March 16 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service 

March 16, 2025 - Second Sunday in Lent 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Prelude: “Prelude and Fugue in E minor” BWV 555, J. S. Bach (1685–1750) - Jack Rain, organ

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

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway 

We are blessed to be citizens of heaven.  

Our true home is in God’s kingdom, where love and mercy reign.   

In faith, hope, and joy, we stand firm together.  

We stand firm in the Lord, our refuge and our strength.  

With grateful hearts, give glory to God.  

We are gathered to rejoice and praise God’s holy name.   

Come, let us worship God.

Processional Hymn #221: “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” PASSION CHORALE

Call to Confession - Susan Luehrs

Prayer of Confession (unison) - Susan Luehrs

Merciful God, we confess that we have set our hearts on lesser things. We chase after what does not satisfy. We cling to old ways when you call us to new life. We forget that our true home is in you. Forgive us, O Lord. Turn our hearts toward your kingdom, so that we may stand firm in your grace and follow in the way of Christ.

Assurance of Pardon - Susan Luehrs

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

Passing the Peace - Susan Luehrs

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

*Response #187: “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us” stanza 1 only  BRADBURY 

Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway

Prayer for Illumination - Jim Garnett

Old Testament Reading: Psalm 27 - Jim Garnett

New Testament Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon: “In the Lord” - Robert Galloway

*Hymn #175: “Seek Ye First” LAFFERTY 

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Jim Garnett              

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 – Invitation and Prayer - Jim Garnett

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

Loving and merciful God, you have entrusted us with many blessings. All that we have is a gift from you, and today we return a portion of those blessings as an act of worship. Take these gifts, Lord, and use them to bring healing where there is brokenness, hope where there is despair, and joy where there is sorrow. But more than our offerings, take our very lives and shape them for your purpose. Teach us to be generous as you are generous, to serve as Christ served, and to love as you have first loved us. May all that we give and all that we do be for your glory and the good of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Offertory Anthem: “Still I Sing Alleluia,” Kyle Pederson (b. 1971) - 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 #157: “I Danced in the Morning” LORD OF THE DANCE 

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway 

Postlude: “Fantasia in C” BWV 570, J. S. Bach (1685–1750) - Jack Rain, organ 

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Announcements:

Today, March 16

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

Monday, March 17

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

  • Fellowship Dinner: St. Patrick’s Day Edition! 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, March 18

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, March 19

  • Lenten Lunch, 12 p.m., Youth Center

  • Beach Drive Forum: Is Speech on Campus Free? by William Felice, PhD, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

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

Thursday, March 20

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

Friday, March 21

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

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

Sunday, March 23

  • 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 

Upcoming Events:

  • "Stations of the Cross" by Dee Perconti: art exhibit opening reception on Friday, March 28, 5-7 p.m.

  • Festival of Praise: Brahm’s Requiem, Sunday, April 6, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

Amy McCutcheon