September 28 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service 

September 28, 2025 – Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost 

Stephen Ministry 25th Anniversary 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Prelude: “Faith,” and “Prayer” from Devotional Moments for Organ, Camil van Hulse (1897–1988) - Jack Rain, organ

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

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway 

Come into the presence of the living God. 

We come seeking grace, mercy, and peace. 

The Spirit has given gifts for the building up of the Church. 

We are called to proclaim, to serve, and to care. 

Christ’s mercy is abundant; God’s consolation never fails. 

We share God's mercy with one neighbor and the world. 

Come, let us worship our God who comforts and consoles.  

Come, let us worship our Almighty God.

*Hymn #761: "Called as Partners in Christ's Service" BEECHER 

Call to Confession - Sherry Oliver

Prayer of Confession (unison) - Sherry Oliver 

Holy God, you have joined us together as one body, yet we confess that we live as separate members. When you call us to bear one another’s burdens, we turn away from those who are suffering. We confess our reluctance to draw near to another’s pain. You command us to comfort as we have been comforted, but we keep your mercy for ourselves. Forgive us, O God. Make us instruments of your consolation, so that through us, others may glimpse the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Assurance of Pardon - Sherry Oliver 

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

Passing the Peace - Sherry Oliver 

…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 Hudson

First Scripture Reading: Acts 6:1-8 - Susan Hudson 

Sermon Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:2-7 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon: “Christ-Centered Caring” - Robert Galloway 

*Hymn #727: "Will You Let Me Be Your Servant" THE SERVANT SONG

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ 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. 

A Time for Caring: Stephen Ministry - Marilyn Mulcahy & Alexandra Morgan-Geiger  

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Marilyn Mulcahy 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:       

Holy One, you call us to be vessels of your compassion. We dedicate these gifts to the work of your Church, that the hungry may be fed, the lonely visited, and the sorrowful consoled. By your Spirit, use what we bring and who we are to extend Christ's care into the world. Make us faithful partners in your mission, so that the world sees the mercy and joy of your reign. 

Offertory Anthem: "I Choose Love," Mark A. Miller (b.1967) - Chancel Choir 

In the midst of pain, I choose love. In the midst of pain, sorrow falling down like rain, I await the sun again, I choose love. 

In the midst of war, I choose peace. In the midst of war, hate and anger keeping score, I will seek the good once more, I choose peace. 

When my world falls down, I will rise. When my world falls down, explanations can’t be found, I will climb to holy ground, I will rise. 

In the midst of pain, I choose love. In the midst of pain, sorrow falling down like rain, I await the sun again, I choose love. 

*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 #69: "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky" HERE I AM 

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway 

Postlude: “Praise Be to God” from Devotional Moments for Organ, Camil van Hulse (1897–1988) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, September 28

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

Monday, September 29

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

  • Card Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., Church Office Conference Room

Tuesday, September 30

  • Ladies’ Bible Study (David: Seeking a Heart Like His), 9 a.m., Youth Center

Wednesday, October 1

  • Senior Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall (look for sign-up sheets today or call the Church Office tomorrow to RSVP)

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

  • All Elder and Deacon Nominations are due  

Thursday, October 2

  • Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room 

Friday, October 3

  • 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, October 5

  • 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, October 6, Faith & Fiction, 4 p.m., Church Office Conference Room (note new location!)

  • Friday, October 10, Arts Connection Gallery Opening for “Vibrant Expressions in Art” by Alfredo Garcia, 5 p.m., Chapel

  • Saturday, October 11, 11 a.m., Memorial Service for Jean McCammon, Sanctuary

  • Wednesday, October 15, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: Cancer: Where Are We in our Quest to Defeat the Disease? by Dr. Monique Sajjad, DO

  • Sunday, October 19, Congregational Meeting to follow each worship service

Amy McCutcheon