September 21 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service
September 21, 2025 – Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost, World Day of Peace
Rev. Robert Galloway
Prelude: “Prelude and Fugue in D,” Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707) - Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rev. Robert Galloway
Call to Worship - Robert Galloway
Come, people of God, to hear the word that gives life.
We come seeking truth that transforms and hope that endures.
Come with your questions, your doubts, your longing for meaning.
We come trusting that God meets us in our searching.
Come as you are—weary or joyful, certain or wondering.
We come knowing that God's love embraces our whole selves.
God's Spirit is with us.
Let us worship the God who makes all things new.
*Processional Hymn #1: "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” NICEA
Call to Confession - Mary-Linda Armacost
Prayer of Confession (unison) - Mary-Linda Armacost
Merciful God, you have given us your word as a lamp for our path, yet we confess we often stumble in darkness of our own making. We read your scripture but fail to let it transform our hearts. We hear your call to unity but sow division. We know your commandments but choose our own way. We speak of love but harbor resentment. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew within us the joy of your salvation so that we live as your faithful disciples who seek your will and obey your commands.
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 #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 - Robin Lyle
First Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12 - Robin Lyle
Time for Teaching: Hymn #692: "Spirit, Open My Heart" WILD MOUNTAIN THYME
Sermon Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 - Robert Galloway
…The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon: “Our Worship - Our Role” - Robert Galloway
*Hymn #409: "God Is Here!" ABBOT'S LEIGH
*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Robin Lyle
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 - Robin Lyle
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
Almighty God, we present these offerings to you, given by your people for the work of your church. As each member contributes to the life of this congregation, we bring these gifts in faithful stewardship. Direct the use of these resources according to your will, that they may strengthen the work of this community and extend your kingdom. Through these offerings, may your gospel be proclaimed, your people equipped, and your love made known in our community and beyond. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.
Offertory Anthem: "The Beauty of This Sacred Place," James Biery (b. 1956) - Chancel Choir
The beauty of this sacred place inspires our hearts and minds to grow. We sing with love bestowed by grace; from God all richest blessings flow.
The meal, the word, the art, the song, are but a glimmer of the whole; with joyful hearts sing all day long, God’s blessings satisfy the soul.
We look into each person’s eyes and see such longing hunger there. Respond with love to others’ cries; our neighbors’ burdens gladly bear.
So many struggle and despair, we hear their silent voices plead; our actions show how much we care, extending help to those in need.
*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 #33: "Praise the Lord! God's Glories Show" LLANFAIR
Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway
Postlude: “Llanfair” (hymn 33), Albert L. Travis (b. 1940) - Jack Rain, organ
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Announcements:
Today, September 21
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Mission Sunday project: Pool party at Cedarkirk, 1-4 p.m.
Monday, September 22
Lectio/Visio Divina, 10 a.m., via Zoom
Stated Session meeting, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 23
Ladies’ Bible Study (David: Seeking a Heart Like His), 9 a.m., Youth Center
Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel
Wednesday, September 24
Wednesday Night Dinner (Pasta Night!) and Strategic Planning Committee Listening Session, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Praise Band Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, September 25
Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room
Friday, September 26
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, September 28 - Stephen Ministry Sunday!
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
Strategic Planning Committee Listening Session, 10:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Upcoming Events:
Monday, September 29, Card Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., Church Office Conference Room
Wednesday, October 1, Senior Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall (look for sign-up sheets or call the Church Office to RSVP)
Sunday, October 5, Strategic Planning Committee Listening Sessions, 10:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Monday, October 6, Faith & Fiction, 4 p.m., Room N-123
Friday, October 10, Arts Connection Gallery Opening for “Vibrant Expressions in Art” by Alfredo Garcia, 5 p.m., Chapel