October 3 Worship Service Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship - October 3, 2021 – 10 a.m.
20th Sunday After Pentecost / Lord’s Supper /World Communion Sunday
Rev. Ginny Simmons Ellis
Prelude: “Children of the Heavenly Father” Diane Bish (b. 1941) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ
Welcome and Announcements - Rev. Ginny Simmons Ellis
Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis
Welcome to this place:
Where children and seasoned citizens can sit side by side,
Where heaven and earth embrace in peace,
Where God has been, is and always will be.
Welcome to this place, as we gather with God’s children everywhere:
Where we find God’s love at the table
Where we hear the tender voice of Jesus
Where the Spirit traches us new songs.
Welcome to this place, where all is made ready by our God:
Where we bring our hunger and find food;
Where we bring our brokenness and find healing;
Where we bring our very selves, finding acceptance and love.
Hymn #372: “O for a World” AZMON
Call to Reconciliation - Rev. Megan McMillan
We claim peace as the goal of our journey, yet its path is so hard to walk. For we are often divided from others, sometimes by different beliefs but more often by fear. On this day of unity around the Table we break bread with siblings throughout the world. Let us be bold to confess how we have failed to live as God’s beloved children, caring, providing and praying for one another. Please join me as we pray, saying:
Unison Prayer of Forgiveness - Megan McMillan
O God, you came to bring peace to the world. But we know that instead of watching for our brother Jesus in others, we more often turn away from those who are unlike us. Instead of offering peace to people around us, we break promises, we hoard grudges, we give in to prejudice. When we could speak of hope, instead too often we speak hurtful words. Redeem us, Lover of Peace. Pour out your grace upon us. May the warmth of your tenderness melt our frozen hearts. May the balm of your words mend broken hearts, even our own. Help us to become as trusting and vulnerable as little children, as we follow Jesus, our brother, into your realm of Joy.
Assurance of Forgiveness - Megan McMillan
The forgiveness of God be upon you. The peace of Christ rest within you. The grace of the Holy Spirit be the gift which is placed in your life this day and forever.
From this day to the end of time, we are God’s forgiven children, citizens of God’s realm, brothers and sisters of the Prince of Peace. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination - Robin Lyle
Almighty God, give us ears to hear your story in these words of Scripture; give us eyes to see your story in the faces of those that surround us; and give us faith enough, that by your grace, we might serve you until the end of our days. Amen.
1st Scripture Reading: Psalm 131 - Robin Lyle
Praise Song: “His Mercy Is More” - Performed by FPC Praise Band
Sermon Scripture: Mark 10:13-16 - Ginny Ellis
Sermon: “Children of the World” - Ginny Ellis
Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Robin Lyle
Offertory: “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether” - Harold Friedell (1905–1958) - Performed by Chancel Choir
Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH
Lord’s Supper & Lord’s Prayer
Praise Song: “Rising” - Performed by FPC Praise Band
Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis
Postlude: “Recessional on Azmon” (hymn 372, O for a World), Edward L. Good (b. 1961) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ