February 25 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship –February 25, 2024 – 11 a.m.  

Second Sunday in Lent

Rev. Ginny Ellis 

Prelude: “Ubi caritas” (Where charity [and love are, God is there]), Alan Bullard (b. 1947) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome and Announcements - Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis

God called Abraham and Sarah to travel into the unknown,

To go wherever God would lead them.

Jesus calls us to be his disciples,

To take up the cross to follow him.

Like many through the centuries we are travelers in the journey of faith.

May our worship sustain us for the days and paths to come.

Prayers for Peace - Ginny Ellis

*Processional Hymn #165: “The Glory of These Forty Days” ERHALT UNS, HERR 

Call to Reconciliation - Ginny Ellis

Prayer for Forgiveness - Ginny Ellis

Response #576: “Lord, Have Mercy” SINGAPURA 

Assurance of Forgiveness - Ginny Ellis

Hear the Good News!  Who is in a position to condemn?  Only Christ. 

And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.

      If anyone is in Christ, that person becomes a new person altogether.

      The past is finished and gone.  Everything has become fresh and new.

Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

      In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Passing the Peace - Ginny Ellis          

…The peace of Christ be with you. / And also with you.

*Response #322: “We Are One in Christ Jesus” First ending sung two times SOMOS UNO

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis 

Minute for Mission: Our Honduras Ministry - Dr. César Dávila with Susan Schlecht 

Prayer for Illumination - Mary-Linda Armacost                                                                                                                      

First Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 - Mary-Linda Armacost 

Second Scripture: Mark 8:31-38 - Mary-Linda Armacost 

Sermon: “Covenant: A Call to Adventure” - Ginny Ellis 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Peter Armacost

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:       

God of all, our gifts represent what we have and what we are, all of which has come from you. Accept these gifts which we bring today, that, as we bring them in love, so they may contribute to the needs of the saints and extend hospitality to strangers. And accept us, that in your name we may live in harmony with one another, live peaceably with all and overcome evil with good, through the risen Christ we pray, Amen.

Offertory Anthem:  “Come, Ye Sinners Poor and Needy,” arr. and conducted by Rick L. Smith - Chancel Choir

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Statement of our Faith: The Apostles Creed - Ginny Ellis

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Installation of an Elder: Vicki Fox                     

Statement on Ordination & Installation                                                     

      Constitutional Questions to the Candidate and to the Congregation  

Prayer of Ordination and Installation     

Declaration of Ordination and Installation

*Hymn #726: “Will You Come and Follow Me” KELVINGROVE 

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis  

Postlude: “Fugue in G minor,” Johann Ernst Eberlin (1702–1762) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, February 25

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

Monday, February 26

  • Lectio/Visio Divina, 10 a.m. via Zoom

  • Stated Session Meeting, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, February 27

  • Christian Meditation, Chapel, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, February 28

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

Thursday, February 29

  • Bell Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Choir Room

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

Friday, March 1

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

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

  • The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay Concert invites you to explore excerpts of Anne Frank's diary in a performance of James Whitbourn's Annelies; 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This is a ticketed event; please call 813-355-9609.

Sunday, March 3

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

  • Faith Journey class meets at 9:45 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-100

  • Presbyterianism class meets at 10:10 a.m. in the Church Office Conference Room

Upcoming Events:

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

Amy McCutcheon