September 12 Worship Service Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida

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

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Guest preacher: Rev. Carol Byrd

Prelude: “Variations on Engelberg” (Hymn 641), Robert Lind (b. 1940) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ

Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Megan McMillan

Call to Worship - Megan McMillan

Come into this sacred space to worship God

whose teaching is perfect; whose directions are sure.

Come into this holy place to worship God

whose standards are right; whose commandment is clear; whose judgements are true.

Come with holy fear – to be given life, and made wise, to have your heart stirred and your eyes opened wide. Come — let us worship God.

Hymn #641: “When in Our Music God Is Glorified” ENGELBERG

Call to Reconciliation - Megan McMillan

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sin, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility and in faith, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

Unison Prayer of Forgiveness - Megan McMillan

Wisdom cries in the streets, but we do not listen or understand. The words of your law are spoken, but we rarely pay heed or obey. You call us to declare who Jesus is for us, but we can’t seem to get the right words out. Our tongues engage before our brains do. We want so much to be a people who are faithful to your word and led by your guidance, but we are so easily distracted by the cacophony of words and sounds. Forgive us when we are quick to speak and slow to understand. Forgive us when we do not hear your wisdom in all the ways you speak to us. Forgive us when we do not even try to truly understand what it means to be your disciples. Lead us back to the path of wisdom and life, that we may truly live. By your mercy, forgive our sins. By your grace, free us to try again. Silence is kept. Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness - Megan McMillan

Those who listen to the words of wisdom will be secure and live in ease. Know that our God never ceases to reach out in love and forgiveness, guiding us on the path of life and righteousness, calling us to claim our true identity as disciples and beloved children of the living God. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven, freed and made whole! Thanks be to God!

Praise Song: “Jesus Take All Of Me” - Performed by FPC Praise Band

Prayer for Illumination - Jim Garnett

Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. May we approach your Word today, Holy God, with the reverence and respect it deserves. Let us be intentional in our listening and focused in our minds as we hear your Word read and proclaimed today. Amen.

1st Scripture: Psalm 19 - Jim Garnett

Sermon Scripture: Mark 8:27-38 - Rev. Carol Byrd

Sermon: “Who Do You Say That I Am?” - Carol Byrd

Special Music: “Adagio” and ”Allegro e presto” from Sonata Duodecima, Isabella Leonarda (1620–1704) - Performed by Dan Urbanowicz, viola d’amore; Jack Rain, harpsichord

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Jim Garnett

Offertory: “Zion’s Walls,” arr., Aaron Copland (1900–1990) - Performed by Lauren Cattell, soprano

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayers of the People - Megan McMillan

Praise Song: “Unfailing Love” - Performed by FPC Praise Band

Charge & Benediction - Carol Byrd

Postlude: “We Know that Christ Is Raised” (Engelberg, Hymn 485), David Cherwien (b. 1957) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ