August 24 - 9 AM Connect Service

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service 

August 24, 2025 – Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost 

Rev. Robert Galloway

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Rising” - FPC Praise Band 

2nd Gathering Song: “Everlasting God” - FPC Praise Band 

Welcome - Robert Galloway

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway

Come, beloved of God. The Lord calls us to this place.  

We come in humility yet lifted by mercy.  

The Spirit of Christ lightens our burdens.  

The love of God raises us to new life.  

This is the day of God’s healing.  

This is the hour of God’s compassion.  

Come, let us worship the One who makes us whole.  

Let us rejoice in the God who sets us free. 

Call to Confession - Bill Ferrari 

Prayer of Confession (unison) - Bill Ferrari 

Gracious Redeemer, you crown us with compassion and call us to live in joy, yet we confess that we turn away from you too easily. We are bound by fear and shaped by selfishness. We strain beneath the weight of resentment and neglect the needs of others. We forget your mercy and doubt your power to heal. Have mercy on us, O God. Renew us by your Spirit, that we may live with faith, hope, and love. 

Assurance of Pardon - Bill Ferrari 

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

Passing the Peace - Bill Ferrari 

…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: “Firm Foundation (He Won't)” - FPC Praise Band

Prayer for Illumination - Bill Wanless

First Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:1-8 - Bill Wanless 

Sermon Scripture: Luke 14:7-14 - Robert Galloway 

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

Sermon - Robert Galloway

*Affirmation of Faith: 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. 

Invitation to Offering - Bill Wanless 

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:                           

Loving and generous God, you are the giver of every good gift, the One who redeems our lives and renews our days. We bring these offerings as a sign of our thanksgiving and our faith. Bless and multiply them, O Lord, so that your mercy may reach farther than we can see, that your compassion may touch lives we may never meet, and that your kingdom may grow in justice, peace, and joy. Make us bold so that, in all we do, we may reflect the love of God and be witnesses to the peace of Christ. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.  

Offertory Song: “Offering” - 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 a complete list, please see below) - Robert Galloway 

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

Benediction - Robert Galloway                

Praise Band tag

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Announcements: 

Today, August 24

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

Wednesday, August 27

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

Friday, August 29

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

Sunday, August 31

  • 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

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

Upcoming Events:

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

  • Tuesday, September 2, 9 a.m., New Ladies’ Bible Study (David: Seeking a Heart Like His) begins, Youth Center

  • Presbyterian Women’s Circles start back in September! Check our website for  specific times and locations.

  • Friday September 5, 8 a.m., Men’s Bible Study (in the book of Acts) will start back up, Room N-123

  • Monday, September 8, 10 a.m., Lectio Divina resumes via Zoom

  • Wednesday, September 17, 5:30 p.m., Beach Drive Forum: The Art of Pivoting Without Tripping and Falling! Strategies for Navigating Life Transitions

  • Sunday, September 21, 1-4 p.m., Mission Sunday: pool party for Beth-El kids!

Amy McCutcheon