December 22 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – December 22, 2024 – 11 a.m.   

Fourth Sunday of Advent 

Rev. Ginny Ellis 

Prelude: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (Advent hymn 88), Raymond H. Haan (b. 1938) - Jack Rain, organ

Lighting of the Peace Candle - Ginny  Ellis

Welcome - Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship  - Ginny Ellis  

We come to worship at Advent, approaching the window we yearn to throw open wide. 

We are eager to open the window that shows the world the very depth of God’s amazing love.

As this manger awaits the birth of the child, we await his coming again. 

The wonder is that he is already here,

in the love we share with one another and the forgiveness we offer to those who don’t deserve it. 

For that is the love we ourselves have received and the forgiveness offered to us. 

We come to worship this God, this One who comes. 

*Processional Hymn #121:  “O Little Town of Bethlehem” ST. LOUIS    

The Lighting of the Advent Candle of Love   - Jim Garnett 

The Advent Reading - Psalm 100:1-2

The Fourth Candle Is Lit  

Unison Prayer: O God, as we have come this Advent, we have opened windows of  expectation, watching for signs of your word and your comfort in our lives. We are thankful for the Savior even now coming into our lives, into our world. Thank you, Lord, for promise and for fulfillment, in this One who has come. Amen. 

Passing of the Peace   - Jim Garnett 

Friends, the peace of the coming Christ be with you. And also with you.

 *Response #384: “Soon and Very Soon” (v. 1) SOON AND VERY SOON     

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

Musical Meditation: “Away in a Manger,” arr. Hilton Kean Jones (b. 1945) - Handbell Choir 

Prayer for Illumination - Ann Murray

First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a - Ann Murray

Sermon Scripture:  Luke 1:46-55 - Ginny Ellis 

The Word of the Lord. / Thanks be to God. 

Sermon: “Filled with Good Things” - Ginny Ellis

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Ann Murray 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:    

God of all that is, guide my feet, that they make take me where I am needed. Guide my actions, that they might bear witness to your grace and ever-inclusive love. Help me to invest my time and resources so that, generations from now, it will be true that your kingdom has come and your will is done. To God be the glory. Amen.

Offertory Anthem:  “A Christmas Proclamation!” Charles Yannerella - Chancel Choir

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH   

Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Ginny Ellis

*Hymn #145:  “What Child is This?” GREENSLEEVES 

*Hymn # 134: “Joy to the World” ANTIOCH

Charge & Benediction- Ginny  Ellis

Postlude: “Toccata on Hyfrydol” (“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” Advent hymn 82)  - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, December 22

  • A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service

  • Celebratory Luncheon for Rev. Ginny, 12 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Monday, December 23

  • No Lectio/Visio Divina

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

Tuesday, December 24

  • Church Office closed

  • Christmas Eve Family Service, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

  • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7 p.m., Sanctuary 

Wednesday, December 25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

  • Church Office closed

Friday, December 27

  • No Men's Bible Study; resumes Jan. 3

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

Sunday, December 29

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

  • Connect Service, 9 a.m., Youth Center

  • Children’s Sunday School, (Pre-K-5th), 10 a.m., Room S-202

  • Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel

  • “Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123 

Upcoming Events:

  • The Church Office will be closed January 1 for New Year’s Day

  • Monday, January 6, 4 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • Monday, January 13, we welcome Rev. Robert Galloway for his first day at FPC!

Amy McCutcheon