April 14 - 9 AM Connect Service

April 14, 2024 – 9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

Third Sunday After Easter 

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Rising” - FPC Praise Band 

2nd Gathering Song: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” - FPC Praise Band

Call to Worship  - Ginny Ellis

They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. 
        They shall mount up with wings like eagles, 
They shall run and not be weary, 
        They shall walk and not faint.  
Come. Let us praise our God.                                                                                                                                                

Lighting the Peace Candle and Passing the Peace - Ginny Ellis 

…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: “Take My Life” - FPC Praise Band 

Invitation to Offering - Bill Wanless 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:  

O Great Spirit, you created the earth. We are part of the earth, and the earth is part of us. We are connected because you connect us. May these gifts help unite us and repair broken people and things. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Offertory Song: “Goodness of God” - FPC Praise Band 

Prayer for Illumination - Rebecca Blazier-Higman             

First Reading: Luke 24:36b-48- Rebecca Blazier-Higman 

Sermon Scripture: 1 John 3:1-7 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “Love Seen…In Being Like Jesus” - Ginny Ellis   

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

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

Final Worship Song: “Grace Greater” - FPC Praise Band  

Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Praise Band tag 

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Announcements:

Today, April 14

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

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

Monday, April 15

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

Tuesday, April 16

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

Wednesday, April 17

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

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

Thursday, April 18

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

Friday, April 19

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

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

Sunday, April 21

  • 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

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

Upcoming Events:

  • Friday, May 10, 6 p.m., Fundraiser gala for Live Love St Pete; see First News for details on how to get tickets.

  • Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Spring Fun Day at Cedarkirk, $16/person includes lunch; if it’s your first visit to Cedarkirk, admission is FREE! Please sign up ASAP, as space is limited; call the Church Office for details.

Amy McCutcheon