December 24 - 9 AM Connect Service
December 24, 2023 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
9 a.m. Connect Worship Service
Rev. Ginny Ellis
Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark
1st Gathering Song: “Joy to the World” - FPC Praise Band
Call to Worship from “In Search of our Kneeling Places” by Ann Weems - Rebecca Higman
In each heart lies a Bethlehem,
an inn where we must ultimately answer whether there is room or not.
When we are Bethlehem-bound we experience our own advent in his.
Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has made known to us.
Let’s go to Bethlehem and find our kneeling places.
Lighting of the Advent Candle - LOVE
Candle Lighters: Chris and Karen Mossman
Advent Reading: Luke 1:36-38
The Candle Is Lit
Responsive Litany:
Advent is a time to praise.
Praise the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all God's benefits.
During Advent we remember God's present goodness.
Praise the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all God's benefits.
During Advent we remember God's promises for the future.
Praise the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all God's benefits.
Response Song: “Soon and Very Soon” (v. 1) - FPC Praise Band
Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis
The peace of Christ be with you. / And also with you.
2nd Gathering Song: “The First Nowell” - FPC Praise Band
Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis
Worship Song: “Angels We Have Heard on High” - FPC Praise Band
Invitation to Offering - Rebecca Higman
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
With you, O God, each moment of life is full of wonder and surprise. Take our gifts, we humbly ask, and bring of them wonder, surprise, as well as meaning, for the work of our church and for the witness of our faith. We ask this in the name of Jesus who comes, this day and always. Amen.
Offertory Song: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings” - FPC Praise Band
Prayer for Illumination - Chris Mossman
Sermon Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 - Chris Mossman
Sermon: “Nothing Will Be Impossible” - Ginny Ellis
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer - Ginny Ellis
Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Ginny Ellis
Final Song: “Silent Night” - FPC Praise Band
Benediction - Ginny Ellis
Praise Band tag: “Joy to the World”
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Announcements:
Today, December 24
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
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.
Monday, December 25 & Tuesday, December 26
Church Office closed; no activities on campus
Wednesday, December 27
Praise Band rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Friday, December 29
Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom
Sunday, December 31
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)
Upcoming Events:
Monday, January 1, Happy New Year! Church Office closed
Sunday, January 7, 4 p.m., Concert by solo organist Bradley Welch
Monday, 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.
Monday, January 15, Church Office closed for MLK Day
Wednesday, January 17, 6 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: “Trouble in Paradise: Our Allergies” by Dr. Harrison (Jamie) Brownlee