December 8 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – December 8, 2024– 11 a.m.
Second Sunday of Advent
Rev. Ginny Ellis
Prelude: “God Is Love, His Mercy Brightens,” (Stuttgart, hymn 83), James Pethel (b. 1936) - Jack Rain, organ
Lighting of the Peace Candle - Ginny Ellis
Welcome - Ginny Ellis
Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis
As we come to worship at Advent, we approach a window that shines with peace.
To open the Advent window is to see how the world will be surprised.
Human plans carry only so much weight, only bring just so much relief.
God’s plan is peace, peace for all, and peace where we least expect it.
Come, God, in your surprising ways. We wait for you and for your peace.
*Processional Hymn #83: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” STUTTGART
The Lighting of the Advent Candle of Peace - Dave Hunt
The Advent Reading - Luke 2:1
The Second Candle Is Lit
Unison Prayer: O God, as we come in Advent, we come waiting for the Messiah you have promised. We come in hope, we come watching for Peace. May you come soon. Amen.
Passing of the Peace - Dave Hunt
Friends, the peace of the coming Christ be with you. And also with you.
*Response #384: “Soon and Very Soon” (verse 1) SOON AND VERY SOON
Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis
Prayer for Illumination - Susan Luehrs
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 - Susan Luehrs
Sermon Scripture: Luke 1:67-69, 76-80 - Ginny Ellis
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Sermon: “Dawn from on High” - Ginny Ellis
Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Susan Luehrs
Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
God of all that is, guide my feet that they may take me where I am needed. Guide my actions, that they might 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: “An Advent Acclamation,” Stacey Nordmeyer - Chancel Choir
*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH
The Prayers of the People - Ginny Ellis
Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Ginny Ellis
*Hymn #84: “Creator of the Stars of Night” CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM
Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis
Postlude: “Wachet auf” (Advent hymn 349, “Sleepers, Wake!”), A. D. Miller (b. 1972) - Jack Rain, organ
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Announcements:
Today, December 8
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Men’s Meal Ministry, 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall kitchen
Monday, December 9
Lectio/Visio Divina, 10 a.m. via Zoom
Stated Session meeting, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10
Ladies’ Advent Bible Study, 9 a.m., Youth Center
Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel
Wednesday, December 11
Wednesday Night Dinner: Christmas Edition! 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall; Joyful Noise Makers kids’ choir rehearsal directly following dinner (6:45 p.m., Sanctuary)
Praise Band Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, December 12
Bell Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Choir Room
Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room
Friday, December 13
Men's Bible Study, 8 a.m., Room N-123
Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom
Sunday, December 15
Childcare available 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pickups, Room S-203
Connect Service, 9 a.m., Youth Center
Joyful Noise Makers rehearsal, 9:30 a.m., Room S-202
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:
Sunday, December 22, 12 p.m., Celebratory Luncheon for Rev. Ginny, Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by calling the Church Office
Tuesday, December 24, 4 p.m., Christmas Eve family service; 7 p.m., Christmas Eve candlelight service
Church Office will be closed for Christmas on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25, and for New Year’s Day on Wednesday, January 1