July 7 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida 

Order of Worship - July 7, 2024 – 11 a.m. 

Seventh Sunday After Easter/Lord’s Supper 

Rev. Ginny Ellis 

Prelude: “Improvisation on Materna” (hymn 338), Charles Callahan (1951–2023) - Robert Todd, organ 

Welcome - Ginny Ellis

Lighting of the Peace Candle  - Ginny Ellis

Hymn #338:  “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies”  MATERNA  

Hymn #14 :  "For the Beauty of the Earth” DIX    

Responsive Prayer of the Day - Susan Luehrs

Eternal God, Creator of all that is, as you have surrounded us by the beauty of the earth, and as we have created a reflection of your bounty here in our worship space,  

we acknowledge awe and gratitude for the earth, for trees and flowers, for sun, moon, stars, and clouds.   

Having celebrated this week the birthday of our nation, we ponder the rich and full history of the United States of America. We remember many moments of our history with great pride, and some with regret.   

Loving this nation, we come today giving thanks for the freedom in which we live and the measure of safety we have been given.   

Guide us as a nation, Lord, in making good and wise decisions with our voices and our votes. 

Guide us to treat our neighbors with respect and with promise.  

Grant us and all your people, the further gift of peace, blessed peace, 

with food to nourish our bodies, rest to restore our strength, shelter to keep us whole, and purpose through which we might serve you.  

In the name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.   

Moment for All Ages - Ginny  Ellis      

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis 

Response #14: “For the Beauty of the Earth,” v. 2 DIX  

Prayer for Illumination - Susan Luehrs

First Scripture: Genesis 2:8-10, 15-17 - Susan Luehrs  

Sermon Scripture: Revelation 22:1-5 - Ginny Ellis         

Sermon:  “Beginning in a Garden” - Ginny Ellis 

Time of Response  (response this week is communion) - Ginny  Ellis 

Statement of Faith – Apostles Creed - Kirby Volz

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.  

Presentation of our Gifts - Kirby Volz

…Please join me in our unison prayer: 

O God, 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.

Choral Anthem:  “Christ Hath a Garden” by Gerald Near - Summer Choir

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper   

Invitation to the Table 

Hymn #507: “Come to the Table of Grace” TABLE OF GRACE  

The Great Thanksgiving  

The Lord be with you. / And also with you. 

Lift up your hearts. / We lift them to the Lord. 

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. / It is right to give our thanks and praise. 

Prayer of Consecration and the Lord’s Prayer 

…We lift our hearts in joyful praise: 

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.  Hosanna in the highest. 

…as we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. 

…Through Christ, with Christ in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, All glory and honor are yours, Almighty God, forever and ever. Amen.  

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.  

The Words of Institution 

The People come to receive the Elements 

Prayer of Thanksgiving (unison): 

O God, you have so greatly loved us, long sought us, and mercifully redeemed us. Give us grace that in everything we may yield ourselves, our wills and our works, a continual thanks offering to you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

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

Closing Hymn #340: “This is My Song” FINLANDIA      

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis

May the peace of Christ be with you.  / And also with you.  

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.  / Alleluia! Amen.  

Postlude: “Epilogue,” Norman Gilbert (1912–1975) - Robert Todd organ 

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Announcements:

Today, July 7

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

Tuesday, July 9

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

Wednesday, July 10

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

Friday, July 12

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

Sunday, July 14

  • 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

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

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

  • Presbyterianism class, 10 a.m., Church Office Conference Room

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

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, July 15, 10 a.m., Lectio/Visio Divina resumes

  • Monday, July 22, 7 p.m., Stated Session Meeting, Room N-123

Amy McCutcheon