March 9 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service 

March 9, 2025 - First Sunday in Lent 

Rev. Robert Galloway 

Prelude: Partita on “St. Flavian” (variations I–IV; hymn 166, Lord, Who throughout These Forty Days), Healey Willan (1880–1968) - Jack Rain, organ 

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

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway 

The Lord is our refuge, our shelter in times of trouble. 
God’s faithfulness is our shield and protection. 
When we call, the Lord answers. 
When we are afraid, God is near. 
Those who trust in the Lord will not be abandoned. 
We rest in the promise of God’s everlasting care. 
Come, let us worship God.                                                                                                                          

Processional Hymn #166: “Lord, Who throughout These Forty Days” ST. FLAVIAN 

Call to Confession - Dave Hunt

Prayer of Confession (unison) - Dave Hunt                                                                            

Merciful God, we long to trust you completely, but too often we seek refuge in our own strength. You promise to guard and guide us, yet we turn to fear and self-reliance. We confess that we do not always want or accept your care. We hesitate to love you and our neighbor as you love us.  We fail to seek you first. Forgive our fickle hearts. Remind us that your faithfulness is our foundation, and your love is our security. Teach us to abide in you, so that we may walk in your ways. 

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

First Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -  Susan Schlecht

Sermon Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 - Robert Galloway

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

Sermon: “A Promise” - Robert Galloway 

*Hymn #165: “The Glory of These Forty Days” ERHALT UNS, HERR 

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

Offertory Anthem: “Take Up Your Cross,” Hal H. Hopson (b. 1933) - Chancel Choir 

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH 

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

*Closing Hymn #163: “Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice” ABERYSTWYTH 

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway

Postlude: Partita on “St. Flavian” (variation V; hymn 166, Lord, Who throughout These Forty Days), Healey Willan (1880–1968) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, March 9

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

  • Men’s Meal Ministry, 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall kitchen

Monday, March 10

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

Tuesday, March 11

  • New Ladies’ Bible Study (Luke in the Land), 9 a.m., Youth Center

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, March 12

  • Lenten Lunches begin, 12 p.m., Youth Center

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

Thursday, March 13

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

Friday, March 14

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

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

Sunday, March 16

  • 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:

  • Monday, March 17, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Dinner: St. Patrick’s Day Edition! Please RSVP by March 14.

  • Wednesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, Beach Drive Forum: Is Speech on Campus Free? by William Felice, PhD.

Amy McCutcheon