February 25 - 9 AM Connect Service

February 25, 2024 – 9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

Second Sunday in Lent 

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Firm Foundation (He Won't)” - FPC Praise Band

2nd Gathering Song: “Love the Lord” - FPC Praise Band                                                                 

Call to Worship  - Dottie Young 

God called Abraham and Sarah to travel into the unknown, 

To go wherever God would lead them.    

Jesus calls us to be his disciples,

To take up the cross to follow him. 

Like many through the centuries, we are travelers in the journey of faith.

May our worship sustain us for the days and paths to come. 

Apostles Creed - Dottie Young

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Peace Candle and Passing the Peace - Dottie Young 

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

Response: “Doxology (Amen)” - FPC Praise Band  

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

The Sacrament of Baptism: Grayson Joseph Helck, son of Greg and Sarah Helck - Ginny Ellis

Presentation and Questions 

The Baptism and Welcome 

Invitation to Offering - Bill Ferrari 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:   

God of all, our gifts represent what we have and what we are, all of which has come from you. Accept these gifts which we bring today, that, as we bring them in love, so they may contribute to the needs of the saints and extend hospitality to strangers.  And accept us, that in your name we may live in harmony with one another, live peaceably with all and overcome evil with good, through the risen Christ we pray, Amen.                                 

Offertory Song: “Holy Water” - FPC Praise Band 

Minute for Mission: Our Honduras Ministry - Dr. Cesar Davila with Susan Schlecht 

Prayer for Illumination - Bill Ferrari

First Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 - Bill Ferrari

Second Scripture: Mark 8:31-38 - Ginny Ellis   

Sermon: “Covenant: A Call to Adventure” - Ginny Ellis  

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

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

Final Song: “You Are My Vision” - FPC Praise Band  

Benediction - Ginny Ellis                                           

Praise Band tag

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Announcements:

Today, February 25

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

Monday, February 26

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

  • Stated Session Meeting, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, February 27

  • Christian Meditation, Chapel, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, February 28

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

Thursday, February 29

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

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

Friday, March 1

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

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

  • The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay Concert invites you to explore excerpts of Anne Frank's diary in a performance of James Whitbourn's Annelies; 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This is a ticketed event; please call 813-355-9609.

Sunday, March 3

  • 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-100

  • Presbyterianism class meets at 10:10 a.m. in the Church Office Conference Room

Upcoming Events:

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

Amy McCutcheon