October 1 - 9 AM Connect Service
October 1, 2023 - 9 a.m. Connect Worship Service
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
World Communion Sunday / Lord’s Supper
Rev. Ginny Ellis
Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark
1st Gathering Song: “God of Wonders” - FPC Praise Band
2nd Gathering Song: “Lord, I Need You” - FPC Praise Band
A Litany for World Communion Sunday - Rev. Ginny Ellis, Rebecca & Clara Higman, Mary Blazier
…Imagine how significant the bread and the cup are for those churches today!
We have the privilege of breaking bread together today, right here in Saint Petersburg. As we worship, we can imagine the many places in the world where the Church is breaking bread and drinking from the cup. In this special way, we are truly one body.
READING 1 – KOREA
We break bread today with Christians in Korea.
READING 2 – ISRAEL
We break bread today with Christians in Israel.
READING 3 – KENYA
We break bread today with Christians in Kenya.
READING 4 - ENGLAND
We break bread today with Christians in England.
READING 5 - SCOTLAND
We break bread today with Christians in Scotland.
READING 6 - HONDURAS
We break bread today with Christians in Honduras and throughout the world.
Unison Prayer - Ginny Ellis
Holy One, Creator of all that is, we give you thanks for the Church of Jesus Christ, which spread from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, to the ends of the earth. Today we feel a oneness with each other as we worship, Today we feel a oneness with the whole church which gathers today at your table. May it be that your church will continue to spread through the world, to bring healing, hope and good news to people and nations everywhere. In Jesus name, Amen.
Lighting of the Peace Candle and Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis
…Be at peace with God, with yourself, and with one another.
The peace of Christ be with you. / And also with you.
Response: “We Believe” - FPC Praise Band
Moment for All Ages - Jeanie Barnes
Worship Song: “Grace Greater” - FPC Praise Band
Invitation to Offering - Mary Blazier
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
O God, as we come with the World’s Christians to receive your gifts of bread and cup, we bring gifts for the church to use in your name. These gifts came from your own hand, and we return them to you. Use them, even as you use us, to accomplish your purposes in Jesus Christ, the Head of the church and the Lord of our lives, for we are yours. Amen.
Offertory Song: “Evidence” - FPC Praise Band
Prayer for Illumination - Mary Blazier
First Scripture: I Kings 19:1-8 - Mary Blazier
Sermon Scripture: Luke 9:10-17 - Ginny Elis
Sermon: “What We Need” - Ginny Ellis
Sacrament of Communion - Ginny Ellis and Rev. Jeanie Barnes
Invitation
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Words of Institution and Communion of the People
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Jeanie Barnes
Final Song: “God So Loved” - FPC Praise Band
Benediction - Ginny Ellis
Praise Band tag
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Announcements
Today, October 1
A Stephen Minister, wearing a blue stole, is available at the close of this service
Paper copies of Worship Service Evaluation forms are available at the Welcome Center; stop by and take one OR use the link in First News to give us your feedback! Deadline is tomorrow, Oct. 2
Visioning Conversation # 1, 4 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Monday, October 2
Lectio Divina, 10 a.m. via Zoom
Faith & Fiction, 4 p.m., Room N-123
Tuesday, October 3
Ladies’ Bible Study, 9 a.m., Youth Center
Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., virtual
Wednesday, October 4
Praise Band rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Thursday, October 5
Bell Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m., Choir Suite
Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Suite
Friday, October 6
Men’s Bible Study, 8 a.m., Room N-123
Men's Lunch Bible Study, 12 p.m., via Zoom
Sunday, October 8
Childcare available 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pickups, Room S-203
Faith Journey class meets at 10 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
Men’s Meal Ministry, 2 p.m., Fellowship Hall; volunteers welcome!
Visioning Conversation # 2, 4 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, October 11, Senior Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall; please RSVP on or before October 6 by calling the Church Office
Wednesday, October 11, 5:30 p.m., Dinner and 6:10 p.m., Kids’ Choir
Saturday, October 14, 11:30 AM, Solar Eclipse Viewing and Picnic
Sunday, October 15, Congregational Meeting after each service
Sunday, October 15, 10 a.m., New Member Inquirer’s Class, Chapel
Sunday, October 15, Visioning Conversation # 3, 4 p.m., Fellowship Hall