April 21 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – April 21, 2024– 11 a.m.   

Fourth Sunday After Easter - Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: Hymn and improvisation on “This Joyful Eastertide” (hymn 244) , Michael Burkhardt (b. 1957) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome - Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis

You, Lord, are our shepherd, 
Leading us to safe pastures and fresh waters, 
Preparing our table and providing blessing. 
In your presence we will not be afraid.   
We will come back home to you 
To the place where we are most at home.  
Come, let us worship our Shepherd God.                                                                                                                                    

Processional Hymn #248: “Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!” HYMN TO JOY  

Call to Reconciliation - Mary-Linda Armacost

Prayer for Forgiveness - Mary-Linda Armacost 

No words can express the depth of our need or the extent of our shame. But you know us completely, O God. You rescue us from evil and clothe us with love. You wash away the wrongs and freshen us for a new beginning. Humbly we thank you; no words can express our gratitude for the gift of salvation. Amen. 

Assurance of Forgiveness - Mary-Linda Armacost 

My friends, God is light and in God there is no darkness at all. If we claim to be sharing in God’s light while we walk in the dark, our words and our lives are a lie.

But if we walk in the light as God is in the light, then we share together a common life, and we are being cleansed from every sin by God’s own son. 

Friends, believe the good news, 

In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and made new.

Passing the Peace - Mary-Linda Armacost 

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

*Response #240: “Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks” ALLELUIA NO. 1    

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis                                                                                    

Prayer for Illumination - Peter Armacost 

First Reading: 1 John 3:16-24 - Peter Armacost 

Sermon Scripture: John 10:11-18 - Ginny Ellis  

Sermon: “Love Seen...In Giving for Others” - Ginny Ellis 

*Hymn #822: “When We are Living” SOMOS DEL SEÑOR 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Peter Armacost 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

Our God, giver of every good and perfect gift, in gratitude we lay these gifts before you.  Use us, and that which we give of our substance for your work in the world; this we pray in the name of your priceless gift, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

Offertory Anthem: “Love One Another,” by John Bell - 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 #772: “Live into Hope” TRURO 

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis   

Postlude: “Vruechten” (This Joyful Eastertide, hymn 244), Alan Bullard (b. 1947) - Jack Rain, organ 

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Announcements:

Today, April 21

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

Monday, April 22

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

  • Stated Session meeting, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 23

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, April 24

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

Thursday, April 25

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

Friday, April 26

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

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

Sunday, April 28

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

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

  • Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel

  • “Parable Quest” class (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) 10 a.m., Room  S-202

  • Power Hour class, 10 a.m., Youth Center

  • “Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room S-100

  • No Presbyterianism class (resumes May 5)

Upcoming Events:

  • Wednesday, May 8, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall; Wednesday Night Dinner: Cook-out!

  • Friday, May 10, 6 p.m., Fundraiser gala for Live Love St. Pete; see First News for details on how to get tickets.

  • Sunday, May 19, Mission Sunday

  • Wednesday, May 22, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: “State of the Arts in Tampa Bay” by Paul Wilborn, award-winning journalist, author, playwright, pianist, singer and executive director of the Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College.

Amy McCutcheon