May 25 - 9 AM Connect Service

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

May 25, 2025 - Sixth Sunday of Easter 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark 

1st Gathering Song: “Glorious Day” - FPC Praise Band  

2nd Gathering Song: “Open Up the Heavens” - FPC Praise Band  

Welcome - Rev. Robert Galloway

Call to Worship: Robert Galloway 

In every shadowed place and quiet question,  

the risen Christ walks beside us.  

In every moment of wonder or weariness,  

the living Word speaks to our hearts.  

In joy, in mystery, in the breaking of bread,  

Jesus is made known to us again.  

Come, let us worship God. 

Call to Confession (from Psalm 91:14-16) - Geoff Proud 

Prayer of Confession - Geoff Proud 

Gracious God, we confess that we are often confused and doubtful of the truth you bring us. Our eyes are clouded by fear, our hearts slow to believe your promises. We prefer what is familiar to what is faithful. We cling to sorrow even when joy is breaking in. We fail to recognize you in the stranger, in the bread we break, in the stories we share. Forgive us, Lord. Warm our hearts with your presence, open our eyes to your living truth, and lead us in the way everlasting. 

Assurance of Pardon - Geoff Proud   

…Friends, believe the good news: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

Passing the Peace - Geoff Proud 

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

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

Friendship Pad Announcement - Robert Galloway

Time for Young Disciples - Robert Galloway 

Worship Song: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” - FPC Praise Band 

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Mary Blazier-Higman 

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 - Mary Blazier-Higman

First Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-27 - Mary Blazier-Higman 

Sermon Scripture: Luke 24:28-36 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon: “Our Creed: Why Crucifixion? Why death? Why Hell? Why for us?” - Robert Galloway 

Invitation to Offering - Mary Blazier-Higman             

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication: 

Risen Lord, you met your disciples in their confusion, broke bread at their table, and rekindled their hope. So now, take these joyful gifts, take our ordinary lives, and use them for your extraordinary purposes. May our offering bear witness to the truth we proclaim. We believe that Christ is risen and walks among us still. 

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

Benediction - Robert Galloway                                           

Praise Band tag 

—————————————————-

Announcements:

Today, May 25

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

Monday, May 26

  • Church Office closed for Memorial Day

  • Lectio/Visio Divina on break (resumes June 9)

Tuesday, May 27

  • Christian Meditation, 7 p.m., Chapel

Wednesday, May 28

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

Thursday, May 29

  • No Chancel Choir Rehearsal: on summer break

Friday, May 30

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

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

Sunday, June 1

  • 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-5th), 10 a.m., S-202, S-100

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

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

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, June 2, Stated Session meeting, 7 p.m.

  • Sunday, June 8, Mission Team leaves for Honduras (returns June 15)

  • Tuesday, June 17, New Ladies’ Bible Study begins, 9 a.m., Youth Center

Amy McCutcheon