March 23 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service 

March 23, 2025 - Third Sunday in Lent 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Prelude: “Prelude on Toplady” (hymn 438), Lee Hastings Bristol, Jr. (1923–1979); “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me,” Dale Wood (1934–2003) - Jack Rain, organ

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

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway 

O God, you are our God;  

our souls thirst for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  

We have looked upon you in the sanctuary;  

we have seen your power and glory.  

Our lips will praise you as long as we live;  

we lift up our hearts and call on your name.  

Let us worship God!                                                                                                                                     

Processional Hymn #438: “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” TOPLADY 

Call to Confession - Peter Armacost

Prayer of Confession - Peter Armacost 

Merciful God, you call us to come and be nourished, yet we chase after that which does not fill us. You offer living water, yet we turn to wells that run dry. You invite us to seek you, yet we cling to our own ways. Forgive us, O Lord. In your compassion, renew our hearts. In your mercy, draw us back to you. Help us to trust in your abundance, to delight in your presence, and to follow where you lead. For your ways are higher than our ways, and your love is steadfast. We pray all these things in Christ’s name.

Assurance of Pardon - Peter Armacost                                                                              

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

Passing the Peace - Peter Armacost 

…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 - Mary-Linda Armacost

First Scripture Reading: Psalm 63:1-8 - Mary-Linda Armacost 

Sermon Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon: “Thirst and Hunger” - Robert Galloway 

*Hymn #441: “Hear the Good News of Salvation” NETTLETON 

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Mary-Linda Armacost 

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 - Mary-Linda Armacost 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

Holy God, you have invited us to come, to seek, and to be satisfied in your abundance. In response to your blessings, we offer these gifts. We give them out of our gratitude. Bless them, that they may nourish the weary, satisfy the hungry, and proclaim your steadfast love. May our lives bear witness to your glory and reflect the riches of your grace. Bless and multiply what we give, so that all may know the joy of your steadfast love. Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “Come to the Water” - 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 #649: “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound” AMAZING GRACE 

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway

Postlude: “Aberystwyth” (hymn 440), Ashley Grote (b. 1982) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, March 23

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

Monday, March 24

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

  • Stated Session Meeting, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 25

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, March 26

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

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

Thursday, March 27

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

Friday, March 28

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

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

  • Arts Connection Gallery Opening for “Stations of the Cross,” 5 p.m., Chapel

Sunday, March 30

  • 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 

  • Chapel Gallery open for viewing, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Upcoming Events:

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

Amy McCutcheon