First Presbyterian Church
Order of Worship

Link to our livestream worship page.

Sunday Worship
April 27, 2025 - 10 a.m. EDT

Order of Worship

Prelude - Aurora and Cantabile on “Dunlap’s Creek” (arr. James Biery)

Ringing of the Church Bell
Jason Collins

Invitation to Worship
Wallace Bubar

One: O God, who called all life into being,

All: the earth, sea, and sky are yours.

One: Your presence is all around us,

All: every atom is full of your energy.

One: Your Spirit enlivens all who walk the earth,

All: we lift up our voices in praise to you.

Hymn 679 - Let the Whole Creation Cry

Let the whole creation cry,
“Glory to the Lord on high.”
Heaven and earth, awake and sing,
“Praise to our almighty King.”
Praise God, angel hosts above,
ever bright and fair in love;
sun and moon, uplift your voice;
night and stars, in God rejoice!

Men and women, young and old,
raise the anthem loud and bold;
join with children's songs of praise;
worship God through length of days.
From the north to southern pole
let the mighty chorus roll:
“Holy, holy, holy One,
glory be to God alone!”

Prayer of the Day [unison]

God of creation, we give thanks for the goodness of the earth that you made and sustain. Our voices join in praise with all creation: with the sea that roars, the trees that clap their hands, and the birds that sing in joy. Unite us by your Spirit, that we may be signs of your abundant mercy and live in thanksgiving for your grace, as we wait for the completion of your creation in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Canticle 240 - Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks

Alleluia, alleluia,
give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia,
give praise to his Name.

Jesus is Lord of all the earth.
He is the King of creation.

Alleluia, alleluia,
give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia,
give praise to his Name.

Sharing the Peace

Welcome and Announcements

Scripture Reading - Colossians 1:15-17
Ava Rose Pastis, liturgist, liturgist

Anthem - For the Beauty of the Earth (John Rutter)
Chancel Choir

Word with Children
Maura Eggert

Scripture Reading - Psalm 148

Sermon - “Song of Creation”

Hymn 20 - All Things Bright and Beautiful

Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors;
God made their tiny wings. Refrain.

The purple-headed mountain,
the river running by,
the sunset, and the morning
that brightens up the sky: Refrain.

The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
God made them every one. Refrain.

God gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well. Refrain.

Affirmation of Faith [unison]
from A New Zealand Prayer Book

You, O God, are supreme and holy. You create our world and give us life. Your purpose overarches everything we do. You have always been with us. You are God. You, O God, are infinitely generous, good beyond all measure. You came to us before we came to you. You have revealed your love for us in Jesus Christ, who lived and died and rose again. You are with us now. You are God. You, O God, are Holy Spirit. You empower us to be your gospel in the world. You reconcile and heal; you overcome death. You are our God. We worship you.

Announcements - 1500 Trees and Grad Grove

Prayers of the People

One: God of life:

All: Hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer [unison]

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.

Offering

Offertory - Reflection on “Dunlap’s Creek” (arr. James Biery)

Give online at granpres.org/give

Doxology 606

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication

Hymn 39 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not; thy compassions they fail not.
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. Refrain.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow:
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Refrain.

Benediction

Postlude - Carillon on “Dunlap’s Creek” (arr. James Biery)
arr. Charles Callahan
Philip Everingham

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