December 18 Order of Worship
December 18, 2022 –4th Sunday of Advent
9 a.m. CONNECT Worship Service
Rev. Ginny Ellis, preaching
Gathering: “Glorious One” - FPC Praise Band
Welcome - Rev. Jeanie Barnes
Call to Worship from Ann Weems, “Christmas Comes” - Jeanie Barnes
Christmas comes every time we see God in other persons.
The human and the holy meet in Bethlehem, in Times Square, and right here in St. Petersburg,
for Christmas comes like a golden storm on its way to Jerusalem, determinedly, inevitably.
Even now it comes.
Worship Song: “Good Good Father” - FPC Praise Band
The Lighting of the Advent Candle: The Candle of Love - The Helck Family
… Let us pray together:
God who loves us so much, we thank you for the Love that binds us together. In our brokenness, you make us whole. From the fragments of our lives, you weave a tapestry of great beauty. Nothing is impossible with you. Let us find our way home and rest in you. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
In the light of this candle of Love, and in all these candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, we see forgiveness in Christ. So let us be ready to forgive one another. The Peace of Christ be with you all. / Peace also be with you.
Response: “Soon and Very Soon” - FPC Praise Band
Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis
Invitation to Offering - Kevin Clark
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
God of all: our gifts represent what we have and what we are, all of which has come from you. Accept these gifts which we bring today, that as we bring them in love, so we may respond to the needs of others and extend hospitality to strangers, through Jesus, the one who comes, Amen.
Offertory Song: “What Child Is This” - FPC Praise Band
Prayers of the People & Lord’s Prayer - Jeanie Barnes
Prayer for Illumination - Kevin Clark
1st Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14 - Kevin Clark
Sermon Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 - Ginny Ellis
Sermon: “What Joseph Knew” - Ginny Ellis
Worship Song: “Love the Lord” - FPC Praise Band
Announcements - Ginny Ellis
Final Song: “Joy to the World” - FPC Praise Band