3/17/24 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 in Lent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

March 17, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" arr. Diane Bish

Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

"Praise the Lord in His Holy Temple" by Charles Yannerella

Chancel Choir

A WORD FOR THE GIDEONS

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Margaret Rountree

Leader: God’s mercy floods over us.

People:  Lord, wash me clean of the pain in my life.

Leader: God’s love pours into us.

People:  Lord, pour your love into every pore of my being.

Leader: Let the love and mercy of God reign in your heart today.

People:  Be with me, Lord, and guide my life.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" Number 286

*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

"I'll Sing the Praise of Jesus" by Craig Courtney

Chancel Choir

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

"Lead Me To Calvary" by William J. Kirkpatrick

Kendra Aumack, Soloist

*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

"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" Number 298

SERMON

"The Baggage of Idols"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Exodus 20:1-6 (NLT)

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"His Name is Wonderful" Number 174

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

"Concerto In A Minor (First Movement)" by Vivaldi-Bach

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Cheerful Thornhill's 102nd birthday on March 15 from her St. Pete First UMC family.

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

March 17, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Welcome

A Word for the Gideons

Praise & Worship Praise Team

"Joy of the Lord"

"Build My Life"

"Jesus We Love You "

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"Heart Won't Stop"

Sermon

"The Baggage of Idols"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Exodus 20:1-6 (NLT)

Worship Song

“Lion and the Lamb”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of Cheerful Thornhill's 102nd birthday on March 15 from her St. Pete First UMC family.

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    

My desk seemed to have more piles of paper on it this week than normal. I don’t know if it’s because I’m busier or if I’m just behind? Have you ever had one of those days when you feel kind of buried and you just need a lifeline?  The season of Lent is a time when we recognize we were being buried with sin and we needed a lifeline. Lifelines come from sources that get us out of our situations and the stronger the line, the heavier the load it carries as it pulls us out and puts us back on safe ground.  I love this season as it reminds me over and over that Jesus is the lifeline I need so whenever I feel buried, He will lift me up

— Pastor Bob     

Volunteer Help Needed

We need 30-45 volunteers to help out at our community Spring Picnic next Saturday (3/23). Click here to see what's needed and to volunteer. Volunteer roles are in 30-minute time slots and include grilling and serving food, welcoming visitors, attending bounce houses, and more.

Not sure about your best fit for volunteering? Check out our SHAPE class on Wednesdays 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.

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: Cottage Pie, Salad, Garlic Toast, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Kids: Hotdogs & Chips, Celery & Carrots, 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 this past week. We hope to see you again next week!

March 10: In Person 431 // Online 340

Church Finances

January Year to Date

Income $358,852 $358,852

Expense $205,611 $205,611

Easter Lilies for the Sanctuary:

We will have peace lilies and Easter lilies this year. Flowers are $12 per plant (check/cash/card). All orders must be received and paid for by Palm Sunday (3/24). We will place all flowers in the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday for decoration, then you may pick up your flower(s) in the Sanctuary after the 11 am Easter Sunday service has finished. Click here to order a lily in honor or memory of a loved one. 

Cheerful's 102nd Birthday Celebration (THIS Sunday 3/17):

Come help us celebrate Cheerful’s 102nd birthday on Sunday, March 17th at 12:00 noon in the Fellowship Hall!

Stained Glass Window Committee Organizational Meeting (3/20):

Would you like to help spread the story of Jesus as told in the beautiful stained glass windows in our sanctuary? You are invited to attend an organizational meeting for a new Stained Glass Window committee on Wednesday, March 20, at 1:00pm in room 208. The committee is looking for members with varied interests & expertise, including research, writing, using technology in creative ways, publicity, and outreach. To learn more or to let us know you're interested in attending, please contact the church office at 727-894-4661.

Local Outreach Service Project:

We are collecting personal care products, blankets, rain ponchos, socks, flip-flops, and other needed items for people in need in our local community. Click here for more information and a list of needed items. We are also collecting monetary donations to go toward buying these items. Click here to donate money for this project.

UWF Diaper & Book Drive (through 3/31):

Through the end of March, the United Women In Faith will be collecting diapers (any brands - sizes 4,5,6) baby wipes, and new or slightly used children’s books for Cornerstone Ministries’ Rosa Valdez Early Learning Center.  Help us support this amazing organization by dropping off these items in the Fellowship Hall from now until March 31st. If you are not attending church or would like to contribute without purchasing the items, you may write a check to the United Women In Faith and mail it to: Nancy Fallis, 6440 Gulfport Blvd. S., St. Petersburg 33707.

Everyone Needs a Little Jesus Challenge:

Challenge from our WhereHouse Youth Ministry to you! There have been 200 mini-Jesus figures placed around and in our church. If you see a Jesus, pick Him up and give a little Jesus away. Great way to invite someone to our Easter services. Don't forget you can find Jesus in the craziest of places in your own life.

Community Gathering & Picnic (3/23):

Our 2024 community gathering & picnic is coming up on March 23! This year we will be gathering on the grounds of the church. Activities, food, and fun for all ages—everyone is welcome! Click here for more details. We need volunteers!

Holy Week Events:

Spring 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.

Lenten Devotionals:

During this Lenten season, we 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 or read earlier devotionals. 

Join our Praise Team:

Do you like to sing? We'd love to have more singers at our 9:30 am contemporary worship service. Contact Loren Russell at (863) 617-5087 or LRussell@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.

Allocations/Permanent Fund Request (5/3 deadline)

The Allocations Committee is accepting applications for charitable funding. Click here for more information.

VBS & Summer Camp registration is OPEN:

VBS - June 17-21

Camp Friendship Week 1 - July 8-12

Camp Friendship Week 2 - July 15-19

Elementary Art Adventure Camp - July 8-12 (FULL, but you can join the wait list)

Elementary Slimetopia Camp - July 15-19

Click here to Register.

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.

Welcome to our new members!

Please give a warm welcome to the 10 new members who joined St. Pete First UMC on February 25!

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 & MUSICAL REHEARSAL (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

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 (ended 3/6)

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 (not meeting in March)

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