April 28 - 9 AM Connect Service

April 28, 2024 – 9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

Fifth Sunday After Easter 

Guest Preacher: Rev. Amy Santamaria

Gathering - Kevin Clark 

1st Gathering Song: “Who You Say I Am” - FPC Praise Band  

2nd Gathering Song: “God So Loved” - FPC Praise Band 

Welcome - Bill Ferrari                 

Call to Worship  - Bill Ferrari 

In this welcoming space, we find a sense of your presence.  

Here in this friendly place, O God, we find connection with others.  

In this worshiping place, we come to experience your grace,

For connection and grace are needed by us all. 

Come, friends, come worship God in this welcoming and safe place.

Lighting the Peace Candle and Passing the Peace - Bill Ferrari 

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

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

Moment for All Ages - Carol Riley

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

Invitation to Offering - Bill Ferrari 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

With grateful hearts we come, O Gracious God, bringing these gifts for your service. We offer ourselves also; receive and bless us as your faithful servants. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Offertory Song: “Good, Good Father” - FPC Praise Band

Prayer for Illumination - Rebecca Blazier-Higman

First Reading: John 15:1-8 - Rebecca Blazier-Higman 

Sermon Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21 - Rev. Amy Santamaria 

Sermon: “Love Seen...In Loving One Another” - Rev. Amy Santamaria             

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer - Rev. Amy Santamaria 

Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Rebecca Blazier-Higman

Final Song: “Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)” - FPC Praise Band

Benediction - Rev. Amy Santamaria                                           

Praise Band tag

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Announcements:

Today, April 28

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

Monday, April 29

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

  • Card Fellowship, 1:30 p.m., Church Office Conference Room 

Tuesday, April 30

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

Wednesday, May 1

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

Thursday, May 2

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

Friday, May 3

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

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

Sunday, May 5

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

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

  • Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel

  • “Parable Quest” class (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) 10 a.m., Room  S-202

  • Power Hour class, 10 a.m., Youth Center

  • “Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room S-100

  • Presbyterianism class, 10 a.m., Church Office Conference Room

  • FPC Explorers’ outing to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, carpooling from the church at 1 p.m. 

Upcoming Events:

  • Wednesday, May 8, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall; Wednesday Night Dinner: Cook-out! RSVP online or call the Church Office.

  • Sunday, May 19, Mission Sunday, 10 a.m., Fellowship Hall; our project will benefit the Honduras Mission Team

  • Sunday, May 19, New Member Inquirer’s Class, 12 p.m., Chapel

  • Wednesday, May 22, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: “State of the Arts in Tampa Bay” by Paul Wilborn, award-winning journalist, author, playwright, pianist, singer and executive director of the Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College.

Amy McCutcheon