September 24 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – September 24, 2023– 11 a.m.  

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Prelude and Fugue in B♭ major," J. S. Bach (1685–1750) - Jack Rain, organ

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

Call to Worship - Rev. Ginny Ellis

The Holy Spirit calls us from many places.
Some of us come from busy homes with many people.
Some of us live alone.
Together we are the family of God.
Yet we all come to this same place;
All of us seeking God’s presence in our lives,
All of us seeking God’s presence with each other,
Together we are the family of God.
Let’s worship God together!

Processional Hymn #611: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” HYMN TO JOY

Unison Prayer of Confession - Dave Hunt

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

O God, open to us today the sea of your mercy. Water us with full streams from the riches of your grace and springs of your kindness.  Make us children of quietness and heirs of peace.  Kindle in us the fire of your love.  Strengthen our weakness by your power and bind us close to you and each other.  We pray in Christ our Lord, Amen.

Assurance of Pardon - Ginny Ellis

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people.  Once we were no people but now we are God's people.

Once we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy.

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

The Lighting of the Peace Candle and the Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis                     

…May 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 - Dave Hunt           

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: “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” arr. J. David Moore - Chancel Choir

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayer for Illumination - Ann Murray

1st Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10 - Ann Murray 

Sermon Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Charting Our Course” - Ginny Ellis                                                                                            

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

Hymn #298: “Lord, You Give the Great Commission” (verses 1–3) ABBOT’S LEIGH           

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Postlude: “Trumpet Voluntary II,” William P. Rowan (b. 1951) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements  

Today, September 24

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

  • We want your feedback! To complete a Worship Service Evaluation, use this link!

Monday, September 25

  • Lectio Divina, 10 a.m. via Zoom

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

  • Stated Session Meeting, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, September 26

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, September 27

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

Thursday, September 28

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

Friday, September 29

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

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

Sunday, October 1

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

  • 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

  • Visioning Conversation # 1, 4 p.m., Fellowship Hall 

Upcoming Events:

  • Sunday, October 8, Visioning Conversation # 2, 4 p.m., Fellowship Hall

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

  • Wednesday, October 11, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Dinner and 6:10 p.m., Kids’ Choir

Amy McCutcheon