9/3/23 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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Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Traditional Worship—8 & 11 AM

September 3, 2023

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

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PRELUDE

"The Church Bell" by Theodore Kullak

Rick Nay, Organ

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Pastor: We gather as a community of compassion and hope.

People: Jesus calls us to care for each other tenderly and willingly.

Pastor: By this caring and sharing we will be known as followers of Jesus.

People: By our example others may be led to lives of peace.

Pastor: Lord, open our hearts and minds this day to your word.

People: Teach us to serve you with all our gifts and talents.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" Number 89

*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.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Leader: Christ the Lord invites all to His table who love Him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

People: God of love and mercy, be with us this day. We have faltered in our service to You. We create divisions between various people; we judge before we listen; we condemn before we make any attempt to understand. Our lives are in turmoil and we confess that we have turned away from You. It is fear and anger that too often surrounds us and our actions become based on those fears and anger. Give us hearts overflowing with grace and compassion. Help us to mirror Jesus who loved and healed others who were rejected by society. Remind us that we are called to be strong voices of hope for those who feel alienated and lost; we are called to be a home to strangers; to quench thirst and to give nourishment; to welcome and bring words of hope. Forgive us when we have forgotten these things. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

Christ calls each of us into lives of service and hope. He equips us for these ministries and places us on the pathways of peace. Rejoice! You are called by God’s Son and blessed by Him. Amen.

(11:00) CHORAL ANTHEM

"Crystal River" by Heather Sorenson

Chancel Choir

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

(8:00) "Prayer" by Florence Wilson Birkholz

Rick Nay, Organ

(11:00) "This Is A Day Of New Beginnings" by Carlton R. Young

Ginny Cannon, Soloist

*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

“Fairest Lord Jesus” Number 189

SERMON

"Build on Solid Ground" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Revelation 2:18-29 (NLT)

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

"Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior" Number 351

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

"Recessional" by Reta J. Bell

Rick Nay, Organ

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Esther Ulrich’s birthday from the Ulrich family.

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 3, 2023

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Praise & Worship

"King Of My Heart"

"Reckless Love"

Passing the Peace of Christ

Worship with Our Tithes and Offerings

(Click here to GIVE)

"Yes And Amen"

Sermon

"Build on Solid Ground" Rev. Bob Martin

Text: Revelation 2:18-29 (NLT)

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Worship Song

“Praises”

Benediction

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Esther Ulrich’s birthday from the Ulrich family.

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 This week we endured yet another hurricane in our beloved state. Like you, I often find myself watching the spaghetti bands modeling the storm’s path. For the most part, they are usually in agreement but every now and then, there is a model that just seems quite the contrary. I certainly recognize the importance of science and technology and know God is the One who has given us the head space to create such things. I also am one who believes religion and science can co-exist and that in most instances, science proves the faith we confess. Even though I know these things when a storm comes it can at times foster some gut felt feelings of uncertainty or apprehension. Let me share with you a Psalm that always helps me when those thoughts may come:

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how He brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; He burns the shields with fire. Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.’ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” —Psalm 46

— Pastor Bob

Wednesday Night Dinner Menu

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

To-Go available by reservation

Caprese Quinoa Salad w/Chicken (chilled), Toasted Flatbread, Assorted Desserts

Kids: Mac n' Cheese, Celery & Carrots, Fruit Cup, Ice Cream Sandwich

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!

August 27: In Person 418 // Online 351

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? We will be collecting a special offering today to assist families affected locally 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.

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

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Postponed:

Hurricane Idalia has thrown a wrench in our plans! The 5th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner will be rescheduled to a date TBD. Keep your eyes peeled for the next invite RSVP. For those of you who couldn't make it on the scheduled date, perhaps you'll be free on the second try!

Wednesday Night Live (begins 9/6 THIS WEDNESDAY):

Click here for more information and to sign up for classes & groups.

Discover SHAPE (begins 9/6):

Join us on Wednesday nights as we stretch ourselves to explore our spiritual gifts and find our place in the life of the church. You are only seven weeks away from your perfect fit at St. Pete First! Get in SHAPE! Click here to sign up.

Bible 101 (begins 9/6):

Join Pat Mason for a Beginner’s Guide to Bible Study on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Click here to sign up.

Band of Brothers Men's Ministry (returns 9/6):

St Pete First men…come join the Band of Brothers Men’s Ministry on Wednesday evenings for dinner at 5:30 in the Fellowship Hall, then for fellowship together at 6:30 in the Parlor (Room 214). We’re going to grow closer in Christ and support our church and community. Click here for more info

Help us SERVE on Wednesday Nights:

Wednesday Night Dinner returns September 6th! As always, it's a team effort. Contact Chad at 727-667-7169 or email csimonds@fumcsp.org to join a service team. We can't do it without you!

Order your St. Pete First T-Shirts here (9/8 DEADLINE):

Did you miss our last t-shirt order? Need another color? Ordering is open now and will remain open until Friday, September 8. 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.

Confirmation Begins (9/10):

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

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.

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 at 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 9/10/23)

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 9/10)

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 -Room 214

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