August 20 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – August 20, 2023 – 11 a.m.  

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost / Blessing of the Backpacks

Prelude: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” Diane Bish (b. 1941) - Jack Rain, organ                                  

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

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,

For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever does not receive the kingdom of heaven like a child shall not enter it.”

And he took them in his arms and blessed them.

Thanks be to God!                                               

Singing of Hymns standing for the 1st hymn in body or in spirit, seated for the 2nd hymn

#263: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” CORONATION 

#39: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” FAITHFULNESS

Morning Prayer and Lighting of the Peace Candle - Ginny Ellis

Moment for All Ages: Blessing of the Backpacks - Ginny Ellis

Special Music: “Julia Florida,” Agustín Barrios (1885–1944) - Erol Ozsever, guitar                             

Prayer for Illumination - Mary-Linda Armacost                                                                    

First Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9 - Mary-Linda Armacost

Sermon Scripture: John 17:24-26 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: ”Finding Love in Faithfulness” - Ginny Ellis

The Sacrament of Baptism - Tanner Oswald, son of Andy and Megan Oswald

Presentation / Questions / The Baptism / The Welcome

Hymn #409: “God is Here!” ABBOT’S LEIGH

Time of Response - Ginny Ellis

Presentation of our Gifts - Ginny Ellis

…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.

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis

The peace of the Lord be with you. / And also with you.

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis         

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord / Alleluia! Amen.  

Postlude: “Carillon Toccata,” Douglas E. Wagner (b. 1952) - Jack Rain, organ  

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Announcements

Today, August 20

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

  • There are sign-up tables at the back of the Sanctuary today as we prepare for the upcoming “Hope for Ukraine” concert. Please stop by!

Monday, August 21

  • Lectio Divina, 10 a.m., via Zoom

Tuesday, August 22

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

  • Praise Band rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center (different day, this week only!)

Friday, August 25

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

Sunday, August 27

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

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

  • Fellowship Event at the Imagine Museum, 1 p.m. Tickets are $5; see Dave Hunt or call the Church Office for more info!

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, September 4, Church Office closed for Labor Day

  • Wednesday, September 13, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday night supper and Kids’ Choir, 6:10 p.m.

  • Sunday, September 17, 4 p.m., “Hope for Ukraine” concert. Plan to attend, and feel free to invite family, friends, and neighbors!

  • Wednesday, September 20, 6 p.m., Beach Drive Forum

Amy McCutcheon