January 9 Worship Service Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida

Order of Worship - January 9, 2022 – 10 a.m.

Baptism of the Lord

Rev. Ginny Simmons Ellis

Prelude: “Das alte Jahr vergangen ist” BWV 614 (The old year now hath passed away), J.S. Bach (1685–1750) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ

Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis

Gathered as God’s people, we come to worship: singing praises to the One who loves us, opening our hearts to the one who calls us.

Called to be God’s people, to hear God’s voice in unexpected places, to find God in new experiences,

Challenged to follow Jesus to the end, we come to learn how to be disciples.

We come to worship and be made new.

Hymn #726: “Will You Come and Follow Me?” (The Summons) KELVINGROVE

Call to Reconciliation - Tai Specie

In the stories of scripture and of our lives, in sandy deserts and on rocky roads, at school events and in Sunday worship, we encounter God, who makes every moment sacred. We confess our own shortsightedness, trusting that we can turn aside and notice God welcoming us with forgiveness and hope, sending us out to serve and grow.

Unison Prayer of Forgiveness - Tai Specie

God of Moses and of Mary, we know that we could live at peace with others, but we choose instead to do them wrong. We could welcome those we do not know, but we close our hearts. We could make friends of strangers, but we seek instead the safe comfort of those we already know and find safe. Forgive us, Source of Love, for our self-centered choices. Help us to grasp your goodness to our hearts, so that we can give that goodness to others. Speak to us your grace, your intention and your hope so that we can bless enemies as friends. Help us to put aside the things that block discipleship, so we can unselfishly follow Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior in the path you have chosen for us. [We keep silence.]

Assurance of Forgiveness - Tai Specie

In our love for others, we recognize God’s love for us. In our forgiving of others, we learn once more how deeply God has forgiven us. Friends, this is the good news offered to us!

We are God’s children, called to be different, called to act differently, called to live as new people. Thanks be to God: we are forgiven. Amen.

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis

Response Hymn # 441: “Hear the Good News of Salvation” (verse 1 only) NETTLETON

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

Prayer for Illumination - Tai Specie

Let your fire burn before us, O God, so that we will turn aside to see and hear what you would say to us today and in the days to come. Amen.

1st Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:1-4 - Tai Specie

Praise Song: “He Will Hold Me Fast” - Performed by FPC Praise Band

Sermon Scripture: Luke 5:1-11 - Ginny Ellis

Sermon: “Where Do We See and Hear God?” - Ginny Ellis

Praise Song: “God So Loved” - Performed by FPC Praise Band

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Tai Specie

Offertory: “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” Randall Thompson - Performed by Lauren Cattell, soprano

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayers of the People - Ginny Ellis

Hymn #291: “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” SPIRIT

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Postlude: “Av høyheten opprunnen er” (hymn 827, O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright), Egil Hovlan (1924–2013) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ