August 31 - 9 AM Connect Service
9 a.m. Connect Worship Service
August 31, 2025 – Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
Guest Preacher: Rev. Larry Duncan
Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark
1st Gathering Song: “God of Wonders” - FPC Praise Band
2nd Gathering Song: “Blessed Be Your Name” - FPC Praise Band
Welcome - Kevin Clark
Call to Worship - Kevin Clark
Come, all who are weary from their labors and burdens.
We come to rest in the God who made heaven and earth.
The Lord has given us the gift of Sabbath.
In worship, our spirits are renewed.
Christ calls us to live not for ourselves but for the will of God.
In Christ we discover new life, reshaped in love.
Let us worship the One who created us and transforms us.
We rejoice and give thanks to God.
Call to Confession - Gretchen Letterman
Prayer of Confession (unison) - Gretchen Letterman
Merciful God, you have given us the gift of Sabbath, yet we fill our days with restlessness. You call us to seek your will, yet we follow our selfish desires. You invite us to use our gifts for your glory, yet we squander them for our own gain. Forgive us, Lord. Renew us in your grace. Teach us again to rest in your presence, to walk in Christ’s way, and to serve one another in love.
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: “Doxology (Amen)” - FPC Praise Band
Friendship Pad Announcement - Kevin Clark
Time for Young Disciples - Rev. Larry Duncan
Worship Song: “Grace Greater” - FPC Praise Band
Prayer for Illumination - Don Doddridge
First Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:8-11 - Don Doddridge
Sermon Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-11 - Rev. Larry Duncan
…The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon - Rev. Larry Duncan
*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed (unison) - Don Doddridge
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 - Don Doddridge
…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:
Faithful God, your word calls us to be servants in your name and disciples of Jesus Christ. We return to you what we possess, knowing that it will be used for the good of your church and the healing of the world. Teach us, in both labor and rest, to be a people of generosity. Allow our actions to be a testimony to your grace, our gifts an offering of gratitude, and our lives a song of praise, so that in every act, great or small, you alone are glorified.
Offertory Song: “Jesus Paid It All” - FPC Praise Band
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer - Rev. Larry Duncan
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) - Don Doddridge
Final Worship Song: “Our God Saves” - FPC Praise Band
Benediction - Rev. Larry Duncan
Praise Band tag
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Announcements:
Today, August 31
A Stephen Minister is available at the close of this service
Monday, September 1
Church Office closed for Labor Day
Tuesday, September 2
New Ladies’ Bible Study (David: Seeking a Heart Like His) begins, 9 a.m., Youth Center
Wednesday, September 3
Praise Band Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Youth Center
Friday, September 5
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, September 7
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-1st grade), 10 a.m., S-203
“Exploring Worship Together” (grades 2-5), 10 a.m., S-100
Faith Journey class, 9:45 a.m., Chapel
“Next” Adult class, 10 a.m., Room N-123
Upcoming Events:
Presbyterian Women’s Circles start back in September! Check our website for specific times and locations.
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! See First News for ways you can get involved!