9/22/24 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    

For John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, the journey of faith is a journey of salvation. Salvation is not a static, one-time event, but the ongoing experience of God’s gracious presence transforming us into whom God intends for us to be. Wesley described this process as the "Way of Salvation," which is a spiritual path we all must travel and it is a journey that begins the moment we are born and continues, through the working of the Holy Spirit, until we take our last breath. This “Way of Salvation” is the subject of our new sermon series that we as a church will explore for the next three weeks. Pastor Bob and I hope that you will make it a point to be with us for each week, as we explore God's amazing, transformative grace that is indeed at work in each of our lives.

But, before we get to grace, we must first acknowledge the diagnosis because it's the "first step" on the journey that is salvation. The first step is our diagnosis, and the diagnosis is not good news. The sad reality is that you and I are sinners. That's just the truth. The even harder pill to swallow is that sin does not make you a bad person. You are not a bad person that needs to do better. The truth is that sin makes you a dead person because sin separates us from God, who is the source of life. The apostle Paul says it like this in Ephesians 2:5: “we were dead in our trespasses.” Sin does not make you bad, it makes you dead and it is for this reason that Jesus had to come. Jesus did not come to make you a better person, He came so that you could have life and have it abundantly. He came so that you could live.

Sin is a persistent force in our lives. But the good news is that where sin abounds, grace abounds much more (Romans 5:20). When we confess our sin to God, God promises to not only forgive us, but He also promises to erase the penalty, power, and one day, when Christ returns, the very presence of sin in our lives. My prayer is that by both acknowledging and confessing our sins before God, we would receive the strength to be, in the words of our friend, the brilliant John Wesley, "more and more dead to sin, and more and more alive to God."

— Pastor Marge    

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

September 22, 2024

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

(Click here to check-in)

PRELUDE

“Wonderful Savior” by Jane Carrier

Rick Nay, Hammond Organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Jesus calls us to servant ministry.

People: We must be willing to help others, not counting the cost or rewards.

Leader: Pretense, disharmony, greed have no place in discipleship.

People: Serving God means receiving each person as though they were a beloved child.

Leader: Lord, help us to truly become Your disciples.

People: Create in us hearts for ministries of compassion and kindness.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"Victory in Jesus” Hymn # 370

*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.

(11:00) ANTHEM

"Jesus, Lover of My Soul" by Joseph Martin

Chancel Choir

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

"Return To God" by Marty Haugen

Ginny Cannon, Soloist

Rick Nay, Piano

*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

"Seek Ye First” Hymn # 405

SERMON

"All Need to be Saved" Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Genesis 3 (selectively); Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:5 ESV

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

“Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling”     Hymn # 348

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

“Sing Praise to God” by Edward Broughton

Rick Nay, Hammond Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of George Campbell’s birthday, from Pam Campbell.

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

September 22, 2024

(Click here to check-in)

Praise & Worship Praise Team

“O Praise Him” 

“King of my Heart” 

“The Heart of Worship“

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

Sermon

"All Need to be Saved" Rev. Margaret Rountree

Text: Genesis 3 (selectively); Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:5 ESV

Worship Song

“O Come to the Altar”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of George Campbell’s birthday, from Pam Campbell.

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. Our School Partnership Ministry needs volunteers! This ministry supports Melrose Elementary and Fairmount Park Elementary with mentorships, tutoring, fundraisers, teacher support, prayer, food, and acts of loving kindness. Right now the schools particularly need mentors, Lunch Pals, and people to read to classes. Click here to go to our Serve form, and let us know how you want to TAKE ACTION to make a difference in the lives of our local children.

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu (Click here to see classes & activities)

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

Adults: Cherry-Glazed Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables, Dinner Roll, Jell-O Cake

Kids: Wing Dings, Tater Tots, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Cookie

Last Week's Attendance Numbers

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

September 15 In Person 452 Online 303

Church Finances

August 2024 Year to Date

Income $207,100 $1,883,717

Expense $304,666 $2,141,563

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Ends TODAY—Personal Care Product Collection for the St. Pete Free Clinic.

• TODAY—Discover First meeting (10:45am-1pm in the Chapel): Talk with our pastors and learn about our church & how to become a member!

• TODAY—Parent-Youth Night at the WhereHouse (6-8 pm)

• 9/27—Kids Night Out (6-10pm)

• 10/11-13—2024 Women's Retreat. More information.

• 10/18—Trunk or Treat (6-8 pm)

• 10/27—Halloween on Central (12-5 pm)

• 11/1—Organ Premier Concert (7 pm)

  
  

Personal Care Products Collection (Ends TODAY Sept. 22):

During the month of September we are collecting personal care products for the St. Pete Free Clinic. You can pick up the list of requested items and drop off donations in the Fellowship Hall, Narthex (back of Sanctuary), or the WhereHouse.

Parent-Youth Night (TODAY 9/22; 6-8 pm):

Parents and youth, join us for a night of crazy fun and more! SUNDAY, September 22 from 6:00-8:00 pm for 6th-12th Grades. Meet in The WhereHouse and bring a broom for Frozen Hostess Cake Ding Dong Broom Hockey! Parents get the new fall and winter calendar, and you meet your small group leaders for Sunday nights. 

Kids Night Out (9/27 6-10pm):

Drop your kids off for a night of FUN on September 27th from 6-10 pm! At KNO, kids will be served pizza and snacks, have ice cream sundaes, play games, watch a movie, sing songs 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. Register here.

Join our Centennial Celebration Committee:

Our historic sanctuary is turning 100! We're forming a committee to plan a special celebration marking this milestone. If you have ideas or would like to serve, we need your help to make it unforgettable. Join us in honoring a century of faith and fellowship in our beloved sanctuary. For more information or to sign up, please contact Kendra Aumack. Let's celebrate 100 years together!

Wednesday Night Live is back - join us!

After-School Karate:

Kids & youth >> Join our after-school karate class! Have fun and learn karate while you develop concentration, fitness, self-control, and self-confidence. Join any time of the month (first month will be prorated if you join later in the month). Classes are fun, safe, and professional, and taught by an experienced black-belt instructor. Contact Kelly Bonyata for more information. Visit the youth page for more info & to register.

Get your St. Pete First Travel Mug!

Click here to order a travel mug ($20) and show your support of St. Pete First and our mission to Love St. Pete.

Social Media Assistant Job Opening:

5-10 hrs per week. The person in this position may work at the church plus remotely, capturing photo/video content and using editing software & social media platforms/analytics to help implement the church’s digital communication strategy. For more information, contact Kelly Bonyata.

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 Room 402

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   

5:30 pm DINNER -Fellowship Hall

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

6:30 pm PAUL BIBLE STUDY (Pastor Margaret) -Room 208

6:30 pm LEADERSHIP STUDY (Pastor Bob) -Chapel

6:30 pm THE BIBLE JESUS READ (Pat Mason) -Room 103

6:30 pm DEVOGA (Emily Strong) -Narthex/back of Sanctuary

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 -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

9:00 am NURTURE PILLAR