May 25 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service 

May 25, 2025 - Sixth Sunday of Easter 

Rev. Robert Galloway   

Prelude: “In Memoriam,” Jeanne Joulain (1920–2010) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome & Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Robert Galloway

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway 

In every shadowed place and quiet question,  

the risen Christ walks beside us.  

In every moment of wonder or weariness,  

the living Word speaks to our hearts.  

In joy, in mystery, in the breaking of bread,  

Jesus is made known to us again.  

Come, let us worship God.

Processional Hymn #336: “We Gather Together” KREMSER 

Call to Confession (from Psalm 91:14-16) - Dave Hunt

Prayer of Confession - Dave Hunt                                                                          

Gracious God, we confess that we are often confused and doubtful of the truth you bring us. Our eyes are clouded by fear, our hearts slow to believe your promises. We prefer what is familiar to what is faithful. We cling to sorrow even when joy is breaking in. We fail to recognize you in the stranger, in the bread we break, in the stories we share. Forgive us, Lord. Warm our hearts with your presence, open our eyes to your living truth, and lead us in the way everlasting. 

Assurance of Pardon - Dave Hunt                                                                                  

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

Passing the Peace - Dave Hunt                                                                    

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

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

Musical Meditation: “Prayer of Saint Gregory,” Alan Hovhaness (1911–2000) - Chuck Seipp, trumpet

Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway 

Prayer for Illumination - Susan Schlecht

First Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-27 - Susan Schlecht 

Sermon Scripture: Luke 24:28-36 - Robert Galloway

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

Sermon: “Our Creed: Why Crucifixion? Why death? Why Hell? Why for us?” - Robert Galloway

*Hymn #82: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” HYFRYDOL 

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Susan Schlecht 

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 - Susan Schlecht 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

Risen Lord, you met your disciples in their confusion, broke bread at their table, and rekindled their hope. So now, take these joyful gifts, take our ordinary lives, and use them for your extraordinary purposes. May our offering bear witness to the truth we proclaim. We believe that Christ is risen and walks among us still. 

Offertory Anthem: “Lord Jesus, Who Didst Redeem Us,” Johann Heinrich Rolle; arr., Clarence Dickinson - Chancel Choir

*Doxology with Alleluias #609 LASST UNS ERFREUEN                                                 

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 #321: “The Church’s One Foundation” AURELIA  

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway 

Postlude: “Postlude on America the Beautiful,” John S. Dixon (b. 1957) - Jack Rain, organ 

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Announcements: 

Today, May 25

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

Monday, May 26

  • Church Office closed for Memorial Day

  • Lectio/Visio Divina on break (resumes June 9)

Tuesday, May 27

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, May 28

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

Thursday, May 29

  • No Chancel Choir Rehearsal: on summer break

Friday, May 30

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

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

Sunday, June 1

  • 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, June 2, Stated Session meeting, 7 p.m.

  • Sunday, June 8, Mission Team leaves for Honduras (returns June 15)

  • Tuesday, June 17, New Ladies’ Bible Study begins, 9 a.m., Youth Center

Amy McCutcheon