December 17 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

Order of Worship – December 17, 2023– 11 a.m.  

Third Sunday of Advent

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”  (Advent hymn 347), J. J. Keeler (1913–1996) - Jack Rain, organ

Lighting of the Peace Candle - Ginny Ellis

Welcome and Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rev. Ginny Ellis  

Call to Worship (adapted from Isaiah 33:14) - Ginny Ellis

The days are coming, declares the Lord,

When I will fulfill the gracious promise I made;

The promise God made to the people,

The promise fulfilled in the Christ who comes. 

*Processional Hymn #136: “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” GO TELL IT

Lighting of the Advent Candle - JOY - The González family: Fernando, Jennifer, Clarissa and Theo

Advent Reading: I Thessalonians 5:16-21 

The Candle Is Lit

Responsive Advent Litany:

Advent is a time for joy

Our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with shouts of joy.  

During Advent we find new joy.

It was said among the nations. The Lord has done great things for them. Make straight the way for our God.

During Advent we watch and celebrate the new joy

Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. Come and worship!

Advent Response #92:  “While we are Waiting, Come” verse 1  WAITING

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis

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

*Response #384: “Soon and Very Soon” verse 1 SOON AND VERY SOON 

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Kirby Volz   

….Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

Most generous God, as we think about gifts in this sparkling season, remind us of the Gift of your Son, a gift which brings us the richness, fullness of eternal life. May our own humble giving reflect your generosity and your grace.  In his name we pray, Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “Wexford Carol,” by Elaine Hagenberg - Chancel Choir

Good people all, this Christmas time, Consider well and bear in mind,

What our good God for us has done In sending His beloved Son.

With Mary holy we should pray To God with love this Christmas day;

In Bethlehem upon that morn, There was a blessed Messiah born.

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep;

To whom God's angels did appear, Which put the shepherds in great fear.

"Prepare and go," the angels said, "To Bethlehem, be not afraid

For there you'll find this happy morn' A princely Babe, sweet Jesus born."

With thankful heart and joyful mind, The shepherds went that Babe to find,

And as God's angel had foretold, They did our Savior Christ behold.

Within a manger He was laid, And by his side the Virgin maid

Attending on the Lord of Life Who came to earth to end all strife.

With Mary holy we should pray To God with love this Christmas day;

In Bethlehem upon that morn, There was a blessed Messiah born.

*Doxology  OLD HUNDREDTH 

Prayer for Illumination - Fran Sims                                                                 

First Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4 - Fran Sims 

*Hymn #97: “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” ABERYSTWYTH

      Women: sing the first and third lines, beginning: “Watchman”

      Men: sing the second and fourth lines, beginning “Traveler”

Sermon Scripture: John 1:6-8, 19-28 - Ginny Ellis

Sermon: “John the Baptist: The Preacher” - Ginny Ellis

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer - Ginny Ellis                                    

*Hymn #143: “Angels from the Realms of Glory” REGENT SQUARE

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis 

Postlude: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” (Advent hymn 347), John Klein (1915–1981) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, December 17

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

Monday, December 18

  • Lectio Divina on holiday break until January 8

Tuesday, December 19

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, December 20

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

Thursday, December 21

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

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

Friday, December 22

  • Men’s Bible Study, on break Dec. 22 and 29

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

Sunday, December 24

  • Regular worship services (9 AM Connect Service in the Youth Center and 11 AM Sanctuary Service in the Sanctuary)

  • Childcare available 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pickups, Room S-203

  • Faith Journey class meets at 9:45 a.m. in Room S-202

  • Power Hour class meets at 10 a.m. in the Youth Center

  • Young Adults/Parents class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-206

  • Teens class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-205 (every other week)

  • 4 p.m. Family-friendly Christmas Eve service. All are welcome to join for this service; there will be no childcare provided.

  • 7 p.m. Carols & Candlelight Christmas Eve service. All are welcome to join for this service; there will be no childcare provided.

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26, Church Office closed for Christmas

  • Monday, January 1, Church Office closed for New Year’s

  • Sunday, January 7, 4 p.m., Free concert by solo organist Bradley Welch

  • Tuesday, January 8, 2:30 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123. This month’s book will be Sisters of Night and Fog, by Erica Robuck.

Amy McCutcheon