1/21/24 Bulletin & Order of Service

Welcome to St Pete First United Methodist Church, the Heart of the City! All are welcome. All belong. Whether a first-time guest or a lifelong member, you are a part of our family. God has called you to worship here, and for that we are glad.

Click here to view a welcome message from our pastors.

Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor

Rev. Margaret Rountree, Associate Pastor

Check-In: Please let us know you're worshipping with us! Click here to check-in.

Watch LIVE // Watch a Recorded Message

Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

January 21, 2024

*Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses are in bold.

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"Sheep May Safely Graze" by Johann Sebastian Bach

Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

"Rejoice in the Lord" by John Horman

Chancel Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Jesus has called us to leave our comfortable ways and venture forward with him.

People: Lord Jesus, we are so often afraid, it is easier for us to remain bound to our habits.

Leader: Jesus knows your fears and offers you healing.

People: Lord Jesus, open our hearts and teach us your ways.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing" (verses 1-5,7) Number 57

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” Number 557

Blest be the tie that binds

our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds

is like to that above.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

“Affirmation of Faith from Romans” Number 887

Leader: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril or sword?

People: No! In all things we are more than conquerors through the One who loved us.

We are sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thanks be to God! Amen.

PASTORAL PRAYER / LORD'S PRAYER

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

(11:00) CHORAL ANTHEM

"Majesty and Glory of Your Name" by Tom Fettke

Chancel Choir

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS  (Click here to GIVE)

"Blessed Savior of All" by Franklin Ritter

Rick Nay, Organ

*DOXOLOGY Number 95

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

“'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” Number 462

SERMON

"Why should I trust a religion that is so full of hypocrisy?" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 15:8-9 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Grace Greater than Our Sin" Number 365

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

"Jubilation" by James Denton

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Derek Weston and the Traditional Music Ministry from their St. Pete First UMC Family.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

January 21, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship

"King of my Heart/Good, Good Father"

"Indescribable"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"Tethered"

Sermon

"Why should I trust a religion that is so full of hypocrisy?" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 15:8-9 NLT 

Worship Song

“O Come to the Altar”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Derek Weston and the Traditional Music Ministry from their St. Pete First UMC Family.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

2023 was a great year for our church. Our street ministry fed over 6000 people, 84% of our new members came by Profession of Faith and Reaffirmation of Faith, and we finished the year with a $3000 surplus! Our vision team continues their work, and exciting ideas are coming forth that we will soon share with the church family. It’s going to be a great year for the family and community of St. Pete First United Methodist Church as we live into our mission: Love. St. Pete!

— Pastor Bob    

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu

$5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family of 5

To-Go available - just walk in and ask for a to-go plate!

Adults: Lasagna, Roasted Vegetables, Garlic Toast, Chocolate Mousse

Kids: Wing Dings & Fries, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Ice Cream Sandwich

Click here for Wednesday Night Live information

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

Thank you for joining us for worship! These are our attendance numbers for worship from last week. We hope to see you again next week!

January 14: In Person 496 // Online 341

Church Finances

December Year to Date 2023

Income $311,383 $2,809,017

Expense $205,271 $2,806,097

Bishop's Regional Gathering (This MONDAY 1/22/24):

All are invited to join Bishop Tom Berlin this Monday, January 22 for an in-person regional gathering at Hyde Park UMC in Tampa (500 W. Platt St. Tampa, FL) from 6:30-8:00 pm. Click here to register and submit your questions to the Bishop.

Bishop Berlin is eager to engage with both clergy and laity, sharing insights on how we can continue to abound in hope as he gives an update on the work of the Florida Conference Realignment Team and as we approach the upcoming General Conference in April and our Annual Conference in June. These gatherings will provide a valuable opportunity for our United Methodist community in Florida to come together and look toward the future.

Mural Paintings:

Over the next few weeks, a mural artist will be painting on two of our buildings. Please watch for roped-off areas to avoid paint and equipment.

30yr Anniversary Celebration for Rick Nay (1/28/24):

Please join us on Sunday, January 28, 2024 as we recognize Rick Nay’s 30th Anniversary at St Pete First! Rick is a devoted and accomplished organist and accompanist whose ministry of music continues to touch many lives. A luncheon in his honor will be served in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11:00 AM service on January 28th. Please come and be part of Rick’s special day!

Seder Meal (2/4/24):

The WhereHouse Youth Confirmation Ministry invites you participate in a traditional Seder meal on Sunday, February 4th at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall, presented by Jews for Jesus. Cost is $5, and a love offering for Jews for Jesus will be taken. EVERYONE is invited to participate (not just youth). Join us as we sit down to experience a symbolic traditional Seder meal. Explore the meaning of the meal as we become closer with Christ in the Passover. This is an experience, not a full meal; please plan to eat dinner before or after. Click here to RSVP.

Altar Flower dates available for 2024:

The Altar Guild is accepting requests for placing flowers on the altar for a future Sunday. If you would like to reserve a date for an arrangement in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact the church office @ 727.894.4661. The cost is $50.00.

Calling All Students! Scholarships (apply Feb 1-Apr 2):

Are you currently attending or bound for college or vocational school? Applications for St. Pete First Scholarships will be accepted beginning February 1st. Completed applications, along with supporting documents, must be delivered to the church office no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 2. All continuing students must re-apply. Click here for more info & application form.

Wednesday Classes & Groups:

We have a new Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study ("Questions God Asks" with Sue Allen), plus SHAPE (explore your spiritual gifts and find your place in the life of the church, with LeighAnne Cheeseman), Band of Brothers men's group, and a Beatitudes Bible study with Pastor Bob. Pastor Margaret's Lenten Bible Study (The Third Day: Living the Resurrection) begins on February 7.

CLICK HERE to find out more and to sign up for classes.

2024 Giving Envelopes:

If you requested giving envelopes for 2024, they are available outside the Library (2nd floor hallway). Envelope packets are arranged alphabetically by last name.

To see our full list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.

KIDS

SUNDAYS

8:00 am

Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)

9:30 am

Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)

Nursery (Birth - 2 years) Room 105

2’s TODDLER Room 104

PRESCHOOL (Age 3 - K) Sunday School Preschool Hall

ELEMENTARY (1st - 5th Gr) Kids Church 4th Floor

11:00 am

Infant Lounge/Cry Room Room 204 (Livestreaming available during all services)

Nursery (Birth - 2 years) Room 105

2’s TODDLER Room 104

PRESCHOOL (Age 3 - K) Kids Church Preschool Hall

ELEMENTARY (1st - 5th Gr) Sunday School 4th Floor

CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) Room 404

WEDNESDAYS

5:00 pm KIDS PRAISE TEAM (Age 4-5th Grade) Chapel

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6-7 pm WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE (Preschool & Elementary) Preschool/4th Floor

6:30-7:30 pm NURSERY (Birth - 3 years) Room 105

YOUTH

SUNDAYS

9:30 am WORSHIP (Look for the youth up front) Sanctuary

10:45 am CONFIRMATION WhereHouse

11:00 am CLUB 56 (5th & 6th Grades) 4th Floor, Room 404

10:45 am YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

6:00 pm YOUTH (7th – 12th GRADES) WhereHouse

WEDNESDAYS

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6-7:30 pm Youth Group WhereHouse

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary

9:30 am Contemporary Service -Sanctuary

11:00 am Traditional Service -Sanctuary

FELLOWSHIP TIME (BETWEEN SERVICES)

9-11:30 am Common Grounds (Coffee, Food & Fellowship) -Fellowship Hall

9-11:30 am (2nd Sundays) Blood Pressure Clinic -1st Floor Nurse's Area

ADULTS

SUNDAYS

9:30 am QUEST -Zoom & Room 208

10:45 am PROMISED LAND -Zoom & Room 301

10:45 am YOUNGISH ADULTS -Room 101

11:00 am BECOMERS -Zoom & Room 103

11:00 am DISCIPLE MAKERS -Library-Room 212

11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208

MONDAYS

11:30 am United Women in Faith FAST Crowd (3rd Mondays) -Location varies

WEDNESDAYS

9:30 am WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY -Room 208 

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Rm 214 

6:30 pm PASTOR BOB'S BEATITUDES BIBLE STUDY -Room 308 

6:30 pm DISCOVER SHAPE -Chapel

6:30 pm PASTOR MARGE'S LENTEN BIBLE STUDY -Room 208 (begins 2/7)

THURSDAYS

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Abigail/Deborah Circle (3rd Thursdays) -Room 101

MUSIC

SUNDAYS

8:30 am IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary

10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312

12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310 returns 1/21

TUESDAYS

6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary

WEDNESDAYS

5:00 pm KIDS PRAISE TEAM (Age 4-5th Grade) Chapel

7:30 pm CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312

CARE & SUPPORT

WEDNESDAYS

12:00 Noon CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP -Zoom

THURSDAYS

6:30 pm WOMEN'S JOURNEY -Chapel

7:30 pm AL-ANON Parlor -Room 214

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETINGS

FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

5:30 pm BOARD OF TRUSTEES -Admin Conference Room

SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 pm STAFF PARISH -Closed Meeting

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 pm FINANCE TEAM -Admin Conference Room

FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 pm CHURCH COUNCIL -Fellowship Hall & Zoom

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

12:00 pm LEARN PILLAR

SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 pm SERVE PILLAR

6:00 pm INVITE PILLAR

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

2:00 pm NURTURE PILLAR