April 13 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service 

April 13, 2025 - Palm Sunday 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Prelude: “Dominica in palmis” (“Palm Sunday”; based on v. 1 of hymn 196), Jean Langlais (1907–1991) - Jack Rain, organ 

Call to Worship - Rev. Robert Galloway 

The road is prepared, cloaks laid down, palms raised high.  

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”  

Heaven leans near as the Prince of Peace draws close.  

“Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”  

The powers of this world tremble at his arrival.  

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”  

The joyful cannot be silenced; the truth will not be restrained.  

“If these were silent, the stones would shout out!”  

Come, let us worship God.

Processional Hymn #196: “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”  VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN  

Call to Confession - Ann Murray

Prayer of Confession - Ann Murray 

Merciful God, you come in humility, but we long for grandeur. You come in peace, but we cling to power. You ask for our loyalty, but we make fleeting oaths to worthless idols. Forgive what we have done and what we have left undone. Allow us to proclaim your glory so that the stones don't cry out in our place. Turn us towards your path of grace, so that our lives may echo your saving love.

Assurance of Pardon - Ann Murray 

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

Anthem:  “A Hosanna Flourish,” Jim Ailor (b. 1953) - Joyful Noise Music Makers Children’s Choir & Chancel Choir

Welcome - Robert Galloway

Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway

Passing the Peace - Robert Galloway 

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

*Response Hymn #372: “O for a World” AZMON

Prayer for Illumination - Kirby Volz

Old Testament Reading: Psalm 31:9-16 - Kirby Volz

New Testament Reading: Luke 19:28-40 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon: “The Highs and Lows” - Robert Galloway

Hymn of Response #198: “Ride On! Ride On in Majesty!” ST. DROSTANE 

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Kirby Volz 

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 - Kirby Volz 

Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

Gracious God, we bring these offerings before you, acknowledging that our joy today is tempered by the shadow of the cross ahead. By these gifts, we faithfully follow the One who humbly rides to the cross. We know that your path to glory leads through suffering. Use these gifts, O Lord, to carry your peace into the discord, to bring light into the darkness, and to proclaim the love that is stronger than death. May we offer ourselves in humble service to your will. We dedicate these gifts, and ourselves, now and always. Amen. 

Offertory Solo: “The Holy City,” Stephen Adams (1841–1913) - Paris Cheffer, baritone

*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 #209: “My Song Is Love Unknown” LOVE UNKNOWN 

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

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway

Postlude: “Les rameaux: Entrée de Jésus à Jérusalem” (The Palms: Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem) from Poèmes Évangéliques), Jean Langlais (1907–1991) - Jack Rain, organ 

—————————————————

Announcements:

Today, April 13 - Palm Sunday

  • 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.

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

Monday, April 14

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

Tuesday, April 15

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

Wednesday, April 16

  • Beach Drive Forum, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

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

Thursday, April 17 - Maundy Thursday

  • Bell Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Choir Room

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

Friday, April 18 - Good Friday

  • Church Office closes at noon

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

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

  • Good Friday service, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary

Saturday, April 19

  • Eggstravaganza, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., grass parking lot

Sunday, April 20 - EASTER SUNDAY!

  • 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, April 28, 7 p.m., Stated Session Meeting

  • Sundays, May 4 and May 11, 10 a.m., New Member Inquirers’ Class. Please call the Church Office to RSVP!

Amy McCutcheon