August 14 Worship Service Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, FL 

Order of Worship – August 14, 2022 – 10 a.m. 

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost / Blessing of the Backpacks

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Variations on Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” (hymn 394), David N. Johonson (1922–1987) - Jack Rain, organ    

Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Ginny Ellis 

Call to Worship from Iona Abbey Worship Book  - Ginny Ellis

In this world of daylight and darkness, peace and confusion,

Jesus Christ comes to make his home and meet his friends.

He is the light of life.

He is the Hope of the world.

Come. Let us praise our God.                      

Hymn #761: “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”  BEECHER

Unison Prayer

O God, open to us today the vast ocean of your great mercy. Water us with full streams from the riches of your grace, the pure springs of your deep kindness.  Make us children of calm and heirs of peace.  Kindle in us the fire of your love.  Strengthen our weakness by your power, impassion our faith through your Spirit, settle our fears with your saving touch.  Bind us close to you and each other.  We pray in Christ our Lord, Amen.

Declaration of Forgiveness

God is faithful and just, forgiving our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness, freeing us to live the life to which we have been called.   Friends, believe the good news. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis

May the peace of Christ be with you / And also with you. 

Response #71 refrain (sung twice) FIRST SONG

Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust and not be afraid.

For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and God will be my Savior.

Moment for All Ages - Blessing of the Backpacks - Ginny Ellis

Praise Song: “Grace Greater” - FPC Praise Band

Prayer for Illumination - Jim Garnett

First Scripture: Ruth 1:1-19a - Jim Garnett

Sermon: “What God Might Ask: Ruth’s Story” - Ginny Ellis

Sung Reflection:  “In Love You Summon”  from Two Songs of Commitment, John L. Bell (b. 1949)

Prayers of the People- Ginny Ellis

Praise Song: “God of Wonders” - FPC Praise Band

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Jim Garnett                               

Offertory: “Prelude in E Major,” Opus 53, No. 9, Nicolai Kapustin (1937–2020) - Liam Dunn, piano

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH 

Closing Hymn #410: “God is Calling through the Whisper” W ŻŁOBIE LEŻY

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Postlude: “Rondeau” from First Suite of Symphonies, Jean-Joseph Mouret (1682–1738) - Jack Rain, organ