4/28/24 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

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR MARGE    

St. Pete First’s new mission statement is “LOVE. ST. PETE.” It is based on Jesus’s words found in John 15:12: “Love one another as I have loved you.” What did Jesus mean by this command? Today, we tend to use the word “love” to describe the happy, positive, blissful thoughts we have towards something or someone. So, this command from Jesus might feel to us a little discouraging. As fallible people, we certainly do not always feel happy, positive thoughts about others, even towards fellow Christians. The thought that we are obligated to feel perfect, joyful affection towards others is daunting. However, this is not what Christ meant by this command.

Jesus is not telling His followers to “feel about other people the way I do.” Nor is He demanding we be sinlessly, infallibly perfect. Rather, our love needs to imitate the character of Christ’s love, which involved two main ideas. The “love” Jesus speaks of is practical, not emotional. We do not need to “feel warm thoughts” for others, but we do need to act lovingly towards them, even when they are hostile to us. In addition, we are meant to echo the nature of Christ’s love, which means humility, sacrifice, and service. One of the very best demonstrations of Christ’s love found in Scripture, besides His death on the cross, is Jesus washing the disciples’ feet during the Last Supper. He took the lowest of the lowest of the low position, He so humbled Himself, that He assumed the position of a servant, and He washed some dirty, smelly, gross feet the night before He died. How we ought to love another is by serving one another. That is exactly how Jesus demonstrated His love for us.

We as the church must echo the nature of Christ’s love, which means practicing humility, sacrifice, and service if we are going to accomplish Goal# 2: “Increase our impact in St. Petersburg through Christian service by reducing hunger, reducing illiteracy, and increasing community care.” Our Vision Team has been tasked with the “what,” but we need you, the church, to help us with the “how.” St. Petersburg First United Methodist Church: much is hanging in the balance. Let’s go wash some feet!

— Pastor Marge  

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

April 28, 2024

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

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PRELUDE

(8:00) Gwenn Weston, Piano

(11:00) "Rhosymedre" by Ralph Vaughan-Williams

Robert Todd, Guest Organist

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: In the midst of a world where people hunger and thirst,

People: Come worship a God who calls us to feed the hungry.

Leader: In the midst of a world where people are abused and oppressed,

People: Come worship a God who calls us to practice compassion and serve others.

Leader: In the midst of a world where love is not freely shown and forgiveness is hard to find,

People: Come worship a God who calls us to show grace and love to all we meet.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"O Worship the King" Hymn # 73

*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

"You Sing to Me" by Jay Rouse

Chancel Choir

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

(8:00) "You Sing to Me" by Jay Rouse

Kendra Aumack and Derek Weston, Soloists

Gwenn Weston, Piano

(11:00) "Sarabande" on Land of Rest by Gerald Near

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.

*HYMN OF PREPARATION

"My Tribute" Hymn # 99

SERMON

"Impact Through Service"  Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: John 13:1-20 ESV; Luke 12:48 NLT

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Lead On, O King Eternal" Hymn # 580

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

(8:00) Gwenn Weston, Piano

(11:00) "Epilogue" by Norman Gilbert

Robert Todd, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Tera Holt Ulrich from her parents, Lora Ulrich and Trent Ulrich.

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 28, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team & Guest Worship Leader: Melissa Petrescue

"You Are Good"

"Holy Spirit"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"Thank You Jesus for the Blood"

Sermon

"Impact Through Service"  Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: John 13:1-20 ESV; Luke 12:48 NLT

Worship Song

“Called Me Higher”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Tera Holt Ulrich from her parents, Lora Ulrich and Trent Ulrich.

Thank you for joining us today!

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

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 Live Dinner & Activities has had another wonderful year. We will take a break for the summer and return on September 4th. Mark your calendars!

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 21: In Person 500 Online 357

Church Finances

March 2024 Year to Date

Income $238,189 $803,825

Expense $372,753 $888,580

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 THIS SUNDAY EVENING, Sunday, April 28 at 6 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. If you can, please bring a non-refrigerated dessert to share.

Common Grounds is moving to the CHAPEL again this Sunday (while the children rehearse Sunday's musical onstage in the Fellowship Hall - performance at 6 pm this 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.

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. Click here to donate - all donations (tax-deductible) will go to the Counseling Center Scholarship Fund to assist clients who can't afford to pay full-price for services.

Allocations/Permanent Fund Request (5/3 deadline - THIS Friday):

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

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.

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.

Street Ministry needs 2nd Wednesday Cooks:

Come join a small team of Street Ministry Cooks on the 2nd Wednesday of every month that prepares meals for the homeless in our church kitchen. Volunteer Cooks prepare meals from 4 pm to about 5 pm. Most Cooks only volunteer an hour a month and have had no prior experience in cooking for a large number of people. To learn more about volunteering with Street Ministry, contact Hal Heitler at 727-448-6291 or at heitlerh@tampabay.rr.com.

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 -RETURNING on Sept 4th

5:00 pm KIDS PRAISE TEAM (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 -RETURNING on Sept 4th

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 -RETURNING on Sept 4th

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS -Parlor-Rm 214 

6:30 pm Adult BIBLE STUDIES - TBA

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 -RETURNING on Sept 4th

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