September 14 - 9 AM Connect Service

9 a.m. Connect Worship Service

September 14, 2025 – Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Rev. Robert Galloway

Gathering and Welcome - Kevin Clark

1st Gathering Song: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” - FPC Praise Band 

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

Welcome - Rev. Robert Galloway

Call to Worship - Robert Galloway

From generation to generation, God's faithfulness endures. 

We are inheritors of promises made to Abraham and Sarah. 

In baptism, we are named and claimed as God's own children. 

At the table, we taste and see that the Lord is good. 

Gathered here, we remember who we are. 

Gathered here, we remember whose we are. 

Come, let us celebrate the promises that shape our lives. 

We come with grateful hearts and expectant spirits always. 

Call to Confession - Bill Wanless

Prayer of Confession (unison) - Bill Wanless

God of covenants, we come before you aware of both your faithfulness and our unfaithfulness. You have established your promises from generation to generation, yet we struggle to trust in your provision and presence. We were baptized into your death and resurrection, but we live as though the grave has the final word. We are invited to your table, but we exclude others. We have been commissioned to share         the good news, but we remain silent. We stay still when we should take action as your followers. Have mercy on us, O God. Wash us clean in the waters of your grace and renew your spirit within us. 

Assurance of Pardon - Bill Wanless

…Friends, believe the Good News: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! 

Passing the Peace - Bill Wanless 

…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: “Unfailing Love” - FPC Praise Band

Prayer for Illumination - Mary Blazier-Higman

First Scripture Reading: Genesis 17:1-8 - Mary Blazier-Higman

Sermon Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 - Robert Galloway

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

Sermon: “Our Worship - Our Promises” - Robert Galloway

*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.

Invitation to Offering - Mary Blazier-Higman

…Please join me in a unison Prayer of Dedication:     

Faithful Lord, you have called your people and sealed them with your promises. In Christ, you have bound yourself to us in love, and by your Spirit, you send us into the world. We dedicate these gifts to your service, trusting that you will multiply them for the sake of your kingdom. As we offer our possessions, we offer our lives too. May our giving bear witness to your covenant mercy, and may our living point to your unfailing grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Offertory Song: “He Will Hold Me Fast” - 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. Ame

Announcements (for complete list, please see below) - Robert Galloway

Final Worship Song: “You Are My Vision” - FPC Praise Band

Benediction - Robert Galloway

Praise Band tag

——————————————————

Announcements:

Today, September 14

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

  • Men’s Meatloaf Ministry cooking, 1:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Monday, September 15

  • Lectio/Visio Divina, 10 a.m., via Zoom

Tuesday, September 16

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

Wednesday, September 17

  • Beach Drive Forum, 5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Guest speaker Michelle Donley: The Art of Pivoting Without Tripping and Falling! Strategies for Navigating Life Transitions

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

Thursday, September 18

  • Bell Choir rehearsal, 6 p.m., Choir Room

  • Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m., Choir Room

Friday, September 19

  • 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

Saturday, September 20

  • Making sandwiches and packing snacks for Mission Sunday, 11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall

Sunday, September 21

  • 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-100

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

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

  • Mission Sunday: pool party for Beth-El kids! 1-4 p.m. at Cedrakirk. See First News for ways you can get involved!

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, September 22, 7 p.m., Stated Session meeting

  • Sunday, September 28 and Sunday, October 5, 10:15 a.m., Strategic Planning Committee Listening Sessions, Fellowship Hall

Amy McCutcheon