September 15 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church - St. Petersburg, Florida 

Order of Worship - September 15, 2024, 11 a.m. 

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost 

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Meditation on Kingsfold” (hymn 757), Roberta Bitgood (1908–2007) - Jack Rain, organ      

Welcome: Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis

I lift my eyes to the hills

Where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.

God will not let your foot slip; he will not slumber. 

God, who watches over us, will neither slumber nor sleep. 

The Lord will keep us from all harm.     

Hymn #401: “Here in This Place” GATHER US IN 

The Peace Candle and Morning Prayer - Peter Armacost                                

Passing the Peace - Peter Armacost 

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

*Response #71: “Surely, It Is God Who Saves Me” (refrain only; sing twice) FIRST SONG

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis                                                                                                                                        

Call to Reconciliation - Peter Armacost                   

Unison Prayer for Forgiveness - Peter Armacost  

God of all creation, of all people and nations, of all that is, our hearts break when we think of the brokenness around us: poverty, sickness, hunger, grief, injustice.  With sorrow we think of war and violence in our communities and in your world. Help each of us to ponder who we are and what we can do to change the world we live in, or to change the corner of that world where we might have a role to play.  Give us hearts for courage and hope for reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace, today and in all the days to come. In the precious, holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness - Peter Armacost 

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should have everlasting life. 

      God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world.  

Friends, believe the Good News: 

      In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer for Illumination - Mary-Linda Armacost                                                                      

First Reading: Mark 7:24-30 - Mary-Linda Armacost 

Sermon Scripture: James 2:1-10, 14-17 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Faith’s Love Language” - Ginny Ellis 

*Hymn #757: “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples” KINGSFOLD 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Mary-Linda Armacost 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

It is our prayer today, O God, that your vision may be found in us as we bring our gifts for the work of the church and its ministries.  Make of us a dedicated and eager people, ready to encounter the challenges that you set before us.  And above all else, shape our dreams and our gifts to please and serve you, for we are yours.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

Offertory Anthem: “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” John Rutter (b. 1945) - Chancel Choir           

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH                                                        

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

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

Hymn #748: “Go with Us, Lord” TALLIS’ CANON

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis  

Postlude: “Fanfare on an Original Theme,” Gilbert M. Martin (b. 1941) - Jack Rain, organ  

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Announcements:

Today, September 15

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

Monday, September 16

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

Tuesday, September 17

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

Wednesday, September 18

  • Beach Drive Forum: Saturday Night Lights: Florida and Football by Dr. Gary Mormino, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

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

Thursday, September 19

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

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

Friday, September 20

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

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

Sunday, September 22

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

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

  • Joyful Noise Music Makers (pre-K-5th) Kids’ Choir 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

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

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

  • FPC Explorer’s outing to the Morean Arts Center (Chihuly collection), 1:30 p.m. 

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, September 23, 7 p.m., Stated Session Meeting

  • Friday, September 27, 6 p.m., Movie Night, Youth Center

  • Friday, October 4, 5:30 p.m., “FPC Gets Artsy,” Chapel

Amy McCutcheon