4/21/24 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.

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Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB    

Have you ever discovered when you laser focus on something it gets done? I have a HUGE yard project underway. Then again, I also have several projects my wife, Patti, wants me to get done too. If I’m not careful, I can spread myself too thin, doing a little bit here and a little bit there, and getting nothing done with significance. Churches can be that way too. Some churches do what I call a “scattered approach” to ministry. They take some money and some human power and just “throw it out there” hoping something sticks. That is not only a waste of resources, but also an approach that will have a low yield. When you laser focus on something then you can go all in.  St. Pete First UMC’s vision is just that, all in!

— Pastor Bob 

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

April 21, 2024

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

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PRELUDE

(8:00) Gwenn Weston, piano

(11:00) "Air 1" from Two Slow Airs by Herbert Howells

Robert Todd, organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: This is the good news which we proclaim to you.

People:  Jesus Christ is raised from the dead!

Leader: Brothers and sisters, we are gathered here to proclaim a vision;

People:  A vision of a world formed by God and transformed by Jesus’ love.

Leader: We are disciples who are called to embody lives of grace,

People:  Sharing the good news of the Gospel in our words and our actions.

Leader: May the Holy Spirit open our hearts and our eyes that we may live into God’s vision for our lives, our church, and our world.

People:  Thanks be to God! Amen.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" Hymn # 133

*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

“A Modern Affirmation” # 885

Leader:

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is the one true church, apostolic and universal, whose holy faith let us now declare:

Leader and People:

We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power, and love, whose mercy is over all his works, and whose will is ever directed to his children's good.

We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father's unfailing grace, the ground of our hope, and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death.

We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in time of need.

We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. 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) CHORAL ANTHEM

"People Need the Lord" arr. Tom Fettke

Chancel Choir

STEPHEN MINISTRY MOMENT

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

(8:00) Gwenn Weston, piano

(11:00) "Intermezzo in A Major" by Healey Willan

Robert Todd, 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.

SERMON

"Expanding our Reach"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Spirit Song" Hymn # 347

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

(8:00) Gwenn Weston, piano

(11:00) "Rigaudon" by Andre Campra

Robert Todd, organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the new Stephen Ministers from the Stephen Ministry Team.

Thank you for joining us today!

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

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

April 21, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

"Lion and the Lamb"

"King of my Heart"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Stephen Ministry Moment

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"Beautiful Things"

Sermon

"Expanding our Reach"  Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

Worship Song

“Praises”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of the new Stephen Ministers from the Stephen Ministry Team.

Thank you for joining us today!

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

In Our Father's House:

St. Pete First UMC offers condolences to the family and friends of Tom Lovern, who passed away on April 15, 2024.

Volunteer Help Needed

Our Hospitality Team needs volunteers to help serve coffee, donuts, and pastries at Common Grounds on Sunday mornings. Common Grounds is our Sunday morning between-services coffee and fellowship hub in the Fellowship Hall. Two people are needed each hour from 8:30-11:30 to help serve and keep the coffee flowing. Contact Chad at csimonds@fumcsp.org or Click here to go to our Serve form, then select "Hospitality/Kitchen Team."

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu (the LAST ONE before Fall)

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

To-Go available - just walk in and ask for a to-go plate!

Adults: Chicken Pot Pie, Salad, Bread Pudding

Kids: Wing Dings & Fries, Celery & Carrots, Apple Sauce, Cookie

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 last week. We hope to see you again next week!

April 14: In Person 464 Online 282

Church Finances

March 2024 Year to Date

Income $238,189 $803,825

Expense $372,753 $888,580

Common Grounds is moving to the CHAPEL for the next TWO Sundays (while the children rehearse their upcoming musical onstage in the Fellowship Hall - performance at 6 pm on Sunday, April 28!). The 2nd Ave front entrance to the Chapel will be open for your convenience, or you can enter through the Fellowship Hall.

Graduation Sunday on 5/5 (we need your RSVP now!):

Are you graduating? It would be our honor to show some love from your church family for all the hard work that you have done, by recognizing you on Sunday, May 5 at the 9:30am and 11am services. Any high school or college graduates please RSVP ASAP to KayLee: kbennett@fumcsp.org. Include one toddler photo and one graduation photo.

United Women in Faith meeting (4/23):

All ladies are invited to join with United Women in Faith on Tuesday, April 23 from 10:30-noon in the Fellowship Hall to learn about our mission projects and the other exciting projects we we are planning. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to Cindy Ripley redreavis@aol.com or Nancy Fallis nfallis40@yahoo.com

Sponsor United Women in Faith in the Wonder Walk (deadline 4/26):

Our United Women of Faith has a team walking this year in Cornerstone Family Ministries’ annual Wonder Walk/Run, which raises scholarship funds for Rosa Valdez Early Learning Center & Lab Schools so children living in the inner-city can have a safe place to learn and grow. Make your check out to Cornerstone Family Ministry or designate cash for this ministry. Deadline is April 26,2024. Questions? Marilyn Cutting: mfroglady@gmail.com

Children's Musical: Malice in the Palace—The Story of Esther (4/28):

Come out and support our Children's Music Ministry as the kids present Malice in the Palace—The Story of Esther on Sunday, April 28 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. If you can, please bring a non-refrigerated dessert to share.

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.

Discover First (5/19 NEW DATE):

Our next Discover First informational meeting for those interested in joining the church will be Sunday, May 19 from 10:45 to 1pm in the Chapel. Childcare and lunch provided. Click here to sign up.

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.

Scam Alert

Scammers are always active, and some like to target churches. Don't forget that our pastors do not solicit money via emails or text messages. An example of the kind of scam text currently circulating: "Hello [your name], Kindly let me know if you're available I need your assistance as soon as you're available... Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor". This text (and others like it) is a scam and is NOT from Pastor Bob. More information here.

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) -Fellowship Hall (until NOON)

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

KIDS SPRING MUSICAL REHEARSAL (Age 4-6th Gr) -Fellowship Hall (until NOON)

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 (Chapel on 4/21 & 4/28)

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 (Room 206 on 4/21 & 4/28)

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 - Fellowship Hall (until NOON)

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