10/20/24 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

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR MARGE    

In our Wesleyan sermon series, we have been looking at what we believe as United Methodists, particularly when it comes to the theological topics of sin, grace, salvation, and the Christian life. We started out by looking at the consequences of original sin, of the sin Adam and Eve committed in the Garden of Eden all the way back in the book of Genesis. We learned that sin entered the world when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and this sin act separated us from God. That is what sin does; it separates us from God, the source of all life. We learned that the consequence of sin is death and that means that you and I are not just a little sick in need of some healing, we are dead in need of saving. Sin has cut us off from our life source, from our Creator, from God Almighty, and we are in desperate need of a Savior that can be our bridge that connects us to our God once again. The second week, Pastor Bob preached about prevenient grace. Prevenient grace is the grace that goes before us and is the grace that prevents us from moving even further away from God. Prevenient grace is grace before we knew we even needed grace. It is God's grace that reaches out to us, the grace that always pursues us even when we are not pursuing God.

Prevenient grace prepares us for justifying grace, which is the assurance of forgiveness that comes from repentance, from turning towards God’s gracious gift of new life. It is being reconciled and realigned with God and the acceptance of God’s atoning act in Jesus Christ. Repentance precedes justification, and justification cannot arise without repentance. Repentance is when we come to terms with our sins, recognizing that we need forgiveness. We are not forgiven because of our good deeds or works but rather we are forgiven because of God’s unmerited favor, His grace, towards us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). Therefore, God’s pardon has nothing to do with what we deserve because we deserve condemnation but instead, we receive the forgiveness of our sins, are reconciled with God, and are credited with Christ’s perfect life. This is called justification. It is just if you and I had never sinned before, and it is the process of being “put right” with God.

— Pastor Marge

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

October 20, 2024

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

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WELCOME

PRELUDE

“Medley: God is So Good and God Will Take Care Of You” arr. John Innes

Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

“Our Sacrifice of Praise” by Don Wrytzen

Chancel Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: We come before God as equal in God’s sight.

People: God knows us thoroughly and loves us completely.

Leader: None of us is perfect and without blemish.

People: Yet God has called us God’s children and asked us to be compassionate and responsible in our caring and witness.

Leader: We are called to joyful obedience in God’s realm.

People: Thanks be to God who trusts us and pours God’s abundant love on us.  

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“My Hope is Built”     Hymn # 368

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

*CONGREGATIONAL SONG

“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” Hymn # 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

“Apostles’ Creed” # 881

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 Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at 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 Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 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) ANTHEM

“The Lord is My Shepherd” by Alan Pote

Chancel Choir

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

“God Will Take Care Of You” by Walter Stillman Walter

Kendra Aumack, Soloist

Rick Nay, Organ

*DOXOLOGY Hymn # 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

“Something Beautiful”     Hymn # 394

SERMON

"All Can Know They are Saved" Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Romans 5:12-21; Romans 8:1 ESV

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Because He Lives”     Hymn # 364

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

“Jesus Saves” arr. Harold DeCou

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mary Ann Coley & Bertha S. Wittstruck, from their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Thank you for joining us today!

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

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

October 20, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

“This is Amazing Grace” 

“Cornerstone”

“Good Good Father” 

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

Sermon

"All Can Know They are Saved"      Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Romans 5:12-21; Romans 8:1 ESV

Worship Song

“Graves Into Gardens”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Mary Ann Coley & Bertha S. Wittstruck, from their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Thank you for joining us today!

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

TAKE ACTION! Help us meet unmet needs and serve others.

Volunteer Help Needed

A little time out of your week can make such a difference! Join us as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve and Love. St. Pete. Keep an eye on our hurricane recovery page to see where we currently need help - the information here may change daily. Click here to volunteer.

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu (Click here to see classes & activities)

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

Adults: Chicken Pot Pie, Salad, Bread Pudding

Kids: Wing Dings, Tater Tots, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Cookie

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

Thank you for joining us for worship. We hope to see you again next week!

October 13 Online 341

Church Finances

September 2024 Year to Date

Income $212,688 $2,096,405

Expense $209,480 $2,346,544

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Postponed due to Hurricane Milton! —2024 Women's Retreat (More info)

• Postponed due to Hurricanes! —Organ Premier Concert

• 11/3 —All Saints Sunday

All Saints Sunday is on November 3:

Do you know of a church member who passed away after November 1, 2023 and whose passing was not announced during worship services? Please let the church office know by Tuesday, Oct. 29 (727-894-4661).

Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Afraid? Anxious? If you are feeling these emotions and many others, Stephen Ministers are available to help.

We can LISTEN to you without judgement and with compassion. We can provide you with a quiet place to sit for an hour and share, cry, pray or just be silent together. We are a safe place for you to come for care. Our motto is "We are the CAREGIVERS, and God is the CUREGIVER."

To learn more and/or request a Stephen Minister, for even just a few weeks to help you get over this difficult time, call the church office with your request, or if it is after office hours text Stephen Minister Help to 703-409-8003 with your name and the best time to reach you. 

Join our Centennial Celebration Committee:

Our historic sanctuary is turning 100! We're forming a committee to plan a special celebration marking this milestone. If you have ideas or would like to serve, we need your help to make it unforgettable. Join us in honoring a century of faith and fellowship in our beloved sanctuary. For more information or to sign up, please contact Kendra Aumack. Let's celebrate 100 years together!

Hurricane relief:

We are here to help. Please let us know what needs you may have and we will work to help coordinate relief. Want to help those who need assistance? We will find you something to do! To get help or offer help, click here or contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org. Additional information on hurricane recovery can be found here.

Click here for the Hurricane Relief Fund Application.

Many people have lost homes due to the hurricanes. Do you know of any rental properties available for displaced persons? If so, please call the church office with the information (727-894-4661) or click here.

Click here to donate to St Pete First Local Hurricane Relief or login to Realm and choose “Local Hurricane Relief.” Donations will go to aid local hurricane relief; any residual will be forwarded to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).

You may also donate to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), which supports this and other US disaster response efforts.

Join us for Wednesday Night Live!

After-School Karate:

Kids & youth >> Join our after-school karate class! Have fun and learn karate while you develop concentration, fitness, self-control, and self-confidence. Join any time of the month (first month will be prorated if you join later in the month). Classes are fun, safe, and professional, and taught by an experienced black-belt instructor. Contact Kelly Bonyata for more information. Visit the youth page for more info & to register.

Get your St. Pete First Travel Mug!

Click here to order a travel mug ($20) and show your support of St. Pete First and our mission to Love St. Pete.

Social Media Assistant Job Opening:

5-10 hrs per week. The person in this position may work at the church plus remotely, capturing photo/video content and using editing software & social media platforms/analytics to help implement the church’s digital communication strategy. For more information, contact Kelly Bonyata.

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/Toddlers (Birth - 3 years) Preschool Hall

PRESCHOOL (Age 3 - K) Sunday School - Preschool Hall

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

KIDS MUSICAL PRACTICE Room 402

11:00 am

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

Nursery/Toddlers (Birth - 3 years) Preschool Hall

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 MUSIC (Age 4-8th 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) Preschool Hall

YOUTH

SUNDAYS

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

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

10:45 am CONFIRMATION WhereHouse

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

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 THE GAP -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   

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall

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

6:30 pm PAUL BIBLE STUDY (Pastor Margaret) -Room 208

6:30 pm LEADERSHIP STUDY (Pastor Bob) -Chapel

6:30 pm THE BIBLE JESUS READ (Pat Mason) -Room 103

6:30 pm DEVOGA (Emily Strong) -Narthex/back of Sanctuary

THURSDAYS 

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (4th Thursdays) -Rm 101                            

 MUSIC

SUNDAYS 

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

9:30 am KIDS MUSICAL PRACTICE -Room 402

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 MUSIC (Age 4-8th 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  

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR  

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR