December 24 - 9 AM Connect Service

December 24, 2023 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Joy to the World” - FPC Praise Band

Call to Worship from “In Search of our Kneeling Places” by Ann Weems - Rebecca Higman 

In each heart lies a Bethlehem,

an inn where we must ultimately answer whether there is room or not.

When we are Bethlehem-bound we experience our own advent in his.     

Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has made known to us.

Let’s go to Bethlehem and find our kneeling places.

Lighting of the Advent Candle - LOVE

Candle Lighters: Chris and Karen Mossman

Advent Reading: Luke 1:36-38

The Candle Is Lit

Responsive Litany:

Advent is a time to praise.

Praise the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all God's benefits.

During Advent we remember God's present goodness.

Praise the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all God's benefits.

During Advent we remember God's promises for the future.

Praise the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all God's benefits.

Response Song: “Soon and Very Soon” (v. 1)  - FPC Praise Band 

Passing of the Peace - Ginny Ellis

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

2nd Gathering Song: “The First Nowell” - FPC Praise Band

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis

Worship Song: “Angels We Have Heard on High” - FPC Praise Band

Invitation to Offering - Rebecca Higman

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

With you, O God, each moment of life is full of wonder and surprise. Take our gifts, we humbly ask, and bring of them wonder, surprise, as well as meaning, for the work of our church and for the witness of our faith. We ask this in the name of Jesus who comes, this day and always. Amen.

Offertory Song: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings” - FPC Praise Band

Prayer for Illumination - Chris Mossman

Sermon Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 - Chris Mossman     

Sermon: “Nothing Will Be Impossible” - Ginny Ellis           

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

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

Final Song: “Silent Night” - FPC Praise Band

Benediction - Ginny Ellis

Praise Band tag: “Joy to the World”

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Announcements:

Today, December 24

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

  • 4 p.m. Family-friendly Christmas Eve service. All are welcome to join for this service; there will be no childcare provided.

  • 7 p.m. Carols & Candlelight Christmas Eve service. All are welcome to join for this service; there will be no childcare provided.

Monday, December 25 & Tuesday, December 26

  • Church Office closed; no activities on campus

Wednesday, December 27

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

Friday, December 29

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

Sunday, December 31

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

  • Faith Journey class meets at 9:45 a.m. in Room S-202

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

  • Young Adults/Parents class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-206

  • Teens class meets at 10 a.m. in Room S-205 (every other week)

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, January 1, Happy New Year! Church Office closed

  • Sunday, January 7, 4 p.m., Concert by solo organist Bradley Welch

  • Monday, January 8, 2:30 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123. This month’s book will be Sisters of Night and Fog, by Erica Robuck.

  • Monday, January 15, Church Office closed for MLK Day

  • Wednesday, January 17, 6 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: “Trouble in Paradise: Our Allergies” by Dr. Harrison (Jamie) Brownlee

Amy McCutcheon