December 18 Worship Service Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida

Order of Worship - December 18, 2022 – 11 a.m.

4th Sunday of Advent

Rev. Ginny Ellis  

Prelude: “Prelude on Divinum Mysterium” (hymn 108), T. Frederick H. Candlyn (1892–1964) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Ginny Ellis    

Choral Introit: Excerpt from “Angels We Have Heard on High” arr. Quigley   

Call to Worship from Ann Weems,“Christmas Comes” - Rev. Jeanie Barnes

Christmas comes every time we see God in other persons.

The human and the holy meet in Bethlehem, in Times Square, and right here in St. Petersburg,

for Christmas comes like a golden storm on its way to Jerusalem, determinedly, inevitably.

Even now it comes.              

Processional Hymn #133: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” ADESTE FIDELES

Advent Candle Lighting/Reading - Karen & Chris Mossman

...Let us pray together:

Eternal and all-powerful God, we thank you for the covenant of love that binds us together. Even when we lose hope and turn away from you, you reach out to us; You make whole our brokenness. Even from the fragments of our lives, you weave a tapestry of great beauty. Nothing is impossible with you. You have prepared a place for us -- let us not rest until we find our way home and rest in you. Amen.

Advent Response #92: “While We are Waiting, Come” (verse 1) WAITING

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis

The Peace of Christ be with You. / And also with You.

Response #384: “Soon and Very Soon” (verse 1) SOON AND VERY SOON

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

Prayer for Illumination - Dave Hunt

First Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14 - Dave Hunt  

Sermon Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 - Ginny Ellis

Sermon: “What Joseph Knew” - Ginny Ellis 

Hymn #145: “What Child Is This” GREENSLEEVES

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Dave Hunt

...Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:

God of all: our gifts represent what we have and what we are, all of which has come from you. Accept these gifts which we bring today, that as we bring them in love, so we may respond to the needs of others and extend hospitality to strangers, through Jesus, the one who comes, Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “Canticle of the Turning,” arr. Anne Krentz Organ (b. 1960) - Kaandis Mance, flute; Anna Kirkland, oboe; Roy Lawson, cello; Jack Rain, piano 

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayers of the People - Jeanie Barnes

Recessional Hymn #110: “Love Has Come” BRING A TORCH

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Postlude: “Toccata on Hyfrydol” (Advent hymn 82), Edward L. Good (b. 1961) - Jack Rain, organ