April 14 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – April 14, 2024– 11 a.m.   

Third Sunday after Easter 

Rev. Ginny Ellis 

Prelude: “O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing!” (O filii et filiæ, hymn 255), Peter Pindar Stearns (1931–2016) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome - Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis 

They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. 

They shall mount up with wings like eagles, 

They shall run and not be weary, 

They shall walk and not faint.  

Come. Let us praise our God. 

Processional Hymn #236: “The Strife is O’er” VICTORY 

Call to Reconciliation - Jim Garnett

Unison Prayer for Forgiveness - Jim Garnett 

O God, open to us today the sea of your mercy. Water us with full streams from the riches of your grace and springs of your kindness.  Make us children of quietness and heirs of peace.  Kindle in us the fire of your love.  Strengthen our weakness by your power and bind us close to you and each other.  We pray in Christ our Lord,  Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness - Jim Garnett 

My friends, God is light and in God there is no darkness at all.

      If we claim to be sharing in God’s light while we walk in the dark, our words and our lives are a lie. 

But if we walk in the light as God is in the light, 

      then we share together a common life,

      and we are being cleansed from every sin by the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s own son. 

Friends, believe the good news 

      In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and made new.

Passing the Peace - Jim Garnett 

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

*Response #240: “Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks” ALLELUIA NO. 1 Sing v. 1, then the refrain (no refrain at beginning)  

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis  

Musical Meditation: “Acclamation in G Minor” by Karen Thompson - Handbell Choir 

Prayer for Illumination - Ann Murray           

First Reading: Luke 24:36b-48 - Ann Murray  

Sermon Scripture: 1 John 3:1-7 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Love Seen...In Being Like Jesus” - Ginny Ellis 

*Hymn #729: “Lord, I Want to be a Christian” I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Ann Murray 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

O Great Spirit, you created the earth. We are part of the earth, and the earth is part of us. We are connected because you connect us. May these gifts help unite us and repair broken people and things. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “The Meditations of My Heart” by Elaine Hagenberg - Chancel Choir 

*Doxology with Alleluias #609 LASST UNS ERFREUEN

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

Recessional Hymn #826: “Lift High the Cross” CRUCIFER

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis   

Postlude: “Toccata on O filii et filiæ” (hymn 255), Lynnwood Farnam (1885–1930) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:  

Today, April 14

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

  • Men’s Meal Ministry, 2 p.m., Fellowship Hall 

Monday, April 15

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

Tuesday, April 16

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

Wednesday, April 17

  • Beach Drive Forum, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall. “From Folk Medicines to Therapeutic Drugs” by Dr. Akiko Tanaka, president,  and co-founder of The Tampa Bay Research Institute

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

Thursday, April 18

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

Friday, April 19

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

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

Sunday, April 21

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

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

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

  • “Parable Quest” class (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) 10 a.m., Room  S-202

  • Power Hour class, 10 a.m., Youth Center

  • “Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room S-100

  • New Member Inquirer’s Class, 10 a.m., Church Office Conference Room 

Upcoming Events:

  • Friday, May 10, 6 p.m., Fundraiser gala for Live Love St Pete; see First News for details on how to get tickets.

  • Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Spring Fun Day at Cedarkirk, $16/person includes lunch; if it’s your first visit to Cedarkirk, admission is FREE! Please sign up ASAP, as space is limited; call the Church Office for details.

Amy McCutcheon