January 26 - Sanctuary Worship Bulletin

First Presbyterian Church – St. Petersburg, Florida   

Order of Worship – 11 a.m. Sanctuary service 

January 26, 2025 - Third Sunday After Epiphany 

Rev. Robert Galloway 

Prelude:  “Abbot’s Leigh” (hymn 409), Austin C. Lovelace (1919–2010) - Jack Rain, organ

Welcome & Announcements - Rev. Robert Galloway

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway

Come, all who hunger for the word of God, for you will be nourished. 

We come to hear the word and rejoice in its truth.   

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, calling us to proclaim good news.  

The good news is a gift from God for all of creation. 

The Spirit of the Lord is here; let us give thanks and glory to God’s holy name.  

We come to worship the God who sets us free and opens our eyes to grace. 

Processional Hymn #409: “God Is Here!” ABBOT’S LEIGH

Call to Confession - Roy Duttweiler 

Prayer of Confession (unison) - Roy Duttweiler 

Merciful God, you speak to us through your word and call us to follow the truth you reveal there. But we confess that we haven’t listened. We close our ears to those who ask for help. We turn away from our neighbors even when we see their need. You’ve given us good news to share, yet we remain silent. You’ve called us to live together, yet we hold on to ways to divide. Forgive us, O Lord. Help us to follow your way and live out your commands. Help us to listen for your voice so that our lives are transformed so that we reflect your love for all in our action and words. 

Assurance of Pardon - Roy Duttweiler      

…Friends, believe the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.  

Passing the Peace - Roy Duttweiler 

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

*Response #71: “Surely, It is God Who Saves Me” (refrain only; sing twice) FIRST SONG 

Moment for All Ages - Robert Galloway

Prayer for Illumination - Rudy Kohler

First Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10 - Rudy Kohler

Sermon Scripture: Luke 4:14-21 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon: “What Word?” - Robert Galloway

*Hymn #634: “To God Be the Glory” TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Rudy Kohler 

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 - Rudy Kohler   

…Please join me in the spoken Prayer of Dedication:  

Loving God, we bring these gifts to you with thankful hearts. Everything we have comes from your hand, and we return a portion to you. Take these gifts and bless them. May they be used in ways that reveal your presence in places we cannot reach.  Allow them to serve as reminders of your love to those who feel forgotten. Bless each giver and every gift. Shape our hearts to be generous in all things—not just with our money, but with our time, our kindness, and our faith. Help us to see the needs around us, and give us courage to respond as your hands and feet in the world. As we dedicate these gifts, we also dedicate ourselves to you. Guide us to be generous with each other. Teach us to serve with joy, to give with gratitude, and to trust you fully in all that we do. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

Offertory Anthem: “Here I Am, Lord,” arr., Craig Courtney (b. 1948) - Chancel Choir

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH                                                        

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer - Robert Galloway

*Closing Hymn #39: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” FAITHFULNESS 

Charge & Benediction - Robert Galloway 

Postlude:  “Lord, You Give the Great Commission” (hymn tune: Abbot’s Leigh), Gordon Young (1919–1998) - Jack Rain, organ

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Announcements:

Today, January 26

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

Monday, January 27

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

  • Stated Session meeting, 7 p.m. 

Tuesday, January 28

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel 

Wednesday, January 29

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

Thursday, January 30

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

Friday, January 31

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

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

 Sunday, February 2

  • 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., Room S-202

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

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

  • Afro Opera LLC concert, 4 p.m., Sanctuary 

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, February 3, Faith & Fiction, 4 p.m., Room N-123

  • Friday, February 7, Arts Connection Gallery Opening Reception for Nature the Beautiful in Alcohol Ink by local artist Pat Chase, Chapel

  • Tuesday, February 11, Senior Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall (please RSVP to the Church Office)

Amy McCutcheon