September 17 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – September 17, 2023– 11 a.m.  

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: Sonata No. 6 (Our Father Who Art in Heaven; chorale and variations 1–3), Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome and Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rev. Jeanie Barnes

Call to Worship - Jeanie Barnes

Sing aloud and rejoice, clap your hands, raise your voice,

     For with unnerving choice God in love has found us,

And God displays around us power to speak and heal,

     Grace to know what’s real.

We come to worship, to pray for peace, to sing our faith. 

     Come. Let us praise our God.

Processional Hymn #620: “Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven” LAUDA ANIMA

Call to Confession - Susan Schlecht

Unison Prayer for Confession - Susan Schlecht

God of all Creation, of all people and nations, of all that is, our hearts break when we think of the brokenness around us: poverty, sickness, hunger, grief, injustice.  With sorrow we think of war and violence in our communities and in your world. As we pray in this place, help each of us to ponder who we are and what we can do to change the world we live in, or to change the corner of that world where we might have a role to play.  Give us hearts for courage and hope for reconciliation, forgiveness and peace, today and in all the days to come, as we follow the Prince of Peace.  In his precious, holy name, Amen.

Assurance of Pardon - Rev. Ginny Ellis

…Friends, believe the Good News. / In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Lighting the Peace Candle and Passing the Peace - Ginny Ellis

…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                                                                                       

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Roy Duttweiler

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

With grateful hearts we come, O Gracious God, bringing these gifts for your service.  We offer ourselves also; receive and bless us as your faithful servants.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “Praise His Holy Name” by Keith Hampton - FPC Chancel Choir with the Kiev Symphony Chorus 

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayer for Illumination - Roy Duttweiler                                                     

1st Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:13-15, 18-21 - Roy Duttweiler                                                      

Sermon Scripture: I Corinthians 15:1-10b - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Our Sailing Vessel: The Church” - Ginny Ellis

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

Hymn #765: “May the God of Hope Go with Us Every Day” ARGENTINA

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis 

Postlude: Sonata No. 6 (Our Father Who Art in Heaven; variation 4), Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements

Today, September 17

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

  • Paper copies of the Worship Service Evaluation forms are available at the Welcome Center; stop by and take one OR use the link in First News to give us your feedback!

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

Monday, September 18

  • No Lectio Divina; resumes next week

  • Join FPC friends and our Ukrainian guest musicians at Pass-a-Grille Beach for sunset, 6:30 p.m. (free parking at Pass-a-Grille Community Church)

Tuesday, September 19

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., virtual

Wednesday, September 20

  • Beach Drive Forum, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall: What Makes a Poem? by St. Petersburg Poet Laureate Gloria Muñoz.

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

Thursday, September 21

  • Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Suite

 Friday, September 22

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

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

Sunday, September 24

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

  • New Member Inquirer’s Class, 10 a.m., Chapel

  • Faith Journey class meets at 10 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

Upcoming Events:

  • Senior Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP (no later than October 6) by calling the Church Office.

Amy McCutcheon