March 31 - 9 AM Connect EASTER Service

March 31, 2024 – EASTER SUNDAY  

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service  

Rev. Ginny Ellis  

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” - FPC Praise Band 

2nd Gathering Song: “In Christ Alone” - FPC Praise Band 

Call to Worship - Diedra Flora 

This is the day when tears turn to laughter,  

Shattered hearts are mended, fears are replaced with joy. 

This is the day the Lord rolls away the stone,  

Throws off death’s clothes, goes ahead of us into God's future. 

This is the day the Lord has made, and the past no longer holds fear for us;  

Sin has lost its power; God opens the tombs of our hearts to fill us with life. 

This is the Day - Easter Day! 

Christ is risen! Alleluia! 

Lighting of the Peace Candle and Passing the Peace - Diedra Flora 

…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: “How Great Thou Art” - FPC Praise Band 

Invitation to Offering - Diedra Flora 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

We have come this glorious day with alleluias, trumpets, flowers, and songs. Your Easter gift may be beyond our understanding, but it is not beyond our profound gratitude. With heartfelt thanks we respond with joy and humility bringing our own gifts. Bless these gifts and bless us, O God, in the name and for the sake of our risen Lord, Amen. 

Offertory Song: “Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed” - FPC Praise Band 

Prayer for Illumination - Geoff Proud

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 25:6-9- Geoff Proud

New Testament Scripture: Mark 16:1-8 - Ginny Ellis                                          

Sermon: “They Were Afraid” - Ginny Ellis  

Prayer of the Day - Ginny Ellis  

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

Final Song: ”God So Loved” - FPC Praise Band  

Benediction - Ginny Ellis 

Praise Band Tag 

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Announcements:

Today, March 31

  • Happy Easter!

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

Monday, April 1

  • Lectio/Visio Divina, taking a break (resumes 4/8)

Tuesday, April 2

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

Wednesday, April 3

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

Thursday, April 4

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

Friday, April 5

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

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

Sunday, April 7

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

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

  • 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

  • Concert Series Town Hall Meeting, 12:15 p.m., Choir Room

  • FPC Explorers will be going to the Fine Arts Museum for “Art in Bloom,” 1 p.m. 

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, April 8, 2:00 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • Wednesday, April 10, 5:30 p.m., Italian Dinner Night, Fellowship Hall. Please use the link in First News or call the Church Office to RSVP!

  • Sunday, April 14, “Parable Quest” (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) class begins, Room  S-202

  • Wednesday, April 17, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: “From Folk Medicines to Therapeutic Drugs” by Dr. Akiko Tanaka, president, and co-founder of The Tampa Bay Research Institute (TBRI)

  • Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m., New Member Inquirer’s Class, Church Office Conference Room

Amy McCutcheon