January 4, 2026 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – January 4, 2026 – 11 a.m.
Second Sunday of Christmas / Lord’s Supper
Guest Preacher: Rev. Larry Duncan
Prelude: “Impressions on Kings of Orient” (hymn 151), David Lasky (b. 1959); “We Three Kings,” Gordon Young (1919–1998) - Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements - Fran Sims
Call to Worship - Fran Sims
We are gathered by the God who knows our limits and our need,
And who gives strength beyond our own.
We come not to prove ourselves, but to receive,
Opening our lives to the gift of God’s reign.
Here, in word and sacrament, God meets us with mercy,
And shapes us in trust, faith, and praise. Come, let us worship God.
*Processional Hymn #135: "There's a Star in the East" FOLLOW
Call to Confession - Fran Sims
Prayer of Confession (unison) - Fran Sims
Everlasting God, we confess that we grow weary trusting in ourselves rather than in you. We prize control over trust, accomplishment over dependence, and strength over the humility that opens us to grace. We neglect the childlike faith you commend and resist the vulnerability you bless. Forgive us for our sins. Forgive us of the ways we harden our hearts, individually and together, and renew us by your mercy, that we may live as people made new in Christ.
Assurance of Pardon - Fran Sims
…Friends, believe the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Passing the Peace - Fran Sims
…The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
*Response #188: "Jesus Loves Me!" v. 1 JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Special Music: “Welcome the Babe,” Natalie Sleeth (1930–1992) - Joyful Noise Music Makers
Time for Young Disciples - Michelle Heinsimer
Prayer for Illumination - Kirby Volz
First Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31 - Kirby Volz
Sermon Scripture: Luke 18:15-17 - Rev. Larry Duncan
…The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon: “Awakening the Child Within” - Rev. Larry Duncan
*Hymn #151: "We Three Kings of Orient Are" KINGS OF ORIENT
*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Kirby Volz
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.
Presentation of Our Gifts - Kirby Volz
Offertory Anthem: “When the Angels’ Song Is Silent,” Mary Kay Beall (b. 1943) - Chancel Choir
When the angels’ song is silent and the star is not so bright, when the stable door stands open in the cold morning light, when the angels’ song is silent, and the shepherds have gone home, then the promise of Christmas begins.
When the angels’ song is silent, and the prophecy’s fulfilled, when the swaddling clothes are folded, and the baby’s cry is stilled; when the angels’ song is silent, and the drama is all done, then the promise of Christmas begins.
For the promise is more than a child in the hay, More than shepherds and kings and a glad Christmas Day. Yes, the promise is more than a bright star above. It’s a cross! and a tomb! and a Father’s great love!
When the angels’ song is silent and the kings have come and gone, all the world is changed forever, for the echo lingers on. When the angels’ song is silent, God’s nearer than before, and the promise of Christmas, the wonder of Christmas, the glory of Christmas begins.
*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.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper - Rev. Larry Duncan
Invitation to the Table
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
… with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:
Hymn #552: “Holy, Holy, Holy” LAND OF REST
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
…Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.
…We pray all these things as our Savior taught us, using the words:
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.
The Words of Institution
The Communion of the People
Unison Prayer after Communion:
God of grace, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. You nourish us with your unending love. May this gift of grace strengthen us in faith, deepen our love for one another, and empower us to serve you with joy and compassion. Guide us to live as Christ’s disciples in the world. Fill us with your Spirit so that we may be witnesses to your love in all we do. Amen.
*Closing Hymn #150: “As with Gladness Men of Old” DIX
Charge & Benediction - Rev. Larry Duncan
Postlude: “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” (How lovely shines the morning star, hymn 827), Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706) - Jack Rain, organ
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Announcements:
Today, January 4
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Monday, January 5
No Lectio/Visio Divina (on break in January; resumes February 2)
Faith & Fiction, 4 p.m., Room N-123
Tuesday, January 6
New Ladies’ Bible study begins: Angels: Finding Hope in God Who Reigns Over Heaven and Earth by Melissa Spoelstra, 9 a.m., Youth Center
Wednesday, January 7
Praise Band rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, January 8
Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room
Friday, January 9
Co-ed Bible Study (in the book of Acts), 8 a.m., Room N-123
Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom
Saturday, January 10
Memorial service for Ronn Ginn, 11 a.m., Sanctuary
Sunday, January 11
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:
Wednesday, January 14, Fellowship Dinner, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall (Please RSVP!)
Monday, January 19, Church Office closed for MLK Jr. Day