November 17 - 9 AM Connect Service

November 17, 2024 – 9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost/DEDICATION OF PLEDGES

Rev. Ginny Ellis

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark 

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

2nd Gathering Song: “The Heart of Worship” - FPC Praise Band                                                                 

Call to Worship - Lynne Mormino 

Through the abundance of your steadfast love, I enter your house. 

In awe of you I will bow down in your holy temple.

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness, 

Make your way straight before me.

The Peace Candle & Morning Prayer- Lynne Mormino

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

Moment for All Ages - Ginny Ellis 

Worship Song: “Take My Life” - FPC Praise Band             

Prayer for Illumination - Geoff Proud                    

First Reading: Psalm 84:1-4 - Geoff Proud

Sermon Scripture: Mark 13:1-8 - Ginny Ellis 

Sermon: “The Big Buildings” - Ginny Ellis 

Presentation of our Pledges and our Gifts – Invitation and Prayer - Geoff Proud

Offertory Song: “Evidence” - FPC Praise Band 

*Dedication of Offerings and Pledges - Bill Holden 

We dedicate these gifts and pledges today  

... to the preaching of Jesus' good news for the world,

... to glorifying God in song,  

... to leading each child to the knowledge of God's love.  

We dedicate these gifts and pledges today  

... to the mending of broken spirits,

... to caring for the poor,  

... to the healing of creation through justice.  

We dedicate these gifts and pledges today  

... to the community, the mission, and the hopes of this church,  

... and to the abundant, extravagant, all-embracing reign of God, which our faith can glimpse even here and now.  

O God, make us wise in our planning. Help us to be faithful in our spending.  Let our giving always be joyful, motivated by gratitude.  We ask your blessing today and your blessing for a future with our new pastor and for our renewed ministry, in the name of Jesus, who opens hearts and hands for the sake of abundant life in every corner of the world.

We pray now as he taught us:   

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.  

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

Final Worship Song: “Friend of God” - FPC Praise Band 

Benediction - Ginny Ellis                                           

Praise Band tag 

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Announcements:

Today, November 17

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

  • Bethune Cookman Concert Chorale, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

Monday, November 18

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

Wednesday, November 20

  • Beach Drive Forum: “Remembering My Friend, Elie Wiesel,” 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

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

Thursday, November 21

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

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

Friday, November 22

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

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

Sunday, November 24

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

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

  • Children’s Sunday School, (Pre-K-5th), 10 a.m., Room S-202

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

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

  • “Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, November 25, 1:30 p.m., Card Fellowship, Church Office Conference Room

  • Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, Church Office closed for Thanksgiving

  • Friday, November 29, 10 a.m. - noon, decorating the church van

  • Saturday, November 30, 5-8 p.m., FPC participates in the St. Petersburg Santa Parade

  • Monday, December 2, 4 p.m., Faith & Fiction, Room N-123

  • Friday, December 6, 7 p.m., “Many Moods of Christmas” benefit concert, Sanctuary

Amy McCutcheon