May 4 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – May 4, 2025 – 11 a.m.
3rd Sunday of Easter/Lord’s Supper
Rev. Robert Galloway
Prelude: “Fanfare,” Michael Helman (b. 1965) - Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Robert Galloway
Call to Worship - Robert Galloway
We gather to remember what we believe -
That God is faithful and steadfast from generation to generation.
We gather to proclaim what we have heard -
That Christ is risen and grace is real.
We gather as God’s beloved children.
We are a people raised in truth, strengthened in love, alive in faith.
Come, let us worship God.
Processional Hymn #610: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” AZMON
Call to Confession - Robin Lyle
Prayer of Confession - Robin Lyle
Merciful God, we confess that we have not trusted your promises. We cling to our own strength instead of resting in your covenants. We hesitate to share the faith that stirs within us. We forget your commandments and live as if we belong to ourselves. Have mercy on us. Lead our hearts back to you, so that we may proclaim with boldness the grace we have received.
Assurance of Pardon - Robin Lyle
…Friends, believe the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Passing the Peace - Robin Lyle
…The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
*Response #481: “I Believe in God the Father” (stanza 1 only) GENEVAN 42
Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway
Prayer for Illumination - Susan Luehrs
First Scripture Reading: Romans 10:5-18 - Susan Luehrs
Sermon Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - Robert Galloway
…The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon: “Our Creed: Affirming our Faith” - Robert Galloway
*Hymn #826: “Lift High the Cross” CRUCIFER
*Apostle’s Creed (unison) - Robert Galloway
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 - Susan Luehrs
Offertory Anthem: “Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain,” Carolyn Jennings (b. 1936) - Chancel Choir
*Doxology with Alleluias #609 LASST UNS ERFREUEN
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper - Robert Galloway
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.
…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.
…Now with the confidence of the Children of God, we are bold to pray:
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 #295: “Go to the World!” SINE NOMINE
Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway
Postlude: “Toccata on O filii et filiæ” (Easter hymn 235), Lynnwood Farnam (1885–1930) - Jack Rain, organ
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Announcements:
Today, May 4
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Rev. Robert Galloway’s Installation Service, 4 p.m., Sanctuary, followed by a reception in the Chapel
Monday, May 5
Lectio/Visio Divina (taking a break May 5; resumes May 12)
Wednesday, May 7
Praise Band Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, May 8
Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room
Friday, May 9
Men's Bible Study, 8 a.m., Room N-123
Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom
Sunday, May 11
Childcare available 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pickups, Room S-203
Connect Service, 9 a.m., Youth Center
Session has called (brief) congregational meetings after each worship service to approve the recommendation by the Nominating Committee to fill the 2025 session term for an elder who will be moving.
Power Hour class, 10 a.m., Church Office Conference Room
Children’s Sunday School, (Pre-K-5th), 10 a.m., S-202, S-100
Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel
“Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123
New Member Class (Part 2), 10 a.m., Church Office; please call the Church Office to RSVP!
Mission Sunday project, 10 a.m., Fellowship Hall (packing health kits for our summer Honduras mission trip; see First News for details!)
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, May 14, Wednesday Night Dinner: Fiesta! 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP online or by calling the Church Office.
Friday, May 16, 2:30 p.m., Westminster piano concert (free to FPC!), Sanctuary
Wednesday, May 21, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: Artificial Intelligence is Here, Ready or Not! Guest speaker: Chip Scanlan, Fellowship Hall
Monday, May 26, Church Office closed for Memorial Day