January 4, 2026 - 9 AM Connect Service

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

January 4, 2026 – Second Sunday of Christmas/Lord’s Supper 

Guest Preacher: Rev. Larry Duncan

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark 

1st Gathering Song: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” - FPC Praise Band

2nd Gathering Song: “A Thousand Hallelujahs” - FPC Praise Band

Welcome - Gretchen Letterman 

Call to Worship - Gretchen Letterman 

We are gathered by the God who knows our limits and our need, 

And who gives strength beyond our own. 

We come not to prove ourselves, but to receive, 

Opening our lives to the gift of God’s reign. 

Here, in word and sacrament, God meets us with mercy, 

And shapes us in trust, faith, and praise. Come, let us worship God.

Call to Confession - Gretchen Letterman

Prayer of Confession (unison) - Gretchen Letterman 

Everlasting God, we confess that we grow weary trusting in ourselves rather than in you. We prize control over trust, accomplishment over dependence, and strength over the humility that opens us to grace. We neglect the childlike faith you commend and resist the vulnerability you bless. Forgive us for our sins. Forgive us of the ways we harden our hearts, individually and together, and renew us by your mercy, that we may live as people made new in Christ. 

Assurance of Pardon - Gretchen Letterman 

…Friends, believe the Good News: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! 

Passing the Peace - Gretchen Letterman 

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

Response: “Sanctuary” - FPC Praise Band

Friendship Pad Announcement - Kevin Clark

Time for Young Disciples - Michelle Heinsimer

Prayer for Illumination - Lynne Mormino

First Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31 - Lynne Mormino 

Sermon Scripture: Luke 18:15-17 - Rev. Larry Duncan 

…The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon: “Awakening the Child Within” - Rev. Larry Duncan 

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

Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Lynne Mormino 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Invitation to Offering - Lynne Mormino

Offertory Song: “Lord I Need You” - FPC Praise Band

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper - Rev. Larry Duncan 

Invitation 

The Great Thanksgiving  

The Lord be with you. And also with you. 

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. 

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise..  

Prayer continues...

We pray all these things as our Savior taught us, using the words:  
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.    

Words of Institution 

The Bread and the Cup 

Prayer of Thanksgiving (unison):  

God of grace, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. You nourish us with your unending love. May this gift of grace strengthen us in faith, deepen our love for one another, and empower us to serve you with joy and compassion. Guide us to live as Christ’s disciples in the world. Fill us with your Spirit so that we may be witnesses to your love in all we do. Amen.

Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Lynne Mormino

Final Worship Song: “Thanks and Praise” - FPC Praise Band

Benediction - Rev. Larry Duncan                         

Praise Band tag 

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Announcements:

Today, January 4

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

Monday, January 5

  • No Lectio/Visio Divina (on break in January; resumes February 2)

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

Tuesday, January 6

  • New Ladies’ Bible study begins: Angels: Finding Hope in God Who Reigns Over Heaven and Earth by Melissa Spoelstra, 9 a.m., Youth Center

Wednesday, January 7

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

Thursday, January 8

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

Friday, January 9

  • Co-ed Bible Study (in the book of Acts), 8 a.m., Room N-123

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

Saturday, January 10

  • Memorial service for Ronn Ginn, 11 a.m., Sanctuary

Sunday, January 11

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

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

  • Power Hour class, 10 a.m., Church Office Conference Room

  • Children’s Sunday School, (Pre-K-2nd grade), 10 a.m., S-100

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

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

Upcoming Events:

  • Wednesday, January 14, Fellowship Dinner, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall (Please RSVP!)

  • Monday, January 19, Church Office closed for MLK Jr Day

Amy McCutcheon