11/3/24 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!

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Friends,

I wanted to give an update on the renovations happening on the chancel/stage area in our sanctuary. The plan of renovation has been reviewed and approved by the church Board of Trustees.

You may be aware (but in case you aren’t) around 300 persons virtually attend worship each week. We are no longer just a church within four walls, but one whose worship and congregation is also outside of the walls. This is why it is important we accommodate the larger church body (in and out of the room).

So that we can produce a camera-ready product of highest quality, the back wall has been blackened. The Board faced a decision to either paint the wall black or assemble a black drape. The decision to install a black drape helps the space continue to be flexible.

Part of the approved renovation includes an enlarged stage area which will allow us to offer adult, children and youth events that currently aren’t allowable with our present space.

Construction begins next week and the goal is to have the project completed before we begin the Advent season December 1.

The Board thanks you for your continued support of our work as a church in and outside of our buildings. Have a blessed day!

— Pastor Bob 

All Saints Sunday

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

November 3, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

“Face To Face” arr. John Innes 

“The Old Rugged Cross” arr. John Innes

Rick Nay, Organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Throughout all our lives God is with us.

People: Praise be to God for God’s mercy and love.

Leader: Even when we are faced with difficult decisions, God’s presence is near.

People: When we don’t know which way to go, God will guide and lead us.

Leader: Open your hearts today to God’s gentle leading.

People: We open our lives to God, that we may faithfully serve God all our days. 

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“For All the Saints”     Hymn # 711

*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.

ALL SAINTS RECOGNITION

(11:00) ANTHEM

“At the River” by Victor Johnson

Chancel Choir

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

“Near The Cross” arr. John Boud

Sara Smith, Soloist

*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

“Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above”     Hymn # 709

SERMON

“A Great Multitude”     Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Revelation 7:9-17 ESV

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Rejoice in God’s Saints”     Hymn # 708

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

“When We All Get To Heaven” arr. Harold DeCou

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of all the saints.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Mary Jane Shafer, a visitor today from Waterloo, IA, from Shirley Bassett, her sister.

The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of Madison Joseph Volpe, born June 11, 2024 in Savannah, GA, from his proud grandparents, Don & Julie Volpe.

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.

All Saints Sunday

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

November 3, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

“Battle Belongs” 

“Holy Spirit”

Passing the Peace of Christ

All Saints Recognition

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

Sermon

“A Great Multitude”     Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Revelation 7:9-17 ESV

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“Forever”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of all the saints.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Mary Jane Shafer, a visitor today from Waterloo, IA, from Shirley Bassett, her sister.

The rose is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of Madison Joseph Volpe, born June 11, 2024 in Savannah, GA, from his proud grandparents, Don & Julie Volpe.

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. We need volunteers to assist the unhoused and others with computer access and other job-related services at the Salvation Army Job Center. The Job Center is open Monday thru Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30 am— volunteer one day/month or more often. No experience needed & all training is provided. Visit stpetefirst.org/street-team for more info. To join our team, contact Hal Heitler at 727-448-6291 or halheitler@gmail.com or Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.

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

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

Adults: Apple Cider Chicken, Roasted Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Pumpkin Cake

Kids: Mac N’ Cheese, Tater Tots, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Ice Cream Sandwich

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

October 27 In Person 457 Online 249

Church Finances

September 2024 Year to Date

Income $212,688 $2,096,405

Expense $209,480 $2,346,544

UPCOMING EVENTS —Mark your calendar!

• TODAY Sun Nov 3—Charge Conference at 2 pm

• until Nov 10—Beans & Jeans Collection (jeans & 1 lb bags beans/rice)

• Nov 10—Discover First 10:45 am-1 pm

• Sun Nov 17 & 24—Angel Tree: pick up an angel to gift a child in need; return gifts by 12/1

• Sun Nov 24—Decorate the Sanctuary at noon

• Thurs Nov 28—Free Thanksgiving Dinner in the Fellowship Hall at 1 pm

• Wed Dec 4—Family Craft Night on the 4th floor from 6-7 pm

• Mon Dec 9—Christmas Organ Concert in the Sanctuary at 2 pm

• Wed Dec 11—Christmas Sing-Along in the Fellowship Hall at 6 pm

• Fri Dec 13—Kids Night Out 6-10 pm

• Fri Dec 13—Christmas Caroling in Williams Park with other local churches at 6:30 pm

• Sun Dec 15—The Little Drummer Dude Kids Musical in the Fellowship Hall at 6 pm

• Sat Dec 21—The Longest Night Christmas Cantata in the Sanctuary at 7 pm

• Tues Dec 24—Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: Family 4 pm - Contemporary 6 pm - Traditional 8 pm

• Sun Dec 29—No 8 am service; 9:30 and 11 am only

• Fri Mar 14-—Organ Concert with Samuel Metzger at 7 pm

Discover First Meeting (Sunday, Nov. 10; 10:45am-1pm): 

Learn about our church and its mission, vision, and ministries, talk with our pastors, and find out how to become a member! Lunch & childcare will be provided. So that we can order food, please register by the Tuesday prior to the class. Click here to sign up & for more info

Beans & Jeans Collection (Oct 22-Nov 10):

From Oct. 22 to Nov. 10 we are collecting jeans of all sizes and 1 pound bags of dried pinto/black beans & white rice for the migrant workers in our area. You can pick up the list of requested items and drop off donations in the Fellowship Hall, Narthex (back of Sanctuary), or the WhereHouse.

Angel Tree (Sunday Nov 17 & 24; 9-11am — Return gifts by Dec 1):

St. Pete First, in partnership with the Salvation Army, is sponsoring a Christmas Angel Tree to provide clothing & toys to local children in need. On November 17th & November 24th, an Angel can be obtained from the Angel Tree in the Fellowship Hall from 9 AM till 11 AM. Unwrapped Angel gifts must be returned to a St. Pete First representative in the Fellowship Hall no later than Sunday, December 1st. Please prayerfully consider participating in this heartwarming ministry.

Christmas Decorating (11/24):

We need your help decorating the sanctuary for Christmas on November 24 from noon-4pm. Lunch is provided. Please contact Sherry Smith to RSVP or for more info: jsmit107@tampabay.rr.com

Thanksgiving Dinner (11/28):

Todd Seales and family are cooking up another great Thanksgiving Day meal at St. Pete First at 1pm. Call the church office at 727-894-4661 or CLICK HERE to RSVP by noon on Monday 11/25 to reserve your spot. Invite friends and family! Reservations are limited; please RSVP as soon as possible. Dinner is free! Donations accepted and greatly appreciated. Click here to donate to this ministry.

Job Center Volunteers Needed:

We need volunteers to assist the unhoused and others with computer access and other job-related services at the Salvation Army Job Center. The Job Center is open Monday thru Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30 am— volunteer one day/month or more often. No experience needed & all training is provided. Visit stpetefirst.org/street-team for more info. To join our team, contact Hal Heitler at 727-448-6291 or halheitler@gmail.com

Hurricane relief:

We are here to help. Please let us know what needs you may have and we will work to help coordinate relief. Click here to go to the Hurricane Relief Fund Application or contact the church office at 727-894-4661 or church@stpetefirst.org. Additional information on hurricane recovery can be found here.

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).

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!

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