September 7 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – September 7, 2025 – 11 a.m.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost/Lord’s Supper
Rev. Robert Galloway
Prelude: “Communion,” Marius Monnikendam (1896–1977) - Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Robert Galloway
Call to Worship - Robert Galloway
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
On the road and at the table, Christ meets us.
In word and sacrament, Christ opens our eyes.
Let us worship the living God.
For God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Processional Hymn #22: “God of the Sparrow" ROEDER
Call to Confession - Jim Garnett
Prayer of Confession (unison) - Jim Garnett
Faithful God, you call us to follow the way of Christ, but we choose the familiar path of our own desires. You invite us to trust, but we cling to control. You set before us life and blessings, yet we often turn toward fear and doubt. Forgive us, O Lord. Set our hearts on fire with your truth, so that we may walk with you in faith, and proclaim your good news in word and deed.
Assurance of Pardon - Jim Garnett
…Friends, believe the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Passing the Peace - Jim Garnett
…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 - Fran Sims
First Scripture Reading: Joshua 24:14-28 - Fran Sims
Sermon Scripture: Luke 24:13-28 - Robert Galloway
…The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon - “Our Worship - Our Story” - Robert Galloway
*Hymn #462: “I Love to Tell the Story" HANKEY
*Affirmation of Faith: Adapted from A Brief Statement of Faith (unison) - Fran Sims
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!” With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Presentation of Our Gifts - Fran Sims
Offertory Anthem: “With a Voice of Singing," Martin Shaw (1875-1958) - Chancel Choir
With a voice of singing declare ye this, and let it be heard, Alleluia! Utter it even unto the ends of the earth. The Lord hath delivered His people, Alleluia! O be joyful in God, all ye lands, O sing praises to the honor of His name, make His praise to be glorious with a voice of singing, declare ye this, and let it be heard, Alleluia!
*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.
Lord’s Supper & Lord’s Prayer - Robert Galloway
Invitation to the Table
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
… who forever sing to the glory of your name:
Hymn 552: “Holy, Holy, Holy” LAND OF REST
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
…Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.
…We pray all these things as our Savior taught us, using the words:
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.
The Words of Institution
The Communion of the People
Unison Prayer after Communion:
God of grace, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. You nourish us with your unending love. May this gift of grace strengthen us in faith, deepen our love for one another, and empower us to serve you with joy and compassion. Guide us to live as Christ’s disciples in the world. Fill us with your Spirit so that we may be witnesses to your love in all we do. Amen.
Closing Hymn #774: “There Is Now a New Creation" STUTTGART
Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway
Postlude: “Toccata,” Flor Peeters (1903-1986) - Jack Rain, organ
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Announcements:
Today, September 7
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Monday, September 8
Lectio Divina resumes, 10 a.m., via Zoom
Tuesday, September 9
Ladies’ Bible Study (David: Seeking a Heart Like His), 9 a.m., Youth Center
Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel
Wednesday, September 10
Praise Band Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, September 11
Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room
Friday, September 12
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 14
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-203
Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel
“Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123
Men’s Meatloaf Ministry cooking, 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, September 17, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: The Art of Pivoting Without Tripping and Falling! Strategies for Navigating Life Transitions
Sunday, September 21, 1-4 p.m., Mission Sunday: pool party for Beth-El kids! See First News for ways you can get involved!