December 15 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – December 15, 2024 – 11 a.m.   

Third Sunday of Advent 

Rev. Ginny Ellis      

Prelude: “Partita on Picardy” (Prelude, Canon, Fanfare and Aria on Advent hymn 347), Albert Zabel (1935–2017)  - Jack Rain, organ

Lighting of the Peace Candle - Ginny  Ellis

Welcome - Ginny Ellis  

Call to Worship - Ginny Ellis   

As we come to worship at Advent we approach the window of our joy. 

To open the Advent window is to find angels bringing an unexpected message, 

A message that will mean joy for all of us: rich and poor, privileged and struggling. 

We open a window, letting joy fill us with news of surprise and delight: 

God comes where least expected, and God wants us to see and to know.

*Processional Hymn #147: “The First Nowell” (vv. 1-4) THE FIRST NOWELL

The Lighting of the Advent Candle of Joy - Peter Armacost 

The Advent Reading: Luke 2:20    

The Third Candle Is Lit 

Unison Prayer:  O God, as we come this Advent, we come opening the windows you have prepared for us:  the scriptures, the prayers, the friendships, the challenges. Help us to be like the shepherds: hearing the tidings, coming to see your gift, and going out to share this news of Joy. Lord, we ask that you would come soon to this world and to us.  Amen.

Passing of the Peace - Peter Armacost 

Friends, the peace of the coming Christ be with you. And also with you.

*Response #384: “Soon and Very Soon” (v. 1) SOON AND VERY SOON      

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

Musical Meditation “Creator of the Stars of Night,” Hilton Keane Jones (b. 1945) - Handbell Choir

Prayer for Illumination - Mary-Linda Armacost

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:17-20 - Mary-Linda Armacost  

Sermon Scripture:  Philippians 4:4-7 - Ginny Ellis 

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Sermon: “How Do We Rejoice Always?” - Ginny Ellis 

The Installation of Officers - Ginny Ellis 

Elder: Jim Garnett; Deacons: Chris Agee, Nancy Ogden, Elizabeth Hammer, Debbie Factor

Hymn #136: “Go Tell It on The Mountain” GO TELL IT 

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Mary-Linda Armacost  

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:     

It is our prayer today, O God, that your vision may be found in us as we bring our gifts.  Make of us a dedicated and eager people, ready to encounter the challenges that you set before us and to respond with joy. Above all else, shape our dreams and our gifts to please and serve you, for we are yours. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Offertory Anthem:   “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” J. S. Bach (1685–1750) - Chancel Choir        

*Doxology  OLD HUNDREDTH

Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Ginny Ellis

*Hymn #143: “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” REGENT SQUARE    

Charge & Benediction- Ginny Ellis     

Postlude: “Partita on Picardy” (Toccata on Advent hymn 347), Albert Zabel (1935–2017)  - Jack Rain, organ 

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Announcements:

Today, December 15

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

Monday, December 16

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

Wednesday, December 18

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

Thursday, December 19

  • Bell Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Choir Room

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

Friday, December 20

  • Men's Bible Study, 8 a.m., Room N-123

  • Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom

Sunday, December 22

  • Childcare available 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pickups, Room S-203

  • Connect Service, 9 a.m., Youth Center

  • Children’s Sunday School, (Pre-K-5th), 10 a.m., Room S-202

  • Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel

  • “Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123

  • Joyful Noisemakers Kids’ Choir short rehearsal, 10 a.m., Sanctuary steps

  • Celebratory Luncheon for Rev. Ginny, 12 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by calling the Church Office

Upcoming Events:

  • Tuesday, December 24, 4 p.m., Christmas Eve family service; 7 p.m., Christmas Eve candlelight service

  • The Church Office will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, Wednesday, December 25, and January 1

  • Monday, January 6, 4 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • Monday, January 13, we welcome Rev. Robert Galloway for his first day at FPC!

Amy McCutcheon