June 25 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – June 25, 2023 – 11 a.m.  

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Guest Preacher: Rev. Tony Winter

Prelude: “Variations on Old Hundredth” (12 var. on hymn 385), Adrienne Tindall (b. 1935) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome and Announcements (see below for complete list of announcements) - Rev. Jeanie Barnes

Invitation - Kirby Volz

Call to Worship - Kirby Volz

Creator God you made all that is, all of us as we are.

Son of God, you died that all might know what abundant and eternal life can be.

Spirit of God, we thank you for all those in whom the light of love shines forth.

May we be people of that light.

May we be a church of welcome, a safe place for all your people.                                         

Opening Hymn #385: “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayer for Reconciliation - Jeanie Barnes

Lord, we confess we don’t know how to say “Thank You” for splendor, for a cool breeze on a hot, humid day, for a warm embrace of reassurance, for freedom to decide about tomorrow.

Lord, we confess we don’t know how to say “Thank You” for pain,

for tears of a realized failure, for a truth broken, for a love not returned. 

We’d rather say: “Take back your gift.”

Lord, we confess we don’t know how to say “Thank You” for the dance of life.  Forgive and help us, O Giving God. 

Give us hearts for gratitude, and lives of hope. Amen.

Time for silent prayer

Assurance of Pardon - Jeanie Barnes

If anyone is in Christ, that person becomes a new person altogether.

The past is finished and gone. Everything has become fresh and new.

Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Lighting the Peace Candle and Passing the Peace - Jeanie Barnes     

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

Response #399: “God Welcomes All” (sing 2 times) THEMBA AMEN

Moment for All Ages - Rev. Jeanie Barens and Rev. Tony Winter

Hymn #450: “Be Thou My Vision” SLANE 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Kirby Volz

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

We dedicate these gifts, Lord, even as we dedicate ourselves, trusting you in all times of our lives. Use us, Lord, in the work of Your kingdom and make us truly grateful for all your gifts. Amen.

Guest Musician- Clair Ives, horn

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH 

Prayer for Illumination - Kirby Volz

First Scripture: Psalm 23 - Kirby Volz 

Sermon Scripture: John 9:1-41 - Rev. Tony Winter 

Sermon: “I Was Blind, Now I See” - Rev. Tony Winter 

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer - Rev. Tony Winter                                                                                 

Hymn #451: “Open My Eyes That I May See” ST. MARGARET 

Charge & Benediction - Rev. Tony Winter 

Postlude: “Doxology Postlude,” Peter Pindar Stearns (1931–2016) - Jack Rain, organ

—————————————-

Announcements

Today, June 25

  • A Stephen Minister, wearing a blue stole, is available at the close of this service. 

  • As you exit today, please stop by the center table or at the Welcome Center to fill out a “Favorite Hymn” card and let us know what you’d love us to sing during the month of July.   

Monday, June 26

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

Tuesday, June 27

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

  • Anyone who may be interested in helping plan how we will do hospitality, meals, and food going forward is invited to a time of conversation with the current Christian Ed/Fellowship Committee. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the Church Office Conference Room.

Wednesday June 28

  • Praise Band rehearsal, 7:00 p.m., Youth Center

Friday, June 30

  • Men’s Bible Study, 7:30 a.m., Room N-123 

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

Sunday, July 2

  • Wear red, white and blue to celebrate God’s great gift of freedom. Plan to stay after service for a special lemonade, tea, and cookie reception!

  • Childcare available 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pick-ups Room 203

  • Faith Journey class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-202

  • Power Hour Adult Sunday School class will be on summer break until Sept. 10.

Upcoming Events:

  • Tuesday, July 4, the Church Office will be closed in observance of Independence Day

  • Friday, July 7, starting at 9:30 a.m., Church “Shine” Day: honoring God by shining up our church (cleaning, clearing out unwanted stuff, and organizing the things we need to do our ministry in the best way possible).

Amy McCutcheon