December 10 - 9 AM Connect Service
9 a.m. Connect Worship Service - December 10, 2023
Second Sunday of Advent
Rev. Ginny Ellis
Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark
1st Gathering Song: “Rising” - FPC Praise Band
Call to Worship - Mary Blazier
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 of Peace- The Helck family
The Advent Reading - Psalm 85: 8-9
The Candle Is Lit
Advent Litany
Advent is a time to prepare.
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the way for our God.
During Advent we prepare our eyes to see the light of Christ.
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the way for our God.
During Advent we prepare our hearts to receive the Word of Christ.
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the way for our God.
Response: “Soon and Very Soon” (verse 1) - FPC Praise Band
Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis
The peace of Christ be with you. / And also with you.
2nd Gathering Song: “God So Loved” - FPC Praise Band
Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis
Worship Song: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” - FPC Praise Band
Invitation to Offering - Mary Blazier
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
Holy God, parent of all, giver of every good and perfect gift, in gratitude we lay these gifts before you. With these offerings we consecrate ourselves to your service. Use us, and that which we give of our substance for your work in the world; this we pray in the name of your priceless gift, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory Song: “Christmas Offering” - FPC Praise Band
Dedication of Today’s Gifts and Pledges for 2024 - Ginny Ellis
As we celebrate all that God has done here among us in 2023, and as we offer our support for the church’s ministry in the coming year, we dedicate our gifts, pledges and our intentions today:
...to the sharing of Jesus' good news for the world,
...to glorifying God in worship and song,
...to leading each person, each child to the knowledge of God's love.
We dedicate these gifts and pledges and our intentions today:
...to the mending of broken spirits
...to caring for the poor,
...to the healing of creation through justice.
We dedicate these gifts and pledges and our intentions today:
...to the community, the mission, and the hopes of this church, and
...to the abundant, extravagant, all-embracing reign of God, which our faith can glimpse even here and now.
O God, make our planning wise, our spending faithful, our giving always joyful.
We ask your blessing today and for this coming year: in the name of Jesus, who opens hearts and hands for the sake of abundant life in every corner of the world. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination - Bill Wanless
First Scripture: Isaiah 40:10-11 - Bill Wanless
Sermon Scripture: Mark 1:1-8 - Ginny Ellis
Sermon: “Preparations” - Ginny Ellis
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer - Ginny Ellis
Announcements (for a complete list, please see below) - Ginny Ellis
Final Song: “Angels We Have Heard On High” - FPC Praise Band
Congregational Meeting - Ginny Ellis
Convening prayer
Declaration of Quorum and Statement of Meeting’s Purpose - Clerk Jeannie Doddridge
Report of Nominating Committee
Nominations for Elder: Three-year term: Greg Helck, Fernando Gonzalez, Joan Karins, Fran Sims
Nominations for Deacon: One-year term: Linda Donaldson; Three-year terms: Cameron Blair, Janis Clark, Molly Krebs, Eva Popovich
Meeting adjourns with Benediction - Ginny Ellis
Praise Band tag
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Announcements:
Today, December 10
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Men’s Meal Ministry, 2 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Monday, December 11
Lectio Divina on holiday break until January 8
Tuesday, December 12
HoHoHo Taco Tuesday Dinner and Christmas cookie decoration project, 5:30 p.m. (Fellowship Hall); kids’ choir practice, 6:10 p.m. (Youth Center)
Many Moods Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Sanctuary
Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., virtual
Wednesday, December 13
Many Moods Orchestra Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Sanctuary
Praise Band rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, December 14
Many Moods Dress Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Sanctuary
Friday, December 15
Men’s Bible Study, 8 a.m., Room N-123
Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom
Many Moods of Christmas Concert, 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.; valet parking will be available). Celebrate the miracle of Christmas through this beloved annual event benefitting St. Petersburg Free Clinic.
Sunday, December 17
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:
Sunday, December 24, we will have our regular morning worship times of 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. PLUS two evening Christmas Eve services: 4 p.m. (kid-friendly) and 7 p.m. (by candlelight). All are welcome at both services; there will be no childcare provided.
Monday December 25 and Tuesday December 26, Church Office closed