6/16/24 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!

Watch LIVE // Watch a Recorded Message

Contact Us Request Prayer About Us Click here to Give

A NOTE FROM PASTOR MARGE    

First off, Happy Father’s Day to those of you who are fathers! Thank you for your love, care, support, encouragement, and patience over the years. You all are simply the best! I realize that today, Father’s Day, may be a difficult day for many people for different reasons. Perhaps your relationship with your father is toxic or distant, for whatever reason. You don't feel safe, protected, cared for, heard, or loved. Perhaps you grew up without a father in your life. All you know are the feelings of abandonment, shame, and unworthiness. Perhaps your dad is no longer on this planet and this day, every year, just feels sad, depressing, and lonely. Perhaps you’re a first-time father celebrating your first ever Father's Day and you just feel like your head is going to explode. You're stressed out and tired and you have absolutely no idea what you are doing. Perhaps you're someone trying to become a father but, for whatever reason, it's just not happening. Whatever circumstance you find yourself in today, one thing is pretty clear to me: no one has a perfect earthly father.

However, the good news for you and for me is that we indeed have a perfect, Heavenly Father who loves us so much that He sent His One and Only Son to this earth to die the death that we deserved so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Did you know that in the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus primarily refers to God as Father? In fact, 189 times Jesus calls God “Father.” That is pretty incredible, isn’t it? Now, Jesus does not call God “Father” as an illustration so that we can understand Him better. When we say that God is our Father, it does not mean that He is a reflection of our earthly father but rather, He is the perfection of what it means to be a perfect Father.

God desires for us to not only know Him, but He wants us to understand His heart. God came “to seek and save what was lost,” which is us. He rejoices when we are brought into His family as sons and daughters. God is our good, good Father that lavishes His love upon His children, upon you and me. He is not just a commander and lawgiver so that you can believe right things and do right things, but God is our Father. He is not looking for a bunch of bond servants. What God desires is you! He wants you to come home. Today, we can celebrate Father’s Day, whether you have the best dad on the planet or whether yours is all messed up, because we have a perfect Father “who art in heaven.” Today, we cry out, “Abba! Father!” and we give Him thanks and praise.

— Pastor Marge    

Father's Day

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

June 16, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"This Is My Father's World" arr. Diane Bish

Rick Nay, Organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Sing to the Lord a new song. Praise God in the assembly of the faithful.

People: Let all God’s children rejoice in their king.

Leader: Rejoice in our God! Give glory to God’s holy name.

People: Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

“Come, Christians, Join to Sing”     Hymn # 158

*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

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.

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

“Fatherhood” by Peter Burkhart 

Rick Nay, Organ

*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

“Faith of Our Fathers”     Hymn # 710

SERMON

“The Prodigal’s Father”     Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Luke 15:11-24 ESV

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Great is Thy Faithfulness”     Hymn # 140

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

“Faith Of Our Fathers”     arr. David Paxton 

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor of all fathers and fatherly figures.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Kirby W. Malone, Sr. from his wife Joan and his children: Laura & Gilbert Becker and grandsons Cameron & Trent; Kirby W. Malone, Jr.; and Susan & Brad Gates.

Happy Father's Day! 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.

Father's Day

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

June 16, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

“At Your Name” 

“Oh Praise Him” 

Passing the Peace of Christ

Pastoral Prayer and 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.

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

“Heart Won’t Stop” 

Sermon

“The Prodigal’s Father”     Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Luke 15:11-24 ESV

Worship Song

“Good Good Father” 

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in love and honor

of all fathers and fatherly figures.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Kirby W. Malone, Sr. from his wife Joan and his children: Laura & Gilbert Becker and grandsons Cameron & Trent; Kirby W. Malone, Jr.; and Susan & Brad Gates.

Happy Father's Day! 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.

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 VBS Volunteers this week - Especially needed: Preschool Room Parent (Tuesday); Scripture Activity Leader (5 days); Kindergarten Room Assistant (5 days);  click here to find out more. We also need volunteers for our First Impressions team -these team members volunteer during one or more Sunday services per month and act as an extra pair of eyes and ears on our campus, making sure everyone feels safe and welcomed. Click here to go to our Serve form, then select the ministries you are interested in.

Wednesday Night Live Dinner & Activities will 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!

June 9: In Person 513 Online 298

Church Finances

                    April 2024       Year to Date

Income $285,452                $1,098,277

Expense $241,394                 $1,129,974

Happy Father’s Day! Donuts with Dad

Celebrate Dad and other father figures in your life TODAY, with donuts and a photo booth in the Fellowship Hall between services.

VBS begins on Monday! 

We could still use more volunteers— Especially needed: Preschool Room Parent (Tuesday); Scripture Activity Leader (5 days); Kindergarten Room Assistant (5 days). If you can help, CLICK HERE to volunteer or email Lora Ulrich and she will find a spot for you!!

We are also asking for donations to purchase snacks and donate to our service project (backpacks for St. Pete High’s Green Devil’s Pantry)— you can click here to donate to VBS or write a check and designate VBS.

Children & Youth Sunday (6/23):

Come help us celebrate our children and youth and hear their testimonies about what the church is doing in their lives. On June 23, we will worship together at 10 am, with Sunday School after the service. You are also invited to a picnic lunch in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Children & youth will attend the picnic with their classes.

Summer Sundays with Young(ish) Adults:

This summer, join the Young(ish) Adults on Sunday mornings at 10:45 at Common Grounds in the Fellowship Hall. We are taking a summer from formal class, but we still want to see you! Grab a coffee, pastry, and join us for fellowship and community. Please note: Young(ish) Sunday School will resume August 11 @ 10:45 in room 101. Young(ish) Adults: Terrible class name. Really cool people.

Summer Camp registration is OPEN:

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.

Save the Date:

St Pete First Day at the Rays (8/17):

Click here for more information or to buy tickets.

2024 Women's Retreat (10/11-13):

Click here for more information or to register online.

Meet the "Pacesetter" for Group Rays Game Ticket Sales:

Pictured is Karen Taggart (left) handing payment to Shirley Bassett (right) for the 6th Annual FUMC Rays Group Game @ Tropicana Field. Karen, who is a member of the Chancel Choir and serves as a Greeter as well as a member of the Altar Guild, was the first one to contact Shirley, Group Leader for this annual Rays event, to purchase a ticket. As a bonus she received a gift of her choice of various Rays merchandise items. For more information, click here or contact Shirley Bassett 727.310.7044 / sbassettUNI@gmail.com

Job Opening—Part-Time Custodian:

Put the word out! Part-time custodian needed! Duties include routine cleaning and event setup. Flexible hours, 2-3 days per week. Contact Chad Simonds for more information.

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

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 -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

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 (Join us at Common Grounds this summer at 10:45! Sunday School returns on August 11.)

11:00 am BECOMERS -Zoom & Room 103

11:00 am DISCIPLE MAKERS -Library-Room 212

11:00 am SOJOURNERS -Room 208 (On Summer Break June 2-Sept 1)

MONDAYS

11:30 am United Women in Faith FAST Crowd (3rd Mondays) -Location varies (On Summer Break June-August)

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 (On Summer Break June-August)

MUSIC

SUNDAYS

8:30 am IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Room 214-Parlor & Sanctuary

10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312 (On break June 16-July 14)

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 No Wednesday rehearsal June-August

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