October 29 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – October 29, 2023– 11 a.m.  

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost / Reformation Sunday

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Fantasy on Een Vaste Burg is onze God” (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God), Jan Zwart (1877–1937) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome and Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rev. Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship - Robin Lyle

Be still!

We come to quiet ourselves in this haven of holiness.

Be still and know.

We come to discern the word that can set us free.

Be still and know that God is.

God is our hope, our help, our refuge, and our Redeemer.

*Processional Hymn #687: “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” ST. ANNE 

Call to Reconciliation - Robin Lyle

Unison Prayer of Confession - Robin Lyle

God of Love: We have known your hopes for us, and we have disappointed every one of them. We have heard your words of faithfulness and have forgotten every one of them. We have seen your dreams for us, and turned every one of them into ashes. Forgive us. Silence every blustering word, so we may hear your mercy. Still every feeble attempt to justify ourselves, so that we may be made right with you. Melt every frozen heart, so we might be drenched in your river of joy. May Jesus Christ continue to live in us, so we might be free to live forever with you. Silence is kept.

Assurance of Pardon - Robin Lyle

The Lighting of the Peace Candle and the Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis

     …The peace of Christ be with you. / And also with you. 

*Response #71: “Surely, It Is God Who Saves Me” (refrain only, sung twice) FIRST SONG

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Ann Murray

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

We give thanks, O Lord, for the privilege of receiving.  Now we also give thanks for the privilege of giving.  For while in receiving we are filled, in giving we are fulfilled.  So it is that we give both ourselves and our substance for your glory and service, in the name of Christ.  Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “Cantate Domino,” Anna Laura Page (b. 1943) - Chancel Choir

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayer for Illumination - Ann Murray                                                                             

First Scripture: Matthew 11:27-30 - Ann Murray 

*Hymn #275: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” EIN’ FESTE BURG

Sermon Scripture: I Peter 2:4-10 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Living Stones” - Ginny Ellis                                                                                      

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

*Hymn #610: “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” AZMON

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis 

Postlude: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” James Pethel (b. 1936) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, October 29

  • A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service

Monday, October 30

  • Lectio Divina, 10 a.m. via Zoom

  • Card Fellowship Ministry, 1:30 p.m., Church Office Conference Room

Tuesday, October 31

  • Ladies’ Bible Study, 9 a.m., Youth Center

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., virtual

Wednesday, November 1

  • Praise Band rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center

Thursday, November 2

  • Bell Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Choir Room

  • Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room

Friday, November 3

  • Men’s Bible Study, 8 a.m., Room N-123

  • Donation collection for local hurricane victims (back parking lot)

  • Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom

Saturday, November 4

  • Donation collection for local hurricane victims (back parking lot until noon)

Sunday, November 5

  • Childcare available 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pickups, Room S-203

  • Faith Journey class meets at 9:45 a.m. in Room S-202

  • Power Hour class meets at 10 a.m. in the Youth Center

  • Young Adults/Parents class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-206

  • Teens class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-205 (every other week) 

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, November 6, 4 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • Tuesday, November 7, 6:30 p.m., Medicare Presentation by Bill & Marianne Ferrari

  • Wednesday, November 8, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Dinner (Meatloaf by the Men’s Ministry!), and Kids’ Choir at 6:15 p.m.

  • Sunday, November 12, MissionSunday; we will be collecting and bagging items for hygiene bags to provide to women and children who have been trapped in abusive situations.                         

Amy McCutcheon