January 11 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida
Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary Service
January 11, 2026 – Baptism of the Lord
Rev. Robert Galloway
Prelude: “At the River” (hymn 375), George Baker (b. 1951) - Jack Rain, organ
Welcome & Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rev. Robert Galloway
Call to Worship - Robert Galloway
The voice of God speaks over the waters, calling creation into purpose and promise.
We gather to listen for that voice and to live by the promise made.
God names his creation beloved and calls it good.
We come as those claimed by grace and called to faithfulness.
Here, the Spirit meets us and anoints us as God’s own.
We worship the One who has made us, named us, and sent us.
Come, let us worship God.
*Processional Hymn #163: “Wild and Lone the Prophet's Voice" ABERYSTWYTH
Call to Confession - Fernando Gonzalez
Prayer of Confession (unison) - Fernando Gonzalez
Holy and gracious God, you call us your beloved, yet we live as though we don't know. We resist your call, ignore your justice, and protect our own interest. We have failed to love our neighbors fully and to trust your promises deeply. Forgive what we have done, and what we have left undone. By your Spirit, return us to the freedom of your mercy and shape us again for lives of faithfulness and joy.
Assurance of Pardon - Fernando Gonzalez
...Friends, believe the good news: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*Passing the Peace - Fernando Gonzalez
…The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
*Response #188: “Jesus Loves Me!” v. 1 JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway
Prayer for Illumination - Kirby Volz
First Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9 - Kirby Volz
Hymn #475: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” NETTLETON
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 - Robert Galloway
…The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon - Robert Galloway
*Hymn #688: "Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart" MORECAMBE
*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed - Kirby Volz
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 - Kirby Volz
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
Gracious God, you have given us more than we could ask or imagine. We return these gifts as acts of thanksgiving, not obligation. Bless what we bring and who we are becoming, that our lives, our labor, and our love may bear witness to your mercy and your reign. Amen.
Offertory Anthem: “River in Judea,” John Leavitt (b. 1956) - Chancel Choir
Oftentimes I dream of music, of the river that freely flows. And it sings a song sweeter than honey, one everybody knows. Late at night I hear it singing then again when I wake at dawn. And it fills me up with hope and good will, the will to go on, go on.
There is a river in Judea that I heard of long ago. And it’s a singing, ringing river that my soul cries out to know.
I believe it keeps on trav’lin but it rests on the Sabbath day. And the time when it pauses in stillness, I almost hear it pray. When I’m weary and downhearted, how I long for the song it sings, for the calm within its gentles blue, the peace that it brings, it brings.
May the time not be too distant when we meet by the river, meet by the shore. ‘Til then dream of that wonderful day as we sing once more, once more.
*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 #159: “O Sing a Song of Bethlehem” KINGSFOLD
*Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway
Postlude: “Kingsfold” (hymn 159), S. Andrew Lloyd (b. 1979) - Jack Rain, organ
————————————
Announcements:
Today, January 11
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Men’s Meatloaf Ministry, 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall kitchen
Monday, January 12
Lectio/Visio Divina on break
Tuesday, January 13
Ladies’ Bible Study, 9 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, January 14
Fellowship Dinner, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by Monday!
Praise Band rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, January 15
Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room
Friday, January 16
Co-Ed Bible Study (in the book of Romans), 8 a.m., Room N-123
Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom
Sunday, January 18
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-2nd grade), 10 a.m., S-100
Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel
“Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123
Upcoming Events:
Monday, January 19, Church Office closed for MLK, Jr. Day
Monday, January 26, Stated Session meeting, 7 p.m.
Friday, January 30, Arts Connection Gallery Opening, 5:30 p.m., Chapel
Monday, February 2, Faith & Fiction, 4 p.m., Room N-123
Wednesday, February 4, Beach Drive Forum, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Saturday, February 7, Vienna Boys Choir Concert, 7 p.m., Sanctuary