace and that we may serve you with joy, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Passing of the Peace

Response: Glory to God # 583 (sung twice)

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

Prayer for Illumination - Fran Sims

First Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20 - Fran Sims

Second Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 - Fran Sims

Praise Song: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” - Performed by FPC Praise Band 

Sermon Scripture: Luke 3:7-18 - Rev. Megan McMillan

Sermon: “Choose Joy” - Rev. Megan McMillan

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Fran Sims

Offertory Anthem: “Angels from the Realms of Glory” arr. Dan Forrest - Performed by Chancel Choir; Jack Rain and Fred Gratta, piano

Installation of Elders

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayers of the People - Megan McMillan

Praise Song: “Angels We Have Heard on High” - Performed by FPC Praise Band 

Charge & Benediction - Megan McMillan

Postlude: “Wachet auf” (Advent hymn 349), A.D. Miller (b. 1972) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ