September 19 Worship Service Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – September 19, 2021 – 10 a.m.
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Preacher – Rev. Megan H. McMillan
Prelude: “Arioso” Richard Peek (1927–2005) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Ginny Ellis
Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis
Who among you is seeking the wisdom of God?
We long to hear God’s Word spoken to our hearts.
Who among you is seeking God’s bright and holy truth?
We long to learn the ways of wisdom and righteousness.
Who among you is seeking a Spirit-filled life?
We long to live lives of holiness and light.
God grants God’s wisdom generously to all who ask. Come near, people of God! Let us worship in wisdom and truth!
Hymn #837: “What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine” SHOWALTER
Call to Reconciliation - Rev. Megan McMillan
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Let us humble ourselves before God and confess our sins as individuals and as a community.
Unison Prayer of Forgiveness - Megan McMillan
O God, we live our lives as best we can - dealing with difficult relationships and situations, putting failures and disappointments behind us, and moving into each new day with as much energy, goodwill, and optimism as we can muster. But here, right now, we seldom have the right answers, we seldom seek your higher wisdom in our lives, we just move ahead. Forgive us for not asking for your insight. Fill us with your wisdom, that we may live lives of goodness and peace. By your mercy, forgive our sins. By your grace, free us to try again. Silence is kept. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness - Megan McMillan
When we come before God in humility and honesty, God draws near to us with forgiveness and renewed blessing. Friends, hear the Good News of the Gospel: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven, freed and made whole. Thanks be to God!
Praise Song: “Jesus Paid It All” - Performed by FPC Praise Band
Recognition of Army Chaplain Candidacy of Captain Taina Specie - Ginny Ellis and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Wayne Specie, retired
Prayer for Illumination - Mary-Linda Armacost
1st Scripture: Psalm 54 - Mary-Linda Armacost
2nd Scripture: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a - Mary-Linda Armacost
Sermon Scripture: Mark 9:30-37 - Megan McMillan
Sermon - Megan McMillan
Hymn #418: “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” SOFTLY AND TENDERLY
Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Mary-Linda Armacost
Offertory: “For the Beauty of the Earth,” John Rutter, Chancel Choir
Doxology - OLD HUNDREDTH
Prayers of the People - Ginny Ellis
Praise Song: “In Christ Alone” - Performed by FPC Praise Band
Charge & Benediction - Megan McMillan
Postlude: “Praise Be to God,” Camil van Hulse (1897–1988) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ