February 23 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary service 

February 23, 2025 - Seventh Sunday After Epiphany 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Prelude: Chorale and chorale prelude on “St. Columba” (hymn 802, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”), Healey Willan (1880–1968) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome & Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Robert Galloway

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway 

Like many before us, we gather seeking the living hope of God.  

Our hearts yearn for divine renewal. 

When challenged to love those who oppose us, we respond with grace and compassion. 

We rise in mercy, defying hate with love. 

We place our trust in the transforming power of God.  

Our voices join in the eternal chorus of believers, giving glory to our God. 

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

Call to Confession - Ann Murray

Prayer of Confession - Ann Murray

Merciful God, we confess that often our hearts have hardened with anger and our actions lack love and justice. We have allowed pride, resentment, and fear to control our lives. We reject the forgiveness you freely offer. We have neglected to show compassion, to reconcile, and to care for those in need. Forgive us for failing to love as you love, to forgive as you forgive. Cleanse us with your mercy, renew our spirits, and restore in us the joy of your salvation. 

Assurance of Pardon - Ann Murray

…Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

Passing the Peace - Ann Murray

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

*Response #611:  “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” stanza 1 only HYMN TO JOY  

Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway

Prayer for Illumination - Susan Luehrs

Old Testament Reading: Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 - Susan Luehrs

New Testament Reading: Luke 6:27-38 - Robert Galloway 

The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. 

Sermon - Robert Galloway

*Hymn #661: “Why Should I Feel Discouraged? SPARROW 

Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Robert Galloway 

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. 

Minute for Mission - Dr. César Dávila/Susan Schlecht 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Susan Schlecht

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

God of abundance, we bring these gifts as a response to your presence in our lives. In giving our offering, we have changed. In a world that teaches us to hold tightly, you call us to open our hands. So take what we offer—multiply it, stretch it, surprise us with what you will do. May this offering meet the needs of our community, feed the hungry, comfort the hurting, and build up your kingdom here. Shape our hearts to reflect Your generous ways so that all may know your love. Amen.

Offertory Anthem: "Keep Your Lamps,” arr. André Thomas - Chancel Choir

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH                                                        

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer - Robert Galloway

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.

*Closing Hymn #240: “Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks”  ALLELUIA NO. 1  

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway

Postlude: “Finale Jubilante,” Healey Willan (1880–1968) - Jack Rain, organ  

——————————————-

Announcements

Today, February 23

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

  • Arts Connection Gallery open until 12:30 p.m.

Monday, February 24

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

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

  • Stated Session meeting, 7 p.m. 

Tuesday, February 25

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, February 26

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

Thursday, February 27

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

Friday, February 28

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

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

Sunday, March 2

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

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

  • Power Hour class, 10 a.m., Church Office Conference Room

  • Children’s Sunday School, (Pre-K-5th), 10 a.m., S-202, S-100

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

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

  • Annual Congregational Meeting, 10:15 a.m., Sanctuary

  • “Bon Voyage” concert, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

Upcoming Events:

  • March 3, 4 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • March 5, Ash Wednesday; Drive-through ashes in the front circle from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.; worship service at 7 p.m., Sanctuary

Amy McCutcheon