March 17 Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship —March 17, 2024 – 11 a.m.   

Fifth Sunday in Lent 

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Prelude: “Rathbun” (Lenten hymn 213), Robert J. Powell (b. 1932) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome and Announcements - Ginny Ellis

Call to Worship  - Ginny Ellis

To all those who know what it is to be lonely or afraid; 

To all those who know about despair and weariness;

And to all those ready to find faith and rest in the Lord,

Ready to come in praise and joy,

Ready to be filled with God’s love,

Come, let us worship God. 

Prayers for Peace - Ginny Ellis

*Processional Hymn #301: “Let Us Build a House” TWO OAKS   

Call to Reconciliation - Robin Lyle

Prayer for Forgiveness - Robin Lyle

Almighty God, you created us for life together. We confess that we have not loved one another as you commanded. We have been quick to claim our own rights and careless of the rights of others. We have taken much and given little. Forgive our disobedience, O God, and strengthen us in love, so that we may serve you as a faithful people, and live together in your joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   (Time for silent prayers) 

Response #576: “Lord, Have Mercy”  SINGAPURA   

Assurance of Forgiveness - Robin Lyle

Hear the Good News!  Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ. 

And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.

If anyone is in Christ, that person becomes a new person altogether. 

The past is finished and gone. Everything has become fresh and new. 

Friends, believe the good news of the gospel:

In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. 

Passing the Peace - Robin Lyle

…The peace of Christ be with you. / And also with you. 

*Response #322: “We Are One in Christ Jesus” First ending sung two times SOMOS UNO

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis 

Musical Meditation: “Promised Land,” arr. James D. Kimball - Handbell Choir 

Prayer for Illumination -  Mary-Linda Armacost

First Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Mary-Linda Armacost

Musical Meditation: “I Love to Tell the Story,” arr. James D. Kimball - Handbell Choir 

*Hymn #451: “Open My Eyes, That I May See” OPEN MY EYES  

Sermon Scripture: John 12:20-28 - Ginny Ellis  

Sermon: “Extending the Promise: The New Covenant Shines Through” - Ginny Ellis   

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

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:         

God of all that is, guide my feet, that they make take me where I am needed. Guide my actions, that they might witness your grace and ever-inclusive love. Help me to invest my time and resources so that, generations from now, it will be true, that your kingdom has come and your will is done.  To God be the glory. Amen. 

Offertory Anthem: “Death Shall Not Destroy My Comfort,” arr. Mack Wilberg - Chancel Choir 

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH                                                                    

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer - Ginny Ellis

*Hymn #546: “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing” SICILIAN MARINERS  

Charge & Benediction - Ginny Ellis   

Postlude: “Aberystwyth” (hymn 163), Ashley Grote (b. 1982) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, March 17

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

  • Outing to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, 1:30 p.m. 

Monday, March 18

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

Tuesday, March 19

  • Ladies’ Bible study, 9 a.m., Youth Center

Wednesday, March 20

  • Kids’ Choir practice, 3:15 p.m., Choir Room

  • Beach Drive Forum, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, “The Dynamic History of St. Petersburg’s Marine Science Complex” by Peter R. Betzer, PhD.

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

Thursday, March 21

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

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

Friday, March 22

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

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

PALM SUNDAY, March 24

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

  • Faith Journey class meets at 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel

  • Power Hour class meets at 10 a.m. in the Youth Center

  • “Next” Adult class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-100

  • Presbyterianism class meets at 10 a.m. in the Church Office Conference Room

  • All kids are welcome to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn at 10:15 a.m., and/or to carry palms and sing in the Sanctuary at the 11 a.m. worship service. A fun crafts time will follow.

Upcoming Events:

  • Maundy Thursday, March 28, 5:30 p.m., potluck dinner followed by a worship service in the Fellowship Hall

  • Good Friday, March 29, 12-3 p.m., Sanctuary will be open for a time of personal meditation

  • EASTER SUNDAY! March 31; services at 7, 9, and 11 a.m.

Amy McCutcheon