3/3/24 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

Third Sunday in Lent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

March 3, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"Hear Me, O Lord" (from The Seven Last Words Of Christ) by Theodore Dubois

Rick Nay, Organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Margaret Rountree

Leader: We stand in the need of the presence of God.

People: Our lives can so easily become corrupted by our own greed.

Leader: But the Lord has heard our cries and calls us forward on this journey.

People: Lord, guide our steps.

Leader: Come, let us worship God who is always with us.

People: Let us open our hearts to the healing, restoring love of God.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"The King of Love My Shepherd Is" Number 138

*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.

CONFIRMATION RECOGNITION

Trenton Daniel Andringa

Jordyn McKenzie Bartha

Avery Grace Church

Max Gordon Foran

Claire Marie Leach

Trey Devon Robinson

Scarlett Eve Stanton

Dawson William Summer

Shaw London Summer

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: With hearts of sorrow, we come before you, O God, to confess what you already know— we have failed to keep your laws. Again and again, we have followed our own selfish will, rather than your holy and life-giving will for our lives. We have twisted your decrees and institutions to suit our preconceptions and interests rather than your own. Forgive us, O God, and cleanse us from hidden faults, that the words of our mouths, and the meditations of all our hearts, may be acceptable to you, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

God shows steadfast love and blesses to the thousandth generation those who walk in God’s ways. In love, God sent Jesus to bless and redeem God’s people. God forgives us our sins and restores us to new life. Let us rejoice in God’s mercy. Amen.

(11:00) CHORAL ANTHEM

"Just As I Am" by Don Besig

Chancel Choir

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

"In the Hour of Trial" by Lani Smith

Kelly Bonyata, Flute; 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, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast" Number 616

SERMON

"The Baggage of Peer Pressure"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 26:69-75 NLT (selectively)

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"We've a Story to Tell to the Nations" Number 569

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

"Postlude In E Minor" by E.L. Ashford

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of JoAnne Bennett, whose memorial service was Thursday, from Kay and Gordon Norton.

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 3, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Welcome

Confirmation Recognition

Trenton Daniel Andringa

Jordyn McKenzie Bartha

Avery Grace Church

Max Gordon Foran

Claire Marie Leach

Trey Devon Robinson

Scarlett Eve Stanton

Dawson William Summer

Shaw London Summer

Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Avery Grace Church

Passing the Peace of Christ

Praise & Worship Praise Team

"This is Amazing Grace"

"Here I Am to Worship"

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"It is Well / How Great Thou Art"

Sermon

"The Baggage of Peer Pressure"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 26:69-75 NLT (selectively)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“Nothing but the Blood”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of JoAnne Bennett, whose memorial service was Thursday, from Kay and Gordon Norton.

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    

With joy I wanted to announce that Derek Weston has accepted the position of Senior Director of Ministry and Church Operations. Derek’s role will be the overseer and coordinator of all age-level ministries, music and worship arts, and campus operations.

Derek has been on our staff working part-time as our Traditional Music leader for thirteen years and knows our church and operations well.

I’m excited about his bringing the additional gifts we need for our future and his spirit of teamwork and commitment to the church.

Derek will begin his employment on or before March 25 as he transitions out of his role as an Assistant Principal at Gibbs High School.

Please join me in welcoming Derek!

— Pastor Bob      

Volunteer Help Needed

We need YOU to be an Usher or Greeter! The role of the Greeter is to be a “Welcome Ambassador” for everyone attending events in our Sanctuary. Ushers provide assistance to any and all persons attending a St. Pete First event, including distributing bulletins and helping guests find a seat, and assist the pastors during worship. Both Ushers & Greeters serve in monthly commitments for a particular worship service. Interested? Contact Shirley Bassett at sbassettUNI@gmail.com or fill out our online volunteer form.

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. 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: Fried/Baked Chicken, Mac n' Cheese, Collard Greens, Cornbread, Dump Cake

Kids: Mac n' Cheese, Tater Tots, 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!

February 25: In Person 563 // Online 322

Church Finances

January Year to Date

Income $358,852 $358,852

Expense $205,611 $205,611

Welcome to our new members!

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

Chili Cook-Off 2024 Winners!

Click here to see all the winners (and some photos of the fun)- congratulations to all!

Thank you to all who made chilis and more, thanks to all the judges who ate all 24 chilis, to all you who came out to eat chili, to the many volunteers and staff that helped and for all the many donations. Special thanks to the South Porch Bluegrass Orchestra for the great music. Great night had by all. Thanks for all your support for our Youth Ministry.

There's still time to donate to The WhereHouse Youth Ministry: Click Here

VBS & Summer Camp registration opens TODAY (3/3):

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

Elementary Slimetopia Camp - July 15-19

Registrations open on our website on March 3.

Calling all Kids! We're planning a Spring Musical (THIS SUNDAY is the last audition day - nothing complicated - just show up!):

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. Dress rehearsals are on Sunday, April 21st & 28th and the performance is 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).

Cheerful's 102nd Birthday Celebration (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.

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 and fun for all ages—everyone is welcome! Stay tuned for more details.

Lenten Devotionals:

During this Lenten season, we are emailing 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 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 & 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 

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