March 24 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin - PALM SUNDAY

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – March 24, 2024 – 11 a.m.  

Palm/Passion Sunday 

Rev. Ginny Ellis   

Prelude: “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone,” Dorothy Wells (1926–2008); “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” (hymn 197), Lani Smith (19334–2015) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome - Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship  - Ginny Ellis 

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the Highest! 
Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! 
Even now, your king comes to you; 
Triumphant and victorious is he, 
Humble and riding on a donkey 
We see him come today! Hosanna!    

*Processional Hymn #196: “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN 

Children’s Songs: “This is the Day” (all children) and “The Donkey Dilemma,” Cynthia Wright  (Joyful Noise Music Makers) 

Call to Confession - Kirby Volz

Unison Prayer of Confession - Kirby Volz 

O God, we sing and praise you, happy of heart and strong of spirit, when we are among others who praise you too. But in times of turmoil, we seek scapegoats to be targets for our anger. We betray those we love, those who have loved us and we turn against you, too busy to seek you, too selfish to obey you. Your compassion is without bounds, O God, for you forgive us again and again. You restore us to a right spirit and bring us together, returning to worship you. God of steadfast love, teach us how to be steadfast; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. 

Assurance of Pardon - Kirby Volz 

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 of the Peace - Kirby Volz                                                                                                       

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

*Response #196:  “All Glory Laud and Honor” v. 4, including refrain before and after  

Musical Meditation: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” arr. Gilbert M. Martin (b. 1941) - Chancel Choir

Prayer for Illumination - Ginny Ellis 

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 - Ginny Ellis                                          

Sermon: “Martha’s Story” - Ginny Ellis  

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer  - Susan Luehrs 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

O God, we know that your gifts cannot be hoarded, that they are for spending.  Help us in this time of offering to share with you not only our money, but our lives also, for we are yours.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Offertory Solo: “The Holy City,” Stephen Adams (1841–1913) - Paris Cheffer, baritone

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH                        

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

*Recessional Hymn #197:  “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” ELLACOMBE 

*Charge & Benediction  - Ginny Ellis              

Postlude:  “Valet will ich dir geben” (Faewell I shall bid you; hymn 196), Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911) - Jack Rain, organ 

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Announcements:

Today, March 24

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

Monday, March 25

  • Lectio/Visio Divina, taking a break 3/25 and 4/1

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

  • Stated Session Meeting, 7 p.m. 

Tuesday, March 26

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel 

Wednesday, March 27

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

Maundy Thursday, March 28

  • Potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by a worship service in the Fellowship Hall

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

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

Good Friday, March 29

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

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

  • Sanctuary will be open for a time of personal meditation, 12-3 p.m. 

EASTER SUNDAY, March 31

  • Sunrise Easter Service, 7 a.m., on the patio outside the Sanctuary

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

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

  • Faith Journey class meets at 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel

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

  • “Next” Adult class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-100

  • Presbyterianism class taking a break this week; resumes April 7

  • Sanctuary Easter Service, 11 a.m., Sanctuary 

Upcoming Events:

  • Sunday, April 7, 1 p.m., FPC Explorers will be going to the Fine Arts Museum for “Art in Bloom”

  • Wednesday, April 10, 5:30 p.m., Italian Dinner Night, Fellowship Hall

Amy McCutcheon