3/26/23 Bulletin & Order of Service

Welcome to St Pete First United Methodist Church! 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.

Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor

Rev. Margaret Rountree, Associate Pastor

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Fifth Sunday in Lent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

March 26, 2023

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"Calvary" by Paul Rodney

Rick Nay, Organist

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

"I Was Glad" by Lloyd Larson

Chancel Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Margaret Rountree

Pastor: Blessed are you, O God, Creator of all that is.

People: Blessed are you, O God, Creator of all that will be.

Pastor: Blessed are you, O God, who made us in your image.

People: Let us remember what our God has done! Praise be to God!

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" Number 384

Celebration of Confirmation

Colton David Abernethy

Erik Christian Bergstrom

Emma Grace Bonyata

Sophie Elizabeth Deson

Davis Randall Houston

Grace Elizabeth Weston

*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) ANTHEM

"You Are My All in All" arr. Lloyd Larson

Chancel Choir

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

"Antiphonal Chorus" (from the Third Motet) by Johann Sebastian Bach

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

“Freely, Freely” Number 389

SERMON

“Simon the Helper” Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Mark 15:21-22 (NLT)

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Something Beautiful" Number 394

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

Theme from "Symphony No.1" by Johannes Brahms

Rick Nay, Organist

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of

Shirley Bassett's birthday on April 7 from her church family.

The rosebud is in love and honor of Eleanor Jane Briggs, born September 1, 2021 in Virginia Beach, from proud grandmother Lori Jukes.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

March 26, 2023

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship

"Lion and the Lamb"

Passing the Peace

Celebration of Confirmation

Colton David Abernethy

Erik Christian Bergstrom

Emma Grace Bonyata

Sophie Elizabeth Deson

Davis Randall Houston

Grace Elizabeth Weston

Praise & Worship

"Evidence"

"This Is Amazing Grace"

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings (Click here to GIVE)

"Transfiguration"

SERMON

“Simon the Helper” Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Mark 15:21-22 (NLT)

Worship Song

“Blessed Assurance”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of

Shirley Bassett's birthday on April 7 from her church family.

The rosebud is in love and honor of Eleanor Jane Briggs, born September 1, 2021 in Virginia Beach, from proud grandmother Lori Jukes.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB My father entered the Air Force to avoid being drafted. The draft was a system that enlisted individuals into serving the military, which in many instances was during times of war. Persons weren’t ever sure when or even if they would be drafted, but once the call came they were told to leave everything known in their life behind and report for duty.

The Romans had a draft system called conscription. All it took was the flat side of a Roman soldier’s spear to tap you on the shoulder and you were immediately “drafted” into the service of Rome. Simon was an onlooker. He was likely drafted to help Jesus carry the cross because he wasn’t Jewish. Likely a pagan (non-believer), Simon would have seen a great cost to carrying Jesus’ cross. I’ve often wondered about the same thing. Carrying the cross has its burdens. It divides families, changes identities, causes people to go in direction that maybe aren’t the ones sought in life. Carrying the cross is a burden. Jesus knew that firsthand, and the weight of the cross and the devastation of sin’s pain on his body made him buckle under the pressure. Then a man from the land of Cyrene was drafted to pick up Jesus’ cross and carry it.

Being a follower of Jesus means we are drafted into a different kind of life. It also means that life with Jesus isn’t rosy— it can be tough, and most of all, it’s painful. Friends, that pales in comparison to all that it cost Jesus when he bore our cross. We complain we have been drafted into the army of God and with that comes many inconveniences. Truth be known, Jesus wasn’t drafted when He carried your cross. He volunteered!

— Pastor Bob

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu

$5 kids, $8 adults, $30 family of 5

To-Go available by reservation

Breakfast Casserole, Gouda Grits, Bacon, Fruit Salad, Croissant, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Kids: Mac n' Cheese, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Cookie

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!

March 19: In Person 382 // Online 332

Easter Service Project — March 27 through Easter Sunday:

St Pete First is helping to stock the clothes closet at the Salvation Army Job Center on 4th Street South with gently used or new clothing. In particular, they need attire that can be worn by men or women for a job interview. Please drop off clothing donations in the Fellowship Hall from March 27th thru Easter Sunday. We are also accepting cash/check donations for purchasing needed items. It is our hope to have 100% participation!

Items needed include: dress shirts, men’s and women’s slacks (black if possible), dresses, ties, underwear & socks, dress shoes, work shoes and boots, non-skid shoes (for kitchen work), and steel toe shoes (for construction sites). Casual clothing items are also in demand.

Free Community Easter Gathering — April 1:

Join us for a FREE Community Easter Gathering from 4-6 PM at Spa Beach (at the St. Pete Pier) on Saturday, April 1. Food and fun for all ages! Enter to win free give-aways! We will have bounce houses, games, face painting, a balloon artist, plus a special time of baptisms and baptism remembrances in the Bay. Invite your friends and neighbors!

CLICK HERE if you are Interested in being baptized (1st time or baptism remembrance). CLICK HERE to volunteer to help with this outreach event. We need YOU to help!

Scholarship Applications due March 31 (THIS Friday):

Are you currently attending or bound for college or vocational school? Completed applications for St. Pete First Scholarships, along with supporting documents, must be delivered to the church office no later than the close of business on Friday, March 31st. All continuing students must re-apply. Click here for more info & application form (revised for 2023).

Join us for Holy Week at St. Pete First!

Click here for more information

Click here to place a lily in the Sanctuary this Easter (reservations & payment due 4/2)

Palm Sunday Celebration — April 2:

Traditional Worship at 8 & 11 am; Contemporary Worship at 9:30 am. Palm branches, brass quartet, and more at 9:30 & 11.

Maundy Thursday Experience—April 6:

Immerse yourself in the Easter story.

Join us for the Way of the Cross on Maundy Thursday, April 6, in the Chapel. This is a self-paced (approx. 30 minute) experience, including communion, that is open to all children, youth, and adults. Begin anytime between 6:30 & 8:00 pm. All are welcome to join us! Click here for more information.

Good Friday Worship—April 7:

Join us Friday evening at 8 pm for our Good Friday worship service.

Join us for Easter Worship!

Sunrise service at 7 am in Williams Park.

Traditional Worship at 8 & 11 am; Contemporary Worship at 9:30 am. String quartet at 9:30 & 11.

To see the entire list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.

Job Opening— Preschool Teachers:

St. Pete First UMC Preschool is looking for vibrant teachers to educate, care for, and inspire the young minds at our preschool. If you are interested in joining our amazing team, please give us a call at (727) 822-8767 or email Alicia at aclements@fumcsp.org

Job Opening— Custodian:

Need a part-time job, or know of someone who does? St. Pete First is looking for a self-motivated part-time Custodian. Flexible hours. For more information email Chad Simonds, csimonds@fumcsp.org, or call the church at (727) 894-4661

KIDS

SUNDAYS

9:30 AM

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

11:00 AM

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 4-5th Grade) Chapel

5:30 PM DINNER Fellowship Hall

6-7 PM WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE 4th Floor/Preschool Hall

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

10:45 AM Confirmation WhereHouse

6:00 PM WH PM (6th – 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)

9:00 am Common Grounds Fellowship Hall

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

TUESDAYS

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (2nd Tuesdays) Room 103

WEDNESDAYS

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS Parlor – Room 214

6:30 pm PASTOR BOB'S BIBLE STUDY Chapel

6:30 pm PASTOR MARGE'S BIBLE STUDY Room 208

6:30 pm EXODUS BIBLE STUDY Room 103

6:30 pm WOMEN'S STUDY: "THE GIRL'S STILL GOT IT" Room 308

THURSDAYS

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY Zoom

2:00 pm United Women in Faith Abigails (4th Thursdays) Room 103

MUSIC

SUNDAYS

10:20 am CHANCEL CHOIR Room 312

12:10 pm HANDBELLS Room 310

WEDNESDAYS

6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP PRACTICE Sanctuary

7:30 pm CHANCEL CHOIR PRACTICE 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 Room 101

SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

6:30 PM STAFF PARISH Closed Meeting

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

6:00 PM FINANCE COMMITTEE Admin Conference Room

FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

6:30 PM CHURCH COUNCIL Fellowship Hall & Zoom