September 10 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – September 10, 2023– 11 a.m.  

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Legende,” Robert Cundick (1926–2016) - Jack Rain, organ

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

Call to Worship - Robin Lyle

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God's holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—

Our God forgives all your iniquity and heals all your diseases,

Our God redeems your life and crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

The Lord satisfies you with good as long as you live,

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 

Processional Hymn #15: “All Creatures of Our God and King” LASST UNS ERFREUEN 

Unison Prayer of Confession - Rev. Ginny Ellis

Lord God, your power and love are beyond our imagining.  We know that when we fear the future, we do not hold faith in your providence. So today, in this place, we entrust ourselves, those we love, the church, and the world once again in your care. Forgive us the tendency to want to take control.  Help us to give our fears to you and trust enough to leave them there. May your Spirit fill us with the faith we need each day.  In Jesus’ name, 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” FIRST SONG 

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis  

Concert Series Presentation - Matt Clear  

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Mary-Linda Armacost

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

It is our prayer today, O God, that your vision for this your church may be found in us as we bring our gifts for the work of the church and its ministries. Take us this day, O God, and make of us a dedicated and eager people, ready to encounter the challenges that you set before us. And above all else, shape our dreams and our gifts to please and serve you, for we are yours. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “With a Voice of Singing,” Martin Shaw (1875–1958) - Chancel Choir

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayer for Illumination - Mary-Linda Armacost

First Scripture: Galatians 5:25-6:2 - Mary-Linda Armacost 

Solo: “Melody in A Minor” from The High Mountain Pass, Myroslav Skoryk (1938–2020) - Serafim Fitzgerald, violin

Sermon Scripture: Galatians 6:14-16 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “In the Spirit, a New Creation” - Ginny Ellis                                         

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

Hymn #688: “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” MORECAMBE

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis 

Postlude: “Fanfare and Toccata on Laßt uns erfreuen” (hymn 15), Barbara Harbach (b. 1946) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements

 Today, September 10

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

  • Men’s Meal Ministry cooking for Pinellas Hope, 2 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall kitchen. Volunteers welcome!

Monday, September 11

  • Lectio Divina, 10 a.m., via Zoom

Tuesday, September 12

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, September 13

  • Wednesday Night Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

  • Kid’s Choir, 6:10 p.m.

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

Friday, September 15

  • Men’s Bible Study, 8 a.m. (new time!), Room N-123

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

Sunday, September 17

  • 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

  • Power Hour class meets at 10 a.m. in the Youth Center

  • The new Young Adults/Parents class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-206

  • The new Teens class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-205

  • “Hope for Ukraine” concert, 4 p.m. Plan to attend, and feel free to invite family, friends, and neighbors! You can still give us support as we fill the many volunteer slots for hosting this concert and the Ukrainian musicians. See Fran Sims or call the Church Office for more details.

Upcoming Events:

  • Next Monday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m., join FPC friends and our Ukrainian guest musicians at Pass-a-Grill Beach for sunset (meeting at Pass-a-Grill Community Church).

  • Next Wednesday, September 20, 6 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: What Makes a Poem? by St. Petersburg Poet Laureate Gloria Muñoz.

Amy McCutcheon