December 14 - 9 AM Connect Service

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

December 14, 2025 – Third Sunday of Advent - Joy

Rev. Robert Galloway

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “O Come All Ye Faithful” - FPC Praise Band 

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

Lighting of the Advent Candle of Joy based on Psalm 146:5-10 - Charlton family 

Joy to the world, the Lord is come. This is good news for all people. 

Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live.  

With divine mercy, the Lord provides enough for all. 

Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. 

Those who truthfully ask to be part of God’s will being done on earth, as in heaven, find joy in their work. 

Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. 

A community feels Christ’s presence by welcoming strangers and caring for each other in faith.

Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. 

The Lord’s promises are true and stand forever; they are the joy of all who trust in their Creator. 

Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. 

This third candle is a reminder that we are Advent people, trusting and responding to what is already true and hoping in what is promised to come. 

Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. 

Hymn: “O Come O Come Emmanuel” vv. 5 and 6 VENI EMMANUEL

O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; 
make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.  

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. 

 O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; 
disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain] 

 Prayer - Charlton family

Passing the Peace - Charlton family 

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

Response: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” - FPC Praise Band  

Welcome & Friendship Pad Announcement - Robert  Galloway

The Sacrament of Baptism: Callie Charlton - Robert Galloway

(included in baptism liturgy) Apostles’ Creed (unison)                                                     

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. 

Prayer for Illumination - Bill Wanless

First Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 - Bill Wanless 

Sermon Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11 - Robert Galloway

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

Sermon - Robert Galloway 

Worship Song: “Joy to the World (Our God Saves)” - FPC Praise Band

Invitation to Offering - Bill Wanless 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:       

Holy God, you bring life to barren places and hope to weary hearts. Receive these gifts and use them for your saving work. Where there is grief, sow joy; where there is fear, plant courage; where there is wilderness, bring forth springs of life. By your Spirit, bless what we offer, that your mercy may flourish among us and your kingdom draw near. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

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

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer - Robert Galloway

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) - Robert Galloway

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

Benediction - Robert Galloway                         

Praise Band tag 

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Announcements:

Today, December 14

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

  • Men’s Meatloaf Ministry, 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Monday, December 15

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

Wednesday, December 17

  • “Festive Fun” Fellowship Dinner, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP!

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

Thursday, December 18

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

Friday, December 19

  • Men’s Bible Study (in the book of Acts), 8 a.m., Room N-123

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

Sunday, December 21

  • 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

  • Joyful Noise Music Makers’ rehearsal (sound check), 10 a.m., Sanctuary

  • 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, December 24, Christmas Eve! Family-friendly service at 4 p.m., Lessons & Carols candlelight service at 7 p.m. Invite family, friends, neighbors - all are welcome! Please note that there will be no childcare available for either service.

  • Wednesday, December 24, Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, Church Office closed for the Christmas holiday 

Amy McCutcheon