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! 

Amy McCutcheon