March 10 - 9 AM Connect Service

March 10, 2024 – 9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

Fourth Sunday in Lent 

Rev. Ginny Ellis 

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark 

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

2nd Gathering Song: “Grace Greater” - FPC Praise Band                                         

Call to Worship  - Gretchen Letterman 

The Holy Spirit calls us from many places. 

      Some of us come from busy homes with many people. 

Some of us live alone. 

      Together we are the family of God. 

Yet we all come to this same place; 

      All of us seeking God’s presence in our lives, 

All of us seeking God’s presence with each other. 

      Together we are the family of God. 

Let’s worship God together! 

The Peace Candle and Passing the Peace - Gretchen Letterman 

      …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: “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” - FPC Praise Band 

Invitation to Offering - Bill Wanless

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

It is our prayer today, O God, that your vision for this your church may be found in us as we bring our gifts for the work of the church and its ministries. Make of us a dedicated and eager people, ready to encounter the challenges that you set before us. And above all else, shape our dreams and our gifts to please and serve you, for we are yours. In the Spirit's power and in the name of Christ, we pray, Amen. 

Offertory Song: “Evidence” - FPC Praise Band 

Prayer for Illumination - Bill Wanless

First Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 - Bill Wanless 

Sermon Scripture: John 3:14-18 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Covenant of Protection: Serpents in the Wilderness” - Ginny Ellis             

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

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

Final Song: “Open Up the Heavens” - FPC Praise Band 

Benediction - Ginny Ellis                                           

Praise Band tag 

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Announcements:

Today, March 10

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

  • We are collecting candy and eggs (and candy-filled eggs!) for our upcoming Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday, March 24.

  • Men’s Meal Ministry, 2 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Monday, March 11

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

Tuesday, March 12

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

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, March 13

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

Thursday, March 14

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

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

Friday, March 15

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

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

Sunday, March 17

  • 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

  • New Member Inquirer’s Class will meet at 10 a.m. in the Church Office Conference Room

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

Upcoming Events:

  • Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum, “The Dynamic History of St. Petersburg’s Marine Science Complex” by    Peter R. Betzer, PhD.

  • Palm Sunday, March 24. 10:15 a.m., all kids are welcome to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn, and/or to carry palms and sing in the Sanctuary at the 11 a.m. worship service. A fun crafts time will follow.

Amy McCutcheon