April 23 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – April 23, 2023 – 11 a.m. 

Third Sunday of Easter/Mission Sunday

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Vruechten” (This Joyful Eastertide, hymn 244), Alan Bullard (b. 1947) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome and Announcements - Rev. Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship - Rev. Jeanie Barnes

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs

Know that the Lord is God,

It is God who made us, and we belong to God.

We are God’s people, the sheep of God’s pasture. 

Processional Hymn #254: “That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright” PUER NOBIS NASCITUR

Prayer for Reconciliation - Jeanie Barnes

Assurance of Pardon - Jeanie Barnes               

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

And God saves those who are crushed in spirit.

God knows our need and has sent the beloved son Jesus. 

In Jesus' death and resurrection we have been forgiven and called to new and abundant life.

Trust God's love for your life and know that you are forgiven.

Thanks be to God!                     

Lighting the Peace Candle and Passing the Peace - Jeanie Barnes

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

Response #774: “There is Now a New Creation” verse 1

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

Hymn #249: “Because You Live, O Christ” VRUECHTEN

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Uneeda Brewer

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

Giver of Life, behind this offering lies the busyness of our world: the office, the home, the classroom, the highways, and the corridors.  Save us from creating a world where wealth accumulates and people decay.  Accept this offering and our lives, limited as they are, as willing instruments for good in your world.  Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “Grant Us Thy Peace” by Mendelssohn

Doxology with Alleluias #609 LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures high and low. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God, in Jesus fully known: Creator, Word, and Spirit one. Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia, alleluia! 

Prayer for Illumination - Uneeda Brewer   

First Scripture: Luke 24:13-27 - Uneeda Brewer 

Sermon Scripture: Luke 24:28-35 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Emmaus Road: Recognizing Jesus” - Ginny Ellis

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer - Jeanie Barnes                                              

Hymn #26: “Earth and All Stars!” EARTH AND ALL STARS 

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Postlude: “Vruechten” (This Joyful Eastertide, hymn 244), Keith Kolander (b. 1955) - Jack Rain, organ