October 19 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service 

October 19, 2025 – Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost 

Stewardship Dedication 

Rev. Robert Galloway   

Prelude: Partita on “How Firm a Foundation,” var. I–VI (hymn 463), Alfred V. Fedak (b. 1953) - Jack Rain, organ           

Welcome & Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rev. Robert Galloway

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway 

From scattered lives and busy days, God calls us together. 

We come, leaving behind what distracts and divides us. 

From isolation and independence, God calls us to community. 

We come, knowing we need one another and we need God. 

In this place, God meets us with grace and truth. 

In this hour, we offer our whole selves in worship. 

Come, let us praise the Lord, our God. 

Come, let us be open to how God meets us and worship the almighty King. 

*Processional Hymn #401: "Here in This Place" GATHER US IN 

Call to Confession - Helen Shaw

Prayer of Confession (unison) - Helen Shaw 

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole hearts, nor have we loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have been quick to judge and slow to forgive. We have guarded our resources and measured our generosity. We have chosen comfort over compassion, convenience over commitment. We talk when we should listen. We are silent when we should be outspoken. Forgive us for the ways we have turned from your love and turned away from one another. Heal what is broken in us and make us whole. 

Assurance of Pardon - Helen Shaw 

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

Passing the Peace - Helen Shaw 

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

*Response #623: "I've Got Peace Like a River" PEACE LIKE A RIVER 

I’ve got peace like a river; I’ve got peace like a river;

I’ve got peace like a river in my soul. I’ve got a river, in my soul.

Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway 

Prayer for Illumination - Joan Karins

First Scripture Reading: Esther 4:12-17 - Joan Karins 

Sermon Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-19 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon: "Growing Together in Giving: Stewardship of Life" - Robert Galloway 

 *Hymn #692: "Spirit, Open My Heart" WILD MOUNTAIN THYME

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Joan Karins 

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. 

Moment of Stewardship - Jamie Brownlee  

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Robert Galloway

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

Gracious God, today we bring you our pledges and commitments. These represent our trust in your faithfulness and our desire to be part of your work in this place. We give not out of obligation but out of gratitude and joy. Bless what we offer and help us to honor these commitments. May our giving be an act of worship and a witness to your abundance. Use these gifts, and use our lives, to build your kingdom, to serve our neighbors, and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. 

Offertory Anthem: "Cantique de Jean Racine," Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924); English text by Harold Heiberg - Chancel Choir

O Redeemer divine, our sole hope of salvation, 
Eternal Light of the earth and the sky, 
We kneel in adoration. 
O Savior, return on us Thy loving eye! 

Send down on us the fire of Thy grace all-consuming, 
Whose wondrous might dispersed the powers of hell. 
And rouse our slumbering souls with radiance all-illumining, 
that they may waken Thy mercy to tell! 

O Christ, bestow Thy blessing on us, we implore Thee, 
Who here are gathered on penitent knee, 
Accept the hymns we chant to Thine eternal glory, 
and these Thy gifts we return unto Thee! 

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH  

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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 #463: "How Firm a Foundation" FOUNDATION 

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway  

Postlude: Partita on “How Firm a Foundation,” var. VII (hymn 463), Alfred V. Fedak (b. 1953) - Jack Rain, organ 

———————————————

Announcements: 

Today, October 19

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

Monday, October 20

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

  • “Medicare Basics” presentation, 6:30 p.m., Youth Center

Tuesday, October 21

  • Ladies’ Bible Study (David: Seeking a Heart Like His), 9 a.m., Youth Center

Wednesday, October 22

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

  • “Frightfully Fun” Fellowship Cookout Dinner in the Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. We’ll have burgers, hot dogs, meatball subs, and a pumpkin decorating contest! Please RSVP.

Thursday, October 23

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

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

Friday, October 24

  • Men’s Bible Study (in the book of Acts), 8 a.m., Room N-123

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

Sunday, October 26

  • 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-100

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

  • “Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123

  • Trunk or Treat...fun for the whole family! 3-5 p.m. in the back parking lot.

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, October 27, Stated Session Meeting, 7 p.m.

  • Sunday, November 2, New Member Inquirers’ Class (Part 1), 10 a.m., Church Office

  • Monday, November 3, Faith & Fiction, 4 p.m., Room N-123

  • Sunday, November 9, New Member Inquirers’ Class (Part 2), 10 a.m., Church Office

  • Sunday, November 9, “A Veteran’s Salute” concert, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

Amy McCutcheon