December 15 - 9 AM Connect Service

December 15, 2024 – 9 a.m. Connect Worship Service  

Third Sunday of Advent - Ordination and Installation of Officers

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” - FPC Praise Band

2nd Gathering Song: “Joy to the World (Our God Saves)” - FPC Praise Band

Call to Worship  - Ginny Ellis   

As we come to worship at Advent, we approach the window of our joy. 

To open the Advent window is to find angels bringing an unexpected message, 

A message that will mean joy for all of us: rich and poor, privileged and struggling. 

We open a window, letting joy fill us with the news of surprise and delight.  

God comes where least expected, and God wants us to see and to know.

The Lighting of the Advent Candle of Joy  - Bill Wanless 

The Advent Reading: Luke 2:20    

The Third Candle Is Lit    

Unison Prayer:  O God, as we come this Advent, we come opening the windows you have prepared for us:  the scriptures, the prayers, the friendships, the challenges. Help us to be like the shepherds: hearing the tidings, coming to see your gift, and going out to share this news of Joy. Lord, we ask that you would come soon to this world and to us. Amen.

Passing of the Peace - Bill Wanless 

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

Response: “We Believe” - FPC Praise Band                                                                     

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

Worship Song: “Little Drummer Boy” - FPC Praise Band

Invitation to Offering - Bill Wanless 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:     

It is our prayer today, O God, that your vision may be found in us as we bring our gifts. Make of us a dedicated and eager people, ready to encounter the challenges that you set before us and to respond with joy. Above all else, shape our dreams and our gifts to please and serve you, for we are yours. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

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

Prayer for Illumination - Rebecca Blazier-Higman 

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:17-20 - Rebecca Blazier-Higman  

Sermon Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 - Ginny Ellis 

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 

Sermon: “How Do We Rejoice Always?” - Ginny Ellis

The Ordination and Installation of Officers 

Elders: Jessie Sereda, Bill Holden, Lynne Mormino; Deacon: Dottie Young

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

Final Song: “Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)” - FPC Praise Band

Benediction - Ginny Ellis                                     

Praise Band tag

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Announcements: 

Today, December 15

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

Monday, December 16

  • Lectio/Visio Divina, 10 a.m. via Zoom

Wednesday, December 18

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

Thursday, December 19

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

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

Friday, December 20

  • Men's Bible Study, 8 a.m., Room N-123

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

Sunday, December 22

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

  • Connect Service, 9 a.m., Youth Center

  • Children’s Sunday School, (Pre-K-5th), 10 a.m., Room S-202

  • Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel

  • “Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123

  • Joyful Noisemakers Kids’ Choir short rehearsal, 10 a.m., Sanctuary steps

  • Celebratory Luncheon for Rev. Ginny, 12 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by calling the Church Office.

Upcoming Events:

  • Tuesday, December 24, 4 p.m., Christmas Eve family service; 7 p.m., Christmas Eve candlelight service

  • The Church Office will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, Wednesday, December 25, and January 1

  • Monday, January 6, 4 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • Monday, January 13, we welcome Rev. Robert Galloway for his first day at FPC!

Amy McCutcheon