March 10 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – March 10, 2024 – 11 a.m.   

Fourth Sunday in Lent 

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Andante cantabile” from Symphonie IV, Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937) - Jack Rain, organ 

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

Call to Worship  - Ginny Ellis 

The Holy Spirit calls us from many places. 

Some of us come from busy homes with many people. 

Some of us live alone. 

Together we are the family of God. 

Yet we all come to this same place; 

All of us seeking God’s presence in our lives, 

All of us seeking God’s presence with each other. 

Together we are the family of God. 

Let’s worship God together! 

Prayers for Peace - Ginny Ellis 

*Processional Hymn #634: “To God be the Glory” TO GOD BE THE GLORY 

Call to Reconciliation - Jim Garnett

Prayer for Forgiveness - Jim Garnett 

O God, open to us today the sea of your mercy. Water us with full streams from the riches of your grace and springs of your kindness.  Make us children of quietness and heirs of peace.  Kindle in us the fire of your love.  Strengthen our weakness by your power and bind us close to you and each other.  We pray in Christ our Lord, Amen  (time for silent prayer)

Response #576: “Lord, Have Mercy” SINGAPURA   

Assurance of Forgiveness - Jim Garnett 

Hear the Good News!  Who is in a position to condemn?  Only Christ. 

And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.

      If anyone is in Christ, that person becomes a new person altogether.

      The past is finished and gone.  Everything has become fresh and new. 

Friends: Believe the good news of the gospel. 

      In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Passing the Peace - Jim Garnett 

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

*Response #322: “We Are One in Christ Jesus” (first ending sung two times) SOMOS UNO

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis                                                                                         

Prayer for Illumination - Susan Schlecht

First Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 - Susan Schlecht   

*Hymn #223: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” HAMBURG 

Sermon Scripture: John 3:14-18 - Ginny Ellis   

Sermon: “Covenant of Protection: Serpents in the Wilderness” - Ginny Ellis  

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Susan Schlecht 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:         

It is our prayer today, O God, that your vision for this your church may be found in us as we bring our gifts for the work of the church and its ministries. Make of us a dedicated and eager people, ready to encounter the challenges that you set before us. And above all else, shape our dreams and our gifts to please and serve you, for we are yours. In the Spirit's power and in the name of Christ, we pray, Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “God So Loved the World,” from The Crucifixion, Sir John Stainer (1840–1901) - Chancel Choir

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

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

*Hymn #610: “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” AZMON   

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis   

Postlude: “Toccata” from Symphonie IV, Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:   

Today, March 10

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

  • We are collecting candy and eggs (and candy-filled eggs!) for our upcoming Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday, March 24.

  • Men’s Meal Ministry, 2 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Monday, March 11

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

Tuesday, March 12

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, March 13

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

Thursday, March 14

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

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

Friday, March 15

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

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

Sunday, March 17

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

  • 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

  • New Member Inquirer’s Class will meet at 10 a.m. in the Church Office Conference Room

  • Outing to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, 1:30 p.m. 

Upcoming Events:

  • Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum, “The Dynamic History of St. Petersburg’s Marine Science Complex” by    Peter R. Betzer, PhD.

  • Palm Sunday, March 24. 10:15 a.m., all kids are welcome to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn, and/or to carry palms and sing in the Sanctuary at the 11 a.m. worship service. A fun crafts time will follow.

Amy McCutcheon