9/10/23 Bulletin & Order of Service

Welcome to St Pete First United Methodist Church! 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.

Rev. Bob Martin, Senior Pastor

Rev. Margaret Rountree, Associate Pastor

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Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

September 10, 2023

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

"There Is A Fountain" arr. Brent Olstad

Kelly Bonyata-Flute; Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) CHORAL INTROIT

"I Was Glad" by John Walters

Chancel Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Come out of the darkness of despair into the brightness of God’s transforming love.

People: We praise God for God’s presence with us!

Leader: Prepare your hearts and spirits to receive God’s mercy and healing.

People: We thank God for God’s mercy toward us.

Leader: Come, let us praise and worship God who is always with us.

People: Thanks be to God at all times and in all places.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"My Hope is Built" Number 368

*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.

(11:00) CHORAL ANTHEM

"Be Not Afraid" by Craig Courtney

Chancel Choir

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

"Irish Tune From County Derry" arr. Phillip Mull

Kelly Bonyata-Flute; Rick Nay-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

“Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee” Number 175

SERMON

"Faith Over Fear" Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Mark 4:35-41 (ESV)

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"The Old Rugged Cross" Number 504

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

"Spirit Victorious" by Robert J. Hughes

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Scott Andringa, from his family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of George Campbell's birthday on September 11 from Pam Campbell.

The rosebud is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of Clara Jane Robinson, born in Charlotte, NC on August 2, daughter of Stephen & Autumn Robinson, granddaughter of Scott & Kristin Epstein.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship. COVID is spiking again in Florida and we want to keep everyone safe!

Contemporary Worship - 9:30 AM

September 10, 2023

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship

"Lion And The Lamb"

"10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)"

"No Longer Slaves"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"You Are Good"

Sermon

"Faith Over Fear" Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Mark 4:35-41 (ESV)

Worship Song

“God I Look To You”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Scott Andringa, from his family.

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of George Campbell's birthday on September 11 from Pam Campbell.

The rosebud is given to the glory of God in love and honor of the birth of Clara Jane Robinson, born in Charlotte, NC on August 2, daughter of Stephen & Autumn Robinson, granddaughter of Scott & Kristin Epstein.

Thank you for joining us this morning!

Reminder: If you are not feeling well, please take advantage of our livestream worship. COVID is spiking again in Florida and we want to keep everyone safe!

A NOTE FROM PASTOR BOB The question for life becomes, “At what point do I just coast?” For some this might be the fulfilment of a retirement dream while others’ desire to take things slower speed may reflect on a tired soul.

One of my favorite writers, John Maxwell, shared this in his book, Developing the Leaders Around You. It was inspired by the words of Exodus 29:44-45, Leviticus 9:23:

So I will consecrate the tabernacles of meeting and the altar. I will also consecrate both Aaron and his sons to ministry to Me as priests. I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God…And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people.”

Too many people simply fall into a comfortable niche in life and stay there rather than pursue goals of significance. Leaders can’t afford to do that. Leaders must ask themselves whether they want survival, success, or significance. The best leaders desire significance and expend their time and energy in pursuit of their dreams.

Moishe Rosen teaches a mental exercise that’s an effective tool in helping a person identify his dream. He asks a person to fill in the blanks:

If I had ________________________________________________

I would _______________________________________________

The idea is that if you had anything you wanted—unlimited time, unlimited money, unlimited information, unlimited staff (all the resources you could ask for), what would you do? Your answer to that question is your dream. Acting on your dream adds significance to your life.

What will it take for you to act on your dreams?

— Pastor Bob

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: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Tacos w/Pineapple Slaw, Ranch-Style Beans, Cilantro Rice, Apple Crisp

Kids: Pizza, Carrots & Celery, Fruit Cup, 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 worship from last week. We hope to see you again next week!

September 3: In Person 368 // Online 317

July 2023 Giving

July Income $179,810

July Expenses $195,824

Are you wondering how you can help our neighbors who have been affected by Hurricane Idalia? If you would like to give online, go to our St. Pete First Giving page and choose the "Disaster Relief" fund for your donation.

​Have you been affected yourself by Hurricane Idelia? Click here for a list of Hurricane Recovery Resources.

Order your St. Pete First T-Shirts here (9/10 DEADLINE):

Did you miss our last t-shirt order? Need another color? Ordering has been extended through Sunday, September 10. Get a St. Pete First t-shirt to wear to church events, volunteer work, or around town! Click here for more information and to order online or order in-person in the Fellowship Hall between services this Sunday.

Confirmation Begins (9/10) THIS WEEK:

Confirmation is beginning September 10 for youth in 7th & 8th grades. Contact: KayLee Bennett KBennett@fumcsp.org

Paint Your Own Pumpkin Frame (9/10 & 17):

“Pottery to Go,” kits are available for only two weeks: September 10th & 17th, in limited quantities! Return your painted frames to the church by September 24 for firing, and pick up your completed frame on October 1st. Help support The WhereHouse Youth Ministry with a donation of $25 per frame. Frame comes with glass and black cardboard backing, name and year written. Find us in the Fellowship Hall THIS SUNDAY!

Kids Night Out (9/15):

Children's Ministry will have a Kids’ Night Out on Friday, September 15th from 6-10pm. We will have pizza and snacks, ice cream sundaes, play games, watch a movie, and have an interactive devotion! Open to all children ages nursery - 5th grade. Dinner & snacks are provided. $20 first child, $15 second, $40 for a family of 3 or more. Please sign up on the church website Children's Page by Wednesday, September 13th.

Men's Breakfast (9/16):

Join the men of the church for food and fellowship! Click here for more info & to RSVP.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner has been rescheduled (9/18):

Let's try this again! The 5th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is happening Monday, September 18th. If you left an RSVP for the previous date (August 30th), please RSVP again for the newly rescheduled date. Please note the new time - dinner starts at 5:30 and goes until 7pm. The time slot has been extended to accommodate busy schedules, so please feel free to show up when you can! Thank you for all you do - we hope to see you there! Click Here to RSVP

Stephen Ministry Needs YOU (training begins 9/26):

Do you want to help others but aren't sure you have the skills? Do others see you as a compassionate person? Are people drawn to you when they are dealing with life challenges? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are a good fit to become a Stephen Minister. Training begins September 26th 6:30-8:30. Contact Barb Willey for an application or to discuss details: 703-409-8003

Street Ministry Cook Opportunity:

Come join a small team of Street Ministry Cooks that prepares meals for the homeless in our church kitchen. Volunteer Cooks prepare meals from 4 pm to about 5 pm on various weekdays. 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 heitlerh@tampabay.rr.com.

School Partnerships Fundraiser:

St. Pete First needs your help in providing school supplies and other needs for our two partner schools, Melrose Elementary and Fairmount Park Elementary. Your donated funds will go towards purchasing needed school supplies, school uniforms, underwear, shoes, gym equipment, as well as school events such as Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, Career Day, and the National Day of Reading. You can write a check (memo line: School Partnerships) or go to our website and donate to the School Partnerships fund.

To see our list of job openings, visit our Job Center: https://www.stpetefirst.org/job-center.

KIDS

SUNDAYS

9:30 AM

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

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 (Age 4-5th 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

10:45 AM CONFIRMATION WhereHouse (begins TODAY)

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 (returns 9/17/23)

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 (Returning 9/17/23)

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 (Returning TODAY)

MONDAYS

11:30 am United Women in Faith FAST Crowd (3rd Mondays) -Location varies

TUESDAYS

1:00 pm United Women in Faith Deborah Circle (2nd Tuesdays) -Room 103

WEDNESDAYS

5:30 pm DINNER Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm BAND OF BROTHERS MEN'S GROUP Parlor -Room 214

6:30 pm BIBLE 101 - A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BIBLE STUDY -Room 103

6:30 pm DISCOVER SHAPE -Chapel

6:30 pm PASTOR MARGE'S ESTHER BIBLE STUDY -Room 208 (Begins Oct. 4)

THURSDAYS

7:30 am THURSDAY MEN’S STUDY -Zoom

2:00 pm United Women in Faith Abigails (4th Thursdays) -Room 103

MUSIC

SUNDAYS

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

10:15 am CHANCEL CHOIR -Room 312

12:10 pm HANDBELLS -Room 310

TUESDAYS

6:00 pm IGNITE WORSHIP TEAM -Sanctuary

WEDNESDAYS

7:30 pm CHANCEL CHOIR PRACTICE -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

6:00 PM INVITE PILLAR

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

2:00 PM NURTURE PILLAR