March 31 Sanctuary Easter Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship - March 31, 2024 – 11 a.m.   

Resurrection Day – Easter   Rev. Ginny Ellis 

Prelude: Triptych for Easter Day: Fanfare, Meditation, Toccata, John A. Behnke (b. 1953) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome - Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship  - Ginny Ellis

This is the day when tears turn to laughter,  

Shattered hearts are mended, fears are replaced with joy. 

This is the day the Lord rolls away the stone,  

Throws off death’s clothes, goes ahead of us into God's future. 

This is the day the Lord has made, and the past no longer holds fear for us;  

Sin has lost its power; God opens the tombs of our hearts to fill us with life. 

This is the Day - Easter Day! 

Christ is risen! Alleluia! 

*Processional Hymn #232: “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” EASTER HYMN

Call to Confession - Fran Sims                       

Unison Prayer of Confession - Fran Sims 

On this morning of hallelujahs, we confess how human we are, Emptier of Tombs. We haven't done any great evil, but we often fail to do good when we have the chance. We have not intentionally hurt anyone, but neither have we offered healing to the broken. We easily accept the witness of the angel and the tomb, but find it difficult to share this good news with our friends and neighbors. 

Bring us new life, dazzling God. Transform our hardened hearts into fountains of grace. Forgive us any damage we have done. Fill us with the joy of your spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ who gives us new life, Amen. 

Assurance of Pardon - Fran Sims                                                                        

Passing of the Peace - Fran Sims  

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

*Response #240: “Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks” ALLELUIA NO. 1 Sing verse 1 and then the refrain (no refrain at beginning) 

Anthem: “Lift High the Cross,” arr. Sue Mitchell Wallace (b. 1944) - Chancel Choir

Prayer for Illumination - Kirby Volz

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 25:6-9 - Kirby Volz

New Testament Scripture: Mark 16:1-8 - Ginny Ellis

Sermon: “They Were Afraid” - Ginny Ellis

Hymn #246: “Christ Is Alive!”  TRURO

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer  - Kirby Volz        

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

We have come this glorious day with alleluias, trumpets, flowers, and songs. Your Easter gift may be beyond our understanding, but it is not beyond our profound gratitude. With heartfelt thanks, we respond with joy and humility, bringing our own gifts. Bless these gifts and bless us, O God, in the name and for the sake of our risen Lord. Amen. 

Anthem: “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing,” Dominick Argento (b. 1927) - Chancel Choir

*Doxology with Alleluias #609 LASST UNS ERFREUEN

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

Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Ginny Ellis

*Recessional Hymn #233: “The Day of Resurrection!” LANCASHIRE 

*Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Postlude: “Toccatina on Easter Hymn,” Van Denman Thompson (1890–1969) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, March 31

  • Happy Easter!

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

Monday, April 1

  • Lectio/Visio Divina, taking a break (resumes 4/8)

Tuesday, April 2

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

Wednesday, April 3

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

Thursday, April 4

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

Friday, April 5

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

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

Sunday, April 7

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

  • Connect Service, 9 a.m., Youth Center

  • Faith Journey class meets at 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel

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

  • “Next” Adult class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-100

  • Presbyterianism class meets at 10 a.m. in the Church Office Conference Room

  • Concert Series Town Hall Meeting, 12:15 p.m., Choir Room

  • FPC Explorers will be going to the Fine Arts Museum for “Art in Bloom,” 1 p.m. 

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, April 8, 2:00 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • Wednesday, April 10, 5:30 p.m., Italian Dinner Night, Fellowship Hall. Please use the link in First News or call the Church Office to RSVP!

  • Sunday, April 14, “Parable Quest” (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) class begins, Room  S-202

  • Wednesday, April 17, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: “From Folk Medicines to Therapeutic Drugs” by Dr. Akiko Tanaka, president, and co-founder of The Tampa Bay Research Institute (TBRI)

  • Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m., New Member Inquirer’s Class, Church Office Conference Room

Amy McCutcheon