January 8 Worship Service Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida 

Order of Worship – January 8, 2023 – 11 a.m. - Sanctuary Service

Baptism of the Lord

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: Chorale and chorale prelude on “How Lovely Shines the Morning Star” (Epiphany hymn 827, Paul Manz (1919–2009) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis                  

When we are reluctant to dip our toes into faith’s river,

             Jesus comes to teach us how to swim.

When we are hesitant to cup our hands to drink from the fountain of grace,

             Jesus comes to reach in and splash our faces with God's joy.

When we are unwilling to be the pipeline of hope,

             Jesus comes to turn on the faucets God has installed in our hearts.

Let us come to the water of baptism and to worship God.

Hymn #22: “God of the Sparrow” ROEDER

Prayer for Reconciliation - Ginny Ellis                 

Assurance of Pardon - Ginny Ellis

Friends in Christ, while it is true that we have all sinned, it is a greater truth that we are forgiven through God’s love poured out in Jesus Christ. To all who humbly seek the mercy of God we say:

in Jesus Christ we are forgiven, freed and made whole! Thanks be to God.

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis

Be at peace with God, with yourself, and with one another. The peace of Christ be with you. / And also with you 

Response #620:  “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” (verse 1) LAUDA ANIMA

Praise my soul, the King of Heaven; to God's feet thy tribute bring; ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore God's praises sing. Alleluia! Alleluia!  Praise the everlasting king. 

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis                                                                                                                          

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Kirby Volz

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:

Our Father, giver of every good and perfect gift, in gratitude we bring our gifts, and with them we offer ourselves to your service.  Use us, and that which we give for your work in the world. This we pray in the name of your priceless gift, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “Come to the Water,” arr. Linda Hasseler - Chancel Choir

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH 

Prayer for Illumination - Kirby Volz                                              

First Scripture: Psalm 29 - Kirby Volz  

Sermon Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “A Splash of Water” - Ginny Ellis 

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer - Ginny Ellis

The Sacrament of Baptism - Haden Oliver Schneider & Savannah Ruth Schneider, Children of Jarrod and Natalie (Hussung) Schneider

The Institution of Baptism 
The Presentation
Covenants of Parents and Congregation
Questions for the Parents
Affirmation of Faith - Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Thanksgiving over the Water
Act of Baptism
Baptismal Welcome 

Hymn #625: “O Lord My God” HOW GREAT THOU ART

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis                                                                                                    

Postlude: “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” (Epiphany hymn 827), Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706) - Jack Rain, organ