1/28/24 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

Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

January 28, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"Benedictus" by Alec Rowley

Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

"I Was Glad" by Lloyd Larson

Chancel Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Come, let us praise the Lord!

People: We praise God with our whole heart!

Leader: God’s works are great!

People: Open our hearts and spirits to see your works, O Lord!

Leader: Come, let us worship the Lord who has saved us!

People: May our lives reflect the wondrous love of God that all may see and know of God’s greatness.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" Number 133

*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

"I Will Praise the Lord All the Days of My Life" by Dave Fischer

Chancel Choir

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

"When in our Music God is Glorified" by Charles V. Stanford

Ginny Cannon-Soloist; 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

“Softly and Tenderly” Number 348

SERMON

"What makes Christianity unique and relevant to my life?" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 (MSG)

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Trust and Obey" Number 467

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

"Postlude In D" by Chester Nordman

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Rick Nay’s 30th anniversary at St. Pete First UMC.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Bill Shivers,

who went to be with the Lord on January 22, from Wayne & Jill Brass.

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 28, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

"Yes and Amen"

"Reckless Love"

"Tremble"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"Tethered"

Sermon

"What makes Christianity unique and relevant to my life?" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 (MSG) 

Worship Song

“When You Walk into the Room”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Rick Nay’s 30th anniversary at St. Pete First UMC.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Bill Shivers,

who went to be with the Lord on January 22, from Wayne & Jill Brass.

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    

Relevancy is a topic a lot of people wrestle with. Some would argue, waiting until the day you die isn’t a good time to assess if your life was relevant or not. That’s why I live into the motto we live each day to its fullest and we give everything we have to tell others about the love of Jesus and His grace. This past week I went with a few of our leaders to hear our Bishop, Tom Berlin, speak and to share his hope for our future as United Methodists. One of the remarks he made put it right out there… “Not including people in your church or your close family, when was the last time you told someone about Jesus?”  Talk about a question of relevancy, huh?  I think it says something profound because its more than a nudge but a powerful push to let others know about the relevancy of Christianity and God’s never-ending grace.  So, what will it take to live like that? To live like every day is a day to give someone a relevant message about life and it begins with Jesus Christ.

— 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: Chicken w/Sun-dried Tomato, Rice Pilaf, Italian Green Beans, Garlic Challah Bread, Pineapple Pie

Kids: Cheese Quesadillas, Carrots & Celery, Apple Sauce, Cookie

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 21: In Person 431 // Online 405

Church Finances

December Year End 2023

Income $311,383 $2,809,017

Expense $205,271 $2,806,097

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

Please join us TODAY (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!

Calling all Kids! We're planning a Spring Musical:

Does your child (age 4-6th grade) have an interest in music, acting, or just plain fun? Join us THIS SUNDAY at 9:30 on the 4th floor as we start planning our Spring Musical. So that more kids have the opportunity to participate, we will be having our main rehearsals on Sunday mornings during the 9:30-10:30 am hour, with optional rehearsals during Kids Praise Team rehearsals on Wednesdays at 5 pm in the Chapel. Rehearsals begin on Sunday, February 4th, with a dress rehearsal on Sunday, April 21st & performance on Sunday evening, April 28th at 6 pm. Come have fun with us! For more information, contact Kelly Bonyata (kbonyata@fumcsp.org) or Lora Ulrich (lulrich@fumcsp.org).

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.

Seder Meal CANCELLED (2/4/24):

The Seder Meal originally planned for February 4 has been cancelled due to circumstances outside our control. Those who have already paid have been refunded.

Discover First New Member Class (2/11):

Want to find out more about membership at St Pete First? A class will be held on February 11, with new members officially joining the church on February 18. For more information call the church office or visit our website to register by Tuesday, February 6.

Ash Wednesday (2/14):

Ash Wednesday is on Wednesday February 14th. We will offer drive-through Ashes-to-Go in our parking lot at lunchtime on Ash Wednesday from 12-2 pm. In addition, don't miss our Ash Wednesday Worship service that evening at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. If you can, please join us before the service at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall for our regular Wednesday Night Dinner.

Save the Date—VBS & Summer Camps:

VBS - June 17-21

Camp Friendship WK1 - July 8-12

Camp Friendship WK2 - July 15-19

Elementary Art/Adventure Camp - July 8-12

Elementary Science/Nature Camp - July 15-19

Registrations open on website in March.

Save the Date—Holy Week Events:

Church Picnic (at the church this year!) - Sat. Mar. 23 (4-6 pm)

Palm Sunday - Sun. Mar. 24 (8/9:30/11 am)

Maundy Thursday Communion Service - Thurs. Mar. 28 (7 pm)

Good Friday Service - Shadow of the Cross - Fri. Mar. 29 (7 pm)

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service - Williams Park - Sun. Mar. 31 (7:30 am)

Easter Sunday Worship - Sun. Mar. 31 (9:30/11 am)

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

KIDS SPRING MUSICAL REHEARSAL (Age 4-6th Gr) -Room 402 (begins 2/4)

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 4-6th 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

9:30 am KIDS SPRING MUSICAL REHEARSAL (Age 4-6th Gr) -Room 402 (begins 2/4)

10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312

12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310

TUESDAYS

6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary

WEDNESDAYS

5:00 pm KIDS PRAISE TEAM (Age 4-6th 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