March 17 - 9 AM Connect Service

March 17, 2024 – 9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

Fifth Sunday in Lent 

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

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

2nd Gathering Song: “Glorious One” - FPC Praise Band                                                                 

Call to Worship  - Tai Specie 

To all those who know what it is to be lonely or afraid; 

        To all those who know about despair and weariness; 

And to all those ready to find faith and rest in the Lord,

        Ready to come in praise and joy,

Ready to be filled with God’s love,

        Come, let us worship God. 

The Peace Candle and Passing the Peace - Tai Specie 

…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: “Will You Come And Follow Me” - FPC Praise Band  

Invitation to Offering - Tai Specie 

…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 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: “He Will Hold Me Fast” - FPC Praise Band 

Prayer for Illumination - Bill Holden                                                                                                                     

First Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Bill Holden     

Sermon Scripture: John 12:20-28 - Ginny Ellis

Sermon: “Extending the Promise: The New Covenant Shines Through” - 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 Day” - FPC Praise Band 

Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Praise Band tag 

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Announcements:

Today, March 17

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

  • Outing to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, 1:30 p.m. 

Monday, March 18

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

Tuesday, March 19

  • Ladies’ Bible study, 9 a.m. Youth Center

Wednesday, March 20

  • Kids’ Choir practice, 3:15 p.m., Choir Room

  • Beach Drive Forum, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, “The Dynamic History of St. Petersburg’s Marine Science Complex” by Peter R. Betzer, PhD.

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

Thursday, March 21

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

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

Friday, March 22

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

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

PALM SUNDAY, March 24

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

  • Faith Journey class meets at 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel

  • Power Hour class meets at 10 a.m. in the Youth Center

  • “Next” Adult class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-100

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

  • All kids are welcome to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn at 10:15 a.m., and/or to carry palms and sing in the Sanctuary at the 11 a.m. worship service. A fun crafts time will follow.

Upcoming Events:

  • Maundy Thursday, March 28, 5:30 p.m., potluck dinner followed by a worship service in the Fellowship Hall

  • Good Friday, March 29, 12-3 p.m., Sanctuary will be open for a time of personal meditation

  • EASTER SUNDAY! March 31; services at 7, 9, and 11 a.m.

Amy McCutcheon