December 10 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – December 10, 2023– 11 a.m.  

Second Sunday of Advent

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: The King of Glory Comes:  I. “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” (hymn 349); II. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (hymn 88), Gilbert M. Martin (b. 1941) - Jack Rain, organ

Lighting of the Peace Candle - Ginny Ellis 

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

Call to Worship - Susan Schlecht 

The days are coming, declares the Lord,

When I will fulfill the gracious promise I made;

The promise God made to the people,  

The promise fulfilled in the Christ who comes.                                                                      

*Processional Hymn #88: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” verses 1,5,6,7  VENI EMMANUEL  

The Lighting of the Advent Candle of Peace - Myrna Davis and Nancy Vildibill

The Advent Reading: Psalm 85:8-9

The Candle Is Lit                    

Advent Litany:

Advent is a time to prepare

Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the way for our God.

During Advent we prepare our eyes to see the light of Christ

Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the way for our God.

During Advent we prepare our hearts to receive the Word of Christ

Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the way for our God.

Advent Response #92: “While We Are Waiting, Come” WAITING 

Passing of the Peace

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

*Response #384: “Soon and Very Soon” verse 1 SOON AND VERY SOON 

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Susan Schlecht

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

Holy God, parent of all, giver of every good and perfect gift, in gratitude we lay these gifts before you. With these offerings, we consecrate ourselves to your service.  Use us, and that which we give of our substance for your work in the world; this we pray in the name of your priceless gift, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “I Will Be a Child of Peace” by Elaine Hagenberg - Chancel Choir  

O Holy Father, I will be a child of peace and purity. 

For well I know Thy hand will bless the seeker after righteousness. 

Dedication of Today’s Gifts and Pledges for 2024 - Ginny Ellis

As we celebrate all that God has done here among us in 2023, and as we offer our support for the church’s ministry in the coming year, we dedicate our gifts, pledges and our intentions today:

...to the sharing of Jesus' good news for the world,

...to glorifying God in worship and song,

...to leading each person, each child, to the knowledge of God's love.

We dedicate these gifts and pledges and our intentions today:

...to the mending of broken spirits

...to caring for the poor,

...to the healing of creation through justice.

We dedicate these gifts and pledges and our intentions today:

...to the community, the mission, and the hopes of this church, and

...to the abundant, extravagant, all-embracing reign of God, which our faith can glimpse even here and now.

O God, make our planning wise, our spending faithful, our giving always joyful.  

We ask your blessing today and for this coming year: in the name of Jesus, who opens hearts and hands for the sake of abundant life in every corner of the world.  Amen.

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH 

Prayer for Illumination - Joe Folz

First Scripture: Isaiah 40:10-11 - Joe Folz

Hymn #84: “Creator of the Stars of Night” CONDITOR ALME SIDERIUM

Sermon Scripture: Mark 1:1-8 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Preparations” - Ginny Ellis

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

*Hymn #106: “Prepare the Way, O Zion” BEREDEN VAG FOR HERRAN 

Congregational Meeting - Ginny Ellis

Convening Prayer

Declaration of Quorum and Statement of Meeting’s Purpose - Clerk Jeannie Doddridge

Report of Nominating Committee

Nominations for Elder: Three-year term: Greg Helck, Fernando Gonzalez, Joan Karins, Fran Sims

Nominations for Deacon: One-year term: Linda Donaldson; Three-year terms: Cameron Blair, Janis Clark, Molly Krebs, Eva Popovich

Meeting adjourns with Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Postlude: The King of Glory Comes:  IV. “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” (hymn 93), Gilbert M. Martin (b. 1941) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, December 10

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

  • Men’s Meal Ministry, 2 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Monday, December 11

  • Lectio Divina on holiday break until January 8

Tuesday, December 12

  • HoHoHo Taco Tuesday Dinner and Christmas cookie decoration project, 5:30 p.m. (Fellowship Hall); kids’ choir practice, 6:10 p.m. (Youth Center)

  • Many Moods Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Sanctuary

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., virtual 

Wednesday, December 13

  • Many Moods Orchestra Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Sanctuary

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

Thursday, December 14

  • Many Moods Dress Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Sanctuary 

Friday, December 15

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

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

  • Many Moods of Christmas Concert, 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.; valet parking will be available). Celebrate the miracle of Christmas through this beloved annual event benefitting St. Petersburg Free Clinic.  

Sunday, December 17

  • 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:

  • Sunday, December 24, we will have our regular morning worship times of 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. PLUS two evening Christmas Eve services: 4 p.m. (kid-friendly) and 7 p.m. (by candlelight). All are  welcome at both services; there will be no childcare provided.

  • Monday December 25 and Tuesday December 26, Church Office closed

Amy McCutcheon