December 14 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service
December 14, 2025 – Third Sunday of Advent - Joy
Rev. Robert Galloway
Prelude: “Suite Brevis on Besançon” (hymn 105), I. Prelude, II. Duo, III. Trumpet Tune, David Lasky (b. 1959) - Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rev. Robert Galloway
*Processional Hymn #105: "People, Look East” BESANÇON
Lighting of the Advent Candle of Joy based on Psalm 146:5-10 - Sally Horrell & Honduras Mission Team members
Joy to the world, the Lord is come. This is good news for all people.
Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
With divine mercy, the Lord provides enough for all.
Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
Those who truthfully ask to be part of God’s will being done on earth, as in heaven, find joy in their work.
Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
A community feels Christ’s presence by welcoming strangers and caring for each other in faith.
Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
The Lord’s promises are true and stand forever; they are the joy of all who trust in their Creator.
Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
This third candle is a reminder that we are Advent people, trusting and responding to what is already true and hoping in what is promised to come.
Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
Hymn: “O Come O Come Emmanuel” vv. 5 and 6 VENI EMMANUEL
O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain]
Prayer - Sally Horrell
*Passing the Peace - Sally Horrell
…The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
*Response #100: "My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout" STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN
Stanza 1 and refrain
My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great, and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait. You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn, so from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?
My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn. Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.
Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway
Prayer for Illumination - Mary-Linda Armacost
First Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 - Mary-Linda Armacost
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11 - Robert Galloway
…..The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon - Robert Galloway
*Hymn #99: "My Soul Gives Glory to My God" MORNING SONG
*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Mary-Linda Armacost
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 – Invitation and Prayer - Mary-Linda Armacost
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
Holy God, you bring life to barren places and hope to weary hearts. Receive these gifts and use them for your saving work. Where there is grief, sow joy; where there is fear, plant courage; where there is wilderness, bring forth springs of life. By your Spirit, bless what we offer, that your mercy may flourish among us and your kingdom draw near. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Offertory Anthem: "Joy," Hans Bridger Heruth (b. 1997) - Chancel Choir
I am wild, I will sing to the trees, I will sing to the stars in the sky,
I love, I am loved, he is mine, Now at last I can die!
I am sandaled with wind and with flame, I have heart-fire and singing to give,
I can tread on the grass or the stars, Now at last I can live!
*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 #134: "Joy to the World" ANTIOCH
*Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway
Postlude: “Chorale and Fughetta on Genevan 42” (hymn 87), David Lasky (b. 1959) - Jack Rain, organ
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Announcements:
Today, December 14
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Men’s Meatloaf Ministry, 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Monday, December 15
Lectio/Visio Divina, 10 a.m., via Zoom
Wednesday, December 17
“Festive Fun” Fellowship Dinner, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP!
Praise Band Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, December 18
Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room
Friday, December 19
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, December 21
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
Joyful Noise Music Makers’ rehearsal (sound check), 10 a.m., Sanctuary
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, December 24, Christmas Eve! Family-friendly service at 4 p.m., Lessons & Carols candlelight service at 7 p.m. Invite family, friends, neighbors - all are welcome! Please note that there will be no childcare available for either service.
Wednesday, December 24, Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, Church Office closed for the Christmas holiday