September 14 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service
September 14, 2025 – Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Rev. Robert Galloway
Prelude: “Trumpet Voluntary” (Larghetto, Allegro), John Bennett (1735–1784) - Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rev. Robert Galloway
Call to Worship - Robert Galloway
From generation to generation, God's faithfulness endures.
We are inheritors of promises made to Abraham and Sarah.
In baptism, we are named and claimed as God's own children.
At the table, we taste and see that the Lord is good.
Gathered here, we remember who we are.
Gathered here, we remember whose we are.
Come, let us celebrate the promises that shape our lives.
We come with grateful hearts and expectant spirits always.
*Processional Hymn #485: “We Know That Christ Is Raised" ENGELBERG
Call to Confession - Robin Lyle
Prayer of Confession (unison) - Robin Lyle
God of covenants, we come before you aware of both your faithfulness and our unfaithfulness. You have established your promises from generation to generation, yet we struggle to trust in your provision and presence. We were baptized into your death and resurrection, but we live as though the grave has the final word. We are invited to your table, but we exclude others. We have been commissioned to share the good news, but we remain silent. We stay still when we should take action as your followers. Have mercy on us, O God. Wash us clean in the waters of your grace and renew your spirit within us.
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 #71: "Surely, It Is God Who Saves Me" refrain only FIRST SONG
Surely it is God who saves me; I will trust and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and God will be my Savior.
Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway
Prayer for Illumination - Susan Luehrs
First Scripture Reading: Genesis 17:1-8 - Susan Luehrs
*Hymn #51: "To Abraham and Sarah" LLANFYLLIN
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 - Robert Galloway
…The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon: “Our Worship - Our Promises” - Robert Galloway
*Hymn #297: “In Christ Called to Baptize” ST. DENIO
*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Susan Luehrs
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 Luehrs
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
Faithful Lord, you have called your people and sealed them with your promises. In Christ, you have bound yourself to us in love, and by your Spirit, you send us into the world. We dedicate these gifts to your service, trusting that you will multiply them for the sake of your kingdom. As we offer our possessions, we offer our lives too. May our giving bear witness to your covenant mercy, and may our living point to your unfailing grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory Anthem: “Thy Church, O God, Her Heart to Thee Upraiseth," Eric H. Thiman (1900-1975) - Chancel Choir
Thy Church, O God, her heart to Thee upraiseth; With her the nations bow before thy face: With high thanksgiving Thee thy glad Church praiseth; Our strength thy spirit, our trust and hope thy grace.
Unto great honor, glory undeserved, Hast Thou exalted us, and drawn Thee nigh. Nor, from thy judgments when our feet had swerved, Didst Thou forsake, nor leave us, Lord most high.
Unto our minds give freedom and uprightness; Let strength and courage lead o’er land and wave. To our souls’ armour grant celestial brightness, Joy to our hearts, and faith beyond the grave.
Our plenteous nation still in power extending, Increase our joy, uphold us by Thy word: Beauty and wisdom all our ways attending, Goodwill to man and peace through Christ our Lord.
*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 #295: "Go to the World!” SINE NOMINE
Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway
Postlude: “Fugue on Engelberg” (hymn 485), David Cherwien (b. 1957) - Jack Rain, organ
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Announcements:
Today, September 14
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Men’s Meatloaf Ministry cooking, 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Monday, September 15
Lectio/Visio Divina, 10 a.m., via Zoom
Tuesday, September 16
Ladies’ Bible Study (David: Seeking a Heart Like His), 9 a.m., Youth Center
Wednesday, September 17
Beach Drive Forum, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Guest speaker Michelle Donley: The Art of Pivoting Without Tripping and Falling! Strategies for Navigating Life Transitions
Praise Band Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, September 18
Bell Choir rehearsal, 6 p.m., Choir Room
Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room
Friday, September 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
Saturday, September 20
Making sandwiches and packing snacks for Mission Sunday, 11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Sunday, September 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
Children’s Sunday School, (Pre-K-5th), 10 a.m., S-100
Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel
“Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123
Mission Sunday: pool party for Beth-El kids! 1-4 p.m. at Cedrakirk. See First News for ways you can get involved!
Upcoming Events:
Monday, September 22, 7 p.m., Stated Session meeting
Sunday, September 28 and Sunday, October 5, 10:15 a.m., Strategic Planning Committee Listening Sessions, Fellowship Hall