December 22 - 9 AM Connect Service

December 22, 2024 – Fourth Sunday of Advent 

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “God So Loved” - FPC Praise Band

2nd Gathering Song: “Angels We Have Heard on High” - FPC Praise Band                                                        

Call to Worship - Clara and Sam Higman 

We come to worship at Advent, approaching the window we yearn to throw open wide. 

We are eager to open the window  

that shows the world the very depth of God’s amazing love.

As this manger awaits the birth of the child, we await his coming again. 

The wonder is that he is already here, in the love we share with one another  

and the forgiveness we offer to those who don’t deserve it. 

For that is the love we ourselves have received and the forgiveness offered to us. 

We come to worship this God, this One who comes.                                                

The Lighting of the Advent Candle of Love  - Blazier-Higman family 

The Advent Reading - Psalm 100:1-2      

The Fourth Candle Is Lit   

Unison Prayer:  O God, as we have come this Advent, we have opened windows of  expectation, watching for signs of your word and your comfort in our lives. We are thankful for the Savior even now coming into our lives, into our world. Thank you, Lord, for promise and for fulfillment, in this One who has come.  Amen. 

Passing of the Peace - Blazier-Higman family 

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

Response: “We Believe” - FPC Praise Band 

Moment for All Ages - Carol Riley, Ginny Ellis

Worship Song: “Silent Night” - FPC Praise Band 

Invitation to Offering - Dave Hunt 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:    

God of all that is, guide my feet that they make take me where I am needed.  Guide my actions that they might witness to your grace and ever-inclusive love.  Help me to invest my time and resources so that, generations from now it will be true, that your kingdom has come and your will is done.  To God be the glory. Amen.

Offertory Song: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (We Three Kings)” - FPC Praise Band

Prayer for Illumination - Dave Hunt

First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a - Dave Hunt 

Sermon Scripture: Luke 1:46-55 - Ginny Ellis 

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 

Sermon: “Filled with Good Things” - Ginny   Ellis

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

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

Final Song: “Glorious One” - FPC Praise Band 

Benediction - Ginny Ellis                                     

Praise Band tag 

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Announcements:

Today, December 22

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

  • Celebratory Luncheon for Rev. Ginny, 12 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Monday, December 23

  • No Lectio/Visio Divina

  • Card Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., Church Office Conference Room 

Tuesday, December 24

  • Church Office closed

  • Christmas Eve Family Service, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

  • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7 p.m., Sanctuary 

Wednesday, December 25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

  • Church Office closed

Friday, December 27

  • No Men's Bible Study, resumes Jan. 3

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

Sunday, December 29

  • 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 

Upcoming Events:

  • The Church Office will be closed January 1 for New Year’s Day

  • 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