2/4/24 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

Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

February 4, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"Let Us Break Bread Together" arr. Harold DeCou

Rick Nay, Organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Come, rejoice and sing! God’s love is showered over you this day.

People: We gather to praise God and celebrate God’s presence with us.

Leader: God shows compassion to all who are weak and downtrodden.

People: Jesus Christ offers healing mercies to our troubled souls.

Leader: Praise be to God who has called us here.

People: Thanks be to God for God’s eternal love.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"The Church's One Foundation" Number 545

*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.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Leader: Christ the Lord invites all to His table who love Him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

People: Holy God, we thank you that you receive us not according to our failing goodness, but according to your overflowing grace. You receive us as we are. You show us what we can be. You have come to us in Jesus Christ to share our common lot and reconcile us to yourself. Sweep over us with your Spirit, change us by your love, that we may sing with joy before you, and live to your glory in the world. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

Jesus has come to heal our spirits and our souls. New life is offered to you in Jesus Christ. Rejoice! Be glad! For God’s love is poured out to you this day. Amen.

(11:00) CHORAL ANTHEM

"River in Judea" by John Leavitt

Chancel Choir

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

(8:00) "In Quiet Meditation" by Bertha R. Frick

Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) "Consecration" by John Ness Beck

Gwenn Weston-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

"Come, Christians, Join to Sing" (vs. 1 & 3) Number 158

SERMON

"Is the Church Necessary?" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 16:13-20 (NLT)

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Fairest Lord Jesus" (vs. 1 & 4) Number 189

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

"The Glorious Kingdom" by Roger C. Wilson

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the wedding of Susie Knowles and Justice Pizarro.

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 4, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

"Lion and the Lamb"

"Great Are You Lord"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"God With Us"

Sermon

"Is the Church Necessary?" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 16:13-20 (NLT) 

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“Shout to the Lord”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the wedding of Susie Knowles and Justice Pizarro.

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    

This past week our church Mission Statement was painted as a mural on the administration building wall. It’s pretty bold and one that details to our St. Petersburg community our mission as a local church. What is our mission?  Love. St. Pete. (John 15:12 – “Love one another as I have loved you.”)  I just love the freshness that is emerging from within. We are a church family who sees the importance of a message that says something, that displays a boldness in God’s mission for us as a church. I also like the freshness of our new church logo. A couple of things to note:  You will see an emphasis on the cross in the red "t” in our name along with a red heart circling the symbol of our historic building signifying our calling which is to be “the Heart of the City.”  It is another sign for the world that the church is still necessary!

— 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: Chili w/Baked Potato, Cornbread, Salad, Apple Crisp

Kids: Pizza, Carrots & Celery, Apple Sauce, Ice Cream Sandwich

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 28: In Person 456 // Online 352

Church Finances

December Year End 2023

Income $311,383 $2,809,017

Expense $205,271 $2,806,097

Young(ish) - help us choose our new study (2/4/24):

The Young(ish) Adult Sunday School class is meeting in room 101 at 10:45 to discuss options for our upcoming studies, and we want your input! Previous class topics have included Bible studies, parenting and marriage, and the Enneagram. If you are Young(ish) and looking for a Sunday School community to learn with, swing by and help us choose what to talk about next.

Discover First New Member Informational Meeting (2/11):

Want to find out more about membership at St Pete First? An informational meeting will be held on February 11 - come find our more about your church! For more information call the church office or visit our website to register by Tuesday, February 6.

Seder Meal CANCELLED (2/4/24):

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

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).

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.

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. Click for more information.

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

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.  CLICK HERE to volunteer.

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)

Click for more information.

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.

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 be led through spiritual assessments and discernment, helping you 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.

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 (returns 2/21)

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