3/31/24 Easter 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

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Easter Sunday

7:30 AM Sunrise Service

March 31, 2024

WELCOME              Rev. Bob Martin

WORSHIP SONG

"For the Cross"

Verse 1:

The life You gave Your body was broken

Your love poured out You bled and died for me

There on the cross You breathed Your last

As You were crucified You gave it all for me.

Chorus:

Hallelujah what a Savior

Hallelujah what a friend

Hallelujah King forever

We thank You for the cross.

Verse 2:

There in the ground sealed in darkness

Lifeless laid the frame of the Father's Son

In agony He watched His only Son

Be sacrificed He gave it all for me

Chorus

Verse 3:

But on that day what seemed as the darkest hour

A violent hope broke through and shook the ground

And as You rose all the light of all the world

Was magnified as You rose in victory

Chorus 2 (2x):

Hallelujah it is finished

Hallelujah it is done

Hallelujah King forever

And we thank You for the cross

Bridge:

Oh my sins are forgiven

You paid the ransom for me

Ending:

Though our sins are scarlet

You have made us white as snow.

WORSHIP SONG

"Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)"

Verse 1:

The moon and stars, they wept, the morning sun was dead

The Savior of the world was fallen

His body on the cross, His blood poured out for us

The weight of every curse upon Him

Verse 2:

One final breath He gave as heaven looked away

The Son of God was laid in darkness

A battle in the grave, the war on death was waged

The power of hell forever broken

Pre-Chorus:

The ground began to shake, the stone was rolled away

His perfect (reckless) love could not be overcome

Now, death, where is your sting?

Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated

Chorus:

Now, forever He is glorified

Forever He is lifted high

And forever He is risen

He is alive, He is alive

Bridge:

We sing hallelujah, we sing hallelujah

We sing hallelujah, the Lamb has overcome

We sing hallelujah, we sing hallelujah

We sing hallelujah, the Lamb has overcome

We sing hallelujah, we sing hallelujah, we sing hallelujah

Ending:

And now, death, where is your sting?

Our resurrected King has overcome

He's overcome, oh

WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

(Click here to GIVE)

"Cornerstone" by Lari Goss

Chancel Choir Quartet

Rick Nay, keyboard

SERMON

"Baggage Free" Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Matthew 28:1-10 ESV

CLOSING SONG

"Christ the Lord is Risen Today"

Verse 1:

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Verse 2:

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!

Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Verse 4:

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

BENEDICTION

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Happy Easter!

Easter Sunday

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

March 31, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Welcome              Rev. Margaret Rountree

Praise & Worship Praise Team

"True Love"

"Hosanna"

"Forever"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"Death in His Grave"

Sermon

"Baggage Free"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 28:11-20 NLT

Worship Song

“For the Cross”

Benediction

The beautiful Easter flowers decorating the Sanctuary today are given in loving honor and memory of loved ones. Click here for the Easter Flower handout.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Happy Easter!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

Easter Sunday

Traditional Worship—11 AM

March 31, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"Easter Chimes" by Charles Demorest

Rick Nay, Organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: He is risen!

People:  He is risen indeed!

Leader: The darkness is gone!

People:  Bright light floods into this new day of hope.

Leader: Those who went to the tomb received good news.

People:  Christ was not there!

Leader: Christ is risen in our hearts and our spirits!

People:  Christ is risen from the dead! Alleluia! Amen!

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"Christ the Lord is Risen Today" (vs. 1-4) Number 302

*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

“Apostles’ Creed” Number 881

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 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.

CHORAL ANTHEM

"He Is Not Here!" by Russel Nagy

Chancel Choir

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

"Cornerstone" by Lari Goss

Chancel Choir

*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

"Up from the Grave He Arose" Number 322

SERMON

"Baggage Free"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 28:11-20 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"He Lives" Number 310

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

"Glorious Majesty" by Lani Smith

Rick Nay, Organ

The beautiful Easter flowers decorating the Sanctuary today are given in loving honor and memory of loved ones. Click here for the Easter Flower handout.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Happy Easter!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship.

Volunteer Help Needed

Our new member ministry, Discover First, needs more volunteers to help with informational meetings for people interested in joining St Pete First. Click here to go to our volunteer form, then select "New Member Team.

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: Mojo Pork, Black Beans & Rice, Cuban Bread, Salad, Pie

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!

March 24: In Person 712 // Online 370

Church Finances

February 2024 Year to Date

Income $206,783 $565,636

Expense $310,166 $515,777

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 worship services. Don't forget you can find Jesus in the craziest of places in your own life.

The church office will be closed all day on Monday, April 1.

Calling All Students! Scholarships (4/2 deadline-THIS TUESDAY):

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.

Pancake Breakfast-Vision Sunday (4/14):

The WhereHouse Youth Ministry is sponsoring a FREE pancake breakfast for Vision Sunday, on April 14. We will be serving from 8:30 am-9:45am. Donations accepted! One worship service for Vision Sunday at 10am, with Sunday School at 11:15am. Join us in the Fellowship Hall for some good eats and fellowship.

Vision Sunday (4/14):

Mark your calendar for Vision Sunday on April 14. We will have a pancake breakfast offered by The WhereHouse Youth Ministry from 8:30am-9:45am, one worship service at 10am, and Sunday School at 11:15am. Join us in the Fellowship Hall for some good eats and fellowship and stay to hear what's coming up next in the life of the church. See you then!

Kids Night Out (4/16):

Children’s Ministry will host KIDS’ NIGHT OUT on Friday, April 19th from 6-10pm. Join us for pizza, games, ice cream sundaes, a devotion, and movie. $20 first child, $15 second, $40 for a family of 3 or more. Registration required by Wednesday, April 17th. Click here to register.

Discover First (4/21):

Our next Discover First informational meeting for those interested in joining the church will be Sunday, April 21 from 10:45 to 1pm in the chapel. Childcare and lunch provided. Click here to sign up.

Allocations/Permanent Fund Request (5/3 deadline):

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

Free Mental Health Seminar (5/4):

St. Pete First Counseling Center is offering their yearly FREE seminars (+ fundraiser) on May 4 from 12:30 to 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Pre-register here so we have enough snacks and chairs.

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.

Internet & WiFi update:

We are currently updating our Internet and Wi-Fi connections. If you have problems with Internet or Wi-Fi on campus, please let us know! Email us at: facilities@fumcsp.org

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

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 (ended 3/20)

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