November 19 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – November 19, 2023– 11 a.m.  

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Prelude for Thanksgiving” (on a theme by Kremser), William C. Steere (1880–1960) - Jack Rain, organ

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

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;

     Make known among the nations what God has done. 

Sing to God, sing praise to our God; tell of all God's wonderful acts.

      Glory in God’s holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

*Processional Hymn #33: “Praise the Lord, God’s Glories Show” LLANFAIR

Prayer of the Day - Ann Murray

Giver of all good gifts, we thank you for your presence deeply embedded in our lives, and for entering our lives fully in Jesus the Christ. You know our uneasiness with the claims that faith makes upon our lives, yet you linger with us in our struggle, and we know we are not alone. We are thankful that you have not abandoned us and that your Spirit continues to comfort us in our search for truth. Encourage us to live the truth we find and guide us to seek the truth yet undiscovered. We are thankful, thankful for the bond of love and faith which connects us with other seekers around us and with you, as we live in this family of faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

The Lighting of the Peace Candle and the Passing of the Peace - Ann Murray

…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 

Musical Meditation “Amazing Grace” - Bell Choir 

Moment for Stewardship: Celebrate and Support First Presbyterian Church - Lynne Mormino                

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Dick Luehrs

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:                              

It is our prayer today, O God, that your vision for this your church may be found in us as we bring our gifts for the work of the church and its ministries. Make of us a dedicated and eager people, ready to encounter the challenges that you set before us. And above all else, shape our dreams and our gifts to please and serve you, for we are yours. In the Spirit's power and in the name of Christ, we pray, Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “Zion’s Walls,” Aaron Copland (1900–1990) - Chancel Choir

Come fathers and mothers, come sisters and brothers, come join us in singing the praises of Zion. O fathers, don’t you feel determined to meet within the walls of Zion? We’ll shout and go round the walls of Zion.

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH 

Prayer for Illumination - Dick Luehrs                                    

First Scripture: Matthew 25:14-23 - Dick Luehrs 

Hymn Introduction: “Come, Ye Thankful People Come” - Bell Choir 

*Hymn #367: “Come, Ye Thankful People Come” ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR

Sermon Scripture: Matthew 25:24-29 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Having So Much” - Ginny Ellis

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

*Hymn #37: “Let All Things Now Living” ASH GROVE

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis  

Postlude: “Thanksgiving” from Thanksgiving Suite (based on Kremser and Nun danket all Gott), Charles Callahan (b. 1951) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, November 19

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

Monday, November 20

  • Lectio Divina, taking a break Nov. 20

Tuesday, November 21

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., virtual

Wednesday, November 22

  • No Praise Band rehearsal this week

Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24

  • Happy Thanksgiving! The Church Office will be closed and there will be no meetings on campus.

Saturday, November 25

  • FPC will be participating in the downtown St. Pete Santa Parade. If you would like to be part of the fun, please contact the Church Office on or before November 22.

Sunday, November 26

  • 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:

  • Thursday, November 30, 5 p.m., Blue Christmas Comfort Service. This service is meant to provide comfort, especially for those feeling sadness this holiday season. All are welcome.

  • Monday, December 4, 4 p.m. in Room N-123, Faith & Fiction; this month’s book is Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell.

  • We will be decorating our worship spaces on Tuesday, Dec. 5, starting at 9:30 a.m. Contact Chris Agee for more info!

  • Mark your calendars! Our Many Moods of Christmas Concert will be Friday, December 15, at 7 p.m.

Amy McCutcheon