March 27 Worship Service Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship - March 27, 2022 – 10 a.m.
4th Sunday in Lent
Rev. Ginny Ellis
Prelude: “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken” (hymn tune 682), Van Denman Thompson (1890–1969) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Ginny Ellis
Call to Worship - Kyle Brinkman
Do you feel it? God’s realm is beneath our feet.
We live in a new creation shaped by God out of our brokenness.
Do you see it? God’s reconciling love in Christ has shattered our ways of viewing people.
No longer do we label our sisters and brothers; we welcome them with open arms.
Do you believe it? God has made everything new, including us,
And sends us forth to share this good news with everyone!
Hymn #630: “Fairest Lord Jesus” CRUSADERS’ HYMN
Special Focus on Stephen Ministry
Call to Reconciliation - Ginny Ellis
We know our faults – the way we have treated others, our estrangement from God, our unwillingness to be faithful. Today we pledge that we will not hide our sin or remain silent, but we will confess to the One who welcomes us with unshakable love. Please join me as we pray:
Unison Prayer of Forgiveness - Ginny Ellis
On this day, we admit the lengths to which we go to be independent of you. You offer us plenty, wonder and joy, yet we hide in places where temptation waits. You invite us to the party where you welcome us without reservation, but we stubbornly refuse because you also welcome those of whom we disapprove. We are quick to see all the mistakes others make, but hope you will ignore our foolish choices. Help us to come to our senses like the younger son in the parable, to see you running to welcome all of us, sweeping us up in loving extravagant arms. Allow us feast with wonder on your amazing love, so that we can return to our place in you and call it home. Silence is kept. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon - Ginny Ellis
God rolls away everything that stands in our way – our past, our mistakes, our pain, even our hesitation, and God reshapes us into new people, living in the new creation. What wonderful grace: we are forgiven! Broken, we are made whole. Hungry we are fed. Lost we are brought home. Empty we are filled. Friends hear this good news! In Jesus Christ we forgiven, freed, and made whole. Thanks be to God!
Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you / And also with you.
Response Hymn #437: “You are the Lord, Giver of Mercy” WAYFARING STRANGER
Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis
Prayer for Illumination - Dottie Young
1st Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 - Dottie Young
Praise Song: “Jesus, Take All of Me” - Performed by FPC Praise Band
Sermon Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 - Kyle Brinkman
Sermon: “Forgiven” - Ginny Ellis
Praise Song: “Lord, I Need You” - Performed by FPC Praise Band
Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Dottie Young
Offertory: “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”, Mack Wilberg - Performed by Chancel Choir
Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH
Prayers of the People - Ginny Ellis
Hymn #216: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” ST. CHRISTOPHER
Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis
Postlude: “Fugue in C minor” BWV 575, J. S. Bach (1685–1750) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ