December 8 - 9 AM Connect Service

December 8, 2024 – 9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

Second Sunday of Advent 

Rev. Ginny Ellis    

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Rising” - FPC Praise Band

2nd Gathering Song: “O Come All Ye Faithful” - FPC Praise Band                                                                        

Call to Worship - Will Doeringer 

As we come to worship at Advent, we approach a window that shines with peace. 

To open the Advent window is to see how the world will be surprised. 

Human plans carry only so much weight, only bring just so much relief. 

God’s plan is peace, peace for all, and peace where we least expect it. 

Come, God, in your surprising ways. We wait for you and for your peace. 

The Lighting of the Advent Candle of Peace - Hendrix/Doeringer family 

The Advent Reading: Luke 2:1 - In those day a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.
The Second Candle Is Lit   
Unison Prayer: O God, as we come in Advent, we come waiting for the Messiah you have promised.  We come in hope, we come watching for Peace. May you come soon.  Amen. 

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis 

Friends, the peace of the coming Christ be with you. And also with you. 

Response - “We Believe” - FPC Praise Band 

Statement of Faith: Apostles Creed (unison) - Ginny Ellis

I believe in God the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sittith on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.   I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. 

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

The Sacrament of Baptism: Sierra Lynette Schilling, daughter of Monique Sajjad and Eric Schilling, sister of Bennett Schilling - Ginny Ellis

Worship Song: “Holy Water” - FPC Praise Band

Presentation of our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Bill Ferrari 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:    

God of all that is, guide my feet that they may 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: “Christmas Offering” - FPC Praise Band  

Prayer for Illumination - Bill Ferrari         

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 - Bill Ferrari 

Sermon Scripture: Luke 1:67-69, 76-80 - Ginny Ellis 

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 

Sermon: “Dawn from on High” - Ginny Ellis

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

Final Song: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” - FPC Praise Band 

Benediction - Ginny Ellis                                     

Praise Band tag 

————————————-

Announcements:

Today, December 8

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

  • Men’s Meal Ministry, 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall kitchen

Monday, December 9

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

  • Stated Session meeting, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, December 10

  • Ladies’ Advent Bible Study, 9 a.m., Youth Center

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, December 11

  • Wednesday Night Dinner: Christmas Edition! 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall; Joyful Noise Makers kids’ choir rehearsal directly following dinner (6:45 p.m., Sanctuary)

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

Thursday, December 12

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

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

Friday, December 13

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

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

Sunday, December 15

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

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

  • Joyful Noise Makers rehearsal, 9:30 a.m., Room S-202

  • 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:

  • Sunday, December 22, 12 p.m., Celebratory Luncheon for Rev. Ginny, Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by calling the Church Office

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

  • Church Office will be closed for Christmas on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25, and for New Year’s Day on Wednesday, January 1

Amy McCutcheon