December 11 Worship Service Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship - December 11, 2022, 11 a.m.
3rd Sunday of Advent / JOY
Rev. Jeanie Barnes
Prelude: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” from The Morning Star, Gilbert M. Martin (b. 1941) - Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Jeanie Barnes
Call to Worship (based on Psalm 146:5-10) - Jeanie Barnes
Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will sing praises to my God all my life long!
Happy are those whose help and whose hope is in the Lord their God;
Who keeps faith forever and who executes justice for the oppressed;
Who feeds the hungry, sets prisoners free and opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts those who are bowed down, upholding both orphan and widow.
The Lord reigns forever, for all generations.
Come, let us worship God!
Hymn #140: “Once in Royal David’s City” IRBY
Advent Candle Lighting/Reading: Deacons Marilyn Mulcahy and Diane Zuercher
We light this candle of Joy as a sign of hope that the harmony of God's world may be revealed to us. We wait to see the true light of the world. Let us pray together:
God of harmony and light, help us to see your loving plan for our lives. Comfort those of us who mourn. Give us patience and courage to wait for your harvest, when what we have sown in tears we will reap with joy. Give us the vision to see your presence in our lives. You have done great things for us -- open our hearts to know your goodness. Amen.
Advent Response #92: “While We are Waiting, Come” verse 1 WAITING
Passing of the Peace - Rev. 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 - Susan Schlecht
First Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10 - Susan Schlecht
Hymn #119: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” MENDELSSOHN
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11 - Jeanie Barnes
Sermon: Contradictions/Questions/Expectations - Jeanie Barnes
Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation - Susan Schlecht
Offertory Anthem: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” Kathleen Tomerson, arr. Mark Hayes - Chancel Choir
Dedication of today’s Gifts and Pledges for 2023 - Ginny Ellis
We dedicate these gifts and pledges today
... to the preaching of Jesus' good news for the world,
... to glorifying God in song,
... to leading each child to the knowledge of God's love.
We dedicate these gifts and pledges today
... to the mending of broken spirits
... to caring for the poor,
... to the healing of creation through justice.
We dedicate these gifts and pledges today
... to the community, the mission, and the hopes of this church,
... and to the abundant, extravagant, all-embracing reign of God,
which our faith can glimpse even here and now.
O God, make our planning wise. Make our spending faithful. Make our giving always joyful. We ask your blessing today and for this coming year: in the name of Jesus, who opens hearts and hands for the sake of abundant life in every corner of the world. Amen.
Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH
Prayers of the People - Ginny Ellis
Hymn #105: “People, Look East” BESANÇON
Charge & Benediction - Jeanie Barnes
Postlude: “Nun komm’, der Heiden Heiland” BWV 661 (hymn 102), J. S. Bach (1685–1750) - Jack Rain, organ