December 28 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service
December 28, 2025 – First Sunday of Christmas
Rev. Robert Galloway
Prelude: “In dulci jubilo” BWV 751 (hymn 132), J. S. Bach (1685–1750); “Trumpet Tune on In dulci jubilo,” David Lasky (b. 1959) - Jack Rain, organ
Welcome and Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rev. Robert Galloway
Call to Worship - Robert Galloway
God speaks in the night, guiding those who listen beyond fear.
We come trusting the God who leads us by grace, not certainty.
God protects the vulnerable and confounds the powers of violence.
We worship the One whose mercy is stronger than any threat.
God calls us to follow Christ, even when the road turns unexpectedly.
We place our lives in the hands of the faithful God. Come, let us worship God.
*Processional Hymn #136: "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" GO TELL IT
Call to Confession - Dick Oliver
Prayer of Confession - Dick Oliver
Holy and faithful God, you call us to trust your guidance, yet we cling to what feels familiar and safe. You invite us to follow your way, yet we choose comfort over courage and silence over faithfulness. We confess our complicity in harm, our indifference to suffering, and our reluctance to protect the vulnerable. Forgive us, renew us, and redirect our lives by your mercy, that we may live as people shaped by Christ’s love and truth.
Assurance of Pardon - Dick Oliver
…Friends, believe the good news: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*Passing the Peace - Dick Oliver
…The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
*Response #109: "Blest Be the God of Israel" MERLE'S TUNE
Blest be the God of Israel, who comes to set us free; who visits and redeems us, who grants us liberty.
The prophet spoke of mercy, of freedom and release; God shall fulfill that promise and bring the people peace.
Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway
Prayer for Illumination - Marilyn Mulcahy
First Scripture Reading: Isaiah 63:7-9 - Marilyn Mulcahy
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23 - Robert Galloway
…The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon: “Get Up” - Robert Galloway
*Hymn #146: "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child" TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM
*Affirmation of Faith: adapted from the Scot's Confession - Marilyn Mulcahy
When the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, his eternal wisdom, the substance of his own glory, into this world, who took the nature of humanity from the substance of a woman, a virgin, by means of the Holy Ghost. And so was born the “just seed of David,” the “Angel of the great counsel of God,” the very Messiah promised, whom we confess and acknowledge to be Emmanuel, true God and true man, two perfect natures united and joined in one person. We acknowledge and confess that this wonderful union between the Godhead and the humanity in Christ Jesus did arise from the eternal and immutable decree of God from which all our salvation springs and depends.
Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Marilyn Mulcahy
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
Gracious God, we offer these gifts as signs of trust in your abiding care. Receive them, and receive us, for the work of your kingdom. Use what is given to shelter the vulnerable and strengthen the weary. Shape our generosity beyond obligation, into joy and faithfulness. Through these offerings, bear witness to your mercy made known in Christ.
Offertory Solo: “Sanctus” from St. Cecilia Mass, Charles Gounod (1818–1893) - Nicholas Brooks, tenor
*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 #113: "Angels We Have Heard on High" GLORIA
*Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway
Postlude: “In dulci jubilo” BWV 729 (hymn 132), J. S. Bach (1685–1750) - Jack Rain, organ
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Announcements:
Today, December 28
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Monday, December 29
Lectio/Visio Divina, 10 a.m., via Zoom
Wednesday, December 31
No Praise Band rehearsal
Thursday, January 1, 2026 - Happy New Year!
Church Office closed
Friday, January 2
Church Office closed
Sunday, January 4
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-2nd grade), 10 a.m., S-100
Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel
“Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123
Upcoming Events:
Monday, January 5, 4 p.m., Room N-123, Faith & Fiction
Tuesday, January 6, 9 a.m., Youth Center New Ladies’ Bible study begins: Angels: Finding Hope in God Who Reigns Over Heaven and Earth by Melissa Spoelstra
Wednesday, January 14, 6 p.m., our first Fellowship Dinner of the new year! FPC will be providing the food (menu TBD). Mark your calendar and watch for details in First News!