May 18 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service 

May 18, 2025 - Fifth Sunday of Easter 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Prelude: “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” (hymn 829), Walter L. Pelz (b. 1926) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Robert Galloway

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway

In the beginning was the Word,  

And the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

The Word became flesh and was born to this world.  

He became human, sharing in our life and in our death.

He dwelled among us, full of grace and truth.  

From Christ, we have all received grace upon grace.   

In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.   

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.   

Come, let us worship God.

Processional Hymn #240: “Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks” ALLELUIA NO. 1 

Call to Confession - Mary-Linda Armacost

Prayer of Confession - Mary-Linda Armacost 

Merciful God, you sent your son in to the world so that we might know you and be reconciled to you. Yet, we do not welcome your presence in our lives. Our words and actions are misaligned. We praise Christ’s name, but we do not live by his example. We speak of love, but we withhold compassion to our neighbors. We claim all people are made in God’s image, but we fail to show others respect and grace. Forgive us, O God. Heal what is broken in us. Restore in us your Spirit and teach us again the way of self-giving love.

Assurance of Pardon - Mary-Linda Armacost 

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

Passing the Peace - Mary-Linda Armacost 

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

*Response #481: “I Believe in God the Father” (stanza 1 only) GENEVAN 42  

The Sacrament of Baptism: Dublin Devine - Robert Galloway 

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison; part of the baptism liturgy) 

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. 

Hymn #487: “These Treasured Children” (v. 1 only) PUER NOBIS NASCITUR 

Prayer for Illumination - Peter Armacost

First Scripture Reading: John 1:1-14 - Peter Armacost 

Sermon Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon: “Our Creed: Jesus Christ the Humbled and the Exalted” - Robert Galloway 

Musical Meditation: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” James D. Kimball (b.1947) - Bell Choir 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Peter Armacost 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

Great and generous God, you call us to follow your son with every part of our lives. Make us generous in what we give and in how we live. Help us to be attentive to the needs of others, steadfast in service, and joyful in hope. We offer these tithes and offerings to show our desire to serve you. Transform and multiply them to be instruments of healing, acts of kindness, and seeds of hope. Amen.

Offertory Anthem: “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name,” Tom Fettke (b. 1941) - Chancel Choir

*Doxology with Alleluias #609 LASST UNS ERFREUEN 

Introduction of New FPC Members - Robert Galloway                                                

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 #193: “Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain” UNSER HERRSCHER 

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway 

Postlude: “I Know that My Redeemer Lives,” Michael Burkhardt (b. 1957) - Jack Rain, organ 

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Announcements:

Today, May 18

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

Monday, May 19

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

Wednesday, May 21

  • Beach Drive Forum: Artificial Intelligence is Here, Ready or Not! Guest speaker: Chip Scanlan, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

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

Thursday, May 22

  • No Chancel Choir Rehearsal: on summer break

Friday, May 23

  • Men's Bible Study, 8 a.m., Room N-123

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

Sunday, May 25

  • 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-202, S-100

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

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

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, May 26, Church Office closed for Memorial Day

Amy McCutcheon