2/14/24 Ash Wednesday Bulletin & Order of Service
- St Pete First
- Feb 14, 2024
- 0 min read
Welcome & Church Information
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
6:30 pm Order of Service
Ash Wednesday Worship - 6:30 PM
February 14, 2024
*Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses are in bold.
PRELUDE
"I Rest In The Lord" by Franklin Ritter
Rick Nay, Organ
WELCOME
Rev. Margaret Rountree
*GREETING
Pastor: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
People: God's mercy endures forever.
*OPENING PRAYER
O God, Maker of everything and Judge of all that You have made, from the dust of the earth You have formed us and from the dust of death You would raise us up. By the redemptive power of the cross, create in us clean hearts and put within us a new spirit, that we may repent of our sins and lead lives worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
*PRAISE & WORSHIP Praise Team
"Beautiful Things"
"I Surrender All"
SCRIPTURE READING Kerry O'Reilly
—Matthew 6: 1-6 (NLT)
Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
CHORAL ANTHEM
"Restore My Joy" by Cindy Berry
Chancel Choir
SCRIPTURE READING Kerry O'Reilly
—Psalm 51: 1-3 (NLT)
Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
For I recognize my rebellion;
it haunts me day and night.
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Teach us wisdom in the secret places of our hearts, O God. Speak truth to our spirits, that we may honestly face the sins that separate us from the abundant love You offer us each day. Hear our prayers, that we may return to You and be restored to the joy of Your forgiveness and grace.
SERMON
"Darkness or Light?" Rev. Bob Martin
PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND PARDON
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless in your judgement. Amen.
THANKSGIVING OVER THE ASHES
Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth. Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our morality and penitence, so that we may remember that only by your gracious gift are we given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.
*IMPOSITION OF ASHES
*CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
“What Wondrous Love Is This” Number 292
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
"The Spotless Lamb" by Charity Boyles
Rick Nay, Organist
Thank you for joining us this evening!
Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.
Bulletin/Announcements
Volunteer Help Needed
Street Ministry is seeking 6 volunteers to serve meals to the homeless population in St. Petersburg on the 1st Monday and 1st Tuesday of every month. Volunteers serve food at the St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Shelter from 6:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Hal Heitler is the Coordinator for this Ministry and to obtain more information contact him at 727-448-6291 or by email at heitlerh@tampabay.rr.com. No prior experience in serving food is needed.
We also need 10 volunteers to help with the St. Pete First booth at Localtopia on Saturday, February 24. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Not sure about your best fit for volunteering? Check out our SHAPE class, beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30pm, where you will explore your talents, spiritual gifts, personality, experience, and interests to determine what types of volunteer positions you will find most rewarding. Click here to sign up.
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: Rose-Stuffed Pork Loin, Jasmine Rice, Italian Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Cupcakes
Kids: Pizza, 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!
February 4: In Person 443 // Online 494
Church Finances
December Year End 2023
Income $311,383 $2,809,017
Expense $205,271 $2,806,097
Lenten Devotionals:
During this Lenten season (beginning today!), we will email a daily devotional each morning, written by either a staff member or member of the congregation. Click here to get on the email list. We need devotional writers! Anyone can write a devotional. If you're interested, please email Pastor Margaret at mrountree@fumcsp.org
Localtopia (2/24):
Join us from 10am-5pm at Williams Park and surrounding streets as we join with the community to celebrate all things local! We will have a booth near the front steps of the church so we can spread our message to LOVE.ST.PETE. We need volunteers to help out! CLICK HERE to volunteer.
Chili Cook-Off (2/25):
It's that time again! Start practicing your best recipes and get ready to cook on Feb. 25th. Click here for more info (and to sign your entries up).
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 Half-Day Camp (TBD) - 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)
Join a Street Ministry Team:
Street Ministry is seeking 6 volunteers to serve meals to the homeless population in St. Petersburg on the 1st Monday and 1st Tuesday of every month. Volunteers serve food at the St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Shelter from 6:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Hal Heitler is the Coordinator for this Ministry and to obtain more information contact him at 727-448-6291 or by email at heitlerh@tampabay.rr.com. No prior experience in serving food is needed.
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 each SUNDAY at 9:30 on the 4th floor as we start rehearsing 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).
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, a Beatitudes Bible study with Pastor Bob, and Pastor Margaret's Lenten Bible Study (The Third Day: Living the Resurrection).
SHAPE (returns 2/21):
SHAPE is back this spring for a new semester! Whether you are a long-time member, a new member, or a church visitor, you are invited to join SHAPE. Over 8 weeks you will explore your talents, spiritual gifts, personality, experience, and interests, helping to find your best ministry, small group, or class fit at St. Pete First UMC! Click here to sign up.
2024 Giving Envelopes:
If you requested giving envelopes for 2024, the Giving Envelopes that have not yet been picked up have been relocated to the Administrative Office. Please contact or drop by the church office to pick them up.
Mural Paintings:
Over the next few weeks, a mural artist will be painting on our campus. Please watch for roped-off areas to avoid paint and equipment.
Job Openings
Kids & Youth
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
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
Weekly & Monthly Events
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 (returns 2/21)
6:30 pm PASTOR MARGE'S LENTEN BIBLE STUDY -Room 208
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
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
