August 17 - 9 AM Connect Service

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

August 17, 2025 – Tenth Sunday After Pentecost 

Blessing of the Backpacks 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” - FPC Praise Band

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

Welcome - Rev. Robert Galloway

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway 

We gather as witnesses to God's faithfulness. 

We come seeking our Lord and creator.  

We come with child-like wonder. 

We stand in awe of the mighty works of the God of heaven and earth. 

Christ calls us to see what is before us;

it is the kingdom of God. 

Let us worship with open hearts,  

ready for God's transforming word. 

Call to Confession - Lynne Mormino

Prayer of Confession (unison) - Lynne Mormino                                                                            

Merciful God, you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you. We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy. We have not loved you with a pure heart, nor have we loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not done justice, loved kindness, or walked humbly with you, our God. Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness. In your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. Do not cast us away from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit. 

Assurance of Pardon - Lynne Mormino            

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

Passing the Peace - Lynne Mormino

…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: Blessing of the Backpacks - Robert Galloway

Worship Song: “In Christ Alone” - FPC Praise Band 

Prayer for Illumination - Leonza Hudson

First Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:29-12:2 - Leonza Hudson 

Sermon Scripture: Luke 12:49-56 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon - Robert Galloway

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Leonza Hudson                                                

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 - Leonza Hudson                                                          

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:                                                   

Gracious God, we offer these gifts as a symbol of our trust in your faithfulness. We dedicate these offerings to your kingdom work. Use these gifts to support the work of justice and mercy in our community and world. Help us to give our whole selves in service to others in your name. May these gifts kindle hope and healing wherever they are needed. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Offertory Song: “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” - 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: “Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)” - FPC Praise Band 

Benediction - Robert Galloway                         

Praise Band tag 

——————————————————-

Announcements:

Today, August 17

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

  • New Member Inquirer’s Class, Part 1, 10 a.m., SPPS Office (note new location!)

  • Informational meeting for the congregation about upcoming improvements to campus and facility security, directly following the 11 AM worship service in the Sanctuary.

Wednesday, August 20

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

Friday, August 22

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

Sunday, August 24

  • 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-203

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

  • New Member Inquirer’s Class, Part 2, 10 a.m., SPPS Office (note new location!)

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

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, September 1, Church Office closed for Labor Day

Amy McCutcheon