March 30 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service 

March 30, 2025 - Fourth Sunday in Lent 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Prelude: Two meditations on “What Wondrous Love Is This,” Charles Callahan (1951–2023), Paul Manz (1919–2009) - Jack Rain, organ 

Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Robert Galloway

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.  

      Everything old has passed away; everything has been made new!   

God calls us to be reconciled—to God and to one another.  

We come, seeking grace, longing for peace.  

In Christ, God does not count our sins against us.  

Instead, God offers us love beyond measure.  

Come, let us worship God.

Processional Hymn #215: “What Wondrous Love Is This” WONDROUS LOVE

Call to Confession - Dave Hunt

Prayer of Confession - Dave Hunt                                                                                             

Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you and against one another. We have held on to old ways, even when you call us to new life. We have chosen division over reconciliation, self-interest over sacrifice. We have not trusted your mercy, nor have we extended it as freely as you have given it. Forgive us, O Lord. Cover us in your grace, and teach us again what it means to live as your redeemed people.  

Assurance of Pardon - Dave Hunt                                                                        

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

Passing the Peace - Dave Hunt

…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 - Susan Schlecht

Old Testament Reading: Psalm 32 - Susan Schlecht

New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon: “A New Creation” - Robert Galloway

*Hymn #774: “There Is Now a New Creation” STUTTGART 

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Susan Schlecht                 

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 - Susan Schlecht

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

Abundantly Giving God, you call us to be part of your reconciling work in the world. We no longer see others from a human point of view, but through the lens of your grace. Take these gifts and bless them, so that they may bring new life where there is despair, hope where there is doubt, and joy where there is sorrow. Shape us, O Lord, into instruments of your peace, so that, through us, the world may glimpse your kingdom. In Christ’s name, we pray. 

Offertory Anthem: “And Can it Be?” Eric Nelson (b. 1959) - 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 #821: “My Life Flows On” HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING 

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway 

Postlude:  “Fugue in D minor,” Thomas Roseingrave (1690–1766) - Jack Rain, organ 

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Announcements:

Today, March 30

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

  • Chapel Gallery “Stations of the Cross” open for viewing, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Monday, March 31

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

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

Tuesday, April 1

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

Wednesday, April 2

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

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

Thursday, April 3

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

Friday, April 4

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

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

Sunday,  April 6

  • 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 

  • Festival of Praise concert: Brahm’s Requiem, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, April 7, 4 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • Wednesday, April 9, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Dinner, Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP online or by calling the Church Office.

Amy McCutcheon