September 26 Worship Service Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida

Order of Worship - September 26, 2021 – 10 a.m.

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Prelude on Union Seminary” (hymn 529, Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether), Charles Callahan (b. 1951) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ

Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Megan McMillan

Call to Worship - Megan McMillan

We will walk this day with you, O God, and you will walk with us,

Gathering is into a community to pray for one another in all things.

We will walk this day with you, O Christ, and you will walk with us,

Calling us to follow you, helping us to set aside all which holds us back.

We will walk this day with you, O Spirit, and you will walk with us

Sending us out, side by side, to serve those cast aside by the world.

Hymn #401: “Here in This Place” GATHER US IN

Call to Reconciliation - Ginny Ellis

We’ve tried to stop, haven’t we? All the foolishness which causes us to stumble, all the mistakes which hurt others, all the words of peace we might speak, but don’t. Let us join our voices as we open our souls to that tender Heart who longs to forgive and heal us, as we pray together.

Unison Prayer of Forgiveness - Ginny Ellis

Jesus, when sin and death hover around us, hungry to feed upon us, you fill us with new strength so we are not consumed. When bitterness clamps tight around our hearts with its steel-like teeth, you pry us free with your scarred hands so we can walk freely with you. When we stack our hurts one on top of another, like kindling wood, ready to set the match of anger to the pile, you pour your spirit of forgiveness upon those hurts, until they are soaked so thoroughly nothing can ignite them. Our help, our hope, our life, and our peace are truly found in your name, our Lord and Savior. Help us to believe this and trust it. Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness - Ginny Ellis

The good news is this: God loves the world so much as to make it a fit place to live. God loves us so much as to reshape us into people of faith. Like a cup of cold water, forgiveness revives us, restores us, gives us new life. Thanks be to God, We are forgiven and free! Amen

Praise Song: “God Of Wonders” - Performed by FPC Praise Band

Prayer for Illumination - Taina Specie

1st Scripture Reading: Numbers 11: 4-6, 11-14, 24-30 - Taina Specie

Sermon Scripture: Mark 9: 38-41 - Ginny Ellis

Sermon - “Outside the Tent” - Ginny Ellis

Hymn #509 “All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly” MANNA

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Taina Specie

Offertory: "With Grateful Heart I Thank You, Lord” Mary Kay Beall

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayers of the People - Megan McMillan

Praise Song: “Friend Of God” - Performed by FPC Praise Band

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Postlude: “The Rejoicing” from Suite in G, Charles Callahan (b. 1951) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ