December 17 - 9 AM Connect Service

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service  - December 17, 2023

Third Sunday of Advent 

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)” - FPC Praise Band

Call to Worship - Dottie Young 

The days are coming, declares the Lord, 

When I will fulfill the gracious promise I made; 

The promise God made to the people, 

The promise fulfilled in the Christ who comes. 

The Lighting of the Advent Candle - JOY - Bill & Marianne Ferrari 

The Advent Reading: I Thessalonians 5:16-21 

The Candle Is Lit 

Responsive Advent Litany

Advent is a time for joy.

Our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with shouts of joy.   

During Advent we find new joy.

It was said among the nations. The Lord has done great things for them.

Make straight the way for our God.  

During Advent we watch and celebrate the new joy.

Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,  shall come home with shouts of joy.  

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say: Rejoice!  

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. Come and worship! 

Response Song:  “Soon and Very Soon” verse 1

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis 

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

2nd Gathering Song: “O Come All Ye Faithful” - FPC Praise Band 

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis  

Worship Song: “O Holy Night” - FPC Praise Band  

Invitation to Offering - Dottie Young 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

Most generous God, as we think about gifts in this sparkling season, remind us of the Gift of your Son, a gift which brings us the richness, fullness of eternal life.  May our own humble giving reflect your generosity and your grace.  In his name we pray, Amen.

Offertory Song: “Mary Did You Know?” - FPC Praise Band  

Prayer for Illumination - Kirby Volz                                                                            

First Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4 - Kirby Volz   

Sermon Scripture: John 1:6-8, 19-28 - Ginny Ellis   

Sermon: “John the Baptist: The Preacher” - Ginny Ellis

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

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

Final Song: “How Can I Keep From Singing” - FPC Praise Band 

Benediction - Ginny Ellis                                        

Praise Band tag

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Announcements: 

Today, December 17

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

Monday, December 18

  • Lectio Divina on holiday break until January 8

Tuesday, December 19

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, December 20

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

Thursday, December 21

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

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

Friday, December 22

  • Men’s Bible Study, on break Dec. 22 and 29

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

Sunday, December 24

  • Regular worship services (9 AM Connect Service in the Youth Center and 11 AM Sanctuary Service in the Sanctuary)

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

  • Faith Journey class meets at 9:45 a.m. in Room S-202

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

  • Young Adults/Parents class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-206

  • Teens class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-205 (every other week)

  • 4 p.m. Family-friendly Christmas Eve service. All are welcome to join for this service; there will be no childcare provided.

  • 7 p.m. Carols & Candlelight Christmas Eve service. All are welcome to join for this service; there will be no childcare provided.

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26, Church Office closed for Christmas

  • Monday, January 1, Church Office closed for New Year’s

  • Sunday, January 7, 4 p.m., Free concert by solo organist Bradley Welch

  • Tuesday, January 8, 2:30 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123. This month’s book will be Sisters of Night and Fog, by Erica Robuck.

Amy McCutcheon