2/25/24 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.

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Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

Second Sunday in Lent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

February 25, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"Prayer" by Charles F. Gounod

"Garden Of Gethsemane" by Robert J. Hughes 

Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

"The Lord Is In His Holy Temple" by Lloyd Larson

Chancel Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP Derek Weston

Leader: Let us turn our minds from human things.

People: Our faith in Jesus saves us.

Leader: Let us set our minds on divine things.

People: Our faith in Jesus saves us.

Leader: We will deny ourselves and take up our cross.

People: Our faith in Jesus saves us.

Leader: We will lose all; that we may gain all.

People: Our faith in Jesus saves us.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine" Number 166

(11:00) KIDS PRAISE TEAM

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”

"God is Great, God is Good"

*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

“Nicene Creed” Number 880

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in the one holy catholic and apostolic church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. 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

"Jesus Paid It All" by Howard Helvey

Chancel Choir

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

"Be Merciful, O Lord, For We Have Sinned" (Psalm 51) by Francesca LaRosa

Nancy Allison, 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

"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" Number 349

SERMON

"The Baggage of Busyness"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 24:36-44 (NLT)

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Hallelujah! What a Savior" Number 165

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

"Paean" by Roy E. Nolte

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Wolfjaw Craig Ozias, born February 2, 2023, grandson of St. Pete First Facilities Director Craig Wills.

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

February 25, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

"Good Good Father"

"How He Loves"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Kids Praise Team

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”

"God is Great, God is Good"

New Members Reception

Linda & Guy Avellon—Reaffirmation of Faith

Bob & Dianne Drick—Reaffirmation of Faith

Debbie Fernald—Reaffirmation of Faith

Nancy & John Gainor—Transfer of Letter from Pasadena Community Church (St. Pete)

Michele Sparks—Reaffirmation of Faith

Roy & Janet Stringfellow—Reaffirmation of Faith

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"Do It Again"

Sermon

"The Baggage of Busyness"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 24:36-44 (NLT)

Worship Song

“Great Are You Lord”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Wolfjaw Craig Ozias, born February 2, 2023, grandson of St. Pete First Facilities Director Craig Wills.

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    

A great story in the Scriptures is that of Mary and Martha. Sisters but of different spiritual makeup. Martha was the one who could easily handle putting together the last minute dinner party for 30 in less than an hour. Mary, well, she could pray up a storm. Martha’s strengths of organization, focus on getting the tasks done correctly, maximizing the number of work hours in a day, were just a few of the many talents she had. Mary, well, she could sit and think about the “what if’s” of life, meditate on the Scriptures and find time to rest without worry.

My guess each one of us can relate to these two sisters. Both bright, faithful and whose gifts were needed by all. Both great yet different. Which one are you?

— Pastor Bob    

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.

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: Chicken Pot Pie, Salad, Bread Pudding

Kids: Wing Dings & Tater Tots, 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 this past week. We hope to see you again next week!

February 18: In Person 394 // Online 428

Church Finances

January Year to Date

Income $358,852 $358,852

Expense $205,611 $205,611

Chili Cook-Off (THIS SUNDAY 2/25):

It's that time again! Get out your crockpots, get the chili going, and get ready to eat TODAY, Feb. 25th. You can sign up to bring chili (or corn bread, guac, queso, salsa) till noon today! Click here for more info (and to sign your entries up). This is a fundraiser for our youth summer activities, and everyone is invited to come EAT all the great food. The South Porch Bluegrass Orchestra will be playing too - we can't wait!

SHAPE:

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! 

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.

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 Adventure Camp (TBD) - July 15-19

Registrations open on website in March.

Lenten Devotionals:

During this Lenten season (beginning on 2/14/24), we will email a daily devotional each day, 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

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)

Click for more information.

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. Auditions are this week & next, with dress rehearsals on Sunday, April 21st & 28th and the 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 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).

CLICK HERE to find out more.

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.

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

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

THURSDAYS

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (4th 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

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

2:00 pm NURTURE PILLAR