July 4 Worship Service Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship - July 4, 2021 – 10 a.m.
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost / Lord’s Supper / Independence Day
Guest Preacher – Rev. William Cowfer
Prelude: “Fantasia on America, the Beautiful” Rex Koury (1911–2006) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ
Welcome and Announcements - Rev. Megan McMillan
Call to Worship - Megan McMillan
Come, listen to God, our Creator the One who;
speaks and summons the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Come, see God, the One who;
shines forth in the perfection of beauty.
Come, with thanksgiving, the sacrifice that honors
the one who shows the redemptive love of God.
Hymn #338: “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies” MATERNA
Call to Reconciliation - Megan McMillan
When we gloss over what we have done or left undone; when we seek to rationalize why we have failed to live more faithfully, God beckons us to confess our sins. Let us join together as God's children, lifting our prayers to the One whose love and mercy know no end.
Unison Prayer of Forgiveness - Megan McMillan
God of Love and Grace, I confess it is not easy for me to confront those deeds that do not extend your love and grace. Too often I fail see the gift of your presence in others. God of Love and Grace, forgive me when I bemoan the acts of others and I judge others more harshly than by standards I apply to myself. Forgive me I pray. Grace me with your mercy, so I might be made whole. Touch my inner being and heal me, so I might know joy and gladness. Create a new heart within me, so my heart might beat, as one, with others and with your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ.
Assurance of Forgiveness - Megan McMillan
God loves and forgives us. God embraces and nurtures us; healing our brokenness. God has graced us with mercy and created new life from our brokenness. Friends, hear the good news of the Gospel: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven, freed and made whole! Thanks be to God. Amen.
1st Scripture Reading: Psalm 48:1,8-14 - Susan Luehrs
2nd Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 - Susan Luehrs
Praise song: “Unfailing Love” - Performed by FPC Praise Band
Sermon Scripture: Mark 6:1-13- Rev. William Cowfer
Prayer for Illumination - William Cowfer
Sermon: “Seeking a Clearer Vision” - William Cowfer
Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Susan Luehrs
Offertory: “Let Us Break Bread Together” arr. Hal Hopson - Barbara Brownlee, soprano
Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH
Lord’s Supper & Lord’s Prayer - Megan McMillan & William Cowfer
Post Communion Unison Prayer - Megan McMillan
Gracious God, through the gift of this spiritual feast you heal any brokenness and strengthen our spirits. Increase our faith that the power of your Holy Sacrament will bring us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN!
Praise song: “Come Thou Fount” - Performed by FPC Praise Band
Charge & Benediction - William Cowfer
Postlude: “Festival Fanfare and Postlude on God of Our Fathers” J. Wayne Kerr (b. 1958) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ