3/2/25 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

Check-In: Please let us know you're worshipping with us!

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Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

We wrap up our series Myth Busters by asking, "Is Heaven a Real Place?" A lot of books have been written on this where persons have claimed to have been transported to heaven only to be revived and returned to earth. What do we make of this? Most of us have had a family member or loved one who upon their death made some profound discoveries and conveyed to us what they were seeing before they died. I don't think there is a scientific means to prove there is a heaven, but as Christians we lean into the One who is Truth to give us the answer. Come, join us this week as we bust the myth, "Heaven isn't a real place!"

— Pastor Bob 

Transfiguration Sunday

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

March 2, 2025

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

“Fill My Cup Lord” arr. John Innes 

Rick Nay, Organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Christ has called us here, inviting us to offer praise and prayer.

People: May Christ’s presence be revealed in this time, showing us the way to go.

Leader: May Christ’s glory shine into our worship.

People: May we take Christ’s glory with us everywhere to shine in our lives and the lives of others. 

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“Come, Christians, Join to Sing”     Hymn # 158

*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.

(11:00) ANTHEM

“River in Judea” by John Leavitt

Chancel Choir

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

“Panis Angelicus” by Cesar Franck

Nancy Allison, Soloist

Rick Nay, Organ

*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

“Marching to Zion”     Hymn # 733

SERMON

“Myth Busters: Heaven Isn’t a Real Place” Rev. Bob Martin  

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-9; John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:1-5; 2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“When We All Get to Heaven”     Hymn # 701

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

“When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” arr. Harold DeCou

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in appreciation for all those who help support the ministry of the Counseling Center, from the St. Pete First UMC family.

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.

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

March 2, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

“You Keep on Getting Better” 

“Tremble”

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Send Me”

Sermon

“Myth Busters: Heaven Isn’t a Real Place” Rev. Bob Martin  

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-9; John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:1-5; 2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“I Can Only Imagine” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in appreciation for all those who help support the ministry of the Counseling Center, from the St. Pete First UMC family.

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.

Common Grounds needs volunteers to take a one-hour once-a-month shift on Sunday mornings (8-9 am, 9-10 am, 10-11 am) to serve pastries, make coffee, and assist with clothing distribution to those in need. Contact Hal Heitler (halheitler@gmail.com) or Chad Simonds (csimonds@stpetefirst.org) to sign up.

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: Fried/Baked Chicken, Mac n’ Cheese, Collard Greens, Cornbread, Lemon Meringue Pie

Kids: Mac n’ Cheese, Tater Tots, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Ice Cream Sandwich

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

Weekly Groups 168

February 23 Worship   592 In Person 312 Online

Groups 155

Church Finances

January 2025 Year to Date

Income $249,259 $249,259

Expense $282,285 $282,285

UPCOMING EVENTS —Mark your calendar!

Upcoming Events—Mark your calendar! (www.stpetefirst.org/spring)

• Through April 6—Diaper & Children's Book Collection

• Feb 1-March 31—St Pete First Scholarship Applications: www.stpetefirst.org/scholarship

• THIS Sunday Mar 2—Seder Meal experience 6-8pm (sign up here)

• THIS WEEK: Tues Mar 4—Crosstown Shuffle 6:00-8:00 pm (www.stpetefirst.org/shuffle)

• THIS WEEK: Wed Mar 5—Ashes-to-Go 11:45 am-1:15 pm; Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 pm

• Sun Mar 9—Confirmation Sunday 9:30 am

• Tues Mar 11—UWF Speaker 11 am

• Fri Mar 14—Organ Concert with Samuel Metzger at 7 pm. More information.

• Mar 17-21—Spring Break Week: No church activities this week.

• Sun Mar 23—Discover First 10:45 am-1 pm (sign up here)

• Wed Mar 26—Stress Busters class begins, with Dr. Jim Meyer at 6:30 pm

• Sat April 12—Spring Picnic 4-6pm

• Sun April 13—Palm Sunday

• Wed Apr 16—No Wednesday Night Live

• Thurs April 17—Maundy Thursday service 7 pm

• Fri April 18— Church office closed; Good Friday service 7 pm

• Sun April 20—Easter Sunday services 7:30 (Sunrise)-9:30-11 am

• Mon Apr 21—Church office closed for Easter Monday

• Sat April 26—Free Mental Health Event: Hope 10 am-1 pm

• Wed April 30—Last week for Wed Night activities before Fall

• Sun May 4—Graduation Sunday 9:30 am

• Sun May 4—Danny & the Shacks -Kids Musical- at 6 pm

• Mon May 26—Church office closed for Memorial Day

• June 9-13—VBS Setup (volunteer)

• June 16-20—Vacation Bible School

• July 7-11—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 1 Elementary Slime Camp

• July 14-18—Preschool Camp Friendship Week 2 Elementary Art/Adventure Camp  Elementary Amusement Park STEM Camp

Seder Meal Experience (Sunday, March 2; 6-8 pm; Fellowship Hall) 

The WhereHouse Youth Ministry invites you participate in a traditional Seder meal on Sunday, March 2 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall, presented by Jews for Jesus. Cost is $5, and a love offering for Jews for Jesus will be taken. EVERYONE is invited to participate (not just youth). Join us as we sit down to experience a symbolic traditional Seder meal. Explore the meaning of the meal as we become closer with Christ in the Passover. This is an experience, not a full meal; please plan to eat dinner before or after. Click here to RSVP.

Crosstown Shuffle (Tuesday, March 4; 6:00-8:00 pm):

Join us for a night of fellowship and fun with our Christian brothers and sisters from neighboring churches in St. Pete for a friendly game of shuffleboard. Let's get to know each other so we can shine a brighter light in St. Pete for Jesus! St Pete Shuffleboard Club: 559 Mirror Lake Dr. N. St. Pete. $5 for adults; free for youth 18 & under. Guests and families welcome! Previous shuffleboard experience not required. Experienced players will be available to provide guidance. A food truck will also be on site. Click here for more information.  

Diaper & Book Drive (March 2 - April 6)

Help the United Women in Faith & Youth collect baby diapers (all sizes) and children’s books (new or gently used) for Cornerstone Family Ministries. Drop off donations in the blue collection bins outside the Fellowship Hall or in the WhereHouse.

United Women in Faith Speaker (Tuesday, March 11; 11am; Room 208)

All women are invited to our United Women in Faith meeting on Tuesday, March 11th at 11:00 am in Room 208. Our guest speaker will be Cathy Stone from Cornerstone Family Ministries. Cathy will be telling us about Cornerstone and the upcoming Wonder Walk on Saturday, April 5th. A light lunch will be provided after the meeting. Please RSVP to Cindy Ripley at redreavis@aol.com

Organ Concert featuring Samuel Metzger (Friday, March 14; 7 pm)

Join us for our inaugural organ concert with world-renowned organist Samuel Metzger playing the church's new pipe organ. The performance is free, and a free-will offering will be collected to support the purchase of a much-needed portable shower trailer to enhance our Street Ministry. Click here for more information

Spring Break (March 17-21)

All activities in the church building are canceled during Spring Break week. Admin building/church office will be open as usual.

Discover First Meeting (Sunday, Mar 23; 10:45am-1pm; Chapel): 

Learn about our church and its mission, vision, and ministries, talk with our pastor, 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

Stress Busters Class (begins Wednesday, Mar 26; 6:30 pm; Chapel)

with Dr. Jim Meyer (a nationally-recognized expert in relationships and stress management).Every single one of us experiences stress!  And we all know too much stress – or managing it in less than healthy ways – can impact our lives.  So, let’s explore together some strategies for how to manage the negative effects of stress, gain some ideas on how to actually reduce our stress levels, and consider how to get the most benefits from the gift of time.

Save the Date—Holy Week Events:

Church Picnic (at the church) - Sat April 12 (4-6 pm)

Palm Sunday - Sun Apr 13 (8/9:30/11 am)

Maundy Thursday Communion Service - Thurs April 17 (7 pm)

Good Friday Service - Fri April 18 (7 pm)

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service - Williams Park - Sun Apr 20 (7:30 am)

Easter Sunday Worship - Sun Apr 20 (9:30/11 am)

We need your help to build a Disaster Recovery Team!

St. Pete First is building a team of dedicated individuals to assist with present and future disasters. We are first on the ground and perform duties like mud clearing, removing sheet rock, bedding and other home items to prevent the situation from becoming worse. Even if you are able to work part-time, your participation is needed and appreciated. Training in disaster procedures is available and participation is encouraged. To learn more, contact Doug Porter at 518-669-3433 or dporter1950@aol.com 

Calling All Students! Scholarships (apply Feb 1-Mar 31):  

Are you a church member who is 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 Monday, March 31. All continuing students must re-apply. Click here for more info & application form.

Save the Date—VBS & Summer Camps:

VBS - June 16-20

Preschool Camp Friendship WK1 - July 7-11

Preschool Camp Friendship WK2 - July 14-18

Elementary Slime Camp - July 7-11

Elementary Art/Adventure Camp - July 14-18

Elementary Amusement Park STEM Camp - July 14-18

Registrations open on website in March.

TAKE ACTION! Help us meet unmet needs and serve others.

Common Grounds SERVE

Give God an extra hour on Sunday: one hour in worship, one hour showing God’s love to our guests in the Fellowship Hall. This is our call to be the hands and feet of Jesus! Serve pastries, make coffee, and assist with clothing distribution to those in need. Your shift can be one Sunday a month from 8-9 am, 9-10 am, or 10-11 am. Join this new ministry by contacting either Hal Heitler at 727-448-6291 (halheitler@gmail.com) or Chad Simonds at 727-667-7169 (csimonds@stpetefirst.org). Clothing donations also needed (but only specific items)! Contact Linda Delaney at 610-515-5201 (rocklin@ptd.net) for details.

Our Visitation Ministry Needs Your Help!

The Visitation Team ministry connects our homebound members with their church family. Monthly visits, with an offer for communion, give our homebound members the opportunity to stay current with the life of the church. Please contact Kendra at church@stpetefirst.org or 727-894-4661 if you know of anyone in our church family who would enjoy a monthly visit.

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 4th Floor

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   

9:30 am WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY (Sue Allen) -Room 208

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Room 214 

6:30 pm WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY (Patti Martin) -Room TBA

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 -Room 208 & Zoom

SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

12:00 pm LEARN PILLAR

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

12:00 pm INVITE PILLAR  

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR 

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

5:00 pm SERVE PILLAR