3/9/25 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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A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Lent has always been a time for me to look closely at my life. Of course, I want to think I am all together and have things in place for a healthy relational and spiritual life. Truth be known, that isn't the case. In fact, I find the easiest person for me to deceive is the one looking back at me in the mirror. Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days as a time of reflection. It was there He came face to face with the devil who threw everything possible at Jesus to get Him to abandon God and join the demon team. Jesus said, "No!" Friends, that is the same message for us in Lent. We need to say, "No!" to the deceptions from the devil and repent of our sin and remain part of God's team.

— Pastor Bob 

First Sunday in Lent

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM 

March 9, 2025

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

“Like A River Glorious” arr. Brent Olstad 

Rick Nay, organ

Kelly Bonyata, flute

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

“We Have Come to Worship the Lord” by Charles Yanerella

Chancel Choir

WELCOME

A WORD FOR THE GIDEONS

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Welcome home, beloved children of God!

People: Gathered in God’s arms, we come to worship.

Leader: Sheltered in God’s love, we come to grow in love.

People: Abiding in God, we seek solace and comfort.

Leader: Even as God sends us on wilderness journeys,

People: we trust that God is with us, guiding and protecting our days.  

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine”     Hymn # 166

(11:00) CONFIRMATION

*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.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

“Apostles’ Creed”     # 881

PASTORAL PRAYER/LORD’S PRAYER

(11:00) ANTHEM

“I’ll Sing the Praise of Jesus” by Craig Courtney

Chancel Choir

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

“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” from The Shadow Of The Cross by Lloyd Larson

Rick Nay, organ

Kelly Bonyata, flute

*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

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”     Hymn # 349

SERMON

“Crossing the Line: Nicodemus” Rev. Bob Martin  

Text: John 3:1-17 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Nothing Between”     Hymn # 373

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

“Postlude Pomposo” by George Blake

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the 2025 Confirmation Class, from their St. Pete First UMC family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of our Homeless Outreach Ministry, 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 9, 2025

(Click here to check-in)

Welcome

A Word for the Gideons

Praise & Worship Praise Team

“At Your Name” 

“Praises” 

Passing the Peace of Christ

Sacrament of Baptism

Rebecca Pentolfe

Confirmation

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

Sermon

“Crossing the Line: Nicodemus” Rev. Bob Martin  

Text: John 3:1-17 NLT

Worship Song

“Graves Into Gardens” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the 2025 Confirmation Class, from their St. Pete First UMC family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of our Homeless Outreach Ministry, 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.

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. If you only available part-time, your participation is still 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

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: Italian Sausage Soup, Garlic Toast, Salad, Espresso Brownie

Kids: Pizza, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Cookie

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

Weekly Groups 163

March 2 Worship   539 In Person 341 Online

Groups 207

Church Finances

January 2025 Year to Date

Income $249,259 $249,259

Expense $282,285 $282,285

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 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

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 historic 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)

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 9.

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.

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